NAKHODKA (LUCKY FIND)

 

I've always been fascinated by the idea of stumbling upon something valuable or meaningful when you least expect it. 

Having made a recent move into my new home, I was on top of the world, looking forward to starting this new chapter in the quiet suburbs that I always longed for. The entire place was a whimsical cottage, tucked away in a secluded, yet one which gave me a wide view of all the houses across and the street separating us. 

But for the attic which the previous owners couldn't be bothered to clear out or get the items out of their hands as the realtor told me, the place was spick and span with polished wood and sparkling surfaces.

Tackling the attic was going to be quite the task, but once I settled in, I dove right in to declutter it. I had planned to renovate it and make it a cozy reading nook. Oh, did I have some great interior decoration plans and lighting to go along with it. And after I became good friends with the stay at home neighbourhood ladies, I would ask them fo afternoon tea in mid week while inviting them into my personal library—a vast collection I had brought along with me on my move.

As I finally made my way upstairs , I was aghast! The attic had become a dumping ground for everything that was no longer needed. Boxes upon boxes of old trinkets, broken appliances, and various knick knacks stacked haphazardly, threatened to topple over at any moment. 

As I dug deeper into the boxes, dust flying everywhere, I stumbled upon an old, worn-out suitcase. It looked like it had been there for many decades, collecting thick covers of powdery dark grey film and equally ancient coated stories. I lifted the latch, and a faint scent of mothballs wafted out. Inside, I found a mix of old clothes, yellowed letters, and a small, intricately carved wooden box.

It was beautifully crafted, with patterns of flowers and vines etched into its surface. I carefully opened it, expecting to find more mold or dead bugs. But what I found took my breath away. 

A small, enamel locket lay nestled in the velvet lining, its surface adorned with delicate engravings of peony buds. I slipped it over my head and now it adorned my neck, the dainty silver chain winking in the sunlight.

***

A Japanese family, the Tanakas, were thrilled to meet me during the house warming and the camaraderie was instant. 

Mrs. Tanaka, a book lover herself, discovered my passion for Japanese literature and decided to share her favorite authors' works with me. 

They started sending me boxes of bestselling novels, manga, and poetry collections.

As I hosted my weekly reading sessions, I invited the Tanakas to join in. Mrs. Tanaka after a few days brought along her teenage daughter, Yui, who was an avid reader of Japanese YA novels. Yui's enthusiasm sparked interesting discussions, and my book club became a melting pot of cultures and perspectives.

I started to notice that the locket's power was attracting like-minded individuals into my life. A retired professor, Mr. Vargas, who lived across the street, offered to help me translate some of the Japanese texts. 

A local bookstore owner, Rachel Crawley became a regular at my reading sessions, and she started to donate additional books to my collection.

As I prepared for my book club's growing popularity, I realized that my attic needed some serious refurbishment. The locket's power seems to nudge me toward hosting a garage sale, and to my surprise, my neighbors rallied around the idea.

The Tanakas offered to help set it up, while Mr. Lee brought in his expertise in pricing and negotiating. Rachel spread the word, and my garage sale became a neighborhood event.

With the help of my volunteers,I aggressively cleared out the attic, donating some items and selling others. The proceeds exceeded my expectations, and I decided to use them to buy more books.

I was suddenly inspired to donate these books to local children's hospitals, orphanages and elderly care homes. The locket's power seemed to be guiding me toward spreading the joy of reading to those who might not have access to it otherwise.

As I delivered the books, I saw the smiles on children's faces and the gratitude of the residents. This experience deepened my connection to the community and reinforced the locket's influence in my life.

The attic, once a space filled with clutter and smidgen, had transformed into a treasure trove. As I looked around the tidy and freshly spruced up space, I knew that this nakhodka would stay with me forever, a reminder of the power of discovery.

My attic reading nook is now a serene haven, nestled beneath the eaves of my home. Soft, golden light pours in through the large skylights, illuminating the plush, oversized pillows and comfy armchairs in calming hues. The airy room with its windows flung wide open is filled with the scent of old books and the gentle creaks of wooden beams. It's my own oasis I retreat to when I wind up each day.

The reading alcoves are a visual treat tucked into the nooks and crannies of the attic, each one inviting my guests to settle in with a good book. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lines the walls, overflowing with tomes of every genre, from classics to contemporary bestsellers.

Large windows framed picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, offering glimpses of distant rolling hills, lush greenery and towering trees. 

On chilly days, a crackling fireplace adds warmth and ambiance, casting a golden, dancing glow over the room. Soft rugs and throws welcome my members to linger on , while the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafts from the nearby tea station.

Mr. Tanaka had the innovative idea to bring in the art of Japanese tea culture during the mid-week afternoons. 

*****

I named my reading corner Nakhodka and one fine Wednesday afternoon during our usual gathering, I heard a knock on the door. It was my neighbor, Sergei, a kind-hearted Russian who decided to visit me out of intrigue and to become a regular upon seeing the signage Nakhodka in his mother tongue. 

He brought along a vinyl record player and a collection of classical music records, including some of Tchaikovsky's most beautiful compositions like Swan Lake and Nutcracker as a gift! Hadn't I manifested this a couple of days ago while reminiscing about the golden era of music? 

As everyone gathered in my homely reading nook, surrounded by books and the soothing sounds of Tchaikovsky's piano concertos, Sergei told us about the power of music to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. 

We all listened to the music together spellbound, realizing that Sergei's gift had added a new dimension to our afternoons making it an even more perfect sanctuary for relaxation and a sleepy lull.

My home soon became a recreational hub for book lovers, and the locket's influence seemed to be drawing people who shared my passions. I started to feel grateful for the unexpected connections and the opportunities to learn from others.

As my book club gathered more neighbours as members, the attic was a vibrant go-to of discussion and connection. Regularly hosting reading sessions in the attic, made the familial bond grow closer to Sergei, the Tanakas, and the Lees. My shared love of literature and music fostered a sense of community, and I found myself deeply looking forward to their company.

The Tanakas brought their famous homemade tea and pastries, while Sergei shared stories of Russian literature and the Lees discussed the latest in Asian literature. The reading sessions become a highlight of the month, filled with lively discussions and new insights.

As our friendships grew stronger, I was content to have found a supportive community that shared my interests on the same page.

It was full of life, filled with the hum of conversation, the rustle of pages turning, and the joy of shared stories.

This attic oasis was more than just a library for me – it was family. My vision came alive king size! Lasting memories would be made here. 

The locket was a lucky charm indeed! My Nakhodka! It manifests my good thoughts with a snap of my fingers.

To Be Continued...

PIC COURTESY: PINTEREST