The Milli Vanilli of Pole returned with an original piece for Twirly Girls' 8th Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Lovely Rita fundraiser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lovely Rita fundraiser. Show all posts
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
The 7th Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser
I performed a routine choreographed by Pole Dance Reunion with Jade, Alana and Katie. These ladies are another reminder of the importance of sisterhood. We had a great time getting together to practice and actually have our next two routines sketched out.
Each year, we have an issue in the studio at this event. The toilet has flooded. The AC has gone out. The stereo has broken. This year, it was the lights. They kept going into strobe mode. After two false starts, we finally got the green light, no pun intended. Although it certainly wasn't my strongest performance of this routine, I am still mostly happy with how it turned out. If you would like to donate, please visit this link: http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR/Walk/NKFServingtheWest?px=1559560&pg=personal&fr_id=8163
And to watch our video, please do so below:
Be happy you can pee! If you've had any kidney experiences you'd like to share, please do so below!
Monday, May 11, 2015
Sixth Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser
Last month, Twirly Girls hosted the SIXTH annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. It does not seem possible that we are six years into throwing these events, but we are! Late last year, I asked the other instructors to do one long instructor piece instead of each of us dancing separately (this is a popular show, and we could very easily end up with 25+ performances if we aren't careful). They said yes! (Although not everyone was excited about my song choice.) If you want to donate to the cause, please visit THIS link.
Then watch our video and leave a comment with your thoughts!
Then watch our video and leave a comment with your thoughts!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The Fifth Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser
I can't believe we just had our FIFTH Lovely Rita Fundraiser. When Rita and I started at Twirly Girls in December of 2009, Bel almost immediately said, we should do a fundraiser to support Rita and the National Kidney Foundation! Five months later, it was done! If you don't know Rita or her story, she has had three kidney transplants in her lifetime, and she is now an advocate for kidney health. She raises money to do the Kidney Walk in San Francisco, which will be held on June 1st this year.
Yesterday, I wrote about emotions. My Lovely Rita routine definitely brought up a lot of emotions. You can read that post HERE. At practice on Friday night, Diana used a go pro to catch our routine, and it was really cool. You can really see the shapes we are trying to create. So if you're interested in watching that, check it out:
Working with Ginger on that routine was really awesome. We got together a few times, listened to the music and then just went with whatever we felt. She was great at mirroring me so if I messed up, she just did whatever I did. And by the end, I felt like our bodies were pretty well in sync. I'm super proud of this routine and happy with how it turned out.
I really do appreciate each and every person I meet through Twirly Girls. Everyone is so willing to give of their time and money to support their pole family. They really are my family and my home. At last count, Rita said we were close to $3,800 raised for the National Kidney Foundation. I'm proud to be part of that! Thank you to everyone who supported us! And thank you to Ginger for dancing with me! Check out some photos from the evening:
Yesterday, I wrote about emotions. My Lovely Rita routine definitely brought up a lot of emotions. You can read that post HERE. At practice on Friday night, Diana used a go pro to catch our routine, and it was really cool. You can really see the shapes we are trying to create. So if you're interested in watching that, check it out:
Working with Ginger on that routine was really awesome. We got together a few times, listened to the music and then just went with whatever we felt. She was great at mirroring me so if I messed up, she just did whatever I did. And by the end, I felt like our bodies were pretty well in sync. I'm super proud of this routine and happy with how it turned out.
I really do appreciate each and every person I meet through Twirly Girls. Everyone is so willing to give of their time and money to support their pole family. They really are my family and my home. At last count, Rita said we were close to $3,800 raised for the National Kidney Foundation. I'm proud to be part of that! Thank you to everyone who supported us! And thank you to Ginger for dancing with me! Check out some photos from the evening:
Monday, April 28, 2014
April 2014 Blog Hop: Emotions
It has been an entire month since I have written anything in this blog. I almost missed the deadline for the blog hop. Life has been that crazy. Between the new job being crazy busy (but still awesome), some personal shit that I don't really want to put out in public and trying to fit in all the other stuff, like preparing for NCPP, there's just no time left in the day.
