Week 2 - There's so much we can do.

EssexHebridean

Aagh! You've just inspired me to go and sort out my bathroom! I do Flylady for a bit, then give it up for a bit. when I'm into it the difference it makes to the place is astonishing. Might try to get back to it after christmas.

RubySewSew

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Christmas has arrived! House is clean (enough!), the big Christmas shop is done and put away (my worst Christmas job!), it's burning of the clocks tomorrow, spa on weds and lunch with my babies on Thurs. And then off to my brothers and my sister for Christmas! Hoorah!!

I'm so excited!

One small problem - the cupboard under the stairs is crammed to bursting and the car is still full of stuff. Where am I going to put it?!

RubySewSew

Bump! I have sooo much to do!! Ahhh! Making Christmas presents is only a good idea if you have time to do it!! Might have to revise my plans! Eek, eek, eek!

Right, stop panicking and into the shower. In my nice clean bathroom! No more celebrations in front of the TV - must get on!

RubySewSew

Ok, from now on its all about how I can make it easier on myself. I've had to abandon my plans to make presents as there simply isn't enough time. Planned to go into town today but got a call from a friend in labour who needed support so went to spend some time with her. Feeling all oxytocic and waiting to hear about the arrival of her beautiful little baby. Seems like a really auspicious day to labour, full moon, lunar eclipse and winter solstice. The universe is aligned!

Right, now I'm going to brave the cold, wrap up warm and go and watch the burning of the clocks before sharing food and drink with good friends. Will have to get up early tomorrow to crack the shopping and wrapping before the spa. What gets done gets done and what doesn't doesn't xxx

Mags30

You sound busy, what's the burning of the clocks?

MatyMoo

You can always say that their present is stuck in transit, like about half a dozen of mine flippin well are :eek: I thought ordering online on the 10th was plenty of time :mad:

Burning of the clocks sounds interesting, please tell us more

And a new baby on it's way, how lovely

RubySewSew

The website for Burning The Clocks is down at the moment but google it. It's a Brighton community reclamation of the winter solstice. A community organisation called Same Sky run lantern making workshops across the city and then there is a children's parade down to the beach, everyone dressed in black carrying bright white lanterns to a monument on the beach. There is samba and fire circus and then everbody's lanterns are piled up on the clock monument and then set alight in a glorious display of fireworks. It is a celebration of the longest night, a mark of transition and nature and seasons. You can read as much or as little into it as you like - I was stood next to a young witch whooping and praying! It was strangely spiritual for a secular activity. I loved it - there is something communal about fire and I have become very moved by the full moon since reading The Red Tent. All the more moved by the thought of a good friend labouring whilst looking out to fireworks over the sea. I'm such a hippy!

So, in all, i've got practically nothing done but have spent good time with good friends sharing food and wine and fire. Which for me is what Christmas is really about. I will set myself a task of finding fantastic presents for my family tomorrow for less than a fiver. Luckily we have some fantastic shops so that is entirely possible.

I guess I have got a lot to do and I am busy but I'm concentrating on staying calm. The only person who will notice if everything isn't perfect is me!

NorthernLas

Nothing like staying calm to help a situation ... remember to breath (just through your nose so you don't hyperventilate )

Ever so pleased you are sounding sooo much better than a couple of weeks ago - here's wishing you a happy and peaceful festive season and a FAB 2011!!

NL x

Mags30

The burning of the clocks sounds AMAZING. I'd love to have a winter solstice ritual like that. Have just done a search for the book you mention too "The Red Tent" I've never heard of that either but I've just put it on the reading list for 2011 so thanks

Hope you have a great day at the spa.

RubySewSew

Oh Mags, The Red Tent is so beautiful, every woman should read it and a few men to. It's a wonderful love story and a tale of what a strong community of sisters can endure. It inspired me to change my practice so that my focus was on enrichment rather than education. I read it on a boat in the norfolk broads and wept when I finished it. I have lent my copy out but think I might buy it again so I can re-read it. We will call it research for the new business venture!!

Going to run into town now to finish Christmas shopping before the spa this afternoon! Still no baby news but eagerly waiting!