Portland Lindy Hop Events Dec 28-Jan 4

The Week of December 28-January 4

Wednesday December 28


7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music
Last One Until Summer!



Thursday December 29

7:30-11:00pm Bridgetown Sextet Live at Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:30 Live Music by Bridgetown Sextet

Friday December 30





Saturday December 31




Sunday January 1


7-11:00pm  Sunday Swing 
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'D Music
http://www.stumptowndance.com/


Monday January 2


6:30-8:30pm Beginning to Beyond Beginning Swing with Josh and Emily McLaughlin
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt, Portland)
6:30-7:30 Partner Charleston
7:30-8:30 Solo Jazz Routine
http://www.facebook.com/events/215864158491718/


7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday January 3

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday January 4

Upcoming Events!

January 8 Bridgetown Sextet at Sunday Swing (Scottish Rite)
January 15 Charleston Workshop with Candace and Mindy (Scottish Rite)
March 2-4 Portland Lindy Exchange

Writing Update Dec 25

I started off doing well with my writing goals this week but then all the holiday madness set in.

Monday:  260 words
Tuesday:  291 words
Wednesday: 0 words
Thursday: 526 words
Friday:  0 words
Saturday: 0 words
Sunday: 0 words

This week I'm going to try again for at least 250 words a day and a secondary goal of finishing the first draft of Outbreak by the end of the 31st.


Works In Progress

Outbreak (NaNoWriMo 2011) - Writing First Draft

52009 / 90000

Hive Mind (NaNoWriMo 2010) - Editing and Writing Second Draft

47542 / 90000

Greased Gears - Writing First Draft

9326 / 90000

Please Note: This will be the last Writing Update on this blog, for future updates be sure to check out Baby Dragon Steps.

A New Stage

This isn't a decision that has been easy for me but I've decided to consolidate my two blogs and move my blogging presence over to my other blog, Baby Dragon Steps.

I feel that this will be a more representative site for where I am currently at in real life, in writing, in my fitness goals and in my dance life: taking baby steps forward.  I'll leave all of my past posts up on this site but after the first of the year there will be no more new content.

So, hope to see everyone over at Baby Dragon Steps!  Have a Merry Christmas or a Happy Winter Celebration of Your Choice!

Tidbits of Christmas: Jingle Bells by Abney Park

A new version of a classic favorite by Steampunk band Abney Park!  I may or may not currently be playing this on repeat...

Tidbits of Christmas: Waiting for The Doctor

Tidbits of Christmas: DIY Mini Hot Air Ballons

Epbot is at it again with a lovely tutorial for making Mini Hot Air Balloons!

For the complete tutorial head on over to the Epbot blog.

Portland Lindy Hop Events December 21-28

The Week of December 21-28

Wednesday December 21


7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music



Thursday December 22

7:30-11:00pm Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:30 DJ'd Music by Melissa and Ronda

Friday December 23


6-8pm Anna Paul and the Bearded Lady at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
6-8 pm Live Music by Anna Paul and the Bearded Lady

9-12 am Boy and Bean at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
8-12 pm Live Music by Boy and Bean

Saturday December 24




Sunday December 25

No Sunday Swing This Week!

Monday December 26

6:30-8:30pm Beginning to Beyond Beginning Swing with Josh and Emily McLaughlin
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt, Portland)
6:30 Drop-in Lesson
7:30-8:30 Dance Practice

7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday December 27

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday December 28


7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music

Upcoming Events!

December 29 Bridgetown Sextet at PPAA
January 8 Bridgetown Sextet at Sunday Swing (Scottish Rite)
March 2-4 Portland Lindy Exchange

Tidbits of Christmas: Christmas Services

Christmas Services at Tabor Heights United Methodist Church:
6161 SE Stark St, Portland OR 97215

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24th at 11pm

Christmas Day Festival Service
December 25th at 11am
Bring a Bell!

Tidbits of Christmas: Simon's Cat in Santa Claws

This is a pretty good illustration of the Cat versus the Christmas Tree.

Tidbits of Christmas: Holiday Comics

Writing Update Dec 18th

Last week I made the goal of writing at least something everyday.  I've done pretty well at that.  None of the word counts are very impressive but I made the conscious decision each day to write and that is what mattered to me.

Monday: 40 words
Tuesday: 195 words
Wednesday: 94 words
Thursday: 263 words
Friday: 25 words
Saturday: 138 words
Sunday: 115 words

This week I'm going to add a little to that goal and try for at least 250 words a day.


Works In Progress

Outbreak (NaNoWriMo 2011) - Writing First Draft

50932 / 90000

Hive Mind (NaNoWriMo 2010) - Editing and Writing Second Draft

47542 / 90000

Greased Gears - Writing First Draft

9326 / 90000

Tidbits of Christmas: Trays and Trays of Cookies

The Sugar Cookies have been decorated!

Tidbits of Christmas: Return of the Christmas Lime Tree

Year two of decorating the lime tree that winters in our living room.  No lights this year but I found some spare ornaments and a shiny garland.

And here's a bonus shot of the Christmas tree.

Tidbits of Christmas: Cthulhu Christmas Tree

Christmas: Now with more tentacles...

More Information and Pictures over at Obvious Winner

Tidbits of Christmas: Semi-Formal Sunday Swing Christmas Dance

Christmas Festivities hosted by the regular Sunday Swing Dance!

