u're not in kansas anymore...

Self Pity

Duchess — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:23:19 GMT

I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself. ~ d.h. lawrence

Etch-a-Sketch

Duchess — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:28:35 GMT

The troupe field trip to the happiest-place-on-earth was a barrel of fun. As usual, a trip out with the Molecular Midriffs was full of good times and laughter. My etch-a-sketch memories from the day: Most Karma-esque moment of the day: The minute hand strikes 9:00 am and the troupe takes off at a run, Karma in the lead, to be the first to make it to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We were the first riders of the day! (PS no children were harmed in the filming of this moment) Most common occurrence of the day: People kept eyeballing Paul's Samiah coat and wanting to rip it off his back. Most surreal moment of the day: Guy in coveralls is bent over with his violin between his legs and the other coverall'd guy is helping him play it. Least favorite moment of the day: Looking back at the cart behind me to see Yas bent over and looking green. Most Disney-esque moment of the day: On the ride back from Tom Sawyer's Island, we sang happy birthday to the little boy, Mark, who was celebrating his 3rd birthday. Most hopeful thought of the day: After riding the teacups with Karma and Jade, "I hope I don't throw up." Most favorite text message of the day: Lisa asking for a picture of Paul humping Pluto's leg Most favoritest moment of the day: We're riding thunder mountain as the "Dreams come true" fireworks are going off. At one point, the train is climbing up and a burst of fireworks explode in the night sky right above us. It was as though the heavens opened up and for a brief moment it felt as though I could reach up and touch the stars.

First Hafla

Duchess — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:35:39 GMT

The image that resonates most deeply from the troupe’s first Hafla performance came midway through the routine when I looked in the mirror and saw us with our tribal arms raised. The eight of us there, each dancing for our own reasons, but together emanating a powerfully palpable energy that even the audience was responding to. What an incredible evening, the most memorable performance yet! I was very recently reminded of the importance of honoring and being grateful for the immense blessings in my life. It is so very easy to forget amidst my daily activities and stresses that my health, my family, my friends, and my self are things that once gone, are irreplaceable. So, to the midriffs, I am thankful to be bellydancing with you - what a great troupe we have put together! I appreciate the fact that not only do we have fun bellydancing together, we also have fun “life-dancing” together (goth-style), and that we also are there to help each other. Having been the recipient of the support, kindness, and generosity of my troupe-mates, I can only say that it’s easier to face what intimidates me when I know that someone has my back. ;-)

To be continued.....in 2008!

Duchess — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:12:49 GMT

The great victory of 2007 is that I have no regret or desire for a little-more-time-to-do-a-little-bit-more. This has been a year of exploration and discovery and of coming home. It has exceeded anything that I could have imagined...or would have allowed myself to hope for when the year began 365 days ago. Now with 2008, we welcome in the year of the Rat! It is my year and I’m excited to see what adventures await. I am fortunate to be a member of a troupe of women who have come together to share in the pleasure of bellydancing. In the laughter and dance and camaraderie there is strength and empowerment, so my thanks to the ladies of the molecular midriffs for creating such an exceptionally colorful environment for us to frolick in. Happy 2008!!

somewhere I took a "wrong" turn...

Duchess — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:15:36 GMT

....but I hope nobody finds out and turns me in. This magical land that I find myself in is full of beautiful bellydance-ophiles who have opened the curtain to a mystical place of dance and fire and laughter, lots and lots of healing laughter. Has this always been here, have I been in a parallel universe? That's not the Wizard hiding behind those melodias is it? Speaking of melos, I just received my first pair in the mail - tried them on right away, OMG they rock!! It's been a month of firsts! our student troupe gave our first performance last month, that was so awesome - has anyone found a way to bottle that feeling of euphoria?!? I've belly danced in a gazebo and in a parking lot and three stories up with the moon smiling down. And, I'm blogging for the first time, wow, that's an even bigger surprise. hellow, is anybody out there....? I think I'll stay and mosey around a bit...i like this place.