Sigil Stories

still laughing

Sigil — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:06:49 GMT

I was standing outside HP (Hot Pot Studio) a couple days ago and one of the grrls said "Wow, Hot Pot has really changed." And I thought about this for awhile and came to this conclusion. Hot Pot is exactly the same. The players are always changing but i'm still totally laughing everyday, every hour. Thanks Hot Pot! So here's an old school UNMATA pic to chew on :-)

Rodeo Vision Write-up...PLEASE READ THIS!

Sigil — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:36:59 GMT

The Rodeo Vision I grew up on a cattle ranch, Angus to be specific. 40acres, 3 ponds, herd of cattle, 2 dogs, 4 cats, rounds of rattlesnake, 1 pig, 4 motorcycles, 1 boat, 3 pickup trucks and 4 horses. Biscuit. The 15 hand tall brown Quarter Horse. I was 7 years old when my Dad convinced my mother to purchase a mother-daughter Horse combo that were for sale close to the ranch. Flying Star Ranch…my memories are coming back, I forgot that part. My mother worked full time and my Dad was a pilot so he was away on planes for most of my life. Minus a few years when he was laid off and played janitor at my school (my favorite years.) So Biscuit, the daughter of the team at 6 months old, and I had 40 acres and absolutely no chaperone from 7 to 16 years old when I left home. Let the ruckus begin… She bit me, kicked me, ran me thru fences, into trees, stepped on me and tried to drown me in the pond on a daily basis. After years of abuse she was my best friend and I don’t blame her, we grew up together. These memories are some of the most fulfilling golden nuggets still left bouncing around in my mind. One more story before I get to business. Biscuit was dark brown and pretty much invisible at night except for the white diamond on her forehead…I almost typed foreheart…awwwww. So school was about a 45 minute drive from the ranch, in “town”, and it got dark early in the winter. By the time I got home from school and then basketball practice, it was late and dark most everyday. I would park my truck at the house and then take my motorcycle down the hill to feed the animals. Here’s where Biscuit comes in. I parked the motorcycle around the corner of the barn and would walk to the hay barn. As soon a I opened the hay door, I would hear it. Biscuit, who I hardly thought was starving after grazing 40 acres on her own free will, would run to the barn. I mean run. I would hear the hooves, but I couldn’t see her. Remember? Dark brown, dark dark brown. She would get closer and closer and the sound of her pounding hooves and heaving breath was incredibly intimidating. She was huge! And I would stand by the door cowering. Just waiting for her to plow right thru me. But she never did. She would stop just in front me, just in front of me. Nostrils flared, ears back and eyes wide open. Wild and completely in control. This my friends was the inspiration. The Rodeo Summary Spend the day on the Ranch! This is a one-time only epic event hosted by UNMATA and Brad Dosland of Taboo Media. Powered by Hot Pot Studios and supported by countless guest artists and die hard fans. The venue! The Rodeo will be located at Long Branch Ranch, a ghost town recreation complete with small town, mercantile, saloon and a ton more I cant remember. It’s amazing. I mean really. For serious people… it’s perfect. The event opens at 11am on Saturday August 8th, 2009. Please arrive between 11am and 1pm. Lunch begins at 1pm with outdoor dining and entertainment. From 2-4pm you have the run of the ranch! Game stations, western dance lessons, whip lessons and surprise entertainment will be scattered throughout the town. Bring some extra cash for horseback riding too. At 420pm the stables will open. You will have the opportunity to walk thru and watch the handlers prepare the human horses for the Rodeo. The stables will be open from 420 to 5pm, At 6pm meet at the coral for the Rodeo showcase. The Rodeo showcase will run for one hour from 6-7pm. This showcase includes dance performances by UNMATA, Verbatim, Street Team, Hot Pot Studio and Suhaila Salimpour. Dinner starts at 730pm with outdoor dining and entertainment. 9pm the Saloon opens! All night drinking, gambling and general mayhem! Roulette wheels too! 1030pm the Evening show will begin in the Town Hall across from the Saloon. Featuring Dahlia, Kami Liddle, The Old Ladies, Origin Tribal, The Boiler Bar, Janice Solimeno, Kristen Dosland and The Indigo! Then back to the Saloon to finish out the evening with surprise entertainment and more drinking and gambling! The evening runs until 2am and then we gotta go! Um…….. Please come. I’ve dreamed about this for years. It could quite possibly be one of the biggest things I do artistically in my life. I would love to share it with you. Check out www.unmata.com for tickets. See you at The Rodeo! Much Luv, Amy Sigil

Why wait for the Prince(ss)?

