Category Archives: Personal time
Sometimes it's like someone hung the moon in the sky
Taken by me , July 9,2014 at Bordeleau park in Ottawa. 
Happy Canada Day!
So… there's a link…. Thank you to my friends who have to hear me say that…
<sigh>
Here’s the thing.
I like information. I like finding it without having to ask for it.
I like searching for it and having it pop up on my computer screen, so that even if I have a small question for something I cannot seem to find answered in my digital search, I already am armed with most of what I need to know.
So… do unto others, right?
I set up online sources of information for my students, my dance colleagues that I work with, people who may be interested in hiring me for either dance functions or sewing related projects. And while I may not get it updated immediately when something new comes into the knowledge base, I do try.
So… once all of this information is set up, I then provide links to it as best I can for anyone who may need that information.
And then I am surrounded by the most amazing human beings who keep bringing me back into this touchy- feely world of “call and response.”
They ask me questions in person …<HUH?!?>, and they tolerate my response of a dramatic head shaking, followed by, “There’s this link…”
And they are still my friends, and they still talk to me, even though I constantly try to get them to join me in my information revolution!
So, thanks, ladies for trying to connect with my human, imperfect, and ever so whack side!
I got tagged in a couple of places regarding a blog post…
So… What a conundrum. The blog post in question is entitled, “why I hate white belly dancers”. Notably it has a stock photo in it as opposed to an original shot.
I am one of those dancers who has studied for over 15 years, do my best to respect the dance’s origins by learning and relating the information I glean.
I find myself correcting people who equate the dance form with less family friendly forms of dance.
I try to make sure the non Arabic people who organize multi-cultural events I perform at clearly understand that “Bellydance” Baladi, Raks Sharky etc is not from India, but from Arabian countries.
Yes, I also have a stage name, and it helps me connect with my dancing in a professional capacity.
And I can see her points. But I live in a multicultural area that is continuing to become more multicultural all the time.
I just performed at an international women’s day event where I was joined on the dance floor by Muslim women, French Canadian women, Asian women, Aboriginal women and more. I was greeted with smiles and questions about my background and the type of dance I would be doing ( I chose to wear an Egyptian Baladi dress and danced with my zills and a tiny bit of veil work).
The Lebanese woman who joined me with grace and style, she was not offended by my being non Arabic. The Sudanese dancers who performed before me, stuck around and joined me as well, with glowing compliments.
So should I feel guilt and shame for the years I have spent learning, perfecting and sharing a dance form that I was not born into?
I don’t think I will take that on.
I do understand that there are a LOT of dancers out there who do just toss on a bra and hip belt and shake their thing.
And if the writer was targeting those dancers who are not taking at least some time to understand the basics, and are just going on their cuteness and sex appeal, well ok then.
Appropriation of other cultures is a serious matter. Disrespecting others is a serious matter. Ignorance is not an excuse.
The world is getting smaller every day. Learning another’s language is not wrong. Learning about other peoples cultures is not wrong.
Finding a balance is a constant journey, and there will always be juggling and shifting as we learn to enjoy our cultural differences with respect and joy.
But I have no interest in studying irish dance, which my cultural background should make me feel obliged to stick with, if I follow the writer’s advice.
So thanks Natasha for tagging me and making me think for a few minutes.
I am going to go back to my dog, my sewing, my family visiting, and generally being the best creative force I can be.
Butternut squash soup
Since I had some dental work a couple of days ago, I have been on “soft food”.
Fortunately my love of alternative recipes has been a great help as I have made myself things like avocado and cocoa pudding ; mashed banana and peanut butter pudding ; the usual smoothies, and an odd concoction of canned mushroom soup, mashed potatoes and cottage cheese…
Today is butternut squash soup day.
And I like things simple when possible- so here goes:
1 butternut squash- peel it and chop into cubes
1 sweet potato- same idea
1 large carrot – can you guess what to do with it?
Toss all those cubes into a soup pot and add water to just cover them.
Start your engines and boil til tender.
Add spices you like, mine are:
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg( I only had that left)
Salt
Once the veggies are tender, purée it and add about 1/4-1/3 cup coconut milk.
Nomnom.
Makes 2 bowls for now and a 1 litre jar for later:
Sweet 16 and counting…
1998. The year of The Ice Storm in Ottawa. The year I began teaching beginner Bellydance classes. The year I married my best friend.
16 years ago tonight, I was spending the night here in this apartment- we had not moved in yet, but had been living next door, so that was where Tom was staying.
I had my Maid of Honour, Sherrie, keeping me company and we had spent the evening making our 2 bouquets and boutonnieres and corsages for the rest of the crew.
My hair was tied up in rags- yes, strips of fabric to create pretty curls for the next morning.
My 2 piece dress, made by me from pieces of gift fabrics in silk and velvet was ready to go. My cape, made during my years in design school, was also ready, along with a velvet muff.
Sherrie also wore velvet, a dress that doubled as her Delenn costume for The Halloween we attended as characters from Babylon 5.
So here it is , 16 years later, and I am equally looking forward to taking tomorrow to celebrate being with my best friend.
Gnite!
Hoping to snare some tradition tomorrow in the form of Black Forest cake! Might make due with cupcakes!!
I’ve already got a hidden stash of cinnamon hearts with which I can surprise hubby!
Some days , you just need a Sprocket photo
Some days, you need a few.
Gratitude
Every morning I try to get a walk in before I start my day. I am grateful to live near views like this:
Today in particular.
An example of the kind of day that keeps me going:
1- first appointment = chill bride happy with the progress and plans are ready for finishing and pick up after the bazaar.
