Helloooooooo!!! I'm giving you a big and long overdue enthusiastic wave from the Attic window as I sit here on the very last day of the year and think about the weeks that have passed. I've been trying to write this post for the past few days and am happy to have finally managed it now that we're on the flip side of Christmas and teetering on the brink of the New Year.
D you know, I wrote the title of this post and then wondered if chitter-chatter was actually a proper word so went to look it up. Turns out it is indeed and means "informal and inconsequential conversation", which about sums up the overall gist of this post (well most of my blog posts actually). So I hope you're up for a some inconsequential chitter-chatter and a few photos to go with it? Onwards!!
Little B remarked to me this morning that this holiday has already felt super-long and I had to agree with him. It seems like aaaaages since we managed to exit the house at 8.30am and walk to school along the canal. This past week has been lazy in the extreme - there have been late nights and late mornings, entire days spent in pyjamas, erratic meals and way too much chocolate and screen time. It's been relaxed and restful, a much needed respite from the routine and clock watching of our school and work days. I for one have relished it all, have loved the slightly chaotic nature of having us all home together enjoying the long slow hours of nothing in particular.
I made a journey down to Dorset a few weeks before Christmas, travelling the 300 miles by train and bus. This is the second time this year that I've been to Dorset on my own, and although I'd much prefer to have J and the Little Peeps with me, I've come to appreciate the pleasure of travelling alone. I do enjoy a solo train journey where I can divide my time between reading, listening to music (Christmas tunes on this trip), browsing Instagram/blogs and crocheting, with some idle scenery gazing and day dreaming thrown in for good measure.
I was pleased to find my Dad in good spirits and although we don't always see eye to eye on things, we generally manage to rub along OK for a few days at a time. Obviously I was mainly visiting to spend time with Dad and Lady B, but there is also a really deep need in me to be back on my home turf from time to time, for personal, nostalgic, feel-good reasons. Oh, I miss it there, I really do.
We walked to West Bay on a bright and breezy day in mid December and it was everything that I needed it to be. It was fresh and brisk, with blue skies and sunshine, noisy, pounding waves and salty sea spray. We walked around the harbour and out along the pier before heading to the cosy warmth of a local pub for a quick drink to fortify us for the two mile return walk.
I was away for three nights and J did a fabulous job of keeping the home front ticking over in my absence. In fact, I'm sure the Little People didn't really miss me at all, although I did receive the biggest hug from Little B when I got in through the door, so I think perhaps he missed me a smidge even though he insisted that he didn't.
In the days/weeks since I returned from Dorset, life has been steady. I lost track of the number of people (both friends and random strangers) who asked me if I was Ready For Christmas, and each time I would shake my head and tell them no. I never, ever feel ready for Christmas until that particular hour in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve when all the presents are wrapped, all the food has been bought and all the fire-fuel (logs) and festive-fuel (prossecco mainly) are in the house. Only then do I sit, breathe deeply and feel ready. Up until that point, there is not a jot of readiness to be felt within me, but I am absolutely OK with that. It is how it is, I am a last minute person and I try very hard not to stress it, even when people give me the wide eyes when I tell them I haven't bought presents and our tree isn't up (this being the 2nd week in December - PLeNty of time yet!!)
This year, as is the norm for me, I treated myself to a few little from-me-to-me Christmas gifts. J and I don't exchange gifts with each other and never have done in the twenty five years we've been together, so I feel it's absolutely ok to gift to myself. I bought the above book which I've been curious about for a a few years, and I would love to tell you I carved out time to read it but I don't want to lie to you. I've flipped through the pages (some glorious photos and illustrations) and dipped in and out of the chapters, but I'm saving the serious reading and absorbing of it for January.
Two other things I treated myself to - a Sweet Pea scented candle ready to light on 4th January when the Sweet Pea Crochet-Along begins, and a tree. HA!! Yes, I bought myself a tree. It's only a small sapling (1-2 foot high) and it hasn't been delivered yet but I'm beyond excited about the idea of it, mainly so that I can have access to it's leaves to squeeze and sniff to my hearts content......yes, it's a eucalyptus tree. I plan to grow it in a large pot in my back yard as I know they can grow into beastly big things, and I am just giddy about it. I'll show you when it comes!
