Closing, and (re)opening doors

Yesterday was one of those days...
It started off with the challenge of pretty bad fatigue accompanied by pain. Inflammation of some sort? Anyway, the way brightened as it went its merry way.

Post arrived

I am still a great believer in the beauty of receiving post via the letterbox.
A letter accompanied by printed photos. Thanks Moira.

page from Hatched

And a letter with an appointment for the MRI. At last I have been given a landing slot and can stop circling the skies. It is even in time before my appointment to get the results from the neurologist. (I had appointment for result, but no date for test). Logic, it seems, has prevailed. Or perhaps the stern letter from my GP worked. Whatever the case, I have an appointment. I hope of course that is it 'just ME' or old age setting in, and not something else to scare me. But whatever comes up, it is already there. I just don't know a name for it.

Closing one door

To clear the way to follow my desire to teach again, as I wrote the other day I decided on closing one door, to be able to have energy to open another.
I would dearly like to find ways to facilitate puppet workshops with people and groups in them community. To reach out to people who could benefit from being involved in the creative process. The puppet project (and similar I had done, prior to illness, with teenagers in a group home) brought the value of this clearly into focus. As teaching would take a great deal of my energy, I decided that I can no longer go to the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) resource centre. (It is there where I facilitated the Life Outside the Box Puppetry project.) I have been going to the centre as a IWA member for a few years, but feel it is time to move on. It is not a place I can further grow. And teaching, I know, would be my one big event in the week, so I closed the IWA Resource Centre door today.

Opening a door to the past

As it happens, as life seem to happen in its peculiar ways, soon after I emailed my letter off to the IWA, a young woman from Finland made contact via Facebook. The name rang a bell... She and her friend were my students shortly before I became ill in 1998. They were about 17 at the time and stayed with me for a month to learn the art of doll making as part of their art college course in Finland. We did not have contact for at least 17 years.

So here I am, on a day when I make a firm commitment to myself to go back to teaching puppetry and Doll Art, in some shape or from, whatever is practical and workable, I hear from one of the last people I taught before illness changed my life. Sari did not become a Doll Artist, her friend Anna did. Sari sounded happy in life.

Opening new doors

So, whatever way this teaching will happen, I am ready to listen to the universe. I am ready to explore and be guided in how, and where I will continue my journey.

Our Puppet film on the RTE People's Angelus

A bit of exciting news. 

Nothing to do with hospitals!

Remember the Puppet project I facilitated? 
Well, a few months ago, before the screening of the Life Outside the Box  Film in Canada and Dungarvan Cinema our IWA group were reflecting on where to show the short film next.
One of the suggestions from Margaret Ann Foley was to ask RTE (our national broadcaster) if they would like to show it on the People's Angelus ...

The one minute daily reflective Angelus broadcast on RTÉ One is one of Ireland's longest-running programmes, having been aired daily at 6.00pm since the inception of RTÉ television in 1962.

Ireland has changed enormously over that time and the nature of the broadcasts has changed with it. They are now changing again. Since October 2015 New commissioned films create a reflective space for all in the peak-time schedule… In addition to these commissioned professional films, RTÉ One has designated one slot per week, on Fridays at 6pm, as The People’s Angelus slot

More about the People's Angelus

And you know what.
I contacted RTE's Roger Childs, Senior Production Executive, Genre Head of Religious Programmes RTE. I emailed a little bit of information, and the film. I received a Very Enthusiastic response that same day.

A few months have passed, with several edits to the film made, to fit it in a one minute slot, and add the Angelus (Bells) , but still try to tell our story of stepping out of the Disability Box.
Contracts and permission signed. And now...

THIS FRIDAY 2ND JUNE, 6 PM

OUR LIFE OUTSIDE THE BOX 

one minute version 

WILL MAKE IT ONTO 

NATIONAL TELEVISION!

So please tune in.

It will be included in a regular rota of People's Angelus submissions

every Friday, over the coming months. 

This Friday is probably the only Friday I am not in Ireland,
But please watch for me!

From this early start of the puppet project...

...to dancing outside the Disability Box! and onto national television

Thank you all who were involved in this project.
Members and Staff at the IWA.
Alan O'Callaghan of The Bootleg studios.
Roger Childs at RTE.
And all who supported us along the way.

* I have also been asked to talk about the project at the upcoming The Broken Puppet:  A Symposium on Puppetry, Disability, and Health. At UCC in August


What a journey!

