My Blog

Green Corn Moon Art Show this Friday, August 15th

julie — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:26:00 GMT

Announcing: The Green Corn Moon Art Show Books Beans and Candles at their new location 1620 20th Street South Friday August 15th 6p 'til ? Featuring work by Artists: Greer Dauphin Rhandie(blue dragon) Sheenae Grant M.Tatum Judith Amanda Tindall Jamie Jones Lindsey Kendal Glen Linsey Don't miss it! Rumor has it there will be a cash bar....

ART RELATED REQUEST

julie — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:15:02 GMT

I am trying to update my student files, and many of you have either expressed an interest in taking classes, or have children who have taken or would like to take art classes from me. I am putting together classes for the fall, and I would really like to include you all, especially (Megha, Wendi...) the homeschoolers. Its been too long, and I miss them! I will be teaching child AND adult classes in various mediums. And I am hoping to introduce a new class for adults, provided there is enough interest, which requires less committment than previous classes. The idea is to produce complete artwork in a single night. Alcohol is allowed, so its a "grown-up" class. Its basically a reformatted "adult-art" class, for those of you who took the sessions before. So ...If you are interested, PLEASE email me the following info at jcaltonwatters@yahoo.com Thanks so much!!!! Julie Student Name - Address - Phone- Email- Age (Please include if a child)- Birthday- Guardian Name- Are you interested in the following?: Drawing - Painting - General Art - Beginning 3d - Special Needs or interests: Anything else? Again, this information is strictly for my records. I won't share or sell any of the information you provide.

Painting Blog

julie — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:03:01 GMT

Sooooooo....I've been a little displaced lately. Mommahood, while full of bliss, has caused things that are important to me personally to take more of a backseat. I've managed to keep up dancing, but the group dynamic has helped keep that alive. I've taught classes, still, its that group dynamic that has kept those things alive. "Well, I really shouldn't miss this practice. The girls are depending on me" is an easier excuse than "well, I really would like for ME to stare at a canvas for an hour. I'M really depending on ME to do it. I wouldn't want to let me down." I seem as of late to be operating based on the needs or demands of others. Meanwhile, my own art, I feared might flicker out. Because of my inactivity (and I would be remiss not to include the frickin' ridiculous cost of commuting) I've ended the lease on my studio in Birmingham. Yikes. I've always believed in that "room of her own" phrase. I need space. To think. Home has NOT been that space. I live in a 2 b 1 bath old house with a stupid fat (and adorable) lab, a prissy chow-mix, a full-time musician and a toddler. I've been known to leave the house and sit in my parked car to feel a sense of quiet. Truly. I mean, I know its a "blessing" that my child is "highly verbal." But when all you have is two high-maintenance dogs, a very verbal toddler, and a husband who can only hold a conversation while simultaneously picking the notes of his latest masterpiece, well, the "blessing" aspect of anything can be overlooked. I am at the point where I could just jot down a mediocre, anticlimatic end to this little art drama of mine. I could close that book. Retire the brushes and the mess that accompany them, and just let go. Watch it float away...like a child watching the balloon drift away towards the clouds. The ribbon dangling beneath it. The ribbon they accidentally let go. But there is another side to me that is either stubborn or optimistic. This side has decided to give it a try without the room of my own. I cleaned out the nook that is near my washer and dryer, right off of out kitchen. I spend enough time in this area already. Laundry. Sweeping the endless shedding of dog hairs. Cooking for the poor souls who would die of starvation when left to their own devices were it not for pop-tops and microwaveable meals. I've decided to tilt the planet on its axis and spend some time in this space dedicated to ---*gasp*---ME. So. As luck would have it, the heaves above finally answered my cry for childcare. I now have extremely inexpensive (albeit extremely random) childcare courtesy of a teen down the street. As if that isn't delicious enough, the daycare for which I've been waitlisted came through and my child has been accepted this year (there's a whole sordid tale of how I infiltrated the system and befriended all these important people to make this happen, but that's for another blog). Now all that's left to do is pray for more out-of-town gigs for the hubby and banish the dogs to the yard, and the WHOLE HOUSE will be MINE!! Mwah ha ha ha ha. Now for the cherry-on-top: I've just been commissioned to do a conceptual piece by a couple in Nashville. The husband is white-bread American with a Christian upbringing. The wife is N. Indian and Hindi. The whole concept is based on some writing of the husband. After meeting with them, and understanding that the piece really needed to represent the both of them, I got a rush of excitement, and decided to incorporate her cultural richness and imagry of Hindu deities into the painting. They loved the idea. I'm super excited. For now, the ideas are still swimming. The piece will be contemporary and these elements of Hinduism will likely be subtle, but I'm so stoked. I'm considering Krishana and Rhada and some Yoga influence, but the focus for me right now is on Kali, and it just seems to bring everything I love full circle. Dance. Art. Cultural diversity. Wow. I'm researching now and sketching, but I intend to blog (much more compact) installations as I go along and include images. Not so much for others. Just because I think its a neat idea. And I am depending on ME to do it. ; )

