How do we think of things to write about? Do we write what we know? Is everything we put down some variation on what we experience, pure imagination or a little of both?

I’ve often reached for memories to give me something to bring me inspiration or I look the world go by from my perch in a cafe and create stories around what I see. Sometimes it’s fun to look at the world from a different angle. It allows you to see things you may not have noticed before. This evening I lay on the floor of my living room and had a look around at commonplace objects. It’s funny what you notice. From that angle, I saw a candle holder on the window ledge, previously obscured by my red curtains. It made remember when it was given to me, several years ago as a house-warming present, the first time all of my London friends made the trip to Scotland to visit.

Hanging from my bookcase I spotted one of my necklaces. I had been looking for it for months. I bought it during a trip to Notting Hill market with my friend Jayne. It was a warm summer day and we wandered the busy streets looking for a place to stop for tea. She’s married now and living in Leith, far too close for us to have gone this long without seeing each other. I tell myself to call her in the morning.

Pick a corner of your place and have a seat, writing down all that you see. What do your things, often taken for granted remind you of?