It's that time of year again, to sit back and reflect on the past 12 months. To evaluate how I've grown and changed as a person. I think this is probably the biggest year of change for me, EVER. It's been a whirlwind to be sure!


The year started out with us basking in the glow of being new parents still. Shortly thereafter, we were notified of Jussi's final INS interview appt. So off to Charlotte in Feb. to deal with that. We walked out of the building with my amazing husband having been granted permanent residency! While that was absolutely the highlight of my year a few things came close.


In March, I decided to pursue something I'd tossed around for years. Bellydancing! Whyyyyy didn't I start this sooner? I have an amazing instructor and some wonderful troupe sisters. Logan has encourage all of us so much, me especially with what I have planned for the upcoming year! More on that later.


In June, we began working on choreography for our very first hafla. Where we hosted performers from Baraka Mundi of Asheville and Raven's Wing of Bryson City. Despite some horrible nerves everything went well and the second hafla was talked about. That one happened at Bryson City on November 6th. To say it was amazing would be a huge understatement!


In October, I attended TribOriginal. A weekend dance culture camp hosted by Onca in the mountains of Hendersonville. I knew it was going to be a totally wonderful experience, I didn't expect it to be life changing but it was!! I met some truly amazing people that weekend and each of them holds a special place in my heart. I am so grateful for everyone who had encouraging words and took the time to make a baby bellydancer feel completely welcome. I've had the honor of helping not only with TribO, but I was street team for a show that happened here last weekend. Onca hosted Armitage Shanks and the turn on out was pretty good from what I'm told! My next adventure will be helping her with ABSFest which happens in June!


I also got back into contact with an old friend from high school. When we went to see her and her husband for the first time it was an instant sisterhood. She and her husband have been so wonderful and supportive. Everything from rides to class when hubby's working, to baby sitting when things went pear shaped, to letting me vent when I needed to. They stepped up when my dance troupe needed a truck to do the christmas parade. Letting us string lights around it, fill the back with haybales and driving in front of the girls so they'd have music to dance to. I was sick and couldn't make it but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate what they did. I know that while they did it for the troupe, it was because said troupe is so important to me that they took the time for us. Georgette, Erick you are the brother and sister I wish I'd had. Thank you both, so much for just being you!!


This year my baby girl turned 1 and my baby boy turned 18. I don't know where the time went but to know I raised such an amazing young man makes me proud! My little miracle makes every day so much more special and I look forward to all the days, weeks, months and years that lie ahead.


For my husband and I, it's been a year of triumphs. We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary in April and I see about 100 years more ahead of us! Not only does he support me 150% in what I'm doing, he's taken an active role and is very involved. Will he ever tie on a coin belt? Not likely. LOL He has gotten a Tar Frame drum and is practicing so he can accompany me in future shows. I Love him with every part of my being. That he not only wants me to do this, but wants to be involved means so very much to me.



What does the next year hold? Well...that's a pretty long list even at this stage.


First, I have to get busy making several costume pieces. That's likely to eat up a ton of time. I'll be getting my sewing machine in Jan. and from there it'll be nonstop! At some point I'm going to be switching to the stage name I've had for 10 years. It's time.


Our troupe will be growing by at least 1 more and possibly 2, but that's all I can say on that.


We're hoping that Funeralia will be making its debut but I can't say much more right now until I know what, if anything, is going to change. Cryptic? Yep LOL.


There's a Bellydance Festival coming up April 15th-17th. Mahsati is also putting on a production in May. Rising Sun has the U.B.L. convention coming up in May and Body Lyrics is also hosting a large production that month too. I'll be doing my first ever solo at our production. It's a sword piece that's dedicated to my patron Goddess, The Morrighan. We're trying to nail down dates so that we don't over lap weekends. Going out to support other troupes and dance with them is really important.


I know that Onca is working out details to host a monthly variety show in Asheville, which I'll be going out to support.


Then there's ABSFest which is the first weekend in June. This one is pretty big for me. I'm helping with several aspects in a volunteer capacity as well as having some art stuff going on. More on that when details are worked out.


October is slammed completely FULL. I don't think I could add anything else in if I TRIED! My entire family will be attending TribO. I'm waiting to hear if there's going to be a change made to say much more about that weekend Then it's off to D.C for Belly Horror, which I'm so sad I missed this year. Next up will be one of my best friends weddings that I've been helping to plan for months already. A dark spooky affair that's going to happen at the Mysterious Mansion in Pigeon Forge. Yes, I'll be attending in full gothic faire; Parasols, fans, top hats and walking canes. Oh, My! Finally, Dark Side of the Sun, where I'll be doing a solo that I absolutely can not do anywhere else LOL.


Is it gonna be hard work? You bet your ass it will. Am I afraid of that? Hell no! Plus I expect there'll be other workshops and intensives that I'll be attending. Once I know the details of the Awalim workshops I'll decide if I can squeeze those in as well.


To the friends I've made and the people I've met, Thank You seems so small after all that you have given me. I hope some day to repay the kindness.


Roses & Razors,
Morgana