Short break, right? Well it was long enough for to realize I own this space. Might as well continue having fun. So I've dropped a few priorities, checked my attitude, and made some cookies - life is too short to let this space stay empty.
This is a season of perplexity sometimes. As a kid I could get into the worse battles with siblings. The threat of "Santa Claus is watching you," never phased me. For some reason, on some level, I figured that was wrong. Why would an old man be watching me? What could I possibly do to get left off of the toy list? Then I would proceed to test the waters every other day. I had help - and two brothers.
It got so bad one year that my Mom decided she was taking a break from Christmas. What? What does that mean exactly? She wasn't going to shop, she wasn't going to bake, she wasn't going to play nice. The tree sat undecorated. The candles remained in the box. The cookie dough(!) remained in the fridge. This was serious. There had to be something we could do. She must have lost that holiday cheer. We didn't quite connect our behavior with her reaction.
I called my Aunt and had a long discussion. Took her all of ten minutes to give me the first clue. If you don't behave Santa is going to drop off sticks and charcoal, come Christmas morning. I immediately had conference with the brothers "Grimm" and we came to the conclusion that sticks and charcoal were passe. Nevertheless it could happen, Auntie Em said so. She was never wrong.
Chores became joyous occasions(?). Dishes washed after supper and put away were greeted with happy smiles from Mom. Hmm? Maybe this would turn the tide? (What does that mean exactly?) Never mind - moving on. It took less than 24 hours and we had become completely different children. We now fussed over who would vacuum... well only for a minute... then we'd remember Auntie Em's warning: no fussing! We sweated it though. We took nothing for granted. We had respect for each then.
Time has indeed changed us so. I look for them but find sticks and charcoal. I wonder what I did or if I did anything? But here again, there's no time to take a break. I keep moving on with what I can accomplish. I cannot make anyone like me, and at times that is a great relief. Maybe I did nothing at all... but it's convenient for others to have me think so.
Thanks Auntie Em - like you've always said: Open the door child, and let some fresh air in!
I read this twice, and I still don't know what you're trying to say here. Did you think about quitting this blog because you were getting a reaction you didn't like from someone? Well... I guess my feelings on that are this: we can only be ourselves. Now, we can be the best variation of ourselves (as evidenced by your Christmas story). But still... only ourselves. Since this is your space, own it. Don't allow others to dictate your content. Write what you want to write because you want to write it. Or don't write if you don't feel like it. The best part of this business is we all make our own rules. It's a relief that we get ONE place where we do:)
ReplyDeleteHi Robin. I don't mean to sound cryptic... but yes, you're absolutely right. My head got spun around and I thought maybe I needed to get away. But it's like falling off a bike - get right back on and go harder. I gave up on the brothers Grimm - nothing came of it - but why give up again - why not keep going! Can't please 'em all.
DeleteThanks for trying to decipher and those words of encouragement.
it will all pass and be forgotten in a week or so!
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me - I've got cookies to bake. Oh - what's your favorite cookie?
DeleteThanks Dezz.
we don't really have cookies here :) but when it comes to biscuits I like speculaas - the Dutch ones with cinnamom and almond, I even have a cake made from speculaas in one of my Christmas recipes :)
DeleteI'm still trying to locate your Christmas decorations! Aha! Gives me good reason to post my beloved cookie recipe here.
DeleteCinnamon and almond! Speculass? Uh-oh, I smell a google search soon!
Cookies make everything okay! At least in my world, LOL!
ReplyDeleteMine too!! :))
DeleteLife is too short to worry about other people's narrow opinions. Don't stop writing your blog because someone criticises you. You can't please all of the people etc. etc. I had a Christmas cookie today at exercise class. I am now thinking perhaps I should buy some to share, I don't bake them. Never have.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo. I know sometimes it is me that has the narrow opinion. Having to step back and reflect on what is for the best is hard to do. I seem to prove daily that I'm not done learning.
DeleteI cannot imagine you not baking cookies. Then again you do the expert
cooking which I would love to feel comfortable doing. Takes time, practice and patience.
I cherish your thoughts and kindness.
Meanwhile I'm checking on that cinnamon ornament recipe... not sure what I missed. It will be back soon! :))
Think how validated your Mum must have felt after getting such amazing results so quickly! Other commenters have given some great advice here.
ReplyDeleteBazza - you are the best! And "The Road Less Traveled" just added another chapter.(smile).
Delete