Metamorphosis

I watch from the sidelines, as the three most important people in my life combine forces to create a miracle. The subject is a living room, cluttered beyond description, wallowing under lacy drapings, overcrowded side-boards and an unhealthy overdose of furniture. The aim, to create an 'ambiance'. To find a method in the madness.

Soon, my life gets taken over by wall decorations, upholstery, artificial flowers, lamp-shades and even carpentry. All three are possessed by the ghost of 'interior decoration'. I am dragged to parts of the city I didn't even know existed, to buy sheets of plywood and other odds and ends beyond description. All three bear frazzled looks and at times, I seem to be the only one inhabiting Planet Earth.

Five days later, everything is in place. The room is re-organized, the clutter sorted out, the lace almost done away with and the furniture regrouped. Newly framed family photos adorn the walls, a bar has been installed, bowls of potpourri set out.... Miracles are possible.

I look on with amazement at the closeness they now share. A simple project has transformed more than just a living room. I see them around my home, joking, talking, just as usual. But the smiles are a little warmer, the feelings a little stronger, and I feel the ghost of the 'interior' smiling down on us.