Event and Memorable Moments

This past weekend I was asked to work at a Middle Eastern Dance Festival called Rakkasah, which was quite an honor to be asked. My former dance teacher's daughter, Jamilla, is also a massage therapist as well as an esthetician in Beverly Hills, CA. She and her mom have been a part of the belly dance community forever both as performers and vendors, so when I was asked by Jamilla if I wanted to work with her performing massages I jumped on the opportunity. It was my first massage event which I was both thrilled and nervous about, but felt very secure in the fact that Jamilla was a pro at these types of things and knew I'd be in good hands. It's always nice when someone else has already foliaged through something working out all the kinks and ooops that come along with beginning something new. :-)

The event turned out to be very profitable for both of us along with being amazingly fun. Where else can one go to work, listen to great music, watch people, enjoy hundreds of performing dancers, and work all at the same time! I would certainly partner again with Jamilla anytime and anywhere she wanted as we just clicked so well together.

One of my friend's graciously offered to take care of Amira for me on Saturday and Sunday while I went to this event as my dad is still in Arizona. Although I've known my girlfriend for many many years Amira has only met her a couple of times, so I was concerned about how Amira would handle staying at someone else's house but trusted she would do well. My friend's daughter is about 7 years older than Amira and was thrilled Amira was coming for the weekend as she was really looking forward to taking care of her. :-)

Anyway, on Saturday evening I called my friend to say good night to Amira and to see how she was doing. My friend had shared she was doing great and they were all having a fun time, and then she put Amira on the phone. We talked briefly and she said she was having fun. It's funny, I don't talk to Amira on the phone much as there's no reason because she's always with me but on the rare occasions I've talked to her on the phone it sounds so weird to hear her voice. Anyway, every night before we go to sleep I ask Amira where she'd like to go in our dreams. I've done this for years, as my thinking was if the last thing she thought about before she went to sleep was of peaceful things then perhaps she'd have peaceful sleep. So anyway, when I asked her where she wanted to go Saturday night she said that she wanted to go to Butterfly Island (a place she says if filled with beautiful butterflies as well as beautiful flowers) to which I replied with a smile "ok baby, I'll see you there when I fall asleep" and she responded "ok---bye bye". After hanging up the phone although I was smiling at these precious words I also had a tear in my eye because it's these precious words and thoughts that are so memorable and meaningful. It's these moments that remind us that nothing else matters but the preciousness of your loved ones.

It was so wonderful to finally get Amira back in my arms and us home safely. And now we are off to another busy week. This Friday evening we fly out to Arizona to see my dad, aunt and cousins for a couple of days. We are thrilled. Then next week some time dad comes home----YIPPIE!!!!