I've been yarning along with myself during the past month of course, but haven't got anything much that I can show you. I've got a pair of socks on my needles which are a belated Christmas gift for my fabulous father-in-law. I'm not going to show them here just yet as I have a feeling he occasionally peeks in through my Attic window. They are stripy and fairly manly (blues and greys) and I'm enjoying the little stitches very much.
As you can see above, I also tried my hand at making a critter a few weeks ago which was unexpectedly challenging (not the crochet so much as the facial features). I've got lots more to show you about that but can't just yet as this was a pattern test for a friend, so I need to wait for her nod. But if you know her critters already you will know that this is going to be one cute little thing. Oh it's so difficult to make animals look cute though, I had no idea!
In other creative news, I've been totally obsessed with my Sweet Pea blankets. In previous years I've crocheted the blanket more or less at the same time as I run the crochet along (just a week or two ahead so I can get the photos ready in time). But this year, as soon as I made the decision to offer two versions of the blanket I really had to get cracking as a LOT of hooky hours are needed to create two whole blankets. So I made the Posy version first and I'm now working on the Colourwash version, and I'm really, really, really looking forward to Friday and sharing the pattern and first colour installments with you. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has bought a Sweet Pea yarn pack from my shop at Wool Warehouse, I'm just thrilled to bits that our online crochet community is such a happy, positive and thriving place.
In the week before Christmas I finally started to think about gifts for family and friends. I decided for various reasons not to write Christmas cards this year, and instead I gifted potted bulbs to friends who I knew I was going to see. I bought some single hyacinth and amaryllis bulbs from the farm shop, wrapped them carefully in gold tissue paper and popped them into paper gift bags.
I know how much pleasure I get from watching hyacinths grow and bloom, there is something so optimistic and simple about them, the slow anticipation is just perfect. I hope they are bringing a smile to my friends as we head into the New Year, a dash of living greenery and a bloom of colour to welcome in 2019.
We decorated for Christmas at our usual time this year, around ten days before Christmas. This is early enough for me as I like to have the tree up until the Twelfth Night, or there abouts. And wonders will never cease - I even remembered to purchase the candy canes in time!!!!
We have our usual haphazard arrangement of colourful mismatched decs on our old faithful artificial tree. Little B and I did the honours together, and I think we did a pretty good job. The tree isn't especially twinkly as we opted for battery powered lights after last year's kitty disaster (she chewed through a set of lights). But still, I do enjoy the gentle glow of it especially first thing in the morning when we come downstairs and it's still dark.
I decorated both mantels as I usually do, pretty much the same as last year and I've really been enjoying the twinkly little lights and the various candles. I don't think you can ever have too much sparkle and glow at this time of year.
Coffee Yeah!!!! Not much to add to that really is there??!! In fact, I'm not sure why I took this photo, other than to remember that there have been many happy little moments of daily sitting, sipping and taking stock during the past few weeks. It's not always easy to stop still and grant time to just be in the moment and allow thoughts to flow, but I think a mug of good coffee does aid that practice rather well. Yeah!
On Christmas Eve we woke up to the most perfectly perfect winters day, brrrrrrrrrr it was freezing! Being that we were firmly in holiday mode and therefore not able to get out the door before midday, it was early afternoon by the time we set out for a walk. The above photo was taken from inside the car around 2pm, and with temperatures still well below zero the ice crystals on the windscreen were mesmerising to look at.
We walked at Bolton Abbey with Little Lady and Little B, striding through the cold, sunlit woodland......
......following the frosty pathways through the trees.
There were plenty of people out on this crisp, clear afternoon enjoying the fresh air, yet it still felt tranquil.
Heading back towards the car in the late afternoon, and the prospect of snuggling up in the cosy cafe suddenly seemed very appealing. Did I mention how cold it was? Uh-huh, below freezing, and definitely frothy coffee/hot chocolate weather.
