Monday, January 31, 2011

A Month of Rewarding Memories!


Mariah the cookie designer...
Snakes and snowmen!!! 
First of all I want to say a big THANK YOU to any of my family and friends who have taken the time to TAP into my little blog over the last month!  My very first post was made as a trial... one month ago, today, on December 31st, 2010.

Since that day so much has happened in my little world!  I have really enjoyed sharing the cherished memories along the way, and am also grateful because as I write them down here, it is a way of keeping them in my memory forever, too!  It is kind of like my own little GRATEFUL JOURNAL of 2011!

When I decided to take on a blog, I had no idea how often I would write to begin with, but now as I have come one month into it, I realize that it has given me a little positive purpose in my daily life!  It has really helped me to focus on what is important in my day. It is a way for me to TAP into something SiMPLE and make it SPECiAL everyday!

I babysit my grandson, Beau most Mondays and Fridays.  I feel I am a lucky grandma to bond with him through his early stages of life.  I have to say I think his parents are lucky, too, because he is such a sweet little guy.  Although he has gone through some fussier times lately, and we keep expecting a tooth to make an appearance.  So far no teeth, YET!!! 

Beau was dropped off here today by his daddy...and I see in the diaper bag, Mariah has sent along a couple more of her pets and their blankies,  for me to babysit once again...so cute!

As long as Beau sleeps Shuffle can be out of her kennel... but she has done lots of "in kennel" time, too lately. She isn't impressed with that time she spends cooped up.  Right now she is here beside my feet as I type away. She is such a fun little doggie for us!

I decided to go back through my photos of January 2011 and post a few more of the memories from the past month.  I do take a lot of pics...and they can't all be on here... but enjoy the memories I found today!

A crafted card for my beautiful daughter
 on her milestone 30th birthday

Baby sitting more of
Mariah's pets with their blankies!

Shuffle isn't impressed with all the
KENNEL TIME!

Brother Bob joined us a Fudrucker's
one sunday morning!

the January caption in my Birthday Calendar
"CARRY LAUGHTER WHERE EVER YOU GO"

A TAPPiNESS thank you card!

A sunday morning breakfast at Fudruckers
Mariah wanted a cookie on her way out!

My brothers and me...
this photo was taken BY Mariah at my cousin Bev's
New Year's day open house.

Jolly Jumpin' Beau in his cute little hat!

This past month my blog has brought new purpose to my days,
It's made me look at my own life in more positive ways.
It's made me really realize just how lucky I can be.
By writing down the moments that are so precious to me.
Although my life is simpler now, than it once was...
It helps me to write it down and review it, just because!
It gives me new perspective on the little things each day.
And that simple can be special in any kind of way.
That life is what I make it, and it is up to me...
Approval from the outside world, should matter not, you see!
As I continue to move forth... towards the days ahead,
I hope to turn the simple into special like I've said.
Everybody has that chance to do that if they choose.
But when we turn to negative... we really only lose.
The next month it is really on the focusses of LOVE...
And I just know I 'll still be watched, by SPECiAL ones above!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

CELEBRATE!

Brenda's cake was not only yummy...
It looked like a present!

A few little balloons and party hats to make it festive!

The musical Clown  in the basement
Today we hosted a 50th Birthday party for my 
sister-in-law, Brenda. We had some yummy munchies and cake with family here.  I love a reason to celebrate ...and even get out a few decorations to make it festive, too!  Sometimes I think that is more for me than for anyone else... but what ever brings me happiness I just do... because that's how I am!


My cousin, Darcy had a birthday yesterday and my cousin, Jan, has a birthday tomorrow. They both live in different parts of the states... but I am just sending them my birthday thoughts here on my little blog today!  My mom's oldest sister Jean, celebrates her 95th birthday on  Tuesday...WOW what a milestone. I hope to get by her home to see her and share some birthday love with her that day. 
So all in all lots of CELEBRATIONS in the family lately!


Yesterday when I was in the basement to get the vacuum to bring it upstairs to run, one of my musical clowns  down there started to play all by it self. This happened around Christmas time, too... with a little Christmas ornament, that played one verse of "Jingle Bells", while I was in another room. The clown played one verse of "Shall We Dance" and it hasn't been wound up for years.  My mom always loved music boxes and any musical things that could be wound up and played... so I feel these are signs that she is somehow with me in spirit.  I have had many thoughts of her lately. 


