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