My Blog

Exhausting trip...

Sarah — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:01:22 GMT

We got back very late Tues night. Not a good trip. I will post some of the pictures later.

Sitar Shimmy Shakedown was great!

Sarah — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:39:50 GMT

Those of you who missed it, missed a great show! The mix of styles of belly dance was fabulous! We had everything from Old school to Tribal to Bellynesian to Cabaret to Fusion. Huge kudos to Stephani who worked really hard to make a lovely event and have everything set up that the performers might need. If you haven't decided to go to the July 12 or August one, you might want to reconsider. Great job Stephani! *huge huggies*

Family in Iowa are safe.

Sarah — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:30:04 GMT

Thanks to everyone who asked about Dave's (my hubby) family. They are out of danger by living in North Liberty which is 10 miles from Iowa City and in fact are hosting 9 people who had to be evacuated from their homes in Iowa City.

Belly Dance Events for June!

Sarah — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:47:31 GMT

Saturday June 7th! Go see our little Gothlings Anita and Lauren perform! DEATH GUILD THUNDERDOME FUNDRAISER "bringing the dome to San Francisco" Location: Ace Auto Dismantling in San Francisco 2255 Mc Kinnon St San Francisco, CA 94124-1326 A night of entertainment featuring Diva Marisa Dome Fights CoRE bellydancing by Ariellah and Lapsus live set by Lurid Bliss More Dome Fights more to be announced soon DJS Decay & Melting Girl & John Dough & special guest 18+ • $20 at the door www.deathguildthunderdome. com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 8th - Fremont  Celena, Troupe Celene´ and Friends Presents An enchanting evening of Dance Sunday June 8, 2008 7:00-9:00pm Atlas Restaurant-Persian Cuisine  34787 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555 (510) 792-8000 Performers: Celena, Malia, Saiqa, Amanda, Khajulah, Troupe Celene´, Christina, Esperanza, Nehtara, Zaida, Vakasha, Rheina, Yohana and more! Atlas Restaurant: 34787 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, CA 94555 510-792-8000 for reservations --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 14th-Morgan Hill Sitar Shimmy Shakedown Saturday June 14th 7:30-9:30pm Ashley Lopez, ZaZa, Kristina, Tribal Moon and many more! Sitar Restaurant 110 Cochrane Plaza Morgan Hill 95037 408-776-7000 ------------------------------------------------------ June 22nd - Half Moon Bay “Bella Bella Belly Dance” Malia’s BIG student show 2:00pm - 5:00pm Mezza Luna Italian restaurant 459 Prospect Way Princeton by the Sea (Harbor) Half Moon Bay, CA 650-728-8108  Reservations strongly suggested for lunch or dinner before or after the show - the very BEST Italian food !  Tickets go on sale June 1st – buy early its always a sellout! $10 advance / $12 at the door  www.bellydancer.net

Eric & I will be the Official photographers at the UltraGypsy show tonight!

Sarah — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:23:50 GMT

Saturday May 31, 2008 Zambra presents "The Red Wagon: Creating the Wheel" Brava Theatre, 2789 24th St at York, San Francisco, CA, USA Carola Zertuche and Jill Parker of Zambra present "The Red Wagon: Creating the Wheel", an evening of bellydance and flamenco. Featuring the mad drama of theatre flamenco, the sensuous stylings of Ultra Gypsy (and students), Bay Area legend Malia de Felice, with musicians Paco Albiac & Roberto Aguilar. Cost: $12-13 in advance from Carola or Jill, $15 at the door Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 8:00pm sharp! Come down and see the show!

I missed classes tues. & wed. because of these two.

Sarah — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:08:36 GMT

http://www.wickedsmileys.com/Misc/KittensSLyons.jpg I caught them out in the backyard. The feral cats, had kittens and there is still a 3rd kitten on the loose. I took these two to the vet and got them checked out and they are healthy and are NEGATIVE for FELV/FIV so I was very happy to hear that. We lost CB to FELV last year. I have already talked to TownCats and they are trying to help me with these two and with the adults. I can't really go anywhere, it is like having a baby, well two babies in the house. The black and white one is super playful and friendly and fearless, she will get into anything. The striped brown one is much more timid but way more vocal. She will call to the other one and to me, she wants to know where I am at all times. The striped brown one is the bigger eater of the two. I need to get a playpen for them, my house is NOT kitten friendly. They got stuck behind the CD stand and were attacking the curtains behind the couch, needless to say I need to cut their nails.

Tribal Fest was great!

