Click on the photo to see more fun shots of the day!
Mid-Bazaar, originally uploaded by Halyma.
So, I have lots to say, and no energy to say it – I’ll start with thanks and get to adding more later!
Thanks to the volunteers
Thanks to the vendors
Thanks to the patrons
Big thanks for @wtl
Later dudes!
Good morning,
I have had a crazy week of low energy and fighting to get stuff done and deadlines met! But always loads of fun out dancing with my classes and trying new stuff to keep my brain active and thinking -always thinking!
I have the plans for the Dancers’ Bazaar on October 17th are well underway, The Vintage Cabaret show is now in my calendar to support my good dance buds out there – I won’t be dancing so I get to enjoy everyone’s company from a helper/audience seat! Starting work on my student choreographies for my December OCCP will begin next week – though the songs have almost all been chosen – so that’s fun!
And in November, Bollywood For Fun will be making a few public appearances- more details on our main website for that soon…let’s get through October’s adventures first!
Update time:
Another fun weekend is ahead and here are just a few things going on in Ottawa that might be of interest to the dancer in ya!
Full details on the News page – but the gist of it below!
November 25, 2010
BellyDance Superstars in Gatineau
Bellydance and Bollywood at Théâtre du Casino
Tickets go on sale at noon Oct. 1 for Bombay Bellywood, a show by the Bellydance Superstars at the Théâtre du Casino in Gatineau on Nov. 25. Named “the most important dance troupe in the world” by London’s Sunday Times, the troupe has performed more than 700 shows in 22 countries. The new show combines the techniques of dances from Middle Eastern bellydancing to American Tribal with the music of India.
Tickets cost $43.50 plus service charges at 613-755-1111 or ticketmaster.ca.
Club SAW-67 Nicholas Street (near the arts court and next to the youth hostel)
Doors open at 8pm
Show starts at 9pm.
Admission $10
Welcome to “Repo! – the Genetic Opera!” Bring your zydrate and get ready for some fun with Ottawa’s shadowcast performers – “The Necromerchant’s Payment” – a tribute group to the movie “Repo! the Genetic Opera”. Shadowcasting is when a live ensemble recreates a movie on stage while the film is playing behind them. It is the ultimate melding of film and theatre, with the cast complimenting the action on screen, and subtly contrasting it with their own unique vision. As such, you are really getting two shows for the price of one. It is the perfect blend of theatre and film, with audience participation and gags thrown in to create a fun, unique event.
For more information on the Necromerchant’s Payment, visit www.necromerchants.com
Oct 3 (Sunday)
Time 1-3 pm
Cost $60 for one session
174 Dufferin Rd
Unit 11
Cost:payable by cash
Please confirm by email gaston@cyberus.ca
Anjali
613 745-1368
www.culturalhorizons.ca
Good morning,
When I began including a weekly update to the Dancers’ News on my blog many months back, it was due to some major issues with our server and *touch wood*, now that we’ve changed to a different company and I’ve become somewhat used to the new system, things have been flowing along quite well.
Each Sunday morning, I go through the emails I have received, update the main website, gather the new bits and any updates and compose the weekly update news email and then also add the new information to my blog Dancers’ News page.
IN order to break things up a bit, and hopefully be a bit less redundant, I think I’ll shift to posting Friday Updates. I will focus on what’s happening on the weekend coming up, bringing last minute news to those of you who follow via my blog/in turn the trickle through to Facebook.
The Dancers’ News page will be updated so that you can use it for reference, as well as the main online site, and the Sunday newsletter will continue for those who have subscribed to receive it in email.
So, what news today? Check it online at the various links above and have a great week!
T/H
If you know of anything else happening that you think folks might like to participate in THIS WEEKEND – please add it in the comments below!
JOURNEE DE LA CULTURE PRESENT/PRESENTS:
25 SEPT ESSAI GRATUIT :
DANSES DE L’INDE: CLASSIQUE (ODISSI) ET GITANE-BOLLYWOOD PAR/INDIAN DANCE CLASSES CLASSICAL AND GYPSY-BOLLYWOOD
BY AMRITA CHOUDHURY
RESERVATION : 514-768-9711 a_choud@hotmail.com www.ananda-amrita.com
STUDIO METRONOME, 4557 ST. LAURENT
26 SEPT PERFORMANCE ET ATELIER(WORKSHOP) par (by) Amrita Choudhury
http://www.journeesdelaculture.qc.ca/evenement.php?id=966&lang=en
LOCATION: SERRE DE VERDUN, PRES DE (NEAR) 7000 LASALLE 514-765-7129
FREE BUSES FROM METRO MONT ROYAL TO VERDUN AND BACK EVERY 20 MINUTES /AUTOBUS DISPONIBLE SANS FRAIS DE METRO MONT ROYAL A VERDUN ET RETOUR CHAQUE 20 MINUTES.
