SANITY FAIR...SUN...SHOWERS...SATURATED...SAMBA...SINGING....

Once upon a time.......there was a young girl who had a dream, which was, to be Queen for a day. It didn't matter to her whether it was maypole Queen, carnival Queen or the role of Queen in a school play, she just thought it would be a wonderful role to play.

She also had another wish, and that was to wear a beautiful crinoline dress. Many, many years passed by.... until one day her Fairy Godmother appeared, and said "Would you be Queen of the Planet Sound Parade?"

By this time she had learned to grasp opportunities when they presented themselves, and had also become aware that she had spent a great deal of her life, in her comfort zone, and now wanted to move into her stretch zone, (but not into her panic zone!) She was also aware that she could have thought of many reasons not to! So without hesitation she said yes. (a case of feeling the fear, but doing it anyway) She did not realise at the time exactly what this would entail. i.e. That in just two weeks, she would have to learn the words to the 'Unsung Heroes' song, learn the basic Samba movements, from a professional Brazilian Samba teacher, and take acting lessons from a professional actor in an hour long workshop, together with someone she had not previously met or knew, (the carnival King) and go along to be measured and fitted for her costume. (the costume of course was not crinoline, but made of foam, but the embossed fabric was beautiful, with the most exquisite braiding, sequins and fringing therefore the overall effect was similar, in as much that it billowed out in a similar fashion)

There were times of course when little self-doubts crept in, like "What have I let myself in for?" etc..etc.. When this occurred I knew that I would have to counteract any negativity with as much positive self-talk that I could muster. So, that said I knew I had made a commitment, so it was now up to me to be the best I could be!

I went along to the dance lesson, the acting class, the rehearsal, I even took to taking up exercising and jogging, (because I thought my stamina may have been questionable) After all, dancing around Hanley for an hour is not something that I would normally do on a regular basis.

All this said, it turned out to be the most FUN thing I have ever done, and I was determined to savour every minute of it! (after all I had waited a long time for this)The great day arrived, SANITY FAIR DAY! the adrenalin was pumping, the atmosphere was electric, I could have gone on and on...I danced...(or maybe it would be more accurate to say moved... as if no one was watching) So much so, that I have decided that I will now live my life as if no one is watching!

I am so glad I was asked to do this, and I am so glad I said YES!

I have also made the decision to live happily ever after............

A HUGE THANK YOU to every one that made it possible, and for making SANITY FAIR SUCH A MEMORABLE AND SUCCESSFUL EVENT!