Journal Quilts

Tuesday night was the first class on Journal Quilts. These small quilts have taken the quilt world by storm. The size of a piece of paper, they are a journal of ideas, found objects, places, events and more. Susan explained where journal quilts came from, we viewed a few samples of hers as well as magazines. By the end of her explanation, I was so excited I could hardly sit still (so what else is new). We were asked if we had any ideas. Well, duh—shoes! Or tango. Or tango and shoes.

By this time, the other woman in the class was a bit overwhelmed and had no ideas. Susan had an envelope with words printed on a card. We were each asked to pick three words without looking, and we could then use these as a springboard for the first quilt. I drew first, putting the cards upside down on the table as I took them out of the envelope. While the other lady drew her cards, I turned mine over. And howled with laughter. There in front of me were the words horse, triangle and SHOE. Well, of course!

I walked over to my bag, took out a shoe and placed it on the table. Susan and Pat looked at me in shock. What, doesn't everyone carry and extra set of stilettos in their bag? We chose fabric (red velvet) and embellishments. These are art quilts, so our imagination dictates the direction we go. I drew stylized shoes on a piece of paper, cut and fused. And had to leave! That was it, time’s up. I left with four small pieces of red pinned to a background, a bag of fiddley bits and a head full of ideas.

At tango later, I was talking to Carolyn about the class. I told her about the shoes and how I wanted to use tango images to start from.

“Oh, I can just see a shoulder, with a lace collar.” She said.

Ooh, yes—I have the perfect lace collar from a baby dress salvaged years ago and stuck in a drawer. By this time I’m bouncing some more. Small images of sections of dancers—a shoe, a shoulder, a face, hands—aligned on a wall to form the illusion of dancers. I can see it already!

Unbalanced life?

We all go through phases in our lives and I am trying to figure out the next phase of my life. My divorce devistated me, but since my trip, this is the best I have felt in years. As a result, I’ve started to wonder if I spend too much time at tango. The lack of dance was grating on me even though this is something I love to do. Because I wasn’t dancing, I forgot what drew me to the dance in the first place: the sense of connection; the beauty of the music; the conversations with friends.

Recently I had a conversation regarding balance in our lives. Her comment was that too much tango makes for an unbalanced life. I can’t help but question that. Yes, I dance three or four nights a week, but I also quilt, read, write, spend time with my family and more. Let’s not forget shoe shopping. That is a whole life in and of itself! How do we determine balance, and how can one person judge what works as balance for another person? I’ll often sew for three hours when I come home from work, and getting together with friends and sharing a dance or two is a wonderful way to finish off an evening.

Tango is what I choose to do (among other things). As long as I don’t forget that dancing goes in cycles. Sometimes the time on the floor is plentiful, sometimes the time watching is plentiful. But behind it all is the music, the friendships. These are the things that bring most of us together night after night. And hey, I’m not the only one there most evenings. Does this mean we all lead unbalanced lives?

Blue, Blue Quilting

I love winter sales. The mall right now is full of sidewalk sales (not that they have a sidewalk), and Fabricland was no exception. On my recent trip to Satin Moon, I stood looking at all their blue fabrics wondering if I should get some for the quilt I was buying batting for. At close to $18/meter, you want to be very sure you need it first. Of course, I didn't purchase any. I was hoping that somewhere in my piles and piles of fabric that I'd have a piece big enough. And I didn't. Six meters is a lot of fabric. I had a piece that was close, but that only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, so the next day after work I hopped on a bus after work and headed to Fabricland. Not that I mind. A fabric store is probably my favourite place to be--sorry all you tango people, but in a fabric store, I'm allowed to fondle fabric to my hearts content. Men start to wonder when you fondle them aimlessly. My own fault really, I tend to touch things I like.

Back at home, I had a new set of treasures laid out ready to go as Fabricland had cottons on sale for as low as $3/meter! But I'm in the middle of another project similar to the first. Rather than put everything away and finish the first quilt, I'll piece this one and quilt the two at the same time. My youngest commented that I like blue quilts. I don't know where she gets that idea!

Quilting

I signed up today for a quilt class today. It started innocently enough. After work yesterday, I wandered down to Satin Moon to buy batting to finish a quilt I’m working on.

“Do you want a recipe?” the woman asked. I was hoping for some cool quilt pattern, so I agreed. (Turned out to be for Basil Cake.)