Mark your calendars for June 7th!!!

julie — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:59:34 GMT

20th Annual LGBT PRIDE Parade Refused by Mayor Langford on May 21st, then authorized following Rep. Patricia Todd's conversation with the Mayor. The 20th Annual LGBT Pride Parade WILL TAKE PLACE as originally scheduled. Registration begins at 6:30 PM (near 22nd Street South and Highland Avenue, just past the Chevron station as you head west on Highland Avenue.) Parade Step-off is at 8:30 PM and covers approximately one mile through the historic Five Points South District of Birmingham. The annual Mardi Gras Style parade is open to all participants. Individuals may "walk" the parade route for free. Organized groups, motorized vehicles, or those riding on floats should refer to the Group Pride Parade Registration Form for a list of the nominal fees for each level of participation. Participants are reminded that you may NOT "throw" items to bystanders, however you may, and are encouraged to do so, hand beads, give-aways, etc. to those along the parade route. The theme for the parade this year is "PRIDE365 - Building a Stronger Community." Floats and organized groups will be judged on their use of the theme as well as lights, music, etc. All participants MUST COMPLETE the Individual Pride Parade Registration Form which must be signed and turned in at Parade Registration beginning at 6:30 PM on June 7, 2008 Participants are also reminded that the annual LGBT Parade is a "Family Oriented" event. Central Alabama Pride, Inc. reserves the right to remove any inappropriate displays from the parade.

A Vacation? REALLY? AGAIN?

julie — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:46:03 GMT

Its been two years since I went to the beach, and I am soooooo looking forward to it. My sis and I are going for a whole week. This year is the weirdest year, i am not a world traveller. Not even a Continental traveller. Or in-state traveller. Yeh. I do most of my travelling in my mind. Or on the internet. And thanks, to Conde Nast. Anyway, the year of '08' seems to be looking up. It was kicking me in the butt for a while, but this mom is getting some "me" time in the form of some travel, and I intend to focus on that truth when mean people start to surface and piss me off: -4 day trip to Santa Fe in February -7 days *gasp* trip to the beach right now (May) -4 days coming up at Bonnaroo in TN (woohoooooooo! This festival saved my life last year. I found my inner hippie, and I intend to renew it every year) -4 days at a resort in July for my BFF's big 40. Hmmmm. I'm hoping this means a big awesome job is in my future and I better get my vacationing in now...

Whew! It's over!

julie — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:59:37 GMT

Okay. So today is Wednesday, but I think I'm just now coming out of a haze from the weekend performance of Macbeth at Sloss. Not only did I get to play one of Hecate's Minions as a bellydancer, but I got a last minute invite to do a part in the play. It was only about 20 seconds on stage, but it was fun. It was also the part of a HOOKER. Hmmmm. Wonder what inspired them to ask me. Do I scream "hooker?" Let's hope not. Here's a pic of me trying to "hook" it up while concealing my bellydance garb (not an easy task. I left the Bindi off).