(Most of this blog post was first published on the Puppet Blog, posted on Sunday 28th May)

Facilitating the Life Outside the Box Puppetry Project

I am Deeply humbles by the experience 

Followers of my blog on Facebook have seen announcements of the Life Outside the Box film screened in Canada and in Dungarvan Cinema, Shopping centre, Cheshire. and Puppet Blog. 

Last Friday saw the first screening at the Dungarvan Cinema. 

Our little film of the Big Screen! 

And Today is the Screening at the Festival in Canada! 

And on the Puppet Blog

The Life Outside the Box Puppetry Project came about when I started to attend the  Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) Dungarvan Resource Centre as a member in 2014. I was supported there with the making of my own sculptures, the first piece was Aerial. Staff and other members became aware of my work, and I was asked to facilitate the creation of a series of puppets and a puppet show. Being awarded the Create - Artist in the Community Scheme, funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, made this happen. The IWA staff gave us all the practical support we needed.

The puppetry project

We started thinking about the project in February 2015, after months of planning, looking for funding, and thinking what we might make, we got started for real in June 2015. We are a very diverse group of people of age and ability. As I know what their abilities, and challenges were, I adapted some of the tools, and looked at who could do which part of the project: Puppets, props, photography, writing... 

In order to keep my own well being in mind, I had to plan each week's class well in advance. But planning is something I enjoy doing.  During the week I would think about what the next step would be.  What I needed to design to make sure most of the participant would be able to do the next step.  My aim was that each member would do as much as possible themselves, and where needed ask support from each other. And only then ask the IWA staff for help when required. I had support staff too, which made is possible for me to teach again after a 17 year gap. All in all a very empowering experience.

Preparations- and making it work for me and my fellow members 

Every Saturday I do the preparations. Sunday I would have a complete rest day. Monday the IWA bus would pick me up to bring me to the Centre. Sometimes laden with puppet-body-parts, tools, fabric, or whatever else was needed for that day's session. 

Early on in the project I would come in and have help from staff to set up the room. But as there were days that tools, or materials were missing, I realized that this was draining my valuable energy. Energy I needed to teach. I got smart. I would email ahead of time with a list of what was needed the be ready on the table. That worked a dream. I could come in, have a cup of tea. Go to the room and mentally get ready for my group. 

The fun we had during this project,  I will never forget. 

The enthusiasm and hunger for exploring the next step of the process never ceased. 

I am deeply humbled by the experience.

Tuesday and Wednesday I'd barely existed, but you know what? It was worth it!

All of the members became involved. Some more than others. There were amazing moments of "Wow, I did not think I could do this!", to "I found me again" (since becoming ill). One member was not comfortable to work in a group, so I worked with him - with help from IWA staff- on a one-to-one basis. It was lovely to see his enthusiasm and capability. Together we made the Big Hand that helps us all out of the box.

The emerging theme 

We met every Monday to work on the puppets. Starting with a stick and a strip of cotton, we made the bases for the heads. Over the following six months we made nine puppets, a Disability Box, a large hand, published a ‘fly on the wall’ booklet about the process, made a film and hosted so far three exhibitions.  The theme that emerged was that 'society' would like to put us in a ‘box’. The Disability Box. But 'Step out of the box and you are free'. 

Book and film

The book we made - available here - all proceeds toward more puppet-or art projects - chronicles the making of the puppets- and the fun things that were said. 
The book also included the short film (DVD) which is now being shown at the International Disability Film Festival in Canada. A VERY PROUD MOMENT!
The four minute long film shows the puppets stepping out the Disability Box, at the Dungarvan Shopping Centre. We chose a public place, as we would like to be part of society!

Since that time, we had three exhibitions. Two in libraries and the last one in a Gallery in Tramore.
And now, the screening in Canada! 

The now

It is absolutely heartwarming the local support we are getting. Eugene and Janos at the Dungarvan Cinema could not do enough for us to celebrate our film. Also the Shopping Centre, Easons, IWA, WLR FM Geoff Harris, the newspapers.
Thank you all, for your amazing support.
My, and our, Deepest Gratitude.

On Wednesday 15th March- the day of the screening in Canada, 

the film can be seen on the Puppet Blog on this day too.

