I have a moderate case of self-diagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It does not impede my everyday life. (At least, I don't think so.) And I would even submit that it often helps me produce better work. A few days ago I had to let go of it in the interest of putting kids in front … Continue reading Sweating the Small Stuff
Transitions
A Very Good Day
Today began badly. Clarence-the-Canine and I struck out for an early morning run that was supposed to be perfect, crisp, and beautiful. What happened instead is that I continued to ignore the gathering tightness I have sensed in my right calf and Achilles during our last two or three runs, hoping it would work itself … Continue reading A Very Good Day
Held Up By Giants And Fluff
With my apologies to Ms. Bronte. I am getting ready to move to a new place. Again. This explains my long silence in the blogosphere, together with my new job at this interesting small business startup. (I have not left the ballet world, gentle reader; I have taken on additional employment because circumstances demand it.) … Continue reading Held Up By Giants And Fluff
Cage Rattling
This beauty arrived at my cottage early last week and hung out with me a few days, taking flight just before Handsome Chef Boyfriend's happy arrival Thursday. Lately I have felt unsettled, a little jittery, like I've had too much coffee, but all the time. My first academic year on the teaching staff at White … Continue reading Cage Rattling
Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts
Three composers, three teacher-choreographers, a single amazing piano instructor-performer, scores of students and their parents, enrichment from talented guest artists, and tireless volunteers. The culmination of an academic year that saw big transitions, much joy, a few tears, and amazing progress, played out on the stage yesterday. I am still overwhelmed and impressed by the … Continue reading Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts
Achilles Heel
Today Clarence and I walked. Again. I have taken a break from running because the pain from a chronic Achilles injury has been too bad to push, and until today, the weather has not inspired me to run. But we reached a soaring 87 degrees in my part of Vermont today--lots of grumbling from locals … Continue reading Achilles Heel
Exhaustion.
I sat down a little while ago to relax my mind and have some soup made last night from leftovers. The past four days have tested me more than I care to be tested, by the highest authority in the land. The shroud of deception that defined my family life for years, that followed me … Continue reading Exhaustion.
Running With Scissors
This time of year dance schools everywhere roll out the abomination known as the recital. Some of my former ballet school parents back in Knoxville whose children landed at "recital" schools after I left have recently been heard moaning online about the exorbitant cost of sequined costumes, other recital-related expenses, limited stage exposure for their children, … Continue reading Running With Scissors
Rite of Passage
Yesterday I had a heartening message from the mother of a very talented former Knoxville Ballet School student. The subject line was Homework on Pointe, and the jist of the message simply, I don't even know if I can get them off her to sew the ribbons and elastics. This from a ballerina mom not … Continue reading Rite of Passage
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
I started collecting Pyrex in this vintage pattern many years ago when I stumbled across some dirt cheap refrigerator containers at a huge weekend flea market. I recognized it instantly. The year I moved into my first apartment as a young undergrad my mom had given me a bunch of cast-off kitchenware which included a single mixing … Continue reading What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Sycamore Stories 