“How about a class list?” Hum, quilt classes. I’ve only taken one quilt class in 20+ years of quilting. Could offer something interesting. With over 500 members in the quilt guild, the level of quilting in Victoria is phenomenal. We got talking about their upcoming workshops and some sounded quite interesting, so I took a list to look over once I got home. The class on dying (the most interesting to me) is on Monday morning. Damn, I think my boss would notice if I was sick every Monday for the next 5 weeks, so that one was out. Unfortunately, most of their classes are during the day as well.

Tuesday evenings is a workshop on Journal Quilts taught by Susan Purney-Mark. Nope, tango. Hey, wait a minute I go and sit Tuesday nights anyway. That will work. Cool. Maybe I’ll even know someone. I also discovered they have a drop in Stitch and Sewcial on Friday nights, so might check that out as well.

All that, and in the end I don’t have enough fabric for the backing. And I’m almost out of white cotton thread. Oh, too bad, I’ll have to make another trip to the fabric store. Good thing it’s one of my favourite places!

Dance Etiquette

Some of us will not ask a guy to dance. I would no more ask a man to dance than I would ask a man on a date. So as a result, I’m the one that gets to sit on the side lines and watch. Do you women want to give others a chance? Rather than asking the men, making them feel obligated, if you let them ask us, we will all get a chance. Richard confessed to me last night that he has almost quit dancing here because women come and harrass him to dance. Last week, one woman came before he'd even taken his street shoes off demanding to know if he was ready yet. Is it any wonder then that some of us aren’t asked.

Buying Shoes in Argentina

Last night at tango, I was asked where to buy shoes in Buenos Aires. I could never tell another person where to purchase shoes. Shoes are an expression of self, and very personal. And yes, this comes from a woman who until recently only owned two pairs of shoes. But no fear, I've rectified the situation and have been making up for lost time at an alarming rate!

I went to Buenos Aires to do three things. Shop for shoes, take lessons and dance my little heart out. Shop for shoes I did. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to hit all the shoe stores. There were a few that in my wanderings I couldn't find and some that I didn't have time to connect with. Aurora Lubiz operates out of her apartment and is only available two days a week, so never managed to see her shoes, even though she was only a block away from Lina’s.

The choices in Buenos Aires are overwhelming. I bought eight pairs of shoes for myself, one pair for my daughter and three pairs for my granddaughter. And I could easily have purchased more. But my suitcase (that would be the one I purchased while there) was only so big. Note to self: take an empty suitcase for shoes next time!

Best buying experience: Comme Il Faut. They have a glass case on the wall with maybe 12 pairs of shoes on display, but this is no where near what they actually have. Comme Il Faut has no web site so you can't preview anything. They receive new stock regularly, so more than one visit will net you multiple buying experiences. I was a good girl and only went once as I knew I would succumb to the magic of the experience. Where else can you have someone bring boxes and boxes of shoes for you to try on.

Least expensive shoes: Lolo Gerard. When I was there, there were shoes ranging in price from 80 pesos to 109 pesos in a sale area. She has a wonderful selection of beautiful shoes that were only 190 pesos, so a bit less than other stores.

Several stores are located in the same area: Madreselva, Susan Villarroel, Lolo Gerrard and Tango 8 are all located within a one block radius of Abasto Shopping centre. Flabella, Darcos, Suipcacha 256 are all located side by side on Suipacha near Confiteria Ideal.

The hardest thing when it comes to shoes is what a person is looking for. From serviceable to so damn sexy they hurt, Buenos Aires has it all. I am already dreaming of the next pair. I saw some at Susan Villarroel that I didn't buy because I was on a mission for teal shoes by then and these were red. But I can't stop thinking about them. I dreamt of Buenos Aires last night. Must be all the talk about shoes.

Calendar

Dance where you will. Mention everything. In the interest of fairness, here is what I am aware of in our tango community (both sides). My apologies if I miss anyone or get dates and times wrong. I have limited information on some events. I’ve added a calendar on the blog and will continue to update with things of interest in our community. If you are aware of an event not listed, please let me know.

