| breezy little catch up |
[May. 13th, 2009|09:13 am] |
Dear lj
You have been neglected. Damn facebook for providing ADHD style interactions and no meaningful relationships. I notice that my time spent on the computer is vastly weighted to passive activities of reading emails, following blogs and watching little bits here and there... Perhaps as it is my tv time as I don't have one, and life is busy enough....
Speaking of busy lives....
This Monday I finally wrote my fitness theory test. The BCRPA (mighty masters of recreation people in British Columbia) sent me a letter a while back telling me when I challenged their exam (as I did the course at the Y) I got 78%, not quite measuring up to the 80% they demand. Ugh.... So I've been spending all this time colouring muscles in the anatomy colouring book, trying to get my head around how they truly work. I had felt like the course at the Y hadn't really got into it enough. The instructor was definitely not a kinesiologist and lived up to her blondeness. I could sense the difference when I took the exam this time and really feel like my understanding of how that aspect of the body working has moved forward leaps and bounds (using the gluteus maximus and gastronemius to do so!) Next step is to have someone come in and watch a class to do a practical exam and then I'll be certified. What does this mean? Exactly.... Group insurance for my classes so my gluteus is covered if someone trips and sues, more letters for behind my name, better access to recreation facilities, somehow more legitimized in the world where everyone is teaching a little something flaky.
I'm teaching 2 different workshops soon... The 4 agencies that have volunteer counsellors making the show happen have a group pro d day... I'll be teaching a Nia class and having a discussion about dance/yoga/movement and mental health. A great way to showcase what I do and bring new participants to my classes. I'm teaching 4 a week right now, although the weekend one is winding down now that summer is coming. I need the freedom of escape and going away for a few days. I just had a fruitful conversation about shifting monday class to another studio to noon, instead of 9, which makes me even more able to bust out of town and come back monday morning. Love teaching... don't want to feel quite so chained to it.
The other workshop is a burlesque one to a bridal shower. Bump and grind anyone? It is pretty cool to see how much change has happened in my life around performance since I did Miss Indigo's class 3? years ago. Thanks to you who were there for that first performance. We just did a whole show at the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and I got some great feedback on my solos. I've learned a lot over the past year or so, about burlesque history and context and the neo-burlesque communities that exist around the world. I feel totally lucky to live where I do and be nestled in a sweet troupe of lovely ladies. And I just made this amazing nest with a green bird in it for my latest solo that makes me pretty happy every time I see it!
Time to go water the latest version of my lettuce spiral... and enjoy the out of doors before work. Thanks for being here still lj.... |
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| birthday fun |
[Apr. 1st, 2009|08:31 am] |
The big 40 arrived today.... I'm swept up in a whole huge barrage of activities so I think all implications will not hit for a while...
The whole deal was sweetened by winning 3 M Awards last night... Monday Magazine (the Victoria milder version of the Stranger) hosts a reader nominated event... And the Cheesecakes kicked ass!!!!
http://cheesecakeburlesque.com/
Now I'm off for spa treatment at the Empress and cupcakes and champagne with friends... |
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| (no subject) |
[Jan. 3rd, 2009|11:11 pm] |
Back home again....
Just loaded all the pictures from my trip onto the computer... So nice to take some photos as my camera had been acting weird and inconsistent this fall. Most of the pictures are of Rueben, the new babe. I'm totally missing him, looking at the pictures. Soft fuzzy head and open staring look, snoozing away on me after feeding and burping...
Holy smokes what a lot of work the wee ones are... I'm perking up of course as the jet lag continues. I'm going to try to get to sleep soon as I'm teaching class tomorrow morning. I need to practice my routine again as it is still very much fresh still. I think I'll free form it tomorrow and see how it goes.... Hopefully get the essence of it at least.
Wasta there is NIA on cap hill tomorrow as Dina couldn't deal with any more time off....
Just got back from a pizza party where I had pizza and ice cream and cream cheese brownies.... My tummy hurts. |
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| hanging with family |
[Dec. 23rd, 2008|05:03 pm] |
My sister had a baby... The fam has all come to meet the wee thing in australia where she lives.
