encased in her old skin , she immersed herself in the play of light across lake ponchartrain each morning ; the dull and crowded bus ride into the city ; the usual mix of body odors mercifully subtle in chill of early spring ; the mindless chatter of the kitchen staff mixing with the regular snap of knives against chopping boards ; the fragrant sauces , rich with herbs , including mint and cumin heavy pressure pushed against her mind .