F Y Eyeball

julie — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:21:28 GMT

http://ultrahiprevue.com/ just a picture now, but still.... : )

Looking for a good fast

julie — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:36:17 GMT

Yeh. Its that time. My regular diet "fixes" aren't cutting it for me. I feel sluggish and oily and itchy and congested. Bleck. I've been thinking a while about fasting, and I think I'm gonna try it. Any suggestions for plans? I've looked into raw (duh. usually what I tend to do anyway) and different juice fasts and various takes on a cheater's water fast. I'm not ready for a long one, so I'm looking at 1 to 3 days of fasting, which can extend up to a week to include tapering. My ideal time frame is between now and mid-may. If it matters, my fave fruits and veggies are acai berries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries,pears, grapefruit, mint, honey (sorry vegans), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, carrots, avacado and asparagus, broccoli and spinach. And yes, I will drink celery and apple in juice form. Bad news: I don't have a juicer. I welcome your ideas! -J

Way to go, stupid

julie — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:09:05 GMT

So. I go to the India Shoppe to look for some of those dance slippers. I talk to Mark for like a million years (fortunately a lot of it was spent discussing bellydance and all the dancers in town, and looking at the awesome calendar - I need one of those. bad), then I get a sweet little ring. Sounds cool, right? Then I realize this guy, who was perfectly nice in passing (he pointed me to the slippers) had this stupid shirt on. I read it twice before I said, "Oh my God. Are you REALLY wearing that shirt?" Then I proceeded to talk to him about the shirt and what it meant, and how interesting it was that he chose to wear it (can you swim through the sarcasm here?) blah blah blah. I wasn't belligerent or mean. Just inquisitve...ad nauseum. I think he left feeling kinda stupid. Serves him right. For those who can't read it, it says "Help stop rape. Consent" Translation: "I am a giant buffoon. Never have sex with me. EVER."

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

julie — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:58:29 GMT

Thought you should know. Research: www.myspace.com/raisethevoice2007 www.crisiscenterbham.com www.rainn.com www.malesurvivor.org http://www.acar.org/ www.ncvc.org/tvp Recover: *If you are a survivor, know that your pain is real, no matter how much time has passed since your assault. Please visit the above links to find ways and people to help you move through your pain. Witness: *Visit the Wounded Heart Exhibit at Crestwood Coffee Company. *Share your story with someone *Be brave and compassionate enough to listen to someone else's story Help: *To learn about how to be a Rape Response volunteer medical advocate contact Rape Response at 205.458-8981, or find your nearest Rape Crisis center sign up for the SANE assistance. *Volunteer to answer the rape crisis hotline in your town *Visit RAINN and learn about training to be an online counselor *Buy NOT A PIECE OF MEAT merchandise, available at www.myspace.com/notapieceof OR at Crestwood Coffee OR by calling Meg McGlamery at (205) 458-8981 Interesting facts: *Rape Response of Birmingham provides literature in English and in Spanish. *The 2008 Raise the Voice art auction attendance was upwards of 350. That's a lot of people. The number of rape victims that received medical advocacy through Rape Response in 2007 was 330. In one year (which typically only contains 365 days). *advocates at Rape Response are comprised of both survivors and non-survivors *many crisis centers, including Rape Response, understand that teen sexual violence presents a unique set of challenges. Rape Response provides teen support groups to help encourage teen victims to work through their feelings. *More and more crisis centers, including Rape Response are actively seeking ways for concerned males to become part of the fight against sexual violence Thanks for reading. Pass it on. : ) Jules

SCAMMED for Bonnaroo! No!!!! So mad right now.

julie — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:39:27 GMT

NOOOOO!!!!! So my friend and I have tix to Bonnaroo and decided rather than get the hotel in Monteagle we stayed at last year (which has doubled the rates AND is 44 miles away, by the way), we would "rough it" in style and get an RV. So over a month ago my friend found an RV rental available in NC and made a deposit. She planned to leave her SC home, pick it up, and meet me in TN, where we would load up in the RV and head to Bonnaroo. The balance was due at the time she picked up the RV. Well, after some emails back and forth with the rep, and a request for verification, the RV company has "vanished" with over a grand of my friend's $$$. (Okay. truth? $1800.00) AHhhhhhhh!!!! What the helll?!!! Screw the scam artists of the world. This girl is an amazingly generous person who takes time out of her life to do good for other people (did I mention she is a genetic counselor and works on finding solutions to problems like diabetes, and cystic fibrosis). Not to mention she was looking forward to a road trip/Bonnaroo adventure with a friend (yours truly) who also gives a LOT of her time to helping out others in need. This sucks. Now we need a place. We need her $ back, and we need a little restored faith in the ways of the world. If anyone can offer any help on any of these, by all means, offer away. : ( Julie

