Creating Costumes

Went shopping in Brum yesterday with four of the Shuvani girls for Indian braid for our newest costumes. We needed some new costumes so I suggested Indian 'inspired' costumes which they all seemed to like- full gypsy skirt with enthnic/sparkly braid and trims, velvet choli top with decoration, and a tie around belt with decoration and wool tassels. Everyone has also gone for bright colours with lots of contrast so we should be very visible, I hope! We are also planning a Steam Punk style costume, too, so we were delighted to find some cheap basques in 'Pre-Marche' (!) whcih we could all get into. Did further shopping on the Stratford Road on the way home and didn't get home till 7pm! Belly Dancing is such hard work!!
Today we are all meeting up to make wool tassels under Sue's expert gudance- should be fun. Then the hard work of sewing and putting everything together starts, but as we have a little time to go before the next gig I can relax and enjoy it!
And.... the next couple of weeks will be a partial enforced rest as it's Easter and the Royal Wedding, but as usual I'm going to have to put some work in, as the Souk is on the 7th May and I'm hoping to get a last minute rush of bookings!
Right...Sid the Chef has just phoned with culinary instructions, so if I want my lunch sometime soon I'd better get onto it....taraaa!

Navel Gazing

Having just read my last blog I'm still pretty much in the same place as before, which is not a pleasant surprise! I'm not a girl for standing around, and I would have liked to have got a bit further along with some of my plans by now. However, I'm also a believer that things won't happen until the time is right or the circumstances are optimum. But of course that 'sweet spot' or moment is an elusive thing and can't be controlled, or commanded. It can be requested, but the trick is to then allow it to unfold in it's own time. Ahh, there's the rub! I'm a bit impatient and if I get a sniff of an idea, like a bloodhound I'm off! I want it to happen now or ASAP! So...some of the ideas I have require some input by others and they are either ignoring me, too busy to reply, or I'm low on their list of priorities (that's OK, I DO understand that bit- I'm not a complete narcissist!), so I feel as if I am losing momentum. But that does mean that I get into a state of resignation- and as long as that doesn't create a downward slide into depression, it's not a bad place to be. I'm not fighting, struggling or getting irritated, but can be in a state of calm-believe it or not! I understand that the whole Cosmic Ordering thing is about being in the right space to request the right thing and accept the outcome, but it can be the most diffcult thing in the world to get into that space! So any of you guys upstairs...I need a bit of help, please! A sign or signal would be good , so I know which direction I should be going in......

Recession hits the hips!

It's been a while I know, but it took several days to come down after The Belly Dance Spectacular. I realised I was rather wiped out, so had a day or two off before throwing myself into the next set of urgent jobs! I have had to get to grips with the end of one term and the start of another, as well as Le Petit Souk and organising a number of other events. Underlying all of this is the worrying downtrend I've had with the classes... I've spoken to other teachers and everyone is experiencing the same thing...we are just not getting as many new students as before. I have the lowest number since I started teaching ten years ago! I'm guessing it's mainly about the ecomnomic downturn- although the news and politicians are saying the worst is over, frankly I don't believe it- I think we are still in the middle of it, or rather, that many people are still being cautious and some are plainly struggling. An evening class is a luxury that many people feel they can do without, especially if they are beginners and haven't got addicted to it. I'm lucky in that I have a loyal band of students who understand the benefits of coming to classes, and will move hell or high water to get there- bless them! But despite that I am having to put my creative thinking cap on and try to find ways of using my various talents to keep the dosh flowing in! I know this might sound wierd, but I believe that despite such tough times, it is possible to flourish. My friend Maggy Whitehouse who teaches prosperity thinking said during one of our radio interviews that during the last recession she was thousands of pounds in debt, and through cosmic ordering techniques, working with the higher powers and simply believing it was possible, she turned her fortunes completely around and is now today a busy wealthy, sought-after teacher and speaker! So...if she can do it......!! I've got lots of ideas about how I can help myself, but Belly Dancing is hardly the top of everyone's shopping list of necessities, so it's all about finding a way to use it as a tool or to add a different twist or slant to what I do. Don't intend to give up the regular teaching or events but am experimenting with various  things to see if any work. Any suggestions on a postcard, please........
And in other ways life is good... it's spring and it's a gloriously sunny day with all the birds tweeting away, and lots of pretty flowers and blossoms appearing...*big smile*