What to wear to an evacuation?!?

Warning: Dark Humor ahead -- just a coping mechanism in my John Waters/Cecilia Riverbank fandom sort of way:
Okay, so if the call comes in the middle of the night, you're fine: what you're wearing will look chic in a very refugee sort of way. No problem. Plus it resolves any issues and complaints from those who would dare to give you the stink eye over your mismatched shoes & clutch.

If the call never comes, great. You can spend the time primping and prissing, making sure the hair is 'just so', and reassured that if the call came, you would show up fashionably late and downright fabulous. All heads would turn as you rounded the porta potties at Qualcomm, past the cots, with your nails done, hair coiffed and eyeliner smudged just enough to highlight the tragedy.

Ah, but for those of us who know the call will come in a few hours, it's not enough time to call your manicurist, dammit. SHE"S Busy evacuating her children! Can you imagine? Now is just the time you were wishing you had taken that smart late summer frock to the dry cleaners like you've been meaning to since Labor Day. Ah, you figured you had until April and anyway, you were just going to blame that vomit stain on the cleaners anyway and scream until they bought you a new one...which would just happen to be in style for next years' parties.

Do you pack the photos of your dear old mum, the bills, or Fifi's sweater - because, afterall, if you end up down on the coast Fifi might get a sniffle or two and you really dont' know hell until you have a uppity demanding spoiled furball with a headcold and an affinity sneezing at the most inopportune times. Sort of like that time we took the dogs to the 'blessing of the beasts' on Easter. Not that we're christian or anything, we just figured it would be THE social event of the season since they had flowin in a cardinal, or robin (or one of those church mucky mucks) from outer Latvia or Lithuania or Luxembourg. Okay, so we have a bird from an EU "L" country and although I wanted to stay on the A List...or at least the B List because, after all, I'm still trying to scrabble my way onto the society page.

So here we take Fifi who had been chasing a few rodents in the backyard. Not that we want to admit it, but it's become a bit chic in our neighborhood to admit it. Of course, we tend to like to blame the rise in problem to 'that family' that moved in down the street and 'can you imagine how they dress their child and what is with that sedan they have to drive them in...can't they afford an SUV?!?'. We're in line and Fifi is none-too-pleased. She wouldn't still still enough for her perm so we had to do a quick set in the morning beforehand. She wouldn't sit still for her combout and she got scratched. Amazing how well we can cover up a skin scratch on a white Bichon with White-Out.

Here comes the priest/cardinal/pope/whatever. We're primed to have the cutest picture which we're thinking about offering sexual favors to the newspaper photographer to make sure it gets front page center. Then it happens: Fifi lets loose with the biggest sneeze we've heard since leaving the trailer park back in 1998, complete with loogey the size of Lithuania...or Latvia...or Luxembourg...(whichever is medium sized). The sheer mixture of colors, and although earth tones and would NEVER go with my complexion, could be pleasing in the right light, and I daresay similar to a painting we saw while trying to shmooze some art homo down at the galleries with overpriced merlot and a frightening odor of mixed patchouli, Givenchy and desperation. The blues, the browns, the greens, the mucous...wich did NOT go well with that off season color the cardinal/robin/priest/pope was wearing. Apparently he noticed how well it did not go because he reeled back in horror/contempt/fright as if Fifi was the puppy version of Linda Blair in his particular nightmare since Seminary.

Excitement over? perhaps, but Mister "I'm Too Godly For Your Fifi" decided to take the time to divest himself of the innocent's sneeze product and get this: went on to the next animal, which was one of those "I'm So Freakin Happy There's Air To Breathe" Terriers that you just want to roll a diabetic for an insulin fix.

Of course, little muffly terrier and their inappropriately dressed owner (can you imagine flip flops at an event of this magnitude? How un-newsworthy!) ended up with the 'awwwwwws' and 'oooooohs'. I'm sure they were just saving those for me but couldnt' bring themselves to do it after said loogey-incident. I'm sure Mr Terrier would NOT have gotten the response without poor little head cold Fifi building the excitement. I mean, they were READY for Fifi. But poor poor...Fifi.

The cute picture should have been me and Fifi, dammit!

At least with a fire, it would be devastatingly cute to outfit Fifi with a smoke mask. Not only would it increase our 'awwwww' factor (and therefore our marketability for the news!) but would resolve any mucous issues that would potentially ruin our chances for fame amidst this tragedy.

Then again, I have enough time to figure out -- would I be able to get away with the Avocado blouse at the evac center? It's clean, it's fall, and looks good with dog snot.