So I'm holed up in some big old house her friend owns, skin tingling from some pool side sunning, spending loads of time hanging with my dad, step-mum, sister and new mum sister and her new babe... Her husband is now finished work for a few days so he and the babe are also bonding. Lots of holding baby (just less than 4 weeks old), changing him, burping him and singing all sorts of silly songs we seem to know as family....
Watching all the dynamics play out.... trying to watch and not react, let things drip away.... So far only a few snaps...
Working on Opal, a new to me NIA routine.... 2/3 finished writing down all the choreography... getting the notion of it... starting to enjoy it... swimming in the pool - did 60 of the little lengths today. And dancing around. We did a crazy little dance class of whatever was on the hilarious cheesecake mix and Genny can now do the jazz square... Still working on their hip bumps and shimmy's.....
Now sporting my silver lame bikini. Time for a rest and read before eating fruit salad I made earlier...
sigh.... |
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| freezing here |
[Dec. 15th, 2008|10:50 am] |
Holy smokes!!!!
The arctic has arrived in Victoria! Extreme chilliness, blowing snow and icy sidewalks makes it seem ever so wintery.... and not really in a good way. My feet are still thawing out from journeying to my last NIA class of 2008....
Tomorrow I fly off to lands under for a warm celebration of my brand new nephew Rueben Richard. Sorry folks... no white christmas for me.... Australia beckons!!!!
Lots of things wrapping up. FInished my apprenticeship at the Y... Performed a new solo and duo in our Christmas Cheesecake show to a sold out crowd. This is my last day of work.... hoping to actually finish my quarterly report before I fly off and hand in all my expenses for the season... Ready to start the new year off right....
The next few hours are devoted to sorting out all this stuff I've been up to, putting it away and finding my warm weather clothes for pool side extravaganzas!!!
Sending out lots of love and warm thoughts to all of you.... |
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| inspiration |
[Nov. 12th, 2008|08:25 am] |
Just trying to settle back in after a trip to Seattle. Yay Seattle!!!! Crossed paths with many of my communities there which made for some very nice catching up and connecting. Thanks to those who went out of their way to hang out!
I went to an amazing dance class on Saturday where we used it as a Victory Dance... what a fun way to have my own part in saying Yay Obama!!!! I was in Seattle when Bush got re-elected and commiserated with friends then, so lovely to have the other side.
Went to this incredible burlesque conference, my first mentor and inspiration Miss Indigo co-created. All the things that I didn't get at Miss Exotic World were in place... Lots of casual hanging out and discussion and learning from some very inspiring people. I'm hoping all of this will lead to some creative inspiration and actual new completed choreography in various places in my life.
Still had moments of insecurity, not feeling connected, easy to have feelings hurt, but especially in one situation, knew I was overtired and it was TIME TO GO!!!
Now must focus on getting shit done.... ugh.... |
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| the lake |
[Sep. 8th, 2008|08:01 am] |
Yesterday my dreams were realized with a floating session at the lake. Mel and Mike and I made our way to Thetis... I'd been hoping for Prior but naked didn't agree with them and they had the fresh avocado salsa so I was swayed.
There is nothing quite like lounging on the air mattress, letting the wind take you where it will, watching the trees and listening to subtle sounds.
I'm not sure how long this warmth will last so I think another session at Prior is in order this week. Damn work... |
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| new home, new car, same yellow |
[Sep. 7th, 2008|09:50 am] |
My friend Carmen came over for tea, chocolate cake and new home inspection friday. She was quick to point out that my new place is the same yellow with the same white/grey cove ceilings as the last 2 places I lived in in Victoria. It must seem familiar to me or I just really like that buttery yellow that enhances the sun and keeps the place cheerful, not maniacal in the dreary rainy winter.
It seems that dreary is far away right now as the sun is pouring in and beaming down on the back of my head. My new place maximizes sun which is fabulous.... I've decided it is all quite fabulous, especially considering I had a lot of reservations after taking it and then not knowing what I had done after seeing it for 10 minutes 5 weeks ago.
Second floor, windows all along the east side with a kitchen that faces south and a big corner window by the table and chairs south and west so the afternoon light pours in as well. Great yellow formica countertops, including a big work space while chatting to guests reposing in said table and chairs. Room in the bedroom for my matching bedside tables, which I've been informed will shift the fen shui to gather someone sharing my bed energy. I joked that I'm going to light a candle and lay out some beef jerky as an offering..... A fireplace mantle piece with no fireplace, and some fun neighbors that I'm enjoying in passing, including a 5 year old downstairs.
