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.

Snow & Cold Weather

Most people know I don't like the cold weather. Perhaps, it has something to do with being born in JULY. (focus on not being cold, it could be worst) Class was cancelled last night. I wondered why it took so long to make the decision. Personally, it's not worth the risk. Two days of snow and ice is enough. Any temperature above 45 would be bearable, 50 or more, I'm grateful. Missing class is a drag, but there's an opportunity to listen to music, review DVDs and so on. Or just watch TV. I wonder does anyone else feel out of sorts when classes are cancelled. I find myself in an odd state. My body does know I should be dancing.

Raks in STL

The first Raks of the year had a good turnout. I'm always excited to see what costumes will be worn and props used. They say thought travels so many miles per second; I guess 3 of us were all thinking alike. This worked out well, I decided to add in an additional group sword dance.

The new students in attendance got a chance to see us in action. Haflas give me inspiration to train harder; wanting to do some of the new movements & combos that were displayed.

Thinking, wow, I want to learn that! Now it's, I want to add an additional layer on top of this. There's always something new and challenging.

This year has just begun, I have many more Raks upcoming.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RaksSharkiStLouis/

Mr. President Barack Obama

Yes, I was on of those people glued to the television set. I watched all day, just could not get enough of the coverage. Switching back and forth from CNN to MSNBC.
This was a historical event in many ways. With such a cold temperature of 11 degrees, there was no way my body would have made it very long. To those who braved the trip and the cold I congratulate you! Thumbs up, Mr. President and best wishes to you, your family and your cabinet members. I'm cheering for you. What a shock that many of the folks in the VIP section did not wear a hat. They are more than brave.

Later that evening I & 'hubby' had tickets to the Inaugural Ball at City Hall. A "Black Tie Affair" (there were lots going on around town). The one I attend was at City Hall and sponsored by the African American Caucus & STL Young Democrats. FYI: My sister is an Alderwomen. I had the opportunity to see some old friends and made new ones.
When attending any ball or function at City Hall just know that the marble floors are not your friend, especially if you are wearing high heels. We were entertained by 2 bands and enjoyed dinner as well.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

http://www.youngdems.com/

I'm a member of Belly Dance United

Wow, I'm in. A new and exciting challenge for 2009! Talk about jumping in right away; I'm playing the part of the Crab in this show. "Wilderness" will be performed in March 2009. I'm born under the Zodiac Sign of Cancer the Crab. (Did she already know?) ;)

Belly Dance United: www.bellydanceunited.com

No time to waste, costume

Les Cacas

I'm not really bored just waiting for the henna to take. I purchased Les Cacas Hot Hair Henna (NOIR) from www.lush.com They have a store in the Galleria Mall, so I decide to do my part and go green. As a dancer, one must upkeep your hair or at least I think it should be that way. It's a messy process. I've read all of the post on the website from others listed as product junkies; who've used this method. I don't consider myself a product junkie; unless you count costumes and hip belts. Most of the post were were positive, and I slept on all of the tips. Today I took the plunge and mixed the brick, I only used 4 of the squares, you get 6 for $20 dollars plus tax.
Due to the length and style of my hair it took quite a bit of mixture and time. I SHOULD have asked for HELP! After coating my hair as best as I could; I waited the 6 hours as suggested by the sales person! Both of the ladies in the store agreed with the length and thickness of my hair it would be a long process for me. Most of those who posted online suggested leaving it on 3 to 6 for longer/thicker hair and to obtain a stunning effect. OK, I can deal with this so...I made the deadline. Note: If you are going to use this type of henna product, follow the directions. Mix the henna very well, to a smooth creamy paste, have plenty of time and patience; a friend helps. But it can be done alone. You must be very careful, henna does leave stains.

You ask how did it turn out? Well, I'm pleased! A few of the dreds in the back of my hair was the hardest. I will use the product again and the smell did not bother me as much as my fellow henna users had stated. It's a natural product.....I like henna for the body so the hair henna was not a smell issue for me. A few of the dreads could have more coverage, working alone and having about 90 something of them is not an easy to do alone. I will enlist the assistance of a friend for my next application.

