New year, new start...nah! Scrap that. I prefer to try and make improvements all year round - why restrict yourself to the new year, and who invented the calendar anyway?!

I haven't made any resolutions, but there are a few things I would like to achieve this year. If I do, you will surely read about them here!

I have found more time for reading over the past year or so, and quite recently read Gandhi's Autobiography - the main objective was to learn more about this eminent figure. As it was written by himself, in a rather flat manner, I cannot say I was awestruck, but I did find some of his behaviour fascinating and the core of his intentions admirable. His lessons in self-restraint were phenomenal, bordering on self-abuse. This must have struck a chord somewhere, as I have taken to abstaining from eating 'land-animals' and bread for the whole of January, purely as an exercise in self-discipline. I can't say either has been particularly difficult to go without, but I have learned that bread is so convenient. Notice how I didn't choose alcohol - one step at a time folks! (*In the spirit of honesty I have to admit to accidentally eating bread once. Yes, accidentally! I had a very weird couple of days where within 24 hours my Uncle died, my Mum was admitted to hospital with high blood-pressure and unexplained chest pain, and my aunt was having investigative tests for her own unexplained pains at the same time. This resulted in a flying visit home and a day in the hospital. We ended up in the cafeteria and I was so busy trying to avoid meat that I figured I would just have a sandwich...as I peeled back the wrapper I exclaimed "No way, I can't believe I bought a sandwich"! Too late. I was a little disappointed, but it didn't seem appropriate to waste the food.

Following the Downtime exhibition, I certainly had some 'down' time of my own, to the point I was wondering what the hell I should or could do next. Luckily, I recognise that any creative mind needs time to reflect and recharge. The way I work on personal projects and 'life-plans' means I circulate a lot of ideas and bits of ideas over a period of time(from weeks to years), and then one day it will all form into one glorious (and often difficult to achieve) idea! I am now armed with three clear projects, ranging from mini to maxi, and I am really looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into them.

Apart from filing my tax return, and the odd job, January has been full of teaching for a variety of reasons - I had a lady who wanted to improve her photography skills for a new online business, and another lady who had set a resolution to come out of auto-mode. I also put together a two-week teenage photography course after a number of enquiries. The poor souls had to brave zero degrees so we could put our theory to practice. I think the next one will be in the spring!

Demonstrting shutter-speed whilst warming up!

The Palm House was closed, ruining my cunning plan to warm up. Do not be fooled by the pretty picture. It was freezing!

I offer photography tuition locally, on a one-to-one basis, starting from £59.00 for a two-hour session. I can also facilitate photography workshops for community groups.

Talking of teaching, if you follow me on social media then you should know that I qualified as a BoxingYoga™ Coach last June, and now take regular classes in Crouch End as follows:

Sundays at 11am, the Picture House Cinema, 165 Tottenham Lane, Crouch End
N8 9BY https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Crouch_End_Picturehouse

Monday and Thursday evenings at 7.30pm, Total Boxer, 21 Cranford Way, Hornsey, N8 9DG

A few years ago I would never have believed that I'd eagerly await a double-session of Boxing at the club on Friday nights, so if you fancy a challenge, there are worse things you could do. Check out Total Boxer and their amazing new premises here http://totalboxer.com

Until next time,

Amanda x