Speaking figuratively...

Moved my blog a while ago...

Tracey — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:34:52 GMT

But I just realized that I did not really say anything about it here... I wanted to get into the swing of things at the new location first. I changed the style a couple of times, and may again, and then got really busy with a lot of dance events. Which are pretty much all posted there... It has links to my Flickr pages, links to other blogs that I find interesting, and, in general, a bit more professional feel to it - I hope - or sort of with the exceptions of the personal reflections that come up every once in a while. So, I think I have settled in there, please feel free to check it out if you have a moment of boredom :-) And you can susbcribe to the RSS feed as well if you use readers like Google Reader at all.. I'll still be wandering around tribe too, but the blog is there now. http://www.halyma.com

August is booked!

Tracey — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:07:16 GMT

Tom was able to book site 116 this morning at Pog lake for our camping trip - now we can relax for the next few months... Or is it, work really hard for the next few months to ensure a relaxing August? I dunno - so much has been happening for the past few weekends! I finally took an afternoon off yesterday to do nothing but watch dvds and snooze/relax on the couch/futon. It was nice. And today is not too heavy in the schedule as I had a client postpone her appointment to later this week so I get to go out for the green celebrations today. No beer - not my drink - but sunshine and a walk and some lunch at our fav haunt "Patty" Boland's and then home to meet another client I am ready for and head off to teach class tonight. Should be a good day now that the trip is booked :-)

Boing is a star!!!!

Tracey — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:19:58 GMT

Check her out: http://www.cutewithchris.com/drama-queen.html

Discount Coupon for National Women Show

Tracey — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:51:04 GMT

The National Women's Show - DISCOUNT COUPON AVAILABLE Saturday, March 8 0:00 AM to March 9, 2008 0:00 AM Where: 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario. Website: http://www.nationalwomenshow.com/ Ottawa Congress Centre Hours: Saturday, March 8, 2008 ~ 10am - 6pm Sunday, March 9, 2008 ~ 10am - 5pm Admission: $12 Tickets are available at the door. TAV Creations and Belly Dancing For Fun is pleased to once again be participating in Ottawa's National Women Show. Begun in 2003, TAV Creations has been a part of this weekend of information, demos, fashion, fitness and much more since the beginning. Featuring information on custom sewing, examples of some of my recent designs, and products available for sale, our booth will be along the wall just past the fitness area! On SUNDAY, March 9, at 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.: Halyma and the Belly Dancing For Fun Dancers will be presenting a Belly Dance Demo segment on the CENTRE STAGE - come on out and join the fun! Our extra special sales event for the show will be Halmya's Belly Dance DVD's - both will be on sale that weekend - so be sure to plan to get your copies! Cash and credit card sales accepted! Come out and enjoy a day of adventure in exploring all of those great things women love so much - and be sure to stop by to say hi! See their website for the Ottawa Spring National Women's Show for full details of the weekend! EMAIL ME FOR YOUR DISCOUNT COUPON!

What a weekend...

Tracey — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:15:22 GMT

I was going to write a really in depth, long winded blog post about how busy/wonderful/tiring/productive/eventful etc. this past weekend was. And I got tired all over again just thinking about it! So, instead: - a quick thanks to everyone who joined us Friday for our 10 year anniversary party: friends, family and Christoph and all of the staff at our second home, Patty Boland's on Clarence Street, in Ottawa. - to the hosts of people out there who hire me to teach/perform/entertain them in my chosen fun field of belly dance, I had three "gigs" over the weekend and have more coming up that will bring fun and challenge to my life! - and to everyone who was involved with the Dancers' Bazaar yesterday. Over 300 people all deserve good energy! I was able to book today off, until i head out to teach tonight, and I am grateful for that option in my life too. And Mainly, thanks to Tom.

Celebration of 10 years....

