"My son, when you were born, you brought me happiness,
as you grew, you made me laugh and brought me joy,
now you are a man, and you make me proud!"
~ Catherine Pulsifer ~

I'd like to start off with a big "Happy Birthday" to my youngest son. Today is Brandon's 24th birthday. Hard to believe that almost a quarter century has passed since I brought him into this world. I am so proud of the man he grew up to be. I love you BooBooLa! *kiss*

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I think winter is here. It's been snowing for two days. The snow isn't falling heavily, and accumulation is only about an inch, but the fact that it's been going on for two straight days is worrisome. Last year the first sticking snow of winter didn't come until October 23rd. This is a couple of weeks too early, if you ask most of us interior residents! I'm hoping the sun will come out, melt off the snow that has fallen, and we'll have a couple more weeks before we move into this next (long) season. Only time will tell. The photo at left was taken at Pioneer Park late yesterday afternoon.

Last night, my friend Carmen and I attended "Navel Academy" - a dance presentation of Middle Eastern dancers from all over the state. Also, Saqra - a dancer from WA was in Fairbanks giving workshops, and she also danced for us. It was standing room only, and my seat wasn't in the best place to get photos, but I did manage to take some that I like. The photo at left is of some of the dancers before the show got started.

I love to watch the dancers! They have such enthusiasm, grace, and self-confidence. I hope that by May (the end of my lessons), I also exude some degree of grace. Right now I just don't feel it. I do enjoy the classes though, and it's good exercise.

I used the Dance Program to cross-reference the names of the dancers in my photos. (Souzana: If you're reading this and see any errors in identification, could you please correct me? Thanks!)

	Tundra Caravan - Fairbanks Alaska Originally formed in 2001, Tundra Caravan is now a non-profit organization that was established to further the understanding and enjoyment of Middle Eastern dance, music and culture. In 2006, members of the troupe extended their hands to the dance community, forming a student troupe where developing dancers can explore the art form and perform for audiences.
Cicchia Bella - Anchorage Pronounced Chee-Chuh Bell-uh. Theatrical American Belly Dance style. They danced to a karaoke version of "Thriller", which was so entertaining!		Rabiah Banu - Fairbanks - "Basket Dance" Rabiah Banu has been a dancer for 26 years and a teacher for 17. She plays the doumbek, directs Noor Shimaal (an improvisational dance troupe), and teaches privately at her home studio.
Saqra - A powerful dance artist and a master instructor. Internationally in demand - and with 30 years in this dance form - award winning Saqra is still having an amazingly good time doing what she adores. Here, she dances with swords.		Melissa - Anchorage Alaska
			The photos in this row are all Tundra Caravan. In the first photo, Souzana is closest to the camera.
Nailah - Anchorage	Souzana	Souzana	Souzana
			Mirage - Anchorage Formed in February 2007 (all photos in this row)
		Photos above and to the left are of Saqra.   Photo to the right is Chandani

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Press the small play button to view on this page.

First Winter Snow - Fairbanks, Alaska I assembled this collection of photos and short video clips of the snow, my furkids, and the chickadees into a movie Enjoy!. Music: Michele McLaughlin: http://www.michelemclaughlin.com/ I found Michele's music on a music download site, and I felt it fit the mood of our first snow perfectly. She is quite a talented composer and musician. The link above will take you to her site, where you can hear more of her music and purchase a CD. So, do you think winter is here for good? We shall see!