Sigil — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:46:33 GMT

This lil froggy is the cutest thing i've ever seen! and If I kissed her and she turned into a fuckin princess I would be so very dissapointed! so why are so many people waitin for it? Look at this face! I could kiss her all day and I hope she stays a frog thru and thru. just sayin.

My first instructional DVD!

Sigil — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:04:45 GMT

Sachay! It's happening! I am taping my first instructional DVD.....tonight!!!! UNMATA, Verbatim and Street Team head to El Cerrito at 420pm today to tape the meat of the instructional and some extras. If you know me, this has been in the works for a very very long time. Im very excited to document some of the stuff i've been working on. and! produced by..... Suhaila Salimpour. Wish us luck! and stay tuned for the release date! Mwah!

Thank you

Sigil — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:11:12 GMT

SHelly, Kari, April Rose, Sarah, Raven, Tami, Kristina, Sharon, Tangerine, Plum, Suhaila, Shawna Rai, Brad Dosland, Antara Nepa, Nancy Johnson, Mrs. Wolleson, Mr. Dillwith, Mrs. Douyon, Mr. Hubbard, Mike, Gayle, Sister, Kim, Ytsim, Misty, Biscuit, Grey kitty, Luna, Mr. Larsen, Mr. Castlemen, Mr. Strolzini, Daniel, Diana, Tangerine, Plum, Anahata, Zaheea, Bellyqueen, Tori King, Maja, Zoe, Rachel, Mardi, Mezdulene, INdigio, Katherine, Halima, Dahlia, Origin, Mira, Tjarda, Ariellah, Natascha, Rodin, Courtney, Leah, Jazz, Serenity, Rebecca, Lo, Lyndsy, Julie, Lil A, John, Jason, Bo, Melissa, Dave, Brian Clifton, CHuck, Kajira, Leona, Shauni, Jessicurd, Hillary, DJ Amar, Carolena, Sharon Moore, Renee, Lava, Lisa Smith, Zephyr on the bridge, D and Callie, Ayesha, Deeta, Urban Tribal, Jill Parker, Freyja, Shimmy shakti, Cairo Fusion, Jamilla of the desert!, ez $ and popeye, Patrick, Brickhouse, Ocean and Elizabeth, Frank, John Compton, Nebraska, Katie and the green egg, Sadiqa, Heather Shoopman, Steven Eggers, Sabrina, Rain, Bonnie, Geisha, Gnee, Gabbi, Edurne, Eva, KC and Elena, Sina, Cera penguins mom, Michelle pin-up, Zafira, Cheb i Sabbah, Miss Antrhope, Fella fem, Mher, Sherri, Blume, Rachel Soto, Jackie, Bellyqueen, Adriane Rice, SamiTe, Mari, Matthew Fury, Dalilah, Full Tilt Boogie, Pensione k, Sherry Shen, Hipollita, Wendy, Sequoia, Mychelle, Pablo, Tori Amos, Cirque du Soleil, Stomp, Marisa, Sam Riggs, Sam from DC, Nala, Hillary, Romka, Meliza, Phoenix from Denver, 3rd Cost Peeps, Bubba, Darryl, Kami Liddle, Liz Strong, Mitara, Mychelle, zaheea, Jim at the Colonial, Vokab Kompany, Rob Red cap and his friend ?, Jenny Northon, Nisha and Tabu, Birtt, Daniel wait.... SteveO , DaddyO, SOOZ! Tempest, Desert Sin, Echan and Mila, Chandra, Beth, Onna, Arish Lam, Lil M and Big M, Predislava, Mina, Ryan and lil ryan, oh my!!! I have to go to work! but your names are filling my head right now and I want you to know that... to be continued.......

