Oh my goodness! I just had an out-of-the-blue phone call
that had me realizing, I want to include my latest work here, right up front so we can have more conversations:
Joy with me in "It would be Nice to be able to Say 'I knew'" a 17-page article on my discovery, at age 72, that I am autistic. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
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Check it out: "Hope for our World" only took me 36 years to complete. Whoohoo! I am feeling fine now, I tell ya! And who would have thought that I'd open a door to painting through Hope's birth.
And and and and: now a first novel's come out of me!
This ~ life ~ is so much fun ... as you may see in my dances below. I still can't believe I did that. Have a good laugh with me!
Please be in touch. Let me know how you're revving up your life! You can reach me by phone: (541) 332-1242 or my writer's preference:
Ah! All four books in my fiction series are out! You'll see in the link at the top of this page and on amazon: "through the lane to St. Anne ... One" and "...Two" "...Three" "...Four" 'What a feeling!' I look forward to you sharing your starry responses on amazon and Facebook. And thanks for passing on your pleasure in knowing the characters in this series with you family and friends. I'll love to hear any bits about your enjoyment.
(-: And me Video Gallery :-)
Still at It!
~~ "This One's for You, Cheryl Q!" I have long wanted to appreciate my steadfast (often audience of 1) appreciator of my selfie dance videos. Yay that I found the gumption and energy to put one togetther. With my love, Cheryl Grandma Omie 💜 Sparky yours
Character Nelle Porter: "Any reason you're hopping about?" The series mainstay John Cage: "It's an advanced form of my smile therapy. I'm using physical optimism to induce emotional well being."
Contrary to the impressions my selfie videos might convey, I am not one who dances about through my days. Here, merely in the words of character John Cage, 'I am drawn to ...' Peter MacNicol's portrayal, so was moved to try his "Gimme dat Ding." Expanding on my video attempt at honoring up [his dance in Season 2, Ep 7 "Happy Trails," from the series "Ally McBeal"] this is my tribute to Peter MacNicol in particular and to all actors and authors who can ably turn an 'odd' inner landscape - so like many of ours - inside out, in measures just enough that others may see what really goes on (knockin me noggin) in here. I've been captivated by Peter's John Cage. Blessings!
And hats off! Mr. MacNicol, you dance circles around me!!
It was in January 2023, at the end of a movie from my warm bedroom perch, I found myself dancing in my chair, the kind of recently too rare abandon ... took me back to "Happy" where my subconscious beckoned me out of a lifetime of self-consciousness to, surprisingly begin making selfie dance videos. Cold day here but didn't stop me from carrying on with my groove, welcoming the entry into another year of being fully me, yays for imperfections and all! Takes me two days and then some now, but at least there's dance bubbling up in me still.
Reflecting back to my first 'Happy' dance. "It's how we play" sung Holly Palmer, written by Lamont Dozier and Aaron Zigman. No copyright infringement intended, just appreciation, dancin' to their work.
~ Some things take time. Patience. Mutual understanding and kindnesses back and forth over four months and this morning I received final permission to use the background music for my video: "Buoyed - In My Shoes." Enjoy (as you wish)! Sparky
And because I'm a writer : In my late 60s, before I had any idea that I was autistic, and when I was writing the "through the lane" series with the freedom I'd always wanted as a writer, no longer tortured, just enthralled with the characters and the joy of writing, that freedom exploded into movement, first with "Happy" that Pharrel Williams video/song that people round the world couldn't stop singing. That 'putting myself out there,' allowing myself to look silly and unfinished and raw in a way, felt so good, and the learning about the iMovie mechanics was sooo fun, I tried another, and another. For the first many videos, I set parameters: I had to finish from inspiration to posting within 24 hours, just so I would loosen up the clamping perfectionism that had stifled my expressiveness all my life. Finally I met up with bliss! As I learned and saw more in the possibilities of 'filming' and editing a video, I gave myself a new freedom of letting go of that time constraint as well.
