“Perhaps most women did. Perhaps most women had unfulfilled life left in them, and sought a way to use it.” ― Anita Brookner, A Closed Eye A Closed Eye by Anita Brookner is a quietly devastating portrait of a woman whose life feels half-lived. Centering on its protagonist, Harriet Lytton, and the shadowy, almost spectral figures that orbit her, the novel unflinchingly explores themes of suppression, longing, regret, and a deep spiritual unease. Brookner’s prose lingers, subtle yet piercing, capturing the ache of a life constrained by silence and choices never fully made. Harriet is married off at a young age to Freddie, a man old enough to be her father. Her childhood, shaped by a kind of muted simplicity, leaves her aloof yet deeply invested in her inner world—a refuge she never truly grows out of, even as we follow her into middle age. Harriet’s story isn’t dramatic or extraordinary; rather, it’s the story of many women who bury their deepest desires, convinced they cannot, or perhaps should not, act upon them. Brookner captures this quiet tragedy with unsettling precision, showing how a life can appear orderly on the surface yet remain profoundly unfulfilled underneath.
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 Maybe getting good at existence means getting good at not knowing. Earlier this month, I was laid off, and it’s been an intriguing journey to rediscover who I am beyond the noise. The silence has brought both clarity and confusion, but what’s felt truly liberating is the unfolding of a new path—a path I never thought possible. When nothing is tying you down, the weight lifts, and you can dream a little again.
Washington, D.C. is a city steeped in history, where the legacy of America comes to life at every corner. For a tourist with a passion for the past, it offers far more than what initially meets the eye. From its sweeping promenades lined with iconic monuments to the rich collection of Presidential artifacts and timeless architecture, the city tells a compelling story of the nation’s journey. Exploring Washington, D.C. was not just a visit—it was an unforgettable experience through the heart of American heritage.  The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress was nothing short of spectacular. As soon as I stepped into the main lobby, I was awestruck by the sheer intricacy that surrounded me. Every inch, the walls, the ceilings, the fixtures, was adorned with ornate detail, unlike anything I had ever seen before. I learned that the building’s aesthetic was deliberately designed to impress European visitors, and it’s clear that no effort was spared in doing so.
It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours immersed in the craftsmanship, discovering hidden references to academic disciplines, great thinkers, and renowned artists woven into the architecture. The walls seemed to whisper centuries of wisdom. To me, the Library felt less like a building and more like a temple, one that pays reverent homage to the legacy of Western knowledge. |
"You can only be afraid of what you think you know.”
― J. Krishnamurti
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