Dreamy Eisteddfod Days…

Since returning to Oz, lve been slowing building up my resume of adjudicating at different dance competitions ~ and l’ve just completed my longest Eisteddfod ever, 8 days in a row! I knew before hand that it was going to be quite an intense week, requiring my full attention 24/7, and rather mentally challenging – but what l totally wasn’t prepared for was the emotional side, heartstrings being tugged on and many fond memories rising to the surface…

Towards the end of a incredible inspiring week of watching wonderful dancers and hanging out with the friendly committee ~ I was also unconsciously taking in the the tiny moments caught between mother and daughter(s)…

After everything had come to a beautiful closing, it wasn’t until l returned home and woke up the next morning that memories exploded through my body and tears trickled down my face…

How lucky these girls and boys were to have such incredible parents to spend so much time, energy and love on them during these early and sometimes very long days… Which of course brought my thoughts back to mum…

My sister and l used to spend EVERY school holidays at different Eisteddfods. Mum would carefully make all of our beautiful costume, which was super boring to try on 50 times to get it right. Always doing our hair and makeup until we were old enough to figure it out ourselves. I was often nervous and wanting a LONG time to warm up, so we would arrive at the theatre WAY earlier than was probably necessary… And then she would sit there and watch us get ready, loving every second of it before wandering out into the auditorium and watch her girls perform like a proud mama goose.

She was never a ballet mum, she had no idea what was right and wrong, other than her girls were happy when they were dancing and they looked beautiful on stage…

We all had so much crazy fun back then…
Spending time with my wonderful ballet teacher Miss Sue, hanging with fellow friends & other dancers ~ especially the ones you idolised!! Winning a place was so important back then – and now all l can think of is that l hoped l showed mum enough gratitude and love for all that she did for us?
Did l? Did we?
I hope so…
These memories are like gold dust, sprinkled throughout my soul. I wish l could have passed on more knowledge to the dancers in this respect, but l’m sure l would have ended up a blubbering mess, so maybe some of them can read my heartfelt words instead.

Take time to spend with your mum or dad during these very special moments & be patient with them as they are with you. They love you and care for you deeply and just want to see you happy. Yes there are moments were you roll your eyes because you are embarrassed how proud they are at times – but it doesn’t matter, one day your will be 50 years old and they will still act exactly the same. Just relax & roll with it. Give them a big hug every now and then & tell them that you love them & are super grateful for all that they do…

Memories are such a funny thing…
I hope l thanked mum enough back then, for all that she did for us? If l didn’t then l’m saying it out loud a million times over & praying that she will still hear me from the clouds above…

Dancers out there, these Eisteddfod are absolutely precious – it’s not about the winning a place or not, but about the in-between moments, the breath between the hard choreography, thats where the real magic lays… These moments are the most priceless stories you will ever create & will shape you into the best person you can be ~ so please pause and remember to simply say thanks so much mum/dad…
One day, l’m sure you will be thanking me for this gentle reminder.

Much love & light, tx