My Blog

Bodacious Belly Dance and Flamenco Elements in Morgantown, WV!

narahbintdurr — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:13:30 GMT

Sweet! Kari Merlina and I are teaching workshops September 6th here in Morgantown! I am teaching Bodacious Belly Dance combinations and Unique Layers Original! Advanced Material (beginners welcome if they enjoy a challenge)- $25 until Sept. 5th, $35 day of Kari is teaching Flamenco Elements for Belly Dance (Kari is trained in both Flamenco and Belly Dance and will give us a solid perspective on blending the two seamlessly. a short choreography to exemplify the technique)- $25 until Sept. 5th, $35 day of Both workshops $45 until Sept. 5th, $65 day of Pay Pal to Narah@TribalBellydance.net (add $2 for PayPal fees) No refunds unless event is cancelled! We're going to have so much fun! Join us!!! Keep up to date by joining my mailing list and checking the website www.TribalBellyDance.net/workshops.htm

New Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Instructional DVD is ready!

narahbintdurr — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:49:25 GMT

And it has been for a couple of weeks, but having a baby means that announcements may happen in stages. :) The Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Technical Foundation (Volume 1) DVD is ready! Experienced and dedicated bellydancers, Narah & Jala are sisters through blood and by Belly Dance. Tribal fusion Belly Dance is earthy, grounded, and draws from several Belly Dance & World Dance forms. On this DVD, Narah & Jala take you step-by-step through the technique that will help you set a solid foundation in Tribal Fusion Bellydance. The key to becoming a beautifully strong dancer is to set and maintain a strong foundation. The detailed instruction and methods presented help all types of learners, which makes this DVD an ideal companion to your home practice. Because precise technique plays such a significant part in a powerful presentation, one must always return to the technical foundation, making this DVD appropriate for everyone from the absolute beginner to the conscientious professional. You will learn • Basic Posture • Hip Snap • Hip Twist Up • Hip Twist Down (Sit) • Horizontal Hip Twist (Shimmy) • Hip Slide • Flat Turkish Circle • Flat Hip Figure-8 • Hip Arc • Vertical Hip Circle • Ribcage Pop • Shoulder Shimmy • Ribcage Slide • Ribcage Circle • Snake Arms • Head Slide • Spin • Head Circle • Head Slide • Body Wave Three Combinations help you start to put your dance together! This DVD Contains Loads of Bonus features and two performances to demonstrate the material, inspire, and entertain. This up-to-date DVD will help you reach your goals and dance with sharp technique. See more about Narah and Jala on the web at www.TribalBellyDance.net You can order on the market place page at www.TribalBellyDance.net We accept Pay Pal, credit cards, checks, money orders and cash (in person only, please do not send cash through the mail.) Please make checks and money orders to: Kimberly Minardi 1008 Summers School Rd. Morgantown, WV 26508 Shukran! Narah www.TribalBellyDance.net 304-276-DANC (32 62)

Full Details on Ziah Ali Workshop

narahbintdurr — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 23:23:31 GMT

July 15th, 2006- Ziah Ali comes to Morgantown, WV (3.5 hours from D.C., 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh, PA, 3 hours from Columbus, OH)! Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from the director of the Awalim Dance Company. Ziah is well versed in both Tribal and Oriental style Belly Dance and was one of the first East Coast Tribal troupe directors. Her dynamic choreographies and energetic style have amazed audiences across the US. Workshop topics will be Turkish Tribal and her amazing Zill Drill. Mark your calendars! Learn more about Ziah and Awalim at www.Awalim.com Workshop times: 9:30am - 11:30am Morning session 11:30am - 1:30pm lunch (on your own- many restaurants in the area) 1:30pm - 4:30pm Afternoon session The workshop will be held at the Lakeview Fitness Center. Take your best route to I79 and from there take I68. Take the Cheat Lake exit (exit 10 off I-68) and turn left. Turn left at the BP station. Turn left at the very large Lakeview sign. Pass Spa Roma on the left. The Fitness Center is the building on the left as you enter the complex (vs the buildings that are straight on as you come in) There is parking to your immediate left as you come in and around the rest of the facility too. $65 May 16th - July 12th $85.00 July 13th on and at the door. Of course, there will be an evening show featuring Ziah Ali and Awalim member Jaqueline (www.Awalim.com), Narah, Jala, Keri Merlina and students (Pittsburgh, PA) (www.bellydanceandyoga.com), Troupe Samadi (Teays Vally, WV) (www.wvbellydance.com) and more, so set aside the evening as well! Doors open at 7:30pm (those arriving earlier will be thanked for helping with set up :) and the show begins at 8:00pm. Cost of Show: In advance- $10/adult (ages 12 and up); $5/child 4 - 11; ages 3 and under free Day of Show- $15/adult (ages 12 and up); $10/child 4 - 11; ages 3 and under $1 To get to the Morgantown Learning Academy, take exit 7 (Airport/Pierpont) off I68 (accessible via I79). Turn Left and go through the light by the Exxon station. Go down the hill and at the light turn Left onto Easton Hill Rd. (Easton School is on the right). Take the first left onto Easton Mill Rd. and you will see the sign for Morgantown Learning Academy. Pass the historic mill and the school is just ahead; you will see a sign for the school there too. The show will be held in the second building. There is plenty of parking in the lot. REGISTER on the website or Email Narah@TribalBellyDance.net or call 276-DANCE www.TribalBellyDance.net

