always tell stories, as if I had lived many lives, and perhaps I did, it is quite possible, but I believe that the things I have always have something to tell because now I only keep what has great meaning for my heart.
Of course, when I moved countries, I couldn't bring any books with me; they weigh too much and my suitcases had to be within a certain weight limit. I had some special books that I can still see in my mind's eye when I close my eyes. Right now, I close my eyes and see three: a book of poems, my favourite; a mystery novel called “The Second Daughter”; and a book that my heart deeply longs for, which belonged to my great-uncle and was given to me by him: “The Count of Monte Cristo”, which I read more than three times, a fascinating story that many of you are surely familiar with. I have always liked mystery, suspense, crime, and investigation books... always. And books of poems.
I brought two books with me to Spain, but they were not novels, rather things I had studied about computer science and was reading; I wanted to finish them. I never did. When I arrived, things were hectic and I didn't have time. They were stored away and are now obsolete; these things in computer science advance very quickly. Am I obsolete? Who knows. The truth is that I still have them.
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But let's get to the stories. A few years ago, back in early 2021, my beloved uncles were here in the city, stranded by the global event that everyone knows about... They were here for almost two years because it was better to be here for healthcare than in Argentina. And one day, near where they lived and where I live, we were very close, someone sold a flat and got rid of everything in it, including a huge library. I can't tell you how much it pained me to see books on the street.
My uncles and I chose several, or perhaps many, according to our tastes. Today I look at them and, what a coincidence, many are mysteries, novels, crime stories and everything I like. Of course, I haven't read them all; most of them are still waiting for me. That's why I won't talk about all of them, but I'll show them to you in the small makeshift library I have. Behind them I have blank canvases to paint; they are also waiting for me and I tell them: I'll come for you soon!
And while this is the story of this collection of books, a general story, there are some that have their own particular story.
Like this book on indoor plants. I've always loved indoor plants, even when I was 18 I had many of them in the room where I studied. It brings back memories, more precisely two memories: one of a book on medicinal plants that I had many years ago, which was given to me by Ivo, the family's gardener friend, and it also reminds me of interior design books that my mother had, old books from the 1970s that were created from collectible magazines... Memories.
And here are the two books I brought back from Argentina on programming... obsolete, but here they are.
The next book is about pasta and rice recipes, many of which I love. It's not very big, but it's well illustrated and everything looks delicious. I just love pasta.
From the whole library, I chose these three books, which are my favourites: suspense and mystery. Two of them are short but very good books, without illustrations.
And as I always say, I save the best for last. I'll tell you about three more special books.
A book about the history of cinema by Antonio Banderas. I love his films and have always been a fan of his. My uncles gave me this book and it's part of a personal library I have in my room. It's gorgeous, too... don't you agree, girls who read me?
Although it's not my mother's original book, I got it here. It's my favourite book of poetry. Las Rimas by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. I remember reading it for the first time when I was in secondary school or sixth form. It was one of the compulsory readings for literature class. I loved literature, and I still do.
I remember that at the time I liked it so much that I learned the rhymes by heart. I close my eyes and go back to that moment. Of course, there were some that were special to me. Bécquer is one of the best poets, in my opinion, of course. His rhymes came from the heart, from the soul. They were and are powerful in their words. Of course, I looked for my favourites for all of you.
This author was my great inspiration to write poetry at the age of 19, and I did so for many years. It comes naturally to me, without effort. I am passionate about writing. In fact, I find myself today writing horror stories, but in prose and with rhyme, and when I finish writing and read it... I realise. Do you think anyone would read a book of mine?
I saved the best book for last. Although you may think that the previous one was the best, there is one that surpasses it, and not because it talks about art and Van Gogh and has illustrations of his paintings, which I love. I think it's the first art book I've ever owned, and I'm happy about that, but the reason why it's a special book is because it was a gift from my aunt and uncle, Marta and Juan. This was the first time they were here in 2020 and 2021.
What makes it even more special is that before they returned to Argentina, I asked them to sign it for me, to leave me a few words, and today I get teary-eyed when I see it and read it, because my aunt is no longer with us. The short note is from her and the longer one is from my uncle Juan. I know he will read this post, he reads mine every day. It's amazing how you can choose your family, and I chose them. This book will be with me for the rest of my life, wherever I go.
Thank you all for reading today, I send you my best regards. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
Used translator Deepl.com free version.
