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Music- "Take You Out" - Luther Vandross
"I feel invisible when I dance, it is good for the soul!" - Sandy

Mission Statement:
To
provide our customers with professionalism through dance
and pleasure while instructing and performing at our utmost
effort to enhance an atmosphere that is meaningful,
favorable and enjoyable at all events.
My Big Brother Derwood

Derwood,
my brother,
I'd give anything if I could just talk to you once more,
If only just to see you walk through the door.
When I look into the sky, I can picture you staring down,
And then I realize I have no reasons to frown.
You are my big brother, you taught me to stand on my own,
Now that you’re gone, I’m not sure I can do it alone.
I will miss your voice, your infectious laugh and hearing
you sing.
I can vision you gliding under God’s precious wings.
I hope he’s taking good care of you because you’re in his
place,
I hope all your worries and fears have left your humble
face.
I never got to say goodbye and that was the worst part,
But when you left secretly, you whispered goodbye to my
heart.
Nothing is the same now and I doubt it ever will be,
But you have been released from pain and suffering, you
have been set free.
So big brother, my heart seemed to be broken forever,
But God told me last night that in time the pieces will
come back together.
I know you will always be around engulfing us with your
love,
Giving us strength, keeping us close and watching over us
from above.
My big brother, you are in a better place now, all your
problems have gone away,
But remember we will meet again on the other side one
sweet, sweet day!
I love you big brother,
Sandy B.
JUNE 19, 2008 -
A DAY TO REMEMBER - Juneteenth
Advise
that is right on time!! “Are you going to stop now because
someone didn't love you, help you, support you or
believe in you? Are you going to stop now because you
didn't pass the interview or test? Are you going to give
up because you didn't get the audition, the contract,
the job or that promotion? Are you going to give up
because love walked out the door or because love didn't
return your phone call or because love hasn't even shown
up yet in your life? Don't quit ... stick with it. You
may be delayed and discouraged ... Life is difficult and
divine. Life is bitter and it's sweet. When things go
wrong, don't go with it. Sometimes there just aren't
easy answers. Life offers mystery and miracles. Keep the
faith. Believe in every cell of your being that you are
strong, capable, lovable,worthy and resilient.
June
12, 2008
I never give up on
my dream. Once you believe all things are possible. So
my advice to myself and to you is “Hang in there. Some
situations are beyond your control. Surrendering and
being still until your storm passes is not a sign of
weakness. Sometimes it's the best and only thing to do.
No matter how good a person you are or how much
preparation you make, stuff happens. Hold on. Remain
optimistic. Trust that God has an answer and a
breakthrough for you. And most of all, don't quickly
label yourself a bad person, a failure or a loser.
Whether you're looking for a job, praying for restored
health, trying to close a sale, buy a home, fighting
depression/grief or waiting for "that" phone call ...
don't give up. We all go through seasons in our life,
but the reasons aren't always obvious or revealed. Read
Joshua 1:9 –
Life brings
unspeakable pain and unspeakable joy. Life is full of
surprises, struggle, success and sadness. Some things
you can't change. Some things you can't control. Some
things you can't avoid. Some things you can't
understand. But there are things you can endure. Some
things you can change. Some things you can avoid. Some
things you can start. Do the best you can with what you
have right where you are. Learn ways to strengthen
yourself mentally, spiritually, physically, financially
and emotionally. Your change and breakthrough can happen
anytime.
Just don't give up
June 4, 2008
Most people do not have
to wait for someone else to talk them out of their
dreams, they will do it themselves! They use words that
limit their vision and keep them from even giving their
dreams a fighting chance. You must stop using negative
words and start using positive, affirmative words. These
are the words I live by, repeat after me: Did is
a word of Achievement, Won’t is a word of
Retreat, Might is a word of Bereavement,
Can’t is a word of Defeat, Ought is
a word of Duty, Try is a word of the
Hour, Will is a word of Beauty, Can
is a word of Power…..GO
OBAMA
OUR NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!! A
CHANGE IS GONNA COME! IF YOU JUST STOP AND THINK….WHAT A
GREAT HISTORIC DAY THIS IS!!
