Ballet Memories

This weekend, my best friend, Jill and I attended the 30th Anniversary Repertoire of the Ballet Theatre of Maryland (formerly Ballet Theatre of Annapolis, BTA.) Jill and I took ballet lessons with BTA from the age of 6 until we were in high school. We took classes 5 to 6 times per week and spent many many hours roaming the studios and art spaces in Maryland Hall. We danced a different role every year in the Nutcracker from mice to soldiers in the battle scene to sweets and gingerbread men in the land of sweets. I played Grumpy and Jill played Doc in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. We were dolls come to life, flowers, snowflakes, fairies and much more. We had several different teachers and many company ballerinas to idolize all through our childhood and preteen years. Neither Jill nor I ever joined the company, but I’m sure I speak for both of us when I say that we are alumni of this great organization. I have many memories of the former artistic director and founder, Edward Stuart. He rehearsed us in every ballet from the time we were 6. I remember when he dropped cigarette ashes on one of our fellow dancers when you used to be able to smoke in the studio. I’ve never seen him so embarrassed and can’t think of how crazy a parent in today’s time would react to this. At that time, as long as no one was hurt, no big deal. He treated us like professionals even as children and made us all excited about his ballets. I remember fondly my ballerina years and was happy to see all the staff who supported each performance year after year, ballerinas that I wanted to be when I grew up, grown up themselves with families and real world jobs and dancers that I idolized looking pretty much the same with a few grey hairs. It was a nice night to reminisce and enjoy some local ballet.

Fringe Necklace

Today I received my Maximum Fringe Necklace from Norwegian Wood’s shop on Etsy. I am absolutely in love! This will definitely be my “go to” accessory for the summer. Especially, since I lost my other favorite necklace this Saturday after too many Blue Hawaiian Cocktails at a friend's going away party. (That’s a whole other story.) Angie, the artist who made this necklace, is so super nice and sent me a great follow up email right after I placed my order. I found her shop through stilldottie who always puts up great posts of Etsy finds. I am terrible at searching for fabulousness on Etsy. Thank goodness for the bloggers who highlight these great artists.

To Keep or Not to Keep

I bought these sandals a few weeks ago. I am longing for nice weather, even though it is not quite here yet. I can’t decide if I should keep them. They are pretty fantastic in this photo, but I’m not sure if they are flattering on my feet. I know the Gladiator sandal is VERY in right now, but I just don't know if I'm a fan. The sales women said that people have commented on the comfort of these wedges. I don’t buy shoes for comfort, but if I did, I wouldn’t pick these. I got them at Nordstrom, so it is no problem to take them back. I’m just not sure these are “the ones” for me this summer. I think I will wear them around the apartment this week and see what my cats think about them.

Easter Candy

My all time favorite candy is Cadbury Mini Eggs. When I was in college, my college roommate and I used to buy a whole huge box of Mini Eggs and keep hidden stashes from our other roommates. This was a big expense at that time, but totally worht it. We would stalk the drug stores in early March and call each other with the first sightings of Mini Eggs. I’ve got a whole unopened bag that should take me through the next few weeks and then I’ll just have to wait until next year.

Bunnies, Bunnies Everywhere

I haven’t done a lot of holiday decorating, other than Christmas, since we moved back into an apartment. Today, I figured I’d get in the spirit and put up this bunny garland inspired by this post on Hostess with the Mostess. It was a good use of the leftover paper from previous projects and something to keep me occupied today since it is a yucky rainy Saturday. I hope everyone has a very Happy Easter.

A BIG Happy Birthday to Jane!

(Please, excuse my horrible picture)

Mom Emails

I received my copy of Love, Mom Poignant, Goofy, Brilliant Messages from Home in the mail a few weeks ago and it is just hysterical. I have really enjoyed reading it and love the excerpt from my mother in the book.

“Victoria Beckham has a brother named Christian. Can you believe it? The gods are with us!!!! Love, Mom”

If you know my brother’s story, this is really a good chuckle.

My Mama had cataract surgery yesterday, so I hope she is feeling better and isn’t bothered that I posted this blog.

Love You Mom!!