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

November Happenings!

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!

Here we are barreling through October already! How fast time flies! As we roll into the holidays and the close of 2014 there is still time for more adventures! 

I am currently booking for November studio classes and local events. If you or someone you know has an interest, please let me know early. Also, I am wondering what interest will be during the typically busy month of December? Would you like to continue to have the studio open to have a calming space to retreat from holiday chaos? 

November and December also bring 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. 

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

Sundays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

NaNo Writers

Home Studio, Glendale

Mondays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Tarot Cafe

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.facebook.com/ical/event.php?eid=1499147537005027

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

1st, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Authorpalooza

Dog-Eared Pages, Phoenix

https://www.facebook.com/events/268682143341265/

1st & 8th, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Auto Basics for Teens

Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria

**Cancelled**

8th, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Untrashed Fashion Show

https://www.facebook.com/untrashedfashionshow

8th, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

PAPA

Grand Avenue

https://www.facebook.com/artparade

9th, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

BBQ for Writers, Dancers, and Friends

Glendale

15th, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Desert Caravan

Daddy-o's Bar & Grill, Glendale

https://www.facebook.com/DaddyOsDesertCaravanBellydanceDrumCircle

15th & 22nd, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Auto Basics for Women 

Avondale Recreation Center

** Cancelled **

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

Red Tent

Home Studio, Glendale

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

Thank you! Have a wonderful day!

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

The Clearing

It has been some time since I have posted anything to this particular blog, and while I would like to say that I will be more diligent, there are many other projects also occurring. So, I make no promises. I also, want to offer some brighter news from the front lines.

While I do not feel elated by this, my son has been allowed the opportunity to live with his father for a few months. There is all manner of emotion about this. I miss him. He and I are a team. Even when my now ex husband was away so often, hell, even when he was around though not really “present”, the kid and I would adventure together. We have a unique bond that only children and full-time moms can create. He is my light and joy, and though he is a sarcastic teen now, we are still deeply connected.

So, I do miss his presence in the house, but he needs to see how his father really parents without me there. He also needs to see what is really going on in his father’s life, even if that means learning to understand how to now address a girl that the kid always viewed as an older sister. I am not certain if he will see her as a “mother” figure now, or if the relationship will simply be confusing.

My roommate, and woman who professed to be my “best friend” has also moved on. She has never had strong regard for my feelings in our relationship, and I fully accepted this when I asked her to move in with me. The offer was meant to help her find her heart again. It was a new hurt when she chose to befriend the family members of as well as the girl who so deeply scarred my life, but while unexpected, I suppose it is not altogether out of character.

I am happy that she has found joy in the relationship that I set her up with. I am concerned for her dog that does not seem to get out very much, but I am grateful to not have the constant worry that something is going to happen to the poor animal while in my home or yard.

Now, the real blessings, for me. I am no longer afraid to come home. For quite some time, especially after my son moved out, I felt like an outcast under my own roof. I felt that the classes I taught, the people that I invited in, were an annoyance to my roommate. I felt as though I was responsible for her unhappiness and I tried hard to for several months to suppress who I was in order to make her feel more comfortable.

The energy is so much clearer now though! I feel that I can breathe without worry. And, with a clear house comes a clear head, and renewed energy to make my life my own at last.

My home is open to all of the wonderful women who dance here. I am also thrilled to invite men and women who write for gatherings and sharing ideas. As things progress I will be opening the doors to do tarot readings and host open discussions on art, writing, and other subjects. I have a gallery wall to share with new artists looking to sell their work as well. The Red Tent nights are a monthly gathering that I created as a gift to my roommate, to make her feel more comfortable, that I never expected to find so much joy in even after her desire to attend had waned.

I feel as if I can breathe and that every breath brings more positive energy into my home. Please contact me if you find any of this enjoyable! My home is open to all positive energy!

Connectors Need to Feel Connected Too

Connections. We all have them. We are connected to family by bloodlines, marriage, and adoption. We are connected to friends through school, community, interests, and lifestyles. We are connected to work, and hobbies, and so many other sectors of community. What about those of us who are the connectors though. If that did not make you tilt your head in query, you might be a connector, like me.

I am forever bringing people together. Some of my favorite moments have been when two of my connections meet and connect on a much deeper level. I love that moment when they realize they are just meant to be together. I am not exclusively discussing romantic connections here. I have had students who meet in class and go on to form sister-like bonds. I have had business or creative acquaintances meet on projects that I have headed and they become the best of allies. It is a beautiful thing.

But what happens to the relationship I had with the individuals on their separate levels? Typically, I end up as the odd man out. On most occasions I do not mind this so much. It is what it is. I did my job in their lives. I served a greater purpose. But what about those connections I felt were deep and meaningful? I am at a loss. I feel a twinge of jealousy as ego rears its head. I feel left out when I see that these people get along so swimmingly. I feel left out when I am no longer invited along.

Recently, I had brunch with a fellow connector. We realized that there needs to be a sort of connectors support network. We do so much for so many others but when they move on, where are we? We enjoyed one another’s company and decided that even if it would be just we two, that would be enough. It is so hard to tell the people we have connected over the years how it hurts us when that connection we perceived comes to an end. We don’t want the real connections to lose strength because of us, but we would like the gentle nod of thanks and maybe to be invited into the fold now and again to experience the fruits of our labors of love.

Stay connected.

bint Hazine Auditions Beginning Soon!

As we continue to grow and change as a troupe and as members of the Phoenix bellydance community there are always new things to discover. bint Hazine will be opening auditions this Fall for the 2015 dance year! We will be seeking dancers willing to work as hard as they play, who understand that a troupe is more than learning a choreography in a group. bint Hazine is a sisterhood and with that comes a closeness that requires empathy and support for one another. We welcome women of all ages though our current members are in their 30’s and 40’s. Mature youths, as well as the young at heart are welcome.

Auditions will be Monday evenings and hosted in the home studio of AbeebA Korsana, in Glendale. Current and former students of AbeebA who have completed at least three sessions are invited to audition. A showcase of your talents will include; a one minute freestyle dance with music of troupe’s choice, demonstration of three of the five core bint Hazine songs, and a brief and fun interview by some of the current troupe members.

If you have been a member of the troupe before, please feel free to audition at this time as well! We miss you!

Troupe requirements for 2015 will be explained during the audition process. For more information on bint Hazine, classes with AdeebA Korsana, or belly dance in general please follow us on Youtube.com/easalle or Facebook.com/bint.hazine

Shimmy on!