Taking Donations for Animal Rescue Effort at the Earth Movement Studio

narahbintdurr — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 04:12:45 GMT

Trying to get the word out to help with this situation. As mentioned at the bottom, we're taking donations at the studio and will arrange to get them to the proper place (Preston Co. is at least an hour from Morgantown and there aren't any local drop off points other than us right now. If you would like to make your home/place of business a drop off point and can also arrange to get supplies to Preston Co., then let me know and I'll post here and on my site/Tribe sites). This from one of my students, Genevieve, involved w/ Animal Friends: Preston County Animal Control has taken custody of all Star Ridge animals ("shelter" posing as a rescue organization; kept adoption fees and did not care for the animals.) There are probably 200 dying or very sick animals - dogs, cats, rabbits. They are killing each other from hunger. No food or water for days. Many crates are needed. They also will need foster homes, food, bowls, leashes, etc; Preston County shelter needs foster homes for five, 6-wk old kittens w/ URI's (contagious, but treatable) & many, many 40-60 lb dogs, a few larger, some w/ pups. Some females pregnant. All now vaxed, wormed. Need love, bathing, grooming, good nutrition, training & more LOVE! I think they plan to s/n as $$ & vet time is available. All foster animals must be kept till court case is over, maybe ~ 4 months or so? PC shelter has a simple foster parent form you can fill out on site for immediate approval. 304-329-3461. Rabbits: 8 does-- all pregnant, except possibly 2 doelings-- & 1 buck, all in pretty good shape, are at my house now. I signed as their foster mom, but if anyone else can help-- call me-- 304-692-7403 & we'll get approval of PC shelter director, Jo Deen Johnnie. Animal Friends took all dogs needing special care-- notably those w/ skin infections. 304-290-4PET if you'd like to volunteer time or give donations. Woofs Canine Accoutrements donated supplies. Morgantown Petco donated food. Petco Fdn (not corporate) is going to help, we hope. They're very supportive & promised these folks would never take animals to a Petco again. Anyone who can donate tarps, large dog houses, kennels, very large dog bowls, including the type that allows water storage & access, puppy food, blankets, towels, Clorox, transportation for volunteers, time to bathe, walk & love dogs, please call Jo Deen at the shelter or Susan as per her post. This is a list of needed supplies given by another student who was there in her required haz mat suit rescuing animals on this raid: Adult dog/cat food Puppy and kitten food kitty litter toys towels/blankets food dishes leashes treats clorox and cleaning items... We will collect items at the Earth Movement Studio and arrange for them to be driven to the Preston County Shelter. If you would like to donate items, please bring them by before or after class times (see schedule on main page) or call to arrange another drop off time. Call 304-276-3262 or email Narah@TribalBellyDance.net

Scorpio me

narahbintdurr — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 04:09:04 GMT

Each sign is divided into three sections, 10 days per section - these are known as Decans. 1st Decan Scorpio » 24th October - 2nd November Ruled by Pluto, you are an irresistible force who mixes passion and compassion, magnetism, insights, intimacy and ambition. Sheer single-mindedness assures that you're a winner in love and in work. Your feelings are complex but utterly genuine.

