Happy Thanksgiving

God bless all of you!  We are thankful for the part you play in all our lives.  I hope that you can take the time today to appreciate the blessings all around you.

Winter? Maybe Baby!

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but we've had a pretty warm autumn 'round these parts.  That changed this week.  Temps plunged and snow fell.  Roads got icy.  Looks like winter is intent on giving us notice that it is on its way (and may soon be here to stay).

Temps will rise a little bit in the coming week (we might even see some 50s), and dry weather is predicted.  It doesn't matter.  You know winter is prowling around, just waiting to jump on us when we least expect it.

My feeling - Just get it over with.

You know winter is coming.  You know the snow will fall.  You know the roads will deteriorate.  It's just a matter of time.  I look on it as that proverbial bandaid.  Quit messing around.  Just rip it off already.

I've got my head wrapped around winter.  I'm ready.  I can handle it.

So let the snow fall.  Let the wind blow.  It's winter. 

Bring it on!

Election Day or The End of the World?

There have been times during this election that I have almost hoped the Mayans were right about the world ending in December.  I'm that tired of the whole affair.

Seriously, if you study Mayan history, they WERE right - their predictions deal more with huge changes to the state of the world.  The last end of the world prediction ushered in the Spanish conquistadors and European colonization.  Yup, that was definitely a world ending event.  One need only read the news to come to the conclusion that our familiar world HAS ended.  We are plowing new ground as we move forward through a crippled worldwide economy.

I'm tired of all the hate.  I'm sorry to say it, but the worst offender in this state has been the Republican Party.  It's been so over the top that they nearly succeeded in turning this Independent into a Democrat.  As it is, I find the Republican candidates totally repugnant now.  They've shown themselves to be the most hypocritical and hateful folks out of the gate in a long time ... and quite frankly, they make my flesh crawl.  They lost my vote, not based on the other candidate, but because of what "they" are.  I don't believe anyone has the right to govern from a position of hatred.

Checking In. Yes, We're Still Alive

This picture was taken during one of the many dance workshops Bailee attended this summer.  This one was taught by Risa Mochizuki, who is from Japan - but works as a professional dancer in Romania.  Bailee adored her.  She was also thrilled because she was actually taller than Risa.  HOPE!  You always hear that ballet companies prefer taller dancers, and that worries Bailee.  She's still growing though.  I'm hoping that she might still his 5'5".  Maybe.  We'll see.

This is a photo of Bailee and her friend, Mary, plus one of their "fans."  Bailee is currently working as a teaching assisstant at her dance studio.  It's her first real job, which is pretty cool.  The "fans" she's garnered are a hilarious perk.  They are so stinking cute.  I'm finding many of the "fans" show up at The Dance Shop" to purchase "clothes like Bailee's."  So funny.

I am continually thankful for the friends Bailee has made at dance.  They're crazy when they get together, but they are so good with one another.  None of that Dance Cattiness one hears about.  They are very supportive of one another.  Such good friends.

Silly, aren't they?

 

 

I love that Bailee is passionate about dance.  We just finished our Red Ribbon Week - which is geared at keeping kids off drugs.  It has been proven that the whole "Just Say No" mantra does not  work when it comes to keeping kids off drugs.  Instead, the research is saying that if a child has something they are passionate about, they are the most likely to stay  drug-free.  So, we're thankful.

 

 

Besides, when you see your child pull off something like this ... you have to be proud.