AUTOBUS
INFORMATION(BUS): http://www.journeesdelaculture.qc.ca/navettes_TD.php?lang=en
2 Sundays in September = choose 1 or both!
September 26 plus Oct 3 (Sunday)
Time 1-3 pm
Cost $60 for one 2 hour session
or
$100 for 2 2 hour sessions
Each session is a complete teaching session so you will get valuable material if you attend only one.
Syllabus
1)Learn hand signs, neck and eye movements
2)how to tie a sari,
3)make-up and
4) DANCE steps to use in your belly dance work,
a) rhythmic beating of the feet,
b) how to speak the drum syllables that accompany the dance
c) How to beat the rhythms
Please confirm by email gaston@cyberus.ca
Anjali
613 745-1368
City Hall
Bakers arrive at 11:30 am; Doors open to tasters at 1pm
After last years fun and massive sugar rush – we’ve decided to do it all again. This time: with a larger venue, more cupcakes and people. The Capital CupcakeCamp team listened to all the baker feedback from last year and lessons learned from CupcakeCamps in other cities.
We’ve come up with some fun new ideas for this year – check the website for more details! but Pro Bakers and only 24 cupcake per baker means some fun!
This years proceeds will be donated to: The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa and the City of Ottawa program Women Alive
Details and ticket info: http://www.cupcakecamp.eventbrite.com/
11am – 3pm
Mini-bazaar at Dance Oasis, 200 St-Joseph Hull
New and used Egyptian costumes, hip scarves and other goodies
2 Sundays in September = choose 1 or both!
September 26-Oct 3 (Sunday)
Time 1-3 pm
Cost $60 for one 2 hour session
or
$100 for 2 2 hour sessions
Each session is a complete teaching session so you will get valuable material if you attend only one.
Syllabus
1)Learn hand signs, neck and eye movements
2)how to tie a sari,
3)make-up and
4) DANCE steps to use in your belly dance work,
a) rhythmic beating of the feet,
b) how to speak the drum syllables that accompany the dance
c) How to beat the rhythms
Please confirm by email gaston@cyberus.ca
Anjali
613 745-1368
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Noon to 4 p.m.
260 McArthur, Knight’s of Columbus Hall
With over 40 tables booked with fabulous return and NEW vendors, it’s gonna be another great day at the Dancers’ Bazaar!
The usual fare of gorgeous hip scarves, costumes, jewelry, music and dvds will be offset with some new flavours! Hmm… Bollywood, anyone?
Click here to VOTE for what you are hoping to find there!
dragonslivehere.glebe@gmail.com or 613-276-0969
Good news! We have persuaded Denise Enan to present a hand and arm movement workshop the day after the Party….and it is only $25! Call her at 819-776-5033 for details. Maybe she can be persuaded to do a demo at the Party!
HalloweenFundRaiser – downloadable poster
This class is for all levels of dancers – learn the basics and improve upon your technique, simply put.
Starts Tuesday, September 28th, 8 week session
1196 Bank at Makin’ Moves Studio
8:15-9:15pm
$100 registration for this 8 week session
To register: leslie AT shaktifusion DOT ca
Limited to ten participants.
More dancers are needed in order to run the following classes: Belly Dance Level 2 with Jalilah
For those who have mastered all the movements taught in a Beginner class and wish to continue learning more advanced movements and routines in the authentic Egyptian style.
Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm at the Rideau Tennis Club, 1 Donald Street
Registration through the RA Centre: (613)736-6224
and
Jalilah’s Classes at Oasis Starting September 9 to October 28 2010
Intermediate 2 Thursdays 6:30-7:30
Technique with an emphasis on flowing form one movement to the next, a short veil Choreography and the beginnings of improvisation
Fees: $95
At Denise Enan’s Studio Oasis, 200 St. Joseph, Hull
To register contact Oasis at (819) 9622645 or (819) 7765033
To read about Jalilah’s background: http://www.gildedserpent.com/aboutuspages/jalilahzamora.htm
Sandy Hill Community Centre
10 classes per session
Wednesdays – begin Sept 22
Level 1
6 to 7 pm
Program Code 464325
Thursdays – begin Sept 23
Level 2
5:30 to 6:30 pm
Program Code 464326
Level 2/3
6:30 to 7:45 pm
Program Code 464328
Level 3/4
7:45 to 9 pm
Program Code 464329
NEW IN WESTBORO
Beginners Bellydance @ OSSD
294 Picton Lane
Friday 7-8pm for 10 weeks
To register… on-line @www.ossd.com, over the phone 613-567-6788 or in person.
Ample parking!!!!
Plant Recreation@ Preston and Somerset
Monday nights
6:30-7:30 Beginners
7:30-8:30 Intermediate
Register in person or on-line@ottawa.ca
SESSION starts THURSDAY September 23 .. or sooner CLICK HERE
Mondays
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Maki House, 19 Leeming Drive (between Bayshore and Kanata)
For info contact Julie: 613-254-8469 or julieDOTtierneyAtsympatico.ca
Wednesday September 22, 2010 (rain date Thursday September 23 – outside if it’s nice, indoors otherwise)
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Maki Park
19 Leeming Drive (between Bayshore and Kanata)
Leo Brooks will be leading this celebration of the Fall Equinox and Full Moon.
We will be outside in the park. Rain date is Thursday September 23, inside if it rains and outside if it is nice.
Bring you own drum if you have one. There will be plenty of instruments for people to borrow.
If you have been reluctant to attend a drum circle this is the one to come to try it out.
While our drum circles are usually free, we will be accepting donations at this circle to offer to Leo as a token of our gratitude for his services.
You can invite friends through Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147168261984477
Be sure to mark your calendars for future Full Moon Drum and Dance Circles:
Fri. Oct. 22 – 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 27 – 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (as close to the Full Moon as the room was available)
Mon. Dec. 20 – 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For info contact Julie: 613-254-8469 or julieDOTtierneyAtsympatico.ca
City Hall
Bakers arrive at 11:30 am; Doors open to tasters at 1pm
After last years fun and massive sugar rush – we’ve decided to do it all again. This time: with a larger venue, more cupcakes and people. The Capital CupcakeCamp team listened to all the baker feedback from last year and lessons learned from CupcakeCamps in other cities.
We’ve come up with some fun new ideas for this year – check the website for more details! but Pro Bakers and only 24 cupcake per baker means some fun!
This years proceeds will be donated to: The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa and the City of Ottawa program Women Alive
Details and ticket info: http://cupcakecamp.eventbrite.com/
The Well are in need of underwear, socks, slippers, etc.
The colder weather is fast approaching and the ladies are in need of some warmer clothing. Some of the ladies also live on the street, etc.
If you want to deliver it yourselves, here’s the address and you may want to call first to confirm when they’re open .. I know in the past they were closed after lunch on Mondays.
The Well-La Source www.the-well.ca
154 Somerset Street West
Ottawa, ON K2P 0H8
(613) 594-2843
These items do not have to be new, gently worn and clean are just fine.
And thanks so much for your kind generosity.
While I think that Sunday morning will always be the proper Dancers’ News “day” – and the major deadline for folks to send me their information will be Saturdays, I know that sometimes in the past I would send out a Wednesday update, if info came in really last minute.
Now I am happy to help promote your events as much as I can, within reason of course!
I think we all have so much to do/read/email in our inbox etc. that sending out another email just to make up for a missed deadline is not necessary, esepcially if I can use my blog as an alternative way to add super last minute posts…
So, I’ll give it a try here and I’ll be including everything that is coming up next week so that it’s all fresh!
If you have any thoughts, are a subscriber to this blog, follow me on Twitter or Facebook and want to share, leave me a comment!
Sunday will also have the usual newsletter from my main website – so try to get me your info before the Saturday evening deadline and it’ll get out there!
This Weekend’s EVENTS of all types!
September 10, 2010
Henna Party Fundraiser for Victims of Flooding in Pakistan
Shenkman Centre
245 Centrum Blvd.
5 to 10 p.m.
– donations will go to Oxfam Canada
$5 admission
$2 for kids
Bollywood for Fun will be part of the entertainment along with traditional cuisine, face painting, henna tattoos and more!
