Hello friend...Halloween /HalloVenn

I just saw this article  HalloVenn and I gotta say I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner. Soon enough to recomend it to the people arranging the halloween party for the kids in my neighbourhood. I have a 4 year old in my house crazy to dress up like a vampire and ready to scare people, and I'v been twisting my head to figure out how to put a different focus on the whole thing.

The norwegian origin for "allehelgensaften" is actually the "celebration of all souls". The focus being celebrating the life of people now gone. I like the idea of celebrating that. The life. Not just the death/ scary  focus that has no meaning to me at all.

However when I saw this consept I really liked it. Turn it around completely and make it about making new friends. Hjemmesiden til HalloVenn

flamingo for christmas?

Flamingo

This is the store to visit if you like the unique. They have a few selected items, and vintage stuff that you woun't find anywhere else. The prices are pretty decent too, so check it out. Maybe you get some ideas for christmas gifts?

Here are some of my favourites:

adorable!

cute new york purse

bring the rain!

sleeps my only friend...and spiderman

 Look who showed up at mono last night! Apparently he speaks and moves too. I need a friend like spiderman today. Today when I feel weak and tired it's good to know that someone strong has got  my back!

I'm not like you. When you have things on your mind it keeps you from sleep. Sleep is my friend at those times. I close my eyes and all my worries disappear. I float away in my dreams and forget about the troubles of this world. When I dance it's the same. I think of nothing else. Nomatter the storm, it calms as I start to move to the music. I dance and dream. It saves me.

I wonder what will save you?

overboard, false friends ignored

Last night was concert night at Mono. Mark Olson played with support from Sailorine. Since Sailorine is one of my best friends and someone I grew up with I had to go see them when they played in Oslo again.

Beautiful lyrics and wonderful harmonies set the atmosphere around the two on stage. Surrounded by Olsons fans (who seemed to take over the place) I overheard many comments about not only the norwegian girl on stage, but also the many strange instruments played.

Sailorine is releasing her 2'nd album on november 1'st and you can order the cd at Platekompaniet.
She is also playing a concert at Palace grill on november 22'nd.

somthing old,something new and blue jeans


Today I had to get op early to drive for 1 hr in traffic and get my tooth fixed. Since that wasn't exactly a perfect start of this lovely tuesday I thought I'd at least wear somthing cute.

Bag from a 2'nd hand shop at grunerløkka

I love the brown pattern of this sweather.

my favourite boots! Leather...I loooove them!

new tunic-dress with puff sleeves, old warm knitted sweather and old leopard scarf.

Torn up jeans tights that I got earlier this summer. The tear over the knee has gotten a bit big, so I'm planning on putting a patch on or something.

The dentist appointment went well, and on the way home I decided to stop by the mall to get a gift for my best friend. Her birthday was last week.

I also got a couple of things for me since I deserve it!

The best brand of french press around. This cup was on sale and I've been wanting to get one for a while. Perfect to make coffe for just me, and since it's steel it keeps the coffee hot for hours.

I'm not gonna say what's inside quite yet.

Some nice knitted gloves for the cold norwegian weather.

here comes the sun-day

fresh roses is a weekend must

Today was a nice sunday with the kids and my sister. We baked fresh rolls for lunch, wached cartoons and my sister cut our hair.





new hair and new top

  Mr E is on his way (well, guess he is there by now) to France on a business trip. He's gonna be gone the whole week, and since that doesn't work well with my job I'm flying the kids to my parents house in kristiansand tomorrow.

I'm looking forwards to a quiet week at home, and to get a lot of work done! I'm hoping to finish most of the costumes this week since I can sow day and night. (Yeah right, I'm gonna sleep sleep sleep:P)

Pineapple studios

I'm going to London!

Not for a while, but we just booked the tickets this week.
We're taking a trip, 4 teachers and an unknown number of students, in febuary. (During the vinter break)
We're taking classes at Pineapple studios (known from the tv-show) and we're going to 2 musicals.

I've been to London twice, but I've never danced there, so it's gonna be a fun experience!

I've barely seen the tv show, sice I really don't wach much tv. Anyone know if the series can be seen online?

kung fu

"Hero" Kung fu panda

Today I made the 1'st out of 6 "china-pants" that I need to sew before the christmas show. ( adding that Maria will sew the other 4 since we need 10)

my sewing machine a "singer"

First of all we went down to "greenland" (yeah, that's the actual name of the place) and got cheap fabric.

one leg done

I cut the fabric at work with a little help (or lot) from Bianca, and just went for it. I've never sewn pants in my whole life so I had no idea how it would turn out.

finished!