Links and further reading

• The Puppetry story - Our story,  and many images see the Puppet Blog 
•  Book/DVD we published. Proceeds go back into more projects
• Podcast of Radio interview for our first exhibition in Dungarvan Library.
• Tramore Exhibition Dis-ability... This Ability
• Film to be show in Disability Film Festival Picture This... in Canada March 2015
• Details of screenings

   

Pimping my wheelchair changed social perception

Adapting: Make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify

(Oxford Dictionary)

The power to change perception

by adding a bit of colour to my wheelchair

page from Into the Light

Adapting mobility aids 

can increase independence 

or make them more fun

Pimping

my wheelchair

changed the social perspective 

from being a dreaded aid

to comments like

'I want one too' 

Further reading and links

• The process that went into pimping my chair
• This project was also featured in the IWA Spokeout Magazine
• Available books, including Into the Light

What a short visit to Youghal beach can do...

Last Thursday I had an 'IWA Outreach Day' with fellow member Sarah, and two staff members, to Youghal.
Two puppets (my "reporter" and Miriam's Monk) came along for the ride. They attracted the attention of passers by and of a puppy, who had never seen/felt sand before and I am sure had never experienced a puppet just about taller than himself either.

     

While the photo's were being taken further up the beach, I got out of my wheelchair, carefully got my legs over the top step and enjoyed the tranquil sound of the water, the smells, the rolling waves.
Loving it! 
To my left I spotted seaweed, with lovely shaped pieces perfect for a 'hat' or 'hair' for a sculpture-to-be... some day. Miriam helped me to pick one out.



Over the past few days I made this little sculpture.
I already had the base of the head on which to build. I found a beautiful rock in my studio- perfect for the bust. Not having brought home seaweed, I found some dried dillisk in my cupboard to use as a'shawl'. I devised a way to make the clay look like stone.
Still some finishing touches and varnishing to do, but oh, did I enjoy making this, bringing out the peace and happiness I felt sitting on top of those steps at Youghal beach.

"Tranquility at Youghal Beach" © Corina Duyn 2016 15x17x7cm

"Tranquility at Youghal Beach" (back)  © Corina Duyn 2016 15x17x7cm

Invitation to Life Outside the Box

The puppets now have their very own blog

Life outside the Box- Puppet Project 

If you can't make the launch, but would like a copy of the book/DVD, please contact me.

It will soon be available from my shop.

filming of 'Life Outside the Box' puppet project

Here some of the photos taken during the Life Outside the Box filming day 

at Dungarvan Shopping Centre last Monday.

The short film is almost ready!

The book about the project is almost ready!

A date for your diary...

Exhibition of puppets and box, and launch of book and DVD is on

Thursday 25th February 2016

Dungarvan Library, Co. Waterford

6-8 pm

Books, which includes DVD will be for sale on the night.

Proceeds will help us fund future art projects.

Dungarvan Observer Wednesday 27 January

Previous post about this project here and here

Project supported by

Life Outside the Box (part two of puppet project)

During one of the days working on the puppets we had a 'brainstorming' session to come up with a proper title for the project- the book- and the film. The puppet project was the working title as the saying goes. Well here are a few of the suggestions that did not make it, some for obvious reasons!

• The Freedom Project
• The Anatomy Project
• Puppets on an Adventure
• What's in the Box
• I'm a celebrity, get me out of here!
• Puppets on Tour

The last one... well who knows, the puppets might go on tour... if our film will be given an Oscar nomination next year... we are hopeful!

So, I am happy to announce that The Puppet Project has been given it's proper new title: "Life Outside the Box".

making the BOX

The Box.
Society's Box.
The Disability Box.


Yes, we are all living with disability/illness, but by no means are we stuck in this box!

We are stepping out of it!




On Monday we will be practicing with our (nine) puppets to get them to step out of the box. Well, I can assure you, it won't be graceful! We are certainly not brilliant puppeteers in this short space of time, but the skills we do have, is having FUN! We are extremely good at that!

And we have pride.

The following Monday, the 25th January, Alan from Bootleg Studios will be filming us (the puppets) stepping out the box, at the Dungarvan Shopping Centre (Co. Waterford). We will be there from about 11, filming from about 11.30. PLEASE COME ALONG! 

We want to make our point with this (to be a very short) video, by stepping out of our box, that we too are part of society. 

You are likely to meet the 'reporter', a 'musician' busking, a 'granny' dancing,  a baker, a biker, a clerk, a young boy and his dog, and a beautiful girl on a butterfly.

All stepping into Freedom.

Reporter made by Corina

Clerk made by Paul 

Butterfly girl made by Amy

Another date for your diary:

The book and the film will be launched with an exhibition (all going according to plan) at Dungarvan Library on Thursday 25 February between 6 and 8 pm. More about this closer to the date.