It was actually getting to see myself, getting to watch myself from my offline growing collection, that I began getting those glimpses of my hidden self. The childlike and playful and wildly imperfect me!
'The place I belong' is in my own shoes, autistic, with the myriad of emotions that comes with being who I am. Though this video shows my high energy side, I am learning to embrace my whole range of emotions, the things I learned early on as not okay: the sadness, anger, fear, the anxieties too, all a part of me just as much as this ebulant joy.
The reason I'm wanting to post this montage, since I don't seem to be able to sustain full-out dancing lately, is because - and this may be a part of why I'd lost my verve - I have felt myself slipping back into that lifelong masking of my artistic faces, only this time I was hiding my self from/with the knowledge of who I am. Now that I know, I've felt self-conscious in a way that I didn't when I was just playing around. I like reclaiming the abandon I seized in "Happy" and "Loving ourselves ..." and "Living in the Moment."
Today I've gotten the lyricist's full permission too, along with the composer's "absolutely happy for you to use the clip and is so pleased you felt a connection to the song" back in September. It's a completely socked-in morning, a perfect time to boost myself up with a "dance" in my own shoes, backed up now by friends and family who understand! Among them this morning, thanks for the accompaniment Composer Dan Gillespie Sells and Lyricist Tom MacRae, and Gina (you know who you are ♥︎ . January 2022
~ looks like this makes an even dozen "Selfie Lift Up, Sledgehammer to Glow"
"Selfie Lift Up, Sledgehammer to Glow" i.e., how I feel inside and what I exude when I'm afraid and blaming as compared to how I want to be for myself and you all when I stay calm
Well, I proved it to myself. Following my post of yesterday morning, which was preceded by a sucky COVID-19 uber-obsessed-over day before, I didn't like the suggestion but it wouldn't leave me alone ... a friend posed that it might be a good time for another selfie dance. Soon after, that banging my head against the wall sledgehammering mode I had been in shifted to an all-out play date as I put together a video that showed the process, lifting my spirits, one I can watch when the next downer-wave hits me (which it will). Thank you, Linda Kelsey.
Before I even got to 'filming,' my energies already markedly low, I got concerned that I'd used up my jazziness in my initial early movements to the "Glow" song while I was drinking my coffee. From then on I kept having to adapt, as when some new folks showed up at the glass house over yonder; in my barely confident but not moxie mode, I just was not going to do the 'Glow' segment out in the sunshine on the deck as I'd imagined. This 'filming' was a case of art imitating life as I kept having to shift gears in my filming of feelings meeting the subject of adapting to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the news (and the lies). "Perfect!" as some might say. ;-) ... It was.
So you'll see me in places (on table) I never meant to be, in light (I couldn't control) ... but, with a smile! My whole day full of it. Now I know for positive, whether out meeting up with 'a crowd of Rhododendrons we hadn't known were there' or working to the end of a favorite jigsaw puzzle, or reading a series of books you've written yourself, or admire that someone else you know has, or designing your next woodworking project, or adapting some outrageous recipe to treat your family members who are in reach ... this time affords all kinds of avenues for moving from beating our heads against the wall into glowing as we much prefer to be!
