An Open Letter to Valerie Harper

To all of my blog followers:

I don't usually write in letter format, but felt it necessary in this case.  I hope you find some inspiration in my words to Valerie!


Dear Valerie,

Let me start off by saying that I've been a fan since I was a little girl, loving Rhoda and you as much as my mom did.  We both anticipated Rhoda's big wedding episode, laughing and crying all the way through. Over the years you've always been a class act, and that definitely hasn't changed at all.

When I first heard you had cancer, I cried not only for you but for my mom as well.  She battled breast cancer for 12 years...and in a few days it will be 19 years since God called her home.  I still miss her all the time, and only wish she could have been around to watch Dancing With The Stars.

As you've fought and continue to fight this battle, your positive attitude and determination are an inspiration to me and countless others.  And when you decided to compete on this season of DWTS, I was thrilled for you.  There are some people who didn't understand why you would do the show (or thought you were being exploited) who said idiotic things.  But I get it - and so do a lot of people; there are many more that understand than don't.  For that I am grateful.

We all need to live our lives to the fullest, because we all will be called home someday.  Only God knows when that is for each of us.  He doesn't want us to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves about any challenges we face.  He wants us to LIVE while we are here!

My mom LOVED to dance.  She went dancing six nights a week when she was young, up until the time she married my dad.  They both still danced occasionally, but over time working and raising a family gave them less time for it, and often they only time they got the chance was at a family wedding.  Waltzes, polkas, jitterbug...my mom loved them all.  I also love dance, but never really had much time for it either.  So many things wind up taking time away from doing the things we truly want to do.

Every week on DWTS, I get to see you perform - not just learning and trying to remember all of the steps, but dancing for the PURE JOY of DANCING.  Not letting obstacles keep you from experiencing the joys of life.  Showing the world the wonderful woman you are, and teaching others how to live and enjoy each and every day.

I'm also glad you got the perfect partner for you.  Tristan is also a class act...a caring, compassionate person who can teach you the dances while helping you find the right balance so you can be your best while not injuring your knees further.  I'm as much in awe of you as he is, and watching the two of you interact brings every emotion to the surface.  It's truly a pleasure to witness your partnership - God put you together for a reason. 

Even though I am by nature normally a positive person, there are times I get a little down on myself...thinking that I should have things a lot more together than I do.  That I should be further ahead in my writing career and journey back to fitness, even though I am making progress with both.  Being impatient with my financial situation - even though that is also improving.

But then I think about you.  I'm sure you have your moments because you are human, but overall you stay positive.  You pick yourself up after a setback (like your knee) and press on.  You remember to find the joy in each day, no matter what.  You never stay down - you get up and get stronger.

Ever since I wrote for the former Ballroom Dance Channel website, my urge has only grown stronger to learn ballroom dancing...as much as I can.  My budget does not currently allow for lessons, but I'm staying positive that this will change soon.  In the meantime, I use videos, YouTube, etc., to learn what I can.  I NEED to dance.  Not just to learn the steps, but to experience the pure joy like you do.  To live out my passions.

So as you continue on your DWTS journey, know that I am extremely proud of you and honored to witness your experience.  I also know that my mom is smiling down on you, happy that you've found your way back to dancing again.  I pray that you have many more weeks, months, and years of dancing ahead of you - and thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us!

Love and Best Wishes,

Marie

My 200th Post...Dedicated to Dance!!!

This is a milestone post for me...it is number 200, and I've come a long way on my journey since my first entry in this blog. I've had my ups and downs, learned many important lessons along the way, and I've grown as a person through it all.

I decided to dedicate this post to one of my biggest passions...DANCE. It seems only fitting since tonight is the season finale for So You Think You Can Dance, and this season is the one that has most inspired me to date. It's been hard to see dancers go home, either because of being voted off or injury, because every single one of the Top 11 has something special about them that made it hard to say goodbye each week. From all of the moving performances to Alex Wong's classy and grateful exit after injury, I learned something about the dancers, choreographers and myself along the way.

As you know I have the pleasure of writing about SYTYCD for Ballroom Dance Channel, which affords me the honor of getting to dig deeper into what makes everyone on the show tick...from host Cat Deeley, to the judges, choreographers, and dancers. The show has been instrumental in my personal growth, as only the art of dance and the human spirit can do. Any of the 3 finalists will make a great champion, and I will be thrilled for whoever wins the title of America's Favorite Dancer tonight. Kent and Lauren are awesome...but my favorite is Robert Roldan for so many reasons. I can completely relate to his journey of growth on the show, maturing as a dancer and a person. Even when he seemed to get knocked down, he only learned from it and came back stronger. Those of you who have read my previous posts also know about the things I went through with my mom, and my cousin as well. Robert's story with his mom is, in a way, my story in many respects. He has also been an amazing partner and friend to everyone he has danced with on the show, with no trace of ego...and I love all aspects of his personality, which in turn give him the most versatilty as a dancer. His technique is amazing, because he works so hard at it. His journey on the show will forever be etched in my mind, helping me with my own lessons in life.