If you like to keep up to date with this project or other things I write about, please sign up with email on the top right of this blog, or send me a message.

Best wishes and see you on 25th January and the 25th Febraury!


Corina

supported by

The IWA and the start of the Puppet Project

One of the puppets- created by Ann

I have been a member of the Wheelchair Association (IWA) for maybe fifteen years. During this time I have written for their Spokeout Magazine, been the lucky recipient of a writing and an art award, but it took me till 2012/13 to become an active member. 

It started with being invited to join the outreach program, which I wrote about here in their Spokeout magazine. Outreach gave me the opportunity to have a day out of my choice supported by IWA staff. One of the things I found challenging was that the wheelchair bus has HUGE lettering on it, proclaiming that whomever is on the bus has a disability. A little more discretion would be lovely... But I got used to it. You get used to anything.

In 2014 I was asked to come along on a holiday to Killarney. To be perfectly honest, it took a lot of persuasion to get me to agree. I did agree. Last minute. When somebody canceled. I found it a rather big step to go. I didn't know any of the members. Did my life really come to a point that I needed a supported holiday? After initial years of being mostly housebound, I had gained great independence over the years, but that had slipped away from me again.  After taking many deep breaths on the bus, I decided to take it all in my stride. And... I had a wonderful time! Met some great new people. We had a great laugh. New friendships were made. 

Aerial (detail) © Corina Duyn 2014

Summer 2014 I was asked (again) to join the resource centre once a week. I gave it a try. I actually looked forward to get to know my new friends a bit better. I had become more dependent on support to be able to leave the house, so a once a week trip out could be very good for me.

As there is staff to support us, I took clay with me to be able to make one of my sculptures. (I was having more difficulties with rolling clay, so having the support to do this was great.)

I made Aerial there. The sculpture developed into something different than I had set out. The people I met, the materials that were around all influenced the final outcome.

A very interesting experience.

As there was quite a bit of interest in my work, I was asked in early 2015 if I could ‘by any chance’ facilitate the creation of a series of puppets and a puppet show with the other members? 

Being awarded the Create - Artist in the Community Scheme, funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, in May of 2015 made this happen. 

Our group consists of about ten members between the ages of 27 to 73. We are living with limited/partial mobility, congenital physical
disabilities, chronic illness, or acquired brain injuries. Most of these conditions are impacting on our finer motor skills. So quite a challenge to sculpt detailed faces etc... But together we found ways around them.
I am immensely proud of what fellow members have achieved.

We met every Monday to work on the puppets. Starting with a stick and a strip of cotton, we made the bases for the heads. Over the following six months the puppets took on their ultimate personalities. We now have nine puppets, a large box, a big hand, a book about the project in the making, and a short film to be shot in a few weeks time. 

The fun we had doing this project, I will never forget. We laughed so hard. And the enthusiasm and hunger for exploring the next step of the process never ceased. 

I am deeply humbled by the experience. 

We all had IWA staff to support us in whatever way necessary, including myself. It would be too great a challenge for me to bring a project of this scale into the world on my own. The IWA setting has given me the courage to go back to teaching.

I will tell you more about the fun we had; share more images of the work we created;  tell you about the film, the book, the upcoming exhibition, but for now, here are a few snapshots from the past few months.

Start of the Puppet Project 

Start of the Puppet Project 

Start of the Puppet Project 

project supported by

Lismore launch of Into the Light

The Lismore launch of Into the Light was almost three weeks ago and I simply did not have the energy to write about it. The Exhibition comes to an end tomorrow. 

A few days before the launch Padraig Naughton, Director of Arts and Disability Ireland (ADI), who was to launch the book and exhibition fell ill and was unable to attend. I wish him well.

The ADI organised to have Mary Grehan, Director of Waterford Healing Arts Trust (WHAT) to take his place. I was deeply honoured that Ramona from ADI organised this, and equally honoured that Mary was able to come at such short notice. Especially, as she said in her speech, she had been stuck in her 'cave'... the cave that represents the filling in of the huge application to gain the next year's funding for WHAT. 

Thank you!

The ADI forwarded this letter from Padraig:

Good evening, everyone.

It is with regret, and due to health reasons that I am not in attendance tonight, having been honoured by Corina several months ago when she asked me to launch ‘Into the Light’ in Lismore this evening.

