Hope you've had a good summer everyone. For one reason or another I didn't get away and had to make do with North Berwick or my back garden (one of Scotland's best kept secrets).
Anyhow, on my main home today, I stopped off at the car wash - yes I lead an exciting life! It's one of those places where, for 10 minutes, there's not much you can do, apart from scratch your nose and delete your text messages. Bit like the laundrette I suppose. However, as I sat down in the forecourt, the sun emerged from behind the clouds and it felt warm - perhaps even a blistering 16 degrees. So I sat there in repose and pretended I was on a sun-kissed beach nurtured by the sounds of distance waves (that was the power spray against my hub caps) and warm sand between my toes. I was struggling a bit with the G & T and leggy blonde but it was a pleasant moment.
I am a great believer in visualisation, which despite the word is nothing complex or dramatic. It is merely replacing a negative thought with a positive one. So if you worry about double faulting, take a couple of deep breaths before your second serve, bounce the ball a few times, and picture the ball going over the net and in. It works - honestly.
Here's something else to try which wont embarrass the neighbours. Next time you step out the door, walk slowly, breathe deeply, and picture yourself as tall and handsome / beautiful (which you may well be!) If you feel fantastic, please send me a cheque for £100..............ok just joking.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
They think it's all over....
Well it is -that's the SW19 extravaganza over for another year.
I had the good fortune to have tickets for the Centre Court on the middle Saturday - not the Royal Box I hasten to add. Nevertheless I was able to admire Sue Barker's trouser suit from a distance, plus Woz, Federer, Bagdatis and the alternative Scotsman Novak Jock O'Vitch (a Brit champion to keep the media happy for another 75 years)
Ok, hands up, he is really Serbian but he was a skier at one time, which makes him a bit Scottish, and he eats grass which we all do up here - when we're not getting stuck into haggis and deep fried Mars Bars.
Some unique celebrations came to the fore this year, apart from eating the Centre Court. I have tried out Tsonga's war dance without any painful damage - but I draw a line at going flat on my back at the end of each match. Apart from the washing implications, I would need a lot of rolling around and kicking to get back up with any dignity.
Forty years ago, players shook hands and said "jolly good show" (Virginia still does it) and sometimes the gentlemen jumped over the net - an amazing feat in long trooosers. In those days the ladies wore frilly knickers.......ok enough enough.
Last thought for Wimbledon - well done Andy - like Jo Wilfred you entertained us - and that's what its all about!
I had the good fortune to have tickets for the Centre Court on the middle Saturday - not the Royal Box I hasten to add. Nevertheless I was able to admire Sue Barker's trouser suit from a distance, plus Woz, Federer, Bagdatis and the alternative Scotsman Novak Jock O'Vitch (a Brit champion to keep the media happy for another 75 years)
Ok, hands up, he is really Serbian but he was a skier at one time, which makes him a bit Scottish, and he eats grass which we all do up here - when we're not getting stuck into haggis and deep fried Mars Bars.
Some unique celebrations came to the fore this year, apart from eating the Centre Court. I have tried out Tsonga's war dance without any painful damage - but I draw a line at going flat on my back at the end of each match. Apart from the washing implications, I would need a lot of rolling around and kicking to get back up with any dignity.
Forty years ago, players shook hands and said "jolly good show" (Virginia still does it) and sometimes the gentlemen jumped over the net - an amazing feat in long trooosers. In those days the ladies wore frilly knickers.......ok enough enough.
Last thought for Wimbledon - well done Andy - like Jo Wilfred you entertained us - and that's what its all about!
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Here Comes Summer!
Hi everyone
Welcome back to my blog page. Well it's not quite summer but good to play outdoors again. Halfway through December we were beginning to doubt whether our outdoors courts would ever reappear.
It's certainly the worst snow I can remember since 1947 - yes I was around then but oblivious to snow drifts. My only concern was the supplies of Cow & Gate.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Welcome back to my blog page. Well it's not quite summer but good to play outdoors again. Halfway through December we were beginning to doubt whether our outdoors courts would ever reappear.
It's certainly the worst snow I can remember since 1947 - yes I was around then but oblivious to snow drifts. My only concern was the supplies of Cow & Gate.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
First Class
I was at a 'celebration of life' yesterday - one of these occasions when a minute's applause would be more appropriate than silence.
John Beirne lived life to the full, a charming, witty man, a great raconteur, but also caring and compassionate. In fact all the qualities of a first class tennis coach - which he was.