Tracey — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:43:15 GMT

I am here, curled up little dog on my lap, doing the online stuff while my hubby, of 10 years as of 11:15 a.m. this morning, sleeps. He works at night, I work during the day , and we overlap for our regular lunch dates, and supper. For those who don't know we are also both self-employed, running our respective businesses from our cozy 1 bedroom apartment. It was a wonderfully warm -5 degrees celsius on February 21st 1998. It was the final Saturday of Winterlude and there were only a few of the solid ice sculptures left standing when we said our vows outside with about 45 family and friends in attendance. We planned on having our very short ceremony all wrapped up before the Chilean band started their show on the stage at the the other end of the park, but waiting for some of our guests delayed things just enough to have the band and the ceremony start at the same time! Tom's sister and my sister graciously read two passages that we each contributed to express how we felt about our relationship and planned lives together. We still have the entire ceremony in the binder that was used that day. I took the cards we received, and created a collage/book cover that is decorating the binder now. The plastic adhesive did cause some of the ink to run, but the essence of the blessings we received from our friends and family is still there. After a brief, but meaningful - for us at least- ceremony, we had pictures taken outside then sent everyone off to Dubarry's for chinese buffet. The final pictures taken show the hunger in my eyes as we are in the restaurant and dying of hunger! We will always be grateful to Penny, for taking such fabulous pictures for us that day! Lunch was wonderful, and Tom's Dad kindly gave one unexpected toast, welcoming me into the family. Cinnamon hearts, and a raspberry chocolate cake that I made the day before were the only fare that we brought, and Sherrie, my maid of honour, and I created the bouquets and boutonnieres with flowers from Loblaws the night before. After lunch, we headed over to the pool hall along the strip mall - very classy! We got comfy and played pool for a few hours before everyone headed off in their respective directions! It was very relaxing and a fun way to spend the afternoon. A few of our friends were able to join us at our apartment at the time, number 1 of this building, about half the size of what we are in now, and we decided to go ahead and do the gift opening - even though we had asked for no gifts! But we kept them anyway <grin> and funnily enough there was also a pile of Christmas gifts that came from the Leroux gathering that we had missed that previous December! My brother Joe was staying at a nearby hotel, so we called to see what he was doing for supper, and our gaggle of friends joined us and him at what was then "Biggs" at the base of the Journeys End on King Edward. A memorable meal was had by all :-) After that, we went to see the fireworks as it was the final night of Winterlude and they did that back then! Twas nice. 10 years later, we are still happy, grateful, and thankful of each other, our friends, our families, and our choices that have brought us here. <sigh> I love ya Tom...

Back to our regularly scheduled programming....

Tracey — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:22:33 GMT

Tuesday morning, after two days of Birthday fun. Thanks to everyone who was part of the celebratory insanity - much fun was had by most! The adventures: Sunday brought the sun, coldness and a gentle brunch with friends - some not seen for weeks! General chatting and the usual calm of Sunday brunch prevailed and gave a relaxing start to the day. Tom, armed with his laptop, stayed to enjoy some peace and quiet while i headed off to mall walk and meet up with Michele and take in Smash! a play that was being put on by the Tara Players at the Arts Court. I enjoyed the visit with Michele and the play. It was great to get out and see live theatre again as it had been too long! The breeze carried me back to Patty Boland's to pick up Tom and head home to change clothes and let the Boing out. Off again to connect with Gailene en route and walk over to Mono Mahal's, for a lovely Indian feast. Many friends were able to join us and I was very happy to chat and visit. After eating more than I should - especially following the detox week so closely, 4 of us walked over to Barrymore's to dance. What a blast! Near empty dance floor, lots of great music and wonderful buddies to dance with made it a great way to party! The walk home afterwards was brisk, but the perfect way to sober up - I am a cheap drunk these days! Thus ended the pre-Birthday celebrations with my wonderful group of friends - thanks to everyone who came out for the various parts A lovely collection of gifties - though unexpected and not asked for - were most appreciated! The actual day brought a quiet day with lunch out, some more mall walking and then an afternoon on the couch watching Angel epsiodes. And up and moving for class last night got my energy flowing back into the regular routine! So now I am getting ready to head out to do some sewing on site in Beacon Hill, and that should take it all into a lovely memory of turning 39.

