Reminders

These last few weeks we have been plagued by a number of small ailments - nothing life shattering - but enough to disrupt our usual pattern of life and undo our plans. It's easy to get dragged down such happenings, which weary and annoy, leaving me out of sorts and a bit sorry for myself.   At such times I'm grateful for the kindly kick in the rear end that I get from reading this blog. It pushes me towards an attitude of thankfulness, and oh yes, there is so much in life to be thankful for, especially the ones who point me in the right direction.

T. is a great one for spotting the small things, the tiniest of details - a minute plant pushing it's way up into the early spring light, for taking me around the garden to admire the crocuses, snowdrops and other bulbs emerging. New life, always.

And then, I found a little star perched in the tree in our kitchen 'wilderness'. I guessed he had put it there, and asked him about it, unsure of his reply - I know to expect the unexpected with him! "Well", he said, thoughtfully, "It's because God is with us". Then went back to reading his book. As simple as that.

 

I wonder, was he thinking of this star, that spent so long in our living room at Christmas? But for whatever reason, I am so thankful for this rather unLenten reminder of the truth that I need to hold onto, no matter what is happening in our daily lives - God is with us.

Bon Année! Happy New Year!

Happily for me, the French don't send Christmas cards, but instead send greetings for a 'Bon Année', so this naturally falls into my husband's department, at some vague point in the New Year. Here is his drawing (right click on it to see it larger) for this year's card - very apt, as we have spent the Hogmanay celebrations totally and contentedly snowed in. In fact, it snowed non-stop for all of New Year's Eve, and we have over half a metre of white lovelieness everywhere. Heaven sent? Well, it depends on your persepctive, but we love it. We have plenty of firewood, food, bread just baked, a few odds and ends of festive bottles to finish, and nowhere pressing to go. Might as well cosy up and enjoy it. Knitting a little, watching a bit, munching now and then...it's a good start to the year!

Happy New Year to you!

Preparing

Somewhere in the fantasy department of my mind I had thought I might manage to post every day during Advent...ahem, things seem to have gone a little astray and the reality has been the usual whirlwind of creative activities, baking, decorating and trying to keep up with an exploding calendar - whilst all the time telling myself to try to simplify, let go and move away from all that has little to do with my personal vision of Christmas! Phew! But our family have arrived, most of the essentials are done(ish), the snow has fallen deeply and beautifully and we are starting to feel that Christmas is really on its way...aided by a nice wee glass of port...

Mince pies have been made in vast quantities, with plenty of small helping hands...

A few little gnomes have been sent off on their voyages...

The house looks and smells Christmassy, with many more homemade decorations, from big and small hands, added this year...

Did you know Santa speaks Gaelic? And travels on a steam train? How perfect is that?

We have heard the Christmas story retold, in a sweet and creative number of ways, with my boys being a thoughtful and serious Joseph, and a somewhat wayward but terribly cute sheep.

The run up to Christmas is a terrible time to decide to make a quilt, but sometimes the beautiful ideas that inspire me on other people's blogs - I'll share in the New Year, as I'm starting to wilt at this late hour - just have to be followed up, even when a trillion other things are calling. The result has made me very happy, so I'm glad I went for it. I want to make a really big one now!

And snow! Gorgeous, deep, dramatic snow, that has caused the schools to shut (oh blessed relief!) and has created all kinds of chaos, but is such a wonderful gift, imposing a certain stillness on us all, just as we needed it.

May you have a warm, joyful and peaceful Christmas! With much love from Featherglen!