I'm down to 2 half filled boxes, the random papers and bits of string and the artwork to put up. There are 12 empty bins taking up room in my storage unit. Oh yes and 2 storage closets - one off the living room with a full length mirror on the closet door and one outside with room for camping equipment and my bike and hoops. There is even space left on the shelves and I've been discovering all kinds of things that I haven't had a chance to have out for a while. I've been sharing photo albums and I made a new bin of wigs and hair accessories, including my teeny tiny top hat. It feels like it is going to be easier to start work on a prop or costume or any fun crafty thing.
The whole place is carpet and lino.... which wouldn't have been my first choice at all. But the floor is soft under foot, it is actually a nice, not too cheap champagne colour and I feel like I could roll around and cuddle up on the floor in the living room.
As soon as I set my bed up and put out the sheets and pillows I realized I was going to like this place.... It is close to town and cook street village and an easy walk to my dance studio, to yoga, to bakeries and cafes and the beach and parks.... And there is a tub! |
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| surrounded by boxes |
[Aug. 25th, 2008|07:55 am] |
My chatting message is back to "packing and unpacking".... a constant for my last few months in seattle and various other times in the last couple years. This one is totally enforced and I'm suffering from the turmoil. I'm hoping that when I get settled into my new one bedroom apartment, close to downtown, the y and friends it will all settle into a good new rhythm.
In the meantime, our lovely house and garden are in a shambles of boxes everywhere. Lots is all packed up already, as E's movers arrive tomorrow. Jenny was here over the weekend and provided a presence in the pond, editing her thesis and drinking tea while I ranged around, putting things into boxes. |
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| holiday |
[Aug. 4th, 2008|10:58 pm] |
Lots of crazy stress went down with major life decisions. Finally found a place to live. One bedroom rockland and linden so very convenient but not as fabulous as i'd hoped. No room mate.
Trying to sell the car..... bought a new one.... got a new black toyota yaris which is probably in japan still right now.
Managed to finally get away on vacation as the other pieces fell into place and just spent the weekend on keats island which is old golf carts, evergreen lined beaches and totally sterotypical bc supernatural experiences.
Now off to shambala with my suitcase and backpack. Wooo!!! |
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| crap |
[Jun. 27th, 2008|07:03 am] |
we just got evicted....
The landlady is moving in!!!! |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 25th, 2008|09:14 am] |
Pretty soon I'm going to tired of talking about my trip to Vegas... so I thought I should write something down....
First, what a wasteful, ridiculous place, filled with giant plastic containers of booze, smoky, O2 enhanced bling bling bling casinos with nowhere to sit unless you are eating or gambling. I did expect this and it did live up to all expectations of stupid.
Second, Miss Exotic World, the burlesque festival was quite mixed. I got to see and experience a lot of ladies with platinum hair over the age of 70 who have been doing this for a while. Some were inspiring, some just scary. I didn't have a sensation that I'd found my tribe but I had some interesting conversations and saw some really inspiring performances. Foxy Tann, Catherine D'Lish, El Vez, Immodesty Blaize, Tigger, Trixie Little, Miss Indigo Blue, Kitten DeVille were all incredible and inspiring and raise the bar to a whole new level.
Third, we performed amidst a bizarre controversy about the underboob, a dj booth in the middle of the stage and various other hilarious setbacks. We did well, it went fine... We rock as a troupe and kept our shit together.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikegoat/tags/cheesecake/
Finally, I had an awesome time with my ladies (and Duane, our photographer), getting ready, going to parties, having buffet, doing a photo safari, swimming in the pool, going on the roller coaster, shopping, walking the strip with a big ol afro, dancing in ridiculous outfits, drinking coffee and discussing the event, generally laughing our asses off the whole time....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lofiprincess/sets/72157605714481369/ |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 11th, 2008|09:56 pm] |
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You are The Empress
Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.
The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents,
beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home
decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.
The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.
