Streams of consciousness....

Journey Down the Silk Road

Saahira-Nashita — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:11:06 GMT

Hello everyone, sorry I've been so quiet... I've been over on FB and MS because tribe just crashes on me all the time.... Anyway, Journey Down the Silk Road will be on June 20th this year, at Heavenly Acres Campground, just north of Charlottesville... I thought that having the option to camp would give people a chance to stay the night if the evening's drumming and dancing lasted really late, which it usually does! This is an open call to any and everyone who would like to teach or give a demonstration of their class style. Vendors, Henna, Tarot, whatever you would like to do, please come out and join us for this event! As usual, those teaching that day have free admission... the admission price is only $10!!! There will probably be a food vendor on site, I'm working on that at the moment. This is a day to share your skills, your talent, your style with others... It is a great opportunity to network between the general bellydance community, tribal community, SCA dance community, and drummers and musicians from all communities. We are tossing the idea around of having a music class, learning a song for the evening. But there will be drumming classes, and live music at some point during the day. This site is fire friendly, so bring your fire toys and come have fun around the fire at night! Again, this is an open call for teachers, so if you wish to share any type of class, please message me here, or facebook, or myspace... or just email me at aquarian27@aol.com! June 20th, save the date! More information as it becomes available!

New Years Eve...

Saahira-Nashita — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:59:37 GMT

I'm going to Art6 to support my peeps and enjoy the music. Where can I find a good afterparty? The place closes at 1am... any clubs that will be still hopping?

Can hardly stop giggling long enough to post this

Saahira-Nashita — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:30:52 GMT

I know it is silly but, I've heard this song so much, in so many places.... and it will never be the same http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iQRyWecG_I&eurl=http://engrishfunny.com/

Good Days...

Saahira-Nashita — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:00:16 GMT

I just watched the sun slip below the horizon from the roof of our technology building, sucky day to be at work, but beautiful sights to go with it. My brother just called, he wants to invite my mom over to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. I just got my nails done today, and although they are WAAAAAAAY too pale pink for me, they are the perfect backdrop for glitter. Lots to do at work this evening, but I can turn the radio up and get my groove on while I'm working! its a beautiful world...

The Jalsah is an after party for this:

Saahira-Nashita — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:56:57 GMT

November Jalsah is coming!!! Will you be there?

Saahira-Nashita — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:28:41 GMT

Greetings, All! It’s time again for a JALSAH!, hosted by min el-Jbal el-Zarr’a!!! We’ve just moved into a new space, come check it out and help us warm it up for winter!! MJZ is now officially affliated with Charlottesville Area Rhythm and Dance (CARD), and we’ve all moved into a new studio. To celebrate, we’re holding our November jalsah on Sunday, November 23rd, after the Gravity Lounge Dance Showcase. We’ll have drumming, music, and dancing, as usual, so we hope to see you there. Everyone should be in the mood after watching the fabulous show at the Gravity Lounge that afternoon! Come dance and drum and play with us, share (what the word Jalsah means) your wonderful selves and join the party! We've got a great space, with a great dance floor! All it needs is you! DETAILS: Sunday, November 23, 2008 Doors open at 5, Music starts at 5:30 CARD 1112 East Market Street, Unit 4-Q (in Market Square) Charlottesville, VA 22902 Cost: $5.00/person Bring your drums, your melody instruments, your friends, and your self! Call Chip @ 434-989-3995 if you have any questions…

You'll thank me for this....

Saahira-Nashita — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:56:10 GMT

http://www.cw11tv.com/pages/landing/?Man-attempts-to-pay-32-bar-tap-with-gum-=1&blockID=128445&feedID=29

The funniest thing ever

Saahira-Nashita — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:40:33 GMT

as we've recently noted, after someone pointed it out... is when you are laughing and laughing, and when you stop, you do this leetle laugh/sigh combination... it's like post-laugh letdown expressed vocally.... the fact that almost EVERYONE does this cracks me the hell up... do YOU do it?

What a good morning!

Saahira-Nashita — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:43:01 GMT

Tribe is back just in time..

Saahira-Nashita — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:22:07 GMT

MJZ and friends won the War Point in the Performing Arts Competition at War of the Wings this weekend! I got an award at court, thanks Karolyn! I got promoted today! mom's dog is gaining weight! its been a good few days! lets hope for more!