Semi-Formal Sunday Swing Christmas Dance!
http://www.facebook.com/events/170350823058959/

The Scottish Rite
1512 SW Morrison
Portland, OR

3-6pm Open Level Workshop with Peter Flahiff
http://www.facebook.com/events/273006902736153/

--Schedule & Class Descriptions:
3:00 PM - Make It Comfy.
A class that takes everyone's dancing and makes it smoother, cleaner, clearer and more enjoyable for everyone. It's all about making your technique better in this one! 

4:00 PM - Make It Sharp.
Dancing comfortably is important, but let's face it: we all want to look better too. This class gives pointers on lines and looks in the moves we love. We'll make sure you look as good as you feel! 

5:00 PM - Make It AWESOME.
What would a workshop be without some SWEET new material to take away and work on? This class features some of Peter's favorite moves at the moment and some signature bits that you can use to surprise and wow!

7-11:00 Dancing to DJ Peter Flahiff



7-9:30 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest
http://www.facebook.com/events/292318277469243/

WIN AN HOUR PRIVATE LESSON w/ Mindy Hazeltine!!!
Bring your finished house to Sunday Swing Semi-Formal, December 18th. (If you come for the afternoon workshop w/Peter Flahiff & Mindy Hazeltine, feel free to drop your house off then.)
Everyone who votes on a house is entered into a raffle! 

Rules:
1) Entries must be 100% Eatable Gingerbread Houses:)
2) Be able to transport your house to & from the dance.
3) No mess on the floor etc.
4) You can name your house but don't use your own name or anything to identify it as yours. Votes will be anonymous.
5) Don't eat the houses. ;) 

--Feel free to work together as a team or on your own to construct a mansion or most anything else your hearts desire. If your team wins, you will share the prize:) Good luck to you all!!

 

Portland Lindy Hop Events December 14-21

The Week of December 14-21

Wednesday December 14



Thursday December 15

7:30-11:00pm Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:30 DJ'd Music

Friday December 16



Saturday December 17


6-8pm Pete Krebs and his Portland Playboys at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
6-8 pm Live Music by Pete Krebs and his Portland Playboys

9-12 am Trashcan Joe at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
8-12 pm Live Music by Trashcan Joe

Sunday December 18

3:00-6:00pm Open Level Workshop with Peter Flahiff
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
http://www.facebook.com/events/273006902736153/


7-11:00pm  Semi-Formal Sunday Swing Christmas Dance
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'D Music by Peter Flahiff
Includes 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Competition
http://www.stumptowndance.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/170350823058959/
http://www.facebook.com/events/292318277469243/

Monday December 19

6:30-8:30pm Beginning to Beyond Beginning Swing with Josh and Emily McLaughlin
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt, Portland)
6:30 Drop-in Lesson
7:30-8:30 Dance Practice
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138845799520031

7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/


7:30pm Carlton Jackson-Dave Mills Big Band at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
7:30 pm Live Music by Carlton Jackson- Dave Mills Big Band


9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday December 20

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday December 21


7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music

Upcoming Events!

March 2-4 Portland Lindy Exchange

Tidbits of Christmas: Rudolph the Autocorrected Reindeer by Jim C. Hines

Looks like Jim C. Hines has another fabulous alternative Christmas Song!

Rudolph the Autocorrected Reindeer
by Jim C. Hines 

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shifty nose.
And if you ever saw it,
you would even say it flows.

Read the rest over at Jim C. Hines' blog.

Tidbits of Christmas: Dalek's Letter to Santa

Christmas Daleks!  

Found here at Caycowa's Deviant Art.

Bonus: How the Daleks Saved Christmas

Tidbits of Christmas: A Steampunk Night Before Christmas

Another day, another bit of festive fun!  This one comes from Steamed! and is a fun little retelling of the Night Before Christmas.  With Airship Pirates!

A Steampunk Night Before Christmas © 2009 Suzanne Lazear 

‘Twas the night before Christmas and the whole ship was quiet,
Too quiet for the likes of this seasoned air pirate. 

The airship was festooned with frippery and green,
With nary a brass polished surface to be seen. 

Their stocking were hung by the crow’s nest with pride,
Along with homemade cookies and rum for Santa to imbibe. 

I didn’t have the heart to tell the crew
That Santa wouldn’t approve of what we do.

Read the rest over at Steamed! 

Writing Update Dec 11th

I think that I've mostly recovered from winning NaNoWriMo now.  My goal is to have a completed first draft by the end of the year.  It should be manageable since I only have about a quarter of the story left to write.

This week's goal is going to be an easy one as I get back into the writing habit.  The goal: write everyday.  It doesn't have to be much but there has to be new words on the page every day.

Works In Progress

Outbreak (NaNoWriMo 2011) - Writing First Draft

50062 / 90000

Hive Mind (NaNoWriMo 2010) - Editing and Writing Second Draft

47542 / 90000

Greased Gears - Writing First Draft

9326 / 90000

Tidbits of Christmas: Sunday Sweets - Gingerbread Goodies!

Cake Wrecks is a blog that never fails to make me smile and the Sunday Sweets posts are always breathtaking.  For this week's post, Cake Wrecks is featuring the most impressive gingerbread houses ever!  