This video, like my last, is for me, getting more and more 'as is' as they go. If you want a chuckle, please do, enjoy with me. And be well, eh. I could not have come up with a better way to ensure my optimum immune system health for my out-in-the-world shopping trip today than to work my way up from "Sledgehammer" to "Glow." ♥︎ yours, Sparky
P.S. There is no getting around it, me ol' camera and her squeaking every time I turn her on now ... the clips are just going to be smlotchy. Call it Love in the woiks. I do. ♥︎
~ my 11th selfie 'dance' video "It's a Kick" (music by Terry Gilkyson; vocal, Phil Harris) ♥ Sparky
I don't know if you're like me, loving the behind-the-scenes peeks; I'm going to record these for myself anyway. In fact, this video is for me. What with some personal discovery, as well as all the national news, I was feeling I'd lost my edge. Know what I mean? That fantastic feeling of (Sophia) whoosh flowing through me. A week or so ago I started/trying to learn some new dance moves, thinking I might make another selfie video. This morning I realized, what a crok. What a 'should' to lay on myself. I (italicized) don't care if I expand on my moves or not. Plus, it's been feelin' like I've let my body take a hit through 'these difficult times.' So I chucked the hip tutorials! Then I very nearly copped to the 'but I should clean the house before any videotakes, and Emma needs grooming, ... yada bs' ... Again I caught myself, laying it on some more. So I went back to notes that I made for my first video in which I set my parameters: If/when I got inspiration to make one of my selfie dances, I'd wear whatever clothes were available, make the takes wherever I wanted and complete the iMovie from first step to youtube upload within 24 hours, just to assert 'No' to the perfectionist grip (which I love holding for my published writing) but that would keep me from tryin' something new ... keep me from the dance. (Later when I started getting into playing with the features in putting the video together, I let myself have whatever time I wanted.) My intent with the selfie videos has always been to be as light with myself as possible. The "Living in the Moment" gift I danced for Lee Isaacson Roll. No heavies. No great expectations. Just let myself go and have some fun, like I wanted as a child. I do, now and then, gather ideas which I save up for possible use. As with all of my grown kids and kids-in-love, and with each of my grandchildren, my granddaughter and I share traits particular to just us. ;-) My kick off the bureau was inspired by her, hers in a hop knee-plant, feet scramble up the wall, perfect point, toes-hop down, and boing! off she sprang, mine now lacking said spring (heehee); I do need to remind myself of our 70-year age difference ;-). When we're together next I'm going to have to get her help in 'Gram, I'll do this one for you.' Still, I was tickled that I could pull off my own rendition of hers. Wish I hadn't accidentally deleted the take that had my arms buckling out from under me to a soft-klunk on me head. Funny. I left in the closing frames though as I really get a kick out of laughing at myself. That one was unexpected. Making mistakes ... well, certainly I made Tons of mistakes, but the broadcasting them was just not part of my first 60 years. I'm glad to see me back again. 73 years, reconnected. With my appreciation to the ever-lovin' Laurie who has added so much for my 'sockin' it to' anything other than the toe wigglin' free-feelin' flow in these shows. Thanks, Laurie. ♥ Sparks
My 10th selfie dance video ~ "Walking on Sunshine" with my appreciation for Katrina & The Waves!
Anybody up for a feel-good dance with me? Jump on in! Bet you can't keep your feet still. Making our own sunshine, oh yeah!
I'm stocking up to revisit in winter days without
with a wink at the editing ... I wanted to do something about the leg hair ;-) (as in Cut all Backlit Pics!) ... but right then in my futzing (when I was putting this together two weeks ago) I happened onto Stephen Colbert in an Anna Kendrick interview, regarding HIS hair "This IS actually what I look like," [caps mine] he said, which prompted me into 'gonna enJOY' ... as will the man I eventually get to play with 'in my waning years.' Haha! Oh I do love creating the worlds we want. Hugs, you (all)! And hope you enjoy:
Danke vielmals to the folks at BMG, The New Music Company in Berlin for rights to use the song, permission came through at precisely 9:57 Sept. 28, 2018. With a nod to the photo I posted of myself at age 16 or 17, on Facebook, same day, I added my photo taken on the spot on this memorable September date. (Little bloop there in the text on the last frame; 'Subtitle' available for your fill-in. I didn't have the oomph to redo again.) Sparky here
Here's my 9th selfie dance video ~ "Open the Door"