Detox and a sick little dog

Tracey — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:26:30 GMT

Yesterday was day 5 of a short detox that hubby and I are doing - just getting the systems back online afetr a holiday break[ish] of insane eating. For those who will ask: Wild rose herbal cleanse - 12 day detox which we have split into 6 days each - better to do some than none at all. http://wildrose.com/ Bought ours at the Natural Food Pantry in the Byward Market I was starting to get into the rhythm of it, and we will continue with it, but yesterday gave us a brief test of wills and brain cells to figure out eating out while detoxing. Lunch was fine, I was able to order a green salad with a grilled piece of chicken and no dressing, just some lemon. I was happy to crunch away getting my greens and protein, with some mint tea on the side. Then we went out with our Vegan friends last night and it just became oddly difficult to stick with it. At least and actually eat something substantial. We make the choice to respect their comfort level when we go out with them - it only happens once or twice a year and is easier that way. We are happy to go vegetarian for a meal, although sometimes cheese does sneak into our meal in subtle ways and they ignore it, and we don't say anything. Now here's the limitations for me: no baked goods, dairy, sugar, yeast, fungus, and a few other things. This leaves plenty of food, including fish and meat, but not when with the vegans. So, we broke down and had the veggie burger - a bean and veggies patty crusted with oatmeal flakes and fried. It was very good, but not perfectly acceptable detox food. Yes, I ate the lovely bun. Yes, I ate the cheese that came on it. And yes, I had french fries along with my salad on the side! And yes, I came home and felt like crap. Amazing. And the lovely Boing, being the empathic familiar that she is, promptly vomited twice, or was it three times, last night to commiserate with me. The plan is to get back to proper eating today and most of tomorrow, with an exception tomorrow evening at suppertime - Indian - yum... So, we'll see what next week holds - definitely planning to continue eating the detox way, but not likely to spend another $35 on the herbals. Ah, trying to be healthy! Oh, and for those who know of my coffee ups and downs - presently it tastes horrible, so I think I am off that wagon again!

First week back at it!

Tracey — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:36:07 GMT

Monday brought my first class of 2008 - in regards to teaching that is! I had attended a wonderful workshop in Montreal on Saturday and Sunday with Amrita, Hadia and Jalila Zamora { she and I laughed at how I have to travel to Montreal to take a class with her!] I was very impressed with the information shared by all three teachers, and the techniques we learned and practiced. Amazing experience, even though it set me up to be stiff and sore for my own first night of teaching <grin> Lots of new faces and lots of return faces - always a great mix, and I always look forward to the energy that comes from connecting with such powerful ladies! I am a bit of a go with the flow teacher in that I like to see who is in the class and what level of dance they are at and where I can push and where we can relax and have fun. It always develops into a different adventure every session so it really adds to my own journey as a dancer! It promises to be an interesting year with a focus on technique and some choreography - but challenging myself to remain creative and get a good workout myself during class will be the best thing of all. And it will trickle down into those shiny happy faces - or "grimacing in concentration" faces :-) Now to curl up on my couch for a little while while my own muscles heal after last night's final classes of the week! Photo was found somewhere online by my hubby - just thought it was great!

Early morning walks

Tracey — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:27:02 GMT

What a blessing. I woke up this morning at about 5 a.m. and did some Facebook time - which I have been avoiding while I get other more productive things done. Around 6:45a.m., I decided it was time to get out of the apartment for a little bit of air { read: walk to Bridgehead}. And the walk was wonderful. Saturday morning, pre 7 a.m. ,one can cross the 5 lanes of King Edward without stopping traffic/stopping to wait for a break. The air is warm and damp this morning, with a bit of a breeze, and it was magical. I love the pre-dawn colours in the sky - dark blues with fluffy clouds, and the beginning of the light creeping up to the edge of the horizon. Hmm. The few other bodies who are roaming around at this hour seemed to revel in the peace of it as well - Freshly fallen snow, sparkling of early morning streetlights, and relative quiet. I can hear the rumblings of traffic now and know that the day has really begun for many people - even though the sun is still trying to make its way into the sky. I have a bit more time before my actual work day begins so I'll enjoy it and hold to that early morning feeling of stillness for a while longer! I think night owls get the same feeling if they stay up to the wee hours, but then they go to sleep - I am glad to be a "morning" person. Have a great day!