The theme for this month's blog hop is emotionality and spirituality. From our fearless leader, Sheena: "Movement is the expression of life, of existence, of the universe. This movement is fluid, i.e., it is the movement of waves… undulations, vibrations, pulsations. These are the same movements that animate this body we are, this body that does plies, tendus, spirals, falls… Is dance not just another manifestation of the living breathing universe, of which we are a part?"
Yeah, I have issues with all of this. I am a weird person. I am very emotional and passionate but I often try to hide it. It usually doesn't come out until I'm super pissed off and then it's a bad thing. I also come from a large family so sometimes you have to be loud to be heard. I haven't quite learned that I don't have to be that overly animated person all the time anymore. Sometimes being loud makes people really uncomfortable. So I have ON. Or OFF. No in between. Then I sulk. I don't like being told I'm being loud and obnoxious so then I just want to go away. It's easier than trying to be somewhere in the middle, which isn't comfortable for me. Trust me, I've tried. It just doesn't work.
So dancing is helping me learn to find that middle ground with my emotions. I think the reason I only danced to loud rock songs when I first started to pole dance was because I couldn't find my happy place with soft music. It made me want to cry and crying in public, in my world, is like a fate worse than death.
The Fifth Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation was held at Twirly Girls this past weekend. I danced a very slow and quiet routine with my friend, Ginger. The song was "Say Something," which, to me, is a song about that point in a relationship where a single word could mean the difference between a relationship continuing or completely ending. The song represents so many aspects of my life right now. It was the slowest I have probably moved through a routine and it was also probably the most satisfying routine I have ever done.
I have been attending a class called Dance Lab at Twirly Girls, taught by the amazing AJ. It focuses more on contemporary dance rather than pole moves. It is helping me connect with that side of myself that I have ignored for most of my life.
I have always loved music and have only ever enjoyed dancing in my mind or at my house with no one watching. Joining Twirly Girls, then actually performing in public, has been a HUGE deal for me because it makes me vulnerable. It opens me up to criticism, not just from others but from myself. "I'm too fat to dance like that." "I can't move the way everyone else does." "I'm not flexible enough." "I'm not strong enough." "I hate that I'm so sweaty." All that self-hate talk spills out into my dance, making me tentative and disconnected from dancing. I am working on changing that. And I appreciate everyone at Twirly Girls who is helping to make that happen.
And that is who I dedicate this post to: Every single person at Twirly Girls who supports me. Bel. Rita. My entire class, especially Yolanda and Robert. AJ. Sean Michael. Diana. Jade. Ginger. (Please forgive me for anyone I've missed...if I named every single person individually, we'd be here all day!!) These are all people who have personally touched my twirly life and are helping me on my personal journey of self-acceptance. So thank you for that! And I love you all!
The theme for this month's blog hop is emotionality and spirituality. From our fearless leader, Sheena: "Movement is the expression of life, of existence, of the universe. This movement is fluid, i.e., it is the movement of waves… undulations, vibrations, pulsations. These are the same movements that animate this body we are, this body that does plies, tendus, spirals, falls… Is dance not just another manifestation of the living breathing universe, of which we are a part?"
Yeah, I have issues with all of this. I am a weird person. I am very emotional and passionate but I often try to hide it. It usually doesn't come out until I'm super pissed off and then it's a bad thing. I also come from a large family so sometimes you have to be loud to be heard. I haven't quite learned that I don't have to be that overly animated person all the time anymore. Sometimes being loud makes people really uncomfortable. So I have ON. Or OFF. No in between. Then I sulk. I don't like being told I'm being loud and obnoxious so then I just want to go away. It's easier than trying to be somewhere in the middle, which isn't comfortable for me. Trust me, I've tried. It just doesn't work.So dancing is helping me learn to find that middle ground with my emotions. I think the reason I only danced to loud rock songs when I first started to pole dance was because I couldn't find my happy place with soft music. It made me want to cry and crying in public, in my world, is like a fate worse than death.
