And so once again Celiacs Disease has reared it’s ugly head and left Finley and I marooned on our own little island. Though I have been unable to identify the source of the problem (A stolen biscuit at nursery? The consumption of strictly forbidden playdough? A sudden inexplicable ingredient change in a food formerly known to be safe? What?), the symptoms are distinguished enough to have no other explanation, (I tell ya Mummy, my bumbum has never had a tantrum like this one!) and are accompanied by strops of such magnificent proportions that I have no choice but to hug them away because clearly he just can’t help himself…
It isn’t all bad. Three days in a centrally heated, candlelit jail is not to be sniffed at. And so we’ve made the most of it. Stories have been whispered underneath a flower sprinkled duvet tent. (Stories out of your brain please Mum…). Nigellas flourless chocolate cake baked to tempt a very empty tummy (didn’t work but I enjoyed it!) and afternoon naps taken on the sofa, instantly triggering scrumptious memories of Finn’s newborn days, when all was calm and our whole world was standing up straight…
But straight, wonky or upside down, there is in every day passed something to spill onto the pages of my gratitude journal. Wednesday night snuggled up with a man who tickles my toes and last night curved into a sofa pulled up to the fire, with my velvet ribboned Christmas planner on my knee (the internet order tracker has changed my life!) and a huuuge cup of warm cinnamon milk on a gingham topped side table beside me. Tonight every Christmas magazine I can get my hands on this afternoon when Mark comes to takeover and I can escape into a bitterly cold Autumn afternoon, a felted scarf abundant with scarlet roses around my neck…
A trip to the library is of course in order. My library bag already packed. Then a drive up to my favorite deli for walnut bread and local Lancashire cheese for tonights supper and into Southport for a wander down the tree lined Victorian shopping parade and a sniff around a secondhand bookshop in the glass topped arcade that is home to a heart stopping collection of vintage housekeeping books and presided over by a funny little couple with all the quirks bookshop owners should be blessed with. Perhaps the purchase of some artisan mustard from the teeny little French shop in the corner wouldn’t go amiss either, followed by a perfunctory trip to the supermarket and a journey home accompanied by the jolly tinkle of Doris Day singing Christmas songs. Be a child at Christmas she says and so, don’t tell anyone, under my oh so sensible boots, my socks are wearing reindeers.
Finley will be better tomorrow. There is a bundle of happy berried twigs on my windowsill and plans to be made for a weekend in the countryside with my family at the end of next week…
All is well. Life on our island is a feast of tomorrows and blissful cosy afternoons.
The Summer Sale Is Here! 
The Brocante Round-Up! 
The Brocante Round-Up! 
The Autumn House
Visiting you is always such a stress reducer. I want to pull up a chair by the hearth and have some of your flourless chocolate cake. Not to mention that I wish I had a pair of reindeer socks. Hope that your little one feels much better today.
I love what you write Alison, you make life seem so cosy! I hope Finn is better soon, poor little bairn.
Take Care
Melanie.
I love reading your site! You can even make a bout with illness sound blissful – I need to transfer some of that to my household. Thank you for your delightful posts and glad the boy is on the mend!
All my best to Finn's speedy recovery! A local radio station in here (Minnesota, USA) has begun the Christmas marathon of music 24/7… and its heavenly!! I can't get enough of it! And, in the effort of yumminess, check out http://www.belladonnacouture.com – they hand make bags, and the fabrics they have just make your heart sing! I should be receiving my in the next few days, it shall be scrumptious! Wishing you well, Alison, your blog is always an inspiration and I feel like you and Finn are part of my life now!
Jenny
I wish poor old Finn feels much better soon. I say poor old Finn, but how lucky is he to have a Mummy that makes being off school sick so much yummy fun?! Childhood memories are made of these times Alison.
As much as I never wish being unwell on anyone, if my little girl says she feels a bit iffy, it's all I can muster to be the dutiful Mum and tell her she'll be ok and send her off to school – I REALLY want to say "ok, lets have a snuggle day then!" and have one of those magical times of blankies, old films, home made fancies and to hang with the housework – just to love being able to 'mother' my big baby! Special stuff. xx
Poor Finn!
Do enjoy your shopping, it sounds so wonderful! I miss visiting used bookshops, they're such wonderful places to lose yourself for an hour. 🙂
Poor little guy! I have some severe food allergies that rival the symptoms of Celiac (I was in fact tested for that in the beginning of my journey) so I sympathize. He'll be on the mend soon. Your afternoon off sounds utterly wonderful!
I love the wonderful, adorable picture of pixies painting pumpkins!! Would you please tell me how I can make my Brocante Christmas planner velvet ribboned?
You are the bestest Mummy, Finley is one lucky Bubba. Take Care – Rachael – xo
oh dear, it's a common thing here too unfortunately, hope little Finn is on the mend soon…
My prayers for Fin's health – what a lovely mommy he has to help him through these trials. Your afternoon sounds like the perfect remedy to any "sick day", Alison! I can just imagine that wonderful bookshop couple!
Warm cinnamon milk sounds amazing – I just got into warm milk lately as I am getting out of the coffee habit!