Celebrating the Divine Made Manifest

Tracey — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 13:14:08 GMT

Today many people celebrate the birth of Christ. Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the donkey, A big star in the sky [ was it aliens?], "wise-men", and lots and lots of presents... it got me thinking.... I awoke to a quiet house, Tom and Boing both asleep, as usual. And I started to think about what today means to me personally. We gathered with my siblings and their offspring on Sunday, and it was a wonderful connection with people who are interesting and diverse, and seeing the personality developments with my nieces and nephews is magical. They are all growing into powerful young people with such different approaches and outlooks on life, and yet, I can see reflections of my own siblings and even myself in them. Characterizations, learned traits, genetics, whatever it is, these representations of our next generation are manifestations of those divine sparks that gave myself and my siblings our own sparks of personality. Tis cool. A few days before that, I gathered with friends to celebrate Yule, the celebration of the return of the sun - longest night / shortest day - it has many more celebratory elements as well, but that's the one for me. There I saw the power of women, a group of strong women, graceful and elegant, raunchy and full of laughter, coming together to support each other in this journey of life, and gift each other with a reminder that we are all in it together. Thanks ladies, BTW. So, what does it all mean? Why did this elicit an essay on the "Christmas morn"? Christmas has always been a contradiction for me. Today I may have had a glimpse into the next level of clarity that will help me embrace aspects of it - the truth in all - so that the stress will not be so high, the point of it all will have meaning for me personally. Into my head this morning, crept thoughts of the bigger picture, beyond the symbolism of a baby in swaddling clothes, beyond the malls packed with shoppers, beyond the cakes and cookies and roast beast. Celebrating the Divine Made Manifest. Celebrating that spark of "divinity" born into each of us that allows us to be more than we think we can be. Celebrating that glow that we get when we help another to be more than they thought they could be. Celebrating that internal connection to something more, something larger than out little shell we live in, larger than the little part of the world we call our own. Celebrating our link to a greater us. As humans, we love labels. We love to define as it helps us understand those hugely incomprehensible ideas that can be overwhelming at times. So we call it God. Allah. Goddess. Angels. WE wanted it to mean something, so we put all of our eggs in one handful of baskets. We called them Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, Brighid, and more. Then, we gave them responsibility over our beliefs, actions and self control or lack there of. If we did something right, received "blessings", thank Jesus. If something terrible happened to us, It was either the wrath of God for our terrible transgressions, or we turned to those entities and prayed for their help/salvation/ direction. It's okay. It's what we do. I posted a while back a blog about Richard Dawkins book, about being an atheist. I had listened to it [ audiobook], and enjoyed the stimulation of his thoughts. Got me thinking. I have always and still do believe that there is something larger than me out there. Something undefinable, an energy that does not really dictate our individual course, but rather flows through us, and if it had sentience, it is enjoying the ride as much as we are. I am not the only one to believe this of course, and it really is just another way of trying to define the intangible. "May the Force be with you..." "We are all stardust, made of the same stuff as the universe and it is just trying to figure itself out." But I never could connect with the bearded God sitting on a mountain top amongst the clouds - whether he had thunder bolts or just a lot of guilt to rain down on we mere mortals. Speaking of guilt, I was just reading in another book a concept that guilt was generated to make us feel badly for losing our connection to divinity. When we are connected to that divinity, we will find the strength to do the things that will make us feel good. "casue they are usually the right thing to do. Even if they are hard at first. So guilt exists to bring us back to the fold, bring us back to that place where we feel that connectedness and inner joy. Okay, I can see that. Back to this celebration thing.... I will still find the obligatory gift giving abhorrent. I would much rather give gifts throughout the year, and we do try to do this when we can, rather than saving it all up for this one day. Tom was recently asked what he got me for Christmas. Blank look on face. We have gradually done away with giving each other Christmas gifts, as we get what we want when we want it. We take time and cocoon, which we also do throughout the year. He gives me the gift of his time every moment I ask for it, [ read Belly dance events], and any time he senses I need him. And he gives me a lot more that I won't be typing about in a public blog entry! Sometimes I don't even know what he gets in return :-) Oh yes, I am rambling. Take a moment and breathe. Go deep into your heart area [chakra if you like], and feel the glow there. Let it spread through you - and then let it out into the world today. Joy, peace, laughter, kindness. It is all yours to give away. So please take some joy and happiness from this post, in knowing that we are all in it together. Celebrate your divinity within by letting it come out and play! Be god/goddess like today!