Here's a teaser:

For more Gingerbread Sweets, head over to the Cake Wrecks Blog!

Tidbits of Christmas: Macy's Christmas Windows

Here is a lovely video that shows this year's Christmas display at the NYC Macy's.  It makes me very nostalgic for the years of visiting the downtown Portland Meier and Frank to see their Christmas displays.  I love the decidedly Steampunk aesthetic of the displays with a Holiday Flair!

Tidbits of Christmas: O Zombie Tree by Jim C. Hines

Another favored SFF writer, Jim C. Hines has taken his turn at getting into the holiday spirit with this alternative Holiday Carol.

Oh Zombie Tree by Jim C. Hines

Oh zombie tree, oh zombie tree,
How hungry are your branches!
I hear the screams of lumberjacks
Who tried to slay you with an axe.
Oh zombie tree, oh zombie tree,
How hungry are your branches!

For the rest of the Carol, click here to go to Jim C. Hines' Blog

Tidbits of Christmas: Tabor Heights UMC Advent Carol Service

An Advent Carol Service that will be hosted by my church.  I will be among the performing monkeys, I mean handbell ringers.

Advent Carol Service
Sunday December 11, 2011 at 4:00pm

Tabor Heights United Methodist Church
6161 SE Stark Ave
Portland, OR 97215

Organist Helen Hollenbeck is joined by brass, bells, and voices in the music of Bach, Gabrieli, Reger, and others in our annual Advent Concert.

The audience will be invited to join in singing hymns and carols of Advent and Christmas.

A freewill offering will be taken.

Tidbits of Christmas: Stumptown Artisan Emporium and Boneshaker Tea Parlor

An upcoming event put together by some of the Rose City Steampunks' Finest!

Stumptown Artisan Emporium and Boneshaker Tea Parlor

http://stumptownartisanemporium.blogspot.com/

Saturday December 10th 2011
12-8 pm
TaborSpace/Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church
5441 SE Belmont Street
Portland, Oregon

Findings, Finery, Frippery and Fashion for the Discerning Time Traveler!

Do your Yuletide shopping for unique & handmade creations
Be entertained by colorful characters!
Recharge and relax in Bone Shaker’s “pay what ye will” Tea Parlour
Music by: Faerabella, Professor Gall, Blair Vail & the What the Dickens?! Carolers
Gaming & Shanty-Singing with the PDX YAR Pirates
Hands-on Crafting Activities and Demos
Runes, divination, cards & tea leaf reading in the tea parlour
Tarot cards by Janet
Enjoy a visit from a jolly old elf!

FREE!

Ample free parking in the lot on SE 54th

Tidbits of Christmas: DIY Faux Mercury Glass Ornaments

Stephanie Lynn of Under the Table and Dreaming has a lovely tutorial on creating your own Faux Mercury Glass Ornaments.  

Tidbits of Christmas: Steampunk Ornaments

I recommend that you pop on over to Epbot and check out this post on Steampunk Ornaments and Inspiration for creating your own.

Here's a sample:

Tidbits of Christmas: Sarah's Sister by John Scalzi

John Scalzi is one of my current favorite SciFi authors.  His novels are fun and funny and his short stories usually are too.  This particular short story is mostly serious and not SciFi at all but I really enjoyed it in all its Christmas-y glory.

Sarah’s Sister by John Scalzi

Sarah’s family had just sat down for dinner when mom said “uh-oh,” and the next thing everyone knew was there was a huge gush of water. Mom had been big as a horse for two months, but the fact was the water breaking was early; she wasn’t supposed to give birth until a couple of weeks into the new year. The family just wasn’t prepared for a Christmas Eve baby; mom hadn’t gotten her hospital bag together yet, and dad hadn’t made the arrangements to make sure Sarah had someone to watch over her while the baby was being born. Although that might have had something to do with the fact mom wanted her to be in the delivery room to watch it happen, a prospect that filled Sarah with queasy terror. She was ten, after all; she knew where babies came from. She wasn’t at all sure she actually wanted to watch one being born.

For more, click through to Scalzi's Blog.

Tidbits of Christmas: TSO Christmas Eve in Sarajevo

I love the videos of Christmas Lights synchronized to songs by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  This is one of my favorites!

Warning: Flashy Lights Galore.  If that bothers you, don't watch the video but still listen to the song.  Because it is awesome.

Tidbits of Christmas: DIY Fake Snowy Tree

Jen (of Cake Wrecks and Epbot fame) has an excellent tutorial for how to add your own fake snow to your tree instead of paying through the nose for one that comes that way.  

Tidbits of Christmas: Hershey's Kisses Commercial

This classic Hershey's Kisses commercial is a favorite of mine.  I love that the Kisses are mimicking handbells.