I am so proud of
this great man and his accomplishments. I believe, I
have faith, I am loyal to Senator (soon Mr.
President) Barack Obama and have followed his
honest, sincere, respectful CHANGE Campaign since day
one. This is exactly what Dr. Martin Luther King
meant in his “I Have a Dream Speech when he said “We
cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi
cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has
nothing for which to vote. No, no we are not satisfied
and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down
like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. I am
not unmindful that some of you have come here out of
your trials and tribulations. Some of you have come
fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from
areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by
the storms of persecutions and staggered by the winds of
police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative
suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned
suffering is redemptive.” He went on to say “Let us not
wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today, my
friends, so even though we face the difficulties of
today and tomorrow. I still have a dream. It is a dream
deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that
one day this nation will rise up... live out the true
meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be
self-evident that all men are created equal.”
May 28, 2008
Advice forever-“What do you know and
believe? That is your guiding philosophy. How do you
feel? That is your attitude. Who do you trust? That is
where your faith resides. Who adds to your life? They
will expand your possibilities. Who drains you? They can
steal your joy, peace, health and success. How do you
spend your time? That is your activity. Opportunities
are driven by your attitude and actions. Faith without
activity bears no fruit. You only do what you know, feel
and trust. Sweet sleep comes from doing the best you
can. What could you become --- what could you experience
--- --- what could you have if you really read, studied,
dreamed, saved, prayed, networked, asked for help, got
out of your comfort zone, used your time wisely, served
others and gave your all? Procrastination is a thief.
Things are not going to change unless you change. Life
is fragile, wonderful, short and subject to change.
Guard your wealth, health and significant relationships
(personal and professional). Learn to serve others and
realize that confidence, integrity and service to others
are a shortcut to increase. Discipline, patience,
prayer, planning, perseverance and proactive activity
will pay off. Promise yourself you will never give up.
May 21, 2008
Great Advice:
The worst thing you can do when faced with a challenge
is to run away from it, because it will come after you,
and will gain even more strength. If you think it's bad
now, just wait until it has grown bigger and stronger.
You'll regret that you did not choose to face it sooner.
Confront your challenges as quickly as you can. You'll
make far more progress that way. Going forward through
the obstacles may indeed be difficult. Yet it is a far
better path than going backwards in retreat. Sooner or
later you must work your way through the challenges that
stand between you and your goals. The sooner you do it,
the better. It will never be easy, but there's no need
to make it more difficult than it has to be. Move
yourself forward. Push a little harder when you need to.
Confront the challenges as they come, get them quickly
behind you, and you can go as far as you want.
May
15, 2008
Finding yourself at a dead end does not
in itself prevent you from reaching your destination.
There's another road that will take you there. Keep
looking and you'll find it. Reach a little higher today
than yesterday. Raise your expectations a little bit
more. After all, you're wiser and more experienced than
you were even just a day ago. In fact, you now have more
knowledge and more experience than you've ever had
before in your life. Even if yesterday was a total
disaster, you've at least learned something from it. And
if yesterday was full of success, you've learned from
that as well. The bottom line is that you're more
experienced, more aware of what works and what doesn't
work. So reach higher today than you did yesterday. And
resolve to reach even higher tomorrow. As time goes on
you are continually growing and improving, so you might
as well take advantage of that. Reach higher and you'll
attain more. Expect more of yourself, and those
expectations will soon become your reality. Each day
provides ample opportunity for improvement. So expect to
improve. And you will.”
May 8, 2008
This is my advice and I would like to
share it with you.
Repeat after me; “Beginning today I will no longer worry
about yesterday. It is in the past and the past will
never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.
Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make
the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow
without first making the most of today. Beginning today
I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy
of my respect and admiration. This capable person
looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with
and someone I would like to get to know better.
Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life. I
value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I
will unselfishly share this gift with others. I will use
this gift to enhance the lives of others. Beginning
today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path
and to revel in the mysteries I encounter. I will face
challenges with courage and determination. I will
overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my
quest for growth and self-improvement. Beginning today I
will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive
self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.
Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human
kindness. Regardless of what has gone before, I believe
there is hope for a brighter and better future.
Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will
welcome new experiences. I will meet new people. I will
not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else:
perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I
will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.
Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness
and I will do things that make me happy . . . admire the
beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite
music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath .
. . pleasure can be found in the most simple of
gestures. Beginning today I will learn something new; I
will try something different; I will savor all the
various flavors life has to offer. I will change what I
can and the rest I will let go. I will strive to become
the best me I can possibly be. Beginning today, and
every day from this day on, I will. Amen!”
May 1, 2008
"Whenever times
get hard, when you don't know how you got wherever you
are, let alone how you're going to make it out, out of
the pain, out of the heartache, out of the terrible
sorrow or situation you find yourself in, remember that
God never built a staircase to nowhere. And when you do
what you can...He will do what you can't." - Patti
LaBelle
When your day is filled
with troubles, rejoice! You've been given a challenge
worthy of your strength, and one which will build that
strength even more. Don't wait for happiness and joy to
come to you. Let them come from you. Spread joy and you
will know joy. Pay no mind to the circumstances. They
come and go. Let your joy transcend them and transform
them. The troubles of the moment will soon be history.
You, on the other hand, have the privilege of being
alive and able to move beyond any past disappointment,
no matter how severe. Fill your heart with joy and
you'll be amazed at how many positive possibilities
suddenly pop into view. Put a smile on your face and
watch your actions become more effective. Spread joy to
your world and feel the warmth
April 23, 2008
What or who is pushing your
buttons? Is it your boss, parent, spouse, the traffic,
bill collectors, betrayal from a friend, a nasty
divorce, a cancelled flight, long lines at the grocery
store, car accident, etc. Often the people we love or
work with trigger emotions of anger and impatience.
Change your glasses. Begin to see that everyone is
dealing with some type of issue. When you relate to
them with love, you will no longer think of them as a
drain on your energy. You can learn to tame your anger
with patience. Anger is one letter short of danger.
Expressing your angry feelings in an assertive -- not
aggressive -- manner is the healthiest way to express
anger. To do this, you have to learn how to be clear
what your needs are, and how to get them met, without
hurting others. Being assertive doesn't mean being pushy
or demanding; it means being respectful of yourself and
others. Memories of traumatic events can also trigger
angry feelings. If this is your “anger trigger”, it’s
a healthy idea to begin opening up the process of
forgiveness for yourself or towards those who have hurt
you. Yes, you need emotional and physical boundaries to
keep people who harm you at a distance. You can also
learn to express your intense emotions in a healthy
way…at the right time…to the right person…in the right
way. Anger is a natural, adaptive response to threats;
it inspires powerful, often aggressive, feelings and
behaviors, which allow us to fight and to defend
ourselves when we are attacked. A certain amount of
anger, therefore, is necessary to our survival. There
are people and things you cannot control. Only control
what you can control. Practice deep breathing. Notice
your patterns of coping with anger. Do you express
your feelings…suppress your feelings or relax
and calm yourself? Prolonged intense anger
certainly sets the stage for depression, strokes,
headaches, and heart disease to back pain. If
you suppress or "depress" your feelings, you become cut
off from your emotional energy and left with feelings of
fatigue and disconnection from life. Your body begins
to slow down and you feel like you’re running on empty.
Anger negatively affects your health and peace of mind.
Ask yourself, “Do I want to continue carrying this
poison in my heart, mind, body and spirit?”
Acknowledging that you have uncontrollable anger is
your first positive step toward emotional wellness.
People will make you angry but do not let anyone steal
your joy!!!!
