I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly....

Origami Crane

When I returned to work last november after some sick leave my work mate gave me this origami crane and explained the story behind it. I love the story and the little bird with all the delicate folds.

In Japan, the crane is a mystical creature and is believed to live for a thousand years.  As a result, in the Japanese, Chinese and Korean culture, the crane represents good fortune and longevity.  The Japanese refer to the crane as the “bird of happiness”.  The wings of the crane were believed to carry souls up to paradise. Mothers who pray for the protection of the crane’s wings for their children will recite the prayer:  

“O flock of heavenly cranes 

  cover my child with your wings.”

Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one’s wish would come true.  

It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.  As a result, it has become popular to fold 1000 cranes (in Japanese, called “senbazuru”). The cranes are strung together on strings– usually 25 strings of 40 cranes each – and given as gifts.  

A famous story about senbazuru is that of Sadako Sasaki (see “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes”by Eleanor Coerr [1977]). Sadako was a little girl who was exposed to radiation as an infant when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.  Although she survived the bomb, she was diagnosed with leukemia by the age of 12. She decided to fold 1000 cranes, hoping that her wish to live would come true.  Unfortunately, she only was able to fold 644 cranes before she passed away.  Her classmates then continued to fold cranes in her honour and she was buried with a wreath of 1000 cranes to honour her dream.  There is now a statue of Sadako in Hiroshima Peace Park – a little girl standing with her hand outstretched, holding a paper crane.  Every year, thousands of wreaths of senbazuru are draped over her 

statue.

Romance in the evening light...

Goodwood Revival

The sell-out Revival truly is a magical step back in time, celebrating the halcyon days of motor racing as it used to be, its an action-packed weekend of historic motor racing, period theatre, excellent music and much more.

Walking in the entrance of the goodwood revival feels like you have walked onto a movie set, everyone from the race teams too the spectators make such an effort in their clothing and style, infact you will look like the odd one out if your not dressed up!

The festival has been running since 1998 and welcomes cars that would have ran on the track during the circuit's original period—1948–1966. It is one of the world's most popular motor race meetings and the only UK event which recreates the golden era of motor sport from the 1950s and 1960s.

I was lucky enough to be invited down with race team Brayon Classic Engineering who specialise in building and maintaining classic race cars. Ian McMurdo and Gordon Sheddon were racing Ians Austin.

Even though the racing is the main event, there is lots to do even if your not interested in motorsport from the Earls Court museum which had been created on site, the large dance tents featuring live bands, vintage shops and there is even a funfair.

Christmas Sparkle

Julia's family christmas photoshoot was great fun, mix together lace dresses, sparkles, dancing and even a cute family cat and I would say you've got the perfect Christmas photoshoot!

My face was sore from laughing after this shoot as little Sophia showed off her dance moves to Gangham Style with Mathew and Noah joining in on the fun. Even Bella the cat came to see what was going on.

Thank you for inviting me along and all being so warm and welcoming.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all the happiness in 2015!

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