New Year's Eve Zumba!

Had to post our  party pics from New Year's Eve. I just love my sister's new building. Hart Hall is the best: a giant hall with a cathedral ceiling to run and dance to our hearts desires. Theresa just purchased the historical stone building from the Anglican Church on Nelson--so there are many repairs and renovations to do--under the tile (in the below pics) is oak hardwood. The main floor of Hart Hall will be used for her Vet clinic--Theresa is a vet. My sis' partner Joop was at the party too but unfortunately when I had the camera out, he was back at the house finding us a sound system.

We Kelownians are all home now, back in Kelowna. The winter has not existed for us. We had an early November snow when I shot the tobogganing pictures Have Dog. Will Toboggan and then it melted and that was it! It has been snowless and mild ever since. I like it but I know it is not a good thing. We need major snow packs in the mountains to avoid a summer of fierce forest fires again.

I am dancing all month--teaching daily, sometimes 5 classes a day! I love it though. I can't help myself, I was born to dance--I am always so happy dancing. It is the one thing that makes me feel like I am the centre of the universe and invisible at the same time--bliss. Enjoying teaching at the elementary school. The kids are so much fun. Though, there is always the one seemingly removed kid in every class (usually a boy--with a vacant look in his eyes that shuffles around, not  really involved). But that is the way it goes in a classroom. Perhaps as the month continues, the music and dance will reach those kids in some way.

Arriving at Hart Hall just before midnight.

The littlest dancers arrive in their PJ's

Theresa pours the Champagne in prep for the New Year's toast. Paul and Kim eagerly await the toasts :)

The girls discovered some religious cloaks left from when the Anglican Church owned Hart Hall

The dance begins!

Tabs, Paul (in festive hat)  and Nem

My New Year's Eve Zumba class. The best one ever! We were all stuffed with appetizers and Champagne but boy could we move ;D  Peter did a break-dancing solo.

Tabs and Nem getting into more mischief!

Mistaya looking quite funky in the religious robe.

Tabs busting a move with a tired little Pip. 

Me, refueling after the dancing--no more Champagne for me!

HELP!

Pippi in September.

Help! It snowed last night. I am not a snow girl :( Yes, the girls are all thrilled. Especially Mist as it snowed on her birthday evening. My little first born darling turned 14 yesterday! XOXO to my Mist.
I thnk I am suited for equator living or perhaps New Mexico. Theresa just returned from a trip there and I
think it is a fine place for an artist like me: sunshine all year long:)

I am still ill!!!!Bah humbug! I so wish it were true, what people say, that one is down for a week with a bug. It is not. This is day 9 for me. My sinuses hurt so, my teeth ache. I have not worked out all week.
Cry, cry cry....

Mist is having a sleep over birthday party next weekend. I will be well for that! Had an amazing dream last night that I was at a painting workshop and I painted a huge canvas of a horse and of all things a quilt, bed and bedside table. But, as strange as the subject matter sounds, the painting was amazing! I surprised myself and decided I was a painting genius after all :) Yes, 'twas just a dream but I am in agreement with the whole thing!

Have decided to be most realistic about my life. Accept all of my obstacles so I can be proactive and plan for them so they don't thwart my attempts. #one for me is the isolation of being an artist/writer. I am a social animal and I love getting out each day and socializing--meeting new people is my favourite thing. I always believe the most fascinating, fun person is waiting just around the corner. Thus, my choice of career in this lifetime defies this. however, I believe it could be different. We could live in a world were artists are celebrated (like in the renaissance) and they work in studios side by side with secretaries, agents, galleries all under one roof--like law offices , etc. We could, but we don't.
Thus, I must create my own community. I am going to get a P/T teaching job once a week or so (at a Uni, gallery or college) and attend workshops internationally at least 2x a year. Plus, I will get out of the studio each day by taking early morning classes in yoga , etc. And, I can do my writing in coffee shops--which I like to do. These are a few ideas. If people have some more, let me know.

My thesis will be done by the end of December so I am ready to start my career work in January. I am excited about this as all it takes is 2 1/2 years of Uni to make one long for the freedom of working for $!