I can't believe I found this

Saahira-Nashita — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:49:24 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH7v5SpQd20 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KnFfTcjZbo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ26245TMKM&feature=related Junkyard is the band that used to play in Culpeper, we used to go and see them play.... THIS is where I learned to dance, where I got off of the whole side to side "white girl bop" and found rhythm pumping up from deep in my soul... this is the music that moved me, i still can't sit still... there is no way i can be even remotely still when this stuff is on... These were the kinds of clubs we danced in, from when the band started until they closed the place down in the early hours of morning. Packed in, bodies moving, workin it, Lockin it, feelin it... going home with the rhythm still pumping, having changed your very heartbeat... Dancing for hours, soaked with sweat, but never getting tired. The drums (rollatons) move you, they compel you, they drive you... every part of you is transformed into the most basic thing, the rhythm... you live it, you breathe it, you are it... and then you go home, and count the hours until you are back in the club, back into your essence, the glory of you.... rare essence, junkyard band, northeast groovers, little benny, chuck brown dc go go bands from the 80s...

So many things, its like a whirlwind...

Saahira-Nashita — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:56:44 GMT

I had to switch classes at school, so that meant I had to switch my Monday and wednesday classes to tuesday and thursday, and my lab time changed to daytime, which screws things up at work. Now i've got to find time in my schedule to make up the 3+ hours of work every week as well as everything else. It sucked to have to switch classes, it was embarrassing and stressful to have to admit that I'm just not able to do the calculus based class right now. Since I've started in the college physics class though, it has been much better, not only am I understanding everything, I'm actually enjoying the class. AND I'm not going home and obsessing for hours over problems that I can't figure out how to start. So its better to be in the T-TH class, but I wish I had made that decision before I started the classes. I had to quit going to classes, had to reschedule a ton of things... and now things have to be moved around again. sigh... it sucks to inconvenience others just because I couldn't do what I thought I could. BUT, i'm doing what is best for me in changing the class, and moving schedules around is better than failing and putting my degree back yet another year. Ah well.... So... so much... Mom is sober, at least she was the last time i talked to her, it has been 5 weeks now. The dog is still having problems, but my vet checked her out thoroughly and there is nothing wrong with her other than a sensitive stomach. we're trying to find food that won't make her sick, but so far nothing has stayed in her stomach for long. I'm glad that it wasn't something fatal though, we can just feed her more and clean it all up... better than having the poor doggie die and my mother lose her only companion. Mom is so lonely, and I don't really know what to do about it, if only she would drive into town and meet me... but there is gas.... and money... which she has none of any more. So I will just have to figure out time to go out to crozet and see her... sigh... i feel like a bad daughter with all my stuff going on, i've spent no time with her, my father, or the rest of my family in weeks... But I'll make up for it when things slow down. Thing is, i love being busy. I love being on the go. I love laying on the couch watching TV, but it isn't what is good for me. Being out and about is what is good for me. So thats what I do. Love life... hmmm... thats a good one.... I wouldn't know where to begin. I guess the first thing would be to get rid of the word love for now, I mean, I guess I know that I love Sjt but its a different kind of love, one that comes from time, and I know that there is no place in his life for me, and that means no future of an Us. Add to that the fact that I'm just really over monogamy. I'm just not doing it any more. Not unless I end up seeing someone for months and months and after a long time, we make the decision together for mutual exclusivity. I'm not going to make the same mistake I made with B ever again. Rushing into things because I think I'm in love. Time tells, and I am going to let time be the deciding factor from now on. If I am in love and they love me, then that will still be there a couple of months down the road. I cut off some very special people out of my life for him, just to have him decide 7 months later that he didn't love me in "that" way and all that jazz. I ended up alone and hurt and with no safety net. I'll have my safety net from now on, parachute, helmet, steel toed boots, and a handy tub of glitter! So for now, I'm seeing who I'm seeing, and they are all really cool people, and they are all aware of my anti-monogamy feelings, and all are ok with it, and its all good. when i have time to see them, that is. LOL... so thats the updates, on whats what in my crazy life. there is a lot more, but i have to go hang signs in the front end integration center for the tour that is coming through tonight and I have to complete an AM noise test on a repaired cartridge... no time no time... oh... and i seem to have developed a youtube addiction! what is that????

