My Blog

Barack Obama elected the 44th President US!!

Radhiya_Taj — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:01:36 GMT

I'm happy to see that the Obama/Biden ticket won. This is such a historical event in America. I watched all evening and more than likely will stay up until everything is over. I'm so excited. OBAMA, Yes We Can!

Barack Obama

Radhiya_Taj — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:18:12 GMT

Today Senator Barack Obama visited St. Louis. The rally was held downtown on the grounds of the Arch. It was estimated to be over 100,000 people that attended. I enjoyed being a part of history, mingling with others and taking pictures. This has been one of the most exciting political races that I've witnessed. I'm definately hoping and praying for Change.

This will be fun!!!!

Radhiya_Taj — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:29:36 GMT

For the first three people who respond- and re-post - this challenge, I will send you something. It might be something I've made, or something cool from my hidden stash, it might be a mix CD - or a rubber duck, a book I think you will enjoy, or something else that is awesome. Whatever it is, I promise that I will get it to you in 30 days or less. The only thing you need to do in order to participate is to be one of the first three to reply to this, AND post this very same thing* - 'cause its fun to give people stuff. **I'm following Marta's Lead. ***For those who respond, please send me you name and address by email/private message! admin@radhiyataj.com

Zia, Nahid & Selima

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:50:24 GMT

It warms my heart when I have a new student, especially when one flowers; by performing in public. This was a success for her and another one of my proudest moments. Teaching does have many rewards. Zia danced in public for the first time at the Loop in Motion Festival. She did have a case of the butterflies, getting nervous is a good thing. At least in my book. Performing 2 days in a row for the first was a big accomplishmet for her. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing her do many more performances. I have had others start in high school and go on to college....it's been tear jerking when they leave and awesome when the come back for the summer to visit. I'm beginning all over again with Zia and look forward to her growth. Nahid is visiting from Argentina; she's currently taking classes with me during her stay her in the US. I welcome her with open arms, already a good dancer. Our style is different from hers, but she performed with us this weekend. Selima has left, she returned to Toyoko, Japan. I enjoyed her joining us in many performance during her stay in the US. Bellydance has allowed me to meet so many women who share the love of dance. I will have many fond memories.

It's Historical!

Radhiya_Taj — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:06:25 GMT

Sometimes you just don't know when something is history in the making. I was happy to attend the event recently held in Downtown St. Louis, MO. It was renaming part of 4th Street to Dred Scott Way. This year is the 150th Commeration of the Dred Scott Decision. The event was held at the Old Court House. I have posted a few of the pictures in my album to share. www.thedredscottfoundation.org for more information on this.

Earth Day 2007

Radhiya_Taj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 04:46:01 GMT

The temperature was at least 80 degrees! This year we had the pleasure of dancing in the grassy area ; the pavilion was under construction. We enjoyed being so up close & personal with the audience. It takes LOTS of work to coordinate a large group. This year I'm please to have 2 young troupe members. Teaching them an entrance while playing zills! The banner ladies are my 2 nieces without them no introduction! What a pleasure to work with such a great group of dancers. Having the opportunity to dance is wonderful! Having grass has backdrop and carpet makes beautiful pictures, falling twigs are not as much fun. I'm thankful for such a large support group of family, friends, students and of course the audience! They made my day.

Grandmother's Dance

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 03:30:01 GMT

She made many of my dresses for me. As a child, I'd watch her while she sewed. All types of clothing, from jumpers, dresses, blouses, suits and even wedding dresses. There was an abundance of fabric, thread, beads and needles hanging around and I LOVE it all! I even got to play with them from time to time; with scraps of left over fabric. I guess this is one of the reasons I love sewing today. It was a wonderful gift to receive from my grandmother, the art of sewing. I recently gave her a gift. It was dance...she has never been one to dance. Her father was a Southern Baptist Preacher and she was told not to dance. But she has seen things differently. I was invited to do a presentation at her church. It was for the Senior's Day School program, where she teaches arts & crafts! They wanted to know more about the art of Belly Dance! Needless to say it went over very well and she actually got up and danced with me. I would have not believed it if you told me this year's ago. To me the picture and experience was priceless. After forwarding it to my brother he could only say "WOW"!

