Happy Holiday Chaos, and a Special Shopping Present
Like Mrs. Dalloway, I bought the flowers myself. Crowds whirled and spun around me, their voices blending and melding into one rollicking song, but I stood still in a circle of quiet, considering my choices. The lilies called up Summer, the tulips spoke of Spring. Both inappropriate for the clear cold day called Thanksgiving. But then I saw the roses. Dressed in scarlet with the tips of their petals changing over to peach, they echoed all the beauty of this season just beginning. I scooped them up by the armload. Bringing them home, I laid them on the kitchen counter and looked around. Could I possibly bring everything to order in time for the guests to arrive?
The House of Edward has been steeping in chaos for the past few weeks. The builders are here, bringing one of my more eccentric ideas to fruition as they create a birdhouse-like screened porch off our bedroom. There are antique stained glass casement windows for the new, curved, windowseat in the bedroom and a screened breezeway that leads to the porch. A light in the octagonal cupola will illuminate the blue green glass inside it; a beacon for a fairytale place. The back garden has been wiggly with workmen for weeks. With guests arriving and sweet potatoes cooking, dogs to be walked and wreaths to be hung, I should, rightfully, be an blithering mess. But no, I love all this. The more the merrier. I guess it’s just this time of year.
It is perhaps an inherited trait that I love the holidays as much as I do; both my parents did as well. Though my father was never a fan of shopping during other times of the year, when he shopped for my Mother at Christmas - taking me along as his sidekick - he had a ball. I was in charge of advice…“Would she like this?”, he’d ask, holding up a jacket or blouse. “Ummm, I think she would”, I’d say, and he’d head to the counter with a grin on his face. I was also given the job of wrapping all the gifts we purchased, a task that remains one of my favorites to this day. My Mother began baking in November and continued till New Year’s Day. A visitor could smell the cinnamon and chocolate from the driveway. I packed untold tins of fudge and bags of sugar cookies, always sneaking a few choice bites for myself. There was plenty of chaos then too, and I loved it all.
Here in the states the festive season starts with a day of Thanksgiving, which I find most appropriate. I am thankful for so much, particularly the two people who so enjoyed this time of year. They will be in my heart today as The Songwriter and I, along with Edward and Apple, head out to find the perfect Christmas tree. Then it’s cocoa and pumpkin pie for the workmen outside, wrapping a few presents, addressing a few cards, finishing a few handmade gifts, warming up the mulled wine, with carols and a crackling fire in the background. Oh yes, much to be thankful for.
I am thankful for you, my readers, as well. For over six years now you have continued to read and comment as well as write me the sweetest, most interesting letters. You have made me feel that I have so many intriguing friends now, from all over the world. As I write my favourite posts of the year - my lists of books to give for Christmas - I’d like to share a special gift for my special readers. Until midnight on Monday, December 1st, if you purchase a copy of the book, From The House of Edward, you’ll receive one extra to give away as a gift. Two for one.
Happy Thanksgiving weekend to All!
xxxx,
Pamela
My Parents
New York City, sometime in the late 90's