On the way home we stopped a while on top of the moors to take in the sun - I think this was the exact moment when I finally felt ready for Christmas actually. So beautiful, those long distance, glowy golden views on the eve before Christmas.
From one day to the next and the weather couldn't have been more different. If Christmas Eve was full of sparkly gold, then Christmas day was a dull pewter grey. We had an early start on Christmas morning thanks to Little B who woke us all up at 5.45am absolutely fizzing with excitement. Gosh, that boy, his mood was highly infectious and the pleasure we had from watching him delight in his presents was worth the lack of shut eye.
J and I knew that we would meet huge resistance if we attempted to make the Little People venture outdoors on Christmas morning, so we took the decision to leave them behind. It was only for an hour - a quick walk into the woods as far as the pond, then back to the warmth of home. They barely registered that we'd been gone, all engrossed in new games and gifts. Although it was very gloomy out there, the fresh air was invigorating and I felt so glad of it.
We spent a quiet day at home just the five of us, and I am so grateful for the gentle ease of it all. Since then, our days have merged into one long idle, contented blur. The kind where you wake up without an alarm, have no idea what day of the week it is, and wonder if you even need to bother getting dressed at all. It's been fabulous, and we are all rejoicing in the fact that we still have another week left to enjoy. I'm hoping to get out and about a bit more this week though, possibly to the seaside if I can get the family into the car to head west to the coast. Fingers crossed on that one.
Right now it's almost 9pm on New Year's Eve and I am going to take myself back to the fireside with a glass of fizz. We are choosing a gentle close to 2018, it's been such a contented year for us as a family and I am truly grateful every single day for the happiness and fulfillment that I find in my life.
Wishing you all a magical New Year, I hope you find happiness and joy in the little things and that life sparkles for you.
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Love the post! I feel the need to go traveling somewhere.
Posted by: things to do near me | February 27, 2024 at 12:26 PM
Happy New Year, I read the book you mentioned back in the summer and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to following your blog during 2019 I find it fascinating. I envy you having your family all there. My two daughters have grown up and are living their own lives now.
Posted by: jan | January 04, 2019 at 12:13 PM
Happy New Year Lucy, hoping there will be many more idle chitter chatters x
Posted by: Carrie | January 04, 2019 at 01:11 AM
Wishing you a new year filled with peace, joy, and happiness.
Posted by: Charlotte. | January 03, 2019 at 10:33 PM
Happy new year Lucy to you and your family.
I have brought the hggye book last autum. A really lovely book.
Believe me your defiantly hggye :)
Have fun this year, look forward to your post.
Xx
Posted by: Sarah | January 03, 2019 at 08:57 PM
I Wishing you and all the family a very happy New Year. Thanks for your amazing work and inspiration.I looking forward to starting the Sweet Pea CAL. I Love your blog!
Posted by: RENATA PROCHAZKOVA | January 03, 2019 at 01:56 PM
This Christmas holiday has seemed long to me, which has been super nice, despite working a bit over the Christmas period. I like the slow days where they just roll into the next. I've just let Christmas 'be' this year. I usually get very stressed in the run up to it which makes me annoyed as I want to enjoy it so much every year. This year I just relaxed as much as I could and enjoyed the three Bears' having fun. All the decs are now packed away and the house has had a detox and I feel clear in my head for the New Year. I always like that feeling!
Happy New Year to you Lucy. I hope it is a year full of life's sweet blessings and awash with beautiful creativity! Take care lovely, Ness xxxx
Posted by: Vanessa | January 03, 2019 at 09:33 AM
Happy New Year, Lucy! I hope your 2019 is filled with delight and creative pursuits!
I won't be partaking in the Sweet Pea CAL this year as I am working on a Temperature Blanket! However, I will most likely purchase the Sweet Pea pack and work on the blanket in my own time as the pack has the prettiest colors I ever have seen!
