Let's go back...

I have been doing horribly at putting into words all the people that I am thinking about as I near the big 3-0.  I have made multiple lists, thought through what I would like to say, pictures I would like to share and yet nothing gets typed because I spend too much free time day dreaming and not enough putting it in "ink." Hoping this will change after this post!

I don't have a recipe to go along with this one yet, but if I am going to go back and start with people who influenced and encouraged me, outside of my family, I'd have to start by remembering my amazing dance teachers. 

Thanks in large part to my talented older sister, I was allowed to start dancing around the age of 2.  Ms. Patty's dance studio taught me my first "boogie woogie" and step-ball-change. Moves I still use today :) Ms. Patty was such a dedicated teacher that after we moved to Texas, she continued to choreograph routines for my sister to compete with.  Using the old "on your shoulder" recorder, my parents shot a video of Ms. Patty's legs only (she was camera shy!) so that my sister could practice and then repeat.  My sister was an amazing dancer with great teachers.  Unfortunately for her, I got the height if the family thus dashing her dreams of becoming a Rockette.

Since we did move to Texas, we started taking lessons at a new studio, recommended by Ms. Patty.  Sandra Bell was our new teacher and she worked hard with my parents to get us all in on a single night so we only had to make the hour drive once a week. Yes, an hour drive (without traffic) for a parent and 3 kiddos...8, 5 and 3. 

Through the care and nurturing of these incredible women who followed their dreams and started their own dance companies, I learned how to get over the fear of stage freight and to perform. I learned discipline, how to smile through pain, and how to walk away with grace. We unfortunately stopped taking dance lessons when I was in 4th grade and that is something I wish I could have continued to this day.

 With Ms. Patty (I think I was 4 or 5?)

Ms. Sandra is standing behind us as we perform. (7 years old.)

Thank you Ms. Patty and Ms. Sandra. I have no idea where you are today, but because of you, I am who I am today. And don't worry; I still dance almost, if not, every day and Eli is thoroughly enjoying spinning around the house with me!