VOTE for CHURCH!! 103.7 the Q Babies Gone Wild

julie — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:52:35 GMT

Hey you guys! we just had to enter Church in this photo contest. Winner gets on the Cover of Alabama Baby magazine. You know he's cute, right? SO VOTE for my lil' fellah! Here's the link to his gallery. Just scroll through the 10 babies, confirm that Church is, in fact, destined to be a "cover baby"* and then click the link to vote. You don't have to give any info or answer questionnaires. Just vote! http://www.1037theq.com/cc-common/gallery/display.html?album_id=107209 If for some reason that doesn't work, here is another link. Church is in WEEK 3 Gallery # 32 http://www.1037theq.com/pages/babiesGoneWild.html Be sure to vote fast! He's a late entrant and has a lot of catching up to do!!! Thanks! * Special thanks to Robert Stewart for letting us use this cute pic of him at Bare Hands Gallery

For moms

julie — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:07:54 GMT

Wendi - you may especially appreciate this. I have been keeping a sorta mom journal since my little guy came along. I was just going through it again today. Here's an entry that I wrote back when he was about 1 month old. It made me laugh: *** Dear Diary, Soon I'll be naked with a boy, and if it goes anything like the last time, we'll take a warm shower together. I'll kiss him all over and rub him with a soapy rag , while the warm water beats down on us. Then he'll most likely skim my breast with his mouth... and latch on. If I'm lucky, he won't pee on me. ***

Did you come to Raise the Voice 2008? We want your feedback.

julie — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:12:02 GMT

Hey everyone. While we consider RTV 08 to be a huge success (the numbers look good, and we are frantically trying to write thank you notes to the 100's of generous folks who contributed art and goods to the event) we know we can make it better. In fact, its our priority to make it better. Because the more you enjoy it, the better your chances of telling a friend and coming back next year. And the more people who come to celebrate, the better our chances of raising enough funds to keep the vital programs at Rape Response up and running. We are confident in our success so far, but be able to improve, means understanding the things that did and didn't work. The RTV event folks will soon be sending out a questionaire about the event. Please take the time, if you have it, to answer the questions honestly and thoroughly. We want your help to make RTV 2009 bigger and better than anything we've done so far! So. Reflect. Recall. Retrieve your experiences from that night, and stay tuned. We'll be in touch! ~RTV~

RAISE THE VOICE IS TONIGHT! Ticket info, details, etc....

julie — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:45:45 GMT

Hi there! The big day has arrived, and we are estatic. The show of generosity and public support for our event is moving to us, and we feel confident that this is going to be the best RTV yet. The only thing that remains to make this the best night possible is your attendance! So here are some specifics: RAISE THE VOICE Dress: Whatever you desire. Because the time of our event is close to the end of many's work day, we prefer to leave this open-ended so as not to worry anyone that they must run home and change attire. That said, there is a tendency for dress to be business/casual. Times: 6 p.m. silent auction and cocktail hour begins. Live music. 7 p.m. Brief notes from Rape Response. Words by emcee, Roxanne Holifield. Live auction with auctioneer Charlie Waldrop begins. 8 p.m. Silent auction closes! Location: The B & A Warehouse, located on 1st Avenue South between 15th and 16th Streets. The address is 1531 1st avenue South Tickets: The ticket cost is $50. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. If you are purchasing tickets at a student rate, please have a valid, current student ID available. Complimentary tickets: To show our appreciation to our wonderful sponsors and donors, we have made complimentary tickets available to those individuals. The complimentary tickets are on numbered blue stock card with "complimentary" indicated and initialed on the surface. Your tickets should have been mailed to you. However, if for some reason you did not receive your complimentary tickets in the mail, or misplaced them, do not panic! There will be a complete updated list of complimentary tickets available at the will call area of check in. Just bring yourself and your guest and we will worry about the rest! Special note about alcoholic beverages: We are pleased to be able to offer a wonderful selection of complimentary wine and beer as part of our event. That said, we want to caution our guests to drink responsibly and be sure to have valid identification and proof of age available. We also will have select wines available in the auction portion of our event. For the saftey of our guests and the preservation of our event, we ask that any winning bids be accompanied with valid identification and proof of age as well. If you have any additional questions regarding the Raise the Voice event, please do not hesitate to contact us in the following ways: General Questions: 458-8980 (Willie Holt) Artwork/donor/sponsor questions:240-2216 Event volunteer Questions: 458-8981 (ask for Emily Tucker), or 612-5238 Thank you SO much for your continued support of Rape Response and Raise the Voice. We look forward to seeing you tonight! Regards, Your 2008 RTV board: Meg McGlamery Julie Watters Kelley Javinett Greg Wright