April 16, 2008
Do not look
forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear;
rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise,
God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is
your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Hold fast to his
dear hand, and he will lead you safely through all
things; and when you cannot stand, he will bear you in
his arms. Do not look forward to what may happen
tomorrow. Our Father will either shield you from
suffering, or he will give you strength to bear it.
When you
blame others for your problems, you give up your ability
to solve them. Do you really want to do that? No matter
who may have done what, your best strategy is to take
responsibility for it. Though it may be their fault,
it's your life. Don't depend on those who have hurt you
in the past, to help you in the future. Forget about who
is to blame. Focus on what is to be done. If you're not
satisfied with your circumstances, it's up to you to
change them for the better. Certainly there are many
things outside your control. Accept them, adjust for
them, and put your efforts into moving forward as a
result of your own thoughts, your own actions. The
energy it would take to blame and hold a grudge can be
used instead to make a positive difference. Rather than
perpetuating something unpleasant in your past, choose
to leave it behind. Create your future the way you would
like it to be.
DO NOT
GIVE UP
If you
were to die today, who would take care of your needs?
That is probably one of the best question I ever asked
myself. After my oldest brother passed, I decided then
that my family would not be stressed upon my death. I
gathered all my information (life insurance policies
with beneficiaries, typed up a will, looked on the
Internet for a living will and filled it out, my
pictures, my life history for the newspaper and
obituary, my songs and who will sing them, my favorite
scripture, my special friends, my pallbearer and flower
bearers, my service and burial place). On selecting a
church or place for the services be sure it is large
enough to accommodate not only your family but your
friends and colleagues. I love my church dearly, but it
is not large for my service and I know my children will
find the ideal place. As I was gathering my information
and looking at old pictures, I realized that I have
friends that are more of a family than some of my family
members. True friends are always there for you but
there are many family members that have not been a part
of your life for years will attend a funeral. You know
I am right!!!! Here are a few suggestions to help you
relieve the stress of your loved ones if you should
die. First and most important, make sure you personal
affairs are in order!! Preparing a will and organizing
your legal and financial business will help your family
member take care of your estate. Some people feel that
they have no estate to arrange for, but your estate
includes insurance policies, pension benefits,
retirement benefits, bank accounts and any other income
you have. A will is the only way that you can be sure
that you, rather than a judge, made decisions about your
estate. It is imperative that you name a power of
attorney but make sure it is someone that is trustworthy
and will do what you would have wanted. Designate this
person to be the number one person in deciding on your
belongings. If you get gravely ill and cannot speak or
make decisions, then your power of attorney will make
those decisions in your behalf. Also, write a living
will. A living will grants your wishes about medical
care but be sure and talk to your family and doctor
because it may include Do Not Resuscitate statement.
Make your memorial of funeral plans. It is much easier
for you and your loved ones if you make plans together
or share with them your wishes. Plans should include:
What type of services, should there be a wake or
memorial service also, where the services will be held,
what day and time (I prefer Saturday at high noon), who
will perform the services, will there be a burial or
cremation, what are your preferences for special
readings, acknowledgements (instead of reading all of
them, send thank you cards), speakers who will talk
about the good things that happened in your life and the
happy times, and the music. Be sure and put your wishes,
your wills, and important papers in a safe but visible
place that your children or a reliable family member
knows about. No matter how much you prepare for this
moment, death arrives in its own time and in its own
way. The experience of dying is different for every
person and for every family. You would be surprise how
different people cope with death (I pray, dance and hug
as many people as I can). It is up to you to do whatever
you feel will help and take as much time as you need to
say goodbye. So many people are ready to lend a helping
hand and please accept those hands. Keep their names
and numbers handy for you to call if you just want to
talk. Always remember when a love one dies, you are not
alone. One thing for certain in life, if you are born
you will die! Ask yourself these questions and I will
leave this alone for at least two weeks. They are: If
you were to die today, what kind of shape would your
family be in? If you were to die today, what would you
have failed to give to God because of bigger barns? If
you were to die today, would you be able to say that
you’ve given your first fruits?