Dred Scott Decision

Radhiya_Taj — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 02:00:41 GMT

This year is the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. In STL there will be local event to commemorate this historical event. I'm glad to be involved with the foundation. Please take time to visit the website and find out more on this decision and what's happening. Thanks. http://www.thedredscottfoundation.org/ds_intro.html

Enough is Enough

Radhiya_Taj — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:31:54 GMT

Snow, very fridgit weather, winter has not left yet and the groundhog saw his shadow, but 6 more weeks is just entirely too long to wait......I could just SCREAM!!!! I'm under the weather, my husband is now sick and it's snowing outside. The temperature here has been in the SINGLE DIGITS! It's not easy to figure out; no happy dancer here. When will Spring arrive? Maybe, just maybe the travel channel has a program that features some warm exotic vacation on now?

Tribal Call & Reply

Radhiya_Taj — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:13:47 GMT

Believe it or not, I had a cold, took medicine all day, the weather did not cooperate either, but everything turned out fine. The support of frends, family & students made me dance harder, and the music was great. What more could I have asked for! This photo is from this past Sunday, we had a special event at a local restaurant (Red Sea). I had a great time.

Winter.........

Radhiya_Taj — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 16:14:49 GMT

It's really cold here today! The low temp is predicted at 12 (Yuck), I'm not a cold weather fan, by no means..... Power should be fully restored in our area by tomorrow, it's awful some people have not had power since this storm hit last Thursday. I thought it was bad in the summer when the same thing happened. It's been dangerous here, people have died due to the cold. Warning.....no generator UNLESS you keep them outside of your home, do not run them in a closed area!!!!!! I'm thankful I've only lost power for a few minutes every now and then; with a touch of the flu....I'll think about this when the summer rolls around...it will come to me....it could be worst.

Trying to Salsa Again!!!

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 03:51:26 GMT

It's was "Haleemah's" Birthday and a few of us could not say no to going with her to a local club in town that gives free Salsa lessons before the party gets started. Talk about fun and my legs hurt the next day, I taught 2 classes before this! Wore boots and a dress that was WAY too hot! We have plans to do it again.....I'm getting a lightweight red dress!

ZAGHAREET

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 18:28:05 GMT

This past weekend we rode the Metorlink from St. Louis, MO to Belleville, IL. (50 minutes) We were attending a student recital given by a Instructor "Lauren" that teaches in Belleville & Fairview Heights, IL. Her website is www.bellydancestuff.com Anyway it's funnny people staring at us with the swords & all. One guy asked us "What are Y'all doing?" "Where are Y'all from?" My comment was we are a belly dance troupe on our way to a recital, we are all from here! Don't worry we don't use the swords unless we just have to. We are real people, we just happen to be in full tribal costumes. As we boarded the train, it was packed! The football crowd on their way to the game, not good timing. But we could not afford to miss another train. Lots of look, conversation. Funny how we had to hold each other up and try not to fall on other passengers. LOL....some fell on a guy, they were helpful and kept smiling....Hmmmm. Once the crowd left we gave them a zaghareet......happy to have a seat. These costumes are heavy!

Sisters

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 18:09:29 GMT

I met Sayyidah for the first time yesterday at the African Legacy Event. I enjoyed talking with her and sharing our love for the cultural aspect of belly dance. She's interested in taking classes! For health and the enjoyment of it all. I'm happy to share the art with others and proud that the art of belly dance touches so many women in various ways. Belly dance has given me the opportunity to meet with many different people from all walks of life. It's a great conversation starter, questions concerning the costume, make-up and music are most common. We all enjoy talking and mingling with the crowd before and after the performances. Ambassdor of Dance, suits me just fine.

Moonflowers!

Radhiya_Taj — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 22:53:27 GMT

I just happened to stumble upon these moonflowers, it's the first time that I've had the pleasure to see them so up close and personal. The smell was so wonderful, I hear that later in the day it's not so nice. I was amazed by the size of the blooms. So I cut off some of the pods! I'm going to dryout the seeds and plant some for myself. They are growing in the backyard of where I work! Of course I like them they have something to do with the Moon & Stars. Two of my favorite things......

