The life list so far: 7 months in

Original photo collage was here. I've added a few experiences since. Exactly seven months today: March 1 to October 1.

Click on the image for a closer look. Clockwise from top left (months are first encounters, but not necessarily last):

• budgie-hooping (circus aerial hooping) (March)
• Go Ape circuit (April)
• scuba try-dive (April)
• indoor climbing (March)
• snorkelling with seals (September)
• cycling (April)
• Nordic walking (September)
• spend a night under canvas (May)
• walk 15 miles (September)
• open water swimming (May)

Plenty more to come...

Budgie-hooping: loving it

As promised, I haven't posted about all my sessions - as my Circus Aerial Hooping is here to stay, rather than being a tick on the life-list. However, the occasional update will still sneak in...

This was my eleventh session. I was a bit apprehensive as it had been three weeks since the previous one (due to my own holiday and before that to the instructor's), so I knew I'd be out of practice. However, I was so pleased that I am still holding my own.

Much to my surprise, I am now managing to get into the hoop (most of the time) with minimal assistance from Jo & Dawn, and even to get up with a jump rather than 'stepping' (which is only possible when the hoop is low enough for that anyway). That seemed like an impossible dream when I started back in March.

Today's new pose was this one (the Gazelle, I think). Not as scary as I thought it would be!

I realised, as I walked back to the car park, that these sessions give me an incredible 'mood boost'. I mean, ANY exercise does that - scientific fact. But there's something about this activity - unusual, challenging, inclusive, joyful and a little crazy - that is really special. The folks that I work with are at a variety of different levels and standards, and we all encourage each other. And Jo & Dawn continue to be fabulous, patient tutors.

Long live the budgies.

The life list so far

Just over two months in (1 March to 2 May) and here's a quick collage...

Budgie-hooping: getting there

This activity looks set to become a regular thing, so I promise not to bore with every single darn session. However, this one was particularly notable. Session 5, and I finally manage to get into the hoop - just - without standing on the instructor; and once again (with continuing help!) did the splits in mid-air underneath the hoop.

My core strength is still pitiful and needs loads of work, and graceful I am not; but I'm mighty proud of how far I have come.

More budgie-hooping

Definitely want to master this one. Session 2 took place on 8 March, session 3 a fortnight later on 22 March. No photos of #2, but I was pretty proud of two things: one that I managed (just) to get into the hoop alone when using a jump sideways to the hoop (as opposed to facing the circle, which I haven't managed yet); and that I succeeded in doing the splits while hanging 'long-arm' beneath the hoop. More bruises, of course, but that's an occupational hazard!

Session #3 saw some more progress, and managing a 'man-in-the-moon' pose within the hoop.

The poses once I'm up there don't spook me too much, and I think that a bit of my childhood ballet training comes in useful there. However, the psychology of getting yourself upside down with all the limbs in the right place defeats me so far. I'll keep trying!

Still loads of lovely encouragement from the wonderful Jo and Dawn, and from the various and highly talented youngsters who have shared the sessions with us. An amazing combination of fun, new experience and a wonderful all-round workout. Highly recommended.

Budgie-hooping

No, that's not what it's really called; that's the daft nickname from my sensational friend Tasha, aka Natalya Umanska - burlesque performer extraordinaire, and the sexiest broad on the planet. She and some other Norwich-based friends have trained with the inspiring Jo at the Norwich Circus Hub - if you're on Facebook, you'll find her here.

Prime among those friends is the gorgeous Dawn, long-term friend via the Maddermarket Theatre, performer in a production of my own in 2015 (Cowardy Custard), and an increasingly and stunningly accomplished circus hooper. I've seen some of her routines, and the grace and elegance - not to mention strength and control - is truly inspiring. When my best friend Dorothy suggested that I look at this activity as part of my bucket list, Dawn was delighted to help me out.

My first session was on 1 March. Joanne, the course leader, is unfailingly patient and encouraging; Dawn assists her with the 'beginners' courses. During that session, despite being unable to get into the hoop without a 'leg up' (standing on Jo's thigh to give  me the necessary leverage!), I was still proud to manage a couple of poses that looked passably elegant:

and one that was possibly less so:

I quickly realised that this 'bucket list' activity is likely to turn into a regular enthusiasm. The challenge of strength, toning and poise is exactly what I need to add to my exercise activities, working on core muscles; the class is fun and challenging in equal measure; the participants, no matter how experienced (all those I've met so far are pretty damn good) are patient and encouraging. Watch this space.