FREE
Beginner Bellydance workshop with Nikita
September 11 @ OSSD Westboro
2:30-3:00 PM
294 Picton Avenue
613-567-6788
No registration required… just show up for some fun!!!!!
September 11 and 18, 2010
COSTUMING WORKSHOP with Roxane and Zeevah
September 11 · 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Location 32 Cassidy Road, Bell’s Corners.
Created By Creative Clothing by Roxane
Liz Chaisson and Creative Clothing’s Roxane will be holding a double workshop aimed at helping dancers in general, but also the dancers getting ready for Catharine Crerar’s Hallowe’en Fundraiser, to design, find the elements and create a recital or special event costumes.
Liz is a dancer herself and an accomplished beader and costume maker. See her website here: http://zeevah.wordpress.com/ . Roxane used to dance (amateur level only) and is a professional designer and sewer who loves to make Cabaret belly dance and especially Tribal dance costumes. You can visit her website at: http://www.creativeclothingbyroxane.com.
Email to register or for more information on what you’ll need!
Contact either Roxane at roxkirk@sympatico.ca or Liz at chaissonthompson@yahoo.ca or check out the facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147202975298239&index=1
September 11, 2010
Djembe Fever With the amazing Catherine Veilleux
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Trinity St. Andrew’s United Church
291 Plaunt St. S., Renfrew
Beginners workshop 9 a.m. to noon
Intermediate workshop 1 :30– 4:30 p.m.
Workshops $40.00 each or $75.00 for the day
Registration is limited. Register early.
To register contact Debi Virtue at debivirtue@distributel.net or 613-432-0908
SEPTEMBER 11, 2010 ~ Madoc, Ontario
Drum Nation Festival is fast approaching and the excitement has started
already.Last year we had such an amazing turn out and everyone had so much fun.
For those of who were unable to make it or have not yet heard about the festival, here is a little info..It`s a festival geared toward family and creative learning.
Admission is Free, as are many of the workshops, such as drumming and percussion workshops, many types of drumming circles, wellness workshops, Dance and Drumming performances, Belly Dancing, Youth workshops, making a meditation mat with mural artist Maureen Walton, Yoga, and so much more..Visit our website for this year’s event listings and a video of last year’s festival at http://www.drumnationfestival.com
Or call Deborah or Terry Richardson at 613-473-1725,
Hope to see you there.
Halyma’s Class Info
Belly dance
Byward Market Area: Starting September 13th / 16th
172 Guigues, Routhier Community Centre, corner of Cumberland street and St. Patrick
$97.75/ 12 weeks
Beginner classes:
Learn the basics of belly dance in a relaxing atmosphere and have some fun finding new ways to move your body!
Mondays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. => Lots of room to sign up!
Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. * This class presently has only 1 student enrolled and may be changed to a Bellywood class. If you are interested in finding out more about this class, read on as the description is below…
Intermediate Class:
Once you’ve got the basics, come out for a bit of a challenge with layering, more props and even more fun!
Mondays, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Still Room to sign up!
Old Ottawa South: Starting September 14th
Bank and Sunnyside Area, Old Ottawa South Community Centre
Beginners and Beyond:Designed for beginners and those who have the basics of belly dance already, this course will challenge you to a low impact workout and get your brain working too!
Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Bellywood with Halyma
“Bellywood“: a fusion of the best of Bollywood dance and Bellydance that focuses on the strong and gentle low impact movements with lots of energy!
AS I have been working with Bollywood For Fun over the past while, I have come to see a potential of amazing joy and high energy dance that could be made available to all fitness levels! By combining that which I personally love from both dance forms, I will be sharing my two loves in a new way for me, and for those who come out to play!
Check out more about it online at http://www.bellywood.ca
Old Ottawa South – Starting September 14
Bank and Sunnyside Area
Tuesdays: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Check with centre for pricing details- http://www.oldottawasouth.ca
Dovercourt Starting September 15
411 Dovercourt
Wednesdays: 7 -8 p.m.
$147/14 weeks – 2 weeks extra! http://www.dovercourt.org
Routhier Community Centre Starting September 16
172 Guigues,corner of Cumberland street and St. Patrick
Thursdays: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. FULL!*
$97.75/ 12 weeks
*Possible 2nd class will be set up from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with enough students – Contact the centre by phone to add your name to the waiting list if interested!