Glass in the Garden

Radhiya_Taj — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 15:38:34 GMT

Yesterday it was 35 cents admission for the Missouri Botanical Garden, the exhibit last until 10/31/06. The artist is Dale Chihuly and the glass designs are just breath-taking. Mixed in with the plants; one does not have to search long to find them. It was extra for visiting the entire collection mostly displayed in the Climatron. We loved this exhibit! Ah to purchase art! Anyway, I have posted pictures in my album of some of my favorites & others I'd like to share with you. The artist has a book and post cards availalbe of the collection for purchase. For more info: www.mobot.org That's me looking at the candy kisses as they are called.

Hot, Hot and Hotter!!!

Radhiya_Taj — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 02:08:34 GMT

I'm just praying for rain...and thinking of doing a rain dance. The storm hurt my garden, tomatoes took a bad beating...but now we have lots to harvest. Cucumber leave turning brown from the heat. But the Sunflowers are just beautiful! Even though it's hot outside there are still pretty things to be thankful for. My outlook will change on cooler weather. Besides having a heat rash is not fun! That use to happen when I was much YOUNGER.....I'm returning to my youth? :) **I was taken with the butterfly that visited my Sunflower patch! Pretty things on so hot days**

One River Mississippi

Radhiya_Taj — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 14:18:33 GMT

Lately it's been so very hot here.......but the weather was just wonderful.! On Saturday, June 24th, several of us had the pleasure of dancing on the Eads Bridge.....for the One River Mississippi event. It linked seven cities, Lake Itasca, Minneapolis, Quad Cities, St. Louis/East St. Louis, Plaquemines parish, New Orleans and Memphis. I don't know if any other belly dancers in the other cities were involved....but I can't see dancing on a bridge without "us" being there. The audience was able to bring radios and tune into the simulcast at each cities location. In St. Louis, the Eads Bridge links us to East St. Louis and is near the Laclede's Landing....we danced on to the bridge with the group Joia and several other dance companies. We joined the "Uppity Theatre Company " here in town. For us it was a different type of venue and it was so much fun! This photo was towards the end of the event, it did not take much coach to get them to join us in Raks!

I've Been Tagged!!!

Radhiya_Taj — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 18:35:04 GMT

It's the tagged stuff; so now I'm it! Hopefully, I have all of this stuff right. And you all will have a little insight into getting to know me better! Or just email for additional details...I love communication :) 1. I love to sew & design costumes, other clothig as well.Ok let's not forget quilting, I've made a few. All around fabricoholic (sp)? Arts & Crafts various kinds. 2. Thrift stores, are a passion of mine, Resale shops are an adventure for me. 3. I garden! Have lots of house plants...cactus are some of my favorites. 4. I've always danced, disco was one of my favorites. 5. Some people consider me a neat freak, I must have things in order....I can't take things out of order. Everything must have a place. 6. Please send fishing lures, and rods, I love to sit on the banks and just relax. 7. I'm the oldest of 7 children. Have 3 children, 1 grandchild. I've always wanted to be a teacher or carpenter. 8. Candles, cucumber melon, incense Egyptian musk. 9. Desert Wines, chocolate, fruits and veggies rule! 10. Heavy subjects, world news, politics, history, religion, current events. I'm concerned about the environment and why we take the earth for granted. Ok off to tag others..................

Opportuntiy...........

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 29 May 2006 22:53:16 GMT

This past weekend we had the opportunity to dance at the St. Louis African Arts Festival. It was held at Forest Park in the World's Fair Pavilion. The festival was a family fun event. I enjoyed the fact that the flyer listed it as a "Culturally Rich Mosaic". There were all types of music from African to Reggae and more. Not to mention the vendors and food. I like the smoothies and lemonade that was waiting for me after the performance. It was a great opportuntiy to share the art of belly dance with the community. The audience danced, scream and yelled. It's always nice to be received so well. My dance sister's & me will certainly look forward to the next dance opportunity. That was the weekend....and it was only in the 90's!

This really bothered me...............

