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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Tell Me Thursday~ Thoughts on Dancing

As you can see, from yesterday's post, my little Sugar Bear is in her first year of dance. Her class is made up of 3 and 4 year olds, and basically focuses on music and movement. I had my doubts that this activity was the right choice for her, and had actually set her up to play fall soccer instead. When that fell through, I felt strongly that she needed something to get her body moving more. I am a firm believer in physical activity, and even more so a supporter of finding an activity a child loves, to give them focus, and purpose.


Sept1409_0027ew


The only dance school in our area is a very traditionally run program. It is quite focused on the discipline of dance. The children are to wear a plain light pink leotard and footless tights. Her hair must be UP, and out of her face. Those are pretty easy to accommodate.

The one rule that had me thrown for a bit of a loop was the fact that parents are not allowed in the dance class, and we can only watch through a little window in the door. For some reason, this felt very uncomfortable to me in theory, but in reality....it has been fine. The very first day, we were allowed to participate with the children, and observe for a portion of the class. THAT is when I got these shots. Since then, we are to kiss our little dancers, and wait in the chair lined hallway for the 45 minutes to pass by. The purpose behind this is to ensure that the parents are not a distraction to the children, and it is clear to me, that we most definately would be just that.

Once I knew that Sugar Bear was enjoying the class, and wasn't worried about me not being in her sight, I quickly decided that I wanted to make sure that I made use of my 45 minutes (twice a week) in a way that honored me. I didn't want to waste it. You see, I am go go going every day. Rush the Sugar to school, head to work, work, work, work, rush to get Sugar, head home, make dinner, play, bath and bedtime. THEN spend time with The Hubby. When he falls asleep, I stay up late editing photos, and posting to my blog. I feel like I'm constantly connected to something....or someone. I decided it was time to pick back up something I dropped when Sugar came along.
PLEASURE READING!

I used to read at least one book a week. The library and I were good friends. I would read for a couple hours each night, and sometimes a whole day on the weekends. Let's face it. I was home alone a lot. The Hubby's job took him away for a week to a few months at a time, and I had no kids. My books were my company. When Sugar came along, I had my company....and I was TIRED at night, so the reading didn't happen. Then The Hubby sort of retired, and is home every night. Then BLOGGING, and PHOTOS, and everything else I love to do replaced my beloved books.

I decided it was high time I got back to it. Instead of using my waiting time to chat with other parents, or making a phone call (let's face it...those that know me...know I can talk someone's ear off), I made the choice to read. It has been WONDERFUL! I have officially been sucked back into the world of reading. Seriously....I woke up at 5:20 am today, a full hour and a half before I normally wake, and decided to turn on my bedside lamp and READ. People....this mama is NOT a morning person. I am a "push the snooze 5 times" sort of person, but I just couldn't resist my book. I'm also going to bed about an hour earlier than usual, and reading. Yes....I'm behind in other things, and I'm wondering how to fit it all in, but I'm thrilled to be reading again.

This new adventure has been wonderful for both of us. Sugar is very much enjoying her dancing time, and has improved many of her large motor skills in the past month and a half. She has learn to deal with her teacher, who is fairly strict, and a bit ruff around the edges. Her confidence has soared. I have found myself lost in the world of literature again, and feel like a better person for it.

I am keeping a running list of books I have read recently, down at the bottom of my home page. I'd love if any of you would leave me some comments with book suggestions. I pretty much read anything except for "smut books". tee hee....I like romance, but only if it has a major factor of something else in it.

15 Live It or Love It:

Anonymous said...

Cane River by Lalita Tademy
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Home Front by Margaret Craven
True Women by Janice Woods Windle
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Timeline by Michael Criton
From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz
The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
Anything by Stephen R. Lawhead but I recommend you start with his Song of Albion Trilogy which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.

Okay, that should hold you for a while. :)

Donetta said...

That is just wonderful to hear the release in your tone. It is a sort of freedom. They do come in layers as the children age.
This is a great refresher for you Corry

Christina said...