My attendance there relied on Flybe doing Edinburgh to Southampton in an hour, foot hard down, followed by a hair-raising taxi ride on the M27. Even then I was 7 minutes late for 'kick off' and did a Hugh Grant / 4 Weddings entry into Romsey Abbey, which by the way has the creakiest back door on the planet.
But it was certainly worth it - and to share the occasion with special friends.
I am off to see family in Connecticut tomorrow. If anyone fancies breaking into my home in my absence, I have a very big son living there, plus a dog who chews ankles for supper.
Now I don't want to reveal any personal things here, but there are 5++ daily text messages I'm going to miss - may well suffer serious withdrawl symptoms!!
PS One of John's sayings at a social gathering was "I'm seriously at risk of enjoying myself". What a great advert for life!
John Beirne lived life to the full, a charming, witty man, a great raconteur, but also caring and compassionate. In fact all the qualities of a first class tennis coach - which he was.
My attendance there relied on Flybe doing Edinburgh to Southampton in an hour, foot hard down, followed by a hair-raising taxi ride on the M27. Even then I was 7 minutes late for 'kick off' and did a Hugh Grant / 4 Weddings entry into Romsey Abbey, which by the way has the creakiest back door on the planet.
But it was certainly worth it - and to share the occasion with special friends.
I am off to see family in Connecticut tomorrow. If anyone fancies breaking into my home in my absence, I have a very big son living there, plus a dog who chews ankles for supper.
Now I don't want to reveal any personal things here, but there are 5++ daily text messages I'm going to miss - may well suffer serious withdrawl symptoms!!
PS One of John's sayings at a social gathering was "I'm seriously at risk of enjoying myself". What a great advert for life!
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Dirty Dancing
Yeah you're right - there's nothing like an eye catching title to attract attention!
Anyhow I was a bit disappointed when the 'celebrities' for the new Strictly were announced yesterday - thought I had a fair shout to be honest. I always feel equal rejection when I'm missed out in the New Year's honours list, or Scotland 50 most 'eligibles' - I mean what more have I got to do!
I've always fancied my prowess as a potential John Travolta, although any attempt at the passadouble is likely to put me in plaster. In reality, I would probably fall into the John Sergeant category and end up dragging my partner round the dance floor.
I've always reckoned that Michael Jackson or Fred Astaire (or even Elvis) would have made fine tennis players on the basis of their footwork alone. Tennis is more of a 'moving' game than a 'hitting' game. If you're not in the right position, then no matter how good your technique, you will struggle to control your shot.
So there you are folks - forget grips, slices and topspin, put on your dancin' shoes!
My tip for Strictly - well Paul Daniels could be a tricky customer, but what about Felicity Kendall, former belly dancer, or Michelle Williams (she is some mover).
Welcome to the fall!
Anyhow I was a bit disappointed when the 'celebrities' for the new Strictly were announced yesterday - thought I had a fair shout to be honest. I always feel equal rejection when I'm missed out in the New Year's honours list, or Scotland 50 most 'eligibles' - I mean what more have I got to do!
I've always fancied my prowess as a potential John Travolta, although any attempt at the passadouble is likely to put me in plaster. In reality, I would probably fall into the John Sergeant category and end up dragging my partner round the dance floor.
I've always reckoned that Michael Jackson or Fred Astaire (or even Elvis) would have made fine tennis players on the basis of their footwork alone. Tennis is more of a 'moving' game than a 'hitting' game. If you're not in the right position, then no matter how good your technique, you will struggle to control your shot.
So there you are folks - forget grips, slices and topspin, put on your dancin' shoes!
My tip for Strictly - well Paul Daniels could be a tricky customer, but what about Felicity Kendall, former belly dancer, or Michelle Williams (she is some mover).
Welcome to the fall!
Monday, 2 August 2010
Standing On Your Head
There is a lot of mystique - and misunderstanding - about yoga.
Most think it's all about 'oms' and chanting - and standing for hours on end in unnatural poses.
I started doing yoga a few years ago, the idea being to slow down in an increasingly hectic life style. Can your relate to that? Most of us can - the pace of life has never been faster.
What surprised me - at the ripe old age of whatever I am - my tennis confidence began to improve. I also found I was moving better on court.
Have you ever watched Kim Clijsters movement on the baseline. Her centre of gravity is so low she can do the 'splits' and recover for the next shot. It seems almost unnatural - inviting all sorts of painful injuries. It was only recently I read she has been doing yoga from the age of 17.