14 - 16

narahbintdurr — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 04:00:56 GMT

14. I was certified in Yoga for the Special Child (tm) [www.specialyoga.com] a couple of years ago. It was good timing since focusing on yoga 8-5 for a week was good prep for my grandmother dieing (last grandparent to die). Oh, is that a morbid thing for me to mention? Still very prevelant in my mind. I'm very much like my grandmothers- unconventional, a little naughty, strong, fiesty. Sonia Sumar, creator of Yoga for the Special Child is my Guru. I totally connected with her. Even down to the fact that she does her Down Dog with her feet together and finds props distracting and (at at least eventually) disabiling; I find common ground with her. If the woman's mission were not to be going around the country teaching people this program, she would be on top of a mountain answering questions about life. 15. My Step - Daughter is named Ariel and is 13 years old. She has an amazing voice. Funny how names give you the charactaristics of the name. Her parents are annoyed that people think she's named after the Disney character, but she does sing beautifully and is beautiful (and wierdly, my gymnastics coach in 10th grade called me the "Little Mermaid"... I half think it's because he couldn't remember my name, but whatever... she had red hair and blue eyes). 16. I am a red wine drinker. Depending on the mood, I may like a Merlot, Cabernet or an Austrailian Shiraz. Austrailian wine is the best I've sampled so far, so of course the Shiraz has to be Austrailian (otherwise it is ass). I like Burgundies and even some Reislings (not red, but yummy). I had some good French Rose' in Epcot recently... 17. Yeah, more than required, but whatever. I like my coffee with skim milk, no sugar. Or a Latte with skim milk. Cappacino has too much foam. Those nasty syrups disguise the taste of the coffee and fuck with my blood sugar. I'm not tagging anyone.

I've been Tagged

narahbintdurr — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:27:52 GMT

Twice, actually, so I guess you'll get 16 facts.... 1. I'm the oldest girl, second oldest sibling in a family of 5 Children. My older brother is a graphic artist in Portland, OR, my younger sister Belly Dances too, my younger brother currently spends a lot of time working for my Dad and helping out the fam w/ the farm, my youngest sister is also an artist (there are 10 years between me and her, so she was a great "doll" and greatly contributed to me really loving kids) 2. I started Belly Dancing at age 17 and have been obsessed ever since. 3. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2000. 4. I had an Indian and Medieval European style party for our wedding. Belly Dancers and Fire Eaters were amongst the entertainers. We also did the Time Warp toward the end of the evening- not even alcohol induced. 5. Went to Ireland for our honey moon. Fun, Guiness is great! Stayed in a castle, learned some jigs. Irish people love red heads cause they're just as rare there. One lady was pretty excited and kept calling me "Real Irish". (more details on that in a min...) 6. Yep, part Irish. My great Grand mother (Mom's Mom's Mom) was 1/2 Shawnee and 1/2 Irish. My maternal great Grand (Mom's Mom's Dad) father was full Cherokee. Cherokee from my mother's father's side too and my Father's side. Less detail on that, but we know it's there. Little German, French and English in the family too. 7. I played the piano for a couple years in Elementary school and the xylophone a couple years in Middle School. 8. I'm a Scorpio. 9. I'm Vegetarian. Ovo-Lacto Vegetarian. Don't eat Soy- not good for the Thyroid. 10. I opened a Belly Dance studio/Wellness Center in October. My husband's the massage therapist. 11. I did a belly dance tour last year. Held shows in 5 cities and met tons of belly dancers in each area. That was great! 12. We planned on moving to San Francisco after the tour was over, but in the time it was taking to sell the house, we realized we were happy just where we are. Lots of that are important to us are right here or close to here. 13. I have two awesome puppies!!!! They are from my sister's dog's litter. Lab, German Shepard, Husky Rottwieler mixes. They are incredible and have taught me so much! I love them more than I thought it was possible to love. Great for getting grounded. Dana is about 60 lbs and looks mostly like a black lab. She's named after the Celtic Mother Goddess/ High Priestess. (She is very much the protector.) Tara is about 52 lbs and has a lab body with German Shepard markings. So sweet! So we named her after the Tibetian/Indian Goddess Tara, Goddess of Compassion. If I could take them everywhere I go, I'd be thrilled. 14. I really have to get ready for class now, so I'll fill in the rest later..... :)

Yoga and Belly Dance Workshops at the Earth Movement studio!

narahbintdurr — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 21:21:51 GMT

