| Ain't got 'dem happy feet... |
[Nov. 9th, 2009|10:12 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  sore | ] |
I have bone spurs on both feet, plantar fasciitis and very low arches.
Tonight, we were learning Arabic in tribal class and while I could do the arms and the chest lifts, my feet were VERY unhappy to be on the balls the whole time. To the point where I'm considering asking Himself to rub them, where I normally cannot STAND to have my feet massaged at all.
Anybody else have issues with this? what can I do, if anything?
For practice, I generally just wear little socks to keep my feet warm since I haven't really found any dance shoes I like -- but I might be willing to reconsider if something gives my feet enough support. |
|
|
| Another Costuming question: Your dream pattern |
[Nov. 9th, 2009|02:41 pm] |
|
So, imagine there was a pattern publisher, with a proven record of excellence, who decided to start a bellydance pattern line with good fitting, easy to make sewing patterns that you could make with a regular sewing machine. For what ONE garment or costume piece would you most like to have a pattern? |
|
|
| Kitty kitty kitty! |
[Nov. 8th, 2009|04:26 am] |
|
I'd need more details about the kitty to decide what to name it, but let's assume I found a pretty little female tortiseshell. And that Mar lets me keep it. I'd probably come up with a really stupid name that I loved anyway. Or maybe name it after a Decemberists song, there's lots of good names in there. Yeah, I'd name her Maggie or Eliza or something like that. If it was a male, probably Isaiah or Eli... there's not a lot of male names in their songs, though.  |
|
|
| New York, NY Dances of Vice Festival III: The Grand Shipwreck Ball |
[Nov. 7th, 2009|09:14 pm] |
The Dances of Vice Festival in New York returns on November 20-22, 2009 in a three-day nautical themed flight of fancy that will be held in several stunning historical locations and feature performances by New York bellydance troupe Bastet, as well as a number of anachronistic and chimerical amusements, including a presentation on 18th-19th Century European fencing styles, 18th Century ballroom dancing, sea shanties, live Baroque harpsichord and classical music, historical costume inspired fashion shows, and more.
Those interested in sailing away with us this month can find more information about the Dances of Vice Grand Shipwreck Ball at www.dancesofvice.com.
( Read more... ) |
|
|
| Read My Hips! November 12 at the Lafayette Grill in New York City |
[Nov. 7th, 2009|03:30 pm] |
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and Bastet is participating with their latest show Read My Hips.
Come see stories told through movement and music. Let's get together for a night of good food, good company, and (of course) lots of dancing. And if you're participating in NaNoWriMo this year, come meet and commiserate with other writers.
$10 cover ($5 off if you pre-register by email before November 10th), $10 food/ drink minimum. This is a Belly Dance For Change event, and all door procedes go to NaNoWriMo's Young Writer's Program.
( I see you shimmy in anticipation )
We hope to see you there!
|
|
|
| Food post! |
[Nov. 5th, 2009|11:43 pm] |
On a blog I follow, Shapely Prose, the question was asked: "Let’s do an exercise in food positivity: what supposedly “diet” foods out there do you actually enjoy even — especially — when you’re not on a diet? What foods have we been taught are “good” as in moral are actually just “good” as in “I like it put this in my mouth”?" My answers follow.
I'm probably echoing someone else, but OMG EDAMAME NOMNOMNOM. We get these packages from Sam's Club that have like 8 individual containers of them in it. They're microwaveable and awesome, and if I make them when my son's awake, I usually have to make two because he loves them too.
Also, sushi. I guess it's kind of diet, or whatever, but it's SO DAMN GOOD. I could eat it for a month and not get tired of it, I think.
I also drink diet soda (when I drink soda) because I'm trying to cut down my sugar; it makes me fatigued and I hurt more when I have too much sugar.
Let's see, what else. Oh, we get some sort of special butter, it tastes good and has some health benefits.
OH! And I discovered these amazing little bags of frozen veggies that you can steam in-bag in the microwave, and they are AWESOME. I put some adobo on it (it's a Mexican spice blend, delicious!) and again, I have to eat fast or my son will steal it all! Matter of fact, I was really proud last night, because we had chicken nuggets (that were actually pretty healthy; I picked them out and didn't realize until we got home how few ingredients there are) and a steamed veggie blend, and he actually ignored the chicken after he tasted the veggies, and kept asking for more. And I'm also proud of me, because I didn't tell him to eat them because they were good for him! I asked him if they were good and he said, "Mommy, beggies are AWESOME." The steaming bags are the perfect size for two (I'm sure it says 4 servings, but WHATEVER), so we're finally getting yummy veggies!
Also, sugar snap peas. Raw or cooked, I don't care, just gimme!
Most stir-fries are delicious, and so easy. (Easy is important; I have limited use of my hands, some days less than others, so if food is to be made, it must be easy.)
Spinach. But only raw; cooked is too slimy for me.
Soy milk is also delicious, especially chocolate. It's just too expensive to get for more than my husband, so the kidling and I tend to use the 2%.
