je m'aime

In the heart of this secluded library, a profound hush reigns supreme. The air is imbued with a gentle stillness that seems to wrap around you like a comforting embrace. As you step inside, the world outside fades away, and you find yourself enveloped in a serene sanctuary of knowledge.

Soft, diffused light, like the gentle caress of a setting sun, filters through the tall, narrow windows. It bathes the room in a soothing, warm radiance, casting a soft, golden hue upon the rows of aged wooden bookshelves. This gentle illumination is kind to the eyes, never harsh or glaring, creating an atmosphere that encourages leisurely reading and contemplation. Dust motes dance lazily in the air, caught in the sun's gentle rays, adding to the sense of timelessness.

The polished hardwood floors reflect this mellow light, offering a subtle echo of your footsteps, as if the library itself is speaking in hushed tones. The warm light creates a natural contrast with the deep, mahogany tones of the bookshelves, highlighting the intricate details of their craftsmanship without overwhelming the senses.

The scent of ageing paper and leather-bound books hangs in the air, lending an aura of wisdom and history to the space. Rows upon rows of books, each with its own unique story, stand tall, their spines neatly aligned like soldiers at attention, waiting patiently to share their knowledge.

Comfortable armchairs and reading nooks are scattered throughout, each bathed in the soft, warm glow. Plush cushions and soft throws drape over the chairs, inviting you to sink into their embrace and lose yourself in the written word. The occasional rustle of pages turning or the distant whisper of a fellow reader only serves to underscore the profound quietude that prevails.

A sense of timelessness pervades this secluded library, where the outside world and its demands cease to matter. It is a place where the mind can wander, where thoughts can flow freely, and where the pursuit of knowledge takes precedence over all else. Here, in this oasis of calm, the world slows down, and you are granted the precious gift of solitude and introspection, all bathed in the soft, warm light that cradles your every moment.

see the video here

One episode of me waiting for my mother, I stood in the entrance of Candi Ngempon located in Kelurahan Ngempon, Kecamatan Bergas, Kabupaten Semarang. I parked my ride a little far from the entry way. It was right in the sharp curve of the countryside road. So that I didn't block anyone's from entering or leaving the gate.

Three elder men, who were guarding the entry way, made effort to talk to me and Fitri from afar. They asked if we were college students or old enough to be a worker. Worker, we said. They asked again, if we worked in garment or any factory, he started to mention several factories in the area (Semarang-Ungaran). Yes, mebel/furniture factory, I answered. The men nodded, okay, if both of you wanted a change, you could apply the factory near here: dinnerware, garment, snack factory.

Even though it's a small chit chat between strangers, the elders always make effort to provide life insight to the youngsters. The way they stretch life perspectives, based on their personal experience, and share them is adorable. At least for me. I grew up with late grandmother who was equally taciturn like me, worrying inwardly about family members, took care of her off springs not by talking but behaving; I rarely gotten lesson on how to perceive life.

That reminds me of the experience back in 2017 when my mom and I went to Tlogo Putri Kaliurang by riding minibus that was full of elder people. They were on the way back to their respective house from local market. They chirped in, talking about what they bought earlier, menu for lunch, the breakfast menu last week, etc. Mundane things, very light and daily topic.

Then, I thought to myself that was how it was for elder people living in rural area. Full of tranquility, superficial satisfaction, yet possessing thick layer of happiness. Maybe it's too premature to capture the happiness level by simply observing them in that minibus trip. However, the peaceful atmosphere engulfed me, made my heart infected by their lightheartedness.

Surrounded by the breath-taking view of greeneries, the trip made me desired to go to explore more about various people with different perspective of life. It was such a healing moment.