Pippa Brown: Enjoying country life at show

Being a bit of a country girl at heart I love the annual A&P Show.

It's a parade of all that's good about the Kiwi country life - something a lot of people have lost touch with, and it's on this weekend.

Being a horse lover my favourite are the equestrian events, closely followed by watching those wonderful huntaways, eye dogs and beardie dogs working out.

There's so much to do and see - axemen, shearers, big cattle and soft alpacas.

It's always a relaxed atmosphere, a great family day out and a chance to don the big Western hat, although hopefully not the Driza-Bone oilskin.

So if you get a chance hop along to the Agrodome and support it.

On Sunday is the King and Queen of the Mountain up Ngongotaha when our regal toughest will fight it out for the title.

Not only will we have a King and Queen, but a Duke and Duchess for beginners and a Prince and Princess for children as well.

The race is a little bit too energetic for me but a great spectacle. Half of the entrant fee will be donated to Rotorua Cancer Society.

Aratika Cancer Trust are holding five Mindfulness Meditation evening workshops at QE Health Spa Rotorua from Wednesday February 8 to March 8.

Meditation is a great way to keep calmness in your life. It improves concentration, reduces stress, increases self-awareness and an understanding of who we are, increases happiness and it's been said increases our immunity and reduces aging.

The Trust normally offers workshops and retreats exploring evidence-based integrative medicine practices to empower people diagnosed with cancer, but these workshops are open to everyone and a great opportunity to learn the craft.

They are suitable for anyone wanting to learn how to meditate, or with experience. The cost is $100 per person for five sessions. Call Shelley 022 429 5063, or visit aratikatrust.co.nz

Who doesn't love the talented Ed Sheeran? The guy has a heart as big as his voice.

Thanks to The Hits, you could see him live in Sydney on February 7.

The draw is next Wednesday, so tune in and make sure you are listening.

Next week Georgina will be back at the Rotorua Weekender desk. I've very much enjoyed my time with you. Thanks for all your wonderful and inspiring stories.

Until next time, Haere ra