On Wednesday (26th June) morning I guided the Year 9 pupils from the Colchester Royal Grammar School around the SV150 exhibition at Slack Space in Colchester. After beginning with a short prayer, we launched into the interactive session with a sari competition, some traditional garba and dandiya raas and a taster of Bollywood dancing! What a great group - they were so engaged and very keen to get involved...brilliant :D

After collecting my textiles work from Old Hall, it was time to get my presentation together and prepare for my evening's lecture...! My sister helped me out big-time to make the presentation look good...then it was up to me to do the talking.

It was a lovely evening attended by members of the public and the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester. After an impromptu Bharatanatyam performance (in my sari!!) and some delicious snacks, I embarked on my first public speech.

It went really well! Although I was nervous at the beginning, I can't deny that I got into it...and actually enjoyed it! I didn't really want to stop talking.....It was received well the audience; most people commented that it was refreshing to hear a young person's view and experience of Hinduism.

The rest of the week followed in a similar fashion; Thursday (27th June) evening it was time for another energetic Bollywood Dance Class, and on Friday (28th June) morning I did another workshop at the SV150 Hindu Exhibition with the remaining Year 9 CRGS pupils.

Needless to say, I spent Friday afternoon relaxing...!

Even though I sometimes feel as though I'm running around like a headless chicken, I do love being busy - and I love what I do! Which is a good thing, because July is set to be even crazier...

What a crazy week! Attended a 'Find Your Funder' event Chelmsford Museum on Thursday 20th June, hosted by Royal Opera House Bridge. Very helpful advice, and got to meet lots of interesting people too! Such as Helen and Daniela who run The Pimlott Foundation, a fantastic organisation - and they're based in Colchester...perfect for me :) So all of a sudden I found that I was exhibiting at Old House alongside other local artists as part of their Midsummer Weekend event. Beautiful house and gardens - it's such a shame that I couldn't make it there today, but I'm sure the event is in full swing!

After rushing home (in the pouring rain) I met with a local fashion designer who I am collaborating with on an exciting new fashion collection. I have a LOT of drafting and weaving to do...we're due to run the catwalk in September, fingers crossed - watch this space for more details!

The day ended with an energetic 2-hour Bollywood Dance Class at the St John's and Highwoods Community centre. So much fun! But definitely had a good night's sleep after such a busy day.

Spent the weekend reuniting with friends, eating pizza and watching the Bourne Trilogy (love it!). Oh and writing my lecture on Hindu Culture and Values for the opening night of the Swami Vivekananda Exhibition at Slack Space in Colchester on Wednesday 26th June. It's my first time being a keynote speaker...quite excited but getting more nervous by the hour! Speaking in front of the Mayor, Mayoress and other 'local dignitaries'...so let's hope there's no Midsummer Madness on the day...