Indulge me, if you can, by checking into where I’m coming from with this (and for somehow translating into your own use): I’ve only recently discovered that challenging myself to new skills ~ the on-the-ground ‘dancing,’ the ‘filming,’ the editing into a final product, even the ‘asking’ followed by the heart-fluttering anticipation of my weather change wants to be fulfilled/waitin’ not only for a good-sized storm but every-day-excited for me rainbow to come ~ these all combine into an internally-produced cocktail (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine, along with the blisser oxytocin), which for me is the best natural high that helps in healing any wayward body parts and in maintaining my emotional uplift. And why this song, this time? I was looking to step inside the feeling of opening the door in me, of stepping out into yet more of what I’ve got cooking in me mind. You know, revving my intention. So when I searched for ‘open the door’ songs and hit on Judy Collins’s high notes (this audio from her live performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when she was 72, though she’s singing strong now at 78), I had to locate a match to her uplift within me (from my 71). Then, as I was workin’ it, what a surprise to find the song’s turnaround (again in my mind), which has more to do with looking at installation of, and then upon consideration, questioning a welcoming side door to my sweet reclusion. (Maybe more to come on that later. Just wanting to note the red flag that comes up for me if I begin to believe research and/or well-meaning input about what makes a long and healthy and intimately-connected life. Each of us finds that in our own ways.) Yay that this selfie-videoing has given me the opportunity to expand my clarity about welcome to inner and outer combined. Wowsers! I had to go with Judith’s song! Thank you, Judy. I have one after-hope for anyone stopping by here: maybe this “Open the Door” selfie video will in some way connect with your self-understanding and/or lift you as it has me in the making (and Judy originally, over the years and again in NY - do check out her full performance), and possibly provide you a brief respite from the heavy news cycles. Oh, and yes, the Mary Oliver quote did blow off the window ledge right as I was starting my filming. ;-) Ya knows, I loves havin’ youse for my friends. ♥ Sparky here
My 8th selfie dance video ~ "I Wanna Be Like Me"
Ha ha! My 8th Selfie play video ~ I Wanna Be Like ME After some thought ... for any who’ve suspected or been told or even encouraged to believe you shouldn’t have ‘that’ style or you shouldn’t be ‘that’ way ... or, oh my gosh you look like so and so (and if you’re thinking who I’m thinking, I know, I noticed and I find that distressing as well which is all the more reason to “Shake it Off”) ... I’ll accept a hug while giving you mine ... AND this, Balloo Song’s for you!!! ;-) My point in making another video and with this particular song ~ I am glad! I am glad that I haven’t let ’70’ get me, stop me, convince me of anything other than that I am just as eager now as I was at three years old to hop on the fence (mere lack of a horse) and ride! Or before long it was reading as I rode ;-) . My point is only to trigger myself to keep being like that ‘here we go!’ girl, whatever my changes in speed and preferences in play become. In this brief ‘down time’ as I wait for my hard copy proof so I can greenlight my next book release (YES - WhooHoo), while welcoming a little break from my citizen work too, I noticed how I’ve been holding off on Selfies because ... well surely you can imagine some of the ‘becauses’ that might knock me off my rocker. Such as wanting to protect myself from others misreading me. I like, I get back on. Yes, the best thing of all about '70' may be in finding out I don't care a hoot whether anybody Likes my various ways or not. I am so glad I lived this long. You know what, I love writing, in seriousness. I love ‘filming’ as play. And let’s face it: I love the wobbly knees bein’ in love with life that comes with both! (And when playing with kiddos.) ‘I wanna be ... like me’ (myself, though this particular tune has me laughing at the ridiculous speed ... oh was I sore, good muscle sore, after all the takes ;-) ). This is not my only speed, but it’s definitely a natural for me, and for many kids. Ever since I first saw “The Jungle Book” I wanted to dance Balloooo. You know I will love to hear from any of you, and you don’t need to write me ... I see on your Facebook posts, how ‘being you’ thrills you right down to your version of my floppy socked toes. I am so glad we get another go-round at Life. Have a great ‘nother turn of the wheel. ♥ Sparky
"Walk into the Sun" ~ 7th selfie dance video
“All I got to do ...” Thank you Maverick Sabre for “Walk into the Sun” which is what I’ve been doing with my life lately. Love it! Had to dance! (Listeners, heads up: this song may get stuck in yours; it has in mine!) Thank you for permission, Maverick, to share my enjoyment of your music and Life (via inclusion of ads on youtube sharing). I know I make these videos in celebration of turning ever towards what I experience as my light. Beyond that, it remains a mystery why I put myself through the gulp/guts I have to draw on to post. Has something to do with the not holding back at this stage in the great gift of being alive. As with past and ongoing focus, I threw in a few pieces I look forward to expanding with my practice (eyebrows hopping) ... I can see tap shoes and lessons ahead maybe ;-) ;-) ‘All I got to do’ ...
