Well this weather is somewhat inclement. While my geraniums are struggling to hold up their jaunty heads, my hydrangeas are positively euphoric. Still on a hosepipe ban so I guess no topping up the paddling pool. 

This week I have started listening to Ryan Turbridy again on Virgin radio. Having seen him interviewing at Carfest, it reminded me how much I enjoy his gentle Irish banter and dry humour. 

I remember listening to his first show when he moved over to Virgin Radio and a story he told from a conversation he had with Sinead O’Connor shortly before she died. She told him that occasionally we all need to get mugged by God in a hoodie. Ryan said that this needed more explaining and then duly went on to share with us. Picture this - someone runs up from behind you and pushes you to the ground or punches you, and takes your phone or your bag and runs off and a few feet away, they stop and look back and take down their hood. They smile at you and you realise that it is God or someone really kind and lovely and they say “you needed that!” - a bit of a rock and roll blessing in disguise. Getting mugged by God in a hoodie. If you would prefer his explanation, you can find it on You Tube. 

September is my January. I don’t know about you but when it comes to a reset, a few goals, plans and so on, January just doesn’t hack it. It is still dark, the post Christmas blues are hanging around as we have probably eaten too much and moved too little. The days are short, the credit card bills are dropping on the mat… who feels motivated to set new goals during this?!

September is a far more appropriate time. It is the start of the new school year and if it works for the education system, it works for me. 

It is great to have a break from routine and structure but if you are anything like me, you are ready to get back to some normality and a bit of a timetable. I always crave a break from the timbale of life but I know for me, it doesn’t do to wander too far from the path and I am definitely looking forward to a busy and active Autumn and with the ongoing monsoon, plenty of time back indoors to tidy up, sort out and yes, to reset as boy o boy, do we have a busy Autumn here online… 

LIBRARY NEWS. I will be recording some new content to add to our library and plan on some more basic Pilates and also some new Snack Bar classes. You have already been notified about the new collection for the upcoming strength classes. 

 I will be removing the “Monthly Challenges” collection in due course (Sept is in the library). It is good to try these things and see what takes off and what gets less interest so that I know where to put my energy and time but as this has had little response, I will give my time to new plans. 

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO LIFTING WEIGHTS. 

You will have read my email about our upcoming new classes - this is open to everyone. Members - please find details in your library and please invite anyone you know who has been thinking about lifting weights - £19.99 for 4 classes plus recordings to keep. 

Clare’s classes. 
As some of you may know, our lovely Clare has got to go for some surgery so from the end of September you will have to put up with me on Wednesdays for a while, as we wish Clare a very swift and full recovery. There may be the occasional guest appearance too, so watch this space and as always, updates in your calendar. We will be very pleased to see Clare return but only once she has had the necessary recovery and not a moment before. 

What next?

We have three more adventures to end our busy year. On 15th we are heading to the Isle of Wight (fully booked) and on October 28th I have booked our very own, private Ghost tour in Lymington (more of that in a couple of weeks) and of course, our favourite - our wonderful Christmas lunch which, this year is on the earlier date of Wednesday 26th November at Steffs Kitchen in Beaulieu at 12.30- again details to follow but please put the date in your diary. 

I am already planning our October teatime talk but very much hope to see you next WEDNESDAY at 7pm for this month’s guest.