Be Mine?

As you know, I am taking dance lessons and there is a terrific student promotion going on...

I need to bring 5 or more people as my guest on Wednesday 2/4 and I am hoping that you are available and willing to come and maybe can even bring some friends....or if you have already come as my guest would you please pass the word if you know anyone interested:

5 GETS 20!!! ONE NIGHT ONLY!
BRING 5 QUALIFIED GUESTS
GET 20 PRIVATE LESSONS!!

CHAMPAGNE GUEST PARTY
7:45PM WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 4TH
MUST RSVP 727-445-9755

RUNGO DANCE ACADEMY
1969 SUNSET POINT RD
CLEARWATER 33765

I promise you will have fun, but I don't want anyone feeling pressured. Friendship means more to me than free lessons! But if you can come please let me know! Plus I get a dance with my instructor the nite you come as a guest and you get to see what I've been up to!

Technorati Tags: wealthynelson,woman on the edge,catherine blackman nelson

Busy, Busy, Busy

I've been dancing almost every day out and about just about every nite and loving it...

Salsa at Aunt Chilada's Cantina, Dirty Martini and Rungo 4 nites a week... hard to say if I'm getting any less GRINGA, but I'm having fun. Having a very difficult time with my latin walks - dancers - any advice?

<Swing Time in Gulfport again - going a lil' rockabilly...

Grouper Cheeks from Harr's Surf & Turf market...hard to find them and they are so delicious! Oooops, I told you and now you are going to want to buy them all up...

Earning that dollar for a BBQ tasting courtesy of The Consumer Center!

Managed to get in a tad exercise at the Bootie Blast, fit some work into the day, reunited with grammar school friends via the glory of facebook, met a slew of new peeps at a wine & cheese party hosted by a friend of a friend, tore up the dance floor until after 1 and slept till almost 11 am...somehow the dogs permitted this, must be the cold weather snap.

You had to bring your own wine glass - this was my crunk cup", the SWAK on the right...The VIP had a motorcycle on his. This did not deter peeps from filling my glass and trying to claim it as their very own.

Today attended the biker build off. I voted for the Scarab. Watched a tat competition and should have filled out an entry form. Ready to greet the new moon on Monday and see what the week has in store - for now, enjoying the rest of the weekend!

Ebay account problems & SPAM emails

I have been victimized! 

Somehow someone got into my Ebay account on January 14-15th during Ebay's scheduled maintenance outage, and today I wake up to find umteen undeliverable emails returned to my account that were obviously NOT sent by me as I have NO interest in promoting the products sold.

I am hoping the intrusion stops here, and have changed things immediately to prevent any further compromise.  I personally apologize to you for the spam, and you should get an email from me explaining in more detail - thank you to those who called to let me know something was awry.

Ebay has been of no help and has not even bothered to respond to the emails sent.  Ever try their live chat?  I'm not sure exactly how long you have to wait for a connection and after trying multiple times I gave up.  Kind of a shame as I was actively bidding and selling at the time and I just love the idea of Ebay.

I write all this off to the fact that Mercury is in retrograde - whatever can go wrong usually does during this period and it won't be safe until February 4th...hang in there!

Mirage

I had an enjoyable day being a girlie girl with former Ms. Tampa, Guita ( so sorry - no photo - can you believe I missed recording the days events!)...

We met for lunch at the Mirage which serves Mediterranean Cuisine.  They have a lunch buffet 11-2:30 that provides a great sampling and you can enjoy the artistry of Belly Dancing on Fridays and Saturdays over dinner.

After stuffing ourselves like Dolmeh (grape leaves) we headed to Salon Allure for Guita to have her hair cut and styled by Jay. 

While she left looking fab I was left with a stinging sensation after being told "IT's TIME" to start dying my hair, that I was 'dating myself' (and I was left wondering, will I put out?)  and that he would have no part in continuing to cut my hair (an ultimatum!) because if he was going to do it ,it had to look good and he would not be responsible for my greys (Enough hair dude!  I had to correct him right then and there - THEY ARE NOT GREY... THEY ARE WHITE, so there!).

Well, I knew this day would come sooner or later.  So much for aging gracefully! 