The Fifth Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation was held at Twirly Girls this past weekend. I danced a very slow and quiet routine with my friend, Ginger. The song was "Say Something," which, to me, is a song about that point in a relationship where a single word could mean the difference between a relationship continuing or completely ending. The song represents so many aspects of my life right now. It was the slowest I have probably moved through a routine and it was also probably the most satisfying routine I have ever done. I have been attending a class called Dance Lab at Twirly Girls, taught by the amazing AJ. It focuses more on contemporary dance rather than pole moves. It is helping me connect with that side of myself that I have ignored for most of my life.
I have always loved music and have only ever enjoyed dancing in my mind or at my house with no one watching. Joining Twirly Girls, then actually performing in public, has been a HUGE deal for me because it makes me vulnerable. It opens me up to criticism, not just from others but from myself. "I'm too fat to dance like that." "I can't move the way everyone else does." "I'm not flexible enough." "I'm not strong enough." "I hate that I'm so sweaty." All that self-hate talk spills out into my dance, making me tentative and disconnected from dancing. I am working on changing that. And I appreciate everyone at Twirly Girls who is helping to make that happen.
And that is who I dedicate this post to: Every single person at Twirly Girls who supports me. Bel. Rita. My entire class, especially Yolanda and Robert. AJ. Sean Michael. Diana. Jade. Ginger. (Please forgive me for anyone I've missed...if I named every single person individually, we'd be here all day!!) These are all people who have personally touched my twirly life and are helping me on my personal journey of self-acceptance. So thank you for that! And I love you all!Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Fourth Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser to Benefit The National Kidney Foundation
Can you believe it is almost time for the FOURTH annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser?!
As most of you know, my friend and co-Twirly Girl, Rita, has had three kidney transplants in her lifetime. In less than a month, Twirly Girls is hosting a fundraiser, which will benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
If you are a local business or a pole related/online business that would like to offer items for our raffle, please let me know. If you would like to buy tickets to the fundraiser, they are $15. We will also start selling raffle tickets soon. Contact your favorite Twirly Girl to secure your spot. You may make checks payable to the National Kidney Foundation if you would like a receipt for your tax deduction.
Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM (door at 6:30 PM)
Location: Twirly Girls Pole Fitness, 288 Spring Street, Pleasanton, California
http://www.twirlygirlspolefitness.com
Please join us for a fun evening to support a great lady!
As most of you know, my friend and co-Twirly Girl, Rita, has had three kidney transplants in her lifetime. In less than a month, Twirly Girls is hosting a fundraiser, which will benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
If you are a local business or a pole related/online business that would like to offer items for our raffle, please let me know. If you would like to buy tickets to the fundraiser, they are $15. We will also start selling raffle tickets soon. Contact your favorite Twirly Girl to secure your spot. You may make checks payable to the National Kidney Foundation if you would like a receipt for your tax deduction.
Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM (door at 6:30 PM)
Location: Twirly Girls Pole Fitness, 288 Spring Street, Pleasanton, California
http://www.twirlygirlspolefitness.com
Please join us for a fun evening to support a great lady!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Dancing with a Partner
So, as many of you know, I spent a lot of March and April preparing for the Lovely Rita Fundraiser. Not only was I trying to help wrangle donations for raffle prizes, I signed up to do TWO full routines. For the first time ever, though, I danced with a partner! My brand new pole dancing student, Robert (check out his blog about the performance HERE -- but don't read it until the end!!), was game to perform with me.
Our adventure actually started with a Twitter conversation about whether Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson belonged to Robert or me. Read Robert's post HERE. His post is great, so I won't rehash the details here.
What I do want to talk about is how amazing and inspiring Robert is. He was so worried about going up against his pole dance teacher in a "dance off" for The Rock. I wasn't worried because, even though I have more experience, thanks to my food issues, I'm still not pulling off advanced moves. However, Robert showed up to class early each Monday and also joined us on Wednesdays for the class where I am a student. He practiced hard and pulled off some really difficult moves for a brand new pole dancer. I cannot even come up with the proper words to say how proud I am of how hard he worked. He's so much fun in class and I was slightly surprised but really excited he wanted to perform already.