(THis was all tongue in cheek, y'all. I don't have a dog named Fifi -- I actually have two of those terriers with the "OhMyGawdDadTheSunIsUpI'mSoHappy" Dispositions, with two attitude-but-friends-sofa-muffin-basenjis. I'm just writing this as a way of coping with the pressure. THANKS)

Class update 10/23-24

ATTENTION
NO CLASSES TUES 10/23 or WED 10/24 Due to Fires

FYI - Jim's House is 1-2 miles from the projected fire line of the San Miguel Fire for 1pm on 10/23.
We're evacuating.
Doggies doing well!
Parents, not really so well... ;)

For those of you who have partied here, International Stars, Local Stars & Students alike, no worries. We will always have a welcome space to celebrate, since it is in our hearts and not in this structure!

oh hell - Firestorm Update

THANKS for the calls, texts, emails.
We're getting ready to evacuate.

We're just north of Mt Miguel in El Cajon. THe Harris Fire is threatening my area. We're on voluntary evac.
Just got back from Sac last time (Thanks gang! Had a GREAT TIME!) and luckily have all my toiletries and stuff packed to head on out.

Course if my area goes, they will have lost one of the evac centers so....dunno.

Will post more when I can.
Until now, we're good. House may not be later, but we're okay with that.
For those who have partied here, you know we'll make sure the next place will STILL be the party place!
LOVE YOU ALL -- THANKS FOR THE LOVE!

Updated "Available" Dates for 2008

Wow, so I got a bunch of messages from people wanting to secure dates for 2008. This is scary! I LOVE having these many friends who want to work together!

SOME of the dates I'm not posting here have 'tentatives' or dates pencilled in for promoters I've worked with in the past. Most of my work comes from repeat biz, so if you've talked to me about it, I probably have a date pencilled in for you. I will be checking in with everyone soon on those!

So - after a bit of jockeying, here's my latest unbooked-weekend schedule:

Feb 2-3 (Super Bowl)
March 22-23 (Easter)
May 24-25 (Memorial Day)
July 5-6 (Ind. Day)
July 19-20 -OR- 26-27 (Depending on choice of a current gig-in-negotiations)
Sep 20-22 -OR- Sep 27-28 (Depending on event scheduling)
Aug 16-17
Nov 22-23 - OR - Nov 29-30 (Turkey Day Wknd) (Depending on choice of a current gig-in-negotiations)

Want to do something?
I can get it on my 2008 Tour Shirts! :)

I'm in an airport bar right now - bloody marys!
on my way home from teaching in Sacramento.
Woof!

Finishing out my 2008 Scheduling

Oh cheezits!
I have many many gigs booked for 2008.
BUT - I'm trying to wipe myself completely out and see if I can book these last few weekends. Know of an event I should throw myself at? ;)

The ONLY weekends I'm currently Available in 2008 -- and the ones I'd like to book something before the end of 2007:
(Obviously American holiday weekends I wouldn't be scheduling something in the states, eh?)

Jan 12-13
Feb 2-3 (Super Bowl)
March 22-23 (Easter)
May 24-25 (Memorial Day)
July 5-6 (Ind. Day)
July 19-20 -OR- 26-27 (Depending on choice of a current gig-in-negotiations)
Aug 16-17
Nov 22-23
Nov 29-30 (Turkey Day Wknd)

Every other weekend in 2008 is booked. (I consider 'vacation' weekends to be booked and unavailable. ;)

I *might* have one or two dates in fall, but they have tentative gigs stacked on them right now. Tentatives I'm holding and will know in a few weeks whether it's a go or not:
Sep 27-28
Oct 18-19
Oct 25-26

Hmmm...finder's fee?
Help me score a gig one of those weekends and I'll send you a few tshirts -- whatever I have in stock in your size, eh? (I have like 5 or 6 styles of shirts) Plus I'll pay for your workshop(s)!

This way I can afford the Xanax!

Whattya think?

Nov 3-4 - Astryd Farah in San Diego & Los Angeles!

Okay, here's the latest deets!
Trust me - You REALLY Don't want to miss Astryd!

BellyDanceSanDiego.com Presents

Astryd Farah
from Cairo, Egypt

Saturday – Nov 3
Workshops & Showcase in San Diego

Sunday Nov 4
Workshops in Los Angeles

Astryd Farah deMichele: Spending her time between Egypt and the United States, performing and teaching Oriental dance professionally, Astryd has been showcased at the JW Mariott and Sheraton Royal Gardens Hotels in Cairo, Egypt. In the US Astryd Farah instructs dance nationally as well as performing solo or with her band "Ala Nar". Her powerful technique and stunning interpretation of Arabic music delights audiences East to West -- her extended time the Middle East having integrated into her body a profound understanding of this beautiful art form and is one of the featured dancers in top Egyptian choreographer Raqia Hassan's technique videos.