Today we had family over and it was great...
We were all here to CELEBRATE,
We had lots of yummy food to munch, 
Along with coffee and also some punch.
We had some cake and ice cream too,
And visits and laughs, yes quite a few! 
Family ranged from young to old... 
And there were many stories told.
Always fun to when we can share,
And celebrate with family there,
And here's a wish for many more...
Celebrations and happiness galore!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Interests and Priorities

With Beau's birth and Mom's death in 2010
This little Angel pulling the teddy bear is a reminder that Grandkids complete the circle of life!
I have been evaluating my life a lot lately and even more since my mom's passing last October.  I realize how important it is to TAP into the genuine interests in life and share them with those who care to listen!

In the final stages of my mom's life she could no longer communicate, but when she still could, she was always so genuinely interested in my life and everything I did.  I kind of miss having her to share  the things that are important to me.  I guess that is why this little blog has been so good for me.  I can write out my thoughts and genuine interests and happenings of the day and who ever wants to share in those thoughts can do so right here!  My mom was always my biggest fan in all I did, including my dancing and my poetry!  I think she might have enjoyed reading my blog, too!!!

As I get older in my life I realize how much priorities shift.  Things that were once important maybe don't matter so much anymore...while other things in life become more cherished!  Things I maybe once took for granted, I appreciate more now.  And the circle of life continues!... It's like a big POLKA DOT... (funny how many things turn into polka dots for me, too!)

My kids have grown up and are enjoying their lives in their early stages of adulthood. They are busy with what is most important to them. It makes me proud and happy to see them succeed in life. I feel so very blessed to have grandkids now as they begin another generation.  I am reminded in many ways of times when my kids were small as I watch Mariah and Beau in their tot years.  I feel so special to be their grandma, 
GRAMMiE D!

I had a great visit today over a STARBUCKS latte, with a former parent of a couple dance students from years ago. We are both grandparents now, and shared how special that phase of life is.  We have many common threads in our lives, and it is always nice to share with someone who is genuinely interested.  I love how Face Book can reconnect people from memories of yesterdays! 

I feel so fortunate to have many common threads and bonds in life connecting me to people with the same common interests!

When I decided to do a blog my main purpose was to TAP into something simple everyday and look for the special in it. By doing that it has made me think in a more positive way from day to day. It has made me GRATEFUL for the blessings in my life. 

Tomorrow we are hosting a birthday party for my sister-in-law, Brenda, who turned the milestone age of 50 yesterday.  I always enjoy a chance to get together for a little family celebration... and even better when it is with cake!  I will get out the balloons and re decorate for a little birthday fun.  

Mariah and Beau make my life so
SPECiAL!

TAPPiNESS will always be SPECiAL to me!

So many SPECiAL times are shared over a
STARBUCKS!

At this stage of life, I want to have fun,
I've worked really hard, so that phase is all done.
I want to do things that interest me most.
And share my life story on here coast to coast.
It's always more fun when I think I can share,
The things that I love with someone who'll care.
Someone who's genuinely interested to hear,
About all the things and the ones who are dear.
I have many interests that I like to do,
And so many friends to share those with, too!
I feel I get wiser, the more that I age,
I know what brings happiness to me in this stage.
Priorities shift a lot day to day.
But it's always so good to have fun on the way.
Yesterday holds many cherished times,
Today is full of so many rhymes,
Tomorrow is one full of many surprises,
Coming to me in many disguises!
Live in the moment, from the start to the end...
Enjoy times with family and with every friend.
Make each day special and also so great.
Take time to have fun and just celebrate! 

Friday, January 28, 2011

PLaY, SiMPLE, HaPPY!

The PiNk PuPPy and BEaU at Grammie's today
Today the "Happy Heart Tip" on my Quaker Oats oatmeal package read "PLAY LIKE A CHILD".
The caption in my BLACK POLKA DOT MUG said "KEEP iT SiMPLE"... and so started my day!


Ice- Ice Baby... it was so slippery outside, so I was HAPPY to stay inside with my little BEAU man.  Today I also got to babysit his sister's special PiNK PuPPY, too.  Infact, Mariah sent strict orders with her mommy to tell me to read to her puppy and be sure she got her nap, today as well.  I was guessing Mariah must have thought I was a pretty good babysitter to be trusting me with her very special pink puppy while she would be at daycare.


