My Blog

New beathing exercises for the recovering

Aminah — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:04:52 GMT

So I hate that darn beathing thing. You exhale, You inhale trying to raise that bar. however, Humming songs will work almost as good and is more fun. I can almost get all the way through shashkin at low volume.

In case you haven't heard.

Aminah — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:08:31 GMT

Last week I went in for a stress test Which I failed so an immediate trip to the cardiac cathorization lab for me. I failed that test too So an immediate bypass surgery. With a 99% blockage that's what the do. I'm home. Tired and with good meds.

Turkish Band Camp

Aminah — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:36:19 GMT

Wow what an amazing time I had. Each year it gets better and better and better. I left Friday morning for the airport. Steve drove me over and we arrive early. There were a lot of people in the airport most of them were not business travelers so I expected a long line at security. It wasn't too bad. Since I get there super early, I took my time walking to my gate, window shopping and stopping for water. The flight was completely packed but, I didn't have any issues with my violin or my laptop. I decided not to risk the purse after the last flight problem. I arrived in Philly a few mins early a quick stop at the restroom and then called L. to see if she was there or not. We were on the same airline so we assumed we'd be in the same terminal. No such luck. Oh well. She walked over from F to meet me. Then off to get the rental car. I had reserved a mid size car because that's usually the best option. They gave us a mustang, taxi cab yellow. She was all excited about it. But, our HUGE suitcases wouldn't fit in the trunk so we we back and got a different car. Off to camp, I made a wrong turn and instead of going South on 95 took North. No big deal except instead of going the less traveled way around the city, we went the crazy traffic way. Instead of taking an hour it took 2. We were starving by the time we stopped for food. Then a quick trip to Wal-mart and we were at camp. Both Melissa and Carmine were already there. They rushed forward to hug us both and off to unpack and get settled in the room. Everywhere I looked were friends from previous years. Good news was everywhere. Ali's wife is pregnant with TWINS! I kept showing my wedding pictures off. Everyone kept telling me how beautiful I was and how happy we looked. We played some music, then had dinner then Ali's Ensemble class. We got through the first song quickly. Then the second song. The third was a bit tricky. The it was time to party!!! The dancers were beautiful, the music rocked. We went off to the party cabin and played all night. There were some minor issues with the lights. But, we worked it out. Only bad thing? It was FREEZING. I didn't sleep that well Friday because I was so cold. Saturday, up early. Off to breakfast and Sami's singing class. It was good. My brain is starting to make some connections and that feels good. After Sami's class, off to get out of my PJ's and into shorts. Yes, it warmed up enough for shorts. I hung out with friends and played a bit of music. The off to lunch, where we coordinated a time for a Wal-mart run. I went to get a heating pad so I would be warmer when I slept. Sami's violin class was in the afternoon. That was great. It was still hard but at least I felt like I could do it instead of be fustrated and confused. Then a quick run to the store and back to camp. Dinner was good. Then Ali's class we went over song 3 and 4. After dinner? Arabic night. Rachid asked if my violin had a pickup so he ended up playing it all night. I was tired and had already decided that I wasn't going to go off to the party cabin because I wanted to get a good night's sleep. That was a great idea. I got back to the cabin, heated up the bed. Took a warm shower and off to sleep. Sorry cabin mates that I kept up with my snoring. But, boy did I sleep well. Sunday? Well it was a repeat of saturday w/out the store run. 1 more song from Ali, a rehersal for the performance. Yes, we preformed all the songs we learned that night. So 5 songs 3 classes and a preformance all in one weekend. I had so much fun preforming. I think it's the most fun I've ever had. I wasn't stressed. I just accepted that we just learned the songs and that I would do the best I could. It rocked. As Ali was talking about us, he said these folks aren't my students they are my music friends. I almost cried it made me so happy. Oh and it was Turkish Night. I danced and danced and sang and had a wonderful time. After the band stopped, we didn't go to the party cabin, we just stayed there and partied and played. I got cold so I stopped and went home to bed. The Monday, we were up much too early to get to the airport. This time I paid more attention the GPS system and we didn't get lost. There were almost no lines at the airport. We all met for lunch then off to our planes. Thankfully mine wasn't full. I moved my laptop to the center seat, I had a window seat, I stretched out and slept. I don't even remember taking off. I slept until about 20 mins before we landed. Steve picked me up. He made dinner while I showered. But then the bed looked sooo good and I took a nap. I got up about 8, then back to sleep at midnight. Yesterday working was hard. Last night I went to bed at 9 and slept until 7 this morning. I feel much better now! I totally met my goal of no meltdown. I totally exceeded that goal. I learned so much. I am finally feeling comfortable in my skin of a musician. I was able to play some songs in the party cabin w/out the sheet music. I was able to play the songs in the Ensemble class. Well not all of the songs, it was a comfortable stretch. I like that Ali is challenging us and pushing us. I got to explain to a dancer how it is to be a musician playing this style of music. She never saw my point of view. I get lessons once maybe twice a year. I don't have a weekly class I can take. I don't have anyone to learn with. So I try to cram a year of lessons in one weekend. I try to make as many connections as I can so that I can maybe play with my friends during the year and continue to learn and grow. So another successful camp. I can't wait for next year!

