Precious Objects

Since childhood I’ve kept hold of things that I find keep me connected with family history and times we’ve shared. Before we moved to London my mum would religiously wear Christian Dior’s lipstick, shade No.763 Indian Red. Even though I was just a toddler I can still remember her beautiful smile looking down at me. I don’t know how I ended up with it but I still have the lipstick she brought over with her to the UK. To this day it has that rich seductive scent that takes me back to my early childhood. In the image above you can see the lipstick and next to it my mum’s first bus pass where she’s proudly showing it off!

I keep her bus pass on my dresser and look at it every morning, it keeps me grounded and reminds me of the struggles we faced as a family. My mum taught me that any difficult circumstance can be turned around if you maintain a positive spirit. She believes that being grateful for the very little things in life is essential to achieving a feeling of joy in every day. I remember how kind she always was and still is today.

Coming to London meant that my parents lost everything material they owned, apart from the clothes we were wearing and a handful of possessions. Once we settled into London life and things started to feel normal, we begin to have more than what we brought with us. Still even though we had very little, if anyone ever said they liked something my mum was wearing she would give it to them. Without thinking or without feeling regret later, she would give away her material possessions freely. I’ve always deeply respected my mum for this and try to follow in her example.

When I was 17 she gave me her ring that her mother gave to her. I’m a bit of a creature of habit so I’ve worn it ever since. In difficult times it reminds me of her strength and unwavering belief in perseverance. The jet black stone reminds me of the jet black hair she had when I was younger (she’s now a Bombshell Blonde!). When I look at the ring it reminds me too look beyond my current circumstances. It reminds me that life is more than what we see around us but is much more about our courage, love for one another and the choice to leave things better than we found them.

With much love, Nina x