Friday night's room cleaning went well. Agnes and Flissy came over, and I was able to get my space into a totally livable (and even semi-decorated!) state over the course of about three hours, during which we had a 90's-palooza-- the original Buffy movie, The Craft. Much snarking and giggling ensued. I cleaned, vaccumed, and then we smudged with sage to move bad energy, asperged with saltwater to purify, then smudged with sweetgrass to bring the sweetness in. It got a lot of the stagnant energy moving. Then we celebrated with wine and toasts and Flissy's apple cider cupcakes, which were awesome.

Saturday morning, I headed to the Baltimore International Rhythm Festival with Brooke, where we took Lisa Zahiya's dancing to odd rhythms workshop. It was challenging and good, plus, you know, hola hot drummer guy. The festival went on for a bit, seeing other dancers and browsing the vendors with Flissy, before Julian picked me up on his motorcycle.

We headed further downtown to the Inner Harbor for some sushi. We talked about jobs and callings and all manners of in-between before I gave him a tour of my old neighborhood. Having never explored Baltimore since moving to MD, he was happy to have a guide, so I showed him all the big houses and gorgeous views and interesting alleyways of my childhood. Then we hopped back on Julian's bike and headed back chez moi. I have to say, I've never ridden on a lean-forward bike before, and at high speed on the highway, it was completely exhilarating. My dad has always owned Harleys-- first the anniversary sportster and now a big fat hog of a bike. I really had to shift my posture-- leaning forward, back flat, squeezing the driver with my knees and thighs when we leaned into curves. Another very physical reminder to let go and let my body do what it naturally wanted to do instead of resisting. Tension out and it will be okay. This seems to be what the universe wants to teach me at this time, so I suppose I'm all ears.

We came back and watched some of the new BDSS Tribal Fusions dvd (Julian, the link is here), and he was enthralled by Rachel Brice's drum solo, 'cause it kicks so much ass. Bart came in while we were watching and was similarly entranced by the aliens that apparently live under this woman's skin.

Goodbyes were said, then I headed out with Bart to meet Brandie (who looked especially hot last night) for Patty's karaoke birthday party. I have now seen feats of incredible wonder. I'd thought no one could sing a more earnestly hilarious version of "She's Like The Wind," but hoo boy, I was really wrong. And yeah. I got roped into singing. I am shamed.

And now to get ready for another dance workshop with Lisa (and her hot drummer boy, woot). From there to a Street Beat festival to meet Shaun and Jenny, where we will then proceed to Tribal Cafe in DC to watch the hot pro dancers throw down.

I'm still having sadness, anxiety. But there's a lot of good in my life right now, a lot of love and openness and sharing. It's already looking up.