Tidbits of Christmas: Gingerbread AT-AT

This lovely creation comes to you via The Daily What

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Thirty - Writing

I am thankful for writing.  I am thankful for getting the story that has been eating my brain written down.  I am thankful for the community of people that has been offering encouragement.  I am thankful for NaNoWriMo for giving me the push to write.  I am thankful for Scrivener which is my current favorite writing tool.  I am thankful for plotting and pantsing.  I am thankful for my outline.  I am thankful that November is over and that I wrote over 50,000 new words this month.  Not counting words written on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, Work, Emails, and blogging.  I am thankful for writing.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Nine - Firefly

I am thankful for Firefly.  I am thankful for every second of the entirely too short TV series.  I am thankful for the fun dialogue.  I am thankful for the community that the fans have become.  I am thankful that posting a single Firefly quote gets a response of several more quotes.  I am thankful for the sanity breaks that Firefly is giving me during NaNoWriMo.  I am thankful for the hours of entertainment that Firefly has given me.  I am thankful that Firefly only seems to improve with time.  I am thankful for Mal, Zoe, Wash, Simon, Kaylee, River, Jayne, Inara and Shepherd Book.  I am thankful for the Browncoats.  I am thankful for Firefly and Serenity.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Eight - Chocolate

I am thankful for chocolate: white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, filled chocolates, and baked goods with chocolate.  I am thankful for the joy that chocolate gives me.  I am thankful for the variety that chocolate comes in.  I am thankful for chocolate.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Seven - Heating Pads

I am thankful for my heating pad.  I am thankful for the heat that relaxes sore muscles after too much dancing.   I am thankful for the heating pad when the stress of the day sinks into muscles and forms headaches.  I am thankful for my heating pad tonight.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Six - Turkey

I am thankful for Turkey.  I am thankful for the smell of turkey roasting that permeates the house.  I am thankful for the family gathering around the cooked turkey.  I am thankful for the scene of animals (two dogs and a cat) hovering around the turkey being carved.  I am thankful for the many meals of leftover turkey: hot and cold turkey sandwiches, turkey enchiladas, and other turkey meals.  I am thankful for turkey.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Five - Christmas Music

I am thankful for Christmas Music after Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for the variety of styles, sounds and themes of Christmas music.  There is something special about Christmas Music and it will always have a special place in my heart.  I am thankful for the memories of performing Christmas music with the String Orchestra in Middle School and High School.  I am thankful for the joy that Christmas Music evokes.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Four - Google Docs

I am thankful Google Docs.  I am thankful for the ability to access documents from any computer anywhere.  I am thankful for the technology that allows me to write for NaNoWriMo on my phone in the car on the way home from Thanksgiving Dinner in Seattle with the extended family.  I am thankful that I didn't have to hand write and re-type those words.  I am thankful for Google Docs.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Three - Board Games

I am thankful for board games.  I am thankful for the fun and the laughter with friends and family.  I am thankful for the leisure to enjoy time together.  I am thankful for the break from normal routines.  I am thankful for the laughter and the lasting memories.  I am thankful for lazy afternoons with monopoly, life, and a deck of cards.  I am thankful for Sunday nights with The Game of Things, Quelf and Cranium.  I am thankful for camping trips with Scrabble, Boggle and Backgammon.  I am thankful for the privilege of play.  I am thankful for board games.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty Two - The Rain

I am thankful for the rain.  I am thankful for the variety of rainfall that I get to see in Portland.  I am thankful for light mists and for heavy downpours.  I am thankful for the sound of rain against the roof.  I am thankful for the chance to watch the rain fall outside of the window.  I am thankful for the green that comes after the rain.  I am thankful for the clean, fresh scent of rain in the air.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty One - My Health

I am thankful for my health.  Even at this time when I am coughing, sniffling, headache-y and generally miserable, I am thankful for my health.  I am thankful that I am free of cancer.  I am thankful that my neurological disorder (Chiari Malformation) has been mostly asymptomatic since surgical treatment.  I am thankful that my sight and hearing operate within normal parameters.  I am thankful that my migraines are down to one every several months.  I am thankful for the ability to walk and dance.  I am thankful that my most recent trips to the doctor have been for simple and easily treated conditions.  I am thankful that my greatest health complaint is of a lingering cold.  I am thankful that even if it weren't I would be able to get treatment.  I am thankful for my health.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twenty - My Education

I am thankful for my education.  I am thankful for my ability to read, write and do math.  I am thankful for an education that included music, art, physical activity (not that I appreciated it at the time), and computers.  I am thankful for an education that meant I decided which college to go to.  I am thankful for my higher level education.  I am thankful for classes with wonderful, dedicated professors.  I am thankful for the opportunity to pursue more education and I am thankful for the doors that my education has opened.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Nineteen - Biology

I am thankful for Biology.  I am thankful for the intricate workings of the human body.  I am thankful for the wonders of creation.  I am thankful for the citric acid cycle and for glycolysis.  I am thankful for the cell cycle and for DNA replication.  I am thankful for Genetics and the patterns of evolution.  I am thankful for the study of life and for the passion it instills in me.  I am thankful for immune systems and for muscles, ligaments and joints.  I am thankful for Biology.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Eighteen - Science Fiction

I am thankful for Science Fiction.  I am thankful for an entire genre of imagining the future.  I am thankful for new ways to travel through space (and perhaps time)!  I am thankful for the exploration of other planets, life forms and technologies.  I am thankful for the science that comes from the imagination.  I am thankful for the exploration of morality, cultural norms and ethics using technology that doesn't exist yet.  I am thankful for special effects and computer generated images.  I am thankful for the writers, actors, artists and others that work to bring imaginary worlds to life.  I am thankful for the ability of science fiction to bring people from all walks of life together.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Seventeen - Knitting