Scaling walls

Sigil — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:30:44 GMT

I've been climbing all my life. Im a mountain ram. Im quite accustom to high peaks and staggering lows. Right now im stuck in the Valley, but that doesn't diminish my climb. Looking around, there's plenty of walls to scale, mountains to reckon with, and canyons to cross. Keeps me on my hooves.

Living the Dream!

Sigil — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:40:47 GMT

I am! I am! I am!

2009!

Sigil — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:35:09 GMT

Im thrilled to be surrounded by people who love me, support me and care about me. Forget 2008 that rotten bitch! but in 2008's defense I am: stronger faster smarter braver and throwing bad ass art!

Hollywood Music Center Tales of Desire

Sigil — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:38:28 GMT

Well we shot another DVD shoot with Hollywood music Center this last weekend Dec. 6th 2008. So much less stressful then last time! The first Underworld DVD was a rat race for us. 24 hours before we got an invitation from Mher, scrambled to find music, speed it up, cut it and off we went to LA for pure improv baby! I was so happy for the opportunity but don't usually like to work under the gun so much. This time! it went so much better for us. We had months to prepare, Sherri and Mher cleared two fabu tracks for us and we had all the grrls with us too. It was a fantastic time! The live show made all the difference and the lineup was nothing less then stellar. Fuckin talent! so look for the new DVD coming out in March!

I need a new blog

Sigil — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:58:30 GMT

ya. but...what? im thinking about it. until then.... a new picture? me, Saskia, Manca and Djeynee! (Cali, Canada, Slovenia and France)

UNMATA

Sigil — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:50:45 GMT

Minute by minute, day by day, year by year we grow STRONGER. When life slaps us in the face we dance HARDER. Welcome to UNMATA...where Fate Favors the Risky! We're not taking applications, only commitments. photo by Evi Numen

One time...at this funeral

Sigil — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:44:03 GMT

So I've only attended one funeral in my life. My first X husband and I had just split, yep..there are 2. My daughter Tangerine was 2 months old and I was 21 (13 years ago). I was living in Linda, California, a small desolate suburb outside of Marysville and close to Beale AFB. The X's grandpa had just passed and the X was out of state. Grandpa Bud maybe? I was contacted by the X's father and asked to attend the funeral with Tangerine. "This may be the only time the whole family can see the X's offspring" was the hook. I agreed with a small percentage of my heart and consented to attend the funeral so all may veiw the little fruit. I was stressed about the occasion. The X and I split because of really disgusting circumstances. So with my infinite 21 year old wisdom... I ate a handful of mushrooms before the occasion. The magick ones. About an hour later.... I didnt' know Grandpa Bud (?), had never even met him. But when I saw the casket, the body...immediately I saw my friends, my daughers, my parents, my lovers. Things escalated emotionally for me from quiet sobs to outright outbursts. Then my minded twisted and I was in the casket. I wanted out of the casket immediately! The rest is rather blurry, but I recall throwing myself on top of the casket at best. The men in dark suits had to physically remove me from the service. And this was all well I was holding my 2 month old infant. yes. crazy. I was. So that was my only funeral experience. OH, here's the relevance to this story right now. The 8th Annual Blood Moon...Disease 101. I am choreographing a funeral.

What % Happy?

Sigil — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:32:17 GMT

Luna and I were working on some website stuff for Brad recently, and Luna asked me what % Happy I was? Interesting....I've been thinking about it. I am about 80% Happy I think. of that missing 20%, I think 10% of that is pure drama. I don't want to be happy ALL the time, so sometimes I think i throw myself willingly into the pit. so that leaves about 10% of my life that i am Un-happy about. I am Un-happy about my food choices most of the time. I long for the will and determination (and time) to say hello to my cucumber, and my mushroom. Give them thanks when I chop their little bodies apart, ya know? I lack food awareness. I am also Un-happy about the organization of all my shit at HP (Hot Pot). I have shit everywhere, and I just can't find time to deal with it. Mostly my CD collection has been driving me crazy lately. Too many CD books! I need to take the time to categorize my collection. Dance in one book, wkshops in another, choreographies in...ya....another. Oh ya, and the closet! So what % are you Happy?