Both Saturday San Diego & Sunday Los Angeles Workshop Schedules Identical

11:30am – Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo - $30
Hot combos and technique work using Cairo's top pop of 2007! Current movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes. Combinations, Drills and Oriental Technique including shimmies and layers...Get into the Cairo groove with fun combos, gestures and the "why to" of modern Oriental technique.
2:30pm –Sassy Saidi Pop - $30
Fun, heavy duty saidi and shaabi pop choreography with assaya (cane). Don't miss this one...another original in Astryd's oh-so-Egyptian style with that happy, sassy, grin-filled zealous-ness!

SHOWCASE – Saturday November 3, 8:00pm – San Diego – Admission $10
Starring Astryd, Jim Boz and more!


San Diego Workshops & Showcase held at:
North Park Lion’s Club
3927 Utah Street (Just off University)
San Diego, CA

Los Angeles/North Hollywood Workshops at:
Madilyn Clarke Studios
10852 Burbank Blvd (in the NoHo Arts District)
North Hollywood, CA

For more Info, visit www.BellyDanceSanDiego.com or call 877-682-5873

A Weekend of Stars in San Diego - Kimahri Cancels, Astryd Farah Steps with even MORE HOT Combos from Cairo!

Yes, alas - Kimahri has cancelled her November visit to San Diego!
Astryd Farah, freshly BACK from Cairo (not just visiting there and taking some classes mind you, LIVING there and working closely with Randa Kamel, Raqia Hassan, and more!) will be stepping up to the plate with even MORE exciting information from the heartbeat of our dance.

New flyer will be posted shortly.
For those of you on our USPS mailing list, you should be receiving the new flyer in about a week.

For those of you who have signed up for Kimahri's workshops, we will give you the option of using the registration for Astryd's second workshop, or a refund.

For more info, call 1-877-682-5873

Jim Boz Performs with Zaina Hart & Brothers of the Baladi; Portland, OR

Friday, Nov 16
McMenamims Kennedy School
7pm
BE THERE!

It's gonna Raq!

Still Space Available for Belly Cruise '08 - RAK the Boat!

...but time is running out!
Give Harriet a call if you want to join us on one of the rockinest times on the high seas!

Just think: Sunshine...beaches...clear blue water...margaritas...and
BELLY DANCERS!

And not just ANY belly dancers, but the crazies!

The Second Annual Belly Cruise "Rak the Boat" featuring workshops
with Jim Boz, Princess Farhana, Saqra and Sabrina Fox sets sail from
San Diego on Feb 18, 2008 for 8 days of dance workshops, Guerrilla
Haflas, celebrations and more.

Reasonably priced so you can 'get away' with the family, sneak off to
dance classes, and still have time for shmoozing, dancing, romantic
dining and more thru the evening and into the night!

Special Features on Belly Cruuise '08 Rak the Boat:

- Ports of Call Acapulco, Zihuatenejo, Manzanillo

- Workshops on At Sea days, leaving your port days for fun & frolic

- The infamous Guerrilla Hafla

- Shipboard Hafla of a more conservative nature. :)

- 6 Hours of instruction with each instructor (totalling 24 hours of
workshops!)

- The insanity that is our incredible host of instructors and
harbingers of the party!

Prices with workshops:

Inside Cabins start at $847.00

Ocean View Cabins start at $977.00

Balcony Cabins start at $1047.00

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Taxes & Government
fees are included.

Insurance, prepaid gratuities & additional fees may apply.

Includes all workshops PLUS Hafla!

More info at www.BellyCruise.com

Contact Harriet Niss at Regency Travel for Information & Reservations

619-282-7631 or 800-362-6221

email: harrietniss@hotmail.com

CST #20137890-10

UK & France....HERE WE COME!!!

Okay, my brain hurts from making all these plans.

Frederique David and I are heading to the UK to teach at the International Belly Dance Congress in Brighton-ish. (www.BellyDanceCongress.com)

Course, after all that travel, we can't leave well enough alone...so we're going to spend a day in London (Monday Oct 1), a day in Paris (Tuesday Oct 2) and a day at EuroDisney (if I have to explain...you wouldn't understand! but that's Oct 3).

So we have a hotel in Piccadilly so we can catch the gawddawfully early EuroStar to Paris (and just party all night, and sleep on the train), then I still have to find a place to stay in Paris, then some friends are picking us up and we're going to EuroDisney and staying near the CDG airport before heading home.

<whew!>

What a trip!

Luckily Fred speaks French. I keep trying to speak french but I substitute Arabic words. Something about language centers in the brain. I can't speak either language...hell...even English very well for that matter (for those who've taken my workshops know!), but we'll see how this works.

I'm hoping to finish out plans for another 'EuroTour' in Fall 2008. Stay tuned!