Spring Be Thy Companion

Spring has finally arrived in our little corner of the world.  

It brings me joy to see the renewal of God's creation.  

The hope of new buds.  

The promise of delicate blossoms.   

The joy of new life in all forms.

a dragonfly freshly emerged from its pupae skin

Dancing for Seniors

As a performer, an appreciative audience makes all the hard work worth it.  And, let me tell you, that when it comes to wonderful audiences, there are none more gracious than seniors. 

Now, don't get me wrong, performing at weddings, private parties and haflas are a lot of fun!  

Friendship Friday - Feb 10, 2012

Friday means Friendship Friday, a fun and friendly blog hop hosted each week by the lovely Create With Joy. Each week she posts a question and provides the opportunity to network with other bloggers. I am enjoying being a part of it and encourage any bloggers who would like to expand their blogging network to give it a try.

Question Of The Week
Share something unique about your blog!

 

 What is most unique about my blog, at least I think, is that it really is a reflection of me.  Those who know me in 3d life would probably say that I project myself pretty accurately on my blog.  I don't have a blog persona, per sai.  It's just me.  The general mood and feel of my blog evolves and changes as I do.  Over the years, my blog has had many transformations, (you can check out my first blog, Legacy, if you like)  but what hasn't changed is that it is pure me.  I hope this is true.  It is what I want.  =)

Jai Ho!

Zahara performed at the Days of Fire Hafla last night.  Unfortunately, we were sans Yvonne, who had taken a nasty bump to the head the night before and needed to rest.  We love you and missed you, Yvonne.

It was it was hosted at a Martial Arts Academy.  Hence the weapons in the background.  We weren't allowed to play with the weapons.

Annyse and I got both got a case of the nerves before hand.  My nerves caused me to completely forget one section of the choreography and jump ahead to the next.  Oops!

And for some reason my upper body felt like cement.

Woo!  Legs!

I love veil choreography.

I love the ending to this song!

Reflections

Yesterday was my baby boy's 20 birthday.  He's all grown'd up now. 

Well mostly.  Men never really fully grow up, do they?

I remember how scared I was the night before he was born.  First time in a hospital.  First time having surgery.  Yes, he was measuring huge and all my levels were about to go toxic.    But, the surgery went well.  I had an epidural and did not feel a thing. 

Josh was born at 9 lbs and 21 1/2 inches long.  He was shaped like a little football player.

He was the cutest and sweetest baby boy you ever did meet!  He continued to be the cutest and sweetest kid as he grew.  

Even now.  Still one of the kind-hearted-est (new word) young men you would ever meet.  And darn handsome too. 

Oh look, there's Lexi too.  She also just celebrated a birthday.  She turned 19 four days ago.

When she was born, Josh wasn't even a year old yet.  I was still in the hospital on his first birthday.  I got to visit with him for about 20 mins. 

Lexi was also born by Cesarean.  the was 7 lbs 10 oz and also 21 1/2 inches long.  (how is it that I can remember these numbers, but not my cell phone #?)   She also was a very cute baby.

That's just how I make them.  =)

She didn't sleep for months.  At least not during the night.  She cried.  A lot.  A. LOT. 

She was a feisty child who was always willing to fight for what she wanted.  And now she is beautiful young woman, trying to figure out what she wants, so she can then fight for it.  =)

What amazing blessings these two have been.  As have been Sammantha and Vicki.  But they are another post! 

So a reflection of a different kind.  I got my hair cut.  I tried to get a self portrait to show off the new do. 
I am not very good at self portrait. 

So I tried using a mirror...

Not very good.  Can't even see the hair.  Wasn't that the point?

Well, here's the hair with a very poor quality photo. 

No more self portraits for me.

No Diving in the Shallow Water

I love it when I innocently go somewhere or do something and find myself inspired to greater things.

Sometimes, it's the little things that inspire me to be a better person, mother, wife, friend, daughter, etc.  Just a touch, a look, a hug, a memory, some laughter, a tear, or a little voice saying, "I love you, Mommy".

Or, a recipe that inspires a great meal. 

Or, it can be more profound.  Like watching a mother and father in church on Sunday, giving their praise to God with tears in their eyes, with their little girl at their side.  Their little girl, whom just came home from Children's hospital, and is getting the upper hand in her battle with cancer.

Or being inspired to push through my block and get writing in blog again.  (Thanks PW)

Today, I am feeling inspired as a performer.  Last night, I went to see some belly dancers perform in Bellingham.  Not just any dancers, but the Mahala Dancers.  Their choreography was creative and beautiful.  Their costumes were gorgeous, all designed and made by one of the dancers.  Seriously, these ladies ooze talent.

But, the best part of all was the feeling I walked away with.  This feeling of joy.  This remembering of why I love to dance.  Why, I love the art of belly dance.   I could go on and on about all the wonderful things about it, but that is whole other post.  Probably posts.  More likely a book.  =)

The point is, I am inspired.  So today, I shall dance.

 And probably dream of heavenly costumes that I cannot afford.

 I should get my sewing machine fixed.