A snowy afternoon
We are in the middle of a snowstorm, there are currently six children here, down from eleven earlier, and we have been baking up a storm all day. The Eskimo came over and built a fire, and when it went out, The Chestnut, also here, resurrected it. Who knew my friends were so talented? Well, okay, I did know the Eskimo could do it, but The Chestnut seriously impressed me.
A friend was telling me the other day about a party she really, really, really didn’t want to go to. It is an old friend of her husband’s, someone who lives in New Haven (around forty minutes away), and someone with whom she has nothing in common. As the Beautiful Guru would say, ‘they are not her people.’ Every year she goes to this party, and every year she has a miserable time. She described spending the entire night walking. ‘I’m just going to check on the kids,’ walking, walking, walking, from one room to another, plus lots of trips to the bathroom because she doesn’t know what else to do.
I thought it was a perfect description, because I too have been to many parties where I have spent the evening walking, walking, walking. Parties where I know no-one, or have little in common with those I do. This past summer we drove out to New Jersey to a party, at an old colleague of Beloved’s. It took us hours to get there, and once there, I wished we were home, for I spent the afternoon walking, from the kitchen to the dining room, to the patio, and round and round in circles.
I often think that life is too short to waste these hours. I don’t get to see the people I love nearly as much as I would like, and my New Year’s resolution, one of them, at least, is to learn to say no. Just because you are invited, doesn’t mean you have to say yes, particularly when you already know it is not your cup of tea.
Speaking of cups of tea, I am drinking one now, and am about to lie down on the sofa with the Smalls, and hopefully find an old movie. We were going to see Bolt, but the snow is terrible and apparently the roads treacherous. I did actually see Bolt the other night, and was shocked at what I assume was a sign of the times - the movie theater was empty. The Eldest Son and I were the only people there, for a seven O’clock movie.
(I, however, am single-handedly keeping the economy going. My obsessions these last weeks have ranged from leggings, to boots, to scarves, to necklaces. I haven’t got the necklace yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time…)
If you haven’t seen Bolt, I highly recommend it. It is 3D, and my experience was much like the first time I saw Star Wars, at around nine years old, with my jaw, quite literally, hanging open. I felt, as I watched Bolt the other night with my mouth hanging open, that I have seen the future of movies, and it is 3D.
Not like the hokey 3D we watched as kids, but extraordinarily layered, and realistic. Plus the movie’s funny and cute. I rather loved being the only two in the theater - we sat and chatted leisurely about the movie, as if we were watching it at home in our living room, which is something that I would never ever do if there had been anyone else there.
Hoping you are all somewhere warm and cosy. I am searching for eggnog recipes and will keep you posted…
December 19th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I remember seeing a 3D movie in the seventies. It was supppose to be a nostalgic trip back to the old days. We were given paper glasses which fit poorly over my own pair! What a hassle! I might give it a try again…Sounds as if you have lots of company, I remember I used to get so tired. Now my children seem so easy -just friend issues. They’re both getting much older; one is nearly seventeen and the other in his early twenties-both still in school/college. I agree with you that it’s hard to say no, but after awhile people understand. I find the excuse (true but still an excuse), “I’m writing,” to be useful.
December 19th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Jane,
this picture made me envy you- I live in Cali and naturally there’ll be no snow for Christmas this year. Or any other year.
Jane, do you have a Twitter account?
December 20th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Beautiful. I wish we had some snow. We just have rain here in Ohio. Snuggling up inside and watching movies while it’s snowy outside is one of my favorite things to do, and of course you have to have hot chocolate. Enjoy!
December 20th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Jane, your yard looks like Maine this morning. We got a half a foot last night with a bigger storm expected Sunday. A white Christmas! Your kids must be thrilled.
I’ve been to more than a few of those parties. Tea with the kids and friends sounds more fun. I’m finishing my cup before braving 5 degree weather for a ski on fresh snow. I’m guessing you’ll be out sledding. Enjoy!
December 20th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
What a lovely photo. Can’t say I truly envy the snow since I’ve become a desert rat here in AZ and anything less than 85 is chilly to me, but it sure does look like Christmas in your neck of the woods. We had rain this week and cloudy days, so I built a fire every night and have been living in old, stained comfy sweats. Not pretty to look at, but that’s not the point.
December 20th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Jane,
You need to pick up Starter Loggs for your fire. They really get your fire going without any problems. I just picked some up at Stew Leonards - located by the entrance near the Duraflame.
I saw Bolt in 3D and thought it was very sweet. I was also surprised how many 3D movies are coming out next year. 3D movies are great and am wondering why there haven’t been more made over the past few years.
I like your New Year’s Resolution and my good friend adapted it a few years back. She has 3 small children and only says yes to something if there is not a moment of hesitation of wanting to do it. She has said it comes in handy around the holidays. She’s not stressed and can really enjoy the things she wants to do.
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:48 am
I miss snow!! had about an inch here so far and none forcasted either! Boo!
Jane, have you figured out my surprise yet? Lol! Had a doctors appointment this morning. They have decided to keep me under gp care until I reach 12 weeks (i’m currently about 7) as they are worried about me. Will have an early ultrasound just in the new year too. Excited doesn’t even begin to explain it!! xxxx
December 22nd, 2008 at 10:27 am
Trish - lovely news - am keeping everything crossed for you! xx
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Jane, thank you. Me too! Happy Holidays to you and your family! xx
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Trish.. that’s awesome !!! Stay positive and I will be thinking about you! Can’t wait to hear more.
For all of you who are missing snow…just come to central IL …we have had plenty and much more to come!!!!! I need to move!!!!!!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Thanks Meredith! Will keep you posted. My fiance and my mum know now. Soo excited! xx