Summer . . . and Romance . . . in the Air . . .

Hello, dear readers!

If you're in Toronto this Victoria Day weekend, you will understand the title of this post. It is absolutely glorious outside! It is true that Saturday was a little on the gloomy/wet side, but Sunday has certainly made up for it! Everything and everyone--flowers, birds, dogs, people--is dancing for joy and wanting to share it!

To illustrate, I'd like to share a wonderful moment with you. Today Allan and I went to a lovely brunch, browsed (and, in my case, bought!) at a garage sale, and then decided we just couldn't spend any time indoors this afternoon. We ended up on the banks of the Humber River, by the Old Mill. I spread out the car blanket and spent a glorious hour immersed in a new book (courtesy of the garage sale), while Allan wandered and shot pictures. When he rejoined me, we decided to head home to make a light dinner and play Scrabble. He was still busy with his tripod and I was hastily snatching up the rest of the chapter I was on when a woman who was strolling by stopped, looked at us, and asked us if we would like her to take our picture. Allan thanked her and told her he didn't have the right lens in for portraits, and she smiled and said, " I just thought I'd ask because you two look so romantic!" She wished us a great afternoon, and I just couldn't stop smiling. What a lovely thing to say! I kept wondering what she saw through her own lens--a reflection of something in her own mind, perhaps? Where was she going, or who was she going to? Ah, summer . . . and love!!!!!!

Have you ever had a moment that just made you stop and smile at the loveliness of some days? Please write and share!

A Day of Dance, A Day of Joy!

Hello, dear readers!

It's been too, too long since I last sat down to talk to you. April was a busy month for me--some new clients, a trip to Quebec City with my hubby, Allan, and some starts on spring cleaning--and I can't yet say "ends" because I still have so much to do at home!

I'm also taking care to "spring clean" myself to get ready for a busy and active summer--which, for me, means lots of biking, walking and dancing! So, new short haircut, lighter foods, plenty of liquids, and as much movement as possible!

Some of you may know that I am head over heels in love with a form of joyful movement called Nia. You can learn more about this amazing form of exercise by visiting my teacher's website:

http://www.jennhicks.ca/ Jenn is a passionate and inspiring teacher who makes me want to learn more and more every time I dance with her!

Some of you may also know that this past Saturday I had the pleasure of performing with Jenn at International Dance Day at Yonge-Dundas Square. Those 20 minutes onstage were exhilarating and reminded me that 1) I have always had, and will always have, a passion for showing people what I love and 2) everyone has dance in them. We were men and women of all ages, sizes and backgrounds, dancing our spirits crazy that day! For those of you who weren't able to attend, I've posted a link to some of our most powerful pics, taken by my very talented husband, Allan! Here's the link: www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=430029&id=813005153&l=19d07031fd

What gives you joy? What makes you want to dance? Tell us! Or, if you're looking for something new, check out Nia classes near you! Jenn's website will give you tons of valuable info about Nia. I'll keep you posted on Nia news as well! Happy walking, dancing, cycling . . . and moving!