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September 18 , 2006 :    My friend with the Tattoos and Suburbia

The other day I was shopping for shoes. I was in my usual upper-line area but this store was more geared towards my live-in-too-big-of-houses-and- become-house-proud sistas. Not that they bother me, because they dont. I come from a long line of house people. I am related to those who would build a house on stilts with a private beach and make it totally out of glass and redwood! That sort of house, the beach version is also in my family of houses of great size with Grandmothers who win prizes for inventing a flower or two. I am comfy there, in the house set. I grew up in a large house on ten acres, however my mother was not at all a house-proud, woman. She was a painter, and sometimes a painter with a bad attitude...Read on

August 20 , 2006 :   The University of Arizona in Ponytails.

I was just at the U of A. That is the University of Arizona, NOT to be confused with their complete rivals, Arizona State University in Phoenix! God help you if you wore ANYTHING labeling you from the hated school in Phoenix, ASU, because our little college which is not so little at all enjoys beating them down in absolutely every possible competition. Read on...

July 30, 2006 :    Where did MY military go? Hateful green machines in our military

Remember the “lean, green fighting machines that we were told our military was made of? I do, I remember hearing that somewhere. For anyone who does not remember, this was how the Marines were described to us when we were kids. We were told that they were honorable, there to protect us, and that they put their lives on the line for us. We were told of their “service,” and “sacrifice, for our country. They were “giving their lives to keep our country safe. These guys were supposed to be very good people, Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief and soldiers, God Bless them all, every one of them..Read on

July 22, 2006 :   Who’s stylin’ now?

That is the question. It used to be pretty black and white, literally. When I was a young girl, it was the “it,” blond of the day who was “happenin‘” and the rest of us were supposed to follow suit.What do we do now? The “it blond,” is a joke, the “happenin’’ rapper is a cartoon, and the “most beautiful woman,” has lips like truck tires we don’t want?

The “it blond, “ used to behave. Read on...

July 9, 2006 :    My Beautiful Friend and Myself

I have a friend who is beautiful, inside and out. I very much doubt I would have a friend who was beautiful only on the outside, but I have to say that she is inside to be honest about her. She shines apart in both ways. I like to think I might as well. Perhaps we have this in common? I do know that no one will throw rocks at me and call me ugly if I walk into any room! I had a very smart and kind man call this sort of frame about one’s body, the pleasant frame, a physical handicap, and it is. I was so excited to hear him say this that I would have married him right then and there! Read on

June 15 , 2006 :  When students grow up, life is sweet

My students are growing up, in fact, most of them are adults now. The youngest student I had is now 18, and this is, for me, a landmark in my life! I am thrilled, amazed and horrified in turn!

I am seeing, speaking and re-connecting to my former dance students and I see that they were who they would be, then. I love to hear them, to talk to them and to see their “grown up,” photos. Read on

May 26, 2006 :   "Stars and Me," and the star in me.

When I was shopping for clothes with Sharon Stone, it hit the rumor mill like Angelina Jolie decided to have her NEXT child with George Clooney! For Gods sake I was JUST shopping and so was she! We were in an upper line boutique, just the two of us, so gawkers did not bother us. NO ONE was there, save the owner, working with Sharon, and a salesclerk, whom I knew, who had her own drama going on. ** (see below)

We tried clothing on, this and that. Read on

May 25, 2006 :  What happened to me and the explanation of my health issue(s)

I am often asked how my health is, or what happened to both, or me. I doubt anyone but a couple very close friends and me know the complete story, because it is such a long and complicated one.

I am so very grateful to those who care about my health, and the trauma of what happened to me changed me forever, even towards those who would be my friends. I should say, I am changed regarding those who were my friends, those who would be friends and those who are friends. I have also changed completely in whom I love and who loves me. Lastly, I have changed my entire view of the world, and myself. I am still learning. Here, I attempt to explain the journey many saw me take, not knowing what was happening, and some quite expecting me to die. Read on

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May 18, 2006 :   My skirt, her skirt, and your skirt : Hem lengths, and the rules

What are the rules? What length should my hem length be?

What should I wear? What CAN I wear according to societies mores? What is the matter with any length?An example hit me SMACK in the face at the University of Arizona, Dunkin Donuts and Urban Outfitters, it was an outrage.

I popped into a clothing store drinking my Dunkin Donuts coffee. It had a sale, and that does not bring me in, but it was a boutique, there were clothes and that is a large part of me and what I do, so, in I go… I was wearing a skirt, at "my length," the one that suits my thin dancer's legs, and me which is above the knee by a few inches. I think of it as "long enough to be a "Mom," which I am, and short enough to show my legs at their best, too long makes me disappear and too short, well, makes me compete with children! Read on

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May 9, 2006 :   A Shot in the Dark: Café au lait, Smack, War Games with a side of Free Wi-Fi.

The article below is collaboration between my husband, Philip and myself. I thank him for his expertise in warfare and the recognition of idiots in great haste.