But an even more important question is,
if you were to die today, are you a 100% sure that you
are going to heaven?
March 27, 2008
Good For You! You have been getting up even when you
didn't feel like it. You continue to do the right thing
even though you may not get the credit or feel
unappreciated. You handle your responsibilities even
though it gets difficult at times. You get out of the bed
even though you want to pull the covers over your head.
You held your tongue and controlled your temper even
though you had some "choice" words for that person who
disrespected or hurt you. You spoke up even though you
took the risk of criticism or rejection. You finished what
you started. You said "no" even though your flesh wanted
to say "yes." You continue to take care of your family and
responsibilities even though you get weary. You are taking
better care of yourself and overcoming old hurts and
habits. You continue to stay focused on your values and
goals even though you are surrounded by distractions and
temptation. You continue to show up for work even though
you don't enjoy it. You tithe and help others even though
you sometimes wonder if there is enough left for your
needs. You're saying "yes" to life even though you've had
some losses and setbacks. You know the Lord is the source
of your strength and the strength of your life. You're not
allowing others to defeat, define or discourage you. You
may not have all that you want yet --- you may not be
living or working where you want to yet -- - you may not
be the person you want to be --- but thank God you're not
how you used to be. You're not allowing people or
circumstances to defeat, define or discourage you. Good
for you --- your growing is showing!
DO NOT GIVE UP!!!
March 14, 2008
You know that issue
you're struggling with? There is a solution. It may
require you to do something different and out of your
comfort zone. You may need to ask for assistance,
delegate, brainstorm and collaborate with others. Or this
time, you may have to go it alone. Your solution may be
revealed to you only in part or you may have to make a
sudden change. You may not understand how your steps are
being ordered or you lack confidence. Anger, denial and
depression only add to your problem. Whatever issue you're
dealing with --- know that your behind will follow your
mind. If your train of thought is negative, you are doomed
to crash. So start thinking positive and creative
thoughts. Don't allow past blunders to blur your vision
for victory. You are smarter than you give yourself credit
for. Put on your thinking cap. C - Concentrate without
distractions; train your brain to focus. A - Affirm the
positive, be optimistic. P - Pray for discernment, wisdom
and courage. Proverbs 3:6 teaches, "In all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." "He also
spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and
not give up." - Luke 18:1 Good for you --- your growing is
showing!
DO NOT GIVE UP
March 6, 2008
Advise for this week is Learn From it -When the result
is not what you expected, learn from it. When you get
the result you want, learn from that too. Every
experience is a wonderful opportunity to learn. Wisdom
comes from learning the difficult lessons which
experience teaches. With wisdom comes respect, authority
and effectiveness. You pay a hefty price for wisdom, and
yet what you get is even more valuable than what you
paid. It is indeed difficult to console yourself to
"learning from this" when things fail to go your way. It
is much easier to get angry, to get depressed, to
complain or even to forget about the whole thing. But
when you do that, you end up paying the price without
getting any value in return. Whatever happens, let it
increase your wisdom and, ultimately, your success.
Whatever happens, get past the concerns of the moment
and learn from it! When you hear only what you want to
hear, you're not really listening. Listen to what you
don't want to hear as well. That's how you'll learn.
That's how you'll grow. That's how you'll get stronger.
Though you may be confident in your knowledge, no one
knows it all. No one has everything figured out. Others
have much to teach you. Let their words add value to
your life. There are opinions not your own which are
very much worth considering. Listen to learn. Really
listen and consider what others have to say. If someone
were to provide a sumptuous meal to you, would you leave
it half eaten? When someone is gracious enough to share
their knowledge and experience with you, make the most
of a great opportunity. Listen and hear not only what
you thought you wanted to hear. Listen and hear what you
have to learn. Oh yea!!!
February 28, 2008
Thank you John O. for your wonderful advise "Live for the
moment!"