We had two months to plan our routine and practice. Bel helped us choreograph a very simple but fun routine. I normally don't like to perform with anyone else. That way, no one knows when I forget my part. But Robert and I danced really well together.
In the end, Robert kicked my butt. He deserved the win. The event was fun and Rita very sweetly made photos of The Rock for both Robert and me. Trick or Twirl is coming up in October. It may be time to think about a re-match!
Here's a video and some photos of our performance. Let me know what you think!
For fun, here's the link to the Twirly Girls blog post with all of the videos and here is my burlesque-inspired routine to The Stripper.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
M.I.A.
It has been almost two weeks since my last post. Wait, is this like a real Catholic confession?! This *is* Confessions of a Twirly Girl! I am sorry pole goddess, for I have sinned. It has been two weeks since my last blog confession. lol! Maybe she will assign me five pole-ups as punishment.
I know, I know. I haven't been posting. I have let life get in the way. I've been extremely overwhelmed with the little stuff since so much big stuff was going on. We had the Third Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser and showcase to prepare for (bad English, I know, get over it). I have been housesitting a lot -- and not close to home. And some well-deserved vacation days were spent dealing with an expensive broken truck, rather than playing. Boo.
Anyway, the fundraiser was amazing. At last count, we were almost up to $4,000 for the National Kidney Foundation (more on that later). We had a heat wave last weekend and the freakin' AC broke. It was 90 degrees in that room, yet everyone stayed to watch and all of the performers still did their thing! You know, I was an unhappy girl...sweaty bitch...with FIVE numbers (at least two of them were only bit parts). But I did it and didn't die.
I have some REALLY cool posts coming up. They are just in my e-mail, waiting for me to find a minute to edit them. I hope to start with something tomorrow. Tell the Universe to leave me alone for a day so I can catch up on the fun stuff!! :-)
Until then, keep twirling!!!
I know, I know. I haven't been posting. I have let life get in the way. I've been extremely overwhelmed with the little stuff since so much big stuff was going on. We had the Third Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser and showcase to prepare for (bad English, I know, get over it). I have been housesitting a lot -- and not close to home. And some well-deserved vacation days were spent dealing with an expensive broken truck, rather than playing. Boo.
Anyway, the fundraiser was amazing. At last count, we were almost up to $4,000 for the National Kidney Foundation (more on that later). We had a heat wave last weekend and the freakin' AC broke. It was 90 degrees in that room, yet everyone stayed to watch and all of the performers still did their thing! You know, I was an unhappy girl...sweaty bitch...with FIVE numbers (at least two of them were only bit parts). But I did it and didn't die.
I have some REALLY cool posts coming up. They are just in my e-mail, waiting for me to find a minute to edit them. I hope to start with something tomorrow. Tell the Universe to leave me alone for a day so I can catch up on the fun stuff!! :-)
Until then, keep twirling!!!
 |
| I bring my own fan pretty much everywhere |
Monday, March 19, 2012
Looking for sponsors and raffle donations for the Third Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser!
I blinked...and then it was already almost here. The third annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation, hosted by Twirly Girls Pole Fitness, is only a month away. The showcase and raffle will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2012. (I haven't heard the final plan from Bel, but workshops may be held the week before.) Don't forget, ALL OF THE MONEY RAISED GOES TO THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION.
Here is a post about our first event in 2010: http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2010/04/lovely-rita-fundraiser-was-huge-success.html
Here is a post about our second event in 2011: http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/04/thank-you.html
Here is what I need from all of you!
If you have a business and would like to donate a gift certificate or item(s), please contact me ASAP. We need to start pulling a list together and actually collecting things. As I learned the hard way last year, I can't count on anything until I have it in hand!
If you would like to perform, please contact Bel ASAP. She is making a list with names and songs (so we don't have repeats). We need to figure out how long this show will be.
