Author Calendar Girl

The Teacher

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DOT is a great teacher.

I danced with him first in Oakland, just over a year ago.  Was nearly run over.  I had been on a lookout for a tango teacher.  Right there, in one tanda, he challenged me so clearly and to the point that I asked him to take me as a student next time I saw him.

During my first lesson, we danced a little bit; he had me do solo work. Walk and ochos weren’t terrible.  Boleos were, not surprisingly.  We started working on standing my ground.  On the side step first, the right side easier than the left.  He gave me homework. Continue reading “The Teacher” →

Opening up through words, letters, and whatever else comes up

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I like words and the worlds they create. I grew up hiding there, behind books with words in them. At home, to be good was to be quiet.

I like handwritten letters.  I remember writing them since I was about 7 years old.  Writing home from grandma’s or the camp in the summer.  Writing to the best friends who left, one after another.  Writing home and to the best friends after I’ve left. Continue reading “Opening up through words, letters, and whatever else comes up” →

May in Portland

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Walking around in the residential area abloom off Alberta Street has been one the highlights of the Portland Tango Marathon.

A sidewalk
“Classic” poppies (making up species names in leu of research)
Classic poppies up close
Impeccable roses
California poppies. I’ve heard it’s too dry for them in California these days
More roses
A kitty to ground this gallery
violet flowers but not violets
tree hanging flowers

Weird Families. Where Leaders Are Made

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Do You Have Any Family Here?

A new acquaintance would soon ask about my family.  “They are all back in Saint Petersburg,” I’d say, “…No, no one in the States, all by myself.”  It doesn’t seem weird to me.  It must seem weird, because I haven’t met many other people likewise removed from any family, not lately.  “Do you visit them often then?” the small talk would continue.  Last time, 3 years ago, and then 10 years before that.

During the 10 years, Continue reading “Weird Families. Where Leaders Are Made” →

How Am I Supposed to Love You?

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From what I understand about these things, I am supposed to love you.

To be fair, you are at times delightful.  You are pretty.  Not beautiful, but you’ve got a lot going for you and you maintain it well.  You are pleasant to hold.   Continue reading “How Am I Supposed to Love You?” →