Holiday report

[vaneramos]

I had a wee meltdown during the week before Christmas, partly over the usual stress of getting ready, partly over the fact Dad did not make time to see me and the girls during the holidays. It gave me the common angry feeling of, "I'm just not going to bother celebrating anything next year." Things turned out well, though. I need to concentrate on spending time with the people who I enjoy and who enjoy my company, and celebrate what matters to me—the change of seasons, personal transformation—rather than getting distracted and complaining bitterly about the usual rigmarole.

On Saturday Marian, Kerri, Brenna, Danny and I joined Kerri's parents, aunt and cousin for turkey dinner. They're hospitable people. I think her mom has more Christmas decorations in their little bungalow than I have seen everywhere else in the world in my entire life: santas tucked onto every corner of bookshelf or surface, an army of penguins along the back of the sofa, chimes hanging in the kitchen window. Every time I moved my foot, it dislodged a sleigh or Christmas teddy from under the coffee table. I watched television for the first time in more than a year. The ads always provide a disconcerting experience.

Yesterday I took Danny and Brenna to visit my cousin, Catherine, in Barrie. She lives graciously and cheerfully with three cats. Comfort and Joy were ensconced downstairs but the Himalayan, Lily, leered at us with giant blue eyes from the top apartment of her cat tree. Cathy has expressed effervescent moral support over the years, and I felt long overdue to pay her a visit.

Family changes. That is the way of life. We roll with it or condemn ourselves to bitterness.

Marian and Kerri gave me two recent books by my favourite fiction author, Ursula K. LeGuin: Lavinia and The Word for World is Forest. Danny gave me a wool winder and an umbrella swift. Bill offered an array of prints and I chose a West Coast shoreline.

Brenna, Danny and I are back in Guelph. We'll probably go see The Voyage of the Dawne Treader this afternoon.

Comments

[rsc.livejournal.com]

an army of penguins along the back of the sofa

Penguins as Christmas decorations? Wrong pole, no?

Comfort and Joy were ensconced downstairs

What lovely names for cats! I assume they bring tidings.

Ursula K. LeGuin: Lavinia

Oh, I'll have to look for this.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid Coca-Cola has ruined our sense of geography forever.

I assume they bring tidings.

Yes, and my cousin used to sing in a choir!

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

>Family changes. That is the way of life. We roll with it or condemn ourselves to bitterness.

oh, isn't that the truth? i handle change very badly and slowly, but i see that this is true.

your cousin and her cats sound charming. :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, Cathy is the one very special cousin who keeps in touch from my dad's side (besides a cousin of my dad's who sometimes reads here!). I also have some wonderful aunts and cousins on Mom's side. I want to make more effort with extended family.

[inishglora.livejournal.com]

ooh, a Le Guin book I haven't read?? Time to go hunting. :)

Sounds like a lovely time, overall.