Last Friday night we escorted Girl and three of her friends to King George's Ball. It's an event put on by a small group about an hour from home. The beauty of this little shin dig is that they teach you to dance. What a wonderful world!
Well, that and you get to dress up all formal and pretty. At least the girls do. I should mention that I found a fantastic formal, black and a size smaller than last year at a local second hand shop. Girl said I looked better than she did and when you consider her age and the state of her....errr...body parts verses mine, that's sayin' something!
Back in the day, you know, post marriage, Beloved use to dance with me. I now know this little maneuver of his was simply another way to win me over. The dancing, of which he wasn't very good at anyway, ended with the birth of our first child.
But this girl lurves to dance. At least she did before she forgot how. Seriously people, our first born is twenty-years-old. It's been awhile since we cut a rug!
Beloved and I have the basic slide waltz two step down, again, not well, but we can do it and if the dance floor is crowded no one notices that we've got three left feet. One foot actual knows what it's supposed to be doing.
At the Ball they taught the Waltz, the Cha-Cha, Swing, and English Country Dancing. We sat most of them out, except for the Cha-Cha. Trust me, it's not as easy as it looks, but it's oodles of fun. Beloved and I laughed and laughed and laughed. We decided that we need to practice in the privacy of our own living room, far from the eyes of the twenty-something couple who obviously took lessons for their wedding dance.
Although I love to dance, I'm not a fan of Dancing with the Stars. I respect the fact that these folks are in mighty good physical shape and that they can seriously shake it up, but I'm not much of a reality TV kinda girl. I mean really, who cares?
All this dancing has awakened the dancing fool in me. I want to dance. I want to drag Beloved, albeit kicking and screaming, to dance lessons. It would be good for us physically and honestly, due to work schedules, we hardly see each other these days.
Not to mention the fact that we have NO social life.
So, what do you think? Are dancing lessons worth the effort? Or a colossal waste of time?
Showing posts with label Dancing the Night Away. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dancing the Night Away. Show all posts
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Last Dance
Yesterday we hosted our annual (okay, semi annual) friends potluck. This gathering has happened at this time or that for too many years to count. It's always included a small circle of friends and it's always enjoyable.
I never actually plan what we'll eat because this crowd has never, ever let anyone go hungry. Last night menu included baked salmon, hamburgers, taco salad, creamy pasta and chicken, zesty pasta salad, ham roll-ups, baked beans, watermelon, fresh veggies, blackberry cobbler, snickerdoodles, brownies, chocolate chip bar cookies, ice cream, chocolate syrup, whip cream, and more fresh blackberries.
Let me just say that NO ONE went hungry.
The badminton net was up, the air-soft guns loaded, blankets spread, plates filled, as conversation and laughter filled the air.
Between dinner and dessert we asked theoldest kids young adults to share what they'd done over the summer and what they'd be doing this year.
Miss C went first. She shared about her mission trip to Asia. She told us about living with defectors from another country and hearing their stories. They learned about torture while they were there. They heard heart-wrenching stories and discovered that many from this culture still view Americans as the enemy; someone to be feared.
Miss C explained the need for support for the small, vibrant group of Christians and the need for human outreach in a country that is so oppressed by their leaders. You know the country, it's the one with nukes and an itchy trigger finger.
As she shared her heart, I couldn't help but be amazed at the young woman before me. She had always been so quiet, so reserved. College has changed her. Traveling outside the US has widened her worldview and she's growing into a fine woman of conviction.
This guy spent the past two years interning with Bible Teaching Inc. He's scrubbed toilets, led children on nature hikes, taught Bible studies, and learned that saying you love Jesus and actually living like you do are two separate things. Mr. J learned about the stress of being in charge, of dealing with difficult people, and how to organize and run a summer camp when you're short handed because half the staff is out sick.
He's spent time with YWAM and writing songs. He's investing time with a young boy with autism and reaching out to those in need. That's my boy!
Mr. K spent six weeks in Costa Rica, studying Spanish, working with the locals, and falling in love with a culture that is not his own. He saw first hand the poverty that enslaves that beautiful country, and yet they are so rich in many other ways.
He walked dangerous roads, stayed clear of gunfire, and developed a love for strong, black coffee. He came home with a strengthened conviction concerning overseas missions and heads out TODAY for Bible college up north.
