One week on

I try not to leave it a week between posts, but the last seven days have been a bit of a blur, what with household admin and chores, trying to earn a living and, you know, stuff. I did a bit of extra teaching last week, which took a big chunk of my time and rehearsals for a performance this Friday are picking up. Have I told you about this? Can't remember: more anon.

Anyway, there were a couple of happy publication results last week. I have an article in the current issue of Country Smallholding and I've had a short story accepted by You magazine. This latter is particularly pleasing, as it's been with them nearly a year! I also had a productive meeting with the publisher I'm working with on my yoga book.

I had a good day on Saturday at a yoga workshop (details here), then on Sunday I was privileged to be a judge at the Performance Awards of the Open Stage Performing Arts Company in Northampton. Students from age three to adult took part in dancing, singing and drama. The drama students performed monologues, which as you know are dear to my heart. It was a lovely do, and I came home with a splendid goody-bag that included the items above - and some chocolate that is no longer available to be photographed.

I wonder what this week will bring?

Please welcome the judges!

It was real privilege to be a judge at the Open Stage Performing Arts Company Performance Awards today, where I was one of a panel of three sitting in awe of the talent of children from under five years old to 16 and adults, too, dancing, singing and performing dramatic monologues. Rachael, the wonderful woman behind the company, is doing a Good Thing here and has created a place with such warmth and creativity that it would be a cold heart that wasn't moved - and yes, there was one singer who brought a lump to our throats with his fabulous performance.

In her opening remarks, Rachael said that one of the aims of the organisation is to create 'brave people who can be brave for the rest of the lives' and that Open Stage is a bubble of creativity that can spread out into the world. All I can say is that I came home inspired.

The photo shows a selection from my judge's goodie bag (there was also some chocolate, but it wasn't available when this picture was taken). I was particularly pleased with the wand! And the red rose? That came from Exotic Dining who served us a lovely meal last night and who always give the ladies a rose on their way out. Nice touch.