Good luck to all 3 dancers tonight...all of you are incredible and deserve your place in the finals. I'm hoping Robert wins...but congratulations to whoever it is, I know you will make everyone proud. Now as for the rest of us...let's get up and dance!

Trifecta Weekend....Good For My Soul!

This weekend was a much needed boost for me...I hit the Trifecta as each day I did something that made me feel completely alive and happy to be me!

Let's start with Friday night. I've been wanting to see Taylor Hicks live in concert ever since he won American Idol. When he came to town the first time, I was out of town and didn't get to attend the show. My next opportunity to see him was this past May in Grease, which I posted about then. I loved Grease but was still itching to see Taylor's own live show. Friday night was my first time to see T in concert and it definitely won't be the last. Our seats were incredible and I can truly say this is the best live show I've ever attended. I've been to many, MANY concerts over the years...and none of them compare to Taylor live. Ever since Idol he has inspired me to go for my dreams and really live my passions in life, and even though I could feel his passion for the music through my TV screen, seeing him perform live really brings it out a thousand times more. I am even more inspired and motivated to live life to the fullest and reach my dreams. If you get the chance to see Taylor live...DO IT! You will be blown away by his talent and passion. Once again (just as after Grease) I got to speak with him for a couple of minutes after the show and take a picture, and he is absolutely the nicest guy and really cares about his fans. I admire the way he operates and stays true to who he is...a lesson all of us need to take to heart!

Saturday was a day at the pool with my son. My husband had to work, so it was just the two of us swimming on a perfect day. The weather was just right...not sweltering or chilly: the perfect temperature. The sun was out but not overpowering. Every song on the radio that played over the speakers was just the right one, and several of us in the pool sang along as we swam. You already know how much I love going to the pool, but being totally in the moment with the people and the music really made it feel like perfection.

Sunday we got to see a movie I've been anticipating for a while. Since I cover So You Think You Can Dance for Ballroom Dance Channel, I've been getting some inside scoop along the way on Step Up 3D. The movie features several dancers from SYTYCD and was produced by judge Adam Shankman, and it was truly amazing to watch. I really wanted to get up and dance during the movie...but I think the others in the audience would have thrown stuff at me! As we left the theater my son was trying to copy some of the moves by by bouncing off the walls (literally!) and doing twists off of the railing. If you love dance, this one is a must see for you. Part of the movie shows dancers explaining why they love to dance...so once again the passion of people doing what they love comes through loud and clear.

The entire weekend was really good for my soul, and I will never forget a single moment of it. I love the feeling...being passionate about life and the things I love, and living every moment to its fullest. This Trifecta didn't pay off at the racetrack window, but it did pay off in so many other ways that are worth more than any amount of money. Find something that is good for your soul and live every minute of it...you will never be the same!

Back on Track

What a crazy week last week! From all of the celebrities we grew up with that died too soon, to my High School Reunion, it was a whirlwind. I will say this...I am so thankful to God that he got me through this past week without gaining any weight! I got on the scale Monday morning, fully expecting to see a number I didn't want to see. I weighed exactly the same as the Monday before! Even with all of the celebrating over the weekend, I must have done something right.

Of course, this does not mean that if I keep partying like that I will continue to maintain my weight. Besides, I need to lose, not maintain. I appreciate the fact that I'm not starting back up again further in the hole...but now it's time to really take charge!

I'm always inspired by the Biggest Loser contestants, but now I am also motivated by a new group of wonderful people as well. Oxygen has a new show called Dance Your A** Off, which combines all of my favorite elements. It's Biggest Loser meets So You Think You Can Dance, so it is must see TV for me! They even have Dr. H from BL to guide them on their journey. I write about the show for Ballroom Dance Channel, but I would be watching no matter what...it's that great! While I watched it the first time I was writing, but the second time through I just danced right along with the contestants in front of my TV.

As for my eating, Monday I started back to the healthy stuff. When I went this morning to pick up a prescription, I stocked up on my favorite Fage Greek Yogurt and Organic Starbucks Coffee. (Bonus: the coffee was on sale and I saved $1.50 on it!!!) I'm drinking a lot more water again and making sure I get more produce into my diet. I plan to finally make a trip to the Trader Joe's that is 15 minutes from my house, so I'll fill you in on that when I go there. I hear so many great things about that store from several reliable sources.

It feels awesome to be back on track, and I really do feel better when I eat the right foods. Never ever give up...and whatever you do, KEEP ON DANCING!!!

Nutty But Wonderful Day!

This day has been utterly non-stop. Of course, it didn't help that I was up until 3 AM in the first place! I watched and reviewed a great show on Oxygen called Dance Your A** Off. After I sent off my review I was so pumped that I couldn't sleep! After finally falling asleep, I got up at Noon!

