Untangling a big box of string lights –

that’s a good analogy for my life right now. There are just so many different strands in there that need to be straightened out.

I’m down to my very last holiday show. It’s been a good season, and the last show, Grump@Zoolights, looks very promising in every way. However, despite being done with the screenprinting, ironing, sewing, and late night battles with my computer, I feel more jumpy than ever this week. Aren’t I supposed to be winding down?

Nope. This is the kids’ last week of school, and there seems to be something going on every day of the week – concerts, parties, gift swaps, learning shares. Teachers, I love and value you very much, but maybe… consolidate it? Also, for some, unfathomable reason, I seem to have been ordained one-who-must-remember-EVERYTHING this week. Whose bright idea was that?

I have written much about the ups and downs of working from home before, and this is one of those instances where, working from home seems to equal appearing to be free for any holiday related duty. Uh no kids, while I enjoy putting up the tree, and attending your various splendid performances, I can’t pop to the grocery store/the school/the mall at the drop of a hat every day; and yes, it was me that stress ate that box of peppermint creams that you were saving for your school party. Sorry, not sorry.

Anyway…

I do love the Holidays, I really do, honest! I’m really looking forward to my family arriving, and I’m looking forward to sitting in front of the fire drinking mulled wine, and I’m looking forward to eating latkes with friends, and the kids opening their presents on Christmas morning, and my husband pretending to be the Grinch. I’m just a bit grumpy right now. Speaking of which…

Grump!

Last weekend, I took part in this extremely well curated show, which is always bags of fun for kids and adults alike (photos below). Next weekend (Saturday, to be precise) I’ll be at Grump @ Zoolights, at the National Zoo. This event is going to involve holiday lights, music, animals, a choo choo train, and a cool European style craft market – I defy you to not show up. It’s going to be a blast, and by then I should have untangled some of those figurative and literal string lights.