A dance theatre concept by Sandrine Anterrion, on resilience and empowerment. 
​Featuring music by Queen. www.IMDb.me/SandrineAnterrion 

… So it must be interesting.
End December 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was said to me just after Christmas; although as I recall, there was not much Christmas that year.
I slammed my hand into the front door, on my way out to get the diagnosis. My thumb took a whole year to heal.
Cancer mustn’t ever get into your head: indeed, that’s where it does most of the damage. I don’t mean if it’s brain cancer, if course… But otherwise being strong and carrying on with being your best is what makes you bigger.
I had a lumpectomy on one side, then reduction on the other.
I came back to a flat infested with fleas, and insects biting my stitches.
I knew then I had to move out. Unfortunately that means I’m still homeless, because in the eyes of no one in authority, am I a priority case.
No, for that I would have to be disabled, a refugee, pregnant or a mother, addicted to drugs or to alcohol.
I live with the scars healing day by day, month after month. Breasts are smaller, but very decent. Scars will be there forever, to remind me that I have been through that too, as well as the rest.
This happened during lockdown, a very difficult time for many.
I went through this experience alone, unfortunately. But gladly, unlike many other women, I didn’t have to wait for my operations.
Radiation therapy worked awfully for me: the first series had to be stopped because of excruciating pains due to an infection inside the tissue. Those pains carried on for a couple of months. I had to physically carry my breast when I was walking fast, so it wouldn’t hurt.
The second series (a few months later) were also stopped after a session and a half, because of a muscle collapsing onto my lung, which caused my breathing to be difficult.
I spent the night in the A&E, because there were fears about my lungs and my heart.
I was fine in the end; but opted against radiotherapy for ever.
That was MY experience. Good luck with it.
I have been taking tamoxifen (due for the next 5 years), and lots and lots of antioxidants. Garlic, teas, turmeric… you name them, I’ll take them.
A year post operation, my mammogram has come back as normal. Clear. Just seen my surgeon today; to whom I owe a debt of support: planned for the next year, and next February’s scan.
I am surviving this, although doing it alone.
I did enjoy church a lot, in the past. Recent experiences with the Anglican Church have left me void of hope when it comes to Faith in general. I cannot face a church building anymore; when it used to be my haven, my place of refuge, the one place I always turned to in times of distress
I am pretty sure I will get over it at some point. It is very painful now to have no Christian brotherhood as I used to know it; nor friends who are physically close.
I hope and pray that whatever you’re going through, you always see the light; shine and become the better self you deserve to be.
Don’t let the church bugs bite.
Don’t let the idiots win.
Don’t let illness dictate your worth; or your path.
Don’t let enemies of the truth dictate what you will say.
Don’t let indigents steal your self-esteem away from you.
Be your best. Every day. Everywhere.

Nobody likes to throw away money.

2021 is a unique year, in so many ways. Once the lockdown is over, it will be time to celebrate again!

This is why it is so important to plan every step of your event, detail by detail.

Here are a few tips, from personal experience:

Visualise: what would be your ideal setting, your favourite guests, your dream theme, which music, which decor?...
Write things down. Start with a bullet point list. It helps to keep your head cool.
Plan ahead. Start as far back as you can.
Delegate. As it says on the tin. More people will be willing to help that you think... Cooking, baking, decorating. Get the kids to do stuff, write them a work experience recommendation on their cv... God knows.
Budget. See as above. A brilliant party does not have to be expensive. Be creative. Take your time.
Dont panic. You would fast become your worst enemy. It's just a party, after all... Unless you work for the White House...
Enjoy! See as above. Plan with pleasure. Visualise. See it happen, as you develop your ideas.
Location, location, location.
Originality. Themes. Craziness.... Tattoos, henna, glitter, pink, leopard prints, Spanish foods, 1970s... Entertainment comes next.
Entertain your guests. People want to be surprised: cake shapes, dance shows, singers, wacky stuff... Hen nights for instance can be catered for by belly dancers who can teach them moves, after their show... Christmas and wedding celebrations benefit from colourful dancers or singers. Organise a dance or karaoke competition.
Visit www.BellydanceParty.com or www.RedGlassSky.com Quote Facebook PROMO when asking for a quote.
Hand in a souvenir: disposable cameras on each plate, handmade stationery, engraved glass.... Whatever your budget allows. So long as your guests never forget THAT party!!
Have a good one!! And don't drink too much before driving.

Sandrine
www.BellydanceParty.com

Dance inspired accessory design, Sandrine Anterrion 2021.
www.FashionIllustration.org
www.facebook.com/LondonFashionIllustrator

I am starting a new dance-inspired accessory brand.
Keep visiting for updates!
In the meantime, see www.FashionIllustration.org