"Giddy" ~ 6th selfie dance video
GIDDY ... here after all, I’ve done it again, another selfie dance video.
This Jason Mraz/Colbie Caillat song moved me so, I had to do something. Their words weren’t spot on for me, yet the tune, the harmonics stirred straight to my soul ... right on into adapting the 2009 lyrics so everything lined up with how the song made me feel. (Yeah, I don’t believe in ‘luck’ anymore; I have a couple different concepts in my beliefs where luck and lucky used to be. Sorting that out was pleasurable. Doing this number also helped me shore up the opposite of waiting, waiting around for fulfillment from ‘out there.’ Ever since I realized I can be and am simply giddy with Sophia (Sophia’s the name I use for the source of all things and ideas/the at-oneness in us all and in all things/the greater-than-me Source), I'm more giddy than not. You'll find my lyrics in the first Comment on my Facebook post, if you have Fb. My rendition’s not ‘about Sophia,’ it’s about feeling. ... Okay, I invite you to play in this groovy anthem with me. I’m “Giddy” ... whadda you got?
.... (insert several-week delay)
I can’t believe, but it has been ... I recorded the audio eight times some weeks back. Nearly ran out my data usage for the month replaying the original video. I knew I could get to singing better. I determined I’d come back to it. But then I let it sit. I also got stuck on/pictured myself filming from my new home, after I get to move back to the hill where I want to be. But because of that wanting, I totally let this flow in me slow to a near stop. Then to fill the void, other things popped up ... body restoration stuff, yada blah blaahh. The best medicine FOr mE is to let myself be totally ridiculous.
And anyway, am I going to wait to dance giddy while my moments slip by? Or am I going to again, as I did to my first “Happy” dance, just let myself ... let out my love. My expressions being Incomplete. No circumstance keeping me from my giddy.
Yup yup yup. It’s always a ‘which direction will I lean today?’ Into waiting till ... Or will I ... I like to tickle myself into giddy.
I also want to add, a quote that struck me during this interim* ... another’s experience from which I tap into my own courage. I haven’t taken up a sport (yet) at age 68, but I will risk this (my second time) singing publicly. Singing was long ago a sweet part of my life. Just like muscles, especially of the lungs, a voice unused atrophies. So I’m building up mine, decades later ... ah ah ah, Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh it’s never too late ... with appreciation for the many inspiring senior athletes. I must have sung this through 100 times to expand/retool/retune before I tried the first recording. My point about repeating is, not to note how many X’s, but a practice I made to not only get so I could hit the note sometimes, but also so I could and did give myself that many rounds of feeling good ... in those moments ... not waiting till ... and till ... Simply because I can, because my happy measure is all up to me, right now.) I’ve always had a camp voice; love camp singin’! This is my ‘good enough/let it go’ eighth take. With more off camera singing to come.