If you are not in the area but would still like to donate, please visit this LINK.
Tickets for the showcase and raffle will be going on sale SOON. Please help us make this our best year ever!
Here is a post about our first event in 2010: http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2010/04/lovely-rita-fundraiser-was-huge-success.html
Here is a post about our second event in 2011: http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/04/thank-you.html
Here is what I need from all of you!
If you have a business and would like to donate a gift certificate or item(s), please contact me ASAP. We need to start pulling a list together and actually collecting things. As I learned the hard way last year, I can't count on anything until I have it in hand!
If you would like to perform, please contact Bel ASAP. She is making a list with names and songs (so we don't have repeats). We need to figure out how long this show will be.
If you are not in the area but would still like to donate, please visit this LINK.
Tickets for the showcase and raffle will be going on sale SOON. Please help us make this our best year ever!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The THIRD Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser is in the planning stages...
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, April 22, 2012
You know what that means...
We will be looking for performers, sponsors and donors for the raffle! Start thinking about it now. And if you have a studio, join us in a Day of Giving the Gift of Pole!
And here's me throwing this out to the universe with the hopes that someone will see it and be interested....any PROS interested in starring in our showcase?! :-D
Article:
Facebook group for Power of Pole - A Day of Giving The Gift of Pole:
The Lovely Rita on Facebook:
The Lovely Rita website:
I will start hitting everyone up soon.
If you have a local business and have an item or service you would like to donate for the raffle, we will advertise for you and love you forever.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Power of Pole - A Day of Giving the Gift of Pole
I want to thank Pole For A Cause and Pole Spin Magazine for giving me a wider audience for my request to get other pole studios involved in fundraising this year!
http://poleforacause.com/2011/12/power/
Lovely Rita Fundraiser For National Kidney Foundation
On Sunday, April 22, 2012, Twirly Girls Pole Fitness will hold the third annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser. I wrote a blog about this fundraiser (and others), in a previous Pole For A Cause post, Fighting The Good Fight. Rita, a student at Twirly Girls and close friend of mine, has been blessed with three kidney transplants. It is important to Rita to support the NKF, so it is important to us as well.
Supporting charities in our pole community is an important topic. We at Twirly Girls would like to ask pole studios all over the world to join us on April 22nd to raise money for a charity that is important to their studio. There are many ways to raise money. You can offer classes and workshops and donate any money raised. You can have a student and instructor showcase or an open house with raffle and/or silent auction. You would be surprised at how willing local businesses are to donate gift certificates or items if you are willing to advertise their donations to your studio members.
We have started a group on Facebook called Power of Pole – A Day of Giving the Gift of Pole, to help coordinate the event. If your studio is interested in joining us, please join us on Facebook. The most important thing to remember is that there is no pressure. We are not keeping track or asking you to give money to us. Find a cause close to your heart and donate directly to that charity. It will be fun to report back on Facebook and celebrate all of the good that the Power of Pole can bring to our lives!
Written by Lory Myers. Photo by Liquidpulp Photography.
http://poleforacause.com/2011/12/power/
Lovely Rita Fundraiser For National Kidney Foundation
December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
On Sunday, April 22, 2012, Twirly Girls Pole Fitness will hold the third annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser. I wrote a blog about this fundraiser (and others), in a previous Pole For A Cause post, Fighting The Good Fight. Rita, a student at Twirly Girls and close friend of mine, has been blessed with three kidney transplants. It is important to Rita to support the NKF, so it is important to us as well.Supporting charities in our pole community is an important topic. We at Twirly Girls would like to ask pole studios all over the world to join us on April 22nd to raise money for a charity that is important to their studio. There are many ways to raise money. You can offer classes and workshops and donate any money raised. You can have a student and instructor showcase or an open house with raffle and/or silent auction. You would be surprised at how willing local businesses are to donate gift certificates or items if you are willing to advertise their donations to your studio members.