Now I'm pretty proud I must say, cuz they turned out quite nice!

Only got 5 to go.....

proud!

the dancing tree

A friend of mine e-mailed me this wonderful dancing tree. I just had to share it!

Wishing I could get my leg that high in an arabesque!

ballett here I come

Finally I had time to stop by the dance shop to get my ballett slippers! I've never set foot in there before, and I must say I was a little bit sceptical since the personell at "la dance" is usually less than helpfull. I passed by la dance however and went into the next dance shop "doda". I had already looked at their website and found a pair of shoes that I thought would work well for my foot.

They gave great service at the store and provided me with more than enough help. The shoes I got was a new type profesional ballett slipper from grishko that has elastic seams under the foot to make the shoe adapt to a pointed foot even bettter.

I'm going to sow the cross bands on tonight and then I'm all ready for my next ballett class.

my hope

Right now I'm wearing a golden squirrel around my neck. I found it on a random walk through H&M and immediately knew I needed to get it. Somehow it gives me a lot of hope, and is almost like a "yes" from the universe.

This story takes me way back to when I was only 15 and living with my family in Canada for the summer. This was the summer that changed my life. I really found out who I am, who I'm supposed to be, and got that confidence rooted deep in me. It was also the summer I started dancing. At the campus we were living at, there were half-tame squirrels all around. They would in fact eat from your hand if you sat quietly enough. I didn't think much of it at the time, other than that it gave a nice atmosphere. After 3 months it was time to leave, and it must have been the most difficult depatures I've ever had. I feel so uprooted and alone and didn't know how to go back to normal life after this.

I know my mum felt the same in many ways. The first day back in Norway we were sitting in our kitchen overlooking the back yard when suddenly my mum pointed out the window. There right outside the glass door was a little brown squirrel lookin in.

Both of us broke down crying over this little "sign". Somehow there was a connection to all the hope we had been feeling and that now felt so far away. And that little thing outside the window managed to make the connection a little clearer to us. The hope had not been left behind, it had traveled with us.

To this day I alway get that little "sting" in my heart when I see one. And often it happens on occations like this one. When I'm starting up a new project, new job, or something memorable happens. It always gives me hope. Hope that I'm in the right place at this time, and on the right track.

Hope that I'm not alone in this world!

What is your hope?

where to begin...

Things are moving so quickely now, that I haven't even had a chance to update my blog for a few days. I have set the date for the audition for my dance company that I'm starting up in january. So far several fantastic dancers have been interested, and I'm getting interest from some of the pros that I was hoping would join.

Starting the prosess I realized a lot of deadlines for aplications on funding were to today, so I've been working all week on getting everything ready to send it.

I made a picture dvd with photos of recent projects to send along with the aplications and cv's.
Here it is:

Now my head is spinning out of controll cuz I'm so overworked. I have to have a coffee-break.

See ya!

worlds apart

I was going to do a blog when I started thinking about a jars of clay song. So I ended up waching the youtube video remembering when I first discovered this song. (The title has a link to the video) I think I got this album at total random as far as I can remember. After getting it I went to my room where I sat on the floor pulling out the cover to read the lyrics (as I always do when I get a cd) I simply could not get past the first song. I kept playing it for days, if not weeks. To me it must be one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard. It somehow touched me, and still does whenever I hear it. I love this line "cuz what I need and what I believe are worlds apart"

This is me. I'm way too inpulsive sometimes, and totally get caught up in emotions and what I feel or believe (that I need) And so many times it's far from what I actually need.

I guess the term "worlds apart" has a different meaning to me than many, because I've lived in so many worlds. I've lived, loved and left. Always with the same feeling that I'm now worlds appart from that wich I so love and want to be a part of. It never gets easier either. I guess I'm the kind of person who falls easily in love. Everywhere I've lived I have ended up falling in love with the people, the atmosphere and the culture. One of my strong and weaks side I suppose. After going back home it always feels like a part of me is missing.

The blog I was going to write wasn't suppose to be about this song, but here you go. Listen to it and see what you think!

I'll do the other exciting "work neews blog" tomorrow I guess.