More music stuff

Aminah — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:05:58 GMT

So did my last post get you excited about music? Want to learn more and from excellent teachers? Then you need to go to <a href=http://www.folktours.com/campusa.html>folk tours a.k.a. Turkish band camp</a>. This will be my 5th year at the camp. It has classes for both dancers, musicians, and singers. I love this camp, I find that going not only improves my skill as a musician but as a person. I love that I get to spend an entire weekend working on music and getting to know people from a different culture than my own. This year will be no exception. Teachers include:" Seido Salifoski, Karim Nagi, Ali Kahya, Souren Baronian, Mike Uzatmaciyan, Sami Abu Shumays, Rachid Halihal, Tayyar Akdeniz and more" Dance teachers include:"Fahtiem, Morocco, Artemis Mourat, Karim Nagi, Christina King, Ede Thurrell, Ibrahim Tunc and Tayyar Akdeniz". Plus every night the house band plays. Register now.

Rachid Halihal workshop

Aminah — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:52:07 GMT

I went to a workshop hosted by <a href=www.halobellydance.com> Haala and her husband John</a>. On Saturday they had workshops in 2 different locations. The one that I attended was with Rachid and a Maquamet workshop where we learned 2 different songs. The other one was dancing to a drum solo. I heard great reviews of it. I didn't actually see it. I went with my friend <a href=www.majidaanwar.com/>Majida</a> not only a beautiful dancer but a great violin player. The workshop was scheduled to start at 9am. With registration from 8:30 to 9. I hate being late and frantic so we showed up at 8, shortly after we arrived the store where the workshop was being held opened. A few mins after we got out our violins Rachid showed up and the workshop started about 1/2 hour early. yea us. In the morning we talked a bit about the maquam Bayati. Then we learned a song by ear. "Ya Rayh". Learning by ear is challenging for me because you have to be able to hear the notes and know what they are. But, I'm getting better at it. But, it's also nice because once you know the song you know it. You also feel it when you learn it so that when you play. You have more feeling with the song. We took an hour lunch about 11. There was a shopping center next to the workshop where we went for yummy Indian food. Then back to work The afternoon, we learned a new song. "Lamma Bada Yatathanna". I was lucky, I already knew how to play it with sheet music. But, I tried to play it along with the class w/out the sheet music. It was fun. I got most of it. Rachid also showed us how to play the violin with it on your knee. My favorite thing? When you play it on your knee it moves in an arch. His quote. "Look she dances". I am going to start working on teaching my fiddle to dance. He also was able to explain how to do a taqism in a manner that made the light bulb go off in my head. I finally get it. M. decided to take the afternoon beginning drum class. I rode over with her to the other location. Since I was tired, I took a nap in the back of the room. I felt a bit uncomfortable sitting in the back w/out having paid for the class but since I was driving with someone there wasn't anywhere else to go. I would have sat outside but the only place to sit was on the front porch on the ground in the sun. Me w/out sunscreen would be bad. So I tried to be out of the way. After that we headed out to grab a few things including dinner, then back to the hotel for M to change. She danced in the show that night. We found the place for the show w/out any problems. A nice venue for a show. The performances rocked. Suhail Kaspar, Rachid Halihal, and Naji Hilal. Wow. Even with sound problems they rocked. Sunday home again. I am so excited about music again. I think that's why I love workshops so much. Too bad it was so far away, I got an email on Monday that Rachid was still going to be in town for a couple of days and was giving private lessons. Sigh. Good news? He'll be at folk camp so I'll get to see him in a month. edit: I corrected the name misspelling

Got Hofla?