We have started a group on Facebook called Power of Pole – A Day of Giving the Gift of Pole, to help coordinate the event. If your studio is interested in joining us, please join us on Facebook. The most important thing to remember is that there is no pressure. We are not keeping track or asking you to give money to us. Find a cause close to your heart and donate directly to that charity. It will be fun to report back on Facebook and celebrate all of the good that the Power of Pole can bring to our lives!
Written by Lory Myers. Photo by Liquidpulp Photography.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Body image
This week, Natasha Wang wrote a great blog about body image.
Scribbled on one side of The Studio’s mirrored wall were choreography notes for The Studio’s students who were competing in the New Zealand Pole Championships 2011, Andre Wotton and Mei.
But scribbled on the other side was a list of corporal punishments for pole ‘misdeeds’ — flexed feet gets you 5 push-ups or a 10-second plank, while the more severe ‘I quit’ gets you 10 push-ups and a 20-second plank. But the real punishment is incurred when a student makes an anti or negative body statement. This gets you 100 press ups or a 5 minute plank!
[Read the rest of the post and see photos at the link below...]
http://natashawang.com/?p=705
Don't miss the PUNISHMENT LIST, which Natasha received from Shirley Jones of The Studio in New Zealand.
I usually have a lot of negative self-talk. I'm in this weird place. I'm 70 pounds heavier than I was 7 years ago. But I'm still 100 pounds lighter than I was 9 years ago. I'm definitely 50 pounds heavier than I need or want to be. I'm in a lot of pain from whatever is wrong with my hip...more pain than I ever dealt with at 350 pounds. At 6 feet tall and 250 pounds, saying I'm a "big girl" isn't necessarily me talking badly about myself -- its the God awful truth! Maybe everything is about adding a marketing spin. I see Shrek. Bel sees a Viking Warrior.
Except, I don't always see Shrek. Sometimes, I DO see the Twirling Viking Warrior. Sometimes, I see a gorgeous girl. Sometimes, I see an ugly girl. Sometimes, I see a fat girl. Sometimes, I see a strong girl. Sometimes, I see a tired girl. I'm 35. Why did I just call myself a girl? Oh, because in my mind, I'm not five years away from 40. There are so many different sides of me. And my brain never seems to know which one I am. Maybe I am a different one each day. As I'm trying to dance gracefully on the pole, I am the hippo ballerina. As I'm shoving jellybeans in my face, I'm just the hippo.
I am trying to cut down on the negative self-talk. But it's hard. I get so frustrated with my crazy brain and the things it wills me to do -- like eat food I don't need. I keep beating myself up because I am thinking, what if I had taken care of this weight gain when it was 10, 20, 30 or even 40 pounds? Now at 50 pounds, I feel hugely fat again and hopeless about losing that much weight. I've already had gastric bypass surgery. What's my "magic pill" this time? There is no magic pill. There never was. Even gastric bypass wasn't a walk in the park or a free ride by any means.
So I will continue to take this day by day. Watching my food intake and working out as diligently as possible. I will continue with pilates, yoga, pole and silks. I will continue to battle myself over the cardio that I know I need to do. But I know I can do this. In fact, I have no other options. I will not be a gastric bypass failure. And I will do the pole tricks that I've been enviously watching the other girls perform.
Here is my pole goal: There will be at least one invert in my Lovely Rita routine in April 2012. I have less than six months. LET'S DO THIS!
What you see in the mirror…
When I was in Wellington, New Zealand, I had a rehearsal session at a studio called well, The Studio. Like any dance studio, The Studio has massive floor-to-ceiling mirrors in which students can check and correct their form, make sure their toes are pointed and lines perfect.Scribbled on one side of The Studio’s mirrored wall were choreography notes for The Studio’s students who were competing in the New Zealand Pole Championships 2011, Andre Wotton and Mei.
But scribbled on the other side was a list of corporal punishments for pole ‘misdeeds’ — flexed feet gets you 5 push-ups or a 10-second plank, while the more severe ‘I quit’ gets you 10 push-ups and a 20-second plank. But the real punishment is incurred when a student makes an anti or negative body statement. This gets you 100 press ups or a 5 minute plank!
