Blessings

I'm not usually lost for words but found myself struggling to find anything to write about this Christmas. As a family, the usual midwinter celebrations were overshadowed by the loss of one of my nephews a fortnight ago and his funeral a week later. He would have been 50 today, Christmas Eve. I was in my brother's home the day my nephew was born - in his parents' bedroom - and held him in my arms when he was less than an hour old.

Many tears were shed at his funeral, not least by his two stunningly beautiful teenage daughters, but afterwards, when friends and family gathered to celebrate his life, there were smiles and laughter. There were tales of one escapade after another and how he had made us laugh, often. His oldest friend sent a wonderful tribute from the USA, where he now lives - a string of hilarious anecdotes from their growing-up years. 'He was,' said the friend, 'the funniest man I ever knew.'

And that, I thought, was quite a legacy.  

* * * * *

Festive preparations were, inevitably, sidetracked. I was already planning to spend Christmas with my family in the Chilterns but had to bring my departure date forward by four days to attend the funeral. Only when I unpacked did I realise how distracted I had been, with lists, presents, addresses, suitable clothes and much else besides left behind in Devon. Heigh-ho. It was not the end of the world. And at least I managed to remember to put the Mr C, the cat, and the Edinburgh Boy in the car.

My daughter and son-in-law worked right up until Friday evening, so I have spent the past week being mamma in the kitchen, cooking hearty meals for the returning workers. Tomorrow my son-in-law takes over at the stove, apart from pudding, which is down to me. But, as we are not keen on traditional fare like Christmas pudding, Christmas cake or mince pies - and as a non-meat eater turkey is also off the menu for me - I'm making  triple chocolate brownies from Isidora Popovic's Popina Book of Baking. They are utterly scrumptious but very rich so best saved for special occasions. There will be a touch of nostalgia for too, as Isidora's recipes take me back to our old home territory of Portobello Road, where she set up her first market stall ten years ago.

And then we will try very hard to unwind for a couple of days, before a round of visits to other members of the family and to friends.

Meanwhile, back in Devon, one of my canine guests, will be sporting the fruits of my crafting labours on Christmas Day, because, yes, I do make things - I knit and sew but tend not to write about my efforts because this isn't, by any stretch of the imagination, a domestic arts blog, of which there are very many - and a good many excellent ones. Anyway, I hope Little Miss P appreciates her present. For a small item, it was a bit of a pig to knit and I had to check on Ravelry to see if any other member had made it and whether they had also encountered problems. To which the answers were yes and yes - but one or two had posted useful tips and I just managed to finish the coat in time to gift wrap it and leave it under her owners' tree before I left for Christmas.

So here is Little Miss P having a final fitting and, could she speak,  I am sure that she, together with the Ednburgh Boy, would want to join me in wishing you the blessings of the season, wherever you are and whatever and however you are celebrating.  

Thank you for being such loyal readers during what has been something of an stop-start year for 60 going on 16. Next year, I hope to get back into my stride, thanks to the yoga and the choir and all . . . and the fact that at my (much-delayed) first annual post-Massive Inconvenience check-up, the consultant was delighted to tell me that I remain cancer free. Tomorrow, we might just be raising a glass to that.

Earlier today, I watched - as I do every year - the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge, and this year's festival included BC: AD by the late poet, U A Fanthorpe, read by a young undergraduate. Fanthorpe was a Quaker and this clever, thoughtful poem reflects her particular and quiet faith. Even though I do not follow the same path, I was drawn to its deceptive simplicity. As with all good poems, it presents us with the familiar in an unfamiliar way and is absolutely to the point. If Fanthorpe's poem is new to you, think of it as a virtual gift from me.

BC : AD

This was the moment when Before 

Turned into After, and the future's

Uninvented timekeepers presented arms.

 

This was the moment when nothing

Happened. Only dull peace

Sprawled boringly over the earth.

 

This was the moment when even energetic Romans

Could find nothing better to do

Than counting heads in remote provinces.

 

And this was the moment

When a few farm workers and three

Members of an obscure Persian sect

Walked haphazard by starlight straight

Into the kingdom of heaven.

U A Fanthorpe 

Comments

[colleen]

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your nephew. So young and clearly much loved.

May 2012 bring you joy and peace after your stormy time.

Colleen

[Maggie B.]

My condolences on the loss of your nephew - a sad time for you and your family. The past 12 months have been challenging for you. I wish you peace and good health in 2012.

[materfamilias]

What a grievous loss to face just before Christmas -- I'm so sorry! But it does sound as if you've managed to wrangle up some of the season's peace and joy after all. I hope you find even more of the same in 2012. (and I'm curious to see if I can track you down on Ravelry -- I'm there as Materfamilias -- my daughter, a new knitter, has been looking for a good dog sweater pattern)

[Jay from The Depp Effect]

Oh, gosh, you certainly have had more than your share of bad stuff, haven't you? I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. That is so very, very sad.

Good news from your consultant though - that I am VERY glad to hear! I might raise a glass with you, if I weren't suffering from some vicious bug which attacked me yesterday.

The little dog coat looks great! I have a pattern for a greyhound coat which I'm going to tackle sometime in the new year.

Love the poem. :)

[Liz]

I was so sorry to read about your nephew.

Good to hear your appointment with your consultant was so positive. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2012.

[Marsha]

Wishing you continued blessings in the new year!

[Monica Eisenberg]

My sympathies on the loss of your nephew. Very sad.
I am behind in my blog reading so I am just now paying you a long-planned virtual visit. Glad to know you are a fellow knitter.Although I go through lots of dry periods I always like perusing the yarn shop offerings. The doggie coat is truly adorable and Little Miss P seems quite pleased to be modeling it. I was wondering if you read Jane Brocket's blog. She is one of my favorites in the domestic arts category. I am also happy to know your health is back. Looking forward to reading your posts in this new year. With my best wishes...Monica