Tribal Dreams '09

"That Bwessed event.  That dweam within a dweam." (Princess Bride)

That's what comes to mind when thinking back on the Tribal Dreams workshop of 2009. 
       (put on by the Benu Tribal Dance Troupe in Lincoln, Nebraska)   

Like the movie, it is a weekend of whacky and fun people, with the seriousness of professional dancers.  The creativity and sheer muscle it takes to hold up the pounds of costume is awe inspiring.  Not to mention being able to dance in it all. 

And then the ADOS kicks in, Attention Deficit Oooh Shiny! (sparkly, sale, etc.).  The vendors had such a variety that it was a constant struggle to just to stay near my budget...Oops, I mean under budget.  Riiight!
    I should thank Red Camel and Belliphat for helping me out there, plus the loads of other vendors just eager to help me budget wisely.  ~grin~

I found some great new costume ideas this year, and can't wait to get started.  Unfortunately, I was knocked down by a cold the day after getting home, so I'm a just now getting back up.

The classes were packed full of information; which I am trying to keep organized.  The classes were such fun that you learned without thinking.  The best way to learn!
     My shimmy's are much easier and better looking since Taking John Compton's class.  I learned some great bollywood moves from Samantha Riggs, and Princess Farhana is a sexy slave driver with a great laugh.  Joe Williams is always such fun, and gives a new meaning to Mind, Spirit, and Body....watch those wiggling fingers!

Unfortunately, someone (me) forgot to put her memory card back in her camera, so I don't have any pictures from the event.  I will have to go sneak a look at the other dancer's sites.

If you're ever looking for something to do in November, go to Tribal Dreams.  The fun and craziness never end!

Why A Thistle?

I am so excited to start my new blog I have forgotten what to write!  So, I will start with the name.

Now a thistle is not normally a plant that inspires or what one would think to give as a gift.  It's prickly and you cannot get rid of it.  Well, now that is perfect for me!

It came about when my Grandfather started researching our family.  I know I was Scottish and Scandinavian, which is a common combination.  As I helped him, I became more and more fascinated with the stories and the Scots life.  When it came time to name my business, I kept coming back to my family.  The options though, were limited.  Our cartouche has a thistle with a bee sitting on top, so I started with Thistle and Bee.  The first question I would hear is:  "When is the pub crawl?"

On to the next, which was the family shield.  That was also limited, as we have boars' heads and little else.  Now what kind of slogan could you come up with for a Boar?  Wait, that was rhetorical.

I came back to the thistle, and I began to see how strong and hardy it was, you pull 'em and pull 'em but they keep coming back!  Though it's called a weed, its' blooms were quite lovely.  The old adage is true, Take a second look, for a few thorns may hide the beauty within (watch out Aesop!).  The discussion on what is truly a weed is for another post.

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