Zamira’s Fall/Winter Classes
Belly Dance for Adults and Teens all levels
A Beginner-Intermediate Belly Dance class with an emphasis on flexibility, muscle isolation and increasing muscle strength and grace. Enroll early to guarantee your spot in this fun, dynamic class.
Wednesday 7:00-8:00 PM
September 8 – December 8, 2010: block of 8 consecutive classes $88
Paypal (credit card, interac, etc.) or cash payment accepted. Call or email for details.
Drop-in fee $12 cash per class – no registration necessary
Classes take place at Makin’ Moves Dance Studio:
1196 Bank Street at Ossington Avenue in Old Ottawa South
For registration and information contact Zamira:
zamira@theveiledeye.com
613-797-4068
Bellydance with Gela~ Renfrew
beginner-intermediate
Renfrew and Horton Community centre.
Fall classes begin week of Sept.13th
e-mail: melville@renc.igs.net
or call 613-432-7459.
JEHANE (Jocelyne Khan)
www.orientaldance.ca www.jehane.ca
Downtown Ottawa, Sept 16-Dec 16
Dance with Alana Studio, 100-858 Bank Street, Ottawa.
Registration online, Phone 613-233-3456 dancewithalana@gmail.com
– Thursdays Intermediate 7:00 PM at Dance with Alana on Bank St in Ottawa www.dancewithalana.com for registration info
www.orientaldance.ca / www.jehane.ca
jehane@orientaldance.ca
613-867-7987
DANCE OASIS
www.studiooasis.ca
Fall classes start September 7
Daytime and evening classes; Monday to Friday and Saturday & Sunday
Full schedule at http://www.baladi.ca/StudioOasis/classes_e.htm.
Drop-ins welcome.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OASIS DE LA DANSE
www.studiooasis.ca
Cours d’automne commence le 7 septembre
Classes des jours et soirs; Lundi au vendredi et samedi-dimanche
Programme de cours en complet au http://www.baladi.ca/StudioOasis/classes_f.htm.
Les au-cours (drop-in) bienvenues.
Jalilah’s fall 2010 Classes!
In Ottawa
Belly dance for Fitness with Jalilah at the RA Centre September 13-December 6 2010
Mondays 10:30-11-30 am at the RA centre 2451 Riverside Drive or
Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm at the Rideau Tennis Club, 1 Donald Street
Fees: LifeFit Member free
RA Member $99
Non-member $124
Learn the basic authentic Middle Eastern Dances movements and combinations put together in easy routines while getting a terrific cardio workout. Focus on core strength and proper body alignment.
Belly Dance Level 2
For those who have mastered all the movements taught in “belly dance for Fitness” and wish to continue learning more advanced movements and routines.
Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm at the Rideau Tennis Club, 1 Donald Street
Fees:
LifeFit Member $89
RA Member $119
Non-member $144
Registration through the RA Centre: (613)736-6224
In Hull
Jalilah’s Classes at Oasis Starting September 9 to October 28 2010
Intermediate 2 Thursdays 6:30-7:30
Technique with an emphasis on flowing form one movement to the next, a short veil Choreography and the beginnings of improvisation
Fees: $85
Advanced Thursdays 7:30-8:30
Choreography to Alf Leila Wa Leila and Improvising to Arabic Pop music
Fees: $100
At Denise Enan’s Studio Oasis, 200 St. Joseph, Hull
To register contact Oasis at (819) 9622645 or (819) 7765033
Dance with Alana
Our Fall registration is now well underway & Fall classes start on Friday September 10th, 2010. Please visit our new schedule at http://dancewithalana.com/ register.php#schedule
A reminder that we have an GREAT sale on our Annual Membership!
Get unlimited dance classes for just $65 + hst per month!
This offer ends Sept. 30th, 2010!
Beginner Belly Dance
When: Starts on Thursday Sept. 16th 6:00-7:00pm
Intermediate Belly Dance
When: Starts on Thursday Sept. 16th 7:15-8:15pm
Advance Belly Dance
When: Starts on Thursday Sept. 16th 8:30-9:30pm
*Also comming in Sept are beginner classes in:
Burlesque
Tap
Salsa
Contemporary Jazz
Ballet
Swing
Zumba
Yoga
& More!!!!!
Bachelorette Parties & Private Lessons also Available.
Thank You & Happy Dancing!
