here's a thinker.....

this post really touched me. as a "newer" dancer compared to alot of those in this tribe, I am glad to have been treated with respect and kindness from all the resident dancers and teachers I have come across. before I venutred out of san antonio, I had no idea what to do, or where to go, so it took me awhile to meet many of you, yet everyone has been very accepting. I know I had stupid questions in the past, and some of you graciously (sp?) answered and helped without rolling your eyes, or treating me like a moron. some ladies have given me words of encouragement during my "darkest times", that without, I probably would have stopped dancing and stayed on the sidelines. witnessing the sisterhood that exists between dancers such as Obi, Nari and other area dancers makes me thankful to be part of it all and I look foward to watching and joining in as many events as I can afford... :)

Yep. I'm a double postin' too, Miss YET! :)

Here's mine:

I am grateful to have had most of my friends for a decade or more, for it is a gift to be truly known by others.

I am grateful for my strengths and talents, because they remind me I am capable as long as I am willing.

I am grateful for my flaws and shortcomings, because they remind me I am human and still have much to learn.

I am grateful that I avoid words such as "never" and "always" because I know absolutes are dangerous and misleading.

I am grateful for my silence most of the time, because what I do is ultimately more important than what I say.

I am grateful that what I say is what I do.

I am thankful that I know the truth needs no defense.

I am grateful for Obsidia for more reasons than I can count or describe. Twelve years is a long time to be someone's best friend. No one has seen me at my best and my worst more than she has, and vice versa. We know each other's strength and fragility and love each other for it. I'm glad for the "Dark Time", as it made me appreciate and value our friendship a thousand times more.

I am grateful for Michael, who has been my soul mate and my saving grace in so many ways. I can't wait to marry him.

I am grateful for Sahira, because without her teaching, friendship, and support, I'd be floundering instead of flourishing.

I am extremely grateful for bellydance and all the joy I have exchanged with other dancers even though we may not dance together all the time or at all anymore. I am grateful for the challenges of dance, the love of the community, and the experiences I have had. I have learned to work hard and have fun, to remember that dance is about the art and not the dancer, and that people in the community will always support you if you let them.

I am grateful that in recent times I have finally discovered that I am where I was supposed to be all along- dancing with Nina and Obsidia (and now a few others too!), learning from Sahira, hosting Vagabond Bellydance, reconnecting with the larger bellydance and dance community, the music community, and preparing to move forward with this wonderful dance.

You know what? Reading what I just wrote here made me grateful all over again. :)

Thank goodness your little one is okay, Todd!
I'm sure your really relieved! :)

Thank you, Nari and Obi.

All I can say is that Mother's Day is this weekend and the little Princess needs to make like Cinderella before the Fairie Godmother came by Sunday, and kiss her mother's backside while she's at it. Or, this Daddy-oger's gonna make like Shrek and drag her off into the swamp!