Sarah — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:28:12 GMT

I did John Compton's workshop on wed. in the heat, but man it was FANTASTIC! John is so wonderful! I also got to have dinner with him and Celena, what a great way to spend the evening with two AWESOME people and great performers & teachers! I took photos of Perilium and I have to say that their performance was super. I of course saw Hahbi Ru and was blown away! Man they are just the best! I got a few really cool things shopping, one of them being a new pair of FireFly pants, a lovely brocade ghawazee coat, two really fun long fringy belts and a super cool pair of beetle wing earrings from Anaar. I will be posting pictures more pictures from Club Spice that Eric took and then what I took at Tribal Fest. I need to edit those from Tribal Fest, plus I am going to have to put watermarks now on all pictures. We went early in the morning and left early in the afternoon, so I am sorry if we missed you. I just can't do the heat anymore, you know the getting old thing. I hope everyone had a great time, I know I did. :-)

Events to attend Belly Dance, Geek and more!

Sarah — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:32:31 GMT

Club Spice Friday May 2nd An Eclectic dance evening www.bellyq.com Performers: Perilium Tribal Moon Crystal Silmi Summer Michelle Reynolds Ashley Lopez Esperanza 8:30-1:00am King of Clubs 893 Leong Dr. Mt. View www.koclubs.com $6.00 with flyer only $5.00 Maker Faire http://makerfaire.com/ May 3 & 4 Saturday & Sunday San Mateo Fairgrounds Uber Geekdom! We will be there Saturday! Belly-Q A mix of Burlesque & Belly Dance ZaZa/Esperanza Classes: Monday nights 7:30-8:30pm Lunatic Fringe Belly Dance Boutique 182 S. Murphy Sunnyvale 408-732-2405 $10 per class Old school Belly Dance Lunch time classes! Celena-"The Killer Ziller" 12:30-1:30pm Wednesdays Lunatic Fringe Belly Dance Boutique 182 S. Murphy Sunnyvale 408-732-2405 $10.00 per class Tribal Fest 8 "The year of infinite possibilities" May 14-18th Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St. Sebastopol, CA www.blacksheepbellydance.com/tf8/index.html June 8th Celena's Performance Night Atlas Restaurant 7:30-9:30pm 34787 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555 More Details are coming soon! www.celena4dance.com June 14 Saturday Sitar Shimmy Shakedown-An evening of Dance 7:30-9:30 110 Cochrane Plaza Morgan Hill 95037 408-776-7000 Jun 22nd Bella Bella Belly Dance Malia & New Moon Belly Dance Annual Student Show Mezza Luna Restaurant Half Moon Bay More details are coming soon! www.bellydancer.net

Sitar Shimmy Shakedown July!

Sarah — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:25:28 GMT

An evening of Dance. Many wonderful dancers from the bay area as well as local Morgan Hill favorites. If you would like to dance, please contact Stephani for open dance spots, they are filling up fast, so look on my friends list or email her directly at charmedonesam [at] aol.com

Sitar Shimmy Shakedown June!

Sarah — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:24:41 GMT

1st Belly-Q class was fun!

Sarah — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:12:30 GMT

What a wonderful group of woman from all styles of belly dance! We had everything from Cabaret to Goth to Fusion, etc. etc. There were about 7 of us not counting Esperanza who was teaching. We had fun learning the "Sassy" walk and doing the Burlesque hip-sit, we were working the feather boas tonight. ;) Uber fun! I am looking forward to next week. Monday Nights 7:30-8:30pm Belly-Q with Esperanza Lunatic Fringe Belly Dance Shop 182 Murphy Sunnyvale Hit her site for all the latest http://www.bellyq.com/

Raks al Khalil members -Pick up photos from Khajulah

Sarah — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:38:36 GMT

I dropped off CD's for all 19 members that performed at Rakkasah 08 with Khajulah Friday night. When you have class with her, please pick them up. There are a total of 509 pictures on the CD, so it is your performance in it's entirety. Please keep in mind that I DO NOT have a professional camera, nor am I a professional photographer and the lighting conditions there were less then stellar. I know that you will have superior photos from Michael Baxter but there are a few decent ones on the CD that you can use. I hope you like them and use them, Sarah

Hot Java Raks

Sarah — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:23:05 GMT

Been busy with projects and photos

Sarah — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:27:00 GMT

I took photos at MECDA in Feb. I posted just a very few, I took over 6500 and edited them down to just over 4700. So all the performers have a number to choose from. I will try to post more later. I made some hair pieces for a troupe that is dancing at Rakkasah, so see if you notice them by what they are wearing in their hair. ;) I made a flyer for one of my teachers for her upcoming classes and it turned out cool. I will be at Rakkasah all weekend, so look for me and say hello. I will be photographing my teachers of course and a few friends. :)

Belly Dance night in Morgan Hill! New!

