Tuesday Musings...

"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who only dream by night."

Edgar Allan Poe

Bellydance Bliss

This past weekend, a troupe mate and I had the pleasure to rehearse with a live band for a show that we are doing this Wednesday (you know, the one Wednesday people go out because they are usually off the next day, unless you work at Walmart!). 
The players in this adventure had never met face to face, and only two of them communicated via email and a few fast phone calls.  We each took it on faith that we would do the best for each other.
And we did.
I had never danced with a real live rock band, or even to a rock tune.  Most of the music I dance to is wither Middle Eastern inspired, electronica, or just plain not even close to main stream.  To say I was a bit nervous (not only for the choreography working, but for the energy we would share...what if they didn't like or understand what kind of bellydancer I am?) would be an understatement.  But, all things happen for a reason.  I was just hoping this one wouldn't be a lesson learned.
What happened was magical...and SO INSPIRING that we are thinking of continuing our odd yet perfect relationship of mutual admiration.  The live music and vibe pushed my dancing to another level, and I know my bellydance partner in crime felt the same.
It's all a part of taking that leap...

Tuesday Musings...

"Fear not for the future, weep not for the past."

 

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Cover Reveal: Pie Girls by Laauren Clark

I'm so excited to be able to join the cover reveal tour for Pie Girls by Lauren Clark!!  A Buckeye Girl Reads introduced to me Dancing Naked in Dixie, and I fell in love (read review here!), so when the chance came to join in on the fun I jumped!!

So, without further ado, here it is!

 

 

 

Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she'd never return to her hometown in Alabama. After eloping with her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big city life Carrie Bradshaw-style. But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem: Her husband's had a mid-life crisis. He's quit his job, cancelled her platinum American Express, and run off with the "new" love of his life. Searcy finds herself back in Alabama with no job, no money, no husband, and no plan. After a frigid welcome home, she finds out that life in the small town Deep South is much harder at 36 than it ever was at sixteen. When she's forced to take over her mother's fledgling business, Searcy deals with sullen employees, strange ingredients, and the business owner next door who's made it his mission to make her life miserable. Will 'Pie Girls' be an epic failure, or will Searcy find the courage to persevere?

Author Bio:

Lauren Clark has been a voracious reader since the age of four and would rather be stranded at the library than on a desert island. In her former life, she worked as an anchor and producer for CBS affiliates in Upstate New York and Alabama. Lauren adores her family, yoga, her new Electra bike, and flavored coffee. She lives near the Florida Gulf Coast. Visit her website at LaurenClarkBooks.com.

Where to find Lauren:

Lauren Clark Books Website

GoodReads Lauren Clark

Twitter Lauren Clark

Facebook Lauren Clark

Time is of the Essence...Or, What Rachel Brice Taught Me

There are days when I wake up and think of all the wonderful things I need to accomplish that day.  From yoga, to choreography, to practice and drilling, and costume creation time.  Then, there are the everyday things...laundry, work, blogging, reading, raising an incredibly active one year old (a workout in and of itself and my most joyful and challenging activity!!), and the whole shebang. And then, the day sets in.  I lose all the joyful and end up just barely accomplishing some of the everyday.
Time management used to be my forte.  I had calendars, white boards, lists...
I call this time B.B.B.
Before Baby Boy.
The other days I wake up and try my hardest to not get caught up in the everyday.  The frustration.
As a bellydancer, or any kind of artist, inspiration isn't always enough.  Perfecting and practice are essential.  Thinking about drilling or costuming isn't enough.  It can help...keeps the mind engaged and inspires us.
One of my biggest inspirations is a person.  In my circles, she somewhat of a goddess...we giggle like fangirls and share our favorite youtube moments, choreographies, and memories.
Rachel Brice. 
And now, we have Datura Online to feed our obsession. 
But, this isn't just about that.
Last week on Facebook, Datura Online had an hour of Office Time with the Professor herself.  Ask a question and get your own slice of the wisdom pie. 
So, I logged on, thinking to just lurk and learn.  But, as I read the q&a, I became anxious.  I knew that I wasn't dedicating the time I desperately needed not only for my dance but for myself.  I saw no way to get in the impossibility of practice when there was someone who needed me and other everyday tasks that also demanded my limited time.
And so I asked.
Honestly, I didn't think I'd get an answer, but, figured, what the hay.  At least I would try.  A step in the right direction.
But an answer I got.  After the giddiness sunk in and I stopped squeeing, I smiled.
Simple and easy.  In a way. 
You see, I needed someone to tell me to take time for myself and my dance.  Practice isn't the only way to perfect your art.  You need to plan.
And so, now I plan.  With a cup of tea.  While ze bebe naps.  Then, I dance!!!!
Thanks Rachel.  Here's to month one.  And dusting of my trusty planner. And a pencil.
YIEP!!


Check out Datura Online and the awe inspiring awesomeness for yourself!!!