I am thankful for knitting.  I am thankful for a hobby that I find particularly relaxing.  I am thankful for the fun and whimsical patterns that I have found to play with.  I am thankful for a way to keep my hands busy while my mind works or doesn't work as the case might be.  I am thankful for wearable art and for usable gifts.  I am thankful for fun yarns and new needles.  I am thankful for knitting.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Sixteen - Books

I am thankful for books!  I am thankful for the ability to be transported to other worlds instantaneously.  I am thankful for the wealth and variety of ideas at my fingertips.  I am thankful for a childhood full of imagination and stories.  I am thankful for hours of entertainment both in reading and other less lofty pursuits.  I am thankful for the feel of paper against my finger tips.  I am thankful for the collection of words on the screen.  I am thankful for books in all their sizes, shapes, and formats.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Fifteen - Sewing

I am thankful for sewing.  I am thankful that I learned to sew and for the costuming opportunities that it offers.  I'm thankful for the ability to make real and useful clothing items.  I am thankful for the added awareness of what goes into making the clothing that I wear and that I don't actually have to make all of it for myself.  I am thankful for being able to alter my own clothing.  I am thankful for the skill of sewing.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Fourteen - Heat

I am thankful for the heater in my house.  With this cold snap, it feels wonderful to be able to come in out of the cold.  I know that this is a privilege that not everyone has and I am thankful for my privilege.  And my heater.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Thirteen - Fall

I am thankful for the Season of Fall.  I am thankful for this short burst of cold and dry weather that is giving Portland a vast array of colors.  I am thankful for the falling leaves.  I am thankful for the gusts of wind that send those leaves swirling through the air.  I am thankful for this taste of fall weather before the rains set in.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Twelve - Friends

I am deeply thankful for my friends. My friends keep me sane.  They introduce me to entirely too many addictive TV Shows and Computer Games.  They help me find new and time consuming hobbies.  I am thankful for all of my friends: new, old, real life, online, dancers, steampunks and writers.  You are all special and I am thankful for you!

Day 11 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 2070

Total Words Written: 20835

Write-ins attended: 4

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 0

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 7625

Cups of Coffee This Month: 12

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 3

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 1

Scenes Completed: 18

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 2

Random Ideas Generated: 6
Scenes that I need to Add: 1
Emotional Breakdowns: 1

Random Thoughts:
- Still feeling sick-ish which isn't a good thing for writing motivation
- Despite lots of distractions, I got my 2K words written by 11:59pm


Small Snippet of Novel:

Sector Red Three was one of the original bio domes scavenged from the colony ship that had brought humanity to Tresaria. It was one of the biggest surprises that human had had in their colonization program. When the colony ship has launched from earth, Tresaria’s surveys had shown a planet rich in dense minerals and with an Earth-like atmosphere and fertile soils. Tresaria was expected to be one of the best suited planets for humanity that the colonization program would ever find. The colonists had a great surprise when they came out of stasis in front of a planet with a severely toxic atmosphere and poisoned soil. IT was clear that whatever the surveys of Tresaria had shown, the reality was terribly inhospitable to humanity. The colonists had to make a hard decision. They could take the chance of there being a suitable or even more suitable planet in the nearest system or they could adapt to the challenges that Tresaria would present. The colonists chose not to take the gamble of search for searching for a new planet on very limited fuel capacity and worked to make Tresaria home. The colony ship was converted into the original bio-domes. From the original bio domes, the colony spread rapidly into its current configuration and size. The original bio domes were still in excellent shape and were a popular tour site because of their historical significance to the colony.

Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:


instinctually
privelege
circumstnaces
greav
coould
mand

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Eleven - Veterans

I am thankful for the men and women that have served my country's military.

Why I am Thankful:

I am thankful for what the men and women of the armed forces have fought to protect: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the freedom to enjoy the rights granted by our country.  I am grateful for their protection of my way of life.  I'm thankful for the sacrifices that have been made.

I am Thankful and I Remember.

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Ten - God

I am absolutely thankful for the presence of God in my life.

Why I am Thankful:

• He has seen me through some really dark times
• He continues to show me hope and light
• He guides my life in ways both big and small
• He has showered me with blessings
• He protects me, sometimes even from myself
• His grace
• His love
• The people that he has brought into my life

Day 10 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 2204

Total Words Written: 18765

Write-ins attended: 4

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 2204

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 7625

Cups of Coffee This Month: 11

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 3

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 1

Scenes Completed: 16

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 2

Random Ideas Generated: 6
Scenes that I need to Add: 1
Emotional Breakdowns: 1

Random Thoughts:
- Had an excellent writing session at the write-in I host at Sweetness Bakery (much less lonely than last week!)
- Went home with a terrible sore throat and then squandered the rest of the day watching Mad Men.  
- Had to pause in the middle of a writing session to add more scenes to Scrivener.  


Small Snippet of Novel:

“Wasn’t there an unknown infection in Red Sector Three in the news flashes?”

“Was there?” James asked, suddenly believing in the reality of the conspiracy.


“What are the odds that there is more than one unknown infection in Red Sector Three?”

“Severely dwindling.”

“Well, at least there is a place to start.”


Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:

prductivity
relesae

Day 9 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 4,018

Total Words Written: 16,561

Write-ins attended: 3

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 2703

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 5421

Cups of Coffee This Month: 10

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 3

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 1

Scenes Completed: 13

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 2

Random Ideas Generated: 6
Scenes that I need to Add: 1
Emotional Breakdowns: 1

Random Thoughts:
- Does it still count as a write-in if I was the only one there?
- Made up for one of the days that I slacked off writing, hopefully I'll get the rest made up soon.
- Had a good writing day until I ran out of steam.
- Wish I'd been able to make the Jazz Write-in
- This one character is trying to re-write his character arc, and I think I might just let him even though I can already tell that he's going to try to steal the spotlight.


Small Snippet of Novel:

     "Very well. Despite the prevention of an outbreak by the excellent biological security system of the Neurological Institute, it still leaves us in the tricky situation of minimalizing the damage that this incident could cause. We absolutely do not want the name of Senator Steinwick or the Senate itself connected with even the possibility of an illegal testing clinical test. Not after the last illegal clinical test that made the news flashes. We will have to carefully pick and choose which truths to share in the official release so that the trust of the people in the Senate isn’t eroded in any fashion.” Senator Wells looked around the room with his most piercing glare and dared the other Senators to disagree with him. “Now, let’s hear some thoughts on what the official release of information regarding the death of Senator Steinwick should contain.”

“I propose that there should be no mention of the location of his death. Let’s leave the lab completely out of it. We wouldn’t want the death of the Senator connected in any way to the minor incident at the Neurological Research Institute.”

“Say that he died of complications due to his previously undiagnosed his Rook-Jerrard’s disease.”

“No, mention that he’d been struggling with Rook-Jerrard’s disease for months.”

“Had he been struggling with Rook-Jerrard’s disease for months?”

“Doesn’t matter. We just need to tell the public that and he becomes a medical martyr.”

“You mean, politician beloved of the people succumbs to the degenerative disease that he never allowed to influence or hold back his dedication to representing the people?”

“Something like that. Do you think it comes to close to lying?”

“Not necessarily, it is an excellent embellishment of the truth though.”

“Did you even have any idea that he was suffering from Rook-Jerrard’s?”

“No, he was managing the symptoms quite well.”

“How much of it do you think was disguised by collaboration with his assistant?”

Esther let the flurry of voices brainstorming their ideas, and frantic questions wash over her in a wave of white noise.
Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:
viedo
falshes

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Nine - Jazz

I am very thankful for Jazz music.

Why I am Thankful:

• It inspires me
• It drives me to move
• It is the heart and soul of the dance I love
• It makes me happy
• It brings together people from all walks of life

Portland Lindy Hop Events November 9-16

The Week of November 9-16

Wednesday November 9

7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music



Thursday November 10

7:30-11:00pm Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:30 DJ'd Music

Friday November 11

6-8pm Swing Papillion at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
6-8 pm Live Music by Swing Papillion

Saturday November 12


Sunday November 13

3:00-6:00pm Charleston Workshop
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120423304729583


7-11:00pm  Sunday Swing
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'D Music
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

Monday November 14

6:30-8:30pm Beginning to Beyond Beginning Swing with Josh and Emily McLaughlin
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt, Portland)
6:30 Drop-in Lesson
7:30-8:30 Dance Practice
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138845799520031

7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday November 15

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday November 16


7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music

Upcoming Events!

November 25-27 Brenda Russell and Steven Mitchell Dance Workshop - Lindy/Blues/Waltz (Portland, OR)
December 2-4 Killer Diller Weekend (Seattle, WA)
December 18 Semi-Formal Sunday Swing Christmas Dance plus Workshop with Peter Flahiff
March 2-4 Portland Lindy Exchange

Day 8 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 2003

Total Words Written: 12543

Write-ins attended: 2

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 0

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 2718

Cups of Coffee This Month: 8

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 3

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 1

Scenes Completed: 10

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 2

Random Ideas Generated: 6
Scenes that I need to Add: 1
Emotional Breakdowns: 1

Random Thoughts:
- I'm getting back into the swing of things after two days of minimal writing.
- I'm starting to write faster which means that I should be able to catch up and hopefully get ahead tomorrow 
- Scrivener made me think that it had eaten my novel for a few moments today.  Very Scary!


Small Snippet of Novel:

     Steinwick was unsure what type of dosage would be suitable for the human body and as such withdrew a sizable dosage from the test tube in the syringe. He positioned the injector on his arm and took a deep breath. He was only seconds away from the most important moment of his life since he’d been diagnosed with Rook-Jerrard’s disease. This injection contained his best, his only, hope to live past the next six months. Senator Steinwick took one more deep breath and depressed the plunger on the syringe. He felt a cool sensation as the needle entered his arm and a tingling sensation that may have been imaginary as the compound entered his bloodstream.

     The next sensation wasn’t imaginary at all. A sudden paralysis overcame his body, followed by a sharp spasms of pain and then Senator Victor Steinwick felt nothing at all.

Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:
irratic
relesed
oculd

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Eight - Technology

I am thankful for the technology that I use everyday.

Why I am Thankful:

• My phone that allows me to check my email from anywhere
• My phone that allows me to carry a small library of books everywhere I go
• My computer that provides hours of entertainment
• The internet that allows for hours of procrastination
• My computer and internet that enable me to apply for jobs and schools
• My computer that allows me to keep in touch with friends all over the world including ones that I've never met in person

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Seven - Furry Friends

I am thankful for the furry friends that make my life more complete.