I will let you in on the true root of his ire....he is unhappy with the photo on my prior posting and doesn't feel it is a proper representation of his hotness factor (my words, he actually said something professional sounding about' the image he wanted to project' or some mumbo jumbo...).   So I did what any good friend would do.... offer to take some semi nude's and update for the photo on the post....CallMe...I have fresh batteries in the camera...

Technorati Tags: mirage restaurant,belly dancing,medeterranean food,grey hair,hair dye,salon allure clearwater florida,Jay,blow-J

Aunt Chilada's Cantina

I'm just back from a night of most excellent salsa instruction courtesy of  Alfredo.

He has arranged to teach at this local restaurant on Mondays and Fridays at 7:30 for $10 bucks.  Come grab a bite, and of course a margarita and sweat off the calories to the beat of 1-2-3, 5-6-7.

There is a huge party on the 30th, drinking till 2 am and and dancing till 4 am.

Technorati Tags: salsa passion,aunt chiladas cantina,Alfredo Estefes

Swing Wednesday at Gulfport... Friday in Tampa!

This week we swing WEDNESDAY at the Gulfport Casino and FRIDAY at Centro Asturiano!  It's been over two months since the last Swing Time event at Centro, so join Sam for this excellent night of swing! 

Lindy Hop lessons continue 6-7pm at the Gulfport Casino for the remaining two Wednesdays in January, followed by Swing lessons 7-8pm, and Music/Dancing 8-11pm. 

Coming February in the 6-7pm lesson slot are Charleston dance lessons ...and just in time to get you ready for the huge Partner-Charleston Dance Contest on Friday February 20th at the Swing Time! 1930's Theme Night.  (See below for event & contest details.)  With all Swing Time dance lessons, you can start any week you want; no prior experience is needed, and no partner is needed.

---

Swing Time!  at  Centro Asturiano  in  Tampa
Friday January 23rd 2009
Swing Music & Dancing,  9pm-1am
Swing Dance Instruction,  8-9pm
Admission $7     Prize Giveaways!

ALL AGES WELCOME
Fabulous Vintage Grand Ballroom
Huge Floating-Wood Dance Floor!
Exciting Social Atmosphere

Admission includes Free Lesson  ( No Partner Needed )
Free Gated Parking     Smoke-Free Event     Full Bar Available

Map & Directions Dance Lesson More Info

---

GULFPORT CASINO SWINGS! — Every WEDNESDAY
Exciting New 2009 Format — Lindy Lessons, Student Discounts & More!
Lindy Hop Lesson 6-7pm
Swing Dance Lesson 7-8pm
Swing Music & Dance 8-11pm
*  All Ages  *  No Partner Needed  *
Huge Dance Floor — One of World's Best!
Beautiful Retro-Era Waterfront Dance Hall
Admission $7 (includes 2 Free Lessons!)
Students get 2-for-1 Admission!
Full Bar  ~  Prize Giveaways  ~  Smoke-Free  ~  Free Parking
Celebrate Your Birthday at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night!
The Gulfport Casino is one of the world's best ballrooms, offering up social dance excitement in a picturesque beachfront setting.

Map & Directions Dance Lessons More Info

---

Friday,  February 20th,  2009
Swing Time!  1930's Theme Night
at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom
featuring hot swingin' jazz & blues by The...
Blue Vipers of Brooklyn!

Friday, February 20th, 2009, Swing Time hosts a 1930's Theme Night, featuring hot swingin' jazz & blues by The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn!  The event takes place at the beautiful and historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom, and everyone's encouraged to dress 1930's style, with prizes for the best costumes!  The 1930's Theme Night starts with a Swing, Charleston & Big-Apple Dance Lesson, 8-9pm (no partner needed), and continues with live music & dancing, 9:00pm-12:30am.  A Partner-Charleston Dance Contest happens at band intermission, with $100 Cash 1st Prize!  All ages are welcome!