Here Goes....

Saahira-Nashita — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:38:05 GMT

Next week, my classes will start! 6pm Wednesday at the C.A.R.D. Studio in Market Square, in lovely downtown charlottesville, just off of East Market Street! The 6pm class will focus on basic Middle Eastern dance and history of the dance. This is a very beginner class, teaching basic movements from different areas of the Middle East. For each movement, we'll cover where it comes from and the clothes and culture of those who danced it. This class will work towards dancing at Haflas and Drum circles, giving a movement vocabulary that will allow every dancer to express themselves and to enjoy the love of the dance. Primarily aimed at those members of the SCA who wish to learn this beautiful art and the history behind it. The 7pm class is for Big Beautiful Bellydancers, focusing on bellydance for the "Well Padded Woman". This is very basic bellydance, with a focus on movements that flow together and work for each individual body type. Bellydance is for everyone, regardless of size, and this class will improve self image and let women enjoy the movements of their bodies. This is a foundation on which any dancer can build! We'll learn about the different styles of bellydance, and work up to a level where each dancer can feel comfortable dancing with her peers. This class is designed to teach each and every woman to let go and feel the joy of the dance, and to grow an appreciation of the movements of her own body. Don't let society hold you back, get up and dance! Each and every woman has a story to tell, learn to express yours with beauty and grace, show the world the light within you, share your joy! Each class is an hour long. Costs are $10 per class, and $8 for SCA members. Come to both classes for the price of one! These classes are beginner classes, designed to get the new dancer ready to go on and learn more, in whatever arena they desire. The SCA class is open to male dancers as well, and the class will sometimes be accompanied by live drumming. About me and why you'll love my classes: In a nutshell, I love to dance. I've been dancing for about 8 years, with several different teachers and many workshops. I have taught, with my group, at several festivals and cons, and taught at Pennsic last year. My troupes perform in the Charlottesville areas and have traveled all over the state for performances. I bring to the stage a love and joy for the dance that every audience member can see, I revel in the movement and enjoy sharing that love with the audience and with anyone who wants to learn. For more information, you can message me here, or IM me on yahoo, my screen name is elusive_ice I hope to see some of you soon, the classes will be ongoing until the 2nd week of December! Come join me and lets dance together! Just a side post, for myself.... I've thought about this for a long time... and I've been asked over and over when I would do this.... and of course I've faced the question that faces everyone who thinks of teaching, am I qualified to do this? I have no certification, I know, and I have no training as a dance teacher. I do have years of dancing and an infectious love for the dance. It is my sincere hope that the people that come to my classes will then go on and take classes with the other folks in town and continue to grow and learn from those more experienced than I am. I see this as a springboard, a place to start for those who might not feel comfortable, a confidence in themselves as they go in, and an eagerness to learn more. I have been in classes before where I just felt out of place, I felt like I really didn't fit in with all of the other women in the room, and if I've felt it, others have. This class is designed to get people over feeling that way, to feel that they have enough movement knowledge to fit in anywhere they go, so they know that they DO belong, and they DO fit in.... it is a start, and I hope that my students will go on and study with all the other wonderful teachers that we have here in Charlottesville. Having problems with body image is something we all face, bellydance class is somewhere we need to get past that and to embrace our beauty, I hope to share the tools to do that with anyone who needs them.

