hibernational

Been feeling distinctly hibernational (is that a word? it is now) today. We had two power cuts, which I quite enjoyed as I just lit loads of candles and stoked up the fire. Despite the breadmaker cutting out twice and getting utterly confused, I was undeterred from my french bread making mission, after one of the children complained that we didn't have any nice bread today. I finally hoiked out the dough and created this fabulous poppy seed plait, much to the approval of said complaining child, who couldn't resist trying a slice while it was still hot. It was followed by much plaiting and rolling of playdough- Freddie was fascinated when I took dough, instead of bread out of the bread machine and thought it was playdough! Must do some real bread making with him so he gets the idea.

The children were no so impressed with the lack of electricity and had to be sent out on a mission for more coal. Mean while I sat in the semi-darkness, contemplating the meaning of winter and advent. I created this simple seasonal table on the window sill. I can never find any documentary reasoning behind this (maybe it's in my soul!) but I put on crystals/rocks for the first week, plant materials for the second, to be followed by animals and people. I like to think that the stuff about Advent goes beyond Christianity. It seems to be a time of inner contemplation and quiet reflection, in preparation for the festival to follow (a bit like Lent). Maybe I just need this at the moment so I am using Advent as a reason. (Following my recent intense bout of homeopathic treatment I have been advised, and feel it is best, to take a month off, resting!) But it makes sense to have a rhythm of breathing in and out throughout the year; so logically, festivities would be preceeded by a quieter time.

While they were out I made a lovely Sunday nut roast (which they were too tired to eat) and got out the advent- 4- candle holder thingy and put tea-lights in it. Well, I need to do these things, if nothing else but the relieve the relentlessness of it all. No, I wanted, or needed, to acknowledge the time of year, even if I was struggling with it. Especially if I was struggling with it. Sometimes I think its best to just do these rituals and not analyse them too much.

The other thing about winter- not being able to get up when its still almost dark- sleeping with the blinds open has helped, so I get maximum light in the morning and wake up more gradually. This seems to have helped with the children, too, and we have had less moaning and tantrums about having to get up. Still wish we didn't have to though.