The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn are an exciting, original, and highly talented act that bring to life the hot swingin' jazz & blues reminiscent of 1930's New Orleans.  The band met three years ago performing on the streets of New York City and quickly became a favorite of both New Yorkers and tourists from across the world.  The band has become a staple of NYC radio shows, TV shows, concerts and festivals.  They've received rave reviews from NYC's print media, and have recorded two CDs containing a jumpin' blend of original and traditional compositions.  The band has won competitions including Battle of the Bands (May 2007) and Subway Idol (May 2007, Broadcast Live on FOX).  They've even played at the world-famous Farm Aid 2007 concert for the likes of Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Mayor Bloomberg.  "The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn provided fantastic entertainment." --Willie Nelson, 6/11/2007  ( Get More Band Info + Listen to Music Samples )

Swing Time is Florida's Premier Swing Event, held one Friday each month in Tampa Bay at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom.  The Gulfport Casino is located in the St. Petersburg area at 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport FL 33707.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Live Music & Dancing w/ The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn,  9:00pm-12:30am
Swing / Charleston / Big-Apple Dance Lesson (no partner needed),  8-9pm
Partner-Charleston Dance Contest at Intermission -- $100 Cash 1st Prize!
1930's Attire Encouraged -- Prizes for Best Costumes!

All Ages  &  Smoke-Free
Exciting Social Atmosphere
Beautiful Vintage 1930's Waterfront Ballroom
Huge Floating-Wood Dance Floor
Prize Giveaways
Full Bar

$12 Admission includes Free Lesson; Free Parking

For more info, phone 813-274-4950, visit www.SwingTime.info on the web, or click the links below:
[Band Bio] [Contest] [Map & Directions] [Lesson] [More Info]

---

UPCOMING SWING TIME EVENTS
Click the links below for details on each event

   EVERY WEDNESDAY: Gulfport Casino Swing Night!

Jan 23, 2009 (Fri): Swing Time! at Centro Asturiano

Feb 14, 2009 (Sat): Swing Time! at Centro Asturiano
VALENTINE'S BALL
Live Music by The Juke Joint Kings
+ V-Day Decor, Prizes, Candy, Chocolates & More!
Tickets: $12;  purchase at the door

Feb 20, 2009 (Fri): Swing Time! at the Gulfport Casino
1930's THEME NIGHT
featuring The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn
Hot Swingin' Jazz & Blues from NYC!
Tickets: $12;  purchase at the door

---

Wednesday Birthday Celebrations at the Gulfport Casino:  To get free birthday admission at the Wednesday Gulfport Casino Swing Nights, it must be your birthday that Wednesday or the next six days (Thu-Tue), so you must celebrate on or before your birthday (not after).   Follow this link for full & accurate birthday details:  Celebrate Your Birthday at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night!

Swing Time! Live Fridays at the Gulfport Casino:  The March date for Swing Time! Live Music & Dancing at the Gulfport Casino has moved to Friday March 6th.  Previously, it was slated for the following Friday.  That means, from March-December 2009, Swing Time! Live Music & Dancing will happen consistently on the first Friday of every month!  So mark your calendars now for Friday February 20th, and then for the first Fridays in March-December.

---

Events@SwingTime.info
This update is sent to you by  Swing Time, 4532 W Kennedy Blvd #304, Tampa FL 33609  (Phone 813-274-4950)

---

Technorati Tags: swing,lindy hop,gulfport casino,swing time,centro asturiano,the juke joint kings,the blue vipers,valentines ball,charleston,dance contest

Fun Friends!

I'm just back from a delightful breakfast in an adorable town..... 

 

We ate at Cafe Alfresco, right off the Pinellas Trail.  It was a glorious sunny and warm day for January, and we took a stroll thru the shops but being that it was Sunday we were a tad on the early side to do much more than window shop.

 

Meet Jules!

She is a nifty creative person who is so much fun and so full of life. 

She has a couple blogs and if you are into altered art or paper crafting you should consider them a must see, as well as check her links!

LOOK WHAT SHE MADE ME!!!!

I was so surprised and am so very thankful! 

I have not done anything creative since pre-holidays and this might be just the thing to spark my mojo....

 

Technorati Tags: posting from paradise,jules,altered art,pinellas trail,cafe alfresco,paper crafting,dunedin florida

37 Odd Things About ME

1. Do you like blue cheese?  NO
2. Have you ever smoked?  A COUPLE CIGS YEARS AGO
3. Do you own a gun? MY HUSBAND DOES
4. What flavor Kool Aid is your favorite? DONT RECALL
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Sometimes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Love them, but try not to eat them!

7. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? COFFEE or TEA
9. Can you do push-ups? In the singular form only.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?   My engagement ring.

11. Favorite hobby? Currently it's Ballroom Dance

12. Do you have A.D.D? More the OCD type.

13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? No
14. Middle name? Anne
15. Name thoughts at this moment?  How Jules will enjoy this.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Coffee, Vanilla Coke, Bourbon.

17. Current worry? none.
18. Current hate right now? The grey weather.
19. Favorite place to be? Sitting on my loveseat w/hubby and 3 dogs.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Zzzzzzzzz.

21. Where would you like to go? Asia, Hawaii, Alaska...

22. Name three people who will complete this? Jules, 2 blog readers

23. Do you own slippers? No

24 What color shirt are you wearing? White
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, too slippery
26. Can you whistle? Yes, you know how to whistle don't cha?  Just put your lips together and blow...
27. Favorite Color? Blue Violet
28. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't usually.

29. Would you be a pirate? Already have.

30. Favorite Girl's Name? Blake Lively, XOXO

31. Favorite boy's name? Drew

32. What's in your pocket right now? No pockets!
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Something Drew just said

34. What vehicle do you drive? Camry
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Put a hole in my knee when I was around 9.

36. Do you love where you live? Yes.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3 too many.

Technorati Tags: 37 things,cathy nelson

SALSA

BEG/INT/ADV 6 WEEK COURSE $96.00 - 6PM Tuesdays & Thursdays, begins January 13th, 2009 with Instructor Alfredo Estefes! Call 727-445-9755 to reserve your spot and join me at the workshop!

Technorati Tags: salsa,alfredo estefes,rungo, http://www.salsapassiontampa.com/index.html

SwingTime!

Photos from Swing nite at Gulfport Casino this past Wednesday are up for viewing - take a look see at what you missed and come join the fun! 

 

 

 

  Our Lindy Instructors

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  Making a new friend!

 

  Thanks to Sam for the photos and for organizing such a good time for all!

 

Technorati Tags: http://www.swingtime.info/,swing dance lessons,social dancing,gulfport casino,gulfport florida,lindy hop,east coast swing

SWING!

I am just home from jumpin' and jivin'

at this place with these people who are

totally cool and i had SUCH a fun time -

look for me in their photos that will post

for tonite's date. I can't make

it next Wednesday but can't wait

to go back and may have to

drive to Tampa and check out that venue. Hope to see you on the dance floor!

Feb 20, 2009 (Fri): Swing Time! at the Gulfport Casino
featuring The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, Hot Swingin' Jazz & Blues from NYC!
Tickets: $12; purchase at the door

Technorati Tags: http://technorati.com/tags/http://www.swingtime.info/,swing time,swing gang,gulfport casino,dance,east coast swing,west coast swing,lindy hop,charleston

Fauxmance

Last nite I was watching Superstars of Dance and commented on the connection between many of the dance partners (couples) by using  this term.  Perhaps you have heard it used before but maybe not and perhaps you are wondering what I'M EVEN REFERRING TO...

So today I thought I'd share with you one of my fave fun sites to visit to stay on the cutting edge of urban culture...click here! You can even subscribe to get a word of the day emailed to you to dumb down your vocab and gain more street cred.

The next time you are listening to gangsta rap or hip hop and you want to know what Soulja Boy means when he sings about how he's gonna 'Superman dat ho' - now you have a place to go with all the answers....and you're welcome.

Technorati Tags: superstars of dance,fauxmance,romance,urban dictionary,soulja boy,superman dat ho

Tattoo You

When I was a young teen I caught a glimpse of otherwise covered tattoos on the inner arms of a guy who worked at the local deli's counter.  He was like me, a redhead, and the pale flesh on the insides of his arms was white as marble.  The colored tattoos were a realistic spatial recreation of our solar system - extraordinarily and breathtakingly beautiful, not the old, thick and blurry lined, non colored tattoos that sailors typically sported on a bicep that i was too familiar with.  I knew in that moment I wanted a tattoo.

