Wow, this shot is amazing! Where is this bluesfan? Do you mind saying?

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/al...pictureid=8203

Yeah it has been gloomy, cold and rainy here for over 48 hours so those pictures made me smile. Thanks for sharing them.

Dancing is one of my favorite things in the world. For the past 25 years I had been taking a class with a group of women. Over the years we have become a type of community of support and love. It has been very hard for me to give it up. The doctors think my symptoms come from my spine and I was afraid that dance would possible make my situation worse.

My doctor urged me to try it being careful so about 4 months ago I went. I promised myself I wouldn't jump or do anything stupid. However, as soon as I started the warm-up my legs began to burn badly and felt heavy. I know it wasn't going to work.

Last month I put the same sneakers on with socks to take a walk and immediately the exact same sensations began. I then remembered reading about some of you not being able to wear socks and certain shoes. So I did an experiment and tried all my sneakers without socks. I found one pair that did not trigger anything and to make a long story short, yesterday I put on those sneakers, went to my class, stood toward the back making sure I didn't jump or do anything too crazy. I was elated. It was wonderful to move, feel the music and be surrounded by the love and energy of people I've basically grown up with. I am a happy, grateful girl today.

Gettin' your Groove On, Pinkynose

Dave.

Hi janieg

I'd love to share publicly where this idyllic spot is but unfortunately preservation of it's natural beauty is not yet guaranteed. Locals and others who appreciate its uniqueness are still working to protect it permanently. If it got too much publicity and became inundated with tourists then the pressure for development would ruin it. In this region there are several other similar coastal locations that have become over-developed, and the original natural features such as bush walks, serenity, native bird-life etc have disappeared.

At the moment any member of the public can access much of the area without difficulty. With development that would become restricted.

The other thing is that half the enjoyment of this place is in discovering it for yourself. But if you're thinking of coming down here, drop me a PM and I'd be happy to give you a clue to find it yourself.

Just thought I'd dig up this old thread, and add a new story. Two weeks ago, my wife and I spent several days in the Traverse City, MI area. Of course my wife likes walking and shopping the downtown areas - and I did as much of that as my feet would allow. But we spent a lot of time driving, sight seeing, dining, and wine tasting at the huge number of wineries in the area.

But the best part for me was Sleeping Bear Dunes (A National Park area made up of large sand dunes on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.) They have a "dune climb" area, and I decided to make the climb. It was a warm day and it's a bigger challenge than it appears from the bottom. Halfway up I wasn't sure I could make it. But I took my time and eventually made it to the top, where the reward was a park bench at the top of the dune, with a great view and a cool breeze coming in off the lake. Fortunately, going back down was much easier for me.

I did pay for it a bit the next day, but I think it's good for everyone to push their limits once in a while - no matter what your personal limits are. Keep posting your stories - I love to hear them

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That's quite a climb Ragtop - well done - sometimes we go into these 'adventures' knowing there will be a price to pay after but we do it anyway - just for the chance to feel 'normal' again for short while.

Hope your 'Good Day' feelings helped you get through the surgery (read your other post) and you're recovering well. All the best - bluesfan

What a climb, what a view, Ragtop!

Great achievement.

Dave.

I am a control freak and for the past few months I have constructed a very rigid schedule to try and get my symptoms under control. I have avoided doing anything that changes my schedule and might make my symptoms worse. I eat a similar meals at the same time, I use my 10's machine the same time, I meditate the same time, I get in bed the same time, etc. To a degree this has helped and I do know as far as sleep there is much written about maintaining a regular routine. Unfortunately this has caused me to say no to opportunities, especially nighttime ones, even if I am feeling well.

Yesterday my friend called to offer me a free ticket to see "Swan Lake" with her. I surprised myself and said YES! It was beautiful and we had a marvelous time. I did not have any symptoms at the performance and even though I didn't get home until late I fell asleep quickly, only got up 1 time to apply some lotion and slept the rest of the night symptom free.

I'm thinking my mind plays a bigger part in all of this then I have realized

That's great news Pinkynose...I'm happy for you and it's great to read some positive news!

All the best,

Cliffman