2- 2nd appointment at Luxe – a bit rushed but I was able to meet a lovely new potential staff member and connect her with local quilting info. Oh and the dress barely needed any work!
3- fabulous dance mini workshop with Eurika as Bollywood For Fun! Sunshine. Park space and a great group of kids to show how to do some fun moves!! And we got pumpkins on top of our fees!!
4- the Sprocketmonster: out in our nearby park, sunshine, friendly folk, happy dogs.
and now I’ll be a heading off to hang with new folks, trying a new experience or at least semi new – with my fake rosary, purple and black robe ready to go. And a cheese platter.
Happy Thanksgiving All!
UPDATE:
Anyone wondering why I did not include @wtl in this Gratitude post should note that I try to tell impersonally every day how much I appreciate him. Just so you don’t think I take him for granted!
A day at the spa…or how easy it is to get to Le Nordik.
For a few years now, I kept being told how amazing Le Nordik is and how easy it is to get there, blah,blah,blah.
As my own life’s stresses increased, with work being more and more intense, changes occurring in small but accumulative ways within my dance world, and the need to extend my holidays as much as possible, I finally decided to give it a try.
I, of course, have a process for approaching new experiences that involves advance research online to determine the best choices for ROI ( I checked their website extensively, figuring out what I could afford that I would likely find the most enjoyable) and travel logistics (both checking out their online information along with google maps).
After much internal debate and planning, I chose to combine a treatment ( basic 60 minute massage) with use of the ” baths”. This allowed me a slight discounted price on both, and the chance to both spend some quiet time and get some physical pampering. The online appointment booking though does not clearly show you the combined option, so I booked the massage – which was easy – and decided they probably just allow you to add on your time in the general area when you get there and pay. They do, of course, need a credit card to book your treatment.
So, after I had my lovely time there, I had decided to share the important parts of my adventures for any other souls who also like a LOT of simple details before embarking on something new.
Getting there…
I live near King Edward, so, yes, super easy:
Turn onto King Edward headed towards Quebec.
Stay on the Quebec highway until exit 12 ( which is about 12 km from me).
There are lovely signs on the highway clearly saying ” Le Nordik” *yay*
Exit the highway and turn left at the stop sign.
Drive past the grocery store, cycling store and be prepared to turn right onto a dirt road ( called Chemin Le Nordik) directly across from Doozy Candles.
Drive up the dirt road and turn right again into the confusing and winding parking areas. There are a few, and if you can figure out the roads the first time, you are a good driver. Otherwise, take your time and it will all work out :-).
Once you are parked….
See the photo of the entrance?
You have a lovely uphill walk through random stone steps and flat landings. So if you have any issues walking, are injured, older etc. make note of the side benches where you can stop and rest. Or try the meandering path way that cuts horizontally like a labyrinth, slowly bringing you to your destination – the wooden stairs and entrance to the queuing area.
Yes. There is a queuing area, complete with ribbon divider to channel the eagerly awaiting patrons in an orderly manner into the reception area. I was lucky and arrived when there was no line up, but when I left I had to ask folks to let me by, as the way out seems to be the same as the way in ( I may have missed something there, but safely made my way out, so…).
Once you get to a service rep, he/she will take your name and credit card and set you up with a rubber coated bracelet (if you are using the baths) that gives you access to your own locker in the changing room.
Note: the little lights on the locker are about 2 cm above where you want to tap the bracelet part to unlock it. If you try to tap the lights, it probably won’t work, slide down just a smidge!
On the website, they clearly let you know in advance about needing a water bottle, bath robe, bathing suit, and slippers/ sandals. You can rent some of this there, but its pretty easy to pack a small tote bag.
Do you need all this?
Water bottle? Yes, the process makes you sweat, and they have water fountains available to fill your bottle. You cannot bring drinks from the restaurant into certain areas, so have the bottle just to make sure you drink enough.
Bathrobe? I found I did not use mine. It was a hot, sunny day, and my bathing suit is very modest, so I felt comfortable wandering from pool to chair to sauna with just a towel*. I believe you may want it if you are going to the restaurant. I did not go there, but most folks seated inside seemed to have their robes on.
Bathing suit? – of course- this is not a clothing optional place.
Sandals? Yes, make them slip on type- you have to remove them to go into the saunas and pools, but want something to walk around the cobblestones, sandy area, inside areas.
* towels- they give you 2. I left one in the locker for my post adventure wipe down – there are showers if you like to get all of the sunscreen, pool water, sweat off before getting dressed again.
What else do you need to know?
~The staff is very helpful in both languages.
~Be quiet…Seriously- a staff member will come and remind you if you are talking too loudly. ( I slipped away in the pool, so he didn’t catch me )
~Don’t worry about walking into a space and walking right out again. I found a couple of the saunas were not comfortable – too hot, too strong scent, too many people… It’s supposed to be about de stressing, so find a space you are comfy in – there are quite a few options.
~You also have to remove glasses along with shoes in some of the saunas, but it is indicated on the door before you go in.
Since I knew I would have a couple of hours before my massage*, I also brought a book, and they kindly gave me a plastic bag to put it in when I went into the humid places. You could do the same with an MP3 player I guess, I just chose an old fashioned book for simplicity.
* do it in the other order – massage first then the baths if you can. My appointment for the massage was towards late afternoon, so it just worked out better for me to do the baths earlier and end on the massage. But I would do it in the reverse if I chose to combine things again.
Will I go again?
Maybe. Probably alone, as I found it most logical for me to reduce my chances of talking by not knowing anyone there.
It is beautiful, but certainly busy, so it’s hit or miss regarding how crowded it might feel. I was there on a weekday and it still felt like a lot of folks were taking advantage.
Hope this helps!