Oh, green tea! It's supposed to be really good for you, but it's really refreshing. I love it iced or hot, though I rarely have it hot, between my hands and chasing a two year old. :P
Frozen fruit bars, too. One of the many things my husband has introduced me to; he likes eating "healthy" but he won't sacrifice taste. And turkey bacon. He doesn't eat pork, so we're forever using turkey bacon and having turkey hot dogs, etc.
Another favorite is miso soup! Especially with the seaweed and tofu in it. Very much a comfort food. |
|
|
| An etiquette question |
[Nov. 5th, 2009|07:08 pm] |
If you have a former teacher leave you a voicemail asking if you are coming back, how do you deal with it?
Let me state first that I still adore this teacher and am very good friends with several of the girls in her troupe (in fact, I'm hoping to go to their next performance). It was simply that improv tribal is working better for me than her choreographed folkloric style.
Is there a good way to deal with this? I'd prefer not to simply ignore the voicemail because, as I said, I really do want to go to the troupe performances to support the girls, and I don't want there to be any awkwardness or bad feelings, since that was never the reason I stopped her classes.
Plus, I might want to try her classes again at some future date.
Any advice, other than for me to just put on my Big Girl Bellydance Belt and call her back? :> |
|
|
| Gay! |
[Nov. 5th, 2009|05:24 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  annoyed | ] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | Fleetwood Mac - Gold Dust Woman | ] |
This is a political post. It deals with gay marriage domestic partnerships in Washington state and the ballot-counting that's still in the works. ( You should probably not click this cut then. )
I still need a gay icon. Hetalia's France at the Olympics, perchance? |
|
|
| A Turning Point |
[Nov. 4th, 2009|08:10 pm] |
I never thought I'd say this. I never thought it was possible. Oh, I had my hopes, but they were not so high as this. I knew it was a move I had to make at some point, but never did I think I would go forward without a single glance backwards.
( Read more... ) |
|
|
| Editing...how much is too much? |
[Nov. 4th, 2009|08:30 pm] |
Edit: Scratch the post I posted...it was too confusing. A simple question:
I am doing an Oriental piece as part of a competition. The piece of music I chose is entrance music (Heya Di Yasmina). There's a bit of suspense/buildup music before the dancer enters, but to make the piece short enough to be eligible I have to cut it.
Is it okay to take it out and just start the music when I'm supposed to enter? I'm just really paranoid about my lack of musical knowledge. |
|
|
| Time to Leave? |
[Nov. 4th, 2009|10:06 am] |
I've considered leaving California for some time now. I remember when I moved here, California in my mid-west eyes was a golden and adventurous place. The land of the movie stars and the last real frontier of America as it was on the West Coast. When I moved out here nearly 20 years ago, it was to the Central Valley and I /hated/ it with a passion, thus why I finished college and hurried North to the SF Bay area. I love it up here in the bay area (North Bay) and have left really comfortable for the 3.5 years we've been here.
The recent election on Prop 8 and it killing gay marriages which were deemed legal in the State makes me sick. But I've been able to accept it, knowing that it will come to a vote again in a few years most likely and will probably win. I recently saw Milk and that made me think that here in California at least, give it time, and it will go in favor of the gays of California.
However, this recent article on banning divorce in California has me seriously, more than ever, thinking I need to get out of this state. Wasn't it Henry VII that shook up the Church in England to allow divorce? It's been "legal" to do in the US for... hell, I can't even find how long. What the hell does this guy really think to accomplish? It seems clear he has no real clue that "protecting traditional marriage" is like forcing your beliefs on others when in the US we clearly have stated in the Bill of Rights the Freedom to Religion! Maybe my religion doesn't seem marriage the same way as he does, so you are going to force your views on me because you think in America its "traditional". This is one political movement, if it ends up on the ballot (and I'm guessing it probably will knowing this state), that I'll be sure to get involved in. I'm going to be out there with a bloody sign or banner, maybe a damn bullhorn and verbally attacking those idiots trying to take away my freedoms from me because they think theirs are more important. I'm fired up now... soon the Monster will escape, then watch out! RAAAAAAH!
Seriously, any of you out there who hear more about this as it progresses, please pass it on! Especially if you know of or find those who are opposed to this.
|
|
|
| How often do you hafla? |
[Nov. 2nd, 2009|10:10 pm] |
For those of you who are members of troupes or schools of dance or fairly organized dance communities, I'm curious how often you have haflas (hafli?).
And I mean hafla in a general sense. It could be the community pot-luck, everyone gets a turn dancing, all the audience members are dancers sort of event. It could also be of the stage show variety where the audience are non-dancers and pay to attend the show.
Within my troupe, now about six consistent members, there are a variety of opinions about how often our troupe should host a hafla. Some of us are bent on having one every couple of months while others are content to put one together once a year.