Happy Holidays!

Tracey — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:16:31 GMT

Whew - another class party gone by!

Tracey — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:11:10 GMT

We got home last night after the party at about 11:30, hit the couch and ordered food! I began sorting through the paperwork while Tom began the work on the video. Rough cut - over 2 hours of belly dance fun and frenzy! We have some calculating to do! The evening started months ago - like September/October. That was when I started to look at where we could move the party to allow for more ticket sales,and even open it up to the public a bit. Getting input from the teachers who participate in the show, I made the decision to go bigger - off to the Bronson Center Theatre with us! We've come a long way, and I could not do it without the serious support of my friends and belly dance family! I started teaching in January of 1998, and my first "class party" was in June of that year with about 25-30 people in my back yard. We had tarps 'cause it rained, we had potluck food, and a stereo system hooked up inside, with speaker cords coming out the window! It was fun, and crazy and I said - never again outside - too unpredictable. The party has since moved in small steps then bigger steps, from 60 people, to 100 people to 150 people to 300 people and now, over 450 people came to last night's event! We've been in restaurants, community centres, and now we are in a theatre that will allow us to grow in size for attendance. It was our first time at the Bronson Centre last night, with a pretty creative sound and lighting tech, reasonably clean -though hard to find green room, not great parking, but very close to the transit system, and bathrooms that required a treasure map to find them! The staff there was very helpful, I was pleased with their assistance and obvious enjoyment of the show themselves. Longest Show too - that was a bit hard. I will have to think about this in order to still provide that fun and relaxed atmosphere but not having the show go on until 11 p.m. I gratefully send out a MAJOR THANK YOU to all of the teachers and students who performed as well as the list of volunteers who gave their time and energy to helping out wherever was needed! Volunteers: Stage Manager: Catharine Crerar Door People: Donna, Annie and Ginette MC : Susi Liou DVD Sales: Julie Tierney & Elaine Sims Video Tom Performer / Green room Assistants: Brenda Yendall, Linda Berube, Julia Watson Decor Michele Roy Photography Lainie Cambria And thanks to everyone who attended - we cannot show off our stuff without an audience - and last night had the BEST audience I have ever heard! Supportive yells, applause, and energy was coming off these folks like the snow that was falling while we danced! As a dancer, you cannot actually see the audience very well - bright lights, raised stage etc. so to get that feedback in such proportion was magical. Appreciation and gratitude feed our souls and to feel the appreciation for every performance, from the most beginner groups through to the professionals at the end - right from the moment they got on stage - was breathtaking! So thank you to everyone, and I look forward to a break before starting the fun again in January - apparently June books up quickly at the BC! Happy Holidays to everyone!

Stress relief - Laughter!

Tracey — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 14:40:11 GMT

So, clicking around Youtube, I stumbled into this: http://www.cutewithchris.com/ I started laughing so hard that Tom had to come over to see what the heck was going on. Humour is of course very subjective, but Chris is an actor I had seen years ago in some Canadian Shows, and I think his true deadpan talent is now finding a real place to shine. And the cuteness factor is hilarious too!