From your friends at Dance With Alana Studios. 🙂
#613-233-3456
Bellydance with Anna & Safiya
2010 Fall Classes
Starting Wednesday September 15th!
At Capital City Dance (1309 Carling Avenue, Westgate Mall lower level)
Learn to Bellydance: Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Build strength, flexibility and confidence learning movements key to bellydance, through technique exercises, drills and dancing that will inspire you to continue.
Intermediate – Advanced Bellydance:Wednesdays 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Take your bellydancing to the next level with technique, drills, short fun combos and innovative choreography!
Location and pricing info available at www.annabellydance.ca or contact Safiya at safiyadancer@gmail.com
Beginning bellydance starting soon at Fitness Fusion
333 Cumberland (between York and Clarence), Tuesdays 8 – 9 pm, Sept 14 – Nov 7.Learn fun combinations from an American cabaret dancer who’s danced for 15 years. We’ll look at hip and shoulder shimmies, upper body isolations, fun traveling steps and more.
Although this is geared toward beginners, it’s good for more experienced dancers who want to brush up on the basics.
$96 plus tax, discount for Fitness Fusion members.
www.fitnessfusionstudio.com, info@fitnessfusionstudio.com 613-680-7276
To see the main website, click here . Or check the Blog version here
Head on over to your preferred of the above links and check out everything there:
Events, Classes Teacher Directory, Shopping Opportunities, and Healing, Guides and Energy workers, Pampering sections!
Okay folks!
I am back and at it! Already had my first demo night – 2nd one coming up this week and am really looking forward to the challenges of my new classes along with the fun of ramping up my regular ones!
But if mine don’t fit your schedule or style, Ottawa/Gatineau/and up the valley is blessed with loads of classes, so be sure to check the Fall Classes listing online and sign up in advance!!
TEACHERS: thanks to those who sent in their info early – everyone else: feel free to send me yours asap and I’ll get it online!
I am begin “efficient” today and simply sending you to the websites –links at the top of this post. Please check any listings I have about you in particular as well as if you offer services in any of the categories and are not listed, send me your text info and I’ll get it up too!
Have a great week!
Tracey/Halyma
Amy, Felicia and ME!
Amy Okuda, Felica Day and Tracey at FanExpo, originally uploaded by WTL-Ottawa.
… Or why I love September….
So, this is one photo from our August holiday – if you click on it, you can see many more and check out our Algonquin photos as well in my hubby, WTL’s sets.
I am a very lucky person. I have a great husband, I am self-employed doing jobs that i love, and while I still have things to work on [ don’t we all?], I really like where I am in my life and will stop gushing now!
This summer’s holiday adventures included a lot of nooks coming up to join us on our camping trip – and it was so cool. Each person brought a different element of experience, learning, joy and smiles – and maybe a bit of eyeball exercise – as we all took some time to get to know each other a bit better in a new space and time.
So thanks to all of you for joining us and adding such great memories to our trip. While @wtl did not post pics of you all, we do have them in our person collections and will treasure those moments!
the list: Mark, Gail, Ramanda and Justin [ on their own site], Kristina and Gabriel, Susi and Chris, Jocelyne, Gailene, Ginny, Glen, Matt and Warren[ on their own site], Alex, Julie and Richard, Megan and Dan – Hope I did not miss anyone!
Thanks to all who so kindly brought us little tokens – be it drinkies, goodies, snackies etc. – all of your generous contributions/ gifts were most appreciated!
We had a wonderful time on our own as well, as we both really needed that down time to relax, sleep, read, walk, canoe, relax, sleep etc.
Once we got back into Ottawa for a couple of days, we really only had time to sort through things, do some laundry and then pack for Fan Expo. And another great weekend of adventure began with an early morning train ride with @suzemuse and @G_Reg to Toronto! It was fun meeting the other group at the back of the train – those young pups who had some great knowledge and appreciation of the oldies as well as the new stuff in sci-fi, comics etc. Claire, Krystin, James? and pink haired girl with the knitting were all great fun to chat with. and to share my baking with! Recipes later for the vegan oatmeal cookies!
I had a great time meeting so many new people and running into Ottawa folks there – even if it was only for a few minutes in line at the hotel! And next year we’ll bring more Ottawa folk out to have some fun!
While this post is pretty superficial, suffice it to say that I really appreciate and am grateful for the blessings of August – they always get me good and ready to start my own personal new year in September.