Mark your calandars April 22nd for the Tribal Belly Dance Costuming Workshop! Don't miss this chance to find out what components, layers, textures, materials, make up techniques, wrapping methods, resources and simple sewing projects go into making Tribal Belly Dance Costuming. Can't forget the costuming part of being a Belly Dancer! :) May 27th Sterling Painton will teach a "Techno Yoga" workshop at the Earth Movement Studio! Sterling received her Yoga Teacher Training through the Himalayan Institute of Honesdale, PA. She has been teaching Hatha Yoga for over three years and continues to practice and learn all different styles of yoga. Currently, Sterling teaches Hatha Yoga with a Vinyasa flow for all levels, Kids Yoga, Teen Yoga, Senior Yoga and Water Yoga. Sterling’s classes are held at Moonstones & Essential Alchemy in Dormont. She also teaches at various other gyms and facilities throughout the Pittsburgh area. Other certifications that Sterling has include: CPR, First Aid, HCD Certification, Silver Sneakers I/II and the Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program Certification. Sterling has such a wonderful array of students with so many different personalities and backgrounds. She loves teaching yoga and believes that it is her passion. Check out her website at www.yogaandbellydance.com See you there!! Narah www.tribalbellydance.net www.earthmovement.org

workshops with Narah and sponsored by the Earth Movement Studio

narahbintdurr — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 18:43:36 GMT

February 18th, 2006- Two workshops with Narah at the Earth Movement Studio in Morgantown: Solo Improvisational Technique- Regardless of your style of bellydance, knowing how to "make it up as you go" and "put it all together" is key to truly dancing. In all styles of bellydance, the dancer will solo. And besides, even if you always perform with other people, you'll want to know what to do when you dance alone in the living room! Time: 11:00-2:00pm Cost: $35 in advance, $45 the day of the workshop. Tribal Fusion Veil- Learn the style and technique Narah has developed for distinct veil work. Bring a veil or buy one at the studio- $35. Time: 3:30-5:30pm. Cost: $25 in advance, $35 the day of the workshop. Take both workshops for $50 in advance, $70 the day of the workshop. July 15th, 2006- Ziah Ali comes to the Earth Movement Studio in Morgantown! Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from the director of the Awalim Dance Company. Ziah is well versed in both Tribal and Oriental style Belly Dance and was one of the first East Coast Tribal troupe directors. Her dynamic choreographies and energetic style have wowed audiences across the US. Held at the Earth Movement Studio. Time, topic, price and other details TBA. Mark your calendars! Learn more about Ziah and Awalim at www.tribalbellydance.com or www.Awalim.com Narah is available for workshops in your area! The following topics and more are possible: Solo Improvisational Skills Tribal Fusion Combinations Tribal Fusion Choreography Tribal Fusion Veil Tribal Basket Tribal Cane Tribal Costuming Unique Layers for Tribal Technique Balancing the Chakras with Yoga and Belly Dance Email Narah@tribalbellydance.net or call 276-DANC to register. www.tribalbellydance.net www.earthmovement.org tribes.tribe.net/earthmovementstudio tribes.tribe.net/wvbellydance

That bill board had two sides

narahbintdurr — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 06:12:23 GMT

and both were equally as painful..... (this could apply to so many situations...) oh, and ... I'm not trying to kill you, I love you. ... :) :) :) Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.............

Tribe for the Earth Movement studio

narahbintdurr — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 03:44:52 GMT

I created a tribe for my studio so we can get together, discuss the possibilities, keep everyone up to date, and tell all about the awesome experience that is the Earth Movement studio. Join us! I've invited most people in my friends network who were at least in the general area, but if I missed you or you'd like to invite a friend, out site is tribes.tribe.net/earthmovementstudio

Home Again Home Again

narahbintdurr — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 23:31:20 GMT

Ahhhh.... Super comfy bed, house with a doggie door and fenced yard, and not having to go anywhere. Sure, I've spent all day on the computer catching up on email and finally getting all those new pics posted here, but I got to work out this morning and order all those things I've been meaning to get to. Prepping for the holidays and then running back and forth between the in-laws and my parents' house was pretty time consuming. Love seeing my family, though! Dey kewl. The puppies are happy to be home. I thought they would run around the yard more, but they took a lap and then napped most of the evening. The picture is from April, but pretty much thier take on being in the car- it sucks.

winter blah blah blah

narahbintdurr — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 23:37:59 GMT

Last year I tried being really excited about the first day of winter since it means we get an extra minute of day light every day after that. 60 minutes/days later, it was still mostly dark. What to try this year? Visualizing myself on the beach, under a clear blue sky and the sun warming my bones...

