Wedding Pics....Four years later

I have never really posted pictures of my wedding. We didn't have a professional photographer, we chose at the time to use the money to fly in family. I don't regret it, but I've never really celebrated our pictures either. I have decided that it is time I did celebrate the "kickoff" of some of the most wonderful years of my life!

The Venue

Mom and Dad's backyard, spruced up with the help of good friends.

My little bro is actually having his side pinched by me while we take this "loving" photo. He kept teasing me about helping my husband-to-be find all the escape routes!

Lighting the unity candle, I quite like this picture actually.

It wasn't an expensive wedding but we were very happy. I am starting to think this one needs to be blown up and hung in the house.

Of course, no wedding of mine would have been comlete without belly dancers. My teacher had started a new group of tribal dancers and they performed for us. It was great because it was too hot for dancing otherwise.

Shimmy and Shake

I had an icky day at work. In the interests of being professional I will leave it at that.

The good news is that Belly Dance resumed tonight! I love teaching that class- I always feel good about myself mentally, physically, spiritually when I'am finished. Helping other women see the beauty in their own bodies is very fulfilling. I love "corrupting" them. Generally they come to class covered head to toe in sweats/workout gear. By the end of the year I can see bellies! Its a great thing to be able to love your own body no matter its size and shape. It's the only body we have, and if its functional that is worth celebrating!!!

Here is my "advertising" pic for belly dance. I think it shows that I am comfortable with my curves and very feminine. Some people act as though my art is some kind of strip tease. Farthest thing from it. There is a big difference between sensual and sexual. Middle Eastern dance is by women for women. Rarely have I let a man watch me dance, and only at special functions such as weddings. This is something I do for me, my own personal well being

It feels good to have this part of myself back again! I hope everyone does something healthy for themselves today.

One Hundred Good Wishes Quilt

My first SQWISH from Shannon and Dan
Thanks for getting us off to a great start!


The pieces have started trickling in! Above is a piece from my friend Jeannie. She cut it out of her daughter's favorite outgrown dress. It means so much knowing it is pre-loved!

Simona sent the butterfly fabric, curiously it matches all of her tattoos.

Derek had his wife Simona pick out the fabric but he choose the wish and emailed it from Afghanistan!

A SQWISH from Tanner and Stewie, beloved dogs of Simona and Derek.

Many more to come! This has been so much fun already. If anyone wants to trade SQWISH's just let me know!

TTFN

Time Flies When You Go Back To Work

I love my job. Honestly it was such a relief to go back to work this week. I was able to forget about adoption worries for extended periods of time. It's really hard to worry about that stuff when you are trapped in a room with 20 Grade 4's all day long!

Just for fun, and because I want to get to know people (fellow bloggers) better I am going to post a couple of questions here. I look forward to reading what you have to say! That is if you choose to respond....ooohhhh I'm having flashbacks to my Jr. High birthday party where no one showed up because I had pissed off the popular girl in school. I am an adult, I can handle this. Gosh I hope someone responds! ;)

1. What was the happiest moment of your life?
2. When in life have you felt most alone?
3. How has your life been different than what you’d imagined?


My answers:

1. My happiest moment, probably the day after my wedding. All the fuss was over and I could just enjoy my new journey in life.

2. That Jr. high party comes to mind...

3. I never thought I would get married or be a mom. I had planned on being an independent purple haired old lady in pink high tops cruising the world in the Peace Corps.

Peace!