If you want to find other blogs of interest and read fun, uplifting and positive things that are happening in the world, head on other to Trent‘s collection of Weekly Smiles.
Because…….
We all need good news stories at the moment. Right?
This week I joined in on a free Qi Gong Exercise class on the beach at sunrise. This group practises every day at the same time, and the best part is that it is totally free. No strings attached, no hidden agenda, just a wish to have a community activity that would include and welcome all.
It started with a few ladies who were going through Breast Cancer rehabilitation and has grown to include a dedicated group of instructors and attendees. The oldest is 88 years old and is an instructor on the weekend. She pulls in the bigger crowds. She is inspirational and takes me to task, in a gentle way, if I am not doing the exercise correctly.
And although it is gentle – meditative almost, I feel it in my gluteal muscles the next day! So it has to be doing something.
And I am still smiling.
The other surprise I had was to receive a generous gift of aromatherapy lotions and creams from Utama Spice in Bali. This is the first free gift I have ever received as a blogger so it certainly made me smile. It was the perfect timing as I was just writing about lavender at the Home by the Sea, recently.
Nice🥰✌🏻
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Yes. It’s always fun to have things to be grateful for. Thanks for stopping by.
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Beautiful
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Thanks so much. Very kind of you to say so.
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My lavender is something to smile about. I planted a couple of small ones six months ago after I moved into my new place. They are now flowering profusely and the bees are wise to it. Dozens of them hovering around the flowers. I feel like getting a beehive. I wonder what lavender honey tastes like?
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I think it would be delicious, Gerard. It might have an aroma as opposed to a taste. And don’t forget to propagate some cuttings under plastic, after the plants flower.
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Good to hear about the beach group and the smiling face you have after recieving your lovely present. Enjoy every moment of it.
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Thank you, Ineke. It was exciting to think someone would be kind enough to do that.
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The beach group is a great idea. Lovely gift basket.
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The beach group is awesome, Peggy. The instructors and participants all very dedicated.
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LeggyPeggy, you have one of the best usernames. Keith
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I smile when I read her username.
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It’s so lovely to read about a community exercise class that focuses purely just on health of everyone! Enjoy your gift basket!
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Thank you.
Yes, I think I have been very lucky finding them. It is so nice not having to pfaff with money and fees. We just join in because we love it and want to keep moving.
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Sounds great. When I run by the beach in the morning I see people getting ready for a class. I am not sure if it is Yoga or Qi Gong or something else. I assume Yoga, which is very popular, but don’t know. There are days when quite a few people show up. Sounds like you have a found a great group for some early morning exercise.
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Yes indeed, Trent. I think I am fortunate to have it close by. I do have to get in the car to get there as it is just over 2 km but it is worth it. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about. Keep up the weekly smiles and enjoy your time at the Cape.
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The ocean is about 2 km away for me, but I am almost on a tidal river, and 2 km is close when my morning run is about 9 km…
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I wish I could run or jog that distance, Trent. Sadly, brisk walking is my limit now.
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Two thumbs up on the exercise group and free gift. Please enjoy. I grew up about ten miles from the beach in Florida. I so miss the ability to see the ocean with some regularity, now that I live four hours inland. Exercising with sea breezes and scenery would be marvelous. Thanks for sharing, Keith
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Thanks Keith. I think the salt air is so good for my lungs and exercising as well. Plus there is the bonus of seeing and hearing the whoosh of the waves meet the shore and the sunrise glistening over the water. That is fantastic to wake up to. You must miss Florida a lot. Could you move back there someday, after Covid finishes of course.
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A most enjoyable read – free exercise group – oldest member (88) impressive – checked out and now follow your friend. Thanks for sharing your ‘smile’ experiences! 🙂
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Thanks Jacqui and I am glad you found Trent. It is nice to spread some positivity. The 88 year old is incredible. So energetic for her age.
