Lara, a Water Warrior
In Lara’s words:
“I was one of the first to learn Metaqua from Amanda when she brought it to Tenterfield many years ago. However, that was the year the adventure was calling, and the kids and I headed overseas and by the time I got back, life was complex and I forgot all about Metaqua.
I was diagnosed with MS in early 2013 so movement is almost sacred to me as I was once told it was not something that was in my future. I am a huge believer in the power of movement, but I am a compulsive walker, and I could not imagine doing exercise if it did not involve my two rather spoilt four-legged family members. When I did swim it was out at Boonoo Boonoo and for many years I did not go near the pool.
Last year I kept coming across Amanda and I now suspect it was fate! Amanda is someone who lives life on her terms, never bitches or moans (even if she has reason to), and just gets on with it. She is one of the most joyful people I know. After hearing about all that Amanda was doing in the pool with what sounded like a wonderfully eclectic group of people my little brain started ticking over. A few chance conversations with Amanda became the Water Warrior Project which we started last year.
I never planned on getting back in the pool, but Kevin and Rosie are older now and one walk a day means they are happy. Whilst getting in the pool with my camera I fell in love with the water again. I was also inspired by the incredible group of people I was blessed to spend a little time with while taking their portraits. My daughter Riss decided she was over the gym, and she suggested Metaqua. After Riss did a session with Amanda I realised the water was calling!
I also didn’t think it would do my body any harm. Since Perimenopause started whooping my arse last year and brought back a few demons about my physical future, I have been actively looking for anything to make a difference.
Being in the water is transformative and I thank Metaqua for that. But even more transformative, for me, (as the older I get, the more solitary I am inclined to be, and being self-employed can also be a solitary endeavour) is being in the pool with people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and sensibilities and finding a community. I thank Amanda for that.
Water Warriors rock."
Thank you to Larissa, Lara's daughter for taking the camera off Amanda and taking these portraits of Lara.
The Water Warrior Project is a joint project of inspiration between Amanda, Metaqua Instructor from @swimminginthefield, and Lara Flanagan, Photographer from My Notes From Gallery, Studio, & Store