Some things just make me happy

Saahira-Nashita — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:36:16 GMT

this is one of them: http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/08/caturday-music.html maybe because i make my furkids dance too, and they let me, and they purr like crazy.... silly furkids... wow, so much is going on in my life right now, i don't even know where to start... a lot of it is NSFB and cannot be detailed in print, at least not in this kind of public forum... there are forums, but this aint it.. LOL... I'm back in school, university physics this semester, calculus based... now all the calculus is being applied to real things, it should all drop into place. the instructor goes through slide presentations created by the book's author, basically reading the book, and not explaining as much... I'm worried that I won't be able to keep up, I read 3 chapters last night, but i have 2 more to finish today, and 3 more this week to complete... its a lot to add to an already overloaded schedule. i'm trying to work on my calendar, so many things going on. i need to sit down and write in any and all pertinent dates, things that i've read about and would like to go to, things i can't go to but wish i could, every single thing that is going on, so that I can prioritize. i've been asked to teach a workshop for a local fat-positive women's group, and I'm really excited about it. Hearing comments over and over, and being asked to teach by so many people who are well padded like me, I'm really thinking about starting up a class locally for big beautiful beginner bellydancers... a foundation class that lets students then go on to other classes with confidence and knowing that they FIT IN... Starting with the very very basics of movements and working on building confidence in the movements, enjoying the movements, and enjoying dancing with other people... Then when they are ready, they can move on to the other local classes with our wonderful and awesome teachers. Some say, with so many classes out there, why add another, and what makes me qualified to teach. Well, I think I can give women who are like me the confidence to join in those other classes and not feel like the odd woman out. Being a big girl surrounded by a class full of athletic/slim/thin women can make you rip yourself to shreds, it can tear away at your confidence, and make you go home wondering why you think you can do it at all... when you can do it, you do fit in, and you are no different from them... the feeling is natural though, we compare ourselves to others, we all do it... we all have body image issues... but i really feel that if you have the basics down, and you are comfortable in your movements, and you have learned to appreciate the way you look and feel when you do them, then you will feel comfortable in any class, no matter who you are surrounded by. there are groups of bbd, big beautiful bellydancers all over the country, instilling confidence and sharing in the joy of dance... why not here, why not me? i think i'll try it for a little while, i have a basic gameplan built on the workshops i've taught at festivals (with help from my peeps) and at pennsic, and if i write out a syllabus and really think about what i'm trying to acheive, then stick to it and do it, then this could be a good thing... i'll try, and give it 6 weeks or so, and see... if people want to continue, i will, and if they are ready to move on, i'll provide them with all the contact info for our other wonderful teachers, where they can grow and learn further... its an idea, i'm really thinking it could be a good thing... the workshop is in october, i think i'll start right after that... I know a bunch of my SCA friends are dying for this to start, but i really don't want to step on anyone's toes or cause any drama... its a very specific niche... so... thats one thing on my mind.... we are scheduled to the max, again, so that can get stressful, but so much fun... to see so many people and have so many good experiences. its good to live my life, to really live it... and oh, I'm living it... with me its always feast or famine... its either gale force hurricane rain or extreme drought... well, its raining... and i'm loving life right now... my only problem is that I'm having trouble focusing on things when my body is on fire.. LOL... and with all that is going on, I really should carry a huge bucket of water, a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket, and a hose to hook up to the closest hydrant... I've had times in my life that were like this before, and they were short lived... most often because i fell for someone and decided to give up all the rest.. . i've learned that lesson well, not to do that again... that i won't focus on one any more, not until i'm sure they really really want all of my focus, because my focus is pretty intense... and its a lot to take... its better shared or spread out... this works best for me... i won't go through the whole B thing again, i gave them up for him, and he couldn't take the focus, even though it was what he thought he wanted.... if i fall again, things won't change, i won't change for them... if they were to fall for me how i am, why should i change ??? this is who i was meant to be, this is me... truly alive, blazing bright, and full of fire... dark corners and shadowed paths, sunshine and blue water, all of it... i am day and night and moon and sun... and i'm loving my life right now.... but... i could use a nap... LOL

At Last, my musings on Pennsic....