Posted by: Autumn | January 02, 2019 at 05:55 PM
Lucy and family, Thank you for another year of enjoyment reading your interesting blog and delighting in the wonderful photos. Wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year! Big Hugs from Kimmy ♥
Posted by: Kimmy | January 02, 2019 at 05:14 PM
Happy New Year to you & your family. Thanks for such a lovely post, take care & enjoy the rest of the break with the children.
Posted by: Susan Smith | January 02, 2019 at 08:18 AM
Happy New Year, Lucy and family! I have been looking at the Hygge book as well but haven't gotten it...yet! I hope it's a good read! I love making amigurumi and find stitching their facial features to be the hardest part as well! Thanks so very much for taking the time to let us peek into your little world!
Posted by: Elise | January 02, 2019 at 04:39 AM
Hi Lucy! Im from Argentina, Buenos Aires. I read you a lot and made some of your blankets. I love all your work. Just want to say Happy New Year! and send you some rays of sun. Is hot here now, summer begun at 21th of december!
Kisses!
Moni
Posted by: Moni Bermann | January 02, 2019 at 04:39 AM
Wishing you and all the family a very happy New Year from New Zealand. Thanks for all your amazing work and inspiration. We are on holiday (27 degrees here today, I'm melting) and I have my Sweet Pea pack and hook on the ready! Looking forward to 2019 and to reading your blog. Take care, best wishes always.
Posted by: Angela Cameron | January 02, 2019 at 12:02 AM
We're staying with my Mum in Yeovil this week and went to West Bay today. It was so warm and sunny, a beautiful day. The sea was like a mill pond - most unusual for West Bay. I always think of you when we go.Looking forward to the CAL. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Wendy Bassett | January 01, 2019 at 08:43 PM
Happy New Year to you and your family and thank you for inspiring me to do more craft :)
Posted by: Crafty Cath | January 01, 2019 at 06:38 PM
happy new year lucy from your attic space...hope its a bright and jolly good one filled with all your yarny makes and adventures. I have enjoyed through the many years seeing the months postings through out the years...your blog is my little escape and the colour and yarny talent always inspires and cheers my days...
Posted by: kazzy | January 01, 2019 at 06:17 PM
Happy New Year to you and your family!!!!
Posted by: Jeanette Renting | January 01, 2019 at 03:43 PM
Back to the clock watching for us tomorrow but it's been grand these lazy days with the kids nearby. Wishing you a very happy new year filled with the little things and plenty of hooky time! xxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela- Southern USA | January 01, 2019 at 03:20 PM
Thank you for a beautiful and warming post this morning. Coffee in hand, sitting in my recliner with the bird singing peacefully next to me, your gentle and positive greetings made me forget all the horrible news and events that squeeze the life and happiness from my soul. With your post, I took a short vacation into peace and will continue in that feeling by not reading any more news. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Mary W | January 01, 2019 at 02:31 PM
A very happy new year to you too Lucy.
Sweet greetings,
Emily
(casacreaemilia.blogspot.nl)
Posted by: Emily | January 01, 2019 at 02:16 PM
I read the hygge book. Your blog is all about hygge! First thing I thought while reading the book was your blog. Crackling fires, cozy projects, colorful flowers...You live hygge!
Have a Happy New Year!
Posted by: Christym | January 01, 2019 at 02:04 PM
Happy New Year to you and all who read your blog. It is a refreshing peak into family life in the UK; just a bit different than living in Omaha, Nebraska USA.
Posted by: Rita Anne Hope-Haverman | January 01, 2019 at 01:56 PM
Happy New Year! Love your pictures, especially the small waterfall. Wish I could go on walks with you and yours. You live in such a beautiful area. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who enjoys the simple, little things in life. Love your mantle and the fire, so comforting. A Blessed year to you and your family.
Posted by: Miss Daisy | January 01, 2019 at 01:16 PM
You inspire me to get out and do more walking. Happy New Year, and thank you!
Posted by: mrs. smythe | January 01, 2019 at 12:46 PM
Happy New Year Lucy. xx
Posted by: Linda | January 01, 2019 at 12:20 PM