Life brings unspeakable
pain and unspeakable joy. Life is full of surprises,
struggle, success and sadness. Some things you can't
change. Some things you can't control. Some things you
can't avoid. Some things you can't understand. But there
are things you can endure. Some things you can change.
Some things you can avoid. Some things you can start. Do
the best you can with what you have right where you are.
Learn ways to strengthen yourself mentally, spiritually,
physically, financially and emotionally. Your change and
breakthrough can happen anytime.
Just don't give up.
If you want your dreams to come true, then it is
absolutely necessary that you be persistent. Of all the
qualities that create winners, the most important is
persistence. You have got to keep trying, keep trying,
keep trying and resolving in your mind that you will never
give up. Never! Persistence breaks down resistance. Life
is going to say, No! People are going to say, No! But if
you persist, then life will finally have to say, Yes! It's
a law. Just a like the law of gravity, which says that
whatever you throw up, will come down. The law of averages
says that if you keep asking long enough, you are going to
get a "Yes." It's got to happen!
February 14, 2008
As I was preparing for my 5th SwingOut
Graduation Event, I began reading passages from different books and ran
across a message from Iyanla Vanzant and the advice I received
helped me create this elegant event! It read “Many of us believe that
unless we are struggling, we're not doing it right. We struggle with
thoughts, feelings, even other people. We struggle with money problems,
family problems and personal problems. Many of us have said, "I am tired
of struggling!" Well, guess what? When you make the decision to stop
struggling, you will stop. When you stop struggling, things get better.
Struggle goes against the flow. It creates exhaustion in the mind and
body. When you are exhausted you get sick. If you are sick, you must
make a decision and commitment to do everything in your power to get
better. The power is in the commitment never to do what makes you sick.
The key is the decision never to tire of doing what is best, good and
right for you.” So with that said, I thought to myself
"nothing you have done has been a waste of time. Everything you
have been through is a stepping stone to your next level. Don't let
boredom, depression, fear or procrastination steal your joy or success.
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after
another. Don't measure your success by what others have accomplished.
Look over your shoulder and realize how far you have come. You're going
to make it! You have what it takes to overcome the obstacles of ego,
emotions, excuses and the enemy of darkness. You have what it takes to
make your life productive and prosperous. A fuller life is waiting for
your gratitude, faith, focus, willpower, commitment, courage and
action.
Therefore, the graduation event was
fantastic, an absolute elegant affair that will never be forgotten. In
case you were not there I will summarize it for you. Sit back, relax
your mind and imagine. The lights down low, the décor was red and black
tablecloths, covered in red roses, red and black streamers, crystal
cocktail glasses with clear diamond shaped stones and red and black long
stemmed feathers. Red, black and white balloons evenly covered the
ceiling. The buffet consisted of 2 meats, 2 salads, 2 green vegetables,
breads and simmering milk chocolate for sweet ruby red strawberries.
Everyone was dress in red and black as they mingled and exchanged hugs.
In attendance were Oklahoma’s finest dancers
including instructors Stephanie, LJ, KO, and Dallas’ Dominque
and Gentry. Marcus, Sax player from D-Rec
Smooth Jazz Band serenaded everyone while dining.
The dance showcasing began at 8:00 pm with
Sharon and Mike showcasing the elegant style of swingout dancing by
swinging across the dance floor eloquently sometimes in ballroom style
with a little kick of fancy hand motions while my son-in-law, Sly,
recorded each move. Michelle and Alexis took the floor
and shouts were heard as their style of dance was upbeat with fancy foot
movements, Savoy style of swing in a very fast and
somewhat tango. All in all, one swing, different style!
My sister, Stephanie, dressed in a long flowing red dress with a
diamond brooch, positioned herself behind a curtain silhouetting the
movements of her body swaying from side to side as she began hosting the
event to the beat of Mary J. Blige’s “Work That”.
