On Pins And Needles

Penny needed an idea for her Christmas tree theme, and the sooner the better!

YES, everything’s in hand,” Penny told Karen, crossing her fingers and feeling very grateful it was a phone conversation. Don’t worry.”

“That’s a relief. I’m about to start a meeting to discuss the festival,” Karen replied. Shall pop round when it’s over?”

Penny looked at her watch half past nine.

How long would the meeting last?

Probably only about an hour or two, which meant she didn’t have long to come up with an idea.

“No problem,” she lied, trying to sound cheerful. Tl be here.”

After the call ended, Penny slumped over the kitchen table.

It was Friday morning, and the village’s first ever Christmas tree festival was due to open to the public next week.

Karen was the organiser and, two months ago, Penny had assured her friend that she would be more than happy to enter a tree into the event.

“Il just do something simple, though,” Penny had said. I can buy anything need.

“I'll leave the crafting to those with the talent for it.”

“You might have the right idea,” was Karen’s reply. It’s taking me hours to knit a nativity scene.

“Have you ever tried to knit a donkey?”

Penny had laughed at her friend’s question.

“I can’t even knit a small square for a blanket.”

Since then, Penny had put the Christmas tree festival to the back of her mind until a few days ago.

Now, with less than a week to go, Karen had phoned to ask for her tree’s title.

Penny hadn't dared tell her she still hadn’t even thought of a theme.

The longer she left it, the more stressful it started to become.

Everyone else seemed to have had no trouble coming up with so many wonderful ideas.