Drink up me hearties Yo Ho!

narahbintdurr — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 15:16:47 GMT

I love being a pirate! Had lots of fun looking at all the costumes at the Brew Pub last night w/ Cap'n Jack. We met a Tiki God who told us about a local pirate party! Yeah! Found some big festivals online I might have to go visit. Also met Arthur Dent- he forgot his towel. I don't know if it was Halloween, the clothes, or the Dead Guy Ale, but I kept having a really strong urge to snap all the lingerie the many girls around me were wearing. Had a conversation w/ the Alias girl about how, though it would be really inappropriate, we really wanted to smack the angel's ass. Carlos Mensia had some merit when he wanted to rename Halloween dress like a slut day. Hee Hee. Don't get me wrong- I was amused and can understand the fun in doing that. I even saved Little Bo Peep from showing her ass on the way out of the bathroom. Good times. :) Downside of the night: even though my husband made a totally kick ass Jack Sparrow (sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow), team Z won. Team Z????!!!! They wore matching jump suits they bought at Target! Stupid voting system. We'll have to bring our band of pirates next time. You can see our anger at the injustice in my profile pics.

Fun at the Fright Farm

narahbintdurr — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 04:31:32 GMT

I Love Halloween. It is my favorite holiday and probably always has been. My birthday is Nov. 1st and I remember decorating my birthday cake in 3rd grade or so with a witch. For the first time in the total 7ish years I've lived in Morgantown, it finally worked out for me to go to the Ritch's Fright Farm. Yay! While it was really long, it was fun to look at the sets and costumes. The screaming people ahead and behind me, while I expected them, were still definately messing with my Wah. I got to do a little scaring of my own, though. Hee Hee. Then, we stood in line to meet Efren Ramirez, aka Pedro from Nepolean dynomite. Funny guy- he rapped. :) Our autograph said, to Kim, Eric, Tara and Dana, may the Holy Santos protect your family. And for my mother in law (who's a counciler at a middle school and wanted to know what Nepolean Dynomite was), it said, "To Barbara, I'll build you a cake". Yep, thats us and him in the picture. Went to a Halloween party yesterday. My main pic is from that. My puppy Dana enjoyed being a lap dog- all 55 lbs. :) I love that my pups are so cuddlely. I'm a butterfly, but kinda hard to tell from the picture. Tomorrow, we're looking for a party around town or something. I'm going to be a pirate for that one. Eric, my husband, was Jack Sparrow and he did a kick ass job putting his costume together. Hmm, yep, I'm a lucky girl. :) I'll be Anne Bonnie; she was a red head. So cool that I'm actually getting to celebrate Halloween throughout the month, as it should be, rather than travel most weekends and just wish I could do more. Next year, I will have an open house not anywhere near Halloween so I have even more time to celebrate. Now to start celebrating my birth month!

My New Studio

narahbintdurr — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 18:17:55 GMT

Well, it's pretty official- we put down the deposit, got the water turned on, painted, put up mirrors, put a dance floor in. I'm the proprioter of Morgantown's Belly Dance Studio. Not just belly dance, though. We're doing what I've planned on for years. Sounds promising for getting an African Dance teacher, I'm going to do kid's yoga therapy, my husband is doing massage. And there will be _more_. We'll have lots of classes and workshops on all kinds of art/creativity, health, spirituality and other international dance forms. the website isn't currently working, darnit, but it is www.earthmovement.org Open house Oct. 22nd!

article

narahbintdurr — Sat, 24 Sep 2005 02:21:06 GMT

I finally got to read the latest article one of the local newspapers did on me. Promised to get a few extra copies here in a few days. It was one of the best yet. Of course, there are always a few wrong things, but it was good. It was so cool that my performing students were all there and had such beautiful contributions. Wow- my girls! I'm so proud! Can't wait to get the cd of the pics (or printed copies, whatever actually happens). This article did a great job of painting a true picture of belly dance. It showed how this dance can transform you, make you appreciate who you really are, and facilitate your spiritual growth. My only dissapointment is that they didn't list all the information they promised to about upcomng classes, the benefit show or even directly connect my website with the article. they listed it, but second in a list that gave general belly dance information. Take 4-5 hours of your life to give me a story and I'll make sure only the most insightful members of this town will come to your class. *ugh* You gotta spell it out for people. Don't make them work for it or they don't come to class. It didn't do the best job of making sure that Morgantown got to experience bellydance; this amazing, life changing dance, but it at least paved the way for belly dance shedding it's "bad reputation". Can't have it all at once, but it's another chip.

