Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream. Paulo Coelho

After three days at a "wake" in Ireland I flew to Venice feeling tired and emotional. My husband had some work in the hills outside of the city, so I spent the first day and night alone, wandering the beautiful streets  of Venice ( its a very easy place to be alone in). We stayed in a fabulous hotel-Hotel bel sita a few minutes walk from piazza San Marco-a small friendly family run place-We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and went for what was supposed to have been a romantic meal-only to be served by the Italian version of Basil Fawlty.An impromptu evening at a Vivaldi concert felt like stepping back in time. The architecture, the food, the art, the gelato, the boats, the gallery's, the glass factory, all absolutely amazing.....bit crowed at times, but I can understand why everyone would want to see this ancient wonder.

This is a very useful clip for those who are working on the bind in this pose.

I was in Venice this weekend with my husband celebrating 19 years of marriage....busting an impromptu yoga pose under " the bridge of Sighs" & also nearly doing a knicker flash-still not a grown up :-)

It was seven years ago when Great Britain won the the chance to host the 2012 Olympic games- I remember being delighted- this delight faded the following day when the London bombings took place, and us Londoners were thrown into a dark period in time... London has been an amazing place to be during the 2012 Olympics, and whilst the sun didn't shine too much over the summer, the people definitely did. I had applied for tickets along side everyone else but didn't get anything....My daughter had a chance meeting on a London bus, with a complete stranger who was visiting from Ireland.  She and her husband had managed to get tickets to the Olympic tennis at The all England club in Wimbledon-They arrived in London with other family members and were so excited to be part of the 2012 games, when tragedy struck and her husband suffered a heart attack whilst on the platform of a London ...

I have just finished reading this book whilst on holiday. I found it a wonderful insight into the Dali Lama and Buddhism. It's written by a psychiatrist who has interviewed the Dalai Lama many times. The book is a combination of narrative by the author and extended quotes of the Dalai Lama's answers. The simplicity of many of his answers was so refreshing, and keeping life simple is key. His kindness and compassion to all philosophy is simple but effective. Forgiveness is also included ... I read this on my kindle and highlighted many things. I do not think you have to be religious or a Buddhist to enjoy this book, I would highly recommend this read, especially to those of us that sometimes need reminding to "keep it simple"

One the best things about being on holiday is being able to practice yoga at my leisure. The house is quiet, there are lots of beautiful locations to place my mat-my body warms up quicker so I feel less stiff, and my husband is around to assist me when necessary -so I get to practise much deeper back bends...he has taken to using a small hand towel just like my own teacher Nancy.... The other great thing is I get to practise 7th series yoga "big time". This series is said to be the most challenging of all the yoga practices and Sri Pattabhi Jois called family life 7th series.......I had a wonderful time with my family and friends...the youth of the household would arrive back from a night of clubbing ( scaling the fence), as I rolled my mat out. A number of trips to the airport including one where my son flew back to the UK to take an exam, and then flew back again to Ibiza. Late nights, cocktails, lazy days by the pool all wonderful...I wont go into the st...