This is a very special Friday!  Today is the first day of the Octave of Cecilia.  Yeah, my birthday’s next week.  I kick off the celebrations today, but I’ll cover all of that in next week’s Quick Takes: The Birthday Episode.  For now, here are this week’s Quick Takes Friday c/o Jen at The Conversion Diary.

{Episode 7}

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In case you missed my incessant plugging over the past few weeks, the East Village Arts Party was last Saturday.  As always, the Arts Party was an amazing celebration of a wide variety of artistic talent.  Here is what I wrote regarding my performance (FYI – This post includes a video!!!): A Celebration of Triumph.

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A video from the Arts Party (different than the one referenced above):

La Presumida

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I’m kicking myself now for not taking more photos at the Arts Party, but I was a bit distracted (See Quick Take 1′s link for further explanation).  Still, I wish I had pictures of the event, pictures of my friends who rallied around me when frustration struck and without whose support I would have crumbled, pictures of the amazing audience who cheered their hearts out when we danced, and pictures of the many other artists proudly sharing their craft.  I especially wish I had a photo of Rod Sanchez‘s newest painting, which I absolutely fell in love with!  His brother, Raul, said it best on Facebook:

 ”Rod, your paintbrush, as always, opens paths to lights never before seen. Through fields of air, your paintbrush sows treasures–new memories dripping with wisdom. I am so proud of you little bro. Your newest piece, “Miracle of a Mother’s Love,” planted a song inside all of us.”

Obviously, Raul is a painter of words.  He read poetry during our costume changes, which worked out well except for the fact that I missed every word!!!!!  But he promised an encore next time we hang out.  I’ll make sure I get pictures of that!

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One more Arts Party story!  After our performance, I ran into Rod and Raul at the drinks table (I was dying for a cup of water!).  They introduced me to a group of their friends who heaped their praises and congratulatory wishes upon me.  As they expressed their amazement over the intricate details of Mexican dance, Raul said, “What I want to know is how you changed so fast!?  That was impressive!”

I smiled and lowered my voice to let them in on our secret.  ”Raul, it’s called a telephone booth.  We’re superheros!”

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The Piano Guys posted a new video!!!!  I love these guys!  Serious talent, seriously amazing!  Check them out!

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Here’s how that hot date that I mentioned last week turned out: romantic and fun!

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Being without my Mac-Daddy kinda stinks, but I know it could have been worse.  I’m grateful for God’s protection and grateful that I had a strong man to hold me tight when I finally fell apart the following day.  I don’t know what I would have done without Karl’s love and support.  He even cleaned out an old laptop so I have something to use until we replace my Mac.

After the Arts Party, Karl holds me together.

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