If I transform her musings into scenes -- first scenes take place about six years before the current first scene. She's been there quite a while. Then maybe a couple of others in the middle. In fact, I probably would have to have them, because putting only part of it in flashback is more awkward than all. And THEN we get to the present day.
sigh
Probably should write it like that and see what happens. Story time is part of the story structure, too. Usually invisibly, but chasms of time are important.