I just watched “Giddy” again, offline (here at hand via a click on my desktop for that hitching vibrational britches, you know), and I REALIZED besides my contending with the wind, my dog hopping over the seats, the camera operators passing torches (wooden easel to cardboard box to front seat, due to the gusts) ... ‘dance floor’ diminishing as I needed to inch the car over grass patches so my camera wouldn’t clunk onto the pavement ... besides those minor infarctions (heehee), I HAD NO MUSIC PLAYING. Somehow it wasn’t occurring to me that previously I’d plugged in to a house (wink) ... I was friggin’ ‘dancin’’ to the song in my head! (which accounts for the skimpy dance clips assembled when I came to my editing room wink emoticon. Ergo, patting on my back for going ahead and sharing my giddy video anyway. I mention because, good for any of us at this time in life especially if/when we pry loose another of the ‘gotta be perfect’ clamps. This may seem sillily noted as ... well, duh ... clearly there’s never been anything approaching perfectionism in my having fun with these videos. (I KNOW THAT ~ heehee ) Still, there is a letting go, the ‘who gives a rip!’ that is worth noting. Tra laaaa! Ha haaaa! I’d love to hear your letting go stories!!!
*And here’s where I found my courage to put this selfie song and dance online: in random selection from the library’s new shelf, a punk rocker’s memoir. (I love listenin’ to what makes others tick, and Viv Albertine holds nothing back.) On page 79 Viv raves up the influence she invited from Patti Smith, “I rush home and put the record on. ... The structure of the song is unique to her, not copies of old ... they’re a mix of improvisation, landscapes, grooves, verses and choruses. She’s a private person who dares to let go in front of everyone, puts herself out there and risks falling flat on her face. Up until now girls [me ... older wom] have been so controlled and restrained. Patti Smith is abandoned. Her record [though I’m not drawn to Patti’s or Viv’s, theirs inspire me] translates into sound, parts of myself that I could not access, could not verbalize, could not visualize, until this moment.” Here’s to the slip of a reveal within each of us in whatever ways we choose to release. ♥ Sparky
"Living in the Moment" ~ 4th selfie dance video
My 4th selfie dance video to “Living in the Moment” by Jason Mraz.
Lee Isaacson Roll commented on my last dance video, which I had hoped she wouldn’t see, out of concern for our, in those moments, different abilities. Instead, she popped right into the conversation. Lee’s words << Keep dancing, laughing, exuberant living! Do the things I can no longer do (well, I still laugh-- a lot!) and have the best time ever! You brought back so many memories of JR and the kids when they were little rocking out to Flashdance. Keep on! >> ... So this, Lee, is <3 me with you <3 . Feels like stirring up joy together; thanks for being with me still.
My preface here is no way apology, more my self soothing: I am aware that my energy is a little low after the weekend’s 11-hour drives, road trip and glory days with my daughter and son-in-law in the Sierras, the 11-hour drive home on Monday somewhat diminishing. I was thinking of a dance coming round though, feeling a bit of a poser too :-) as my last is already months back. I don’t make these selfie videos in any planned way though. I wait until I’m hit with an idea. So that wondering when another dance is coming increased after I read of Lee’s passing, belatedly late Monday night. And then ... this morning when I woke at 3:36, eager to get up, I knew: Today I will Dance with Lee. And I will do so with gentleness for us both, as I continue on, setting my own stage for ‘ease’ from here on.
I’m also noticing, shiveringly so, how fun this is ~ when things line up they really line up. Early on the morning I was leaving for E's, I went out my seldom-used side door, to the garage for loading up. Right there on the narrow steps, a fox had left me a Happy Trails tribute. And then THIS morning when I was out catching the moon ... I’d been on the deck, come in for a minute ... I was about to step back out when there was the fox walking right past my hammock where I’d been two minutes before. ON THE DECK, my hand on the door, four feet from it! I did take a breath and go on out. Then I’d nearly finished filming that segment, all grin inside, when a bat almost bonked my in-the-air feet. Done enough, feeling more giggly than weirded out by the bat, I was taking my pup to our front door which has a substantial landing under a porch roof, wide set of steps ... and right there, sometime in the night the fox had left its little giftie. On our front porch. Now I don’t know about you, but I feel holy blessed when creatures make their close comings and goings super apparent to me.