Aminah — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:24:57 GMT

Here's the flyer. (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2398585236_b5c5b20873.jpg?v=0) I'll be adding it as an event soon.

Save the date

Aminah — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:05:02 GMT

We're having another hofla June 21 from 7pm to 11pm. More details to follow. I'm working on the flyer right now.

Trying not to conflict

Aminah — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:11:03 GMT

I want to host another hofla/house jam. I don't want to conflict with too much stuff. Trying to pick a date is hard! So I'm thinking June 28th. Do you all know of anything going on in the Charlotte area dance/music wise that would conflict?

House Jam wrap up.

Aminah — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:11:19 GMT

Thanks to everyone that made it out. I realize that there were lots of conflicts, both with workshops and a holiday. I'll try to plan better next time. There was lots of yummy food mmmm lamb kabobs, yogurt spinach dip, and spinach pies! Plus lots of other yummy stuff. Mmmm. 5 musicians were here. We played music all night and had loads of fun. I even got to do my rock start oud impressions. Not that I can play the oud. I'll be picking out a date of the next one soon. I hope that next time we don't have as many conflicts! Oh yea, the easter bunny showed up in the middle of the night and we chocolate for breakfast. Mmm.

House Jam in 2 weeks

Aminah — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:13:05 GMT

Can you believe it? It's almost here. I hope you all can make it. http://charlotte.tribe.net/event/Aminahs-House-Jam/york-sc-29745/634a6da8-d013-4d00-b7d6-95fbaa0a55ea?nextpage=http%3A%2F%2Fcharlotte.tribe.net%2Ftemplate%2FHomeListings.vm

Ishtar is on TONIGHT

Aminah — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:00:18 GMT

Thursday February 28, 9PM -- Eastern Standard Time www.WRCT.org Or 88.3 on your digital FM dial, if you live near the Carnegie Mellon campus. The broadcast is live, not a podcast. Please tune in!

Aminah's house Jam

Aminah — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:17:51 GMT

Yes, we have decided to have a house party/jam/dance/fun/ Here's the flyer:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/2214313641_e9c5ccbb3d.jpg?v=0 Please email me if you want a better copy.

Jalsah Charlotte

Aminah — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:44:21 GMT

I've decided to have one. I'm just beginning to plan it. Go to http://aminahfiddler.livejournal.com/156946.html to see what I've planned so far. Once I get the rest of the details up I'll post it.

flying

Aminah — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:57:01 GMT

I'm going to be flying this weekend to folk camp. I'm a bit nervous about flying with the violin. Anyone know anyone that's flown with one lately? I'm going to be on Air Tran if that makes a difference. I'm going to have my labtop and my violin so I'm assuming I'll need to fit my purse in my laptop bag. I've read to not carry spare strings but beyond that it seems like a mixed bag.

He asked

Aminah — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 02:49:34 GMT

I said YES.

Steve's Aunt Jean

Aminah — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 20:02:52 GMT

Regina Vetter Regina (Jewell) Vetter, 93, of Laurel, died Feb. 13, 2007 at Laurel Regional Hospital. She was born Dec. 23, 1913 in Pipestone Township, Eau Claire, Mich., daughter of the late Edward and Nora (Peters) Jewell. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School and worked at Auto Specialties, where she enjoyed playing on the baseball team. She married James Gilson and had a son, James Gilson Jr. In later years she married Arthur Vetter and they moved to Laurel. She worked for the U.S. Government Printing Office as an accounts maintenance clerk for 23 years, retiring in 1974. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Laurel and served as financial secretary. She was a past president of the Laurel Business and Professional Women, and had been an active member in the Laurel Moose Club and Senior Citizen Center. She enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends in Michigan during the summer. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers and three sisters. Mrs. Vetter is survived by her son, James Gilson of the Crofton Rehabilitation Center; several nieces and nephews; and many family members and friends. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Emmanuel Ephraim officiating. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Laurel, 811 Fifth St., Laurel, MD 20707, or Laurel Moose Lodge, 430 Brock Bridge Road, Laurel, MD 20724. Arrangements were made by Donaldson Funeral Home, 313 Talbott Ave.

One big rock.