BEAU had a few little jumps in his jolly jumper and a few little plays in the exersaucer, along with more smiles, laughs and some more roll overs.  He also had many diaper changes, and some bottles and a couple good naps, too! Another simple, happy and playful day with the little BEAU and the doggies!


I am thinking my brother must have enjoyed hanging out here yesterday, because he dropped by again today to say hi to us and share some more fun with us!...     BUT today no cookies or cupcakes.


My sister-in-law, Brenda, is 50 today... and we will be hosting a little birthday celebration in honor of that milestone at our house with family this sunday afternoon!  I do enjoy a celebration... and maybe I will make some cupcakes for that!  Good thing I still have some balloons left from the birthdays earlier this month around here, too!


beverages of the day

keepin it simple

all the HAPPiNESS  you can handle!

Sometimes things are better,
when they are taken slow.
Especially on a day like this,
with ice and then some snow.
That's when I keep it simple
and stay inside my home...
And when my baby BEAU-ZY sleeps,
that's when I write a poem.
I take my job quite seriously,
and also make it fun.
I do enjoy my little man,
the whole day till it's done.
Today I had to babysit
MARiAH'S puppy, too!
She sent the puppy here with Beau,
for me to follow through!
She wanted me to read to it,
and let her have a nap.
So that is what I did with her,
and also I did tap!
I think I had enough
to make me HAPPY as can be.
We shared so many SMiLES,
BEAU, the dogs and me!
I think as far as GRAMMiES go,
I am a lucky one.
I share with my sweet grandkids,
and always have some fun!
To LAUGH a little everyday,
while sharing happy thoughts...
And drink my coffee from a mug,
that's covered all in SPOTS!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

HaPpiNeSs iS...CoOkiEs and GiGgLeS!

A million dollar SMiLE!

Today was a baby sitting day for me!
BEAU is such a good baby, too or I don't think I could do as much baby sitting as I do!

I had big plans to accomplish lots while he slept, and also to start a bit of a health kick, too...
Well I did get 4 loads of laundry done and put away. I had a wonderful fruit salad... but by about 1 PM, my health kick got KICKED aside!
Yep... I was kinda craving CHOCOLATE CHUNK cookies so I made some of those
(with the help of the Pilsbury Dough Boy!)

My brother Brian popped by for some fruit, cookies, green tea, and of course a visit with my
grandson, my doggie and me!
He helped put a dent in the cookies and I also sent some home with him, too!

My sister-in-law, Brenda and my niece, Rowen popped by later, too and helped with more cookies. We had fun with Beau and got him really giggling, and there is nothing more precious than a
baby's laugh!

BEAU is fun now... he loves his jolly jumper, exersaucer and he can roll over now
and nearly sit on his own, too!
He looks so much like his mommy did at that age...
same brown eyes and smile!

When MARiAH and NELS came to get BEAU ...we managed to finish off the cookies! YAY...
so back to the health kick tomorrow!

Mariah was excited to see Rowen here... those two have so much fun together and the giggles are plenty!

The house seemed nice and quiet when everyone left and Brian worked late today, so Shuffle and I snuggled up for the American Idol on TV together on the couch under the cozy and freshly washed fuzzy blanket, so it smelt so good!

Tomorrow is another day of BABY SITTING, so now I think it will be a bubble bath and bed early so I am up for all the jolly jumping, exersaucering, and whatever else the day brings my way tomorrow!
Maybe I'll make cupcakes tomorrow!...
oops I  forgot  I am on a health kick!


the START of the HEALTH KICK!
the END of the HEALTH KICK!

Brother Brian playing with Shuffle and Beau!

another precious BEAU-MENT!

giggles a plenty from Mariah & Rowen!
                                                            
                                   When I see BEAU'S HAPPY FACE
                                 I know there's no other to take it's place!
                                 Although I just stay here when he's here,
                                          I LOVE him so, he is a dear.
                                       So days like today are full of fun...
                                   With visitors and cookies for everyone.
                                      Tomorrow's another babysitting day,
                                          More jolly jumping on the way!
                                         Lots of diapers, some real crappy...
                                        But grammie's life is mostly happy!
                                             I've watched the idol on TV,
                                            So now it's a bubble bath for me.
                                                Hope tomorrow I will stick,
                                                  To my little healthy kick.
                                        I'll start out good, hope not to stray,
                                                   Like I kinda did today!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

SPOT the SPECiAL!