I’m a coffee shop girl. This behavior started when I was about 14, sneaking out to clubs to dance, and then needing coffee to stay awake. I go to all sort of shops, and I have my favorites in many cities! I adore La Madeline’ in New Orleans and pray it is still there, at least one of them, it was my "peace zone," for the four years I lived there. Here, I have my favorites, depending on how I feel what I’m wearing, (of course,) and how far I want to go! Read on

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April 23, 2006 :    The skanky, crack wh*re bitches and my new friends

Yesterday I met some high school children as I was having my coffee. They were a table of 5; two boys and 3 girls, all dressed in some sort of "statement," style. The boys, in Arizona, with weather in the low 80’s at this time, where wearing hooded sweat shirts and the hoods were over their heads while they pushed down deeply into their pockets to make the hood as tight as they could. It was a look I suppose. Read on...

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April 14, 2006 :    Too Smart, Too Cool, Too Rich, Too Beautiful for the Room

I have a friend who is what we in entertainment call, "too smart for the room." By this I mean she is too smart for the "room" of associates she now inhabits. This room, her room, is a university class. My friend, pursuing a Master’s, is smarter than one of her professors. What is the answer to this problem according to the professor? To punish her. This is not unusual. I know another woman, a young woman, whose education was halted due to this exact problem. Too smart, is a problem, too cool, too whatever, is not tolerated in our society well at all. We are all "created equal," well, what exactly does that mean to you? Read on...

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April 7, 2006 :    I’m not into that whole fashion and style thing, what a waste of money!"

"I’m not into that whole fashion thing, those chicks are insecure, high maintenance, and egotistical."

How many times have I heard this? Over and over. Let me share with you those whom I have heard say this and why I feel they are liars.

I just read a wench’s fashion column raving over the "anorexic model," who was "whoring," by doing an ad for a company. She decided these facts based upon the following: The woman was thin, she was the model used for the ad and she was wearing high heeled boots, that the writer said, "Put women back many years in our liberation," and she even projected that the model would surely have "an anorexic daughter," in the future who would be looking at the ad. Read on...

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March 28, 2006:    LILLY WHITE - MID-LIFE CRISIS

I am watching a Lilly white midlife crisis, as white as refined sugar and as sickly sweet. This middle class man’s pure and sickening mid-life crisis is nauseating as can be. I feel he is a warning, a perfect fit for a "just say no," campaign to avoid appearing hopeless and stupid. He couldn’t be more obvious, unimaginative, simple, or American with his crisis. He is a Viagra ad, and I am forced to endure his performance. I must watch his actions, reactions and behavior from a front row seat, with lights too bright and as loud as if I was near the speakers meant for the whole house. This is in my face, this crisis, and it is not pretty, it is pretty ugly and I think, as ugly as a midlife crisis can get. Then again, I’ve not studied them closely, that is, until now.

This man is my neighbor. If I could ignore him, someone would point out his next move to me anyway. If I managed to stare straight ahead and enter my loft, I would still hear his crisis, and I think that is the plan, he needs to be noticed. He is noticed, and studied by others while they feel the sick stomach that goes along with this sweet time in this man’s life. Read on...

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March 20, 2006:    OUR VETERANS -- AN ARTIST'S VIEW

To others, those not artists, the view of our military veterans could differ completely from mine, however, I have spoken to many who work with veterans. Many agree with my feelings and many that are actual veterans agree with me as well. I am no expert, but I have qualifications while writing my feelings here: I am married to a retired, career military man. This said, one may think I am a "military wife," but that is not so. My husband retired a scarce three years after we married, although we have known each other since childhood.

Today, I am at a Veteran's hospital with my husband who needs some tests. I accompanied him at his request; it seems that treatment in these institutions can be offensive, uncomfortable, and even scary. I am here with my husband, a tall man, 6'4", in good shape weighing 188.7 lbs., as I just saw on the scale, but with a questionable heart. We are out of place. Read on...

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I hear it everyday, or almost daily, outside my home, in a store, while having coffee, everywhere and anywhere. I hear women saying they are too fat, fat, or even, one of the worse statements: "so fat, I hate my self."I don't understand and this is why: I never notice their weight, honestly, I don't until I hear them say, "I'm so fat!" Please don't tell me you are fat. I don't notice, and I'll bet there are many like myself who don't. By this time you may want to slap me silly, but why? I didn't know you were "fat," despite the fact that you may have called me "skinny," which is an insulting word, by the way, "thin," is kind, "skinny," hurts my feelings. Just so everyone knows, most psychologists will back me on this: Calling anyone skinny is hurtful and an insult. Read on...

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March 11, 2006:    WHEN DOES AN ACTOR STOP ACTING?

Have you ever talked to an actor? I refer to an actor with some experience. The sort of person whose face is a façade. I have seen those who act and direct show snobbery, spin on a dime and convince you they are your best friend. I don't believe them, of course, but many might. It is a wonder, isn't it? An actor does not stop acting anymore than a lawyer stops "lawyering." Actors, like some lawyers, lie for a living. I often imagine lying for a living. I often puzzle over actors, wondering, "Where is your real life?" or "Do you have a real life?" HOW does this work in REAL life for you? Does it work at all? Read on...

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March 09, 2006:    WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? ( A young woman dresses for an outing with friends.)

