December Happenings and Gift Ideas!

I am hoping that my students, friends, and creative allies, can help me get the word out about some of the really amazing things I am a part of and working on. Thank you so much! Let me know if there is some way I can spread the word about the wonderful things you do too!

As we roll into the holidays and the close of 2014 there is still time for more adventures, and for planning for 2015! Can you believe we are in the final pages of 2014 already!

I am currently booking for 2015 studio classes and local events. If you or someone you know has an interest, please let me know early.

December brings gift giving to mind! Do you have someone on your nice list with an interest in Bellydance, Tarot, or Writing? Let's work together to give them the perfect gift! And you get something too! With any purchase you get 50% off classes, readings, or books!

Here are some of the exciting things already on the calendar for December. See you soon!

Sundays, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Private Lessons

Home Studio, Glendale

Mondays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Private Lessons

Home Studio, Glendale

Mondays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Tarot Cafe

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tarot-cafe-tickets-14438932235

Tuesdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Writing Workshop/ Critique

Home Studio, Glendale

Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm & 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Bellydance Drop in Drills

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bellydance-drop-in-drills-tickets-14438908163

Wednesdays, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm & 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Bellydance Drop in Drills

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bellydance-drop-in-drills-tickets-14438908163

Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tarot Cafe

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tarot-cafe-tickets-14438932235

Thursdays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Private Lesson

Home Studio, Glendale

Thursdays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Private Lesson

Home Studio, Glendale

Thursdays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

bint Hazine Student Rehearsal

Home Studio, Glendale

Thursdays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Writing Workshop/ Critique

Home Studio, Glendale

4th, 1:00 pm

Author Spotlight Interview

Fashion Square Mall

13th - 15th

ComiCon FanFest

Glendale

http://phoenixcomicon.com/page/82

13th, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Desert Caravan

Daddy-o's Bar & Grill, Glendale

https://www.facebook.com/DaddyOsDesertCaravanBellydanceDrumCircle

20th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Evolve Dance Studio Recital

South Mountain Community College

22nd, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Red Tent

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.facebook.com/events/596690497126218/

Thank you so much to all of you! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Tea Dueling with Captain Amara Deegan

I am a fan of tea. This is no secret. I typically have quite the stash of teas for any occasion, and appreciate when people share a few bags or loose ounces of their favorite teas with me. I am a fan of tea sets as well, though I have my favorites. I enjoy tea parties and am always looking for an excuse to host one, Mad Hatter or otherwise.

So, I was pleasantly shocked to discover there was something about the tea culture I was not previously aware of. I am sending a huge thank you to Jenn Aerilyn, also known as Captain Amara Deegan for introducing me to the fine art of Tea Dueling.

I confess to be wholly under the impression that Tea Dueling, or Tiffing, was an invention of the Steampunk societies and fans. I had no idea that this is in fact an event with quite the history.

Steeped (yes, a pun at last!) in history, the sport of Tea Dueling has been in existence since at least 1899 which the official rules are dated. It is a game for both gentlemen and ladies. The official Tea Dueling Societies as well as several Steampunk fan groups participate in these matches. There are regulation biscuits, regulation cup depths, and an entire list of rules to follow. This is some serious business! And it is far more fun than I expected after hearing it was essentially biscuit dunking and sassing your opponent.

There are three ways to lose a tea duel and all three are just a matter of how the biscuit crumbles. A Splash; which is to have your biscuit fall into your tea cup. A Splatter; landing your gooey biscuit on the table, floor, or anywhere other than the cup, unless you Sploge. A Sploge is the most shameful way to lose at a tea duel, and this is to land your mushy biscuit anywhere on your person. A true gentleman/ lady does not soil his/ her own clothing afterall.

Jenn Aerilynn introduced me to this at the November Red Tent night and I was hooked! I also lost in the most shameful way possible, with a sploge on my first go. I would love to see a round or three between Captain Amara Deegan and Captain Blackstrap Gennie, maybe with swords or rum involved.

For more information on Tea Dueling:

http://steamaz.com/

http://unlacethevictorians.blogspot.com/2012/04/art-of-tea-dueling.html

To find out more about Jenn (Captain Amara):

https://www.facebook.com/CaptainAmaraDeegan/timeline

And, of course Captain Blackstrap:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackstrapGennie

https://www.facebook.com/czep.blackstrapbook

A Very Exciting and Uplifting October

October could be the busiest month so far for me. I am excited, and nervous because I really want to see my classes and events grow. I want to be able to help people with the alternative self care that I offer. I am excited to share some of the amazing events I have planned for the month! There is always time for private bellydance lessons, bellydance gigs and parties, tarot readings in person and online, and of course I am always writing and working on new and exciting projects. Please contact me soon to book for October, November and the Holiday Season! Thank you so much!

October Madness!
Tarot Readings
Metro Center Mall
Mondays, 10am - 9pm
Tuesdays, 10am - 6pm

Bellydance
Foothills Aquatic Center
Tuesdays, 7:10pm - 8:10pm

Bellydance
Rio Vista Recreation Park
Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Creative Writing
Avondale Recreation Center
Thursdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Bellydance
Avondale Recreation Center
Thursdays, 7pm - 8pm

Tarot Classes
Metro Center Mall
Saturdays, 12pm - 1:30pm

Trolls Book Release
October 6th

Automotive Basics (Ladies Only)
Rio Vista Recreation Center
Saturday 11th & 18th, 9am - 11:30am

Bellydance Workshop (FREE)
Evolve Studio
Friday 17th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Red Tent Night (Donations Accepted)
House of Rainbows & Awesome
Thursday 23rd, 6pm - 10pm

Artizona Festival
Sunday 26th, 10am - 4pm

bint Hazine Chatter: Two Weeks into 2013

It is two weeks into the New Year and bint Hazine has been fairly active. I think I really need to reflect now and again on just how much we do, especially when I am feeling sort of low. 