I thought to myself, I have got to do this, with all these energies swirling about, no matter that mine may be lacking. And you’ll see, per my commitment, when I get that rush ‘today ... I dance’ I do, get it done within 24 hours and all right here, in whatever’s at hand, and with whatever or whoever shows up. So here we have it, gentling with Lee (and a fawn who happened by right in the middle of my ‘filming’): “Living in the Moment,” my 4th selfie dance video, by Jason Mraz. with love, Sparky
I posted my first selfie dance video in March, several years back: Come on over to add to the fun. ~ Happy on Me Mind ~ Okay, before I give myself a heart attack with Takes 9, 10, and 11 ... and with my due caveats ‘what IS that body that doesn’t look like I feel’ and ‘I know I can do better than this’ (especially if I’m not in front of a camera :-) ... I am posting today because (amid Marchiness, weather-wise) it is a part of my ongoing practice to focus on/contribute to ~ thank you Pharrell Williams ~ The Happiness of Our World, even when it means a roll-out on the ridiculous just to make me (and you) laugh. With love and big hugs especially for those feeling any current situation not to your liking, the seriousness of many events notwithstanding, I join with you in intent and knowing that we always always have a choice (with so many models, past 'n present) ... to make happy! May the impulse sweep you too right onto your feet, or wheels, or what-have-you. Sparks here on the southern Oregon coast, North America
Let me know where you’re dancing! Or send a clip!!
"Loving ourselves, loving Being" ~ 2nd selfie dance video
With my kudos and couldn’t-have-finished-without-you appreciation to Jared Johnson for editing/enhancing the final cut, I made this video hearkening to early-Mom-era, with what I thought was a Charlie Chaplin poem “As I Began to Love Myself” supposedly from his late in life. There seems some discrepancy about that poem’s authorship, so I won’t repost it as CC’s. The point still holds: whatever state I'm in, hoorah for valuing myself enough to go on being who I am, as I’m able, free of apologies, regrets, fears, blames ... no worries either (most of the time), and way less holding back. Any who've returned to watch this particular video a second time, may notice I've cut the sections that didn't feel good (I certainly never intended to make fun of anyone but myself :-); this then, my bit choppy Take 2 version. I love we can 'Take 2' through life, as needed. Whatever venue I jump into from here on ... and on and on ... I'm going to keep pulling me rip cord when I’m anywhere near this joy. Thanks for watching. ♥ Sparky
With my thanks, the music was Mike Cornick: One Minute Rag, on youtube, Piano piece for four hands. Performed by Emese Klug and Donat Reczetar. 2010 Jan 30 Bartok Bela Zeneiskola, Szombathely, Hungary
"What a Feeling" ~ 3rd selfie dance video
My Facebook post: When we know ourselves, when we get comfortable in our own skin and come to believe anything can happen ... “What a feeling!”
With my great appreciation: In “Flashdance” the movie, the original was sung by Irene Cara who was the lyricist with Keith Forsey, the music by Giorgio Moroder. One requirement I place on myself in making and posting videos is that from inspiration to recording/posting I move quickly, embracing solely my immediate geography, ‘wardrobe,’ spontaneous ‘choreography,’ novice techie skills, etc. in order that I don’t get caught up in perfection obsessions. (What you won’t see then, in my in-the-moment outbursting of video is my dancing in my heart with my kids and their spouses and kids, the lot of whom I adore with this same passion.) So my huge thanks to Sister Cristina Scuccia and her winning “Voice” performance in Italy, singing which transcended seeming limitations, and inspired me a few days ago. Brava!
Rather than perpetuating the belief that my old thought line is uncrossably, tenaciously tripping-up grabby, I am comfortable with noting the line now between my believing in myself (or more basically, simply loving myself) and letting myself soar has become, through my practice, so thin it's immaterial. As in posting ... video 3! Yay! Even though I do still have to hurdle over or dodge around: Do I dare; I don’t want what I do to bring up hurt in anyone, knowing I do sometimes make takes that come out insensitively other-than-intended; I should have blah blah; My feet hurt and other this & that body stuff; Maybe it’s too late; and the lousiest of all, What will others think? ... I continue now yay yay yay to let myself open to the exuberant flow that is me. (And who, I ask myself, who has let themselves be all they could be, ever threw up a permanent barricade that said ‘selfie’ is too self-y? The point of a selfie isn’t me, it’s letting go, relief, liking, owning, rising into mySelf and all the other feelings leading up to JOY. And joy is so WAY bigger than me. Here’s to loving ourselves enough/and loving others enough, to skip on by those snatcherly thoughts.) If not now and without apology, when?