Aminah — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:18:56 GMT

Steve and I went gem mining for my engagement ring rock. This was months ago. Yesterday heard on the news somone found a 972.5 carat emerald. today I found this story: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/16539800.htm?source=rss&channel=charlotte_news That's the same mine we were at.

move update

Aminah — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:25:15 GMT

Finally after 4 days of moving everything is out of the old house. We turned in the keys last night and she had our security deposit check ready for us. We are nowhere near unpacked. Dark chocolate strawberries are good.

Phase one

Aminah — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 23:34:23 GMT

We have found a new place to live. Whew We move Oct 28. It's a 3 bedroom, 3 car garage place. Whew First we move, then we go put money down on a house then we wait 6 months and move again. Yea!

Housing decision made

Aminah — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:19:05 GMT

Whew. We have finally made a decision that I'm 100% happy with. It means more physical labor now but, I'm happy. Our landlord will not let us stay past the 31st of this month. So we need to be out. We looked at more houses today. We LOVE the communities that we looked at today.But, they don't have a house in the neighborhoods so we're going to build. Here is our plan: We are moving into a cheap place. We've found one we're going to look at tomorrow. It's 1/2 of what our mortgage is going to be. We're going to get a 6 month lease or go gulp month to month again. We're going to live like we already have the mortgage with 1/2 of the excess going into savings and 1/2 of the excess paying of the stupid little bills we have left. We're down sizing our cable and doing without. We're also going to unpack as little as we can. Around the 1st of November, we're going to put money down for the builder we like to build us a house we like in a new community that will open then. Most likely we'll be one of the first to move in. But, we'll get to choose our lot and choose everything we want for the house. We're going to take the list of the options that the house in Mt. Holly had and get the items that we like on there. Choosing cheaper things for the things we don't care about (some light fixtures and some other items). We're going to spend more money on the things we care about, a front porch, a bigger garage. About 4 to 6 months after we give them money we'll get to move into our house. We will be living in cabarrus county just like we like. The only think I'm not giving up until we move is the Y membership. I'm hoping we can somehow swing it once we move. But, if we can't we will have the space to have a home gym. Whew. For the first time since I opened the letter from our landlord I feel like we're back in control of our lives. Yes, it's plan. Yes things could go wrong but I'm not going to stress about them.

Hoflas

Aminah — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:45:53 GMT

I have been asked to help host a hofla for a Kingdom event. I'm still not sure if I want to do this or not. There has been so much drama over hoflas and musicians and how they should be run, I'm not sure if I'm ready to throw my hat into the drama ring. So I'm trying to get a feel for what people really want. So if you could vision the perfect hofla how would it be run? Stories? Music? participation only like a bartic circle? How do you make it inclusive? How do you judge who can participate? How would you control the crowd? What would you do with the folks that just want to watch? How do you make it fun for most? No I'm not silly enough to think you can make it fun for all. How do you control the flow? Should there be a sign up with time slotted for breaks? Are hoflas no longer the sit down and have fun but more performance oriented? Are there so many musicians that we now need to run it like a show vs. just friends jammin? Have we blurred the non-SCA world with SCA world? I know when I go to a non-SCA hofla groups sign up to do a performance, they entertain an audience then they sit down. One dance troupe does not perform when another dance troupe performs. There isn't anything like just stand up and dance when the mood strikes you. Do people no longer understand that everyone can have fun together? I don't want this to turn into a flame war, I'm just looking for ideas and suggestions. If you post a flame it will be deleted. I have crossed posted this to my tribe and not friends locked it.

Funny

Aminah — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 21:13:48 GMT

Yes, today I got to fill out a TPS Report. That's all.

A forever home for puppy

Aminah — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 23:35:07 GMT

So the puppy has a new home. A nice family came by this evening and hung out for a bit and took her home. Wooo puppy has a new name and a new home. Her new name is Sassie.

found dog

Aminah — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 16:28:16 GMT

i have a dog in my backyard that's trying to adopt me. At this time, I can't keep her. She's very loving and sweet. But just too much for me right now. Help?

A fire

Aminah — Mon, 15 May 2006 22:43:45 GMT

Not my place this time. But a place that we all love at pennsic. The Inner Vagabond, supplies and storage area burned. They want to make it to pennsic but, aren't sure they will be able. After some suggestions from others, they are taking donations for gift certificates to help them fund what they need this year for pennsic. Go here http://yourinnervagabond.com/blog/ I plan to send some money in tomorrow. I can almost taste the lemon freezy things who's name I can't remember.