Belly Laughs and stuff

So, apparently I cry all the time now for no good reason. What I've realized is that it doesn't matter if there's no reason. Upset is upset. It's also upsetting to not really know why you're upset. And, when your partern needs a reason why you're upset so he can help/fix it/support, etc - it's even more upsetting. More upsetting = more tears = viscious crying cycle. Sigh.

My friend lent me a book by Jenny McCarthy, Belly Laughs. It made me laugh so hard I cried. I highly recommend it; not for the sage advice, but for the laughs. At a time in your life when crying is the norm, a good laugh out loud at a book moment is just what the Dr. ordered.

Thank god I step back into the rehearsal room next week. I can't take this baby prep phase anymore.

Not such a scam after all...

I had my first child when I was 23. She was a speed bump... my body didn't change that much and I never had to wear maternity clothes. I danced up until I delivered. It just wasn't that big of a deal.

9 years later, I'm pregnant with child #2. It's a very big deal. I mean the changes to my body, gah! I used to think that maternity clothing was such a scam. "Just buy bigger sizes, borrow clothes, or wear skirts, people!" I would say to myself. I just didn't get why you would actually need specifically made clothing.

Consider me converted. My parents sent me maternity pants and a couple of shirts that are stretchy, comfy and fabulous. But, it's not just that... they FIT. Meaning... I look good in them. Others noticed. For the first time in my pregnancy, I got serious compliments on my appearance. And I was wearing sweatpants.

Clothing that fits your shape - whatever that shape may be - makes you look better. Not to mention comfort. I was comfortable. I don't think I realized how much discomfort, and sometimes pain, I was feeling in my regular, baggy gear.

Now I am craigslisting and neighborhood list-serving searching for gently used maternity gear. I can't subsribe to spending a wad of money I don't have on a whole new short-term wardrobe (though I'd love to do just that!)

Perhaps it's kid #2, perhaps it's being a thirty-something and not a twenty-something... but whatever. Bring on the preggie clothes!

New Year's Blahs

I'm typically a ridiculously perky, upbeat - dare I say? Happy person. Lately, not so much. It's okay... it's a phase, a moment, a place I'll pass through. However, I'd like to make that happen instantaneously as it is New Year's Eve.

Suggestions?

I realize that for the next many months I am one big ball of biological function; and therefore, at the mercy of my hormone-induced mood swings. But jeez, really?! Enough already!

Mayhaps it's time to do the traditional reflecting, goal-setting, hope-shifting resolution thing. Hmmmm....

Maybe tomorrow.

For now, I'm off to get moving. This body needs a shift in energy. I'm going to Tai Chi class then on to cleaning house. Today, I'll create change from the outside-in.

Happy New Year's Eve!

Art & Such

There's this little gallery space in SE DC called The Fridge DC. I've had the pleasure of performing there several times over the past year; each time it's been a magical experience. The crowd that assembles is a multi-generational mix of arty's who are interested in the up and coming and the spectacle of it all.

I had a great experience this time in particular because the performers who represented Contradiction Dance did an fine job & I purchased the stop sign above for a dear friend.

My friend, Indigo, is an amazing artist in her own right. I hope to be a part of a DC based art-sharing experience for her in the coming year. The stop sign is the work of Mark Jenkins. I got lucky in a silent auction, getting this signed artist's proof for a steal. Woot!

In short, it was another memorable night at a place where great people gather. Hope to see you there next time.

Inspired by Lennon

I've neglected you. What was once an almost daily habit has become a dusty, pale memory. It's time to wipe away the cobwebs and restore you, old friend. Yes, blog; I am back. Intentions are empty, so I will simply say, "Hello."

I was listening to an interview on NPR yesterday. It was an interview that John Lennon gave the morning he died. I was riveted, fascinated and couldn't stop listening. I even did that thing where you sit in your car in the driveway to listen... not wanting to miss anything while walking in the house and turning on the radio.



I've always known what an impact Lennon had on a generation, but I had never listened to him speak the words himself. If you're just that curious, here's a link: Dec 8th on NPR

Here are some gems I found in the interwebs. What struck me was the combination of the words themselves and the way Lennon spoke them. They resonated with me in a way they don't simply read from the page. In memory of that voice, here are some of his words:

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to
life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I
wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told
them they didn’t understand life."
— John Lennon

"My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and
express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not
as a leader, but as a reflection of us all."
— John Lennon


"I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky.
I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that
what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It's just
that the translations have gone wrong."
— John Lennon


"If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or
music, then in that respect you can call me that... I believe in what I do, and
I'll say it."
— John Lennon

Full listing

Dance Photography Workshop: A Community Grows!

This weekend I participated in a dance photography workshop at The Carriage House in DC. It was a wonderful experience as a dancer & model. In a nutshell, a group of photographers with an interest in dance gathered from 2-6 pm to share war-stories, best practices, and to address the unique circumstances that come with working with a dancer rather than a traditional model. Then the photographers took turns shooting images in different set-ups and concepts with myself and another dancer, Stormy.

It was the first of what I hope will be many opportunities for both dancers and photographers to share our unique perspectives on just that... perspective. We created a community in our time together - I'm already planning individual shoots with the photographers that participated and I am thrilled by the work they turned out. It's a win-win for all.

The images here thus far are from Paul Frederiksen. Flickr

The two images above are by Michael Avilez

These three are by Mike Kelly

This one is by Chris Maxwell

The other photographers involved are:

Ben Madden

- a lovely woman whose contact info I do not have :( I hope she sends me some shots!!! As the photographers send images, I'll update. I have linked to all of their web-sites, too.

Organisms