Having watched this project since its inception, I am delighted to have spent time with this wondrous ‘book in a box’, which so beautifully reflects Corina’s path and patience in maintaining an arts practice whilst dealing with chronic illness.

Her transition from working in sculpture to new mediums as a result of her ME is illustrative of how many artists with disabilities need to respond to degenerative illness, and her willingness to share these experiences is something that I am happy to champion.

I was delighted to interview Corina for my radio show ‘Arts & Disability Radio’ on Near FM three months ago, in the middle of her hugely successful Fund It campaign, which saw ‘Into the Light’ manifest into the finished work that we are launching here tonight. Her interview was one of the most well-received in the history of the show, which I think shows how heartening and uplifting her work and response to her illness is.

I wish you great success with this exhibition, Corina, and with ‘Into the Light’ in the coming weeks and months. I will finish by reading one of my favourite ‘pages’ from the book, the appropriately titled ‘It Will Pass’.

Accepting

that we might not be able

to do things

the way we did them

yesterday

Taking responsibility

not trying to do

what well people do

today

Knowing

that we only have to go

through this very

moment

Trusting

that the longing

 will pass

It was lovely to see so many people at the launch. Locals, friends from Cork, people I had met months ago at Dzogchen Beara whom travelled from Limerick. A dear friend and my sister both travelled from Holland to be with me for this, (what I started to understand) big occasion.
It truly is. The writing of the book is one thing, the publicity is another, but the sharing... That is the most beautiful of this whole  into the light adventure.

Artist and Mindfulness teacher Pascale De Coninck welcoming us all,
and introducing Mary Grehan.

Mary Grehan WHAT giving an amazing speech

Mary told us about her experiences of arts in hospitals - art created during sickness - recalling one patient's question: "Is that what sick people do? paint?" Another patient, a writer, asked during illness, "is there life with this life?"

"Corina shows us a life that is close to nature, that is filled with imagination, and thought, and reflection, with a clear sense of who she is, and the course that she is travelling through this world, and yes there is a life - and art has a big part to play in it"

"... Imagination is not diminishes by serious illness, but expanded..."

"If you didn't know Corina had a serious illness- a very challenging one- if you had only met her through emails etc- you get a sense of a woman with an extraordinary spirit, extraordinary energy, extraordinary determination, ... it comes through in everything - in the care in which she has created this very special treasure box...

The achievement is huge"

My turn to face the audience and say my bit!

Well, I had to follow the very powerful words that Mary mesmerized us with.
I told about my 'cave', how the book came about, the initial seed and the growing of this project ready to be 'harvested' at the launch.  Read a few of the pages.
There were questions from the audience. Biscuits eaten, books signed, photos takes.
Thank you all!

One of my requests was that my guests would write a few words in my copy, which is now a beautiful memory of thoughts, reflections, and well wishes by many, many people. Beautiful!

A photo opportunity with the members of the IWA groups I am a member of
and work with every Monday. More about this soon!

Two versions of my Into the Light book

Article by Christy Parker in the Dungarvan Observer

Since the launch I had two groups coming for talks. The IWA, and the Lismore "No Limits" group.
Both occasions I look back on with great fondness.
I hope to be able to do more talks in time to come, in other locations. Who knows! Please contact me, if you have any suggestions!

The books are continuing to find their way around the world, and I am receiving some truly inspiring emails from complete strangers. Strangers whom have become traveling companions.
What a journey!

If you like your own copy, please visit my shop Into the Light is a limited edition book...

Aerial, a sculpture

My latest sculpture Aerial

was created with the support of staff of the IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association)

 at the outreach Centre in Dungarvan, which I now attend almost every week.

I needed a little help with the rolling of clay and some of the painting. 

Staff support me in whatever way they can.

Even other members became part of the project. 

Like making the little mouse at the bottom of the ladder, and the knitting of her blanket.

It was interesting to experience how the sculpture evolved 

through the influence of the centre and the people.

I had the overall shape in mind,

but as others were working with driftwood, shells and twine from the beach, 

this found its way into my work.

Thank you all who were involved!

"Aerial" is available for €350, but with the understanding that the sculpture is available for the exhibition and book launches in September 2015

To reserve her, please email me

Aerial (detail), Sculpture by Corina Duyn 2014

Aerial (detail), Sculpture by Corina Duyn 2014

Aerial 58x20x15cm, Sculpture by Corina Duyn 2014

Articles published in IWA Magazine see here 

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Articles published in Spokeout Autumn 2014 Edition

These articles: What a Difference a Day Makes; and Upcycled Wheelchair were published in the autumn 2014 edition of Spokeout the lifestyle magazine of the IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association).