Good for you!!! It's so refreshing to get lost in another world. I have recently started getting back to my books, and I am loving it, too. I will have to check out your list! I just finished reading "Handle With Care" by Jodi Picoult, one of my favorite authors.

mylittlepatchofsunshine said...

What a wonderful post! She looks like she loves dance, and I think it's great that you have found some time for "you" while she dances.

cat said...

Just clicked on your profile on another blog and really, your pictures are stunning. My princess also loves her ballet class.

I made a resolution to read 3 books a month this year and am one up on the game at present - hectic with a full time work and 3 kids but I am so glad I did it. On my profile you will find my normal day to day blog and my book blog - have a look - there are some great book reviewed there.

Marcelle said...

I used to ask the parents to leave the class as well and at the end of each term they were welcome to watch. I found that the children didn't give me their full attention if parents were around.
As a teacher you had better control of the class..
I think all mom's find this hard at first.
But this rule is a world wide rule.

Caitie said...

Definitely 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It's the first book in a trilogy, and it's absolutely definitely in my top 5 books of all time (well, the trilogy is at least). And I read A LOT of books (I think 8 books last month alone). 2nd book: 'The Girl Who Played With Fire'. 3rd book: 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest'. You won't be sorry! (Espionage type of feel, set in Sweden, but definitely not your average 'mystery'.)

Another absolute favourite: 'The Persimmon Tree' by Bryce Courtenay. Sequel: 'Fishing for Stars'. (Set in Java/Burma during the second world war.) Bryce Courtenay is a very popular writer here in Australia, and writes a lot about Africa as well. I think Bryce's books would probably include 5 of my top 10 books of all time! If you like his work (which is FABULOUS beyond words) then there are heaps more of his books: 'The Power of One' and its sequel 'Tandia' (set in South Africa during the apartheid). 'Sylvia' (set in middle ages Europe during the children's crusade). Brilliant, all of them. Fictional, based on fact. Very moving, incredibly real. Each time I read one of his books (even if for the third time) I feel such a sense of loss when I've finished.

Just stumbled over your blog - love your natural photos! Sorry this turned into such a novel.

Caitie said...

Oh, and I second Christina's suggestion. Jodi Picoult is also a favourite author of mine - such deep, thought-provoking books that are a joy to read.

Danielle said...

Good for you!! I too have begun reading again. I read about one book a week. It has been so much fun. I would recommend you get on the website Good reads. I will send you an invite. Good Reads is where you connect with your friends and see what books they have read and what they thought about them. I love this website because I don't have to start a really bad book! The invite will come from familyfirst76 at yahoo dot com.

Autumn said...

I completely understand the teacher wanting the parents out. When Bug was in Karate some parents were a much bigger hindrance than help. I'm so glad that she is enjoying it. It's great that you are reading again. I really need to make time to read.... someday!

Jeanette said...

When the boys do karate we can't watch either... only on certain days when they show off what they've learnt. I think it's a good thing as the kids tend to be distracted by moms.
Love that you're reading again... wish I had the time for that

Tanya said...

aww little ballerinas are the cutest!! And some "me" time is always good :) Im useless with books right now....all I can think of is Twilight..hheehe

Gayle said...

I think this class is perfect for you. Yes, YOU. I know you know this is your one time around and you are taking it for all it's worth, but Sugar needs to "take it" as well. Having five babies of my own (and for awhile raising another three) it is much easier for me to "let go" and let them go on their own. (Their dentist doesn't allow parents in the room...and I thought that would be hard but it isn't). Anyhow, I think in the end you will find that Sugar has learned things you didn't think were possible by being seperated from you. And yes, parents are distrating...the worst is in sports. You'll see. I love the shots of her and glad you are reading again.

Debi Talbert said...

That is such a wonderful story. I am so glad you shared it with us. It helps me as a women to remember to take care of me too.

Sue said...

I just finished a book called "Inside out girl" by Tish Cohen.

http://www.harpercollins.com/author/authorExtra.aspx?isbn13=9780061452956&displayType=readingGuide


I cried and laughed and smiled. It's a quick read and perfect for picking up and putting down. ... bt you won;t put it down for long...

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