Looking for donations for the 6th Annual Raise the Voice benefit

julie — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:15:12 GMT

Hiya ladies! Its almost time for the 6th Annual Raise the Voice, a benefit to break the silence of sexual assault. I'm super-proud to have been a part of this awesome event since its inception. Its grown into a wonderful, fun, awareness bringing, fundraising event that has successfully helped to grow the Rape Response and SANE programs of the Crisis Center. This year, the event will be on Thursday, February 7th, at the B&A Warehouse in downtown Birmingham. Music, beer and wine, heavy hors d'euvres, live and silent auction. There's still time for us add more things to our auction lots, and we would LOVE to have your help. If you are an artist, please consider donating your work. We also have packages for health and wellness, so if you have something to offer like dance lessons (hint hint) or massage therapy, or anything of that nature, we want YOU! WE are presently also trying to hunt down anyone with airline connections to complete our travel package. To donate or inquire about the event, feel free to email me at jcaltonwatters@yahoo.com, or you can email the Rape Response Program coordinator at mmcglamery@crisiscenterbham.com. All items will be considered 100% donations, but we can gladly provide you with event tickets. Spread the word! Raise the Voice!

Doumbeks on sale!

julie — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:03:49 GMT

Hey. I went to Highland Music a while ago to buy some guitar strings for my hubby, and there was a table of doumbeks (all sizes). I didn't even realize they had so many. I don't know if they are still there, but the guy at the counter said they would be on sale. he said you could get a fairly large one for around $65. Anywhoo. If you are in the market for one, its worth placing a call to Highland Music. Ask for Emmanuel (I think that was his name). On another note, he said he grew up playing the doumbek, has played in a band, and used to play with bellydancers all the time. he's displaced (from Atlanta, I think) and he said he didn't know any bellydancers here in town. I laughed. Poor guy! Drop by and let him know what he's been missing!

Julie's gift pics. This year, give from the heart. Give a message

julie — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:04:33 GMT

Hey everybody. I know lots of you might be scurrying around trying to purchase the perfect gift, and I wanted to give you some suggestions. These are best kept secrets that I think should lose their secretive side, because if you give one of these, you'll be spreading a lot more than Holiday cheer. You'll be spreading awareness about awesome people and great causes. Hope you find something you like! -Julie Jewelry by Hallie Where: Liz Beth's in Springville, AL Contact: bizzy.beans@yahoo.com Description: Hallie is a super-duper special young lady with a lot of difficulty. She lives day to day with a positive attitude despite her disability (which leaves her unable to speak or otherwise comminicate, causes some difficulty with normal functions from walking to getting dressed, etc). In 2002, Hallie and I became Art Partners through the awesome and wonderful program called VSA arts of Alabama. Since then, Hallie has tapped in to art and music, and we couldn't be happier. To see her leave her mark on something or to watch her move to a beat, makes us feel like we can share a part of who she really is. While she likes to paint, she's found beading and making jewelry to be particularly soothing and interesting. With the help of her delightful sidekick and caretaker, Lori, Hallie has proven to be quite prolific. Own your own Hallie creation. Or better yet, make it your extra special gift to someone you love this year. Email bizzy beans or visit the store in Springville. Guaranteed to be one of the greatest gifts you'll ever get. To see pictures of Hallie in action, look through my "classes" album. Not a Piece of Meat Swag Where: Birmingham Crisis Center/ Rape Response View Samples: www.myspace.com/notapieceof Contact: mmglammery@crisiscenterbham.com 205.458.8981 What: Men's SS tees (up tp 2X), Women's SS tees, Women's LS tees, Panties (yup. That's right), Stickers, Pins What the ?: "Not a piece of Meat" is Rape Response's new campaign targeting men, women, and teen males and females to take a stand against bullying and gender violence. Its catchy, its hip, its eyecatching, and it means something. Be a part of the movement. Take a stand. Studio By the Tracks Where: Irondale, AL Info: http://www.studiobythetracks.com/ Contact: 205.951.3317 Description: Okay. I haven't been in the loop with these guys this year (bad. bad. Julie) but last year I bought SEVERAL gifts from their awesome Sweet tooth exhibit at Crestwood Coffee Company. Oftentimes SBTT has a holiday open house and puts out wonderful Christmas card sets. Even if nothing is advertised, call the number and tell Ila Faye (the fearless leader of SBTT) and tell her "dang it, Ila! I want to buy something from you!" Chances are, she'll round up something dang near perfect for you. Even better, the proceeds will go to the program, which fosters the creative need in adults and children with autism, at-risk youth, and the homeless.

