My childhood memories are woven from the flavours and smells of my Grandma's kitchen: a spoon dipped in a still hot apricot or raspberry jam that I was allowed to lick clean after the jam was ready, or a longed-for piece of the ethereal cherry pie melting in my mouth. I remember myself a tall, clumsy kid running around with always scratched knees and elbows (who do you think had to pick all those raspberries and apricots in our orchard?) or chasing some poor creature (really sorry now, Spotty, if you are still some place out there).

If it rained outside during the weekend or there was another reason (and I'd rather not elaborate) why I couldn't go out and play in the yard, I would tiptoe to my Grandma's bedroom and sit at her bedside table. And my eyes would be locked on one thing. My Grandma's wooden jewellery box. My favourite things that I would take out and simply gaze at them were a powder box and a golden ring.

Now when it rains during the weekend or there are different reasons (they definitely are now ) why I don't go out, I still have them: my Grandma's powder box and a golden ring. She gave them to me a long time ago and I love this feeling of continuity. Life long things that get more precious with every scratch and stain adding a little history, a little story that my grandchildren will be telling some day. Wonder what it would be about...

If you have any family jewellery (and those don't have to be all diamonds and pearls), take good care of them.
It can be a modest brooch but if taken through generations, it may become the dearest jewellery on your daughter's wedding dress. If you don't have such a tradition at your home, why not start it today? Find your jewellery and time will help you make it special for you and your family, for your memories.

My memories, reflections and imagination revive and nourish on such things. Every time I go by a confectionery shop on my way to the office or a jewellery shop with some really amazing things two blocks away, I can't help but remember. They are my time machine. They take me back to the happiest place in the world I have ever been – my Grandma's kitchen.