Australian Ballet adventure

In July, Brid was given the opportunity to attend a Winter school with the Australian Ballet. As Dermot was working, my parents booked an apartment,2 doors away from the Australian Ballet. We all stayed together, it was a really nice to share this experience with Mum and Dad.
Every morning Dad and I would drop Brid at the Ballet studio and we would discover some area of Melbourne.
My Mum has not been well for a while with aches and pains, so we only wanted to be gone for a few hours each day..
We caught the tram to St kilda, to Richmond walked the CBD and Southbank..It was really nice having a few days to be with my Dad. He said he enjoyed sharing this time together with me. That was such a Blessing.
The only downside was Brid hurt her calf and she needed to ice after exercise and heat the muscle to cool down..This was her only regret, apart from that it was an amazing experience for her.
To celebrate her efforts that week, I took Mum Dad and Brid to a little Italian restaurant around the corner. yummy food and wine for us all. Oh and a milkshake for Brid.
I had made an appointment the following day for Brid to see a pointe shoe fitter at Bloch- Southbank. Oh, and use her discount card..!!! We were not expecting to find any Pointe  shoes. She was happy with her Russian Pointes. Within 15 minutes we had found a pair of pointe shoes that fitted so well. She really liked them, so we purchased them. I was quite surprised that she didn't ask for any other item..  Straight after this we caught a Flight home. It was lovely to be at home and work out what we were going to do with her calf.
A few days later:
The Studio had entered the group into another festival, and as one or two girls were unable to make it, we needed a couple of fill ins..They needed to practice.
The day of the eisteddfod arrived and we were scheduled to be on stage at 10am. The troupe did very well, They didn't place, but that's the eisteddfod scene. They were in time, executed there steps well. they looked fantastic. Afterwards her dance teacher spoke to Brid and myself about calf. He wanted it sorted. That actually meant a week off. So a
I asked several Dancing mums who to see. What physiotherapist would be best. We already had an appointment at a Bowen therapist, but I was unsure if this was the correct treatment?????


  

Last part of 2013 in snapshot.

Well here I am again apologizing for not checking in.!!!
I 've tried to keep up with all our friends different posts on Blogger.

Its been totally mad around our home since last August.
I haven't been able to find the time to blog.
September saw Brid do her Ballet exam. She scored well and was awarded a Highly commended. The 2nd top result in the scoring system. She had a calf and shin injury, therefore, she couldn't do small or large jumps ( Petite and Grande Allegro).
We were ever so proud of her.
After the exam, we worked with a Bowen therapist to realign and correct connective tissue. Yep- You heard right. Amazing work.
This was a major success.
We holidayed in a little cottage 8.7 kms out of Dorrigo. Such a pretty and relaxing place. We walked, talked, lazed and reconnected with each other. Its been a very busy year.
Brid attended 2 eisteddfods following our holiday, she attained great results and danced her first modern expressive- choreographed by herself. Critiqued by her Jazz and contemporary teacher.
Once school holidays ended then began the hours of concert preparation. Brid says this is her favourite term. She loves learning new dances and assisting in choreographing.
somehow, between all this we fitted in school work. How I don't know. !!
We even managed a fortnightly Shakespeare gathering, reading and discussing Romeo & Juliet. This later turned into Art appreciation lessons with the same family. Loved the company and enjoyed the experience. It will happen again this year.
Meanwhile, We took it in turns to drive Brid to Ballet. We began car pooling with another family. That took off a little pressure.
I reconnected with several life long friends and family member after a sad incident in September. Its been lovely keeping in contact.
During all this busyness and mundane life, we purchased a puppy. She is adorable and much loved by us all.
The Christmas production Of Cinderella was drawing near and wow was it going to be good.
Brid was cast into 5 different dances, She was pumped and up for the challenge.
We tried to prepare our hearts and home for Christmas amongst all of this. It wasn't the most well prepared we could be, but we ket giving over every day and challenge to Our Lord.
Brid continued to attend Youth group and has some lovely friends and has enjoyed the company of the youth leaders.
We said goodbye to our Central coast Holiday house. Its being sold. So sad, the end of an era. Brids' been going there since before she was born.
Its been quite an emotional roller coaster of a journey for us all this year, learning hoe best to support Brid through several difficult peers at Ballet. She has made many good choices and learnt so much about herself, who her friends are and how Friends and family can be there to lift her spirits.
So that brings us mostly up to date with last year 2013.. Of course,  our faith was the underpinning of our reactions and the source of moral judgments.
Dermot and I celebrated 10 years for our computer company. That's quite an achievement in these days. We decided to give our clients a little hamper of things we liked. A useful box, wine and glasses, coffee and mugs, lovely tea, chocolates and assorted goodies all presented in cellophane and individually delivered to each of our clients. We chose every item ourselves and carefully wrapped it all. Brid helped by writing and printing the cards.
I'll share some more news soon.