Hot Pot

Sigil — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:49:36 GMT

I love you this much!

My UNMATA necklace was stolen! help me please!

Sigil — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:25:27 GMT

Hi everyone. On Sunday my car was broken into at Pride. I lost everything. My ipod, camera, new rollybag, my notebook, calendar, clothes, jewelry and... my UNMATA necklace. Everything else I can replace over time. But my UNMATA Necklace!!!!!!! It was taken in San Francisco. Here's what I'm thinking...This is a powerful piece of jewelry and it may show itself so I can find it. I figure I have a few hundred people on my side in the city that know the necklace or the symbol. Please keep your eyes open and if you see one, it's mine. Offer to buy the necklace from whoever for whatever it costs and I will reimburse. Please, I know she is trying to show up somewhere for me. I'm heartbroken. I was around Howard and Mission between 7th and 8th. I checked all the garbage and alley ways that I could.

Punkedchicken

Sigil — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:36:00 GMT

This is my friend, Punkedchicken. UNMATA knows her well, she's been sitting in my camera since February...maybe March. Punkedchicken is proud even though her head is propped up by a stick running through her spine and up her neck. Punkedchicken is present even though her eyes are sewn shut so she cannot see the outside world. Punkedchicken is wrapped in cosmic plastic for protection, even though her skin is exposed and full of goosebumps. Punkedchicken sits on display in a bed of lettuce with pride, even though under her, the lettuce is wilting while we speak. Long live Punkedchicken. (thanks Shelly for letting me show this to you a million times...i love you for that)

Workshops with Zoe!

Sigil — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:49:51 GMT

Summer Student Showcase with Featured Artist Zoe Jakes! Here's the schedule! Friday June 13th Showcase The Brickhouse 2837 36th St (at Broadway) Sacramento CA 7pm and $10 Hot Pot Studio, Damage Control, UNMATA, Evil Eye Bellydance, Shahlah Sutra, Street Team Debut, Bo and Zoe Jakes...! Saturday June 14th Workshops and 2nd Saturday Show! Workshops are $20 at HP. 10-11:30am Get your Kicks and Spins! We will incorporate other elements into spins and kicks, drawing a wee bit from tango, Ballet and Classical indian Kathak, exploring things like leg extension and stomping. Lots of focus on quick spins as well, basic exercises for turning techniques, and how to train yourself to stop on a dime, which always looks impressive. Spotting basics, as well as non spotted turns, will be covered, and techniques for using legs and arms to initiate a turn. Lets make those legs and footsies pretty, shall we? 1-2:30pm unleashing the inner spaz!!!! Fancy kicks, tight spins and those elusive concepts to take pops and locks to the next level by mixing the liquid smoothness of a snake with hits and stops that look almost inhuman. All in easily digestable (sure!) Combination form. This workshop will focus on ways to perform with passionate expression while maintaining control and grace. These concepts will be fully broken down using short combinations as examples so the student is able to get a real understanding of the mechanisms behind them. Prepare to wrap your mind around weird movement that doesn't fit with convention! There are only spots for 20 girls so sign up quickly please. Saturday Night!!!!!! 2nd Saturday ARt Walk and street performance! Come catch Hot Pot. plus guest dancers and Zoe on the street! FIRE! FIRE! Show starts at 7pm.

My Sister

Sigil — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:46:53 GMT

I should be contacting dancers for Counterfeit...I know. But tomorrow I take the long drive to visit my sister who is locked up right now. Tehama County Jail, Red Bluff California. Her visiting hours are the very inconvenient times of 1-4pm on Wednesday and Friday. Of course we all know that i'm never home on a Friday and Wednesday I can't get back for classes in time. So..it's been 3 months since she started her time and this is the first time I get a chance to visit. This isn't the first time for she,or I, to be locked up for a little while. Old stomping grounds for me and current hang out for Sister. It's a 3 hr drive to Red Bluff one way and they only allow a half hour visit thru glass and over a phone. So about a 6hr drive for a half hour with Sister. It's worth it. I can't bring her anything either. Books have to be sent directly from the publisher, and no more than 4 pieces of paper when i send her a letter even. Kinda harsh if you ask me. But it's funny how close to her I feel when she's away. Closer than friends I've had for years that live blocks away from me. Sisters. I miss her real bad right now.

