Mother's Day.

Today being mother's day I thought it was the right time to comment on how amazing my mum is, I do think she is the best mum in the world but I may be biased and some of you may want to argue that fact. The fuschia picture shown left reminds me of my mum as she used to have many fuchsia varieties as well as occasionally paining them in watercolours too. I was thinking about what I wanted to say about my mum so I thought I would start by sharing a poem with you that she shared with me when I was about 10. The poem is called 'if a child' and was written by a lady called Amanda Cater (I may be mistaken on the name of the author so please feel free to correct me.):

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, He learns to find love in the world.

I was reminded of the poem when I dug out my autograph book, it brought back very happy memories of my childhood. I am very lucky to have such a supportive family and of course to have the best mum in the world. For those of you have had the pleasure of meeting my mum you will need no convincing about exactly how wonderful she is and for those of you who haven't I hope you can trust me on this one.

If you are wondering where the health and fitness content of this blog is then you need look no further, good health is certainly aided by happiness and my mum has ensured I have an abundance of it. Whilst I am in sentimental mood I would like to share two more poems with you, the first is from my Great grandpa who died just before his 100th birthday, he wrote this is my autograph book:

Charlie Bedbrook is my name, work my occupation, Plymouth is my dwelling place, England is my nation. When I am dead and in my grave and all my bones are rotten, pick up this book and think of me until I'm quite forgotten.

The last poem is from my Nan, I am unsure of it's origins but I love it's simplicity and the fact that it does what is intended:

Smile, Smile, Smile, it's well worth while:
For when you smile another smiles and smiles come quick in piles and piles
And soon there are miles and miles of smiles
And life's worht while when you smile, smile, smile.

Hope you are smiling too.

I am off to see my Mum and Nan this afternoon, just to spend bit of time with them. You will notice that my blog contains very few links today, that is due to the fact that when I did a google search on mother's day nearly all the links were commercial. I am not saying you should not treat your mum to something but I have the way people cash in on such occasions. Suddenly the bouquet of flowers you might have bought have doubled in price because it is Mother's day. I did take my mum out for lunch yesterday to the Arts Centre ( more on that later) and we had the pleasure of being joined by Amytree, we had had a successful trip to the Theatre Royal for the supposed final part of their costume sale - I bought several hats for Burlesque workshops as well as a lavish cravat for my husband. I also bumped into one of our students - Karen Westwood and her husband Graeme "Hi to both of you if you are reading and hope you managed to find what you were looking for!"

For any of you who haven't already heard about the events that took place on Friday night at Annabel's then please read Jo's blog for the full lowdown. Thanks to all the students and instructors who came out, I am sure everyone is in agreement that all the performances were fantastic and a great show of strength and grace. Also Thanks to Annabel for letting us use her venue and for being a great host as always. Pictures and videos to follow. Note to Sarah - "Hope you are feeling better and look forward to seeing you on Wednesday so we can add to your bruises x"

I am going to finish today's blog with a link that I have posted before but am still impressed by the beauty and honesty of the writing so for those of you that missed it here is the ultimate mother's day link - notes from nine months.

I hope you have a great Sunday, Stay Healthy,

Sam x

p.s. Thanks to my Husband for the fantastic massage he gave me this morning (this was a genuine sports massage - nothing saucy, that happened later.)