Tired, must sleep <3

inspired

I got the final "yes" I needed from my boss today to put into motion the idea that's been in my head for some time. I'm starting a dance company with base at Hauketo! The idea is that it will be a mix of profesionals and amateaurs who make this work together in an interesting mix. We're starting up after christmas so I've aldready set the audition date. Now I need to work on getting sponsors, funding, jobs, events and other stuff together.....guess I've got my work cut out for me.

gotta go...work

circus mind

Little Wing- the corrs



I just found out something that I thought was pretty cool. I was discussing some projects with my mum, and was telling her about how crazy my mind works sometimes. My head is just full of ideas, and I have the weirdest connections and associations. I know it can be pretty tiring for people around me and in particular my boss. I come into the office with not one idea at the time, but usually several. And a whole set of thoughts around the idea. And it's a neverending cycle it seems. After I started blogging in paricular, I wake up every day with something new on my mind. Be it a song that I have some ideas to work on, a project or some piece of choreography.



 I've heard it said by writers/songwriters that once they publish their work it's like they are free form that piece and open to see new ideas and start over. Maybe that's what's been happening with the blog. I write the thoughts down, so theres more room in my head for new ideas.

It's definately a circus up there at times. So much I can't always keep track. But it's pretty awesome it terms of my line of work. I usually don't have to spend much time looking for an idea for anything.

To the funny part discovered in the conversation. My mum's head is exactly like that too. So now I know where I got it from.

 I love the circus!

confessions at the ballet

One right and one wrong

Everything was beautiful at the ballet
Graceful men lift lovely girls in white
Everything was beautiful at the ballet
I was happy at the ballet

beautiful Maria

I have a confession to make. I'm training ballet without proper equipment. I do have an excuse if you want to hear it? As far as ballet slippers goes i must have had at least 20 pairs over the years. When I got out of school the once I had were pretty beat up so I trashed them. I got a couple of new pairs after a while but ended up taking mostely jazz classes so they got stuck at the bottom of the drawer. Finally I got rid of them all together.


After I started going to proda I've thought I should get some shoes, but I felt I had to earn the right to get some. I didn't want to vaste money yet again. After discussing the subject with my Maria, we've decided it's now about time. So next week I'm up for ballet shoe shopping again!

Where to buy ballet/dance shoes in Oslo:
Doda
La Dance
Lisbeth's dancewear

These are the once I can think of. Know of any other? Bying online from England is a cheeper alternative but you should go to a store to get the right size and type first.

Keep on falling

i keep on falling

It's another beautiful fall morning, and the last day of "fall-break". Or as it used to be called "potato-break". The reason being that this is the week when the potatoes are taken out from the ground, and all the children used to help out with the harvest. The schools still close down for a week, but I don't think the kids are picking potatoes....

I've been wondering about love lately. I find that some people are hard to let go. And I've thought that that's what I need to do. Untill a friend said this to me. "You don't ever stop loving people you have once loved. It's just the way you love them that changes." Somehow this line stuck with me, cuz it's exactly how I feel. Some people will always have a special place in my heart and it's ok to feel that way.

Well, it's off to ballett and the shopping for fabric to make costumes!

Later <3

I really wish I would win this goodiebag for girls. After all this training I could really use everything in it...including the chocolate....basta.blogg I like the statement of the blog too "Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the inperfections"

my voice

you're the voice

I find it very interesting that I still find myself scared of what others think of me. That I sometimes am so scared to fail that I don't dare to try.

I made a choice in ballett class on monday that I would not let fear drive me, so I went and stood in the front line for once. Not that that is such an unusual thing to do, but since I started training again after having my two kids I find that there is a barrier there. I get the feeling that I'm not gonna get the exercise so I dare not put myself in front. This line came to me "I'm not gonna live with fear" and I just went for it. Funny thing is, it went really well .I left the class feeling that I did the best ballett class I've done since I was in dance school.

I have no idea why I think it matters. So what If I don't do it right. It's so much better to try and fail than to not try at all. And you know what, I might actually do well. At least the secound time around.

I also started thinking about my voice. The fact that noone else can speak it. So if I go about life in "silence" that particular voice might never be heard. I know there are so many fantastic artist out there who make music, art, performances and choreography. Is there room for me?

I think there might be. Because my voice is in fact uniqe. There is something I can say in a way that only I will say it. Well it's a good thing. I have so many ideas, scrips, performances and choreographies in my head that it would be a waste not to put them to life.

