Blogging from Chi-Town!

Driving to Chicago, it rained most of the way. Of course this would happen after I took the wheel. Good experience for me especially passing the 18 wheelers.
The most important thing of all is to CHECK your bags before you get on the highway. While listening to my CD, going over the choreography in my mind, I realized that I had LEFT my sword! I all but screamed, they were both on the bed in my sewing room. Not good, but a fast call to my right and left hand....assistance was on the way! Having a dance buddy is PRICELESS.
Zelda understood and found a vendor in town that would place one on hold for me.
Audrena is a lifesaver and having a Garmin does not hurt. I got an excellent deal on a bronze sword. I peaked at the special order costume laying out, it was a stunner, gold with eye popping purple stones, something I don't need but want! Now I'm trying to budget it in sometime this year!

Moral of the story, check and double check your bags before you pack for a trip.

I'm a Political Junkie Also.........

Yes, I'm one of those people who follow the news to a fault. But I really like CNN, MSNBC and Fox is not a favorite of mine. Hardball, Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow are all tops on my list. I posted a pic of Donna Brazile, so she on the list as well. The anchors at CNN also, too many to name, Anderson Cooper and Jack McCafferty (sp?) make me laugh.

But yesterday as I watch the news I'm disturbed by the cartoon that ran in the New York Times. I don't read the paper, but did look on line at it today. I'm not going to re-post the tasteless cartoon. I feel it's degrading. At a time when the country and economy is in such bad shambles, I'm sure they could put more energy into more positive reporting. Cartoons should be funny not insulting, racists or disrespectful.

Hopefully, New Yorkers and others will boycott this paper. Wondering if they will issure an apology?

Sewing Desk

I needed a sewing table, so I surfed the web. The more upscale tables I found are just great, lots of storage, but a bit too pricey for me. So I called the closest Hancock Fabric store. I was surprised to find they offer several types of tables. Reasonable to expensive. I did find a portable table that was on sale. Besides not really liking the color of the table, the table is functional for my sewing needs. It has 4 good size drawers, I can organize my sewing supplies. I still have spillage. I decided to get another one of the tables, they were on sale; so why not go for it? I double my much needed drawer space and have a place to place both of my machines. At this time I'm deciding on how to best place them so I can have a "L" shape workstation. Once the room is complete, I'll post a pic. The table construction offers the opportunity to have the drawers on the right or left side and the foldout has enough surface space for larger garments. Not as much as I'd like be it will work. Organization is necessary in a sewing room and in life!

Sullivan is the manufacture of the table. It's white and the model number is 739301125654. It is priced at $129 and was on sale for $99.

The link below is a picture of the table! Take a peak.

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp03783-0074.html

Donna Brazile

The Saint Louis Public Library hosted the Political Analyst, Donna Brazile. When not dancing, I can be considered a political junkie. I felt at home will all of the others who were as interested in this speaker as myself. After watching her on CNN, it surreal to see her in person. Excellent speaker. Too bad the library ran out of books, I want an autographed copy. I hear the are also out of print! Amazon, get going, I'm waiting on a copy. My settlement was an autographed copy of the program.

Black History Month 2/2009

Turbans have that prominent look, they are striking and look good on all dancers. I love the way that the turbans allow you to focus on the features of the face.

This was our first performance of 2009! Troupe Nayliyat in performance, Forest Park Community College, Black History Month Celebration.

The Ghawazee Coat

I've been on pins and needles, the fabric finally arrive. I ordered a combination of fabric from www.fabric.com It was easy enough, since my amount was over $35 the shipping was free. After opening the box--the fabric did match the swatches that I selected on line. This is a good thing, I don't order much fabric on line. But searching several fabric stores, unable to find what I wanted there was no other choice. JoAnn's in North County was closed for business permanently!, another sign of the times. Hancock's & Jackman's did not have my color selection. Jackman's does have excellent selections in the area of home decor (South location). I did not mention Antol's, designer outlet of fabrics; if you sew for home decor or gowns/or costumes this is the place to look. They carry a large selection of trims (BEADED to die for!) The Ghawazee Coats on line look good, some were not to my liking. Others too pricey. The Velvet Peacock on line store has the BEST! They are made to order and expensive. The only other alternative is to start up the machines. It's not like I can't make a coat, I've made others. Now I have to re-visit the old BDPattern I used before; I'm SERIOUSLY considering using the Turkish Dancer pattern by Folkwear. This pattern will offer me faster construction. I'm pressed for time. This costume needs to be ready by the 28th of February! Honestly before that I need to practice in costume and have pictures taken BEFORE the performance. My decision is to have the coat, pantaloons and a tunic top. Of course a my turban. I will ad a motif on the front and back of my coat. Topping it off with jewelry and hip scarf? Is it possible to do a tassel belt? I know I'm really pushing it.

Blog, Tassel Belt, Blog, Tassel Belt.

Red China Silk, Maroon Tone on Tone, Red Gauge-ordered on line.
Wow...I just happen to have the Maroon Satin, thx, WalMart!

www.hancockfabrics.com
www.jackmansfabrics.com
www.bridalfabric.com

It's Wild!

This is the promo picture for the March 28th show "Wilderness"!
Go to www.bellydanceuntied.com for more info

Columbia, MO

On my way to Columbia, MO..for the rehearsal! I decided to take my camera along. This is the picture I took while on the Highway 70. We arrived within a couple of hours.

Watching the other dancers gave me some insight on their individual creative talents. Everyone has choreographed a dance to match the animal they are portraying. It's definitely going on the wild size of belly dance. Belly dance/animal costumes and makeup filled the room, along with traditional and non traditional musical selections. I can't wait to see the finished product. Oh, but I will be in the production! I think it's called "someone" needs to be holding a camcorder for me.