Why I am Thankful:

• Comfortable mornings sleeping in with the dog
• The amazing cuteness of the dog interrupting writing time with his head
• For the good health of the dog who nearly died almost a year ago
• For my friend's cats that are wonderfully snuggley
• For the dogs that always look happy to see you come home and sad to see you leave

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Six - My House

I am very Thankful for my house

Why I am Thankful:

• The roof over my head
• Walls that offer shelter
• Heat in the winter and AC in the summer
• A backyard that is green and often has deer running through it
• Plenty of rooms
• The kitchen with tons of counter space

Day 5 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 2853

Total Words Written: 10038

Write-ins attended: 2

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 1482

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 2718

Cups of Coffee This Month: 6

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 0

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 0

Scenes Completed: 5

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 2

Random Ideas Generated: 6
Scenes that I need to Add: 1
Emotional Breakdowns: 1

Random Thoughts:
- Made up for yesterday's word count but wasn't able to maintain the momentum and write enough to make 15k by Sunday feasible.
- Must resist the temptation to make fake fluorescent microscopy images for my imaginary research on my imaginary disease
- I love scientific babble 
- I might be too tired to type even this post properly

Today's snippet is brought to you by my degree in biology.
Small Snippet of Novel:
     “This first slide is the combination of the anti-inhibitor and the antiviral treatments. You can see that there is very little virus remaining. You can see that the inhibitor binding is pretty well restricted. For comparison here is the infected and untreated sample with the neuron-inhibitor interaction tag. [Dear Self, you are not allowed to spend valuable time in November making fake slides to illustrate this scene. Really, you are not.] See the difference?” The Doctor waited for the appropriate response from the Senator to continue. “This combined treatment could be a valid treatment for Rook-Jerrard’s disease though it wouldn’t do much more than halt the disease in its progression. However it would be a valid treatment option for those newly diagnosed. The next slide is the anti-inhibitor treatment with the neuron-nanites and you can see that there is the appropriate overlap of the inhibitor interaction tag with the nanite-neurotransmitter interaction tag. This treatment plan would necessitate ongoing treatment with targeted nanite placement to continue off setting the spread of the inhibitor. I am under no illusions that some of the medical establishment won’t prefer this treatment style as a way to create more profit. However, it is still a less than ideal outcome. Here is the nanite and antiviral treatments. The results make it clear that if only two of the treatments were used that this is the combination that will give to best results as far as the treatment of the disease. However, let’s compare this with the mouse treated with all three compounds treatments. This mouse show more natural neural activity, and in our time delayed elapsed samples showed the fastest recovery and response time. The three pronged treatment approach is absolutely the most effective.”
Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:
appropraite
profuit

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Five - Coffee

I am absolutely thankful for coffee.  Wonderful warm beverage that it is!

Why I am Thankful:

• It smells amazing
• Tastes Wonderful
• Walking over to the coffee shop makes a great break from work
• Improves my mood
• Makes NaNoWriMo work
• Warms me up on cool days, or even on warm days when the AC is set for someone else's preferences

Yeah, I needed a light-hearted post after yesterday too.  

Day 4 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 1102

Total Words Written: 7158

Write-ins attended: 1

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 0

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 1236

Cups of Coffee This Month: 4

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 0

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 0

Scenes Completed: 4

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 1

Random Ideas Generated: 6
Scenes that I need to Add: 1
Emotional Breakdowns: 1

Random Thoughts:
- Difficult Writing Day brought to you by lack of motivation, competing ideas, and complete emotional collapse
- Apparently writing biotechnological babble is a great way to write a lot of words quickly.  I did today's entire word count in an hour.

Small Snippet of Novel:
        “Yes, of course. I believe that you are already aware that we’ve been doing targeted research toward curing and reversing the effects of several debilitating diseases affecting the nervous system. One of those targets is a disease called Rook-Jarrard’s Disease. Rook-Jarrard’s is characterized by a virus that takes up residence in the brain tissue and systematically disrupts the neuronal connections. Early symptoms of Rook-Jarrard’s disease can look remarkable similar to several pre-Space diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Naturally those diseases have been long eradicated but it is an interesting fact for those of us who are interested in the characterization of disease development. But, I digress. Rook-Jarrard’s disease presents an interesting puzzle in that it is one of the few viruses that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:
mdoel
tissure
inhection

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Four - My Friend K.

I'll get to my friends in general later in the month, but my friend K* is someone who I feel a special type of thankful for.  My friend K is both autistic and epileptic (my NaNoWriMo-fried brain tried to turn that into eclectic which isn't necessarily wrong but certainly irrelevant) and 100% awesome.

Why I am Thankful:

• She sometimes makes me uncomfortable, in that way that means my brain hasn't finished processing yet
• She has helped me to understand the concept of privilege and what that means in relation to my life
• She sometimes makes me uncomfortable, in that way that means I failed the privilege check
• My vocabulary has grown to include words that I never before had a concept for
• She has widened my awareness of the world and the many things I take for granted
• She inspires me to become better educated about the challenges of the people around me
• She inspires me to be a better friend
• She inspires me by knowing who she is and not changing despite strong pressure to be someone or something else
• I have learned new and awesome signs as well as exploring a new category of insults for the ignorant and ill-behaved
• She inspires me to be a better person and (perhaps much to her dismay) a better Christian

There are probably still more reasons that I am thankful to be a friend of K's but these are good ones and important ones.  The most important thing is that I am thankful.