Most of bint Hazine are finding their sensual, sexy side this month with Mizz Lucy’s VaVaVoom classes at Plaza de Anaya, Tempe. It is not likely that our friends and fans will be seeing that much more skin in future bint Hazine appearances, but expect that there might be a few more dances that sample, as DREADmonboogaloo did, from the slinky side of dance.

AdeebA’s classes at Rio Vista have been cancelled this session due to low enrollment. (Tell your friends Peoria students, this class can only happen if there are five or more signed on). Glendale has shimmy! Foothills classes are ago this session though, and we are working on combos and technique on Tuesday nights with a very full class! FREE classes at the Civic Space are rather quiet as well which seems crazy. Free dance classes on a Saturday morning and not too early either. Where is everyone?

We are looking forward to at least a few gigs in 2013 including plans to join The DREAD Fleet for Phoenix Comic Con and Pirate Mud Wresting. If you have an event upcoming, please let us know, we are eager to dance for most events and small parties. In January, AdeebA performed a last minute gig for the Hip Historian, Mashall Shore at Phoenix Metro Retro for his talk on Route 66. So, we really will do just about any venue.

And, most important, bint Hazine is celebrating the birthdays of two of our very special dancers this month! Happy Birthday to Samira Nadim and Sarai Gabrielle! Samira is the sexy embodiment of sass and sarcasm; she brings the sharp but sweet edge to bint Hazine. Sarai looks innocent but we know she has trouble behind that angelic smile. Thank you ladies so much for the unique beauty you bring to this troupe. You are glittering treasures!

We are working on at least three new pieces for 2013! Don’t worry though, we will still offer the favorites including Tunak Tunak Tun! Thank you so much to everyone who supports us; friends, family, and fellow dancers!

Follow bint Hazine: Facebook.com/bint.hazine

For Impact Friday: Alzheimer's Association

As I mentioned in the last For Impact Friday post, this is something I am giving a go at in the interest of expanding my understanding of 501c3 companies and my internship with Public Allies, Arizona. In the first posting I also mentioned that my time with Public Allies is a short span, a mere ten months. Yes, not even a year to attempt to understand such an important part of community. This is not a classroom based experience though, and I always learn much more hands on. While we do spend a fair amount of hours, Fridays mostly, in lectures to better understand the business end of non-profit, the remainder of my nine-to-five weekdays are on those front lines. So, what is my troop?

The Alzheimer’s Association: Desert Southwest Chapter serves to bring help and hope to individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It was not until I found myself with this amazing organization that I realized how much Alzheimer’s already touched my life.

One in six people over 65, in the United States are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia! One in six! After age 85 that increases to 50%. There is no cure. There is no way to vaccinate against it. There is research and hope, but there needs to be more serious focus and awareness from the government.

Heard of the Baby Boom generation? Yes, they are an enormous population and they are about to fall right into this health risk! What is the nation doing to prepare? Not enough. What can you do?  

You can start by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your area and requesting information about this terrible degenerative disease. You can offer to be a volunteer educator, and learn how to present the facts to your community. You can train as a facilitator for local support groups. Educate yourself too; how can you protect your brain health, what factors might put you at greater risk? 

Most important, make others aware now that you are. Thank you!

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter

1028 East McDowell Avenue, Phoenix

www.alz.org/dsw

bint Hazine: Bellydance Classes 2013

Classes are officially over for the year! No really this time! But it is only a few weeks before we start up again! Check out these great upcoming sessions starting in January 2013!

Mondays

7:00pm – 8:00pm

Rehearsals with bint Hazine

*Please contact AdeebA if you are interested in joining this very exciting troupe of dancers.*

Tuesdays

7:10pm – 8:10pm

Foothills Aquatic Center

5600 West Union Hills Drive, Glendale

8 Week Session

*Sign-up via Glendale Parks and Recreation*

Wednesdays

6:30pm – 7:30pm

Rio Vista Recreation Center

8866 West Thunderbird Road, Peoria

8 week session

*Sign-up via Peoria Parks and Recreation*

Saturdays

10:00am – 11:00am

Phoenix Civic Space Park

444 Central Avenue, Phoenix

Drop-in

FREE

It is my hope as well as the ladies of bint Hazine that you shimmy right into the New Year!

Nomday: What About Parties?

Happy Nomday after another very busy weekend! With all of the holiday parties and shenanigans complete meals are likely the last thing on anyone’s mind. I know we have been eating and creating finger foods for days! But, they are just as great to toss in your lunch box or pile on as adorable entrees. So, what are some of your favorite things to make and take to potlucks and year end shindigs? Please, no more cookies, fluff salads or cheese and cracker trays! 

How about mini lamb and veggie kabobs?

Mini-crescent dogs?

Home-made pizza rolls?

These are a few to get you started! Happy holidays!