Saahira-Nashita — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:56:19 GMT

I've had a week to get my head together, figure out where I am, get the big performance over with, and take a dip in the ocean to regenerate my soul. Now I can put my heart onto the page and share a little of my thoughts on this Pennsic. Talk about regenerating my soul, this Pennsic did. This was the best Pennsic yet for me, I felt immersed in the magic, the mystery of it all. I did not get to the classes I wanted to go to, but I have spent many previous years attending each and every class all day long, and this year I was on a more important quest. I was searching through the nights for my own self, for my own self love, for my grin, for my smile, for my growl... and I found them, right where I had hoped they would be, there in the darkness, bathed in fog and shining with starlight. I danced fire after fire, waiting for that feeling to come over me, and one night it just did. We were dancing at Hedgehog, the crowd was thick and deep, and the drums were incredible. Moving and dancing, flowing with the beat, fire covering our bodies with a sheen of sweat, and night air cooling at the same time. Water was being passed around and everyone was grooving happily and healthily. In a moment of epiphany, I felt at one with it all, and felt my self slip back into place. With the ease of sliding into your favorite shoe. I felt suddenly sexy, beautiful, graceful, and cat-like. I felt full of myself, full of the moment, full of the crowd, and full of the night... and the feeling has lasted well into my days back in the mundane. I spent many nights walking with my friends, in the darkness, searching for rhythms and music, for dancers and fires and the thick hum of a crowd that is imbibing in it all. There were deep conversations and lots of soul searching done by everyone, and lots and lots of living in the present, and just being there. I drank a lot more than I normally do, but never got blaringly drunk or had any ill effects... I sipped the Krupnik and lived. I think that is the most important thing that I did this year, I lived out loud. I spoke my heart, did what I wanted to do, moved how I wanted, felt what I wanted, and never conformed to the standards... of course, this is when in private and not in any kind of light.... (disclaimer here: i tried to behave with utmost professionalism in the light of day, when performing on stage and with my group, and in any case where the students in my class would have seen me... once behind the curtains, in our own spaces, what goes on back there is all mine and doesn't need to conform to the norm.... I did not drink before performing with my group, or with Dragonsong, only while doing my own thing, without the "name" shining over me... just wanted to put that out there, because it IS important).. back to your regularly scheduled blog after that PSA: I think you all can dig it..... I knew that you could! So while wandering in search of myself this year, and finding so many things waiting in my darkness to be realeased, I met another on the path and my persona, my Saahira if you will, desired him strongly, she is drawn to this man's dark eyes and curls deeply into his embrace. What will it be back in "the real world"... your guess is as good as mine. I'm looking forward to finding out, but if I only find him at such a magickal place as Pennsic, so be it... but it would be wonderful to have such amazingly alchemy fold over into this life as well. Have you ever watched someone from afar and just kept saying to yourself.... damn, he's hot... called your friends over to agree and commiserate on their handsome visage and coo over the way they carry themselves? Watched them quietly to yourself, savoring the look, enjoying the role they play, and wondering what they might taste like... I did.... and he tastes delightful.... What makes it all the better is I found me before he did... so I can truly say that it isn't what he saw in me that made me feel myself again, but truly me, that bubbled up from the depths and burst forth into the night... and that makes it so much better... it makes it real, and not a by-product... I had many meanderings on starry paths this year, got closer to all of my friends, gained a greater bond with my group and my peeps, and really feel like part of a family. I can't regale you, dear readers, with many of the tales, for as you well know, what happens at Pennsic needs to stay at Pennsic, but let your imaginations go, to the darkest side..... with rain and storms and leather and glitter.... ankle deep in mud, dancing still to deep and booming drums.... Dark eyes flashing, hair flinging, bodies wild with abandon..... that was my Pennsic, and it will live on in my dreams to sustain me until the next....

Polynesian Festival details!

Saahira-Nashita — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:33:33 GMT

August 16, Saturday Neptune Park & Mainstage 11:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies Samoan Church 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tama Leao’s Polynesian Show Music & Dancing 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Hula Hoop Contest For All Ages 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Na Wahine Lowakua Dancers 1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Mou’a Vahine Polynesian Dance Co. Aniseh Burtner 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tama Leao’s Polynesian Show Music of the Islands 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Copeland Mills School of the Arts Dancers 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Exhibitions of Island Crafts Tama Leao Lalago Ato – Samoa Basket Weaving O’a popo – Coconut Husking 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tahitian. Poi Ball & Hula Lessons Luisa Leao 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Halau Kahealani Patrick Foronda 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Copeland Mills School of the Arts Dancers 6:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Stand Up Paddle Surf Board Exhibition Beach at 31st Street 7:00 p.m.-8:30p.m. Tama Leao’s Polynesian Show The Main Event Big Show Finale Fire Knife Dancer Lots of activities, giveaways by vendors, audience participation, & excellent entertainment all day. Tama Leao is President of the Polynesian Culture Festival, was world champion Fire Knife Master from Hawaii and has toured all over the world. Neptune Park is transformed into the South Pacific. Vendors will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Food, Fashion, Art, Island Crafts and Much More! VENDORS Inner Expressions Jewelry * Rick Romano Artist * Somoan Association Yoder Dairies Ice Cream * Wood Chicks Barbeque * Island Creations Polynesian Culture Association * All That’s Chocolate Architectural Stained Glass SPONSORS Hosted By: Copeland Mills School of the Arts Sponsored by: BOB – FM Radio