I'm of the once or twice a year variety. In my mind, it seems that if you spend all your time planning events and worrying about fundraising, ticket sales, location rental, decorations, rehearsals, running orders and all that stuff, you're not spending enough time learning, improving, and growing in the dance.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. |
|
|
| This Friday! Charm City Tribal presents ... *~DARK MOON GALA~* |
[Nov. 2nd, 2009|09:46 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  excited | ] |
Charm City Tribal presents ... *~DARK MOON GALA~*
Friday, November 6, 2009
Door 9 PM, Show 9:30 PM
Special performance by BELLADONNA! She is an internationally recognized tribal fusion instructor and performer from the DC area, well known for her sword technique and balancing. Belladonna is also the producer of the monthly Vixen Variety show and co-producer of the monthly Danse du Ventre, dcTribal cafe and annual Belly Horror Show.
Also featuring Naimah, Shaell, and Spiral. Drum circle and dancing for everyone! Bring your drum, zils, etc. Live music for the evening by drummer extraordinaire Daveed Korup and DJing by The Denton Brothers.
No cover charge!
~ Charm City Tribal is a group of performers and artists dedicated to growing the strength, beauty, and creativity of the tribal bellydance community in Baltimore. The spirit of our events is playful and inclusive of tribal-related dance and music styles. We're after a true dance and art party featuring both performers and audience participation. Dance with us!
http://charmcitytribal.com |
|
|
| Total rabbit bromance |
[Nov. 1st, 2009|01:27 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  calm | ] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | Stevie Nicks - Trouble in Shangri-La | ] |
Wow, Watership Down is a great little book. It falls into that perfect category of being youthful enough to be a light and enjoyable read without being so childish that it's insulting to the intellect. In some ways I wish I could have read it ten years ago; I think it would have helped me to RP Peppy better. Better late than never, eh?
Also, I finally found a Stevie Nicks poster I like, and bought it along with a poster of my favorite Fleetwood Mac album (which amazingly isn't Rumours!). After I get those, I think I'm going to get a posting board for putting up assorted things - pictures and stuff, tickets, etc.
I've started dating somewhat seriously, because I'm tired not necessarily of being afraid and nervous, but I'm because I'm tired of letting that hold me back (well, that, and because he's a great guy). October was weird and November promises to be weirder. But I look forward to it. |
|
|
| Babies are awesome, but there's no such thing as "clean" when they're around! |
[Nov. 1st, 2009|04:07 am] |
|
I have a two year old, and it's impossible to keep anything clean! If he's not rummaging around in whatever's around, he's spilling food or drink on the floor (no matter how close I watch him) or causing an avalanche of the things piled up that I can't get put away because I'm trying to keep him out of trouble! Puppies are trainable; small children are smarter, and therefore get into more trouble and make more messes. My son even knows this: "Oh! I made a messy!"
I dread hearing those words.
And that's without getting into his diapers. At least he's stopped spitting up.  |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Oct. 30th, 2009|02:45 pm] |
It's been a while since I've been on LJ, been spending most of my time with the facebook. BTW I have a fan page there - I use that to post my new art work now, so if your a facebook user it can be great to get my art updates. (just search for Lacy Chenault)
Anyway I have a few new artworks I haven't shared with my LJ peeps, so here goes.
This is Ruby Jazayre - I call here Queen of Beledi, and she's availavble on shirts and belly dancer gifts here -
Also I made a new Dawn but she is only available to see in my store (she's not on my site) so here she is.
It's been so long though, I'm sure there's lots more I never posted here. Oh yeah! I closed my cafepress belly dance shop and put all of my stuff in my new shop here. It's easier to navagate (just pick your favorite dancer) AND I think the quality and prices are better as well. So, I hope you'll check that out. |
|
|
| New Stuffs for everyone!! |
[Oct. 30th, 2009|02:35 pm] |
It's been a while since I've been on LJ, been spending most of my time with the facebook. BTW I have a fan page there - I use that to post my new art work now, so if your a facebook user it can be great to get my art updates. (just search for Lacy Chenault)
Anyway I have a few new artworks I haven't shared with my LJ peeps, so here goes.
This is Ruby Jazayre - I call here Queen of Beledi, and she's availavble on shirts and belly dancer gifts here -
Also I made a new Dawn but she is only available to see in my store (she's not on my site) so here she is.
It's been so long though, I'm sure there's lots more I never posted here. Oh yeah! I closed my cafepress belly dance shop and put all of my stuff in my new shop here. It's easier to navagate (just pick your favorite dancer) AND I think the quality and prices are better as well. So, I hope you'll check that out. |
|
|
| Check out my Vicodin and many other things tree |
[Oct. 29th, 2009|05:45 pm] |
|
 Deaf Sheltie puppy If I had a magic tree, it would grow.... ummm... well, I'm gonna skip the obvious "$20 bills". Because it's obvious. But I'd be happy with any of the following: $5 bills, $10 bills, Vicodin and/or my other meds (I'd definitely keep it inside!), shoes, puppies, milk (we go through a LOT of milk), clean dishes, silverware, pots and pans.  |
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
rajazad's Friends Page
groggy
pleased