A copy of my marathon post from my other blog

julie — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:24:37 GMT

AHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I cannot recall many times in my life where I have felt this defeated or dissappointed...or better yet, powerless. Apparently, my life lesson for 2007 is that I am not meant to run a marathon in my 30th year, despite the fact that I set this goal for myself, registered, and trained TWICE! I ran. and I ran. And I ate disgusting gels. And I drank weird tasting fluids. And I skipped a lot of fun things. And I avoided a lot of lung irritants (like live shows with smoking). I took my inhaler. Did sqauts. Skipped bellydance. Had a flight. Had a sub. Made arrangements. I even had a leg injury and trained on an elliptical to keep up my cardio and the rest of my body. I ate CARBS. LOTS OF THEM. I gained 10 pounds of something (although I'm not sure its all muscle - see previous statement). And DAMN if I didn't get sick. I'm SICK! I'm SICK! I'm SICK!!!!!!!! and I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAD! AHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhh! Got sick last friday. Had to make a decision by wednesday about the flight. Woke up feeling worse wednesday morning. Cancelled. Can't believe it. *sigh* Pity party at my place. -J P.S. On the upside. Wish Eric and the Caddle boys great success in their endeavors tonight and this week. AND Wish Church Watters luck at his first live vocal performance, Sunday December 2nd. He's singing jingle bells with the kid's choir. Awesome. Now that I think about it, that's way better than a marathon.

I am sooooooo damn TIRED!!!

julie — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:04:03 GMT

No really. Just tired! Its 11 pm. Acceptable Friday night lateness, and I've forced myself awake numerous times to wait for this moment. Now, as the clock turns to the acceptable hour, I sign off and look forward to sleeping in. Ahhhhhh. Saturdays. Oh wait. I'm sorry. I must have just confused myself with some other person who does not have a two-year old that wakes at 5:30 a.m. (every day. his new favorite hour). Ugh. Good night all. I hope somebody out there is boozing it up and throwin' it down. Take a swig and make a toast for me. For those of you rollin' in at twilight, I'll have a fresh pot o' coffee brewing around, oh, I dunno, 5:30 or 6. *sigh*

El dia de los MUERTOS!!! This FRIDAY nov 2nd

julie — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 03:59:02 GMT

Hey you guys! I know Halloween is tomorrow. Hip hooray and all that jazz. BUT even cooler is the Day of the Dead celebration on November 2. Please please make an effort to come. Its at Bare Hands Gallery and surrounding property from 5 (eek or 6) until midnight or so. The festivities are based on the classic Mexican tradition of coming out to remember, honor, and visit with loved ones who have passed on. The BHG DOD started 5 years ago when an awesome artist needed an outlet to cope with her father's death. It has since grown from an intimate 3 X 12 foot area into a city block of food, art, music, and utter beauty. This is a real holiday. Full of fun and fellowship and heart. Please come out and experience what could become your favorite day of the year. DRESS UP. Skeletons and other traditional Mexican DOD garb are highly encouraged. Think color, marigolds, skulls and monarch butterflies. And if you want to be a part of the BHG slant, then come and FRIDA or DIEGO, our super fave mexican arteest duo. Bring mementos of your loved ones and participate in the parade and role call, a highly emotionally charged kick off to DOD, where we name and honor the ones we love and miss. I'll be there for ROB!!! And my best friend's dad, and my kitties, and of course, spider martin. Viva la Vida!!!!!!!! -J

Mwaaaahhhh HA HA HAAAaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. IT's the month of fright!

