Serious Fun! Cortijo Romero July 18-25

What a super experience and to think I decided to go on the spur of the moment just because the price was right....it had been reduced because there were not enough takers! How rewarding it was to have Kinny Gardner as our leader. He has such a distinguished career in classical and modern dance, opera and the theatre. Just look at his website www.krazykattheatre.co.uk. That's impressive but what is even better is that this highly talented man is so generous with his sources and time and is sensitive, caring and approachable.

There were 18 of us on the course....18 very interesting and easy to be with folk. I was the eldest aged 64 but some seem to be in their twenties and all ages up to mine.

Cortijo Romero is a beautiful venue and so well run by excellent friendly and experienced staff. The timetable while forming a structure for the running of the place is flexible and because each of the participants can opt in or out of anything at anytime it runs smoothly.

I took part in the yoga lessons at 8.30 on the roof each morning and also the Spanish lessons after breakfast most mornings. Although I have never been in such heat I was able to keep to the shade and enjoy the swimming pool in the late afternoons. I had a super massage too from Brenda Blade. The vegetarian meals were so tasty and varied and fruit was in abundance.

I can't believe I danced and clowned around so much. I blame Kinny for that. "Shall we? Let's" What an invitation!I really miss the group now and try to explain to others just how wonderful it all was. Where did all these friends appear from? Did it all really happen. I will keep an eye out for Kinny Gardner's performances from now on.

Talks about my autobiography

I have been so busy going to different venues talking about my autobiography 'Dropping the Habit' that I have forgotten to blog! It has been such a rewarding experience and so varied too. From speaking to ladies in the Guild of St Helena in Sandhurst to travelling up to the Irish Women in Birmingham and going to the various Womens' Institute groups...... it has all been enriching and rewarding. Why? Because I am always made to feel so welcome and people seem to be genuinely interested in the very different type of life I led from the age of 14 to 47. 32 years in the convent is half my life now. Is it any wonder that I was thoroughly institutionalised. I suppose the greatest loss I experience is that I never formed close relationships with my immediate family. Because they have lived their own lives for so long they seem to forget that I am the eldest and sometimes need to be included. Still, I am fortunate in having opportunities now that I thought I would never have had.