Remember that unusual little shelf, often wedged between the fridge and the kitchen door? Too high to be a real work surface, too narrow to put anything on…
Remember that unusual little shelf , often wedged between the fridge and the kitchen door? Too high to be a real work surface, too narrow to put anything on…
A voice on the line… and the whole house listening
In the 80s and 90s, long before cell phones and discreet conversations via voicemail, the telephone had its designated place: in the busiest room of the house . It was immediately recognizable by its spiral cord that stretched like a snake to the living room door, and by its yellowed phone book always within reach. And of course, that famous shelf, often matching the worktop, which seemed to have been designed especially for it.
It was the meeting place for big announcements, gossip among friends, and missed appointments. People would shout « Who saw the notebook? » or « Hang up, I have to call Grandma! » It was a lively, noisy, but always welcoming place.
A pencil, a notepad… and hastily scribbled memories
Next to the phone, there was always a small notebook and a pen, often attached by a string so as not to lose it ( a trick well known to mothers ). We wrote down everything: « Call the doctor » , « Go to the bakery » , « Reply to the town hall » . But between two serious messages, we also found little drawings of cartoon heroes , hearts drawn hastily, secret numbers surrounded by little question marks…
It was a different time. Less instantaneous, but more present . Every call mattered, every message left had significance.
