17 Comments

Great and quite delightful read this week Hannah! I really giggled out loud at " carrying the cauliflower like a benevolent severed head" heh heh!

Yes, when I was a Nursing Sister many many moons ago , most of the staff in those far off days were women. We carried Everything! Moved whole wards about to accomodate extra beds , not to mention the pushing and pulling of wheelchairs,patients to and from Operating theatres and any amount of paraphanalia throughout the shift in hand.

Becoming a writer in my mid forties, was bliss! Just a large notebook and two biros were my constant companions. Plus my two gorgeous children and all of their stuff.

Awwwr how can Babs be four years old! I remember her so well as a gangly wonderfully affectionate pup.

Have a great time in Guensey . Look forward very much to your next pen friend x

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What a beautiful desk with a beautiful origin story. Virginia would be delighted! Loved having you as a podcast guest and have had messages from listeners to tell me how much they enjoyed it 💛

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There is something special with some objects or furnitures that represents différents period of our lives. I love that you brought your desk back to France and that you are not scared to ask your Female friend to help you carry this desk , there a sort of symbol or am I playing therapist here ?

Anyway, reminds me of this little coffee table that I found in the street of lavender hill in south London 10 years ago. It has been my bedside table ever since… thanks for this letter Hannah 🤍

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Apr 8Liked by Hannah Meltzer

I recently got my office and standing desk back (which seems to be permanently at seat height) after about 6 months or so of being relegated to the dining table and various seats in and out of the house. It's a very pleasing feeling, even though it's just an Ikea wooden kitchen work top on a standing desk base, to be back at that piece of wood with its ink stains and cup-worn spots.

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Apr 9Liked by Hannah Meltzer

I love those Maira Kalman images, going to look up the book! I have one of hers about dogs which I should revisit now I have Rusty... but it's in storage, of course!

Your desk is lovely. Thanks for your letter! x

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Apr 8Liked by Hannah Meltzer

Is a bum bag anything like the bag a hobo carries on a stick?

I'm very pleased for your desk to be back around companions.

Women holding things is amazing. I was amazed at my wife all through my life the things that she could carry; especially how she and other women keep a child on their hip and then go about their business doing everything else? I have a feeling it's been like that since the days of our earliest ancestors. Really I don't know how men got to dominate so much of History because women are exponentially better equipped to lead, to nurture, to carry on. And to do all that peacefully and seamlessly.

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Apr 11Liked by Hannah Meltzer

Really enjoyed this! Love how this desk you’ve had obviously symbolises something for you, and how you not only made space for it, but also all the versions of yourself that have written on it. Also loved how you linked it to the idea of women holding things, including by supporting each other.

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