Blessed With a Sari and Far From Sorry!

One of my dearest friends is Pushpa, a beautiful Indian who, like me, is in England to study. Pushpa lives with her amazing sister's little family who live permanently in England. Earlier this week, Pushpa invited me to her home, where I got to 'spend a night in India'! Hindu's believe that when guests come to their home (be they friend or enemy), they should be treated like God. Need I say what incredible hospitality I received? It was beautiful! For fun,Priti and Pushba got out their collection of traditional saris so that we could try them on. What to my absolute shock and delight, they generously gave me one! I still can scarcely believe it. The exquisite beadwork on the bodice is all handstitched. Ahh...I am converted to India.

This is the lovely Pushpa in her sari; Indians wears them with such grace (especially Pushpa and Priti!). I can hardly do mine justice! I cannot think of any article of clothing more flatteringly feminine. 

As if giving me a sari wasn't enough, they also gave me this little girl's outfit to send to my niece :) It is also hand stitched. Amazing, isn't it?! 

This is me with the pretty Priti who hosted me for two days. She is the most amazing cook! Priti and Pushpa made samosas, chapatis, lentil tortilla-like things, yoghurt drink, pizza, and both potato and tomato curry. Wow! So good! We also watched Bollywood soap operas on the tele. Loved it! Had the most amazing, memorable visit!!

The Ghost of Christmas Past...oooo! I still wish you a Happy Christmas Present!

Christmas 2006. Come and Gone! I spent it with Ted in London. This is Ted with his Christmas plunder. See the presents you gave him, family? 

Me with my Christmas plunder! Thanks!

 

Ted didn't have a Christmas tree, so I decorated his poinsettia! It was the best Christmas tree ever! I had way too much fun with the whole affair.... 

Part of our Christmas feast! Ted is pouring cream over his delectible Christmas pudding, the traditional, fruity after-dinner must. I am holding a bottle of Shloer...yum. We joke that Shloer is the 'Mormon Wine.' It is a non-alcoholic, dressed-up drink akin to Martinelli's Sparkling Cider, but with a bit more bite and many more flavours. It's attended every big Mormon celebration I've been to! :) 

Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve was very, very special to me. One of the most memorable ever. We began our day by attending Church in the Hyde Park Chapel; the service was nice and I got to see my friend Kurt and his family, which made me happy.

Later that evening, we got ready to attend the "Carols by Candlelight" concert hosted in Royal Albert Hall. It was simply magical. Mozart Festival Orchestra & Singers came out in 18th Century, Mozart-esque apparel...powdered wigs and all! Throughout their excellent performance, we (the audience) were invited to sing carols too, accompanied by the orchestra and piping hot organ! It was amazing! While singing the last carol, I paused to listen to all the voices around me. It was overpowering to hear 7000 voices of all denominations joined together, unitied, singing praises of gratitude for the birth of Christ. I hope in fifty years the same is still possible.

Though all was absolutely lovely previous, the emotive highlight for my Christmas Eve was Midnight Mass at St. Martin-in-the-Fields at Trafalgar Square. Attending Midnight Mass was always something I wanted to do and it was the perfect Christmas Eve to do it. Wow. What can I say? It was all so meaningful to me. I observed the service with the curiousity of one observing ancient mythic ritual, but experienced a thoroughly living, enriching spiritual experience. The mode of religious expression and language used in mass lended new articulation to the sacred Christmas events; new words gave new dimension and meaning to old, familiar ideas. The music and acoustics were incredible. I loved all of the singing we got to do as the congregation...I don't think I have ever sang so many Christmas carols in one day! 

Oh--this is my Christmas Eve dress, for those of you who wanted to see a picture of it! It is something of a bizarre little dress in its own way, but it was fun to wear something brilliantly red.

Another Christmas highlight was being able to spend some time with my good friend Kurt. He was an American study-abroad student at Leicester Uni and I had the privilage of attending Church with him. His family spent Christmas together in London before Kurt headed back to sweet home USA. So we had opportunity for one last good chat in London before he followed the wu wei of the universe back to Utah. :) I am reminded of something said to me about Kurt. :) I was sitting in Church next to a middle-aged woman and she leaned over and whispered in my ear, "My, Kurt is a hunky bloke, isn't he?" Yes, I will have to agree. Kurt is definitely a hunky bloke inside and out. :) hahaha!