SAT January 27
Video Show and Milonga at Martin Batchelor Gallery. A video about Juan Carlos Copes. Video Showing starts at 8:45pm. Milonga at 9:45pm. $4/members; $6/non-members and includes entrance to the milonga. 712 Cormorant St.
Milonga at Norm's Place. Goodies and punch available during milonga. 7pm Workshop. 8-11pm dancing. $7/advance $10/at the door. 6731 Aulds Road, Nanaimo. Gwen 247-9756 or wannadance@shaw.ca.

SUN January 28
Tango Pot Luck Brunch at Jim Swanston's. Please bring your favorite brunch dish to share, and BYOD. Coffee and tea will be provided. 11am-2pm. 1017 Oliphant St (between Cook and Vancouver, at the Cook St Village). 382-7969.

SAT February 3
Fin-de-siecle Buenos Aires: Birthplace of the Tango. UVic Lecture Series. By instructor Peter Rogers. $20 + GST. 1-3pm. For a complete description of each course call the university at 721-7797.
Tango Vita Monthly Milonga at Lynda Raino's Dance Studio. 715 Yates Street, 3rd floor. $6/members;$8/non-members.

THURS February 8
Neo-Tango On The Edge, an evening presented by Passion For Tango. Music, movement and discussion, with Tango Abrazo’s Robert Mari and performances by Brent and Hedy. Multicultural Centre on Broad Street. Check back for details.

SAT February 10
The History of Tango Dance: In Search of Artistic Freedom. UVic Lecture Series. Instructors Rene and Hilda Alfaro. $20 + GST. 1-3pm. For a complete description of each course call the university at 721-7797.

THURS TO MON February 15-19
10th Annual Portland ValenTango. Cut off date for the full workshop pass discount ($150 vs. $175) is Feb 5. tango@claysdancestudio.com or www.claysdancestudio.com.

SAT February 17
The History of Tango Music and Tango Orchesras. UVic Lecture Series. Instructor Kanstantin Zahariev. $20 + GST. 1-3pm. For a complete description of each course call the university at 721-7797.

FRI February 23
Alicia Pons at the Manresa Castle, Port Townsend Washington. Alicia is one of the most sought-after tangueras in the social tango scene in Buenos Aires. Alicia will be conducting a two part series of workshops detailed as follows: Class One (Intermediate Tango)—Mastering body language. Talking with your body through clear weight changes, balance, shared axis, and connection to your partner. Crossing: Going to this signature step in tango from a walk or in place with greater body control. Stop Steps: Creative variations when the line of dance halts. 1:15-2:45pm. Class Two (Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate Tango)—The Seductive Conversation: Leading pauses for the woman's creativity. Combinations: Ochos with pivots in milonguero style; voleos and sacadas respecting the space on the dance floor. 3pm-4:30pm. $25/Single Class Price. $40/Two Class Price. Milonga at the Manresa Castle 6pm. $15 includes a light buffet! You may purchase tickets at Cheri Raab's Body Shop on 218 Taylor St, in Port Townsend 360-385-1341 or contact Naoko Oguchi at onaoko2000@yahoo.com to sign up for classes or to pre-register for the milonga.

SAT February 24
Tango and Film. UVic Lecture Series. Instructor Kitty Hoffman, PhD. $20 + GST. 1-3pm. For a complete description of each course call the university at 721-7797.
Milonga at Norm's Place. Goodies and punch available during milonga. 7pm Workshop. 8-11pm dancing. $7/advance $10/at the door. 6731 Aulds Road, Nanaimo. Gwen 247-9756 or wannadance@shaw.ca.

SAT Marh 3
Tango and Argentinean Literature. UVic Lecture Series. Instructor Dan Russek. $20 + GST. 1-3pm. For a complete description of each course call the university at 721-7797.

SAT March 10
The Visual Arts of Argentinean Realism and Tango. UVic Lecture Series. Instructor Silvia Bonet. $20 + GST. 1-3pm. For a complete description of each course call the university at 721-7797.
Milonga at Norm's Place. Goodies and punch available during milonga. 7pm Workshop. 8-11pm dancing. $7/advance $10/at the door. 6731 Aulds Road, Nanaimo. Gwen 247-9756 or wannadance@shaw.ca.

SAT April 21
Stars On Stage fundraising event, presented by DANCE VICTORIA. Brent and Hedy are introducing celebrity Times-Colonist reporter Grania Litwin to the pleasures of the Argentine tango. Grania and Brent will perform on stage at the MacPherson Theatre. Keep checking for details.