One week away...

Tracey — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:54:58 GMT

My class party is one week from today. And I have so much to be thankful for! Great students, great colleagues, lots of positive energy from everyone, even when I start to feel a bit overwhelmed. In September, when the planning begins, I decided to move it to a larger space. One that is big enough for double the amount of audience members. For years, I have had to turn away people at the smaller venues, as there really was just enough room to hold the student performers, a friend for each if they were lucky, and the volunteers and teachers. So, I took the big leap and with suggestions from some of the other teachers who participate in the show, chose to book the Bronson centre for the party. The cost of course is higher, but not unreasonable. I can still keep the tickets at $5 each for all of the students, including performing ones. I know that is a controversial concept - making people pay to perform at en event. And then making them pay for a copy of the show dvd afterwards too - the Horror! My philosophy on this began back when I had 30 people coming to the class party, and they would all offer to bring food, drink etc. Instead of having them do extra work for the party, I figured if everyone pitched in $5, then I could afford to rent a place and have a relaxed evening for all. After a few forays into local restaurants - we outgrew those once I needed space for 150 people, the $5 ticket price stuck. I could have an event pay for itself and the performers would get the benefit of snacks in the "green room" and the audience would get an inexpensive evening of entertainment. So, as the final week approaches, my emotions are running amock as I look at the ticket sales and see lower than expected numbers - did I do the right thing to jump to the larger location? Will I be out of pocket for the first time ever when offering this party as a fun night out for my belly dance students and friends? AAAAAHHH Then I remembered, I moved to a larger location to allow for non-performing people to be able to come to the event. And December is a very busy month! And I have some amazingly positive energy friends out there with their reminders that these things always work out the way they should! So, I have started to let the "outsiders" know that they should come out to see a great show. And I am sending out those welcoming, warm weather vibes to let you all know that it will be a hot night at the Bronson Centre on December 13th! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - come a bit earlier to buy your at the door $5 ticket! Show starts @ 7p.m. with a scheduled evening of a about 2 1/2 hours of belly dance fun! -{It is a school night after all!}- Come see student groups, soloists, professional, all levels and styles to entertain!

Dancers' Newsletter - Check it online!

Tracey — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:59:47 GMT

I am actually having a few issues with my email today, so while the online version is fully updated, the email version will be delayed! Feel free to check it out if you have not in the past/ are waiting for your morning fix! http://www.tav-creations.com/newsletter/latest/ PS - the pic is just to get your attention :-) I thought of putting up one of me looking frustrated, but hey - it's all good!

My Kinda Holiday Spirit

Tracey — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:04:53 GMT

A couple of things to make you laugh and think: Tetes a Claques: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=uQdFcyevEi4 Living Gifts from 10 000 Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=living_gift

Ottawa Santa Claus Parade - Toy Parade

Tracey — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:12:02 GMT

Yesterday was the Santa parade - we went, watched and took some pics. Here are a few shots - it was a beautiful day! http://www.flickr.com/photos/t2camping/sets/72157603229149395/ Mainly I love this guy's hat! Here are some video clips: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=n88vgvyGHWE

On the radio...

Tracey — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:27:26 GMT

I was interviewed for an online radio station and it is being broadcast 24/7 for the rest of this week. Successful Women International is an organization promoting women in life, work, home etc. and their founder Pierrette Raymond has set up the talk show to help spread the positive energy to us all! If you feel inclined, check it out! Don't feel you have to click"buy", you can listen to it by clicking the yellow "play" icon! http://www.live365.com/stations/pietrar

Some time to breathe....