*Name withheld, at least temporarily

Day 3 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 2051

Total Words Written: 6083

Write-ins attended: 1

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 1236

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 1236

Cups of Coffee This Month: 3

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 0

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 0

Scenes Completed: 3

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 1

Random Ideas Generated: 5
Scenes that I need to Add: 1

Random Thoughts:
- Today's words are a pretty good indicator of my writing weaknesses
- I need to read less David Weber and GRRM.  I'm getting too much inspiration for political maneuvering that I can't write
- I'm not love this story right now, hopefully that will change when I get to switch POVs in a few days
- Occasionally I end up with snippy social commentary in my writing that will probably get cut in December

Small Snippet of Novel:
        Half an hour later, the Senators exited the train into the Guard Station entering the White Sector. There they were briefly searched again before there entrance into the White Sector was allowed. Even though the buildings had the same general appearance, being made from the same materials and similar design features, the White Sector engendered a sense of awe and inspiration in Victor Steinwick. Walking these corridors made him feel so close to his goals. A small stumble reminded him of all the obstacles between him and his ambitions. He only had so much time before his own body would be the biggest thing in his way. No one would elect a President with a failing body and dwindling mental capabilities. Although it was possible that he was giving the citizens too much credit for common sense.

Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:
Secotrs
Peronally

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Three - Swing Dancing

I feel very blessed to have joined the Lindy Hop community in Portland.

Why I am Thankful:

• Great Exercise
• Awesome music
• I've gotten hear some really great bands that I never would have heard of
• I have made some awesome friends
• Swing dancing never falls to make me happy
• When I am dancing, I feel beautiful
• Dancing keeps me sane

Day 2 of NaNoWriMo 2011

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 2020

Total Words Written: 4033

Write-ins attended: 0

Words Written at a Write-in Today: 0

Total Words Written at Write-ins: 0

Cups of Coffee This Month: 2

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 0

Named Characters Killed: 0

Scenes I forgot to Plot Out: 0

Scenes Completed: 3

Scenes Written that I’m likely to Cut in December: 1

Random Ideas Generated: 5

Random Thoughts:
- Writing felt like pulling teeth today
- It was my day off and I only really spent 4 hours writing.  Most of the day was spent taking breaks from writing.
- I need to get some momentum going.  Writing only 500 words an hour is going to make this a very long month.
- Was going to write more tonight but I'm exhausted.
- Name Generators are Awesome!

Small Snippet of Novel:

        Senator Victor Steinwick was selecting the Flex sheets that he would need for the upcoming meeting with the help of his assistant, Esther DeLund. He reached out for a particular sheet with hands that were noticeably unsteady. Not for the first time he cursed the disease and his failing body. As often as he cursed the virus destroying his body, he remembered to be thankful for the medications working to preserve his mental capacity. Still, on particularly rough days he often imagined that he could feel his thoughts slipping away one by one. He cursed as the flex sheet slipped out of his fingers and hit the ground. Esther glanced up at him in concern peering above the wire frames of her glasses and the worry in her pale blue eyes was easily discerned.

Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:

dieades 
plenet 
deocrative 
traililng 
Senarot

A Month of Thankfulness: Day Two - My Family

I am above and beyond thankful for my family.  My family has been an absolute rock of love and support for my dreams.  I can't imagine life without them and I wouldn't want to.

Why I am Thankful:

• Overflowing love and support
• Strong models of loving and respectful relationships
• Source of encouragement
• Source of inspiration
• Raised by Science Fiction and Fantasy fans
• Raised by intellectuals
• Politics and religion are frequent topics at the dinner table

Additional thought:  Often, the more I hear about other people's families, the more thankful I am for mine.

Portland Lindy Hop Events November 2-9

The Week of November 2-9

Wednesday November 2


7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music




Thursday November 3

7:30-11:00pm Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:30 DJ'd Music

Friday November 4

6-8pm Boy and Bean at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
6-8 pm Live Music by Boy and Bean



Saturday November 5

6-8pm Pete Krebs at Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
6-8 pm Live Music by Pete Krebs

9pm-12am First Saturday Swing
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell Ave, Portland)
9:00 Live Music by Anna Paul and the Bearded Lady


Sunday November 6



7-11:00pm  Sunday Swing
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'D Music
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

Monday November 7

6:30-8:30pm Beginning to Beyond Beginning Swing with Josh and Emily McLaughlin
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt, Portland)
6:30 Drop-in Lesson
7:30-8:30 Dance Practice
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138845799520031

7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday November 8

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday November 9


7:00-10:00pm Weekly Swing
McMinnville Grand Ballroom (325 NE 3rd St, McMinnville)
7:00-8:00 Beginning Swing Lesson
8-9:30 DJ'd Swing Music
9:30-10:00 DJ'd Blues Music

Upcoming Events!

November 25-27 Brenda Russell and Steven Mitchell Dance Workshop - Lindy/Blues/Waltz (Portland, OR)
December 2-4 Killer Diller Weekend (Seattle, WA)
March 2-4 Portland Lindy Exchange