A Changed Perspective

Over the past few months, my relationship with Vala Dancewear has changed. While I still help out in the office as needed, I'm now responsible for writing several different pieces for their newsletters and soon-to-be-unveiled blog.

This amazing opportunity has fused together my two greatest passions--writing and ballet--into one neat little package, tied up with a big, fluffy pink bow! :)

Through the combined genius of my boss, Rebecca and her amazing daughter, Rachel I've been given golden opportunities to write about a variety of things surrounding the dance world. Everything from interviews with ballerinas, to delving deep into the history of The Nutcracker. Their creative ideas keep me both busy and very, very happy.

Rebecca and Rachel have a far richer perspective of the dance world than I have. Their passion and vision for Vala is contagious. Allowing myself to embrace that vision and find my own way to move within it, has caused me to understand something very significant about myself, which is this...

Even though I no longer dance, I still have something to share. Granted, this "sharing" may not be in the form of perfectly executed fouettes, or a flawless character interpretation. Yet it is still a form of personal art newly revised; an art that compliments the vision of two dynamic ladies, which in turn helps further their own artistic pursuits.

Just as a choreographer sets a dancer in motion, so have the "Vala Divas" caused me once again to move, breathe, and express emotion within the confines of a bright new theater. I am truly blessed...

A few additional bonuses worth mentioning:
 1) At Vala, I no longer worry about what I ate before going to"work" and
 2) My feet remain cute 'n sandal-worthy. Ha! :o)

Future Vala Models

What a special treat! Rebecca was so sweet to give each of the girls an *exclusive* Vala leotard, just for being fit models for a day. How wonderful is that?!

As you can clearly see, the girls were thrilled beyond description. And yes, the leos are big on them...but they'll grow into them faster than I care to accept. ;o)

Thanks again, Rebecca. You really made the girls' day!

PS: Abby said to me later, "Now I match LINDSI and LAURA!!!!" (Oh my...)

Lovin' the Office

Today was really great. The younger two monkeys accompanied me to the office today, and helped me get a bunch of leo's all tagged up, an' purdy like. ;o)

I know it's only been two days, but I'm really enjoying my new job. (Thanks again, Lisa-marie! I sooooo owe you, big time!) It's so quiet and peaceful there. I just turn on the computer, put on the Christian radio station, and chug along.

Granted, things will get busier very soon, but I know I'll enjoy myself then, too. I'm eager to learn as much as I possibly can, while keeping myself open to whatever the Lord will do through this opportunity. Even if it doesn't last longer than a few months, I feel very blessed by this whole thing.

I mean, really. How many jobs out there let you actually bring your children with you each day to work? (Besides your own home/family business.) To be able to earn money, while keeping my children by my side and homeschooling them, is a tremendous gift.

Also, what could be better than being surrounded by all things ballet? Not much in my book.

Now, if I could just develop a solid routine for us, I'll have it made. I'm still struggling with getting school work done in the middle of it. But, with the Lord's help, we'll fall into a perfect rhythm in no time. :o)

(Ha ha ha...ballet...rhythm...get it? Ha ha ha! Oh man, I crack myself up!)

(Ahem. Sorry.)

Working Girl

Today's my official first day (all by me onesies) at Vala. :o)  (Woohoo! Snoopy dance!)

Abby accompanied me yesterday when I went in w/ Lisa-marie and our boss, Rebecca. That was so fun! Lisa-marie brought me a little chocolate chai truffle to try--and believe me, I enjoyed trying it very much. So much in fact, that I found the precious package last night at the grocery store, and snarfed down 2 while the children cleaned the kitchen! Ha!

(Ahem....how is it, I can manage to get so side-tracked so easily?)


Anyway, back to my original thought.

I love the peace and quiet of the office after all the drama this past weekend threw my way. (UGH!) And Rebecca sent me home with a stack of tutu patterns to cut out/bring back today. Hooray! Extra hours at home! (Love it!)

I'm a bit nervous, as I am with any new venture. But I know I'm going to enjoy myself, and I hope the children do, too. (At least they're looking forward to riding the bus!)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare their math and spelling lessons to take with, along with a snack bag for each. Oh, and quarters, the bus schedule, clean house before I go....

PS: I so need a haircut. I look like a Highland Coo. (Google it.)