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Qigong my look simple, but it is quite complex. I bet you feel your muscles. 😀 😀
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I do, Cee! And it is quite deceptive, in the same way as Pilates. You don’t feel or look like you are doing much but you are always moving in a slow and controlled way. I do like it.
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Here is a link with some short healing or immune supporting qigong routines from my teacher. She saved my life a few years back.https://www.linggui.org/seven-day-qi-prescription-by-master-liu-he/
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Oh thanks so much, Cee. That is great. I will definitely take a look at that.
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I’ve had 2 gifts over the years. The most treasured, an old travel book, and prior to that a lovely body lotion. 🙂 🙂 My Saturday t’ai chi class is free but I suspect it will be reverting to Zoom as we have a restriction of numbers to 5 in effect from today 😦
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A travel book sounds just like THE perfect gift.
I have tried Tai Chi a number of years ago. It is great. My very first Yoga teacher also practised it. How long have you been doing it?
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T’ai chi, about 10 years, I think. I used to regularly do some on my own every other day when I first came out here but it’s fallen by the wayside a little. 🙂
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That happens so easily, Jo. I have to discipline myself to keep away from the keyboard in the morning or else I am there for hours.
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So you keep participation until evenings? I would struggle to keep up on that basis alone. I know… there’s more to life than blogging 🙂
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That is the aim, Jo, but I rarely do it. It is now 7.11am and I just checked the computer while the dogs were eating their breakfast. Normally I would do my morning yoga stretches and take them for a walk first, at the very least. Blogging can be life consuming if we wanted it to be.
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For sure. I like to think I run the blog but it could be the other way round. But I have plenty of time for the things I want to do. Have a good day, Amanda 🤗💕💕
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It is so addictive. Friendly people like you make it so. A nice kind of addiction, I think. Enjoy your evening, Jo.
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Lovely! You will be able to pamper yourself even more now!
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Maybe so, Marion. I was tickled pink.
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I love exercising out of doors (I haven’t been to a gym in ages). Fortunately, we have several groups in the area that meet by the ocean or bay. Fresh air and physical movement… the best!
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I am so glad to hear that you like the outdoors kind of exercise Janis. Why go to a sweaty smelly gym full of tinea! Lol. It is quite invigorating being out in nature, and a lot better to breathe fresh air than recycled air.
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your blog is amazing!
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You are the first person to describe my blog as that. But hey thanks ever so much! Where in the world are you situated?
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A wonderful range of things to make you smile. Always lovely to receive a free gift from a blogger.
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Yes it was lovely to be surprised with a free gift basket. Has this happened to you, Laurie?
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Yes, I have won several lovely things from blogging friends. What a treat! Also, I’m going to be offering my own giveaway soon, so stay tuned. Who knows? You might win again.
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Oh – that sounds very exciting, Laurie.
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Stay tuned! Soon.
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Nice read
Lucky that there is somebody ready to motivate.
Otherwise it’s a mediocre life.
One must also self congratulate for making it a point to join the community and take part in its activities.
One is pleasantly surprised when things are not just free,even augmented with freebies.
This is the community spirit which is lacking in most part of the world.
Thank you
Have a great Sunday 😊
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I love that community spirit and especially if it grows and grows spreading far and wide.
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True.
Not much community activity this part of the world
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Oh I am sorry to hear that. Why do you think that is? (You are in India? Is that right?)
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Right now because of Covid
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Ah yes, of course. It would be even more difficult to garner community spirit. I do hope it is not in your area?
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People are a bit cautious and we are not sure about the 2nd wave which is supposed to hit in November
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STay safe.
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Thank you Amanda.You too take care stay safe
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That early morning beach routine sounds wonderful! I bet you feel so good after it, even with the glut thing going on…right?
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Oh yes, I was there again this morning. On the beach exercising with the QiGong group. Fantastic. It certainly makes the exercise go easier when you have something beautiful to gaze upon. Makes me forget about those glutes! Are you near the beach Dawn?
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No, though I live in Michigan so I’m within 4 hours of a Great Lake in pretty much any direction I drive.
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