Rhian's Blogiversary

Step into the tent,everyone - there's lots of room. Welcome to the International Dance Tent, celebrating the energy of The Creative Goddess. In honor of Rhian's One-Year Blogiversary, I've assembled dancers from around the world who will be performing throughout the tent. Be sure to snag something from a tray as cuisine from different countries will be wafting by, as well.





Before I read my Poetry Train offering, I just wanted to say a deeply-felt thank you to Rhian for starting the train in the first place. I've read so many incredible pieces since I hopped aboard. It has reawakened a cherished part of myself.










Today's poem is in honor of another creative goddess, my mom, who celebrated her 66th birthday on Nov. 16th. I wrote this for Mother's Day when I was 23.


When I Think Of My Mother


My memories belong to no other
Daughters think of mothers
Who aren't you
My sister
Thinks of a mother
Who is not the you
Of my memories

Standing in my crib
Dim grey light
Day shut out
My gaze on the door
Finally you're there
You lift me out and liberate


To me you are a smile
Framed by autumn hair
My favorite season
Do I see my mother
In every brilliant leaf?

Sitting on your lap
I reach for coffee cup
Listen to the
Lilt of conversation
Cyphers and whispers
Needing only the
Sounds of your speech

Sun drops down
I rock in the swing
You left your work to push
I see you in the square of light
Kitchen window face
Glow of yellow comfort
It too will be mine
As soon as I'm done
With my One More Swing

Creeping to you
In the dark
Patiently poking
Praying that Dad
Won't wake first
Always on guard
Ready to show me
There's nothing to fear
At last you stir
Mumble incoherent
Lift the covers
I crawl beside you
Getting no sleep
Reassurance settling
Like your arm around me

Piling onto your lap
Our baby stands tall
We sing
'Dinah won't ya blow'
We laugh
When my sister claps her hands

Does that little girl
Erupt from my giggles
As your hands
Seem always
To hold the wisdom
Of a mother

The mother you are to me


Copyright Julia Smith 1988




(Big hug for my mom.) The Blogiversary dance tent is huge and there are thirteen acts scheduled, so if you want to pop in and out, feel free. I'm going to head over to the stage - the tango is up first!


Ooo, I'll snag a sip of Mate, an Argentine herbal drink. Oh, hi Devon!








And I'll have a bite of zapallitos rellenos(stuffed zucchini.) Hey, there's Ann Aguirre. Isn't this delicious? Try some, it's good.







And a few strips of Argentine grilled steak, marinated in wine, vinegar, rosemary and pepper. Mmm. Miss Frou Frou - hi!









The dancers are walking onstage. Three men and one woman...hmm!

Argentine Tango














Wow - that was hot! Oh, something yummy just went past me. I'll grab it.


Mmm - ginger beer.














Looks like the East African musicians and dancers are taking the stage. While they set up, I'm going to taste a little bit of this. Hey, No Nonsense Girl!









Mmm! This is fantastic. Coconut bean soup. It's heavenly. Cute little bite-sized servings so I won't get full before I've had a chance to eat my way around the globe.





Ooo - this is good, too! Ethiopian berbere stew, with lamb. Ginger, garlic, red pepper and the distictive berbere spices. Woo, I need more ginger beer. Danika - hey! Here come the dancers. I'm totally grooving to this.





East African Trio






























Woo! I danced along to that! Can't help myself. Phew, I need another sip of something. This looks good - thanks, yes, I'll have one. Oh, my, my. That is delicious. What's it called? Lava Flow.

Akelamalu! Have one of these. Mmm, rum, strawberries, coconut, pineapple and banana. Mmm.







The dancers are approaching the stage. I'll try some of this while we wait. Hmm - poi, is it?






I'll take a few wedges of this, for sure. Love pineapple. Drippy! Oh, here they're starting. Red - Red Garnier! (hug) I'm already dancing again.















Maui Hula Dancers













That was really great! I should try doing that once a day. My hips would be lethal. Here's a little something I could use. A sip of soothing peppermint tea from the Crow First Nation.









Acorn pan bread. Amazing. Isabella! (wave)














Assiniboine bear stew. Hey - Camille! Yeah, bear stew - I can honestly say I've never tried it before. They've got dandelion root in here, maple sap, mint leaves and wild onion. I can hear the jingling of some of the costumes. The dancers are stepping onstage. Four of the North American First Nations will dance, each in their own style to the same music.