FRI TO SUN September 14-16
Ten Years Of Tango In Victoria Weekend. Presented in cooperation with Tango Inspiriacion, this exciting event celebrates the Argentine Tango's arrival in Victoria. Live band Tango Paradiso, featuring composer/virtuoso Doug Schmidt on the Bandoneon, will play at a Grand Ball at the Edelweiss in James Bay. The weekend will include two milongas at the Cafe Casablanca. Special guest teachers Tony and Ilanna from Seattle.

ONGOING
Open-Minded Milonga at Cafe Casablanca, hosted by DJ David and Tango Inspiracion. Starts at 9pm. Tuesdays. $4. 2524 Bridge St. 389-0222.
Milonga at Martin Batchelor Batchelor Gallery. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Preceded by tango lessons. Wednesdays: Jorge and Liliana. Saturdays: Rene and Hilda. Milonga: $4/members;$6/non-members. 712 Cormorant St.
Milonga Caminar at Cafe Casablanca. Traditional and nuevo Argentine tango music and surprises. Hosted by Tango Caminar's Hedy and DJ Brent or guest DJs. Starts at 9 pm. $4. 2524 Bridge St. 389-0222.
LA Milonga Alternativa at Cafe Casablanca. 6:30-8:30 pm. Saturdays. $2. 2524 Bridge St. 389-0222.
Milonga By Request at Cafe Casablanca. As part of the DJ Project bring your favourite songs on a CD to give to the DJ to play. $4. Sundays.

Discrepancy

According to the latest Tango Vita newsletter, one of the purposes of their organization is "to promote interest in Argentinean Tango dancing and its culture."

So how come over half of their members don't appear to exist as far as their newsletter is concerned? Four nights a week, Argentinean Tango is promoted at Cafe Casablanca through teaching, dancing, and more. How come we don't exist? Not one mention in the newsletter of an upcoming workshop in September with Tony and Ilana from Seattle--wonderful teachers of Argentinean Tango. Not one mention of practica's held on Tuesday evening and Sunday afternoon, both of which will promote Argentinean Tango.

If you are going to claim to promote an interest in tango, you must mention everything that is happening within your dance community or else say that you exist to promote Tango Vita alone.

Tango Whore

Digruntled, pissed off and sure that once again I'd wind up sitting in a corner, I still put out the effort and went to dance. I'd had a conversation earlier with a friend that went something like this:

"Come for a while, then we'll go to the legion at about 10:30."

"I don't want to go in until later, mayber 9:30. That doesn't leave very much time."

"Okay, we'll leave later then. Wear a dress that works for swing and we can go to Swan's later."

"I don't want to wear a dress. I was thinking of wearing jeans. And I've tried swing and salsa. All I want is to tango."

"Gee, there is no pleasing you tonight." Yeah, that was for sure. PMS, menopause. And no dancing. Makes for some grumpy woman. And for those of you not in the know, menopause causes PMS even when you don't MS. And it is killer PMS too.

As we were talking, though I realized since coming back from Argentina, my dress has been much more casual. In Buenos Aires, the tourists often stand out like a sore thumb as they are the ones with low cut dresses, mini skirts, baubles and glitter. The Argentinean women dress casually, often in jeans, or plain skirts and tops. Because I naturally gravitate towards a more casual look, it was easy to follow. And it made no difference to the amount I danced.

Digging through my closet nets many tourista dresses. Red? Nope not that one. Too short. Don't feel like it. This one? Also red. Nope. Ooh, forgot about this BCBG black dress. Got it on eBay just before my trip and I've only worn it once. Black sequined number with gauze over silver. Sexy. Fine, fine, I'll wear a dress. Garnets bought in Buenos Aires at a flea market, fishnet capri stockings and red shoes and I was set to go.

And it worked. Last night finally felt like I was home again. After almost two months of very few dances, all my favourite leads (less one) spinned me around the room. Guess I have to remember to dress up. I'm a barbie girl...

Grand Baby

One benefit to dancing fewer nights will be more frequent visits with my granddaughter. When asked how she is, sometimes it is hard to answer. Between my schedule and my daughters, visits often prove to be infrequent.

Watching a grandchild grow is more tenuous in many ways. An automatic bond exists between a mother and her child that needs to be formed as a grandparent. Each time I see her, is like the first time. What an absolute delight this little girl is. Her personality is just her own, and so evident when you don’t see her every day. It is so different being a grandparent. I can observe so much more, little expressions of wonder on her face, the constant exploration of her surroundings. The need to know and learn.