Have things to do while you wait, I talked on the phone, watched football playoffs and updated the tribes I belong to on Tribe. (www.tribe.com) I opted out of some of my tribes, now I only have 80! I visited every single one. I would have picked up a few more friends but this website is not being cooperative today. ;) My hair looks great!

Building the Library

I WON!! I'm waiting on my new DVD. A bargain DVD under $20 bucks. plus free shipping. Ebay offers lots of bargains for belly dancers. Of course buyer beware! I can only hope to learn something from them. One is instructional the other is performance only, or at least I think so. I will review them ASAP. Beside I will never know until I view them. Good or bad experience is the best teacher.

It's a Sign of the Times

There was not enough students enrolled; so the minimum requirement was not met. Your class will be cancelled for the session! It's a rule and must be followed. A rule is a rule. But it's a sign of the times, job cuts layoffs and so on. No wonder the Thursday class got cut. Times are hard. I hope students who frequented this location will continue to have the love for belly dance in their hearts. I'm sad because this location was more than just a location, it was a community that was not exposed to the art of belly dance. Belly dance offers lots of physical and emotional benefits. The emotional side of the dance is what makes it so wonderful. Many women develop a sense of pride and gain more self esteem from learning the art. They begin to realize how to control isolated muscle groups, smile and have some fun while working out.


Who knows what will happen, when one door closes another one will open.

New Year of Belly Dance

It's exciting to begin the New Year with "new" students! I do enjoy the challenge of sharing my dance knowledge. Especially in such difficult and trying times. My blessed to have students who can continue to attend classes. We all need a break and something to get us out of the doldrums. Belly dance does do it for me. There's a new list of names to learn and returning students as well. This year will be MY belly dance year. My plans and goals are to focus, focus, focus, attend more seminars, expand the CD & DVD library. I will try to limit my time on YouTube but I doubt it will happen. There are so many favorites that I must watch! After thinking it over, I'm grateful for my opportunity to teach.

I eagerly await 2 new CD'S and a DVD! Yay, for Ebay.

Easy 2 Sew

Two more tops added to my costume wardrobe. (If they happen to just go with a pair of jeans then that's fine also.) Dressing out for class gets me more in the mood of dancing, don't know why but it's always been that way for me. The red & black is stretch lace I found on sale! The fabric cost $11.01 on sale...I purchased all the yardage that was left. I had enough for a head wrap. The green & purple is stretch crush velvet, since using remnants I had to use the purple for sleeves. On this one I altered the sleeves, making them a bit longer & wider at the ties. Too bad I did not have more of the cone thread in coordinating colors. This is next on my list.
If my memory is working, there is green fabric left over. Sounds like a head wrap to me.

Very dark navy circle skirt is made, I need to trim this and attach the silver sequins! My first attempt at making a circle skirt.

Picture Blues

My camera is acting up! (Canon Cyber-Shot) I need to take pictures of my new tops; hot off the sewing machine and make a video. This is not good. I'll try later a few tips that I got on line, and purchase new batteries. Hopefully, things will workout. I'm looking into getting a new camera,more megapixels, more bells and whistles, so on and so forth. The camera is a need. Why>>pictures of costumes, video clips, belly events, flowers, family, around town, OK...I'll stop.

New Cards

My new business cards came in the mail the other day. Unique cards, 1/2 the size of regular cards. I had the option of uploading many photo choices; this is a plus.
www.moo.com other printing services are offered.
I had the opportunity to handout one of my new cards today:D

Brrrrrrr

I just don't like the cold weather. Off to the sewing room. My blue/beige Salwar Kameez is almost completed, it's on the body double waiting for me to finish the embellishment. More yardage of trim is needed, and perhaps I might add in some seed beads to match. This means I'd have to go out into the COLD. I think I'll listen to music and decide on what's the best way to layout another pattern. The sari is so beautiful; I'm using it to make another outfit. I need to take extra care in layout my pattern. It will be warmer soon.