Friday, December 09, 2016

The tree


The first thing to say is that Wendy is doing OK. She hopes to be home by tomorrow. The second thing to say is thank you for all your good wishes and prayers. We appreciate them so much.




Yesterday, after a few weeks break, I had a sax lesson. I was feeling worn down with worrying about our Colorado family, and people keep saying to me "You're looking tired, Sue," but seeing Mel for a lesson is great therapy in so many ways.

Me: "I haven't practised, Mel. Isaac and family were here for a week, I was ill for a week, and now I'm a bit...."

Mel: "Do you like Christmas music?"

Me: "Great idea!"

So we played some old standards together and had a lot of fun - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Chestnuts roasting round an open fire, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Santa Baby. Mel is even cheeesier about Christmas than I am. 

Having said that, I'd been wondering about whether to bother with a Christmas tree this year, even though it's an ON Christmas. The family aren't here on Christmas Day - I'm going to Zoe's house - and it feels like a huge indulgence, with so many people (even in the UK) with not enough to eat, never mind not being able to afford Christmas presents for their kids. Some of our family have charity donations instead of presents; maybe the next step was giving up the tree and making decorations from stuff in the garden? Was it OK to buy a tree just for my pleasure? Last year's tree that I planted in the garden after Christmas has not survived.

Mel persuaded me it was. I was worth it.  I bought one and loved it even before it was decorated. That is how much I love the tree. 







Bring in a tree, a young Norwegian spruce,
Bring hyacinths that rooted in the cold.

Bring winter jasmine as its buds unfold -
Bring the Christmas life into this house. 


The quote above is from a poem by Wendy Cope called The Christmas Life. I don't have permission to publish it, but you can read it here. I love this poem. Do read it.








6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, Very pleased to hear the good news that Wendy is doing OK and should be heading home soon.If you're anything like me Christmas trees give such pleasure they can only be a good thing. One of the less commercialised aspects of the season but brings so much joy.I will post a photo of mine when up and decorated.Sally

Sue Hepworth said...

Hi Sally, look forward to seeing it. Will you @ me on Twitter and then I shall be sure to see it.

Anonymous said...

Yes, will do. Probably next weekend.

lyn said...

So glad to hear that Wendy is recovering well. Your tree is lovely. I'm glad you decided to have a tree, something beautiful to focus on is always worthwhile.

Sue Hepworth said...

Thank you on both counts, Lyn.

I am enjoying the tree so much.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear Wendy is doing well - our neighbour is going in tomorrow (oh dear - today!) for the same operation - so many people affected - so many repurcussions - famiy and friends - glad they can do so much these days.

I love the poem you quoted - made me look at our tree with new eyes.

Thank you. Jenetta