Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2006. Every August we took Mattie to Los Angeles to visit my parents. One of the places Mattie loved to visit was Griffith Park. A beautiful park filled with all sorts of activities, many of which were right up Mattie's alley. Such as a train, like the one you see in this photo. I can't tell you how many times Mattie rode this train. The train took us around parts of the Park, and along the way, we saw displays featuring kid themed characters (Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, etc) and even a barn filled with ponies. Mattie loved it and so did we. The irony is I went to high school in Southern California and yet NEVER visited Griffith Park. Neither did my parents. However, once Mattie came into the picture, we did all sorts of exploration and adventures with him. As Mattie preferred being outdoors!
Quote of the day: It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ~ Charles Darwin
Last week I tried the class for free, so I was going to pay for today's class since I had my first class free already. However, when Hilary realized it was my first class with her actually teaching, she came out to greet me personally, and told the receptionist not to charge me for today's class. She is an absolutely lovely person and clearly attracts lovely people to her class.
My previous zumba class was special to me. It was taught by a fellow mom at Mattie's school, and the women in the class became part of my social network. Which was important to me because after losing Mattie, I really had to re-invent myself and my friendships. Since I lost many friends from childhood cancer. When my previous instructor decided to stop teaching zumba and return back to full time work, I was truly saddened. To me it was a loss. A loss of exercise, friendship, and belonging to something. I had been going to that class for years. So for two years now, I have been zumba free. It was only recently that I decided to move out of my comfort zone and try something new. Or as Darwin points out in tonight's quote.... I was responsive to change. Social situations are no longer normal for me. But since my former zumba instructor located Hilary's class for me, I decided to take a chance and try it.
Before class started today, one of my classmates came up to me and introduced herself. She has been attending Hilary's class for three years and considers herself a regular. Janet then introduced me to other women in the class and I could see that Hilary has created quite a loyal community, not unlike the community I experienced in my last class. Not every teacher has the skills to create such a safe and welcoming environment. Hilary also has a Facebook page, which I had been reading through before attending class today. I am sure many students don't care what a teacher's life, feelings, and beliefs are.... but to me it all matters. Hilary is a mom of two boys and I notice she raises money for brain cancer. I am sure I will learn more as time evolves, but I guess the moral of tonight's blog is sometimes being open to change provides opportunities and new experiences that are actually important to one's quality of life.
1 comment:
Hi Vicki. While I read your blog last night, I saved commenting until this morning. I often, not always, read your blog late. I love the picture, you post of Mattie. Last night's with you, your Dad & Mattie in the train was another especially memorable picture. I love seeing Mattie's smile. It is quite engaging. Reading what you were doing, thinking of the things, Mattie loved to do, I am sure this was a great time!
Change is often hard for me! As it is for a lot of people! Comfort zone is the word that comes to mind when I see change possibilities or have them happen unexpectedly. So this quote will leave me thinking and wondering about finding a Zumba Class! Exploring this possibility would possibly open up a world of can do for me!!!
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