I’m still on the bandwagon, so here’s another Quick Takes Friday c/o Jen at The Conversion Diary.

{Episode 4 }

~ 1 ~

I read an article from Dance Magazine this week written by Margie Gilles about why she dances.  Her words resonated deep within my dancer’s soul.  I encourage you to read the entire piece, but here are a couple of my favorite quotes:

I believe that dance will be essential to the new world paradigms. We must reattach our intellect to our bodies, our own piece of nature…

I dance to be living within the depth of the miracle of who we are. I dance to bring my living total consciousness into attunement with the source of what it is, and what it can be, to be human.

Read the rest…

~ 2 ~

 I found this great dancing blog last week, Dancing for Food.  I’ve enjoyed reading Melissa’s posts about dance and overcoming the ballet body image.  And today is Melissa’s wedding day!  Congratulations Melissa and her new husband!  Wishing you many blessings from a new reader and fellow dancer!

  ~ 3 ~

I also found this blog, Confessions of the Chromosomally Enhanced, thanks to my friends at Creative Minority Report.   I was so enthralled by the post that CMR linked to that I had to continue reading!  And I’m so glad I did or I wouldn’t have found this gem of a video featuring some pretty awesome dance moves!  Head over to Confessions to check it out!

~ 4 ~

I seem to be on a roll with reading material!  I have been perusing the beautiful pages of Verily Magazine’s online teaser issue ever since it was released.  There is so much to take in!  I love letting my eyes flit around the screen, enjoying the delightful images that are bursting with color.  But more than that, I’ve actually been reading the articles.  Confession: I can count on one hand the number of articles I’ve read in women’s magazines and I won’t need all of those fingers.  Verily Magazine isn’t just another women’s magazine.  It is relatable.  It is relevant.  It is refreshing.  I can see aspects of myself reflected in the topics discussed.  And I can totally see myself wearing several of the outfits from their Runway to Realway feature!

I’ve been through that issue many times and I keep going back.  Reading Verily Magazine is like meeting up with close friends for coffee: it’s comfortable and relaxing, but also exciting, interesting, fun, and a little edgy.  If you haven’t heard of Verily Magazine, I highly recommend checking it out.  I already subscribed and am waiting as patiently as possible for the next issue!

Update: So I had typed this out last night to get a head start on my Quick Takes, when I got a text message from Karl saying that he had just met the co-founders of Verily at a meeting.  Later when he called, Karl casually mentioned that he had a magazine that he was bringing home for me.  

I gasped.  ”It wouldn’t happen to be the printed copy Verily Magazine’s teaser issue, would it?!”

Karl laughed.  ”It would!”

I squealed.  (Yes, reader.  I squealed)  ”You-have-no-idea-how-many-times-I’ve-wanted-the-print-copy-when-I’m-on-the-bus-or-train-EEK-I’m-so-excited!!!!!!  Thanks, babe!!”

Maybe this will hold me over until the next issue comes out… Well, this and the Verily Magazine Blog!

~ 5 ~

The East Village Arts Party is only a few weeks away!  I am so excited about the lineup I have prepared, especially because it includes a couple of dances with my dear friend, Andrea!  The Joyful Sisters return to the stage once again!

Put it on your calendars, New York and New Jersey!  Saturday, July 14 8:00pm – 1:00am.  Make your reservation today! (Reservation are not an obligation, but they do help with planning.  Pay when you get there.)

~ 6~

Three years ago today, my sister Rosario nearly died.  On June 29th, 2012, we celebrate her life and God’s mercy.  Here is part of my post from last year:

Today is a day of thanksgiving, as well as reminiscing and contemplation.  Today we remember how our lives, especially Rosario’s, changed for the better two years ago.  Why for the better?  Well, the outcome of the shooting on June 29, 2009 could have easily been for the worse.  I don’t often think about how close we came to losing Rosario that day – it’s too heart-wrenching to dwell on – but the truth is Rosario could have died.  But she didn’t.  She didn’t.  God, in his infinite mercy and wisdom, wasn’t quite finished with his beautiful vessel named Rosario.  So He intervened and thus we find ourselves two years later celebrating the anniversary of Rosario’s second chance at life.  Read the rest…

Check out Rosario’s blog for details of her three year journey.

~ 7 ~

Last night I had the opportunity to gather with many other artists for the Catholic Artists Society‘s June Evening of Recollection.  I hadn’t planned on going, but am ever-so glad I did!  Fr. Issac’s reflection was challenging and encouraging.  His reflection was followed by silent adoration.  As I sat there, I realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I truly quieted my heart and mind.  The silence was glorious!

I didn’t stay long at the reception afterward, but I had wonderful time meeting other artists and I’m looking forward to the next Catholic Artists Society event.

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Head over to the Conversion Diary for more fabulous Quick Takes!