ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Aloha!

This past weekend, July 3rd to 6th, I had the pleasure of going on my first dance holiday- Hep Cats Holiday weekend in Sand Bay, not far from Weston-Super-Mare. I won't get into to too much detail because I wouldn't know where to stop. It was epic. Feel free to look at the following photos and watch the video to get a glimpse of my experience..

Above: Photo by Irene Hardisty

Photo by Jeff Smith

 Photo by Irene Hardisty

Photo by Jeff Smith

Ze video...

 

It's funny how life sometimes presents us with obstacles; big ones, small ones, all forms and guises. If there is anything that I've learnt it's that it's best to acknowledge the obstacle but not perceive it as one.

...."Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?!" you may cry. Let me explain...

For instance, let's say you have a mountain to climb. A big scary ass mountain. You want to reach the top but you have little or no climbing experience and consequently no idea of how you're gonna get there. Sure, there may be equipment and advice that you can use to help you on your journey but the only way you stand any chance of sticking a flag with a crude smiley face and your name on it into the craggy summit is by taking the first step which leads to another and then another. If you achieve your goal, you may feel immense satisfaction. If you don't get there, take a breath and look at how far you've come... and smile.

One point that I'd like to skim the surface of (it's not always about exploring the depths of everything with an armoury of philosophical thought) is that sometimes you have a goal in mind, getting from point A to Z. Getting to Z would be awesome but along the way you may find that point F has led you on an interesting tangent, point M has shown you something incredible and point Q has seen you overcome something you never thought possible. With dance, my point A was Charleston with point Z being 'get mega amazing at Charleston'. Lindy Hop and Shag, I guess you could say, are my points F and M. In fact, over the weekend I discovered that I like photography, too, especially taking pictures of flowers, insects, nature- Another bonus :)

My point being that life is one big journey consisting of a limitless amount of destinations. It's by opening ourselves up to new things that we discover what lies in our hearts. It is then possible to realise that ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWX and Y were all as important as Z. Our experiences and the things we choose to put our time, energy and heart into ultimately shape our reality.

Wow, ok so that was a tad deeper than I intended but I had a conversation this evening with someone who means the world to me and has always stood by my side no matter what. They helped me to realise the importance of the present moment; of what and who I invest my time, energy and heart in. It was an eye-opener to say the least but it was what I needed to hear. So, on that note...

Live, laugh and love as much as possible. You are limitless. Good luck with reaching the 'summit' of whatever it is you want to do but don't forget to embrace the weird and wonderful adventure along the way. Who knows what kind of magic it may bring...

Photo by Jeff Smith

P.S. Don't forget to smile :)

(This is Shelldon. This is his spot.)

P.P.S... Almost forgot, here's my SOD...

Let Them Eat Cake...

Spa treatments, Disney princesses and a Victorian tea party. Today, good people, I had the pleasure of attending a hen do ^_^

The 'hen', otherwise known as Cinderella (or Amy in her non-Disney guise) is one of my oldest friends. It's so strange to think that the girl I used to play swingball, muck about in Spanish class and microwave random (and often disgusting) food items with is soon to be a married woman! *sheds a tear*

Cinders was completely unawares as to the plan of the day, from the pre-noms pampering sesh to the Disney-dress up Victorian tea. She didn't have a clue.

We began our day in the Wye Valley Spa. An array of treatments and facilities were available; massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, jacuzzis, steam room/sauna. Everything a lady needs for a bit of rejuvenation. I received a glorious head and neck massage and, I must say, there is something very pleasurable about a massage with hot stones, which I had on my legs and feet and would gladly have again... And again.

Aside from a spurt of temporary excitement due to the discovery of some bongos...

Relaxation swept over me and I could have quite easily curled up into the deepest of sleeps. However, the fun had only just begun. Us ladies were marvin and ladies what lunch, do so in style. After changing into slightly more formal attire, we rode in carriages of steel to our next destination: Aunt Martha's Tea Rooms.

Upon our arrival at the quirky-but-quaint Victorian venue, I noticed a gramophone in the corner of the tea room. Though happy at the mere sight of it, I sadly did not acquire it... One day *sighs*

Aunt Martha's obliging staff ensured that we were all well fed, watered and entertained. The food was traditional, tasty and as quaint as the crockery upon which it was served.

Gluten and dairy free options were available and I took pleasure in being the most awkward person when it comes to food. I feel I am due an award for years of consistency in this area. Cinders and I nibbled on GFDF scones and sandwiches, of which I ate a beef and a tuna and gave the ham and the egg mayo (I'm a food fuss pants) to a very happy Minnie Mouse sat next to me (don't tell Aunt Martha!)

Whilst the food was lovely, nothing could prepare me for the generous portion of pudding. It was death by cake. Imagine that memorable 'Bruce Bogtrotter scene' from the movie adaptation of Matilda (minus the mess, of course... Perhaps, I'm exaggerating on the size but I'm only ickle. It was... big). I should have taken a picture but the sheer size of it would have taken a few gigabytes in storage.

This particular cake was gluten and dairy free and scrumptiously moist (and was most definitely not stolen from Miss Trunchbull). I ate my fill and took the rest home to Ma.

As the events of the day drew to a close, something rather magical happened. A special, albeit rather early (by eight weeks) visitor came bearing gifts for our soon-to-be Queen...

Today, I went to the hen do of one of my oldest friends. Today, I was reminded that despite our journey through adulthood, our rites of passage, our responsibilities and our life challenges; through all the changes, some things remain eternal and precious:

Magic, innocence and friendship...

Laughter, love...

..... And sometimes cake.