In my Enquire Within...

photo via pinterest, photographer unknown

"There was almost nothing in the kitchen to work with. It was interesting to try to cook without all the tools and supplies that I take for granted in my own kitchens. While I was in Le Truel, I kept wishing with real regret that I were capable of living in such continued simplicity. But I am not. Sometimes I honestly want to live in a plain room with a narrow bed, a chair, a table. But then I would need a bookcase. I would see a poster I must put on the wall. I would pick up a shell here, a bowl or vase there, another poster, enough books for two bookcases, a soft rug someone might give me--and where would the first plainness be? I cannot fight too hard against it, but I regret it." --M.F.K. Fisher

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"Mr. Gwinne's library resembled a clearing in a forest, but the open space was by no means uncluttered, having a minor undergrowth of books piled on the floor, like the stumps of felled trees.  Around the clearing great bookcases loomed from floor to ceiling, dark but yet alive with a glint of gold or crimson here and there, as though light shone faintly through massed leaves, and ominous with a motionless power.  The light in the room was dim and green because of a creeper outside the window.  It softly illumined Mr. Gwinne's bald head, bent over a writing table stacked with books and papers.  He would have nothing touched on his table and a pleasing silver lichen of dust grew all over it.  His bald head, Lucy thought, looked like a mushroom." --Elizabeth Goudge (thanks Chris)