It's been decades but my wanting has never waned.  I have had a multitude of reasons for postponing making the commitment, and decided 'the year of forty was the time to bite the bullet.  I started striking up conversation with people who had a high quality tattoo I admired, and after thinking I might have to travel a good 5 hours I was ecstatic to find a local artist with a several month wait list.  I stopped by the shop which is well renowned in our area.  Looked at the boards but found nothing I really was looking for.  Talked to the shop owner and he gave me several of the artists tattoo books.  Beautiful full sleeves, awesome and accurate portraits, truly amazing cover ups on sizeable tribal chest pieces - and the thing that sealed the deal... seeing work on a birthmark and over keloid scar tissue...two areas that some will not ink.  These were so well done I decided that i could happy live with anything this guy wanted to put anywhere on my body - it was going to look great to everyone blessed with the gift of sight.

I had my consultation and brought in my inspiration pieces and notations of what I liked and disliked and without pointing out my favorite he says 'based on what you are saying I like this one' and points it out.  So i knew we had a shared vision.  Now my biggest concern was placement and i decided the rely on his judgment for that and i am so glad i did.

And to answer your questions: Yes, it hurts and here is why I chose what I did...

Swallows are a traditional old-school tattoo symbolizing enduring love that first appeared on sailors during the World Wars. Because swallows are known to always return home to San Juan Capistrano each year without fail, it was believed that sailors with a swallow tattoo would always return to their homes and families as well. Because swallows never fly too far from home, the sight of a swallow by a sailor was a symbol of hope; it meant they were close to land. If a sailor had the misfortune of dying at sea, legend had it that a swallow would carry his spirit to heaven. And if a sailor had a friend who passed away, he may get a tattoo of a swallow with a dagger through it's breast. But swallows are also an enduring symbol of love and loyalty, as swallows are monogamous creatures. They choose only one partner and will mate with them for life. Many swallow tattoos were modeled after the barn swallow native to Europe. Blue in color, with a long, forked tail, barn swallows  are believed to represent the free blue sky and eternal happiness.

Technorati Tags: Jason Minauro,Monique's,tattoos,swallows

Steak and Shake Oldsmar supports The Hospice

Happy New Year! And what a better way to start the new year than to support The Hospice and have an old fashioned burger and shake at the same time!!!

The Steak and Shake in Oldsmar (3853 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, FL) is going to host guests on January 7^th (that’s this coming Wednesday evening) from 2 pm until 9 pm with 20% of their sales going to The Hospice. Please print out the below voucher so that The Hospice gets credit for your meal and receives the donation!

This is being done on the 7^th in celebration of the life of a daughter of one of their employees. Let’s get out and support this great effort!

Thanks for supporting these events - the donations help our patients and families. There are some other fun events coming your way.

Again, Happy New Year!!

Technorati Tags: steak n shake,oldsmar,hopsice

Swing Nite at the Gulfport Casino!

 

Next Wednesday (Jan 7), the Gulfport Casino Swing Night resumes, with an exciting all-new format every Wednesday night!  Two lessons will be offered, Lindy Hop 6-7pm and Swing 7-8pm, followed by Music & Dancing 8-11pm. 

 

Both lessons are free with paid admission to the event, and admission is just $7.  Plus, students get 2-for-1 admission every Wednesday!  Also, if it's your birthday that Wednesday (or the six days prior), you get free admission!  Also new for 2009... new state-of-the-art Bose sound system, special guest instructors & dance topics during 6pm lesson, and much more! 

 

Click here for a Map & Directions to Gulfport Casino.

Friday Jan 23 is Swing Time's next event at Centro Asturiano, with Swing Dance Lesson 8-9pm, and DJ'd Swing Music & Dancing 9pm-1am.  Admission is $7.  Mark your calendar for this date! 

 

Click here for a Map & Directions to Centro Asturiano.

Technorati Tags: gulfport,casino,swing dance lessons,bose sound systems,centro asturiano

Hot Yoga aka Bikram

In my New Year's quest to stop waiting and do some of the things I've been wanting to do i took my first ever hot yoga class today.  I'd been warned that i might not make it thru, that i might have undesired effects from the heat (over 102F degrees when i glanced up though it may have been higher than that later in the class).

I not only made it thru but didn't need to guzzle all of my water down in the first 15 minutes.  Fete Accompli!   Happy New Year!  What are you up to?

Technorati Tags: bikram,hot yoga,yoga village