in my next life...

I used to be a dancer.

I loved dancing. I still love dance. I ache a little when I see a performance; desire deeply to be on that stage.

If I had to state a regret, it would be this...that I gave up dancing.

There is a little part of me who would love to be seventeen again, thinking about going off to college...I would have taken that opportunity I shrugged off...applied to Cornish College of the Arts...danced my heart out...and maybe, just maybe, I would have landed it!

but.

I didn't do it. I didn't apply. I didn't try out. I didn't keep dancing.

and, oh...how I miss it!

Prompt #61: Write about the thing you've always wanted to do, but didn't.

My Favourite Christmas Gift...

When I was seven...

Money was tight that year.

My mother asked me what I would like for Christmas. She said she could afford either a few small gifts, or...she could get tickets to the Seattle performance of The Nutcracker.

I chose the ballet.

It remains one of my fondest memories. ever.

Music and dance have a strong place in my soul. I began dancing at the age of three, continued to dance through my high school years, and still occasionally bust a little ballet move now and then...

Music can bring me to tears simply because of the sheer magic of it...the right combination of tune and lyrics...and if you dare to add violin and cello...my my! I may just fall to my knees and weep!

and so, in fond recollection of that perfect Christmas gift, I share with you my favourite piece from The Nutcracker. Orchestra or (if you prefer) Ballet

Prompt #34: What is your favourite Christmas memory?