Going back to school is a perpetual part of my life – September always brings on the new round of work/classes[ since I teach now]/and begins a fresh start, especially as the weather starts to cool off – not today I know with this heat wave – but soon!
I am really looking forward to what this season will bring as I begin my new bellywood classes, ramp up my regular belly dance classes and then teach some sewing in October! and the Dancer’s bazaar return in October as well, only weeks away so much to do for that as well!
I have lots of prep to do over the next few weeks and tonight’s demo will be my first actual sharing of the bellywood stuff, so I hope those who come out will be kind 😉
An hour from now, I’ll meet with my first appointment of the fall, and I still have info to put online and more promo/ marketing work to do for the many things coming up, so I’ll sign off and wish you all a happy First day of September!
T/H
@wtl, my DH, has often said something along the lines of when we take a break, it’s for resting, not doing. And I think he even broke down the differences in his own personal views of the terms, “holiday” and “vacation” – but I couldn’t find it easily on his blog, so I’ll just ramble on with my own thoughts! He can add his later in the comments 😉
ON my walk this morning – lovely August morning at 17 degrees Celsius with a fair breeze to keep me cool – I was in heaven! – I started to think about the words: holiday and vacation, and wished I could just create a blog post in my mind and send it out from there! Maybe some day….
Holiday: |ˈhäliˌdā|
Vacation: |vāˈkā sh ən; və-|
Pretty similar concepts.
I like the idea that vacation comes from Old French/ Latin – “to be unoccupied”. Considering the time I spend in my brain, does that mean I actually will be vacating that cerebral space while on my break? Probably not, but definitely exiting certain areas and visiting others in there for sure!
And holiday – a day where no work is done. That’s where I am headed as well.
Hmmm… maybe based on the classic definitions, it’s merely whatever word you prefer to use, and then choosing your own definition of the break you are taking.
Well, my break will include much of nothing. And the smatterings of doing will contrast with the extended periods of nothing.
Balance is what I am always seeking, in everything I do, and I think balance in my vacation/holiday will come pretty naturally.
I find an ever present spark of guilt 
gets me up and moving, and moments of self preservation offset it with a demanding whine that lets me stop and relax for at least a while!
There are always preparations on so many levels and when camping is involved, you cannot let yourself slide into relaxation mode before the tents are set up and ready to house you for X days/weeks etc.
If you relax too quickly, and let things slide [ ie. don’t put the tarps up] that’s when the rain will hit and then everyone suffers. But put em up right away and it’s all good!
WTL used to try to interrupt the momentum that carries me through to the end of any given preparation, now he just does his own thing and keeps up, stepping aside when I am in full steam ahead mode so that he does not get run over! As do our friends who have camped with us and are there for either set up or take down 🙂 and of course: 
I am actually writing this to help in keeping the momentum flowing …
We still have things to do to get ready for our trip, including trips to see both of our parental units and errands, and last minute tying up of loose ends! And of course Sunday Brunch before our first real journey begins!
How do you define the breaks you take to recharge, reevaluate, and rejuvenate your spirit/body/mind?
Do you find it more important to go out a do things – try new activities, explore new places, be out and active, when you take a break from your daily life?
Or do you seek peace and quiet, finding somewhere comfortable and relaxing, where you can simply be, with no pressure to be “doing” anything at all?
What began as a journey into defining what’s a holiday and what’s a vacation, evolved into some fun with Google Images – thanks to everyone out there who tags their photos so that silly folk like me can borrow them for their blogs!
Gonna go run some errands now!
T/H
Only a short while from now, it will seem that I have disappeared… for a while at least.
Occasional personal posts may appear, but for most of the month of August I’ll be avoiding anything that feels, looks, smells, or sounds like work.
And I love my work! But I love my play too, so I am looking forward to some:
Oh, yeah, there will be some seriously effortless Hammocktime!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2np1ouK_4w4]
and the return of my inner FanGirl – who came to life last year for the first time!
So, don’t call, don’t email, feel free to post some comments here, search through my recipes, watch some of my mini lesson video clips and remember me fondly while I’m away and generally take some time for me and @wtl to relax.!
I’ll see you in September!
Oh, and if you want to know about my many classes – check the Class info tab!
MWAH – Hugs to you all!
And check the Dancers’ News for other happenings here in the area and beyond coming up – as well as, please post any news you want to share in the comments area way down at the bottom of the page!