Today started with my coffee in the 
RED POLKA DOT mug ... with the saying 
"Life is what you make it"... followed by the 
birthday show for ELLEN... and as I have 
mentioned I do enjoy her show! I have been 
getting a kick out of a youtube dancer they keep showing on her show...and today he was there in person to share his "DOUBLE DREAM HANDS" move in person! You ELLEN followers will know who I am referring to!


Shortly after that I received the CUTEST TEXT ever from my daughter, Jana... which I quickly posted as my FB status and it read...


Mariah just tapped her way into the bathroom to get her hair done and when she got here she said 
"gramma is the goodest tap dancer!"


Well that set the tone for my day!  It truly made my heart proud that my little 4 year old grand daughter would first of all come "tapping into the bathroom"... but more importantly that she would think her gramma was the "GOODEST" tap dancer!!!  
SO SWEET and ADORABLE! 
It's moments like these that turn a 
'simple' day into a 'special' one!


I got several comments, postings and thumbs up today on my FB, this morning, too! Funny how just that "thumbs up" on FB makes me happy!... (I know there is that 'nerd' in me shining through again!)


My husband, Brian never takes a wednesday off... but he decided to today. We joined Jana and Beau for a lunch at an Asian restaurant in the city! 
(I have BEEN OUT TO LUNCH everyday this week!!!)... Ofcourse I had my camera even though the family isn't always as into the photo opps that I am everywhere! hehehe


Then we went for a quick STARBUCKS... but my family became camera shy on me there!  I know I am a bit OTT(over the top!) for them at times with the camera!... so I didn't push my luck on that one!... just got our drinks without the fam!... no biggy!


Then I had promised Mariah I would come peak in at her dance lesson today. We even had a chance to come in a view the beginning of their adorable tap routine they are learning for the year end show... it is so cute. I think it is called I LOVE YOU!  When I pulled out my camera to snap a pic or two... wouldn't you know it... my memory card was full!... imagine that!  So I scrambled to get a few on my phone... (never done the cel phone pics before... so missed part of the routine trying to figure that out!)  Sheesh!


Mariah insisted she come back here after dancing... so of course it never takes too much for her to twist grammie D's arm!  We rented Alice in Wonderland to watch together on TV, then she crafted a "Shuffle" card, had supper, colored and went back home again!


Wednesday nights are my fav on TV. I watched "LIVE TO DANCE" while taping "AMERICAN IDOL" and then watched it after!  Once again I enjoyed both those shows!


My cutie pie TAPPER!

another lunch outing!


Proud poppa feeing Beau!
the STARBUCKS after lunch!

Mariah's crafted SHUFFLE card!
Brian bought himself an ipad on the weekend and has spent lots of time getting it all set up... he is like a kid with a new toy!  I love it when he finds a fun thing for himself!  He is usually the kind of guy who likes to spend his money on stuff for the family but never on himself.  I know it will be a worthwhile purchase, and he deserves it!


SPOT the special in the day...
In the sweet words people say!
Out to lunch yet once again,
Starbucks, dancing and home again!
Bonding time with my sweet fam...
What a lucky girl I am!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Go with the FLOW!

Today started out fairly ordinary... I watched my Ellen show as I do most weekday mornings.  Sometimes I  tune into Nate Berkus, too... which follows Ellen in the morning... but he hasn't been on for over a week. Each day they keep putting the same infomercial in that time slot.... hmmm where did Nate go?!


Anyhow tuesday mornings I usually look forward to the BODY FLOW classes at Goodlife gym.  It makes me feel so good.  It is a combo of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates.  Goodlife has great teachers, many used to work at Quantum gym , where I once went before that gym closed.  One of the best teachers is TRENT and he teaches the Tuesday Body Flow classes.  He is often joined by a former Ballerina, TONIA... together they teach an awesome class.  


GOODLIFE  has a little calendar in the entry way of the gym that has a little tidbit of info or saying for each day of the month.  I am not sure why I didn't catch this sooner...(maybe because I haven't made it to the gym much this month!!!)... but today I noticed that for the 10th this month... (which was my birthday!) ... it says CHOCOLATE DAY...so appropriate for me! So ofcourse I had to take a picture of that!


And speaking of birthday... my cousin Gwen treated me to YET ANOTHER BIRTHDAY lunch today... I love that my birthday has sort of been an on going FLOW through this month... I do enjoy a celebration for sure...and when it continues for longer than the actual day, I am totally fine with that! I just go with that FLOW!  Gwen and I then spent much of the afternoon visiting and galavanting about, something we are both good at!  She also loves DOLLARAMA!


