All is calm?

     I'm going away for the weekend - a rare occurrence these days, and one for which I am ill-prepared. I have a 'to do' list of some length to get through before I leave; it includes things like 'order dog food', 'sew button on school blouse', 'advise on wording of disclaimer' [legal knowledge required there - oh dear] and 'buy socks' - that one's more within my field of competence these days. Then there are meals to be planned, the supermarket shop to be done, the guest room to be got ready, instructions left for all eventualities, and I feel as though it would be a lot easier just to stay at home. As to what clothes to pack, I can scruff around in jeans, but even then there are decisions to be made: will it be warm or cool, will it rain, will I be walking far, could I possibly wear a skirt for once, can I fit in an emergency dash to M&S? You can tell I'm not good at this.

     Then there's the question of which book to take with me? It has to be portable (that leaves out my hardback copy of Decca which would have been perfect for amusement and distraction), sufficiently interesting to override airport waits, etc., comforting enough for when I'm in 'foreign parts' (yes, I know I'm hopeless and shouldn't even think of going anywhere), involving enough to get me through the plane's ascent (no, there's no book on earth which could make that ordeal any easier, though I can read when it's at cruising height).

     Here's a selection from the TBR pile; maybe one will present itself as my perfect companion for the weekend: The Acceptance World, The Right Attitude to Rain, Miss Hargreaves: A fantasy, The Ladies' Paradise, The Needle in the Blood, The Architecture of Happiness, - advice, anyone? - and no, I can't take half a dozen.

     So, while a ray of sunshine plays on the soothing aqua wall in front of me (illuminating the bits of paintwork we missed), all is far from calm chez Cornflower, in fact Mr. C. has just pointed out that I am categorically the world's worst traveller and it's a wonder I even manage the school run or taking the dogs to 'the other side of the park' - a tad too far from home!

Comments

[Rebecca]

I am chuckling in sympathy, I experienced similar struggles on my own recent, out of character, weekend away. Have a wonderful time though, all will be well once you arrive.

[a simple yarn]

Okay, so after all the running, packing, and stressing, I think you'll have a marvelous time! A change a scenery is always a balm to the soul. Or if not, it helps to make us appreciate the home fires all the more...!

[Erika]

On another note, your study looks so lovely and serene! I just love the colors. We are currently having the majority of the rooms in our house painted, and I wish I'd thought of those colors before they started. My own study had childish wallpaper with pink and yellow ribbons scrolled across it, and I hoped to create a soothing room with a very very pale pink, but I think I prefer your color choice. How annoyed would the painters be with a sudden change, I wonder... Maybe some brownies would help?

Enjoy your lovely weekend away!

[Donna]

I think the solution would be to slow down, take some deep breaths, and decide to go with the flow. It has been my experience that usually everything works out in the end, whether I rush at things or not. Have a lovely weekend, and perhaps a little audio book might be the answer.

[Elaine]

Don't take Needle in the Blood. Once you start you will not do anything else so save it for home when you can use it as an excuse not to do any cooking or cleaning etc etc. Take Miss Hargreaves - you will love it

[tara]

Lovely photographs. It does often seem easier to stay at home sometimes doesn't it? I prefer to travel with comfortable reads, authors I know and books I am confident I will enjoy. How awful to be stuck on a plane with a book you are not enjoying! Have a wonderful weekend!

[Kelly]

Safe travels - and waiting to hear about your solo adventures. (I agree with Donna: breathing is fine advice.)

[Emma]

I think if you don't feel like going away you shouldn't. Love the colours of your walls. Quite gifted, aren't you. You are sooo stylish. I've never met anyone as artistic as you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Simon]

Probably a bit late... but I second Elaine's suggestion of course, and say let Connie Hargreaves come with you!