I remember the delight of motherhood, holding a fragile new infant, watching in wonder when they nursed, slept in your arms, learned to walk and talk. But I also remember the fatigue. With four children, it sometimes felt like exhaustion was a constant background hum in my life. Now, there is no exhaustion, only wonder and pure delight.

Dancing—Or Not

I’m starting to understand how other women feel when they don’t dance. Last night I had three sets of dances. That’s it. Either I danced more before I went to Buenos Aires, or it didn’t bother me as much. Tuesdays have become a complete wash out for dancing. Fridays haven’t been much better. Although one good dance makes me itch for more, I now have so many other things on the go that it is time to only show up one night a week—or less. It makes you appreciate that one good dance so much more.

More About Shoes

I’m gaining a reputation as a shoe-a-holic. Yesterday at tango, one of the fellows mentioned this CBC documentary about stilletos. “Gee, I’m talking about shoes. Don’t tell anyone or they’ll revoke my guy card.” Hey, you have full permission to not only talk about shoes, but look at them too. That’s why women wear heels.

This morning a co-worker had emailed me the following link: www.cbc.ca/documentaries/confidential/highheel.html. At work. Hum, does surfing the internet checking out shoes count as assisting the publisher in any way?

Freedom

For a woman who thinks nothing of hopping on an airplane and heading to a foreign country, it is amazing how terrified I am of the possibility of a relationship. The thought of compromising myself, losing my freedom causes my subconscious to become a bitch. Right now, I can travel when I want, go out when I want, sleep as long as I like. That is too much for me to willingly give up.

I had a budding friendship with a fellow a while ago. When I realized I was actually attracted to him, I did the unthinkable and told him. According to all the chick lit, this is a sure fire way to drive him away. I was hoping he would tell me it wasn't mutual, then we could get on with the business of being friends. But he didn't. I don't think this means he was attracted to me, just that he chose not to say he wasn't. I didn't pursue the possibility of a friendship with him either as he was no longer "safe".

Lately I've come to think I wouldn't mind a "normal" relationship. I also wonder how a woman with such a fierce independent spirit can do this without sacrifice.

Boots

Victoria women have two choices when it comes to footwear in the winter. Diva boots or comfort. I prefer diva boots, but when you walk to work in snow and ice, comfort it has to be. And I already own two pair of boots that won't work in winter, so I needed something more practical. I set out on a quest to get boots that look like great, but offer the ability to walk great distances without falling on my butt. And wound up hugely disappointed.

After the first day, I spent time online looking, but found nothing. Two days and ten shoe stores later I found the best of a bad lot. Unfortunately most comfortable foot wear for women looks like we should be hiking the artic tundra or building igloos.





Now that I have my boots, I'm going outside to build an igloo while there is still some snow left.

Snow—Yet Again

Date: January 9, 2007 For Immediate Release
VICTORIA, BC — The City of Victoria is currently moving ahead with preparations for a cold weather front expected to hit this evening and tomorrow. Road crews are standing by to clean up tree damage and clear ice if it accumulates on roadways. Two salting units are already on standby, with two additional units to be ready before the end of the day.

I’m thinking the City of Victoria aught to get into the weather business. Every time I receive a press release from them for weather conditions, they are correct. Except for the road crews standing by. I looked out my window when I received this. All I saw were two fire trucks at the arena. Not a crew in sight. Not a sanding truck anywhere.



No mention of snow either, just ice. Very pretty. Considering it never snows in Victoria.

Child Support?

“I’m moving to Dublin,” my daughter announced when she walked in the door. For six months! She intends to leave in two months and come back just in time for school in the fall. She has also managed to get her father to pay support while she is in school.

“How did you manage to get your dad to agree to give you money?” Sometimes my curiousity gets the better of me. I can just imagine this conversation:

“I am legally obligated to pay child support if you are going back to school. If only I knew how much your mother was making…”

“How much were you thinking of?”

“I know I’m obligated. If I just knew how much your mother was making…”

“So just give me the money.”