If you would like to read my articles online (you can enlarge the pages etc) see Article pages
If the link does not work, go to PDF page number 29 till 31 of the magazine which can be viewed online, by clicking here

Enjoy!

And thanks for your company here on my blog.
Best wishes
Corina

PS ... Two days left of Book offer
A sculpture created with the support of IWA staff, see here 

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) 

but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, 

please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Going for a swim

Thank you all once again for the lovely responses to my blogs, and for the new visitor, a reader of my little book Flying on Little Wings, who stopped by to say hi.
Here a piece I wrote  a few weeks ago and like to share with you.

Yesterday I had a normal day out.  Going for a swim with friends, although I didn’t know any of the three people I shared my outing with. The only ‘un-normal’ part was that I was transported in a van, which advertised my disability… perhaps more about that later?

Anyway. After meeting with Andrea Lloyd, from the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) a few weeks previous, I had my first outing under the Outreach Service Program: do something on your own, with the support of the IWA.

My first thoughts what I would like to do was swimming.

Thursday the 13th June was my day.

I was picked up by Miriam (my support for the day) and driver L., in the IWA wheelchair bus. My chair and myself were loaded on. We picked up P. and his chair along the way. He was joining us to spend time in the swimming pool.

To be honest the drive down to Youghal was tough in places as the road is not the best (bumpy potholes) and I did my best to concentrate on the moment and not feel the pain in my body, and not feel the tiredness increasing even before I got my toes in the water. I imagined being a toddler in a buggy and awaiting a bath when the got ‘home’. Little did I know.

When I saw the beach I would have been quite happy just to sit along the boardwalk if the pool proved to be to full with children. I had worried about having youngsters doing crazy jumps into the pool. But we were lucky, there was hardly anybody there.

I was driven right up to the pool in my wheelchair and ‘glided’ into the water via the few steps although there was a chair-hoist available to lower me into the water. You see, I still so much want to do things on my own, without help…

I had decided I was here for a fun day, a relaxing time other that use the time in the pool solely for exercise, my body just wasn’t up to that. Miriam, my support, was also in the water and offered to hold me to float through the pool. Independent minded… I opted for ‘floaties’ instead. A giant piece of ‘foam spaghetti’, and a board to put my head or arms on. Together with Miriam we floated back and forth through the pool, chatting away. At times meeting P. and L. for a chat.

It really felt like a normal day. Nothing to do with being ill, having a disability, no difference between the IWA staff and P. and myself. We were all equal in the water, all at the same eyelevel and all floating or swimming around.

After a good while I tried to float on my back and tried to get comfortable with the use of the ‘floaties’ but Miriam stepped in: “This is how we do this”. She put her hands under my waist and when I finally fully gave in, I rested my head on her shoulders as she suggested. She swam me through the pool like this.

Thank you!

This was the most amazing experience I have ever had of letting go and letting myself be cared for. Ever. Closing my eyes it felt like mediation. Incredibly powerful. The memory still brings tears to my eyes. Tears of gratitude. For once I let myself be minded, be looked after, without working hard to resist it and trying to do things for myself. I am not sure if Miriam is aware of the huge step forward she has helped me to make.

I had great difficulty getting out of the pool via the three or four steps. I went up on my bottom, and needed to be pulled up to make it to wheelchair. Next time (I’m a slow learner) I will use the chair hoist.

To warm up we spend a short while in the sauna before getting showered and dressed in the spacious wheelchair adapted wetroom. I was offered help with this but Miriam was not surprised that I did not call her for help… I‘ll learn. I promise.

I am grateful for being made aware of the outreach service from the IWA and having had a chance to experience this wonderful day out. Can’t say my body was happy (it took 5 days to recover), as I used more energy than I had, and used more muscles than was obviously necessary resulting in a lot of pain, but the overall feeling is one of joy.

The outreach service will be fully rolled out in my area later in the year. Anybody with a physical or sensory disability can avail of the service, to do something you normally don’t get a chance to do on your own. Do something normal, like anybody else. The only “un-normal” I suppose is that the van/bus that gets us to where we want to go has the huge letters of the IWA written on it. Advertising our difference. It does not diminish the quality of the service but it might put people off using it. I am glad I overcame that issue and stepped onto the bus.

ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day if you leave a comment? Many thanks & Lots of love Corina