Saturday 29 December 2012

Hibernation and teenage makeovers


The SP and I have hibernated.  We have been going to bed earlier and earlier each night and getting up later and later.  We lie, side by side, like medieval effigies, under two duvets, and occasionally an extra blanket.  Outside the rain falls steadily and inside, well, the rain falls steadily too.  What do we do, the SP and I?  Well, I can’t speak for the SP but I just lie there, not exactly thinking.  Not exactly meditating. Sort of freeform musing really.  Vagueing.  Suspended animation.  I’m not depressed; not sad even. Just… hibernating.  On ice. 

Eventually, of course, I have to get up and do what needs to be done.  And then, when that's sorted, the SP and I snuggle up on the sofa in my office, swathed in blankets, with the possible addition of a hot water bottle. Occasionally (see pic) Asbo joins us. I try to write but it’s kinda tough when there’s a small pseudo beagle on one’s lap.  And then, as soon as it can be justified, I light a fire in the Oak Room and we transfer operations to there. I’ve pulled the armchair that usually sits in the window to the fire (my arse was getting numb on the stone bench in the inglenook).  And the SP looks expectantly and, as soon as I’m ensconced, he jumps on my lap and we settle down to watch the flames.  At some point James will wander in and then we’ll all curl up on the sofa instead, under a blanket, and watch crap movies.  Or, occasionally, a good movie. 

Am I reading? Not much. Am I listening to music? Not much.  There’s just the soundtrack of my head and the soft whup whup of the flames. 

But it will have to end.  Much as one may think nothing changes, it does, drip by drip.  And I will have to wake up and rejoin the world.  And then I suppose I really ought to get my act together and try to make myself look vaguely presentable.  At some point over Christmas we went over to see my friend Rachel and her family for lunch.  It was lovely; it always is.  My godson was his usual edible self and his sisters begged me to be their quasi godmother and I said I’d think about it, because being a godmother is an expensive business (cash-wise, not soul-wise). And they made me laugh a lot and I admired their hair and nails and stuff, the way you do, and they said, ‘Hey, we could do your hair and nails.’ And their mother looked slightly alarmed but I said, ‘Cool.’ 
‘We could give you blue streaks,’ said R (15).
‘No,’ said Rachel. 
‘Maroon?’ said R.
'We're good at dipping,' said H (13).
'What about ombre?' I said. 
I think they have this in mind. :-)
'Oh God,' said Rachel.
'We haven't done ombre before,' said R.
‘Whatever,’ I said.  ‘I’ve got to go to London soon for some filming thing – you could give me a makeover. I’m in your hands.’
Rachel’s mouth formed a perfect O of horror.

‘Maroon then, and copper, and maybe a bit of blue and…oooh, and crackle glaze for the nails.  And we could do a face pack – those 99p chocolate ones.’
Rachel shook her head violently from side to side, mouthing urgently at me..
H picked up a clump of my hair (now cascading alarmingly down past my shoulders).  ‘It could do with a cut.’
‘Go for it,’ I said.

Rachel quietly and repeatedly banged her head on the table. 


9 comments:

Rachel Selby said...

LOL - If they want you to be their Godmother they'd best leave your grooming to the professionals - preferably grown up professionals. Happy New Year Jane. And byw, the #DIYdetox was derailed for a while due to war, Hanukkah, a sick child, and missing Christmas bkues, all in quick succession. Back on track now though and you'll be hearing from me shortly Master.

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to seeing the photos! We have been much the same (hibernating not having makeovers) 2 chest infections and 1 tonsillitis has given us the perfect excuse to do very little at all. As I type I am in my pink flannel reindeer pjs with my fourth pint of tea waiting for the Boss to start firelighting duty so that I can move into the Barn and consider the rest of the day from the comfort of the big squisy sofa. Oh and BTW my box of cleaning delights is doing so well that the daughters have started washing up with the fancy brushes!!!

Frances said...

Jane, hibernation seems an appealing mode to notice that daylight is slowly increasing.

Best New Year's wishes to you and yours. It was great to see a photo including Asbo!

xo

Expat mum said...

I really like that haircut. Not that I would be walking round like that at my age, but younger - perhaps...

Donna said...

Oh that's so funny, if you do get a makeover you must write it up, your sure to write it up to make us all laugh.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane.
The recent thread begun by Jobo Pooks on Authonomy: DavidZax I'm back, was concocted by the rather batty Scouse Giro collector, who logged in a new account under the misleading screen name:

DavidZax.

This has nothing to do with the long gone David Zax, the person you graciously welcomed back on what you were led to believe, was his contrite return from oblivion.

Writing as a friend of the person who used the name David Zax on Authonomy a couple of years ago. I will say:
"Thanks for the greeting. And I wish you all the best for the current, New Year, and 2013"

Thought I'd clear up any misunderstanding.

Happy New Year.











Alison Cross said...

and so......where's the photo of the Gokked Jane?! I bet the girls did a marvellous job.

Hope you had a lovely Christmas and have an excellent 2013!

Ali x

Exmoorjane said...

Thanks for the comments, my lovelies. Off for my makeover today. I shall report. Possible. :)

@Anonymous - thank you for your wishes. Authonomy is a bonkers playground and I take little of it seriously. :) The *real* Jobo is an old friend. The *real* David Zax taught me some valuable lessons - send him my best. Happy New Year to you too.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Hi Jane.
The recent thread begun by Jobo Pooks on Authonomy: DavidZax I'm back, was concocted by the rather batty Scouse Giro collector, who logged in a new account under the misleading screen name:

DavidZax.

This has nothing to do with the long gone David Zax, the person you graciously welcomed back on what you were led to believe, was his contrite return from oblivion.

Writing as a friend of the person who used the name David Zax on Authonomy a couple of years ago. I will say:
"Thanks for the greeting. And I wish you all the best for the current, New Year, and 2013"

Thought I'd clear up any misunderstanding.

Happy New Year.

*************************

Another anonymouse fan, Mr Bridges?......lol. Leave them goats alone.....