Tracey — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:55:47 GMT

Here we are in mid Fall, and I finally feel like I have a moment to breathe again. August is our fabulous holiday time, and once we get back from that, it takes at least a week to get into the swing of things, but then it is GO!GO!GO! until the end of October. The new session of dance classes start, the Bazaar plans are tweaked and worked on, my clients realize I am back in town and start emailing and calling - all really good and positive cycles to have in my life so I am very grateful for them. The leaves are changing colours, and most have fallen off the trees by now, the rain is starting to come more often of late - with the promise of snow. I love the fall, and the nature of the coming hibernation time of year, although I know I won't really be very restful through the winter either... Now that the clocks have changed, my body is back to it's regular routine - those two weeks before the change I feel lazy and tired for "sleeping in", but finally the continent has caught up to my circadian rhythm :-) My dog is snoring on her box, she likes the heater being on and uses it to warm her toes and nose. Life is very good, and it is nice to have a moment to appreciate it. With all the rushing around, the concept of simply breathing gets lost in the shuffle! And that is a choice I make, so there is no one to blame, just moments of realization to recognize and analyze. Feel free to join me in a deep breathe - AAAAAhhh

Some silly Quebecois Fun

Tracey — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 13:32:46 GMT

So, while many people in Quebec and Canada already know about Tete A Claques, many others don't... Yes, the french is not the kind taught in school - but it is too funny. Check it out when you feel lke some silliness: http://youtube.com/watch?v=RRpeUGbcTNU

Counting down to the Dancer's Bazaar

Tracey — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:11:47 GMT

So, a few days remain, and my fitting room is full of sparkle and swirl! Circle skirts, caftans, cleo skirts and baladi dresses.... I always end up sewing the week before the Bazaar, making pieces to show people what I can do, and use up some of the fabrics I "have to" buy through the year. Of course, the most fun is getting the orders afterwards or altering imported costumes from all over! So the last thing to make a small run of is Thigh Savers - see my website if you are curious! As organizer and a vendor that day, it is a bit CRAZY - but I am really grateful for all of the volunteer help I get from all over our community! With the hours before and afterwards, it does turn into a very long day, but I am looking forward to generating community spirit, interest in what I offer, and sales! And the supper out to Uncle Louie's afterwards is a great way to end the day. So, if you are in town, be sure to come by, and send lots of good belly dance energy into Ottawa so that everyone can find exactly what they are looking for on Sunday afternoon!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend everyone!

Tracey — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:26:23 GMT

Just winding down my computer time before I begin my weekend "away". For those in Canuckland - Happy Thanksgiving! And for those south of the border<grin> ~ Enjoy some pumpkin pie with us this weekend!

Red Dress gone and ready to bring in marriage bliss later today!

Tracey — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:40:09 GMT

Okay, I guess the title pretty much says it all! Now I an relaxing-ly get ready for the Nationals Women's Show performance with the BDFF ladies later today! Or do dishes... Or take the dog for a walk...

This working for a living thing...

Tracey — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:30:01 GMT

... maybe it is just being self - employed, but geez somedays the self-discipline is not there! I was able to get up at 6:30 a.m., read through a few emails, take the dog for her short walk, get some coffee and a healthy muffin like object for breakfast, and get a few hours of sewing done for my 11:30 appointment. Since then I should be sewing, but instead have read more emails, helped my brother with a computer problem -or at least got Tom to help him, made a quick egg and cauliflower lunch, and played my move on Scrabble online. So, I should now be ready to get back to sewing but.... I don't feel like it! Oh yeah, and I listened to, and broken down the patterns of music in 3 of the 4 new songs that I have to [at least partially] create choreographies for by next week's classes. And re saved AAIF files of music - HUGE- into AAC files - much better for emailing as needed to performers! And then I have to teach class tonight so I won't have the evening to get the sewing done. But maybe after class I will have to take my coffee to go and head back to sew. Unless I can get some focus for the next 3 hours... Blarg. Did I mention the wedding dress goes tomorrow - at 9:30 a.m. if possible. Please note it is not my fault it is last minute, I am helping out a bride in a desperate situation and in general the dress looks great and is going well.... AS I said, Blarg...