I managed to get SHUFFLE, my doggie, out for a nice little walk in this weather, too.  We can both use the exercise and the fresh air, too, as we tend to get cabin fever when it is too cold like it was last week!


To round off the FLOW of this day which started out pretty ordinary... I went for sushi with my hubby, Brian.  The restaurant in our neighbourhood  has 10% off on Tuesdays and we never seem to take advantage of that, so because it is nice out we went out there today! 


What a difference nice weather makes to getting out... it definately makes the FLOW of the day much better!


I am soon going to have to start going back to LEAN CUISINE with all the eating out I have been doing this month... and get back into a WW (weight watchers) FLOW again!


Another BLiSSFUL BiRTHDAY LUNCH
with my cousin GWEN!

January 10th on the
GOODLIFE Calendar
is "CHOCOLATE DAY"

SHUFFLE loved her little walk today!

YOHEI Japanese restaurant!

I used to have a sign at my studio that read...
"The difference between ordinary and extra ordinary is that little EXTRA!"
... That sort of applies to my day that started
off as ordinary!

Tuesdays I know where I like to go...
After ELLEN, it's off to BODY FLOW!
Trent and Tonia sure give a good class...
And it's always a good thing to get off my "ass"!
I'd say "behind" except it won't rhyme,
So I'll say that small swear, just this one time!
From doing "DOWN DOG" to walking my "DOG"
Then out for the day and back home to the blog!
Another  Birthday lunch with my cousin GWEN...
We had a great visit, and went shopping then!
Next out for sushi with BRIAN, my hubby...
If I don't watch out, I just might get chubby!
I love days like this, and the places I go,
With nice weather, too, I just GO with the FLOW!

Monday, January 24, 2011

TAP into your PASSION!

Last night I was reminded just how important 
it is to TAP into your PASSION in life! 


Former dance student of mine, Susan, was visiting from NY, and offered to give a little tap class for who ever was able to TAP into the opportunity... (on very short notice!)  Susan is a very versatile gal... sweet, smart, sharing and caring...and one with a real passion for tap!  She told me last night that after getting her engineering degree, she realized she wasn't really finding the happiness she was looking for...so she decided to follow her dreams and move to New York to pursue her PASSION for TAP and there she was truly able to TAP into her DREAMS and she now TAPS professionally around the world!

Susan and Me standing under my sign
on one of the studio bulletin boards!
TAP into your PASSION!

Not only did I enjoy the chance to DANCE again... but it was so nice to just put on my tap shoes and "TAKE" rather than "TEACH" the class!  It truly brought me TAPPiNESS in many dimensions...

First of all it reconnected me to my PASSION of TAP at the same time as connecting me to many of the tappers I taught in years gone by.  It was fun to reconnect and just simply TAP into a night of fun!

Susan grew up dancing in my Diane Will Dance Studio in the same era as my daughter, Jana.  Both went onto professional dance careers.  I was hoping Jana could have joined us to tap as well... but she had to come part way through the class from a birthday party Mariah and her had been invited to.  Although Jana did not tap last night... her shoes were still tapping.  I brought them on loan and they got used... so in spirit Jana was dancing, too.  I felt honored to have my daughter and grand daughter both there watching me TAP.

Susan gave me a huge compliment by sharing with the class that without her strong TAP foundation she  got at my studio growing up, she would not have been able to make it in the world of TAP in New York.  I am so proud of her, and many of the dancers I've taught who have been able to go onto a professional  dance career.  Last night alone there were several kids I taught, who have gone onto TEACHING TAP and were there to get more teaching ideas to share with their students. ... and the circle of life goes round and round!  Oh and I do LOVE a CiRCLE... yep it is just like one big POLKA DOT!... and everyone knows those are another one of my PASSiONS!!!


I was grateful for Susan's brother, Scott, being there last night to capture the event on a few different cameras!  Thanks to Brenda, too for the rental of the BSOBAD dance studio at this very busy time of the dance season!  

On another note... I normally babysit my darling grand son on Mondays and Fridays, but this Monday and last I didn't have him.  Last week I was nursing a little stomach flu I caught from him (I think) on the last weekend.  I was grateful when my cousin Gwen popped by last Monday with some ginger ale and a little pick me up visit... with a cute calendar as a belated birthday gift for me.  She is just so thoughtful. Gwen also came and took last night's tap class, too!


