Lent day 3 : Yoga baby

The first time I remember meeting someone who practiced yoga was probably in the early nineties.

 Whilst studying college in Madrid, I was frequently invited to have dinner at the home of my friends Lara and Julieta.  Dinner at 'Casa Hernandez' was called 'El Sistema' (The system). Every evening they would have the same meal, an assortment of cured hams, chorizo, cheese, a magnificent salad and the most delicious fresh bread.

I sometimes dream (and drool) I could have a similar set up here in Ireland.

It was at these dinners that Santos, Lara and Julieta's dad, would amuse us with his newly acquired yoga skills.

(I could actually write several posts about Santos, who collected The Little Prince books in every single language / edition he could find and had the most diverse  library which covered many walls from floor to ceiling)

His demonstrations didn't include downward dog or sun salutations, he would entertain us with yoga exercises for the eyes! Fully controlled eye movements, which of course had us in stitches.

Despite the laughs, curiosity was triggered and I have tried yoga many times throughout the years but hadn't really embraced or enjoyed the experience. My head is/was too wired and distracted to sit still, focus and meditate or exercise.

Things have changed. I tried yoga again in 2011 and have become hooked. I think I'm more relaxed now and credit is really due to my teacher Dee who is just brilliant. 

I'm not sure what kind of yoga it is, it doesn't matter. I think it's some form of Vinyasa, or something like that. But what I do know is the last 10 minutes of the class, when the teacher asks us to wrap up and put our socks on, it's probably one of the highlights of my week.

I always bring along cashmere socks and my softest sweater,

and for a few moments I'm healed, and in heaven.

 (I always have links/credit for the pictures I post, but I had this one in my files without a reference. If you know who or where it's from, so I can credit it properly, please let me know)

Lent day 2: Scruffy happiness

As part of my 40 days of 'moan-less' lent

 I had to share with you one of my biggest sources of happiness, relief and distraction.

His name is Haggis....and yes I've been given out in numerous occasions why would I give him such a dreadful name. But I named him on an impulse, and it stayed!

He's a 5 year old very grumpy and attention seeking West Highland Terrier.

I was 4 years old the last time I had a pet, so I really had no idea what to expect. But working from home, he has been the best company and listener, even though I never get a response back...

probably a good thing!

I love Offset

Jessica Hische 

Run by Peter O’Dwyer, Bren Byrne and Richard Seabrooke (all creatives living and working in Dublin) OFFSET has become Dublin’s premier creative festival attracting speakers and visitors from all over the world.

In the 2 years since inception OFFSET has produced over 100 hours of presentations, workshops, debates, interviews and Q&A’s with some of the leading creatives in the world, several large scale gallery shows.

I missed the the previous one because it clashed with Paris Fashion Week, this time it's on between the 9th and 11th of March and I have my ticket booked weeks ago.

There are so many talks I look forward too, including Jessica Hische, who created the brilliantly funny (and true) artwork shown above.

iloveoffset

Lent: 40 days of happiness

I have decide to give up moaning for lent

40 days positng my favourite things

(sounds  'Oprahesque'...I may even give something away!!)

Hope you'll like them too

(I discovered this video when it was first shared by Peter O'Brien a few seasons ago)

The Reading Room

Image via AniGolightly

PIVOT Dublin’s exhibition will be happening in Filmbase Temple Bar

from the 1st to the 8th March.

 Included will be Visual Curiosities, Events, Lunch Time Conversations and a Reading Room.

To help complete the Reading Room PIVOT Dublin want you to lend them your favourite book 

 Your book will be on display for the duration of the exhibition alongside a host of other selections

I can't express how excited I am to be asked to be part of this exhibition. And I'm intrigued to see what books so many others have lent the exhibition.

If you'd like to be part of this you can drop off your book, post it or courier it for the attention of

Bob in Red&Grey Design, 32 Lennox Street, Portobello, Dublin 8 (no later than Thursday the 23rd)

If you have any other questions they're on Twitter

@Red&Grey Design