Congratulations Julie!

For those of you that know one of my students Julie Bowden from both the Plymouth and Exeter studio - a big congratulations to her and her partner Tim who tied the knot this Saturday. I'll now have to get used to calling her Mrs Julie Morgan - which for those of you who know me is never an easy thing as I have a real problem remembering names.
Well I love an excuse to dress up and Steve & I were lucky enough to be invited to join the wedding party at the beautiful Orestone Manor at Maidencombe. Julie looked stunning and every bit the beautiful blushing bride - what a lucky guy Tim is.

Despite the rain (dashing from the taxi in a long evening dress was a hilarious sight indeed) the warmth of the Manor's real wood fire ensured everyone was kept nice and cosy. The Manor had a real Colonial house feel about it, the food was excellent and staff lovely. Steve was really able to enjoy himself as being a DJ he is always working on a Saturday night and it was great to have the night off together and no cheesy wedding DJ to put up with either as Tim's Mum and her band entertained us throughout the night. It really is an impressive sight seeing someone playing the double bass these days and they were a joy to listen to and the perfect compliment to a stylish and classy wedding. I know Julie and Tim are off on their honeymoon today so I do hope they have a relaxing few days away.

No time away for me although I do have a few days off my main work this week so Steve and I will get a chance to get a few chores down (yawn) but hopefully get out and about a bit - weather permitting. We took a leisurly drive back through Torquay, Paignton and via the Dartmouth ferry yesterday stopping on route for a few drinks and stretching our legs and the obligitary cream tea at Dartmouth. There were several people out crabbing which reminded me of my childhood. I used to love throwing the line into the sea and trying to pull the crabs up before they fell off or knocked each other off. Of course we always put them back after - they were never really big enough to eat anyway! We might try and take Steve's kids crabbing at some point - or is that take me to do it..sometimes you just never grow up!!

I'm looking forward to teaching in Exeter tonight and seeing all my regular students - first week back after being shut on the Bank Holiday Monday. A big welcome to our new instructor Kelly who will be shadowing me in class tonight. Kelly has a wealth of experience and will be looking to take a further class in Exeter and possible Torquay as this is her home town.
See you all soon and as I'm off work haven't sent me anywhere this week so I'm back in to see my Thursday night students in Plymouth as well.

xxx

Hectic Weekend!

What a fantastic start to the weekend with our student social at Annabel's on Friday night. Jo's blog gives the full low down and I completely agree with her comments - I think the instructors and students that performed did a fantastic job and are a real credit to the Art of Dance.
I was a sucker for punishment the next day as I took an invert masterclass at 12.15. Well done to my ladies who turned up for this and especially as two of them then stayed on with myself to do Nixi's dance class - we were starting to feel the effects of an hour upside down when Nixi was telling us to be relaxed and flowing! Still another great dance class by Nixi and I must have been mad but really enjoyed Jo's hour of terror. I actually managed not to wimp out of the shoulder mounts - yes I know I'm a bit of a wimp when I know it's going to hurt. Mia if you're reading - well done and Jo says I have to make you do it this Thursday...so be warned!!! Well after 3 hours in the studio - it wasn't over for me as I was back in teaching Saturday night. By the time I got home and put my feet up I think I was well deserving of that glass (well rather big glass)of red wine. A little indulgence while I gossiped to my friend Julia for nearly 2 hours - the only reason I stopped was my battery went flat!
Sunday was more relaxing. I didn't get to see my Mum as she is some 260 miles away so I had sent her a present and some roses which are her favourite flowers so she was chuffed when I spoke with her on the phone. My brother was spending the evening with her and she was seeing a friend in the afternoon so she was kept busy and spoilt. For those of you wondering my Mum is doing really well since we lost Dad in November last year and I'm really proud of her. She's been socialising with her friends more and she's even booked a 2 week holiday in June to Tenerife. It's still quite raw for her and she doesn't sleep much but she knows she has to move on as that is what Dad wanted. Love you Mum. xxx
Well Steve and I enjoyed a lovely lunch with his Mum and his family at Zucca's - for a set menu the food was rather good. We then took a stroll into town and bought a DVD to watch with his kids that evening as they were staying with us. Dinner was from the curry man that night so really indulged on Sunday - good job I put in all those hours on Saturday!
I had a crap night sleep last night so was pretty tired when I woke up but as the day progressed I felt ok and was ready and looking forward to my class in Exeter. Hello to our two new students Amanda and Tahnee - what a fantastic achievement for their first night. We worked more on arms tonight so I know you will all be aching tomorrow. I will see you all again next week and just an advance warning but we won't be holding a class on Easter Monday as Sweat & Stretch will be shut. I'll teaching my regular Thursday night in the Plymouth studio and anything else Sam sends my way!!!
Enjoy your week and see you all soon

xxxx