Jana and Mariah chatting with Miss Amber!
(one of Mariah's dance teachers,
who both Jana and I have taught in the past!) 

Susan and I decided to work a few little props
into some pictures for fun!
SHOVEL off to Buffalo!!!

Through the door of TAP-ortunity!

It's a sign!

Jana switched my monday of babysitting this week for thursday... so I'll have Beau then instead this week.  I always look forward to my little BEAU bonding days, too... my grand kids are definitely another one of my PASSIONS in life for sure, and I feel so blessed to have them living so close!


TAPPING into our PASSION!


       TAP into your PASSiON, every single day.
              TAP into the things you LOVE, 
                          all along the way.
        Enjoy the things that make you SMiLE, 
                 and all the perfect blends...
            Of HAPPiNESS and TAPPiNESS...
                and hanging out with friends!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Come on get TAPPY!

I am beyond excited for tonight and the fabulous "TAP"-ortunity  for some "TAPPiNESS" in my life!
Here is a photo of me
 from a few years ago
looking HAPPY- TAPPY
As I've mentioned in my previous 2 blog posts ... former TAP student SUSAN NASE is here from her home town of NY.  She is now TAPPING professionally and is TAPPING in to share a TAP class with TAP enthusiasts in and around town.  
It will be like a mini DANCE reunion of the many generations of TAPPERS I've taught over the years... so it is doubly special for me!


We started our day with our normal Sunday breakfast at Fudrucker's with friends, Bob and Jacquie. We were also joined today by Jana, Nels, Mariah, Beau...and my brother Bob popped by too for a coffee with us as well!  
We enjoy our sunday morning outings each week! 
Proud Poppa Brian with his two little darlings!

Now I am babysitting Beau while his sister is off to swim with her daddy... and their mommy is running the shoe store... SWANK SHOE LOUNGE!

I'm SOOOOO excited about tonight...
To see all the people I did invite.
I'm sure pumped, and there's no doubt,
I can hardly wait to TAP it out!
I'm putting on my shoes for some TAPPiNESS,
Will reunite with FRiENDS and HAPPiNESS,
Some days it isn't really by chance...
It's just way more FUN, when we all
JUST DANCE!



Saturday, January 22, 2011

SPEC-TAP-ULAR!!!

BEAU looks SPEC-tacular!!!

I spent another friday babysitting my adorable grandson BEAU.  He and I are really bonding now... we even have the same taste in SPECTACULAR glasses!
I missed my day of babysitting this past monday with him... so I was truly looking forward to our little bond once again!

 I want to mention there is a "SPEC- TAP-ULAR"  "TAP-ortunity" going on tomorrow night.
Former dance student, and TAPPER extraordinaire, SUSAN NASE,
is TAPPING through the city on route back to her home in NEW YORK
where she now TAPS there professionally!
She is giving a little guest class  from 6-7:30 at BSOBAD ... drop in fee of 15.00 per person.

I am thinking of it as a little mini reunion with some of my former
TAPPiNG BUDDiES from days gone by...and a great way to
just TAP into some fun and TAP all my troubles away!
I know I am very excited to see Susan and
all of the dancers who show up that I haven't seen in a while...
and to have a little bit of TAPPiNESS in my life, too!

My little daily blog has given me daily reason to just blab to ever wants to
TAP in for a bit of this and that... it has given me a reason to
TAP into something SiMPLE and make it SPECiAL everyday!
This is a fun" I 'TAP' NY" shirt
I got from SUSAN a couple years ago!

Just make it TAPPEN!

TAP into old and maybe some new!
Just TAP into fun with all that you do.
Do what you can and forget the rest.
Make the least of your worst & most of your best!
TAP into fun while your friends are there...
TAP into happiness... you can share!
TAP into SPECiAL everyday...
Get your shoes on, TAP your troubles away!

Friday, January 21, 2011

SpReAdiNg TaPpiNeSs to THEMES- EXTREME!

First of all I am excited that a former dance student, Susan Nase, is going to be in town to SPREAD SOME TAPPiNESS with me and who ever else cares to TAP into this wonderful opportunity!  She grew up dancing at my "Diane Will Dance Studio" from when she was 5  years old to when she graduated from high school. She was an accomplished dancer in all forms... but TAP was her thing.  She went onto tapping in New York  and later became part of a tap company and is now passing through SASKATOON this weekend.  I am just locking in details for a class with SUSAN!  I know I am very excited to see her and take a class from her, too!  I will continue to update my FB with details on this short notice little TAP class this Sunday!

