Cosying in

Today I began what I like to think of as a five day cosying in intensive. On holiday now until January 5th it's time to slow down and sink in to the festive season in my own home. I've been out and about a lot, delightful as all that has been I'm ready to pull back in to a quieter place.

One Christmas shopping mission to complete tomorrow and beyond that I shall only be tempted from my nest if the weather demands a walk. The kind of walk that will put roses in my cheeks and let me return home in absolute need of a hot chocolate. That is all that could drag me out of here, the Christmas CDs are on, the frankincense incense sticks are smouldering, I am breathing deeper, feeling so grateful for this funny little corner of the world that is my sanctuary.

I am branding the mess charming so there is a just a little housework to be done. Laundry mountain and a few fierce cobwebs need conquering so that when I head down to Cornwall to spend a few days with my parents I shall do so with the happy thought of returning to a fairy light bedecked, somewhat ordered abode. The kind of place where I can carry merrily on with the pace of 'what kind of chocolate shall I have for breakfast?' I intend to cultivate this year.

There is room for a little more decking of the halls, though now those fairy lights are up and I've hung the garland I made last weekend at The Mill I can rest easy if I don't untangle the pompoms and apple baubles that have spent their quiet months in the attic getting a little too friendly.

I think there may be a little more crafting, though honestly who knows. I've been in a real lull, that garland is the only tangible thing I have made in a long time. No more wreaths got made. Less of the homemade than even last year. Literally months without knitting a stitch. Yet I can sense my creative muse opening a sleepy eyelid, just pondering what to surprise me with next. She's heard that a visit to fabric and yarn emporia may be on the cards tomorrow. I'm shushing the inner accountant who wants to know what's wrong with the stuff on hand and letting her have her way. She's a fickle one but when she's on it, I'm happiest. If you'd told me that changing to part-time work would have led to a decrease in my crafting I'd have thought you were crazy and yet that has been the reality.

I'm not entirely sure why. It seemed like a backwards step for a long while but lately I've really learnt that sometimes going in the right direction doesn't look like you expect it to. All this soul work is not as pretty as handwork that is for sure. Still this has been my path. Walked willingly this autumn, my summer temper tantrums behind me. Now I am back on the path, now I am actually practising all the good things that help with the support of a wonderful framework I am starting to feel the rewards, one of which I hope is a long awakening for my creative muse. One of which is definitely a bit more energy to enjoy the simple pleasures of life; like finding the perfect place to hang the fairy lights.

Wishing us all a light and bright holiday time.