MBS Academy Feldenkrais® Training

While everyone is enjoying the warm temperatures at home in Virginia I have ventured across the pond to Bad Tolz, Germany. I am once again working with Mia Segal, Dr. Feldenkrais' first assistant, at an MBS Academy Foundation Training.

I have brought 5 students with me that are all very capable riding instructors. Three are from The Netherlands and two are from the USA. These people have worked with me for a number of years and I suggested that they take this training in order to further their education in the Feldenkrais Method as this has helped me so much with my teaching.

It is great to share this experience with them. Each evening we have our Study Group to talk about how the days lessons apply to riders, riding and teaching. I find myself thoroughly enjoying the process of watching them learn and discuss the day's concepts. Finally I have some associates to whom I can discuss this work who also understand my work. It's fantastic!

I know that I always come home invigorated and inspired by Mia and this work. I am sure they will as well. I am always inspired and filled with new ideas for my students to help each one of them progress with their horses and their riding. We have only been here for 3 days and already there are so many possibilities!

Trip to PA

Just got back from two days teaching in West Chester PA at Sue Neilson's Happily Ever After Farm.

The lessons were great. I have been doing Feldenkrais® on both riders (unmounted and mounted) and horses while mounted. The horses are SOOO interesting! You can see them thinking and feeling the changes as I work through their spine. It is so interesting I don't even notice the cold and damp.

It still looks like winter up there and everyone has cabin fever! My friends Fran and Pat Loftus through a Cabin Fever Party on Saturday night for the local fox hunting crowd. They know how to eat great food! Egg salad with fresh that day eggs, meat loaf, mac and cheese - all the comfort foods not to mention fabulous deserts.

The conversation was mostly about how they couldn't ride because the footing was treacherous and the trailer couldn't get out of the snow. I didn't dare tell them it was 60 degrees at home that day.

Hopefully they will get this thaw too so they can get back to riding. It was definitely and itchy bunch of folks with aches and pains desperate to hear the cry of the hounds. Seems fox hunting heal all ills for this crowd.

British invasion!

50 Five Minute Fixes to Improve Your Riding is headed to the United Kingdom!

I just learned from my publisher, Trafalgar Square, that A. J. Allen has bought the UK rights to my book. It will take about 8 weeks, then 50 Fixes will be available in Britain. Apparently AJ Allen is impressed with final book and the rapid sales pace here in the US.

I am so excited I couldn't wait to spread the news!

Cat Tails Saga 10

Yesterday SHMPM (She who must pet me) went away. HWMPWM (he who must play with me) was home when VWTM (Veterinarian who touched me) came to my home. VWTM picked me up. I did not know her but I graced her with my presence for a few minutes to let her know I was in control.

I think this visit is because when SHMPM and HWMPWM returned from AWAY for 5 sun cycles I was very hungry. I ate 3 chicken tenders, 2 cans of food and 1 BIRD. Then I did not feel well and deposited it all in the INDOOR SAND BOX. It was very embarrassing. Then I did not feel well for a sun cycle and SHWMPM got very worried. She poured liquid remedies down my throat. I let her because I did not feel well and it helped but I won't admit that.

When VWTM came she left a note and called SHMPM and HWMPWM my GUARDIANS. I like that. So I will refer to them as Guardian She (GS) and Guardian He (GH) from now on. VWTM then put me in a SLEEPING BLANKET and pulled on my paw. The VWTM helper held me while VWTM poked me with something sharp. I did not like this so I growled to let them know. Do not try this again!

Today I feel better. The SUN is shining. It is warm outdoors and I am sitting in my OUTDOOR SLEEPING PLACE on the SUNNING SURFACE. It is very nice.

VTWM said to GS that I am an "older" kitty. Well I may be but I am still feisty. I remind them regularly by inserting my sharp CLAWS into their soft furless skin. And last night I let GS know who is in charge. I held her down all evening by laying on her legs and then I made GH play with me before sleeping time.

This morning I woke my GS and GH so that they would let me out to enjoy the OUTDOORS.

I plan on being around for quite some time to come just to enjoy how much I can control my GUARDIANS.