I listened to Mr. K and smiled at his heartfelt speech. He has changed so much from the awkward youth into a man after God's own heart.
Mr. JL is the youngest of the young adults. He's wrapping up a few high school courses and beginning some college work. He honestly shared that he doesn't know what he wants to do or where he wants to go, but one thing was for certain, his character is strong.
He's a baseball player and the team on which he plays is a far cry from Christian. He tries to do what's right and people notice. His reputation proceeds him and that's a good thing. Mr. JL is becoming a man I know his mama is proud of (I could see it shining in her eyes).
This little dude only wanted to know when dessert was going to be served. All that chatter from the big kids was fine, but where were the cookies!
Later, as we mama's sat visiting, one lady said, "It occurred to me tonight that this might be the last time we have everyone here. They are all growing up and moving on. It makes me a little sad."
Heads nodded in agreement and a little vapor of saddness encircled us. But then another lady pointed out how very blessed we all are. We all have children who are strong believers who want to change the world. Our families are healthy. She looked around at each of us said, "We have been blessed with friendship."
And so we have.
I never actually plan what we'll eat because this crowd has never, ever let anyone go hungry. Last night menu included baked salmon, hamburgers, taco salad, creamy pasta and chicken, zesty pasta salad, ham roll-ups, baked beans, watermelon, fresh veggies, blackberry cobbler, snickerdoodles, brownies, chocolate chip bar cookies, ice cream, chocolate syrup, whip cream, and more fresh blackberries.
Let me just say that NO ONE went hungry.
The badminton net was up, the air-soft guns loaded, blankets spread, plates filled, as conversation and laughter filled the air.
Between dinner and dessert we asked the
Miss C went first. She shared about her mission trip to Asia. She told us about living with defectors from another country and hearing their stories. They learned about torture while they were there. They heard heart-wrenching stories and discovered that many from this culture still view Americans as the enemy; someone to be feared.
Miss C explained the need for support for the small, vibrant group of Christians and the need for human outreach in a country that is so oppressed by their leaders. You know the country, it's the one with nukes and an itchy trigger finger.
As she shared her heart, I couldn't help but be amazed at the young woman before me. She had always been so quiet, so reserved. College has changed her. Traveling outside the US has widened her worldview and she's growing into a fine woman of conviction.
This guy spent the past two years interning with Bible Teaching Inc. He's scrubbed toilets, led children on nature hikes, taught Bible studies, and learned that saying you love Jesus and actually living like you do are two separate things. Mr. J learned about the stress of being in charge, of dealing with difficult people, and how to organize and run a summer camp when you're short handed because half the staff is out sick.
He's spent time with YWAM and writing songs. He's investing time with a young boy with autism and reaching out to those in need. That's my boy!
Mr. K spent six weeks in Costa Rica, studying Spanish, working with the locals, and falling in love with a culture that is not his own. He saw first hand the poverty that enslaves that beautiful country, and yet they are so rich in many other ways.
He walked dangerous roads, stayed clear of gunfire, and developed a love for strong, black coffee. He came home with a strengthened conviction concerning overseas missions and heads out TODAY for Bible college up north.
I listened to Mr. K and smiled at his heartfelt speech. He has changed so much from the awkward youth into a man after God's own heart.
Mr. JL is the youngest of the young adults. He's wrapping up a few high school courses and beginning some college work. He honestly shared that he doesn't know what he wants to do or where he wants to go, but one thing was for certain, his character is strong.
He's a baseball player and the team on which he plays is a far cry from Christian. He tries to do what's right and people notice. His reputation proceeds him and that's a good thing. Mr. JL is becoming a man I know his mama is proud of (I could see it shining in her eyes).
This little dude only wanted to know when dessert was going to be served. All that chatter from the big kids was fine, but where were the cookies!
Later, as we mama's sat visiting, one lady said, "It occurred to me tonight that this might be the last time we have everyone here. They are all growing up and moving on. It makes me a little sad."
Heads nodded in agreement and a little vapor of saddness encircled us. But then another lady pointed out how very blessed we all are. We all have children who are strong believers who want to change the world. Our families are healthy. She looked around at each of us said, "We have been blessed with friendship."
And so we have.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
I Hope You Dance
Life is ... hard.