I had to say it, standing, as I was, behind a young woman of about 21, give or take, "What was she thinking?" I said this to my companion as an honest question, and I was disturbed.

Let me explain: There she was, the young girl and her young friend, dressed pretty much alike, T's, studded belts, jeans, (low cut,) and hair that was so processed it looked like wheat.

Mind you, I never am really outraged by what I see other's wearing, I have a high threshold for "ugly." Read on...

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February 27, 2006:    Cocky vs. Funky

Today I met and worked with some "advanced dancers." This means that these dancers are, using one as an example, trying out for things like the Alvin Alley Dance Company. I need to "put some stuff on them," and check then out, but they were checkin' me out too, trust me.

First, I get cocky, meaning they are cocky. I expect this. Until my name climbs again, which it just did, I may have to take on some young people and show them things. This was what I did today. I auditioned the top of the dancers in one area and they, in a way, are auditioning me. Read on...

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February 20, 2006:    Oh Yes! I can help you! I can educate you!

Today I went into a boutique to chose between some shirts that cost about 300 dollars each on the average. Even T-shirts, hand sewn, cost that much. Things like the clothing line, "Da Nang," yes, that was "Da Nang," for “googlers!

A sales person who was of Mexican heritage met me. I could tell this as easily as any person raised as I was in Arizona and California. The accent is a big give away as well! She DID have three hair colors, but by and large, a sweet young girl, trying to make it through a Jr. College.

I tried it all on. Everything in the house! Read on...

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I’ve decided there is a pattern of what only a lover could love. Below is a partial list. If you find some of yourself on this list and you are indeed feeling loved by your partner, rejoice! Be thrilled at your good fortune for having chosen a lover-for-life, one that heard those vows! Boomers, and young people, read below and ask yourselves these things, sooner rather than later. I know there is love enough to go around. It is our right and our need to have it, and to give it. Do you love your lover enough?

Here is what I see as what constitutes what only a real lover could love: Read on...

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February 12 , 2006:    The "F-You" Sales Technique

Have you ever seen it? I have, I did today and I saw it work! It started with Barneys New York, and some boutiques, department stores and even high-end grocery stores are now using it. It is coming to your neighborhood soon! Be ready, resist, prepare and go out and squash it immediately. Just say "NO."

This is how it works: Sales people are taught to snub you. That's right, snub you. They are taught to make you feel as if you can not afford to shop there, you cannot afford to buy what you are looking at, and to make y0u feel you are damned lucky to be even IN their freakin' store! They look down at you. They condescend to you. Read on...

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February 10, 2006:    Damned Viagra Head!

I went today with my husband to the Veteran's Hospital. It was time to check out that heart problem a bit further. I was NOT going into the room where they "nuke" my husband, bring his heart up to racing speed and watch it like a movie, so I went to wait. I went to a "smoking area," a little gazebo with benches that seemed nice. There were two men there, obviously patients and one had a walker, was a bit bald, wore his pants too high, (you all know that look?) and looked as if he shined his about 64 year old head. The other gentleman was a black man, a bit younger and we both nodded to each other, this black man and myself because we both had identifying clothing on that said we worked with music. One knows one’s tribe. Read on...

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January 25 , 2006:    Your Favorite Jeans

"Oh Very Young," – Cat Stevens, "House of the Rising Sun," Eric Burden, etc… All mention jeans. We love our jeans and we have, I suspect, since Levi Straus invented the jeans for American that we wore/wear, to live out our real lives in. And then came "designer jeans," first hitting the market hard when Calvin Klein found Brooke Sheilds and had her say, "Nothing comes between me and my Calvins." That was it, everyone had to have those jeans and the race was on. Remember when jeans for woman were worn with a belt all the way to our waists? Agh! Those hurt me! I didn't find those comfy at all. I went right back to my men's 501's which I bought in highschool, in the only color they made, dark blue, and wore them OUT, as fast as I could. Read on...

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January 17, 2006:    Fireheads, Red hair from hell.

I was at the University of Arizona recently and I noticed a new trend. They who are students are not so good with trends here in the desert, but they try, bless their hearts!

I saw fire red hair. Yes, I have seen many hair colors, as have we all. We’ve seen the Green hair, the green stripes, the white stripes, (which are extensions, by the way,) to get our hair white as in snow white, we have to coat it with a aint-like substance or add hair extensions that are white, again no one is THAT blond. And so, these young boys and girls have FIRE red hair. Read on...

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January 9, 2006:    Surrounded by Studs

Yes, Studs. Not the kind of studs that one thinks of when hearing the word in relation to people who are studs, but people who are covered in studs.

I was shopping the other day and I saw studs on everyone over thirty within my field of vision! Why studs? I asked one or two younger women in these shops that know and they had no answer. The younger woman, as well as myself also wore no studs.

Studs are covering my older baby boomer sisters on their purses, their T-shirts, (a horrid piece of clothing for a boomer,) and anywhere else they can put them. There are studs on their asses. Studs on cell phone cases and studs on belts. Belts that are big and re-released from the eighties when they were bad the first time, are covered with studs. Read on...

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