Radhiya_Taj — Tue, 16 May 2006 15:35:07 GMT

FYI .... ask questions now or pay later. The "Certificate of Completion or Attendance" that is being offered in lieu of high school diplomas, is a part of Bush's "No Child Left Behind". This is how it works: It is for students who are unable to pass both the Language Arts and Math portions of the 10th grade State Student Assessment Exams. Students must take the same 10th grade test over in the 11th and 12th grades until they pass both portions. If they are unable to pass the 10th grade test by the 12th grade then they have two options: 1. Drop out and go to a GED program or, 2. accept a "Certificate of Completion" - it is NOT a diploma.> Once a student accepts it, they cannot ever get a diploma or a GED. A certificate of completion means that a student can never (as long as they live): 1. go to the armed services 2. go to college 3. go to trade school 4. go to journeyman's school 5. go to beauty school 6. go to culinary arts school 7. get a federal loan in their lifetime This is the portion of NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (2001) that Bush slipped in during the 2004 revision of the NCLB bill. It has not been publicized. At a high school in Indiana, in 2005, there were 87 seniors in the graduation class. Five got diplomas and 82 got"Certificates of Completion". This is being referred to as the "Paper Plantation". It is better for students to drop out and get into a GED program so they may seek other forms of education, later in life, if they desire to do so. All 50 states have "Certificates of Completion or Attendance". Please pass this information along to EVERYONE you know who has school age children. Clergy, please preach it from the pulpits. People MUST know this information. "No one can make you feel inferior unless you allow them." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Power.......

Radhiya_Taj — Tue, 16 May 2006 14:57:10 GMT

Something that I wanted to share with you, it was passed on to me: May 2006 ~ Tip Of The Month The Power to FOR-GIVE This word is often misunderstood and not practiced nearly enough in my experience. To FOR-GIVE someone means giving forward with a return policy, but what is actually returned? The greatest return is inner peace and freedom from the one doing the forgiving! Forgiving someone of something is a power that must be exercised to live a healthy, happy, and productive life. Personal sanity stems from an inner peace of mind knowing that all is well with ourselves and also with those in relationship with us. I have often heard others say that forgiving someone of a wrong will let them off the hook, and that is exactly what happens because the hook is tied to a noose around the neck of the one who does not forgive, slowly cutting off emotional and spiritual circulation that will slowly destroy almost everything precious in life. The other commonly asked question is “how do you know when you have truly forgiven someone?” The answer is quite simple but profound - the pain, hurt, and anger are not present when you think about or see that person. This is true because the only thing that separates a wound from a scar is PAIN, and when the weight from the other person dangling from the hook of unforgiveness connected to our noose is released, the pain goes away and the noose that was chocking us is released to free the other person and save ourselves at the same time. This is FOR-GIVE-ING to live freely! The power in this truly amazing exercise is an anti-aging prescription that can lengthen life, release emotional toxins, and preserve our own existence from the destructive hold contained in not FOR-GIVE-ING. What is given forward is grace that always sets free and heals the one letting go. This act of FOR-GIVE-ING can be done with or without the other person knowing and should start with writing a letter to them and burning it to begin the letting-go process. Remember, the power is in the FOR-GIVING, deserved or not and in doing so, the healing process is empowered. Make a list of anyone past or present who needs FOR-GIVING and write a release letter for you to burn and watch the magic begin.

Rain, Rain go away........

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 01 May 2006 03:40:07 GMT

It FINALLY stopped raining long enough to take a picture of one of the Azalea plants. We had such a bad storm last night, patio table broke, stuff all over the yard. Glad that we put the netting on the veg. garden! Broken catus, it was not doing too well; I'd set it out to get some Sun! I'll find another one, off to the plant store this week. Sorry about the Wasp nest it HAD to go. It's started raining again....I can't wait till it stops. Ok, ok, we needed rain now we've had enough. Rain, rain go away.....I want to see the Sun! Tomorrow is May Day it's suppose to be sunny.

A large part of my life.............

Radhiya_Taj — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 07:20:44 GMT

The GypsySailor was behind the camera, and I'm glad she was there. This is for her and the dancers who have shared good and bad times with me......... People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. They prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is timne to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season! LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and area of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Garden Photos

Radhiya_Taj — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 14:50:57 GMT

I placed the photos in the album, the garden was just put in last week. I'm waiting on seeds to come, that's always so much fun. Right now I need lots of Sun and so far the weather here is just beautiful! A little rain here and there but I'm happy. There is also mint just below the hanging baskets of the other herbs. Ahh.........tea!