Talane’s Blog of the Week, April 10, 2006

I’ve just said good-bye to one of my dearest friends, Kate, who has been visiting for the past two weeks with her daughter, Lily, and her husband. We took them on a tour of the English countryside, including a bike trip with 4-year old Lily in a little buggy behind one bike and Kaela, my 18-month old, in a bike seat behind my husband. With daffodils popping up everywhere it feels like spring. We caught the whole trip on film and stopped for fish and chips mid-way in fine English tradition. While she was here Kate taught me to knit. Somehow I had imagined only little old ladies knit, but here was Kate, a glamorous brunette with almond green eyes and a saucy laugh, knitting up a storm. Knitting is oddly therapeutic and meditative (although Kate says I try to go too fast for a beginner). I like the idea of giving hand-made gifts to people—very personal. I may just make a few scarves for Christmas this year!

A few weeks ago, my assistant, Faye, came to visit and brought a beautiful leather book with hand pressed paper—a guest book for our guests to write comments about their stay. I thought only B&B’s had guest books, but now we do and we already have two entries in it. At first I wondered if it might be a bit corny, but I really love it. Our guests have a way to record the highlights of their visit and their appreciation, which is always nice. We get a record of the fun and interesting people we’ve shared time with. I was surprised at how much I’m already enjoying it and look forward to re-reading the entries at the end of the year to remind me just how much fun we had with friends and family. It is easy to forget the good times.

Kate started a little book for Kaela as well. I had received an absolutely precious hand-made book with a little Teddy bear on the front and a poem written expressly for Kaela from one of my clients. It was so lovely, I didn’t feel I could write in it. Well, Kate had no such qualms and put in an entry sharing her impressions and experience of Kaela. She warned me that although I think I’ll never forget all the funny little things Kaela is doing, I will. Writing it down is essential! I thought I’d put in a note about how she is now eating her milk and cereal with a spoon and decided to dump her peas in the bowl and eat them with the cereal. Hey, whatever it takes to get your veggies in!

There are two tips in this week’s blog: 1) Learn a new hobby. I was surprised that I could learn to knit in about 10 minutes – my husband might even take it up! 2) Keep a record. Keep a book in your guest room if you don’t have one already. If you don’t keep a personal journal, put a book on your bedside table and jot down a few thoughts at the end of each day. Most people have full rich lives and in the flurry of activity, so much that is precious can be forgotten.

Enjoy!
Talane