We are all so wrapped up in the busy busy of life that sometimes, frankly, we forget to dance.
Why?
Kids, life is short and there will always be bills to pay, hours to work, tasks to master. We can either walk around in torment or we can let go and let God.
Dance people. Just dance.
At a stop light today, Girl witnessed a random dancer. He leaped from his automobile, which was stopped just ahead of us, and danced. Right there in the middle of the street.
Random?
Yes
Silly?
Of course
He didn't hold up traffic. He wasn't lude or crude. He just danced.
Sometimes...
Sometimes I think life would be better if we would simply dance.
Maybe there would be less suicides if we danced. Perhaps we'd stop looking to alcohol to numb our senses if we danced. Could drug addiction be cured if we danced?
Silly, I know. I've been up since 3:45 and I'm beyond tired. My eyes feel like they are filled with sand and my legs are made of stone. I've got worries and troubles just like everybody else.
Maybe it's time to dance.
I hope you dance too. A silly chicken polka. A waltz or Charleston. Any old tango will do.
But dance.
It's just the thing to do.
We are all so wrapped up in the busy busy of life that sometimes, frankly, we forget to dance.
Why?
Kids, life is short and there will always be bills to pay, hours to work, tasks to master. We can either walk around in torment or we can let go and let God.
Dance people. Just dance.
At a stop light today, Girl witnessed a random dancer. He leaped from his automobile, which was stopped just ahead of us, and danced. Right there in the middle of the street.
Random?
Yes
Silly?
Of course
He didn't hold up traffic. He wasn't lude or crude. He just danced.
Sometimes...
Sometimes I think life would be better if we would simply dance.
Maybe there would be less suicides if we danced. Perhaps we'd stop looking to alcohol to numb our senses if we danced. Could drug addiction be cured if we danced?
Silly, I know. I've been up since 3:45 and I'm beyond tired. My eyes feel like they are filled with sand and my legs are made of stone. I've got worries and troubles just like everybody else.
Maybe it's time to dance.
I hope you dance too. A silly chicken polka. A waltz or Charleston. Any old tango will do.
But dance.
It's just the thing to do.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Driving, Doodle, and Dancing
I'm house sitting for the Singer. She's gone for...three weeks. Three. Weeks. The dogs, Chess, Winnie, and Doodle needed company and someone to feed them. Those duties fell to me.
I'll post a picture of the Doodle later. She's a teacup poodle and fierce! Why she even scared Dingo the Cat who isn't afraid of anyone. Gasp!
So, I'm splitting time between houses which means I have two houses to keep tidy, double the animals to care for, and extra driving to do.
Saturday was the Narnia Ball. We found Girls dress at Goodwill, brand new with price tag still attached: $188.00. We picked it up for a mere $14.95. What a find!
Per tradition, our friends gathered here for a meal and the primping that takes place before such an event. Everything was going as planned...till the power went out. Seriously.
Thankfully, the meal was already prepared and we simply moved outside and enjoyed the mild weather where we feasted on shredded pork and white bean burritos. I made the MOST amazing chunky avocado salsa - recipe to follow.
I'm off to do more driving and leave you with pictures from the weekend.
Waiting for the Narnia Ball to begin
Friends! Dress for the evening ranged from ball gowns, WWII costumes, classic school girl attire, to knights, the white witch, and an imp or two.
Girl and her Daddy
Beloved and I saw this one and our mouths dropped open. Where did SHE come from? She's our pretty, pretty girl!
I'll post a picture of the Doodle later. She's a teacup poodle and fierce! Why she even scared Dingo the Cat who isn't afraid of anyone. Gasp!
So, I'm splitting time between houses which means I have two houses to keep tidy, double the animals to care for, and extra driving to do.
Saturday was the Narnia Ball. We found Girls dress at Goodwill, brand new with price tag still attached: $188.00. We picked it up for a mere $14.95. What a find!
Per tradition, our friends gathered here for a meal and the primping that takes place before such an event. Everything was going as planned...till the power went out. Seriously.
Thankfully, the meal was already prepared and we simply moved outside and enjoyed the mild weather where we feasted on shredded pork and white bean burritos. I made the MOST amazing chunky avocado salsa - recipe to follow.
I'm off to do more driving and leave you with pictures from the weekend.
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