So much to say

narahbintdurr — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 06:59:04 GMT

First, I'm still riding the high from the Suhaila workshops, and experience of the entire weekend in D.C. There are too many reasons to list why so many people say "I love Suhaila"! Not just her technique, her skills, her teaching abilities, her accomplishments, but also her humor, compassion, ideals, beliefs, openness, honosty, vision... Of course I could go on and on. So inspiring! And the performances on Saturday night were spectacular! Have you ever seen/felt someone breathe the music? Emote through every range? See Suhaila live. I also got to hang w/ my good friends Bronwen and Nala (and Cael, though he wasn't at the workshop) and see some of the rest of the DC Tribal Belly Dance (and even some Pittsburgh) crowd. Some people it was in passing, some we got to sit and eat together. That was great! Sorry I couldn't make it to Sushie night for Mab's Birthday- hope you had fun! The workshop kept us busy enough so that socializing wasn't really an option during it. I had so much fun and can't wait to go back! OK, well, now that that's out, I can back track a little. After Pennsic recovery started and it started sinking in even more that we were really staying, I started nesting. Bought material for new curtains (even made some :), picture frames, and new hardwood flooring for the top 2 floors. that's slow going, but pretty. Well, it's partially slow going because I had this illness for about 3 weeks. Down for a few days, feel a little better for a couple, down again, function for a few more days, sick like it was the first day I was sick for the weekend... Only very residual symptoms now, but still low on energy. Taught my first bellydance fitness class in the middle of the stuff. Get to teach my second one today feeling much better. There's more, but I should go and give the details when the papers are signed. Meditation- good for focusing. :)

Suprise Suprise I can see butterflies

narahbintdurr — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 02:24:10 GMT

Most people I talked to at Pennsic already know this, but I'm posting here to let everyone else know. Before you read this, know that I am actually happy about it! :) After a lot of soul searching, I realized that what I've been looking for through all the ambitious projects is a simple, quiet life. Maybe that isn't readily apparent, but it wasn't to me at first either. I've had this little voice telling me that peace and quiet were what I wanted. I kept telling the little voice to shut up. But, with all the ups and downs trying to sell the house, I finally started to listen and let go of many many things. We realized that there are so many things right here that are important to us- a place where the dogs are happy, family a few hours away, a studio in the house, loyal students, the ability to set my own schedule, and the ability to work for myself and no one else. San Francisco is an amazing place, but moving there would not allow me any of that and definitely wouldn't provide stillness. So, we'll visit San Francisco plenty, but we've taken the house off the market to be in the present. It feels good! I'm actually living where I live instead of focusing energy everywhere else. Instead of obsessing about the house, I focused on my videos. I have two scripts written for instructional videos and the Fire of the Soul video is ready! Yay! I also started a West Virginia Bellydance Tribe to unite dancers here and weave a stronger community.

Pennsic

narahbintdurr — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 02:14:25 GMT

we're going. camping in Stahlgiest across from the solar showers. i'll be there Monday the 15th.

where we are with the move and the rest of life

narahbintdurr — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 01:02:04 GMT

the house is still on the market. so, I guess that means we'll be at pennsic at least a few days. we've not planned where we're camping (depends on who has room) or what days we'll be there since we're just now talking about the fact that we'll probably be there rather than might be there. made some progress on the Fire of the Soul video. close... we're very close. my puppies are very_very_cute! that is all... for now... No irritation, no pearl

updates

narahbintdurr — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 21:44:29 GMT

I updated my website- new testimonials in the 'about Narah' section and new pics from our last performance. We're having a mini open house tomorrow. Apparently July 4th weekend is very slow for house showing even in a good market. :p The puppies were really glad to get home yesterday. They trotted around the yard for a bit, came in and slept most of the evening. It's hard being a puppy- especially in this heat. Narah www.tribalbellydance.net