“If I only knew what your mother is making”

“I could use about a $100 every other week for groceries and stuff”

He’s agreed to give her money on a weekly basis while at school and it doesn’t involve me this time. I found last night I was very worried about his questions, though. Because he has used child support as a weapon in the past, it is easy to think he will once again try to use finances to get at me. Ridiculous, I know but I had a bit of a bad night last night as a result.

Good thing the wind quit and I could go dancing. And David even played some of my favourite Kevin Johanssen music!

What it REALLY means

I received this email today on what women mean. I thought I would add some clarification on what we really mean.

Words that women use!

1.) FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
Really means "You aren't listening, so do NOT say another word. And do NOT come crawling back to me when your stupid scheme fails." Can also be interpreted as I told you so (in advance).

2.) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five Minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
Hum, five minutes really does mean five minutes. Whatever. Some women just don't know how to get ready in time.

3.) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
Really means "Are you just too stupid to figure out what bugs me? OMG, you really are dumber than a sack of hammers!" Can also be interpreted as you still aren't listening.

4.) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
Really means "fine". See number one.

5.) Loud Sigh: This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
Really means "OMG, do I have to tell you and/or do everything?" And it will result in #3 if you don't figure it out. Because you still aren't listening!

6.) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
Really means "Oh, forget it. I refuse to argue about this any more" and will result in #3.

7.) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.

8.) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying fine.
Really means "Just forget it. You aren't listening, and you wouldn't understand anyway."

9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "what's wrong", for the woman's response refer to #3.
Really means "Youstill aren't listening!"

I do want to clarify that not all men are dummber than hammers and actually listen when their women talk. Bet they don't hear whatever, fine or just forget it. Now if only I could figure out what men really mean.

Horoscope

Monday Magazine has Georgia Nichols’ predictions for 2007. I don’t normally believe in the whole horoscope thing, but some times Georgia has a freaky ability to be acurate. One year, she predicted a baby. Yeah right like that would happen—then my daughter (also a scorpio) announced a very unexpected pregancy.

Last year she predicted “This is not one of those years where you’re at the train station waiting for your ship to come in... Moneybags Jupiter is in your sign this year for the first time in 12 years; and this blessing comes to you at a most propitious time. Act on your dreams! 2006 is the year of the so-called “lucky break” for your sign.” And it was.

So, this year is supposed to start frantic. Georgia states “chaos reigns at home either due to renovations and big changes, or domestic conflict.” Renovations would be it. I picked up the first brochure for my new kitchen yesterday.

“By March, you’ll escape through fun, pleasure, vacations and sporting activities”. Vacations. “Hey, Paul it says I’m supposed to go on vaction in March. CITA is in March”

“What is CITA?”

“Tango festival. Buenos Aires.” Silence. “I take it from the silence that would be a no?”

“Yep.”

Too bad, it goes on to say “romace is definitely luscious that month and continues with more sweet promise into April.” Dam, I was looking forward to that hot Argentinian. Oh, wait, it says involvement with foreign countries is strong from Halloween on. I’m good.

I’m supposed to buy clothes in December because I’ll be “too sexy for my shoes!”. Hey, like that would ever happen. She hasn’t seen the shoes!

New Year’s Weekend

In three nights of dancing, our entire community wasn't together once. I realize that people come and go, and not everyone could be together all the time. To an outsider the rifts aren't so apparent as there are so few who only support the faction that split. And also(because of those from out of town) most of of were willing to dance at Henderson Hall. As a result, most who came on Saturday night were also in attendance either Friday or Sunday night. The few who refuse to support the cafe seemed more like outsiders than those who came from out of town. If this was a move for power and control, they seem to have lost all of it.

I did hear some disturbing comments from more than one friend of mine that now feels isolated from the community at the cafe since the split. Why are we isolating people? Tango is about connection, community and above all friendship. We will lose those on the fringe if we don't extend our hand in friendship. And it would be a great loss to our community.

New Year's Resolutions

It is the time of year when we are all flooded with New Year's Resolutions. Advice on what resolutions to make, how to keep them etc. As usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short. Guess that is what I get for giving a toonie to some guy in an Armani suit who needed bus money to get downtown... hey wait a minute.

I don't make New Year's resolutions, and can't remember the last time I did. Like everyone, I know there are things in my life that need to be worked on, but would rather not wait to make a list once a year. But this year, just to get into the spirit of things, I promise I'll make a list of resolutions. And like everyone else, I'll break my New Year's resolution.