First Nations Pow Wow dance







Time for some Sangria, I think. La Espia T., take a glass. You too, Karina.








And a little gazpacho, please. Mmm, mmm, mmm. Darla, hi! Samantha!








And paella. Oh - this is just delicious. Here come the flamenco dancers! Jill, you're just in time. I love flamenco - it's SO sexy.







Flamenco Couple












My, oh my, that was scorchy. Oh thank you - this is an Indian drink, is it? Lime, date and honey - mmm. Nimbu Pani. Hey, Gautami!












Some tandoori chicken. Pass a napkin, Lesley? Thanks. Mmm!









Matar Paneer - cheese cubes and peas in a delicous sauce. Divine! Gabriella, hi! Just in time for the next dancers, from India.








Indian Gypsies











Time for a stiff shot of vodka, I guess. (only knocking back a tiny sip) That ought to keep me warm! Not that I was cold after all that Indian food. Susan! (hug)













Perogies! Oh, how I love them. Anna J. Evans! (wave) Ooo, sour cream, too. Mmm!







What's in this sweet little pot? Oh, hi Dara!









Kutia - wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, nuts, raisins and cream. Mmm. Here they come! You can really see where modern classical ballet jumps came from when the men start dancing.


Photo from Christine at EastFeast Recipes



Ukrainian Folk Dance












Here comes some Dim Sum and tea. Hi Ann from Fractured Fiction! Here, try this. Oh, this one's good.















Hey Sans! Cool how it makes a flower once the water's poured. The original Magic Grow toy.















Shelley, hi! Shall we try some shanghai noodles? They're my husband's favorite. I love them, too - Julie, hi! Though I'm a total rice fanatic. Hey Jessica!











Chinese Fan Dance
















Now, who wants an Irish coffee? Bridget? Jenny?









And who wants a pint of Guinness? I'm going to have an Irish coffee, myself. Toni and Miss Sniz! (hugs)
















I'll have a few bites of that Dublin coddle. What about you, Sandee?









Irish soda bread. My first boyfriend used to make this. It's delicious. Wylie, Wylie! (hug) And Carrie! Oh, here they come! I always loved this part of 'Riverdance' when it played at the theatre where I worked. Always brought down the house!





Riverdance Thunder












I'll take one of those Cachacas. Mmm - hits the spot! Rhian, have one of these. You want one too, Lisa?












And how are these? Dip them in a little mayo. Manioc fries from Brazil. Hot! Hey, Dr. Bill! Dale! (wave)






Bananas in rum - decadent. Robin - hi! Time for a little samba. Lillian! (wave) I won't be able to keep still for this one.













Brazilian Samba

















Time for some saki. Hey, Stak.






Sushi? I'll try a bite. Mmm. Want one, Sparky?












What's this, now? Jakopi tofu. Delicious.


I can't believe the Japanese dancer is so quiet. I didn't hear her get onstage at all.







Japanese Dance















Ahh! Here it comes, my darlings. My beloved single malt whisky. Double shot, neat. Inhale first - oh, the shiver of delight. Touch it to my lips. (sigh) Thomma Lyn, hi! (hug)







Let me sink my teeth into this Scotch pie. Hey, Kelly! I should introduce you to Uberstrickenfrau - she knits, as well.








Another sip of whisky. And now for some shortbread. I'm think I'm dying, this is so heavenly. Want some, Annie Mac? There's lots, I promise I won't eat it all. Annette, hi! Amy! (hug) Skittles!

No, wait - now I'm in heaven because the men in kilts are coming.






Scottish Folk Dance











So I guess this is the final dance presentation. What do we have here? Labrador tea. Hmm - can't say as I've had it before. Have you ever tried it, Dewey?












Clam soup. (sip) Mmm! Hey, Kailana! I'm glad it's not seal flipper soup. Probably figured our palates weren't brave enough for hardcore Inuit fare, eh, Christine?






Salmonberries. Oh, these are delicious! Angela/SciFiChick! (wave)










Inuit Throat Singing









Thanks for sharing this celebration - hope you had fun. If there's any leftovers, scoop them up before you head out for more fun with Rhian's Tribe. Hug and kiss!