What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out. |
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| a new day... |
[May. 27th, 2008|09:18 am] |
Back to the y today and taking a bellyfit class. Alice, the teacher has been my strongest mentor since I've come back to victoria. I'll get to find out if she'll take me on as her apprentice to build up to teaching 3 classes. Unfortunately, I haven't had it in me time or money wise to take her own training but she loves me so I'm hoping we can work something out. The past few weeks my right achilles tendon has been stiff and weird so I'd backed off a bunch on the jumping that her cardio class inspires. Today after a whole week break from it I'm gearing up to go and rock it! My achilles is feeling way better, which is super fabulous because it was really pissing me off to feel like I was damaging it by doing my thing.
I'm about to try to buy tickets for the cirque de soleil that is coming to town next week. I'm wishing I could hang out in my yard but a bunch of sketchy worker dudes just arrived to dig up the drainage system. I think I'll ride my bike away so there is no chance it will go missing. |
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| dance dance revolution |
[May. 25th, 2008|10:11 am] |
This spring I started taking a course at the y to become a group fitness instructor. FIrst 3 weeks of fitness theory, then a course on becoming basically an aerobics instructor. The goal was to learn more about teaching in front of people, turning around during classes, using a mic, and join the provincial association to reduce insurance fees and somehow be more connected with the Nia that I teach.
I think some of that stuff has happened but as all of the course time is finally finished I still just feel a little bit changed. The aerobics model seems so stuck and soul-less for the most part, with this hideous ultra remixed music and completely de-contextualized away from the dance arts it came from. I talked to the instructor about using Nia as my class examples to work on a new, desperately needed routine, but each time it was received in a way that I felt like crap, like I was from another planet and had no idea what I was doing. Our final feedback was given to me by someone who just showed up for that class and had no idea what I was doing. Ugh.
In the meantime I really need to work on my classes, to learn new routines, to become better at cueing and talking, to get deeper into the learning. And I still have to apprentice with an aerobics class to complete the program.
I think in 6 months I will sit back and really reflect on what I have learned and be happy about it. In the meantime it makes me grumpy and stretched thin. I have rehearsal for my modern class today as our performance is in a month. I'm performing twice next weekend burlesque and then off to vegas to perform at MEW..... All fabulous but my brain is struggling to remember it all. I'll be glad when I can scale back a bit and get deeper into a few things. |
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| flickr |
[May. 6th, 2008|09:59 pm] |
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It continues to creep me out that my photo with the biggest hits is my dirty bare feet. |
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| happy holidays! |
[Dec. 27th, 2007|09:05 am] |
I hope the world of lj is rested and contented after the extravaganza... Although my perusing this am suggests otherwise. hmmmm..... Perhaps lounging with movies in bed or walks to forested areas are in order.
I had fun being entertained at a variety of homes, thrown in with some alone time. Nice alone time where I'm not frantically trying to find something to do or wondering why my phone isn't ringing.
I've started a wildrose cleanse - no wheat or glutin, dairy or sugar for 12 days.... Just day 2 so far, but after the richness of the last week I'm enjoying the steadiness of no sugar crashes. Drank club soda at a friends house last night, watching them pack away the rum and eggnogs getting a bit nauseated at the rich creamy boozy situations.
Have been burning java logs and lighting candles any time it gets dark. Work the yule!
Today is supposed to be a work day so I'm hoping to plow my way through motivational interviewing... Sounds like new years resolution support for sure. Hmmm resolutions..... Any good ones? |
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| napping... |
[Dec. 18th, 2007|11:36 am] |
I'm sitting in the Solstice Cafe, experiencing the west coast hippie fun. Folk music playing, organic food on the go, just finished my americano that comes with some organic denman island chocolate. The man in the comfy chair across from me is snoozing. He's been napping since I came in 20 minutes ago and the staff came by and didn't give him a toe in the crotch or anything.
I woke up this morning for the second time with a black and white cat on my chest. How is it that a cat can come and snooze on your chest and you don't notice. I am in wonder with this whole animal husbandry thing. The kitties are good. Although stepping on cat litter after a shower is all kinds of wrong.
Just came back from the dentist with a kid. Labret piercings are generally a bad idea people. Next is dance class and then all kinds of fun doing stamping projects with kids in the wait room today. Nothing like the holiday season to make me want to emboss aardvark images. |
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saucygirl's journal