How about your voice?

my way home

can't find my way home performed by Big Bang

Can't find my way home

Steve Winvood

Come down off your throne and leave your body alone

Somebody must chang

You are the reason I've been waiting so long

Somebody holds the key

Well I'm near the end and I just aint got the time

And I'm waisted and I can't find my way home

Come down on your own and leave your body alone

Somebody must chang

You are the reason I've been waiting all these years

Somebody holds the key

Well I'm near the end and I just aint got the time

And I'm waisted and I can't find my way home

Well this is my way home on a rainy monday. The wiew from the train is actually pretty amazing, but today I couldn't see very far. I've gotta remember to show my way on a clear day.



the ballerina grete brunvoll

She is what I'd like to call "the real deal". I'm sitting here pretty amazed at the stories she told me, and I''ve only heard a little! This ballerina is 80 years old and does in fact hold the guinnes record for the worlds oldest dancer!

She started her career at the opera together with her husband who was an opera singer.  Later she toured with "rikskonsertene" for 20 years, and she still works as a freelance dancer to this day. She has not stoped dancing for 66 years and it's what keeps her going in life! I had to ask why she is doing something that nobody else can manage. (Like train every day with the profesional dancers in oslo, doing lots of shows and teach)  She just looked me in the eyes and said it's just because they think they can't. In reality they can do it too.

I hope I''m like her when I'm 80.

Some time after the war she was taking over a dance studio that she eventually ended up running. I was really curious to find out if anyone came to classes or went to see performances during such hard times. What she told me was really  interessting. Apparently they never had as many students as they had during the war. People needed art and dance more than usual. They came by numbers to have something fun to do, something to brighten up their day.

She has also written and published 2 books.

There is so much to say, so many details. I'm not going to make this a detailed portrait of Grete Brunvoll. It's been done by others. All I want is to share how I got to have a coffee with a wonderful dancer who inspires me. She has managed to keep her inspiration and creativity going for 66 years in dance, and it's an example to follow.

And I'd like to think I've made a friend today.

If you want to read more about her:

Danserinnen som aldri gir seg

Vil danse til jeg er minst 100

Buy the book she has written "Et liv på tå"

I think it's gonna be a

lovely day

This is so funny. I used to love this group when I was 16. Their lyrics and music really makes me smile. Seing this old music video early this morning made my day! I have to add that when I was in Atlanta at a youth camp at 17 Out of Eden did a surprise concert and I was in the front row!

All in all I think today will be one of those lovely days. It's still dark out, and it's raining today. I love that about the fall. I have candles lit and music to warm my heart. Can't wait to go outside and walk in the rain. One of lifes hidden treasures.

I have a date with the ballerina right after class! It's gonna be so interessting. I have already gotten some requests as to what I must ask her. If you have something for me please let me know!!

Have a lovely one....

tired self bf makeup

fallen star

Music by: Johan Sannes

Lyrics by: Johan Sannes & Tonje Skarpsno

Did I ask to much for it to be that way

The sun goes down on a rainy day

I hope that tomorrow we'll still be here playing for you

Remember when you were cheering us on

With a big smile on your face you requested a song

And I'll play this song for you

So here I stand waching you

Smiling at this fallen star

So here I stand waching you

just smiling at this fallen star

Did it go to far did I hold on to long

How could I have known I would loose controll

I hope in the future you'll still be here to sing me a song

Remember the time we danced all night long

Time stood still and gave a song

And I'll dance this song for you

So here I stand waching you

Smiling at this fallen star

So here I stand waching you

Just smiling at this fallen star

This song was written by my brother many years ago. The melody is so catchy and I've never been able to get it comepletely out of my head. Over the last year I added some lyrics and I have some ideas to choreography that would suit the song. The only problem is that there is no recording of it yet. There was once a plan to record it in Johans studio, but he doesn't have access to it after moving out of his appartment. Maybe there is an option to get it done somewhere else? Anyone know of a good recording studio?

guys & dolls

 As in the first musical I ever saw. I was 18 and living for one year in westerville OH. My boyfriend at the time was playing one of the lead characters in the show.The feeling I remember from that night was how I wanted to be ON that stage instead of waching it from the audience. Little did I know that I was going into that business only a few years later.

I kept the program in my scrapbook and still have it to this day.

This morning before I left for ballett mr E told me I looked like a doll. I guess I did today with my hair pulled up in a ballet top on the top of my head. I thought it aproprate when I saw the bathroom sign at the coffeshop right after class: dolls. I had to check out the mens sign and off course...guys. Lovin it!

Next time I saw guys & dolls as a theatre play was at the dance school I ended up going to. I saw a dress rehersal in a crowded studio getting flashbacks from the first time I saw it. Thinking that it was somehow the fulfilment of that dream.

Coffe shop talk and what it always comes down to. Who we are and who we're with. Why these guys make us feel the way we do and how they make us want to be dolls forever and ever.