Anyone can swing - Fridays facts, fascinations and folklore

I read an interesting article in the paper yesterday about a new Playground that's just opened in Hyde Park, London that is designed for seniors ( 60 years +).

It sounds great.  They have installed some low impact fitness machines for seniors such as a cross trainer, a sit up bench, a stationary bicycle etc.....The idea is that this fitness equipment encourages seniors to participate in gentle exercise while also providing them with time to socialize with friends, and all in a nice environment...  It's not gym where you have to pay for membership and come in workout clothes, you can just be wandering by and take a few minutes to try some exercises...

Here's a link to a short video about the new playground

Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth

 But after reading it...I was left wanting more.....

Where are the swings, slides, see-saws, and roundabouts?...Why can't there be "playground" equipment in there too?  Don't you think that sounds fun and gives exercising a little more "freeing" feeling....I mean there is nothing like swinging high and feeling the wind in your hair, or holding on to a roundabout and catching those wonderful childhood memories....  Feeling younger again...

So well done to Westminster City Council who funded the project ($60,000) - but now add some recapture-those-childhood-days equipment too!  I bet everyone would enjoy it... I know I feel somewhat sad when I walk past a swing and can't go on it....  And after all...anyone can swing:

I am strong!

Phew! Just finished off two last orders that came in last night, ready for the deadline of mailing to Europe.

I've also been working on a couple of gifts for people and thought I'd show you one today, as the recipient is a dear friend, but doesn't read my blog (surely that's an oxymoron! Doesn't she know what she's missing:-D)


Anyhow - life hasn't been easy for her lately so I wanted to make her something that would help her through it. So I made a piece that has two titles, depending on your perspective and also the kind of day she is having.


The first title is "I am strong" and is a reminder that she can get through this. It shows a figure weight lifting with a weight bar held high above her head.

The second title is "A weight off your shoulders" and looks at the piece from the perspective of the chain more - in that the chain takes the weight off, so she is now free to do other things!

I hope she'll like it.


My husband said the piece reminded him of me, as I'm doing this super-slow training which involves lots of weights and I am getting much stronger....Not sure I'll be entering any weight lifting competitions in the near future....but you've been warned!

So, be strong!