Cheng Ming Tai Chi

Tai Chi has been part of my life for nearly 5years now. Initially I took it up to support my body with Fibromyalgia, then I got hooked and began to stand properly and breath better, and my overall health is in good nick. Then I began to see deeper layers in the practice which is firstly the 5 principles, next the form [100 moves] and so it goes, layer by layer. This deepening learning has led me to read Zen Body Being by Peter Ralston, and now to read deeply about Nicherin Buddhism, attend meetings and begin chanting, when I go to Melbourne in September to a Cheng Ming Tai Chi camp I will be admitted as an inner door student and commit to the practice moving to a deeper level.

Dress up parties to dress for success

Up to last year I was president of Dress for Success Northland. This charity supports women as they move to self-sufficiency by preparing them for and then supporting them in, employment.

Women come in all shapes and sizes both visually and in their heads; having an independant opinion about what looks good or great or terrible on you, is so very important when wishing and needing to make that first great impression.

On several occasions I gave presentations on DfS and its activities these were to community groups of all types. Without fail I would be approached at the end of my talk by people sorely needing this kind of service but ofcourse not meeting the criteria of this organisation.

On Sunday at the dress up party women of all shapes and sizes were able to get similar feedback, as well as be measured up for collection pieces that would fit the unique them. How great is that to feel at ease and confident in your appearance as you face your daily life.

A winter' sunday afternoon, a glass of bubbly, clothes and friends

Yesterday I invited a bunch of friends and their friends over to look at, play with, try on a winter range of clothes by a designer who used to work for David Pond. I put on bubbles, nibbles and tea and coffee. She presented her range and then we all hoed in to the clothes. The great thing was people could get an immediate reaction on how they looked, the designer could take down adjustments that needed doing and finally if one didn't want to buy, one didn't have to, just enjoy the afternoon, and with a warm fire burning. Ages ranged from 24 to 84 and we all had a great time. So now I will do one in the spring.