Post Pennsic Blog coming soon... but first this message from our sponsors

Saahira-Nashita — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:11:21 GMT

Just wanted to remind folks that I'll be coming to VA beach this weekend to perform with our troup at the the tahiti fete on the beach. I'll try to post some info soon! It would be awesome to see my VA beach/norfolk peeps while there! sigh.... i'm still putting together my thoughts on pennsic, and am still really down about being home from such an awesome adventure. a lot of what went on at this pennsic will have to stay at pennsic and be the stuff of dreams, but a lot of stuff is definitely experiences that I want to share. this was my best war ever, it has gotten better every single year, and if next year is better than this one, i may die. alas, i'm still recovering and have thrown out my back, so any long post i write will end up whining and that is just no good. i'll write more when my head is in the right place and my tales are busting loose from my seams!

ZOMG! Today! TGI...Zero Night

Saahira-Nashita — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:15:36 GMT

Today is the day! I woke up to the sounds of machinery, as the schoolyard that is just outside my bedroom window is often a launching place for hot air balloons. Three brightly colored balloons took of this morning while I and my cats watched from the window... at 6:30am! What a wonderful way to start an adventure, with a sense of magic in the air and the feeling that anything is possible. I'm about to get into the shower, and then step into this year's fantastical voyage into the past! 17 days of living a life that seems to exist only there, but is always a part of me. 17 days of being all dancer and drummer and student, and none electronics technician and production coordinator. No reports to write, no tests to run, no deadlines, no stress! Just 4 classes to teach, and one little performance, and perhaps some dancing with one of my favorite bands. The most stressful thing in my next 17 days>? Will I get the tent up before it rains? and ... do we have enough ice? oh, and the ever popular, what shall we cook for dinner? LOLz... Let the magic begin!

Frustration

Saahira-Nashita — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:26:43 GMT

Being a land agent is tougher than it looks. There is a lot of negotiation that has to be done, lots of emails and map drawing. Today I got an email from the land office letting me know our land allotment was 500sq feet smaller than the day before... Sigh... 250 feet of that I should have anticipated. The other was a surprise. Now the maps have to be redrawn, good thing we hadn't all agreed on them yet. Up to proposal number 9 now. I'm not bitching, just venting a little, at my frustration when I haven't anticipated things that happen. The only surprises I like are good ones! my brain needs a nap. i need to make lists, for home, for work, for everything... maybe i just need a chocolate shake?? ;) i'm starting to write EVERYTHING down!

Awww

Saahira-Nashita — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:01:21 GMT

this one is too cute: http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/07/he-aint-heavy-h.html i need to be working, but i'm in here looking at cute overload... there is a distinct motivation problem here. must... get...... up..... and ..... build..... stuff........ ack. btw, the pic above is not mine, i saw it on twatwaffle and loved it so much that i thought i would share!

Krupnik, aka... Fire Vodka... better known as.. Magick Bellydancer Potion

Saahira-Nashita — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:30:04 GMT

The krupnik making that was supposed to be friday night will now be on Saturday night. We should be making at least 4 gallons, perhaps more. If anyone local wants to join us, or bring stuff to make their own batch, let me know. I can repost the recipe if anyone wants it...

