This weekend Starr and I went to the Redwood Coast Bellydance Festival. It was so much fun! Beautiful dancers, great vendors, and such a fun atmosphere. My thanks to Shoshanna for puting on this great event. Although, next time, I think we'll fly!

It took us 9 hours to drive there (with stops and costruction of course). That's a hell of a long time in the car. ~blech~

Totally worth it though! We had an Egyptian pop choreography workshop with Oreet (omigawd she's fabulous!) from New York. Man do I feel old! All these lithe young things catching on like no one's business! Yep ... I stood in the back! Despite my falling all over myself, I learned a lot and it was a treat getting to know this amazing lady. I have got to make it out to New York one of these days!

Again, thanks Shoshanna, and a big thanks to Lora and Tom as well. They made us feel so at home and I had such a great time visiting. I wish we lived closer together! You have a great community and wonderful energy.

Love you all!!!!

www.redwoodcoastbellydance.com

Over the past seven years or so my life has been a crazy ride. I keep waiting for things to slow down and balance out, but that never happens. I am beginning to think that this is just how life is: a constant state of evolution, change, and chaos. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and it’s always an adventure.

Right now I am trying to re-connect with my passion: my dance. I have gotten overwhelmed with other aspects of life and this part of me, this passion, has been missing. I don’t know why, but when things get hectic, it’s always the first thing to go, and it hurts me terribly. I miss it so much. I don’t know why I do this to myself. Probably because there aren’t enough hours in the day and when time runs short, I make other things come first and tend to put my soul last. I know, I know, I shouldn’t do that, but it’s the mother in me. Always trying to make sure everyone else is okay first.

I have to give a huge thanks to Starr for helping me realize that I am still important and of reminding me of my passion. Thanks to all of you amazing dancers/teachers/mentors that motivate me and help me to center myself in showing me the beauty of this art form. A special thanks to (in ABC order ;):

Aziza
Jamilla
Kami
Kendra
Leila
Nadira
Namira
Rabia
Rachel
Starr
Suhaila
Tiffany
Yolanda

I love you all so very much.