Like Andy Murray, she practises Bikram yoga - 26 poses done in a minimum temperature of 105 degrees f. If this sounds a good idea to you, dont play around with the central heating - you could end up with massive gas bills and peeling wallpaper.
But yoga is all about breathing - and you don't need a hothouse to do it. When I'm stuck at traffic lights - a regular occurrence for most of us - I try to be aware of my breathing. It's amazing how calming it can be - and it passes the time!
Ps I have never actually stood on my head - well not literally!
Most think it's all about 'oms' and chanting - and standing for hours on end in unnatural poses.
I started doing yoga a few years ago, the idea being to slow down in an increasingly hectic life style. Can your relate to that? Most of us can - the pace of life has never been faster.
What surprised me - at the ripe old age of whatever I am - my tennis confidence began to improve. I also found I was moving better on court.
Have you ever watched Kim Clijsters movement on the baseline. Her centre of gravity is so low she can do the 'splits' and recover for the next shot. It seems almost unnatural - inviting all sorts of painful injuries. It was only recently I read she has been doing yoga from the age of 17.
Like Andy Murray, she practises Bikram yoga - 26 poses done in a minimum temperature of 105 degrees f. If this sounds a good idea to you, dont play around with the central heating - you could end up with massive gas bills and peeling wallpaper.
But yoga is all about breathing - and you don't need a hothouse to do it. When I'm stuck at traffic lights - a regular occurrence for most of us - I try to be aware of my breathing. It's amazing how calming it can be - and it passes the time!
Ps I have never actually stood on my head - well not literally!
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Dont Panic!
The other night I was wakened from a blissful sleep by a nerve shattering ringing noise. I thumped my alarm clock a couple of times to no avail, then looked at the time.
It was 1 o'clock in the morning. I was in an hotel room and the incessant ringing was the fire alarm. I've had a bit of training in fire evacuation in the past and, believe you me, if I'd smelled smoke, I would have been tieing sheets together and bailing out the window. I've seen too many blockbuster movies to hang around combing my hair and selecting my wardrobe.
So I raced down the stairs with the bare essentials - grateful that I was wearing my best boxers - and joined a gaggle of confused and half asleep residents in the hotel car park. There was fortunately no billowing of smoke or people hanging from window ledges. As it turned out, a romantic couple had decided to light a candle to finish a perfect evening - and ended up having a rapid cool down in the car park.
So the group of ladies on a 50's hen night trundled back to their rooms and fell asleep dreaming of hunky firemen with long hoses (where were they as a matter of interest!) - and I scoured about 100 channels on the telly hoping (in vain) to find something interesting to watch.
So that was my bit of 'excitement' for the weekend - absolutely nothing to do with tennis, but was delighted at my turn of speed at getting from the 3rd floor to reception.
Just a little word of sympathy this morning for the England goalkeeper. If you make a mistake at tennis, you could lose a game, or even a set, but poor Rob Green will be remembered forever for his little fumble.
At least it's not as bad as Tiger who will be remembered for many little fumbles!
Have a good summer!
It was 1 o'clock in the morning. I was in an hotel room and the incessant ringing was the fire alarm. I've had a bit of training in fire evacuation in the past and, believe you me, if I'd smelled smoke, I would have been tieing sheets together and bailing out the window. I've seen too many blockbuster movies to hang around combing my hair and selecting my wardrobe.
So I raced down the stairs with the bare essentials - grateful that I was wearing my best boxers - and joined a gaggle of confused and half asleep residents in the hotel car park. There was fortunately no billowing of smoke or people hanging from window ledges. As it turned out, a romantic couple had decided to light a candle to finish a perfect evening - and ended up having a rapid cool down in the car park.
So the group of ladies on a 50's hen night trundled back to their rooms and fell asleep dreaming of hunky firemen with long hoses (where were they as a matter of interest!) - and I scoured about 100 channels on the telly hoping (in vain) to find something interesting to watch.
So that was my bit of 'excitement' for the weekend - absolutely nothing to do with tennis, but was delighted at my turn of speed at getting from the 3rd floor to reception.
Just a little word of sympathy this morning for the England goalkeeper. If you make a mistake at tennis, you could lose a game, or even a set, but poor Rob Green will be remembered forever for his little fumble.
At least it's not as bad as Tiger who will be remembered for many little fumbles!
Have a good summer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