julie — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:04:07 GMT

And I've got a stellar gig at the ATROX FACTORY, one of the premier haunts in the Southeast. We opened last night, with special guest Robert Englund (aka Freddy Krueger) to help make it one majorly anticipated kick-off. Three Full on- Heads, neck and arm makeup jobs and about 20 other random touch-ups. Tonight I get five main monsters and start helping out the other cast members prep themselves. Did I mention that I get TWO HOURS to get them in their scenes. WHEW!!! It's an awesome gig. Lovin' it. My only complaint is that October is over in three weeks. Of course, that may turn into a blessing as Halloween approaches. Come to the haunt. Take photos with Freddy this weekend, or the New Mike Myers (from the Rob Zombie film) or Pluto, from the Hills Have Eyes. And critique my work! If you dare... www.atroxfactory.com

telling of Rape

julie — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:36:09 GMT

Long story short: another tribester had a fun game posted where you grab the nearest book, go to a specific spot and type specified lines. The nearest book (in the desk drawer) was TELLING: A MEMOIR OF RAPE AND RECOVERY. I volunteer with my local rape crisis center. One year the author of this book, Patricia Weaver Francisco, came to town as a guest of the center to give a talk about the book and her story. We were forever impacted by that weekend. I have referenced that book A LOT, ever since. Why am I telling you this? Perhaps its because we are approaching the meat of the planning for the February fundraiser, or because I'm training for a marathon and taking pledges that will go to the center. I mean, I definitely have rape on the brain, as it is. And then I randomly pull this book out (thankfully, too, because I need to return it). I'm recalling how good it is. How poignant. How many people I think it could touch, and I just wanted to TELL YOU! estimations are all over the place, but 1 in 4 is a safe bet, if I'm trying to guess how many women might be sexualy assaulted (1 in 9 men). Just check out your friend's list. Divide by four. : ( get the picture? So.... I'm TELLING! You can find out more information on this book by visiting www.tellingofrape.com. Also, the author is one of the founders of something called the Silent Witness Project. She's really an amazing chick. With amazing stories. Hope some of you benefit from reading them. And now I'll leave you with some excerpts: "I am no longer interested in the death inherent in rape. I am interested in the death of rape." "On the tenth anniversary of my survival, I sat alone in a cafe, surrounded by women and men who talked quietly, read, stared out the window at the rain. I looked at the faces of the women customers, workers, and owners. Most likely, two other women in the cafe that morning had survived rape. (Researchers estimate a rape-survivor population in the US of at least twelve million). The numbers had quietly increased while my ability to talk about my experience had quieted down." (p 64 the author refers to a play "Until Someone Wakes Up") Waiter: Would you like some coffee? Woman: Yes, please. Waiter: Just say when. (Starts to pour.) Woman: There. (He keeps pouring.) That's fine. (He pours.) Stop! (she grabs the pot; there is coffee everywhere.) Waiter: Yes ma'am. Woman: well, why didn't you stop pouring? Waiter: Oh, I wasn't sure you meant it. Woman: Look, of course I meant it! I have coffee all over my lap! You nearly burned me! Waiter: Forgive me ma'am, but you certainly looked thirsty. I thought you wanted more. Woman: But- Waiter: And you must admit, you did let me start to pour... That last one is my fave.

Ahhh...Mecca!

julie — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:41:53 GMT

Just finished my two day workshop in Lexington with Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Tobias Roberson (who, according to Rachel, does not know how his name is pronounced), and Mardi Love (pictured here). I am overjoyed. I learned so much! I am now aware of how much work I need to do. Time to practice practice practice! And zils too. I thought the Carolena zil workshop was intensive. Then came Tobias. I'm still afraid of him!!!!! Will post more photos soon. : )

INDIGO BELLYDANCE WORKSHOP anyone?

julie — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:05:09 GMT

Yup. It's over. I'm officially a junkie. A workshop junkie. It seems this is the best way for me to get my fix these days. So, I'm going to Lexington, KY for the 15th and 16th workshop with the Indigo. 4 classes. 4 teachers. Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Mardi Love and Tobia Richardson. (Yes. Megha. It is weird that I was JUST talking to you about wanting to take a R.B. workshop when, Poof! Lookie what popped up!) My pal Denise is going. Anybody else from the 'Ham gonna go? Its Sat and Sun September 15th and 16th. And want to know how totally hard core I am? I have to work Friday night! So I'm gonna be driving at some insane hours to get to class by 10:30 in KY. Hopefully I'll be too excited to be tired. : )Anybody wants to car pool at midnight or so on Friday p.m. Give me a shout!