Thursday 29 October 2009

'Paris In Autumn'


Well here it is - my favourite picture that I was talking about during my last post.

Of course it may not be everyones cup-of-tea, however I love it as it captures the essence of 'Paris In Autumn.'



What do you think? - Don't be shy, let me know your thoughts!

Saturday 24 October 2009

Special Occasions



If you're a regular visitor to this blog you'll have noticed that my family like to celebrate our 'special occasions' in style.

Ali and I decided that we wanted to give our son Jason, something memorable to celebrate his 21st birthday, something that he'd never forget.

So last Tuesday (2oth Oct) we travelled from Ebbsfleet International to Paris, through the Channel Tunnel by Eurostar. Two hours after boarding our train we arrived in the French capital and I have to say this was one of the most stress-free ways to reach Europe.

We stayed in a very impressive hotel in the Madeleine district of Paris (not too far from the famous Champs Elysees.) With many bars and restaurants in the vicinity, as well as all the designer shops for the girls.

Of course no trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the many famous sites including The Louvre when it rained and the Eiffel Tower when it was particularly sunny.

Having been to Paris before in the springtime, I must say that visiting Paris in Autumn was a truly magical experience.

Many artist's, poets, musicians and writers have been inspired by the beauty and elegance that Paris holds and I know Jason will hold a fond memory of this most marvellous city, hopefuly for many years to come.

Saturday 17 October 2009

Therapeutic Leaf Raking


Is it just me or do other people find leaf-raking therapeutic?

Most of this afternoon I've spent clearing leaves from my garden. I know it's a meaningless task because tomorrow and the next day after that there will be another load back on the ground again.

While I'm raking away - my thoughts wander off and it's almost like a mind-cleansing exercise, ridding myself of any concerns or worries that maybe hovering around in my head.

Admittedly I also have a leaf blower/sucker to assist me with the job, however much of the job is completed with good-old fashioned rake.

So for now - just in this small period of time, the garden looks well groomed and my mind is feeling rather clear as well.


Job well done!!

Friday 16 October 2009

I've been thinking!

Where would I like to travel to celebrate my 50th Birthday? That's the big question that I've recently been asking myself.

I've a couple of places in mind already, but if anyone has any further suggestions I would love to hear them.

My two places of choice so far;

1/ To walk along the great wall of China




2/ To take a train ride through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.




I know this all sounds a bit epic - never mind, hopefully there will be other ideas as well.

Wednesday 14 October 2009

'Bangers & Mash'


Alison, Jason and I went out for lunch yesterday to our local pub / retuarant, normally Alison and I order a large salad, which I must say is always well prepared and quite substantial.

However yesterday was different as Alison and I ordered good old fashioned 'Bangers & Mash' - what a delight to have something a little more traditional, just like when we were kid's.

Jason (my son) on the other hand ordered the ham salad - Youngsters today eating salads - whats the world coming too?

Monday 12 October 2009

How am I doing?


Regular visitors to this blog may be wondering, how my eating and training regime is currently going?

After taking a week off from any physical activity I must add that I'm feeling in an incredibly good space, although I'm still experiencing some discomfort and stiffness in my lower back.

My eating habits have become, shall we say less intense. For instance although I'm still using my 'juicer' I'm not quite so obsessed with trying to follow a totally alkaline diet.
I still regularly enjoy a class of wine or a beer from time-to-time and recently tried out some incredibly good food while in Italy.

My philosophy has changed slightly, I'll eat what I feel is good for me at the time and then apply moderation to all other things like alcohol and sweet things. In fact I discovered that you can't visit somewhere like Italy without tasting the locally produced wine and and the fantastic ice cream that's on offer on most street corners.

I understand that being in a stressful environment, as well as worrying about what you eat or don't eat can be more damaging to your health than the actual food that you consume - of course moderation is still the key word.

Not only have I taken the time to 'smell the roses', but I've also taken the time to 'taste the wine' as well.

Isn't life good!!

Friday 9 October 2009

Back Ache Continued

It's been five days now and my lower back pain is slowly improving. I have done little exercise this week and have rested-up.

It's good for me to be reminded of the discomfort and its a sure indication that I've been overdoing things since returning home from my holiday.

I do sympathise for anyone who is also currently suffering with back discomfort, at least I know that the cause of mine is stress related and I also know how to treat myself. -

With rest and relaxation!

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Backache


After a rather busy weekend my body is now telling me to slow down. In fact I'm having too, as I'm experiencing pain in my lower back and the surrounding muscles.

In the past I have treated many people (with Shiatsu) who have suffered with lower back problems and there seems to be a definite connection between the onset of back pain due to extensive physical activity, as well as continuous mental stress.

Well I suppose I really need to address my own situation and take some rest. After looking what I had written in my last post it's not surprising that I'm suffering today.

If I rest and relax a little within a couple of days I know everything will be back to normal.

'Healer - Heal Thy Self''

Friday 2 October 2009

Back Home



It's been over a week since we've returned home from our holiday in Italy and it's back into the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I always love coming back home again after a holiday, but my life seems to have returned to a pace of over a hundred miles an hour.

Thankfully my business is going well when so many others are discovering challenging times and my health and mental state are also in a good place.

However I can't just help reflecting back to the Tuscan Hills where I discovered peace and tranquility and literally had time to just stop and think.

Oh well I must go.......so much to do.