Yay for the feeling I get in laying down a sentence that I like ... oh, I don’t mean these fingers-flying types in my posts and emails, I mean the deep writing work I get to do. As soon as I’m done dancin’ today, I’m on to what’s current, my first full novel, well underway! Whoohoo!
"Farewell to Ashley Longworth" 5th selfie dance video
“Farewell to Ashley Longworth,” my fifth and maybe last selfie video (with Bloopers!) ... or maybe just the last for a while. (It IS FUN!) No damage done in this one ... just thinking ... might be time for lessons as I’ve maxed out variety in the dance, or at least what comes out of my hands and feet on the spur of these moments. I made it again ... squeaked in or real close. I did spend some time ahead on the ‘lyrics.’ But I donned my skates after decades in storage, also got in the (d#@* ;-) recording, such as it was, the filming and the puttin’ it all together in my self-prescribed 24-hour framework. You’ll see, what I lack in ability to dub in layered sound still, I solved by learning ‘insert text.’ Regarding Ashley Longworth* ... maybe you secret one yourself, or maybe you hold onto an idea that has lovely aspects but really truly you’ve moved on, or you would if you said good-bye on that front. I’m more goofy than usual after my all-nighter ... so I won’t suggest making ‘sense’ in this ... just enjoy ... if you like. Hugs and off we go. And later: I've been thinking about Kitty L. Coleman's comment on my Fb post, 'as long as you're having fun with [the video dances]' ... Thanks! I like running through the various aspects in my mind. You know one thing I absolutely LOVE? The putting together the clips, fitting them to the music, remembering as best I can the 'do this' FIRST, 'and don't forget that part before you do the other.' It's a challenge ... one I LIKE. And it's like nothing I've ever done before. One way I really know the 'this is for me!' satisfaction: last night I looked up from the the computer, the physical doing long done, and I realized 'that's dawn coming on!' ... And the last time I'd glanced at the clock was four or five hours before. I love engagement and 'getting up to speed' with something, and having little bits of it turn out enjoyably. Think of what filmmakers must experience in getting to watch a full movie they've put together! And: This whole dancing and posting my dancing isn't at all about 'Look at me!' or even 'look at me.' It's about loving the energy that pours through me ... I mean, just LOVING IT ... how it feels to lose track of time and stay up all friggin' night just cuz I'm having so much fun.) And the real kicker/the heavyweight 'oh, it's not just me ... wow, there are others on this island??!!' is when I get to hear from you/others about times when you likewise are just bowled over with being alive (or trying something new, or doing something you've wondered if you could). This is the fun that goes on, after the event itself. And that brings up another point I'm wanted to say ... this time I have is a huge gift, something I've taken/ made for myself (you have to know, my life hasn't always been like this, where I actually can stay up all night and not have little ones needing me in the morning, though I wouldn't have missed those days for anything); I hope everyone who would like similar time with ease in their lives gets it/creates it at some point in their lives, to explore whatever would come up for them, not in performing necessarily, just in living. Hugs! And thanks for coming round! * Regarding Ashley Longworth: It's seems I may be a rare one here who not only gathered her family on the couch every week during their growing up ~ I did make popcorn, provided candy, I'll give me that ~ taking that one-hour “Waltons” reprieve, enjoying watching someone else meet the challenges of parenting, and who remembers as if a part of our extended (TV) family, Miss Emily Baldwin's pining away for a brief love, expecting him to return at any moment. Well well to my farewell (not that it matters; it doesn't). Happy now.