Came home from a great day at work.  Walked through the park and sat on a bench to ‘reflect and debreif’ change from work Lauretta to simply ‘me’.  I have taken up walking as a way of getting fitter.  Unbenownst to me when I first started I have reaped many other benefits such as meeting many people/people talking to me seeing a great number of places and buildings.  Walking lifts my mood and offers me a chance to reflect and pause.  Some people have mentioned I look as if I have lost weight.

Hey – I did not expect all of that – but I really am enjoying myself.  Feeling low – give it a go! I recommend it.

Lauretta

I have just come in.  I went to the ‘Sunday Seranade’a reggae dance in the Stonebridge Centre, West London populated by mature people.  A real hole-in-the-wall.  The music – reggae, perhaps an old soul record or two and tonight there was maybe five bursts of calypso/soca music.  Let me share with you - what is so great about the evening. 

The venue – a community hall nice ‘n’ simple.  The charge – £5.00 – for real! Bargain! Drinks cheap. The people - mum and dad’s age –  some mature men (something for the ladies) some nice brothers and pretty ladies.  The dress code well here goes I saw a couple of ladies in ’fur’ coats one probably coney eighties style and another bolero style over and what looked like a short ballroom gown and her gentleman had a beige suit and two toned shoes – do you get the look  – they looked great and danced really well together.  Another lady in a shimmery all in one looking fine dancing on her own all night definitely looking good – feelin’ great.  Another lady in a short cocktail dress perhaps nearly sixty years old nice legs and a good mover.  A few men in their light brown/cream/ beige suits and ties, a few dreads some young men in jeans and a few teenagers.  A mixed bag.  Remind you of anything? 

For me the scene is reminiscent of the family parties or dances I used to go to.  You-know when mum and dad BOTH used to PULL YOU to dance and you HAD TO so arms up and half dragged you learned to step to those old reggae tunes.  Mum and dad were proud – you were embarrassed.  I loved it - what a great place to be – friendly people and happy faces.

The evening is run by HAWKEYE and DADDY ERNIE - a great reggae DJ.  I spoke to Ernie afterwards he was looking fine he looked dapper and I noticed a tan.  He said he has just spent five days in Spain working at a BEENIE MAN concert.  Oh the life!  Ernie is such a nice guy – consistent always polite. 

I came home and sat down ad reflected on the great evening I had with my friends.  I danced and dancing helped shift me from the ‘funk’ I was in earlier this week it felt good and let the music move me.  I really enjoyed myself.  I went to the dance with my friend and her cousin who is returning ‘home’ to Jamaica on Wednesday.  I wish her all the best – I just met her but really loved her she was a great woman.

So having taken in the evening I stumble in to bed and look forward to having sweet dreams.  After all tomorrow is another day.

Lauretta x

I had a great day today.  I visited my old work place as a  collegue was leaving she was having her first child ahhh it’s all so lovely and I am happy for her.  I went in to see her off.  I finished my contract last month and I had not been in to see my work pals as I sometimes worked from home.  When I popped in to her leaving do they surprised me with a leaving present I was so chuffed.  You know what I really loved about where I worked in the voluntary sector - the team was very supportive, fun and hard working.  It was a pleasure to work with such enthusiastic dedicated people.  My boss the Chief Executive Julia was a great mentor and role model.  I will miss them.  They told me not to stay away to long. Sweet.

Following this most enjoyable visit I went to see DIANE and her three lovely children. It has been so long and oh my have they grown.  We talked, laughed and messed around.  Diane’s talented daughter wrote some poetry – sonnets – I read them out loud and her son played the African drums we enjoyed it so much we laughed until we nearly cried.  I had forgotten what it was like to be around a family messin’ around havin’ fun.  I was reminded of my childhood and the games I used to play with my brothers and sister.  I say good on you Diane your children are beautiful – you done good girl – I felt welcomed in the house of fun and left with a smile.

Lauretta x