When I owned and operated my studio from 1974-2002, I was all about a THEME... infact I took a THEME to EXTREME in songs, costumes, shows, and also celebrated themes through studio decor and bulletin boards during dance exams and the season changes as well. I usually had co-ordinating stickers to go with most things, too... because I do love stickers!  We also had several THEME related fun weeks where we wore theme related stuff to dancing.  The most fun one of those was always the CLASH WEEK!

When I moved to "Brenda's School Of Baton And Dance" (BSOBAD) to become the TAP DIRECTOR of the studio, in fall of 2002, I carried my love of themes to that studio.  This studio is in an old school building so there are bulletin boards all over the place!  I still enjoy carrying the theme thing through there as well.  I did retire from teaching in the end of 2008, but am still the bulletin board  person there.  I do enjoy free lance teaching here and there when asked, as well as adjudicating dance festivals and competitions across Canada, when ever asked, too!

I like to choose a theme that is fun each year to use for little plays on words, etc. and tie things together on the boards.  We started out BUZZING with themes in my first fall at BSOBAD.  Since then I have gone through many themes... but because BEES worked so well with the "B"SOBAD name... we have "BEE"n more or less "BEE"cycling the last couple of years!

Anyhow... yesterday I finally made it to the studio to take down CHRISTMAS on the upstairs boards ... and get up VALENTINE'S... ( I decided to skip Happy New Year) upstairs... figured we had done that "BEE"N there already!  Although I enjoy the whole creative process... it does consume lots of time.  I enjoy being creative as well as staying connected to the studio and keeping my FOOT in the door, so to speak!

I also wanted to mention that BRENDA BENNETT, director of the studio, was just chosen by SASKATCHEWAN SPORT as this year's recipient of the "COACH DEDICATION AWARD" here in Saskatchewan for her contribution as a world class Baton coach.  So big shout out to my good friend, and coach extraordinaire, Brenda on that wonderful achievement!

When I taught at the studio I was into taking LOTS of pictures... so there were lots to hang... but now that I am no longer there much during lesson times... there are not as many pics to hang!

So I will post a few BSO-BOARDS from last fall here for you to see!... and a little THEME poem from a few years ago, too! ENJOY!
just a little TaPpiNeSs card from a while back!
one of the many BSOBAD boards!
just another of the many BSO-BOARDS!
TAP into your PASSION!
Put your HEART into it!

Let's take a trip down Memory Lane and TAP into some of the many THEMES...
Here is a poem that was updated a few times... from THEME to THEME and
has "BEE"N on the BSOBAD BOARDS a few times!

At BSOBAD...
We love a THEME!
We LOVE to take it to EXTREME!!!
We've DANCED a lot,
And if you please...
We've BUZZED, and BUZZED, a lot like BEES!
From HEARTS to STARS, From MITTS to SHOES...
From HATS to CANES,
And please don't snooze!
BUNNIES, SANTAS, and FLOWERS in BLOOM!
And BEARS and FISH swimming through every room!
We've had our CAKE, and ate it too...
And just when you think that we should be through,
Oh NO, we are not,
We'll make it last...
It's way too much fun,
We're having a blast!!!
We've QUACKED like DUCKS, TOAD-ally ROCKED like FROGS!
Now lets PAWS for a while and all go to the DOGS!!!
And when that's done let's have more fun...
Let's go HOG WILD, now everyone!
PIG-ture just the most success...
Just SPOT the best... aim to impress!
Let's gather every single THEME... At BSOBAD and be EXTREME!!!
Now it's time for a BARREL of fun...
We won't MONKEY around, until it's done!
Let's go BANANAS...
Go APE, too!
You knew my THEMES were never through!

We LOVE a THEME... oh yes we do!
We also LOVE to follow through.
Although we've BUZZED a bit BEE-fore...
It's fun, fun, fun, so let's do more!
Done that "BEE"N there, NO not yet!
We'll BUZZ some more, so don't forget.
At BSOBAD you'll "BEE" so pleased,
Dancing and BUZZING, just like BEES!
BEE-cycling is the way to go...
It is the newest thing, you know!
So heres to another BEE-lightful year,
Another one we can hold so dear!
BEE -SOBAD, BEE- SOGOOD,
BEE your best, you know you should!
You'll BEE amazed with what you can BEE...
When BUZZING around... just wait and see!