First introduced was my assistant and greeter, Jocelyn, dressed in a
gorgeous red silk dress, one side short and one side long, as she diva
walked across the floor. Each Jewel showcased their rhythm
as they move behind the curtain silhouetting every move. The
Jewels were Lorinda, Sharon, Teresa, Shametra, Shantee,
Taisha, Morgan, Faye, Sherita, Trina, and Chiquita. The
Jazzee Angels, Myra, Michelle and Willa were the last
ladies to silhouette their moves. The Jems posed behind the
curtain as some did an old school move while others flexed their muscles
to the song “Find Your Way” by KEM and they found
their way strutting to the dance floor. The Jems were
Mack B., Mike C, Ira, Dannie, Gary, and Chris. The
Kings of Swing, who gladly assisted, moved onto the dance floor
with distinction. They were Alexis, Avery, JT., Mike F., Rodney,
and Terrance. Lastly, I, in my long black floor flowing, shear
back gown and long white gloves, moved to the curtain and danced my way
through my graduates’ soul train line to the beat of Mary J. Blige’s
“Just Fine”. I turned to them and saluted with a kiss of
gratitude and love. Stephanie then asked the Jewels
to salute their Jems. As everyone coupled, DJ Todd
began playing “It’s like Candy” by Cameo and the
graduation steps began. Everyone’s talent of swing dancing showed on
their faces and each knew they had completed a test in which they had
worked so hard to achieve. After the routine was complete, the
Jems diva walked their Jewels off the dance
floor. Hand claps and kudos were heard throughout the building. The
dance floor was opened for a couple of songs as the Dallas show casers
were warming up after a long drive. First, Gentry and Olivia
dressed in red and black with their smooth, unique style of swing
dancing, moved the audience closer to the dance floor with shouts and
claps. Gentry’s
emphasizing moves while sliding Olivia between dance positions
with a wave rhythm break was fantastic. Next, everyone saluted
Dominque as he spinned Carmen across the dance floor. Their
style of swing included the jive, whip, push, west coast, jitterbug, and
lindy hop. As I watched them it reminded me of my father who was one of
the best hand dancers in Oklahoma and would fancy his feet from one spot
to another in a matter of seconds. You could tell by the smile on
Carmen’s face that it was all good!!! After the showcasing was
over, Stephanie, Jocelyn and I gave shoe bags, a rock
affirmation, graduation certificate and a red blinking rose to each lady
as I called their name. I then presented the men with an embroidered
towel that read “Real Men Swing Dance”, a dance medallion, and
graduation certificate. I asked five of my Jewels to stand next to
me while I announced to the audience that these young ladies never
danced because of shyness and I told them how proud they should be as I
am of their accomplishment. I introduced my three children,
Cassandra, Derek and Dustin, to everyone, took pictures and
turned the dance floor over to the crowd. Everyone danced and danced and
danced until after 1 am. It was a night to remember!! Now aren’t you
upset that you did not attend!!! Thanks Shirley for the
great after party (what goes on at Shirley’s, stays at Shirley). Again
thank you for your continuing support and I’ll see you on the dance
floor!!! Thank you so
much for your support and if you have not been told lately that you are loved, then I
will “I love you!”
November 21, 2007
Fifty-five years ago today the Lord
blessed my mother, Ocelee and my father, Billy Warren,
the birth of a beautiful baby girl that they named
Rosalind Cassandra. The name was too hard for many to
say so they started calling me “Sandy”. It brought the
best joy to their lives. I will always remember how
they dressed me up everyday and made sure I was the
prettiest little girl in my hometown of Chickasha. I
still remember the frilly dresses with can cans that
would scratch my legs up, but I still looked pretty. I
remember dancing with my father each and every day and
just recently I found out that my dad was the best
jitter bugger in Oklahoma and would travel and dance to
help support our family. I was four years old when my
dad was killed in a car accident and left my mother with
four children. I remember as if it was yesterday the
night he died
Life is not about weathering the storm; it's about learning to
dance in the rain!"
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