I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with Derek and Z. We assembled a new kite, ate Locopops, climbed rocks, road the boats and carousel at Pullen Park, and played in the sand at Artsplosure.

Once again, John, Dakota, and I ventured to the NC State Fairgrounds to see what awesomeness we could find at the flea market. This week's highlights include an oversized Raggedy Andy doll, Pee Wee Herman chilling among some race cars, 30 year-old coffee beans, a '65 Mustang kid's car, a Harley tricycle, beautiful purple onions, a deer gun rack, John in an ironic cowboy hat, and (my personal favorite) Kiss's Startchild riding an AT-AT. 

I went to see the always amazing VaudeVillain Revue perform "Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder" last Friday. In the spirit of ..... wait, who needs a reason? I got all fancy shmancy for the show. My friend Christopher Donald was shooting the event and graciously took a moment to get a picture of me all dolled up. Thanks Chris!

Here are some amazing photos Chris shot at the show: VVR - Absinthe

I have been spinning sock poi for nearly a year. This past weekend, I decided to take it up a notch and spin fire poi. Yes, FIII-YAH!

Carolyn Mabry from Caroleeena's Circles of Joy offered a fire safety and certification course that guided me through the basics of preparation, fueling, first aid, and safety. At the end of the 4-hour course, we had a practical exam (or as I called it, "Playtime!"). I had to prep, fuel and spin fire with any tool of my choosing. There were staffs, fans, poi, and hoops to choose from. I chose to do my first burn using lamp oil on kevlar poi. 

Yes, I had flaming balls of kevlar twirling around my head and body! It was a transforming experience. I offered up all my insecurities to the fire and came through a more confident, courageous woman. 

I used a fire hoop for my second burn. I realized how little energy I had put into practicing my hoop manipulations, but still had a wonderful time exploring the tool. I get really silly with it around the 2-minute mark!

For my last burn of the night, I went back to fire poi, but used a white fuel instead of lamp oil. It burned hotter, faster and brighter. I think my favorite is the lamp oil.

I am so grateful to my friends who have supported me in my poi adventures. Albert, you were the first person to put sock poi in my hands and reassure me I could do it. Caroleeena, you're an amazing teacher and guide. Jonathan, you gave me the gift of LED lights to spin. Nickolas, you urged me to get back into spinning at my lowest. Clover, you're so patient as I try to learn your awesome tech stalls. Rick, you shared the first time my fire flower blossomed. I love you all so very much!

A geeky awesome gang of us gathered at Ultimate Comics in Durham for Free Comic Book Day.

LED playtime included capturing Nickolas spinning some wicked-awesome poi. My favorite shots are the Nickolas tutu, the butterfly outline, and the collapsing circles. He is sparkly and beautiful!

For the first time since I started spinning in June, I got my camera out to capture what the heck I look like when I'm dancing with LED poi. I am excited beyond belief to finally see that I am pretty with poi! Next time, I hope to get a better handle of where I need to be positioned to get more in-frame shots.

John, Dakota, Wyldman, & I ventured back out to the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds. Our list of treasures include: columns of hanging hair flowers, various veggies, vintage children's books, soda bottles, a sea monster guarding a basket of shells, and a sweet orange Bel Air model car.

Nickolas, Clover & I adventured out to Shakori Hills Farm for their Spring Grassroot Music Festival. During the days, we taught kids how to make and spin poi, listened to amazing music, and had the best happy hippie camping time ever. At night, we played with our LED poi, listened to more amazing music, and cozily slept in the Taj Ma'tent. "Go Team Glow!"

Nickolas, Wyldman and I ventured out to Shakori Hills Farm to prep for our kids' poi workshop that's being held during the upcoming Shakori Hills Music Festival. We spent the day dying stockings, making poi sand bags, and partaking in the hospitality of the Shakori Hills family of volunteers.