Live from your heart

narahbintdurr — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:40:56 GMT

Yesterday involved lots of drama surrounding getting the carpet cleaned. doesnt' sound like a big deal, but somehow it all got very complicated. I was going to title an entry quoting my favorite movie, the Kama Sutra- "Life is right in any case"... but even about the carpets? Since I tend to get very very focused on whatever the thing of the time is, I picked up Don' Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family- Simple Ways to Keep Daily Responsibilities and Household Chaos from Taking Over Your Life. (by Richard Carlson) This is the chapter I came to last night: "A subtle yet major contributor to sweating the small stuff for many people is the failure to live from the heart. Instead, many people fall into routines out of defautl, or because evyeone else seems to be doing something, or because it seems like the right thing to do. For example, people often choose careers that their parents wanted for them, or because of some perceived status or some other external measure. ... Living from your heart means that you choose a life and a lifestyle that are true for you and your family. It means you make important decisions because they resonate with your heart and your own values, and not necessarily with those of others. Living from your heart means that you trust your own instincts more than the pressures from advertising or the expectations of society, neighbors, and friends. Living from your heart, however, does not mean you become a rebel, break family tradition, or become different from everyone else [I say that is unless that is the best thing for _you_ to do]. It's far more subtle than that. Living from the heart is about trusting that quiet voice within you that emerges when you quiet down enough to listen. It's that voice that speaks to you from a place of wisdom and common sense instead of from frantic chatter and habit. When you trust your heart rather than your habits, new insights will pop into your mind. These insights can be anything from the idea to move to a different town, to the realization of the necessity to break a destructive habit, to an answer of how to communicate differently with someone you love. You might also have insights about who you choose to spend time with as well as new ways to solve problems. It all starts from listening to your heart. A failure to live from the heart creates a great deal of internal conflict, which in turn encourages you to become short-tempered, easily bothered and reactive. Deep down, you know what is true for you, what kind of life you want to be living, and what type of person you want to be... Ask yourself questions like: "How do I really want to live my life?" "Am I following my own path or am I doing things simply because I've always done them that way, or because I'm living up to someone else's expectations?" Then simply quiet down and listen. Rather than trying to come up with an answer, see if you can allow the answers to come to you, as if out of the blue. If you want to become more peaceful, and a whole lot happier, this is a good place to start. Living from your heart is one of the foundations of inner peace and personal growth. ..." By running into this chapter at the end of the day, I was reassured that I'm doing what's right for me. And that having the carpets cleaned was a small step in getting to the next step... so, I guess the answer is yes, Life is right in any case, even about the carpets. :)

More moving stuff

narahbintdurr — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 19:34:11 GMT

we're meeting w/ the realtor we chose (our puppies seemed to like her, so we know she's the right choice amongst the ones we interviewed) tonight to fill out some paperwork. so, now my workload w/ the whole thing is much lessened. Eric/Tristen is taking his National Certification Exam for massage therapy _right_now! So, as soon as he gets the results back it's officially official- he's an MT. (He passed the school's exam which is based off the national w/ 95%). after a long conversation about dance last night and seeing the new Batman movie (long time fan of those since Prince did music for the one w/ Kim B. in it) have a new inspiring dance idea. more on that later... No, no Bat Dances for me, don't worry. One is enough in this world ... Narah www.tribalbellydance.net

The Move and all that

narahbintdurr — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 17:27:41 GMT

Many people have been asking about my move to the Bay Area and want updates, so I thought I'd make this a place to let people know how it's going. After finishing the Fire of the Soul tour in April, we were able to take some time to fix up the house for sale. The house is on the market (selling is a prerequisite for the move). We've been doing the for sale by owner thing for a couple of weeks, but are now interviewing real estate agents. I have a pediatric OT job lined up in the bay area. I always said if I were to go back to doing OT it would have to be in peds. I'll get to do baby yoga w/ them since the owner was excited that I'm a pediatric yoga therapist too. I'm really looking forward to taking classes in the Bay Area and experiencing such a rich community. Many people have asked me if I plan on joining a troupe or forming one... I prefer not to plan all that out since any plans may change once I am able to absorb and experience everything there. Can't predict the future, but if I suddenly learn how, I'll let everyone know exactly what's going to happen. ;-) Now that the house is ready and on the market, we have been able to work on some video stuff. The Fire of the Soul video of my performances as well as a few student performances is in the works. I'd say it is about half way complete. Once it is all done, I'll be sure to let everyone know. Narah www.tribalbellydance.net