Sigh

Saahira-Nashita — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:58:40 GMT

Hotness is just no damn good. We all know it, yet I still pursue the notch in my belt. Powerful master of the art of invisibility, he has gone undetected all evening. Master storyteller that he is, I am sure I will be regaled with tales of the evenings woes and misfortunes, and a seemingly heartfelt apology for the waste of my time. I think that he talks a good game, with all his missives and communications that convey the utmost and deepest need for something that only I, only me, can provide. Ha, ha.... Its actually funny on some level because I never believe anything he says anyway, I put him in the position of Actor in my mind, knowing that he is well versed in the art of drama. He tells me things with the utmost sincerity, and I go along with it, to see what more he will say, to see how far he will go. He will show up as promised, no, earlier even than planned, asking that I change all of my plans because he wanted to see me earlier, when the rendezvous is set at the teahouse. He will sit across from me, and bat those exquisite thick black eyelashes at me, playing coy, and smiling like he is smitten. He sits there and talks around things that he wants, then calls me later when he knows I am alone and plies my willing ears with talk of movements in the dark. He is afraid to be alone with me, he has joked before about it.... He's almost prudish when he discusses his "need", never speaking directly of it, never really saying the thick juicy words that sound so sweet when said filled with desire. He talks of his prowess and skill, his tendency to leave women dissatisfied with other partners. He will talk into the wee hours, when he is sleepy and beginning to slur... We have talked of some things that may have intimidated him... I didn't even touch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my "beast"... I do think he is scared of me... he should be.

I am a whirlwind today

Saahira-Nashita — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:39:55 GMT

My list at work keeps growing and growing, every day more things that I need to do... It gets to a point that I get nothing done because I've spent so long trying to figure out which thing I need to do next. I'm really tired of paperwork and reports, I have at least 30 hours of lab testing that needs to be done, and i'm back here futzing around with reports... sigh... at least i got the fatigue thing worked out and am not messing it all up like i was. My whole life has turned into a whirlwind. I'm so not complaining, I think it is much healthier for ME to be always busy, than to be sitting on my butt eating bon bons and watching tv. If I wasn't busy, I would watch tv, sleep, and read, and not much else. I do however have a lot going on and since mom moved out, adding her to the mix has been tough. She is lonely and not really getting any social interaction, and I just can't go out there like she needs me to. I have troupes, and drums, and meetings, and other family members as well. My usual week goes something like this, assume that each day I work until 5 normally. This week, I worked late, until 9 on monday, worked late tuesday and then went to tahitian drum rehearsal, last night i worked late and then went to dance class and then the grocery store, tonight i have MM rehearsal, then tahitian, then a date... tomorrow night i'm going out for dinner with peeps since i'm rescheduling Krupnik night... saturday i have to go and get mom and take her to my bank, or go tomorrow at lunch and get the check and take her the money saturday morning.. her furniture has come in and she can't put it together, and needs help, so i'll stay and try to do what i can. my aunt wants to spend some time and hang out, and so does my dad. i need to get out in my garage and finish packing, it has to be ready soon. sigh. it seems like a lot of words all at once doesn't it, it seems to me sometimes that i'm pulled in a lot of different directions. sometimes i get frustrated and just want to go home and sit on my couch and vegetate in front of the tv, but then i remind myself that that is not productive... that is not what i really want in my life, and that this is the life i have chosen for myself. its a good life. some days it is really really good. some days it is tough. nothing is guaranteed in this life to be excellent all the time, i'm being thankful for all the times it is. i think really, when it comes to the big picture, i am pretty happy and lead a good life. i've done most of the things i wanted to really. i have few real major regrets, because all the bad stuff brought me here where i am now. lessons learned and trails traveled. my biggest regret in this life is that i was not more aware of myself and of everything around me until my late twenties. its like i was in a "dumb" bubble, living in ignorance of so much, missing out on so much.. ... theres a lot i wasn't missing, but the important stuff, i was... i'm making up for it now, my life is filled with magical experiences and awesome people... its a good life.... even if it does feel a bit like a roller coaster... got my arms up and squealing all the way!

Today's misty eyed moment...

Saahira-Nashita — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:17:14 GMT

i found this randomly today on snopes while checking on a gas thing that had been emailed to me... http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/christian.asp it is very touching and i was all verklempt by then end of the video (thanks kirstin for the big word to describe it.. LOLz) i wanna hug a lion too!! here kitty kitty, here kitty kitty......

Journey Down the Silk Road, man, what a blast we had!!