Sarah — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:53:12 GMT

Stephani one of our belly dance junkies has set up a Belly Dance night in Morgan Hill. Woohoo! We have another place to dance! Dates: Sat. June 14 Sat July 12 Sat. August 23 Times: 8:00pm Location: Hot Java 17400 Monterey Morgan Hill, CA 95037 I have referred several of you to her as potential dancers for her nights. Khajulah-plus Rosa, Rene', May, Carmen & Debbie-your advance students-I didn't have their email addy's so I listed everything under you. Stari Jenn Esperanza Kristinia Simone You can contact Stephani directly, she is on my friends list or emailing her, charmedonesam [at] aol.com I will post regular updates with dance space, parking, directions, etc. Come dance!!!

just posted b-day pics

Sarah — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:11:17 GMT

Sorry we were not able to invite everyone. We didn't have a small wedding budget to rent a hall to fit all of our friends in and have the event catered. So Lisa and I had to cut down the list numerous times. We only had room for 25 people, so that there was room for the performers to dance in. Then! 10 people didn't show at the last minute due to illness. :( But we had a wonderful time and what great performances! We were just blown away! We had the best birthday ever!

Those who went to TFF-need details!

Sarah — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:52:52 GMT

How was it? Who did you get to see? Pics? Pics? need to see. Workshops? how were they? Shopping? what goodies did you get?

WickedSmileys this weekend in Pleasanton at the Holidaze Craft Craze!

Sarah — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:27:02 GMT

Need stocking stuffers? Need a Wretched Wreath to decorate your door? Need something unique to to wear to a New Years Eve party? Need Kitschy stocking stuffers? Unique greeting cards? Sparkles? Feathery goodness? Come by and shop! Lots of goodies to tempt you. Find out about this event and see what other Vendors are going to be there. http://www.znestore.com/PCMHOLLY.html

Cafe Bellie Sunday Dec. 9th!

Sarah — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:09:52 GMT

Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 7:30-10:00pm FREE bellydance class at 6:30! Ashkenaz 1317 San Pablo Ave. at Gilman, Berkeley, CA $10 I will be there as a vendor so come shop and pick up some yummy x-mas goodies for friends and yourself! There is a raffle and yes I will be putting up some of my goodies. So come and buy a few tickets, the money goes to the Women's Daytime Drop-in Center in Berkeley.

??? new pics not showing up

Sarah — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:42:28 GMT

I just uploaded some new pics and they are not showing up in my album. anyone see them? Tribe was down yesterday and last night and I finally got on afternoon. Stuff is now showing up for me, but earlier it was not, lots of pictures were missing. anyone know what is up?

Esperanza's Fan class? who went and how was it?

Sarah — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:35:49 GMT

I missed it because I am trying to cough up both my lungs. I just know I missed out!!! *sniffle...sniffle* How was it? What all did she cover? Did anyone take pics? Details!!! people I need details!

Fan Class with Esperanza- Tues. Nov. 27th at 7:30pm

Sarah — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:00:59 GMT

Bring, Buy(in store), or Borrow fans... What to wear: comfy clothes Nov. 27th 7:30-9pm .....$20.00..... Pay in advance this class may sell out (Last I heard, there were a few spots open) Date & Time: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 7:30 PM Location: Lunatic Fringe 182 S Murphy st. Sunnyvale, CA More Info: 408.732.2405 www.lunaticfringebde.com/ Oh hell yes, I will be there!

Picture use...

Sarah — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 06:01:33 GMT

If you use any of my pictures please remember to give me credit in some way, either by using my name or WickedSmileys. Even if you are doing something simple like posting them in your Livejournal, myspace or website. I would really appreciate it.

Truck shopping...

Sarah — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:22:36 GMT

My truck, that we call the "Beast" is finally on it's last leg. We hit the dealerships looking for a replacement. So many of the salesman were a pain in the ass, one had on the worst cologne ever! And walking around and looking and looking and looking again, it was so exhausting. And the "deals" sometimes were not deals at all and some of them were so pushy and it was such a game, I couldn't hack it. I am just not good at games. I had a nice list of different SUV's and Wagons that I thought would be big enough for us and when I vendor, so we had a fair number of different make and models to look, so we were not totally unprepared. But we found something we really like, the Envoy in the picture from Saturn. The Saturn dealership was so nice, no games, no deals and no BS or bad cologne. Hopefully it will pass the inspection we are having done today. *keeping fingers crossed* and then I will have a new "Beast".

Desert Dance Festival Sept. 22 & 23-need some help.

Sarah — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:02:36 GMT

I will be a vendor at DDF next weekend. If anyone would is going and could watch my booth during the following times so that I can photograph some of my teachers and their troupes and a few friends. I would appreciate it so much. I can pay you cash or we can work out some kind of trade for one of my designs. Saturday Sept. 22nd-Main Stage 12:21pm LuLu 12:30pm Davina 2:48pm Paloma 3:36pm Troupe Celene 5:30pm Mo'Menein Sunday Sept. 23rd-Main Stage 2:21pm Raks Al Khalil 8:12pm Siwa 8:21pm Ma*Shuqa There might be others, but I just scanned the listing quickly. email me or call me if you can help out.