A row of African animal figurines above the fireplace

I was surprised and delighted by this perfect placement of mementoes that had in our previous house languished on the sill of a window. Angela captures and imaginatively surpasses the spirit of Alexander's pattern #254 ("Things from your life"): "Do not be tricked into believing that modern decor must be slick or psychedelic, or natural or modern art, or plants or anything else that current taste makers claim. It is most beautiful when it comes straight from your life - the things you care for, the things that tell your story."