AND FINALLY

Be open to a sprinkling of fairydust

HOW many times do I suggest trying new things?

It’s a familiar ‘go-to’ for advice columnists and so in the summer I spontaneously decided to put my money where my mouth is.

I was in a newish shop in Bath called VV Rouleaux buying trimmings to refurbish clothes (make do and mend!) when I saw a leaflet for a class on making a Christmas tree fairy.

I’m a stickler for piling all the old glittery objects on our multi-coloured tree, because I love the memories they carry.

But our fairy was a disgrace: a second- hand plastic doll dressed up by my daughter when she was about nine. What was white is now grey and the blonde doll has the look of a lady of easy virtue. A change seemed a brilliant idea.

I went to the class recently, it lasted two-andahalf hours and we were provided with all the materials by a friendly teacher. Now, lonely people are often advised (by me and others) to take classes, but I have to admit that the other fairymakers were disappointingly silent.

Female chat over the beads and trims didn’t happen as I’d hoped. But I suppose you need to take a whole course to get to know people. No matter — I’m so proud of my fairy (above). You see, like many others, I make no time for real creativity. Life is work, parents, grandchildren, more work.

All lovely . . . but that week was fraught, with some difficult news about my 96-year-old dad’s health to deal with, so I nearly dropped the class as I did our social events.

But messing about with tulle, wire, lace and beads did wonders for my soul, reminding me that we need to nurture ourselves. And that saying ‘I’ve no time’ can mean ‘I choose not to allow myself’.

My new creation looks beautiful on top of our tree — and she’ll always remind me to be open to fresh fairydust.

Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co. uk. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.