Saahira-Nashita — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:52:48 GMT

Wow, what a weekend!! First let me take a moment to thank those who made it possible! Chip, you are a force! you really are the backbone that makes things happen, and you are much appreciated! Thank you for doing all that you did/ and do, for setup/teardown, teaching, moral support, sharing, and just generosity. Liz, thank you so much for working the gate, I know that your back was hurting and it was tough to just be there, but I'm so gad you did... It is always awesome to see you smile! Thanks for helping to make this happen. Kirstin, thank you for all your help setting up and tearing down and keeping me sane through the event... thanks for making me eat when i was being stubborn and cranky and childish... thanks for not hitting me with tent poles when my bossiness gets the best of me, thanks for putting up with it at all... Karolyn, that one is for you too, thanks for your patience and understanding.. thanks for all your help with setup and teardown, and teaching class, and being a smiling cheerful face! And tell the girls thanks for policing up all the trash on teardown day! Wayne, thank you for all your help with setting up and tearing down, setting up stuff even before the rest of us arrive on site, you rock! thanks for your patience and help with setting up our tents for the first/second time, and for answering all my silly questions about tents... (i gotta buy a book on tents.. LOL) Kailo and Deb, thank you for cooking an excellent meal and for all of your help with teardown, having you guys around just makes things that much more awesome! Thanks Brynjolf too, for the teardown help! It was much needed! We JUST got mine and Kirstin's canvas on the ground and were mid fold when the sprinkles started... Thanks to Nadira and Durrah for helping us fold them and get them under tarps in record time. I only wish I could have snapped my fingers and gotten Chip's down as fast, i'm sure there will be drying time required as soon as it is sunny, like today... As for the event itself, the day of... wow.... You guys that taught classes were absolutely awesome! Thank you so much for driving so far and then really teaching such amazing classes. Dana's class on choreography really dropped the golden egg of knowledge on all who were there! Johara's Zill combos were challenging and fun, and really used the zills as an instrument which is how they should be used! Mad props! Zuleika's stage presence class was fabulous! it was awesome to see the group work together and really work up to another level in just one class, I can only imagine how awesome the dancers are who take her classes regularly! Nadira also, challenged and taught new things and really gave everyone things to go home and work on! Lou/Yabani's class on veil gave everyone really awesome wraps and veil tricks and I'm sure we'll see some of them on the local stages soon! Kreela's Persian class had everyone moving together to some awesome music, in a really ancient way. Knowing where the moves are from, and how they are used, within a certain culture, is so very important, and thanks for sharing that with everyone, it was the most SCAdian dance class we had! Shaheen and Lindsay taught basic Middle Eastern dance movement, which they are both awesome at! Shaheen spent hours in the sun with the kids, and then topped that off by teaching a line of guys how to dance as well! They looked great!!! Jessa even got up and danced the fire with the ladies when it got dark!! Aniseh's class was inspiring and fun, everyone was smiling and having a great time, as well as being challenged and working hard to make the moves look awesome! The applause at the end of her class was super loud, and well deserved! She also was an inspiration to everyone with her warm and loving personality and ability to make each and every student feel welcome and important! Baroness Molly's line dance class was a hidden jewel, held back in the shade so there would be plenty of room, everyone was smiling and laughing and having a wonderful time learning debkes. Another SCAdian class, learning something that really was done in medieval times in the middle east, in the way it probably really was done! Awesome job on the research and preparation for teaching that!! Brynjolf taught a great class on preparing for pennsic and thinking about the SCA, he also helped immensely with teardown and with final setup on saturday... Baris brought out the awesome Hookah and set up the Lounge, where he taught how to set up and take care of a hookah, with well researched documentation and handouts!! Great Job! Ameenah came from Roanoke and set up for henna, and I have to apologize, for I should have made an announcement that she was there and where she was, totally my fault, and I hope she'll come back and join us again... It was great to meet here and I think she's a great addition to our community of Virginia dancers and drummers. We had a bunch of people come for classes, for dinner, for hanging out, and for the hafla! It was a really great day, and it was so great to see everyone! I met new people who live here in town, and some who are from out of town. One of Shaheen's former students came all the way from Northern Va to attend the event, that is really awesome! After a long day of classes and information, and a wonderful dinner, (thanks to Kailo and Deb for cooking such wonderful Indian food!!!), people let their hair down, unwound, and just relaxed together in happy community. It was a party that lasted late into the night, and I had a blast! Thanks again to all for helping this happen, for helping introduce the two worlds that have so much in common, the overlapping dance and drum communities.. SCA and mundane! I hope that we can continue to grow and blossom and become.... Dancing together to the sounds of music by firelight, sharing knowledge and community.