Multiple Choice

Sigil — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:09:36 GMT

Tattoo... a) what you are b) what you want to be c) what you want others to think you are

Silent communication (thanks to Lori of Evil Eye Bellydance)

Sigil — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:28:35 GMT

I probably shouldn't write this when I really feel it. And I KNOW I shouldn't say it. So I didn't. Inspired by the idea of speaking without voice, led me to American Sign language. of course. the ultimate silent communication. When you can't say it outloud, but you have to say it. I started talking with Lori (of Evil Eye Bellydance), an american sign language intrepeter by profession. I sent her the song and then we set up a meeting. I didn't know what I was about to learn. Meaning. ASL is about meaning, not about words. What do you mean Amy? ahhh...the English language is a liar. we dont say what we mean at all. I found my silent voice thru Lori and I am eternally grateful. One day I'll be able to say it outloud...outLOUD...not just in small circles and dark corners. But until then..thank you Lori for making things silent.

Flying Solo

Sigil — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:58:25 GMT

I'm performing a solo this Friday night at the pre-party for Tribal Caravan. I'm totally nervous. I'm gonna miss you UNMATA! (no worries, they're rocking it for you at the Afterparty!)

My Birthday Desert

Sigil — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:56:43 GMT

Back to the Desert for me. It's where my heart is most of the time. The heat, the dirt, the prettickly cactus', the lizards...it's all so vacant...desolate...til you look closer. So i turned 34 on Saturday. That's a 7...MAGICK! I'm looking forward to it, haven't even close to tripped on my age yet. My Dirty 30's....that's right! I love it! Went to the desert to paint a pony. turned into a workhorse, with a lot in the weather. hmmm..........

There's a lot I want to say to you...

Sigil — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:44:19 GMT

But I'm not going to. Here's what I'm saying to everyone else though. I don't want to be still, I don't want to be quiet. I WANT to be LOUD and fuckin FAST. I want to write in cryptic codes as all writers do. I'm thinking about the sun and not it's reflection. I'm thinking about the source and the start. The heat. The light. The fire. The first. The Finish. I'm thinking outside, not inside. River not lake. And i'm waiting for the sun too burn my soul to a crisp.

Just something I found from Alice Anderson

Sigil — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:39:23 GMT

Locke, California, 1977 When they winch the dead girl up from the Sacramento Delta, she doesn't actually have wings, but her dress in muddy shreds hanging beneath her looks like broken, soggy shadows of wings, or perhaps elegant fins. What is it about dead girls? They gather all the attention. This time the girl is me. I am turning and turning in the cool air, that hook attached to the pale blue belt of my dress, my arms flung back in abandon. You are the Chinese men in the back of Al the Wop's bar, gambling. You throw down cards and make your bet. I am the luck that clings to you as you take the silt and wipe it from my eyes, dipping your tongue into the crust of blood in each ear. Death is like this, a sweet abandon. Nothing can take away this beauty. Still my eyes shine. Still you win the hand. Men stooped over with centuries of memory died to build the rails flashing in sunlight along this levee, men who spoke not one word of the language of this land. The trains run every day over the spot where they died. No one hears their name as they pass. And now I am, hanging from the hook, silenced. You are the bluff. You are the one that risks everything for the shining moment between us when you tie the weight to my sash and throw me, turning and turning, an unbalanced fan of light in the sky, in. Even though you are my killer, you know how to love me. You know I can swim.

Pulling the hair out by the root

Sigil — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:16:44 GMT

It was totally abrupt. Completely stung with sharp pain that happened real fast. The re-growth is inspirational, but I feel the absence. I'm thankful for my full head of hair, some curly some straight...mostly curly. I still feel the absence. And the sting. What happens to the fallen hair? Down the drain? Or will it wrap around my little finger? I'm washing my hair tonight, tell me tomorrow if the style looks any different. (Just one hair. One of many)