This set me into superwoman mode for the day. Laundry needed to be done, along with several writing projects that are going on at the same time. I meant to get on the treadmill at about 3:30, but first had to finish up a couple of things on here. Then...my dad called, so I spent some time talking to him and finally made it on the treadmill at 5 PM. This was not negotiable...I NEEDED to get my exercise in!

I went at 2.8 mph for my walk, but I also was brave enough to do something that I had never done up until now. I walked the entire time without holding onto the sides of the treadmill! I always think of Jillian yelling at people not to hold on, and I've done it for a couple of minutes here and there, but this was the first time I did it all the way through...37 minutes straight. Also, I usually walked at 2.5 while holding on...so I went faster and pumped my arms at the same time! I know Jillian would be proud, while at the same time she'd bump up my speed. That's OK, I consider this a personal victory.

Now I'm showered and ready for my next assignment...in about 45 minutes I'm recapping So You Think You Can Dance. This is the thing: I'm loving every minute of this crazy day. It's so wonderful to be doing something you love and also taking care of your body. I feel like I'm really living life...and it feels awesome!

In Memory of Sharon

Good morning everyone...today's post will not be about weight loss. My very good friend and colleague Sharon passed away yesterday. She was only 37 years old. This blog is my tribute to her.

It's fitting that I use a blog to pay tribute to Sharon, since this is what I do as part of my career, and so did she. In fact, that's how we met. We both wound up working for the same person, and he brought us together. Things did not work out for us with that particular client, but I will always be thankful that God worked through him and brought Sharon and me together.

Sharon liked what I did for that first client so much that she offered me a guest blog spot on Ballroom Dance Channel, to fill in for her while she attended the live performance show of Dancing With The Stars that week. She was invited by her boss, Tony Dovolani, to attend that night...and she wanted me to write the show recap for the BDC Wordpress blog while she was there. With as much as I love both writing and dancing, of course I said yes. My first recap blog went over well with Sharon, Sammi, and others who work for and keep up with BDC, so Sharon invited me to keep on doing them every week. She said we both catch things during the show that the other one doesn't, and it would be great for our readers to have two recaps each week.

You see, Sharon was a very generous and loving person. She did not mind sharing the spotlight, and she wanted to give me a good start so I would have some writing published for a well-known show, so I could have it on my writing resume to land other writing jobs. She had recently told me that if I ever needed a letter of recommendation to write a piece for another client, she would gladly write one for me. She also has me writing for So You Think You Can Dance now too.

We had also hit it off personally, from the very first time we spoke on the phone. We never met in person, since I'm in Cleveland and she was in San Diego, but between the internet and the phone we became almost like sisters. We loved a lot of the same things and thought the same way about a lot as well, but we were not so alike that it was boring. She was both fun and professional at the same time, and you could talk to her about anything. If she didn't agree about something she'd let you know, but in such a way that the disagreement never bothered you. She was one of the most sincere people I've ever known in my life, and I miss her terribly already.

Sharon's husband said that God must have needed someone to be his personal assistant. I can really picture that now. I'm sure she is Dancing With The Angels...and of course writing about it. Rest in peace my dear friend, you have touched my life forever and I love you always.

xoxoxo Marie

Small Victories

I didn't make it onto the treadmill last night. I had something come up and by then it was very late. (I know, I sound like Marcia Brady..."Something suddenly came up!") What was good about this is how I handled it. Normally I would have just been so bummed that I would have said, "See? I just don't have the time to exercise!" That usually leads to giving up.

This time, I still did some exercise. It wasn't as much as I would have gotten on the treadmill, but it was certainly better than doing nothing and feeling sorry for myself. I did stretches and jumping jacks, along with some leg lifts and arm circles. I also decided that I would start planning on getting my exercise earlier in the day, so there would be less chance for anything to derail my plans. Today I will exercise in the early afternoon, before my son gets home from school. This way I also have the evening free for "So You Think You Can Dance", because I'm writing a recap of tonight's show to be posted afterward for Ballroom Dance Channel.

I had another victory over the past two days...I got through the evenings without giving in to snacking. Bob and Jillian both recommend not eating after a certain time in the evening, so all of that food is not in your stomach when you go to bed. Late night snacking has always been a downfall for me, and even though I really wanted to snack I didn't give in. I just drank more water so I wouldn't feel like I needed to have anything to eat so close to bedtime.

Thinking about these small accomplishments helps keep me going and also stay in a positive frame of mind. I highly recommend that we all write down everything we did right each day, so we can focus on that instead of the things that didn't go according to plan. Of course, we still need to take those things into consideration, so we know how to fix them. All I can say is don't dwell on them, or else they'll get you down. Look at your list of positives and keep reaching for the stars!

Marie :o)