Wednesday 29 December 2010

Slowing to a Stop

I'm having trouble remembering what day it is. And then when I do I realise that this is the only time of the year that it really doesn't matter! I'm wrapped up in that warm, cosy, fuggy sort of feeling that Christmas week brings, a feeling of being detached from the real world for a while, as if the clocks have all stopped.
Days have been filled with lounging around in jim jams, long baths, good reads, and rather too much refereeing for my liking (one small house + two over excited boys = war!)
But there have also been quiet moments, long lie-ins, time for slow cooking and some joyful evenings spent in Australia, which in our cricket loving household has definitely made a certain someone's Christmas.
Family have visited, the house has been lit by candle light and laughter while they feasted and made dinosaur balloons with us (as you do). Now we're looking forward to welcoming in the New Year at home with good friends and more laughter.
New games and books are being enjoyed. Friends and loved ones have been very generous and I have plenty of inspiration for the New Year ahead.
Today the outdoors called, so we wrapped up warm and headed here again, through the thawing ice and snow and peasouper fog for a bit of bracing fresh air. Just what we needed to wake us up again and now we're back in the warm, turkey curry on the hob and an evening of Upstairs Downstairs ahead. Bliss.
(My present from Woody, from the wonderful Girl's Own Store)

Hope your Christmas is going slowly and pleasantly too!

In answer to a couple of questions:
Snowflakes - sadly I am a complete non-crocheter (wrong genes I think) so I can't share the pattern. I boughtmine last year for a couple of pounds on ebay and then came over from America. Hope that helps and thanks for all the lovely comments. Love Sxxx

15 comments:

periwinkle said...

I am so with you on the " refereeing " I took the boys out today just to run off some steam. Hub was well impressed with the cricket too, even if it meant him falling asleep on the sofa !!. Gorgeous hat .

inmykitchen said...

It is wonderful not to need to watch the time.
I also received the Kirstie book and lost no time in reading it. I gave the C K book to my future sister in law but secretly wanted it for myself!

Happy home making x

bibbitybob said...

Lovely photos and looks like you've got some fab pressies, Happy Christmas (if it's not too late to wish people that!) x

Katy Noelle said...

Hello, dear Steff!

I haven't been able to comment or post for a few months, now, but that doesn't mean that I'm not still visiting and smiling and appreciating seeing the world that is yours that you share with us. It's such a refreshment and a blessing!

Happy Christmas (a wee bit late but still....) and a very wonderful new year!

Love, Katy

salty pebble said...

such wonderful posts of festive loveliness x always a joy to spend a few mins reading through and looking at your lovely piccys ;0)
i really love the hare piccy ;0)
i have the Kirstie Alsopp book too and love all the little sweet drawings that make the book that little bit more special in my eyes,
more for eye candy than a maker hehe ;0)
hope your enjoying the smooching abouty alot of that going on in my home to...nicey just to relax x

Sophie - Chez Sophie said...

Sounds like a lovely Christmas.
Love your Christmas Cross Stitch & lovely books to read.
Have a wonderful 2011.
Luv Sophie xxx

June said...

Love the wreath with the red berries and that Kirstie book looks good!
Have a Wonderful New Year.
June.

Bobo Bun said...

Well I must admit I thought at first who on earth is this Barney who's wishing me Happy Birthday. Seemed a nice chap though. Just finished the fizz good suggestion.

Lovely gifts, expecially the beret. I love the hare print, colours remind me of Angie Lewin's work.

Happy New Year to you Steph and speak to you again in 2011.

Lisa x

Ruth said...

Sounds like a perfect Christmas to me! Wishing you a very Happy New Year to you and your family Steph!

Funny - I had the same books, Kirstie's HH and the Perfect English Cottage for Christmas and also the Penny Bhadresa winter linocut card.

And I really love the photo of the wreath and the hallway.

Madelief said...

Hi Steph,

It sounds like you are having a great time and enjoying yourself! Good for you!!!

I wish you and your family all the best for a Happy, Healthy & Creative 2011!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Amanda said...

I love that feeling of 'what day is it?'. Yesterday I had to return to the real world and its wednesday but today its back to....well not thursday but let me think a second...Lovely post and I think sums what its all about.

staci said...

The week after Christmas is one of my favorite of the year...it's so calm and relaxing! I always look forward to your posts and save them for last in my reader so that I can linger over your lovely pictures!

I would love some info about your red and white cross stitch sampler...I would love to stitch one for my home! Thank you and have a wonderful new year!

Pink Feather Paradise said...

Lovely post and I love your pictures... the hat is beautiful... something I would expect to see a famouse five girl wearing ... x

happy new year and may 2011 bring love joy and happiness to your home and family...x

- said...

The wreath is gorgeous!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year ahead!

Bluebell said...

What a lovely image of those quiet dark days between Christmas and New Year.
I love your Christmas red and white crossstitch where is it from?