[Read the rest of the post and see photos at the link below...]
http://natashawang.com/?p=705
Don't miss the PUNISHMENT LIST, which Natasha received from Shirley Jones of The Studio in New Zealand.
*****
Except, I don't always see Shrek. Sometimes, I DO see the Twirling Viking Warrior. Sometimes, I see a gorgeous girl. Sometimes, I see an ugly girl. Sometimes, I see a fat girl. Sometimes, I see a strong girl. Sometimes, I see a tired girl. I'm 35. Why did I just call myself a girl? Oh, because in my mind, I'm not five years away from 40. There are so many different sides of me. And my brain never seems to know which one I am. Maybe I am a different one each day. As I'm trying to dance gracefully on the pole, I am the hippo ballerina. As I'm shoving jellybeans in my face, I'm just the hippo.
I am trying to cut down on the negative self-talk. But it's hard. I get so frustrated with my crazy brain and the things it wills me to do -- like eat food I don't need. I keep beating myself up because I am thinking, what if I had taken care of this weight gain when it was 10, 20, 30 or even 40 pounds? Now at 50 pounds, I feel hugely fat again and hopeless about losing that much weight. I've already had gastric bypass surgery. What's my "magic pill" this time? There is no magic pill. There never was. Even gastric bypass wasn't a walk in the park or a free ride by any means.So I will continue to take this day by day. Watching my food intake and working out as diligently as possible. I will continue with pilates, yoga, pole and silks. I will continue to battle myself over the cardio that I know I need to do. But I know I can do this. In fact, I have no other options. I will not be a gastric bypass failure. And I will do the pole tricks that I've been enviously watching the other girls perform.
Here is my pole goal: There will be at least one invert in my Lovely Rita routine in April 2012. I have less than six months. LET'S DO THIS!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
My Activities Partner -- RITA!
So today I had an awesome day running around San Francisco with my friend, Rita. Since meeting Rita a few years ago, she has been up for pretty much anything. She was the one person out of a group of five who actually showed up when we scheduled our taster class with Twirly Girls. Two years later, we are still going to classes every single week. Rita went down to Southern California with me a few weeks ago for the California Pole Dance Championship. We were both nervous about being stuck in close quarters for four days, but we are both pretty laid back and actually traveled really well together. Rita is such an amazing person. She has had three kidney transplants in her lifetime and deals with pain and health issues every single day -- yet she still gets up every day and lives her life. She is super smart, teaches technology for St. Mary's College and is the one who does all of our Twirly Girls videos (helloooooo, awesome tech geek!!). She also has a beautiful teenager daughter named Kate that I would do anything for (and a nerdy husband Dave who is pretty cool too). I believe everyone should have a friend who is pretty much down to try anything so that you can have fun too!
Thanks, Rita, for being my activities partner!
Thanks, Rita, for being my activities partner!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
THANK YOU!
I could find poems or songs to help me express the gratitude I feel for everyone who participated in the Second Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation, but two words say it best: THANK YOU.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the calendar photoshoot, bought a calendar, donated raffle items, bought raffle tickets, attended the dance recital, donated money through Rita's kidney website... Thank you to all of the girls who danced on Sunday. Thank you to their friends and families for allowing them to share their time with us. Thank you to Andrea Becker, who helped choreograph a couple of the dances and donated many items for the raffle.
THANK YOU TO THE GIRLS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE FUNDRAISER:
Dancers:
Marilyn
Tina
Grace
"Stephanie Nicole"
Yolanda T.
Sam
Jenelle
Paola
Gina
Chelsea "Pink Flamingo"
"Shimmies Galore"
Sharon
And, of course, RITA! (ADORABLE performance, by the way!)
(Oh yeah, and me too -- Lori.)
Pole Cleaners:
Isabel
Carmen
Jessica
Jenny
Samantha
Sandra
To Edna for selling raffle tickets at the event for us!
To Edna for selling raffle tickets at the event for us!
(I went through that list three times and if I forgot anyone, I AM SO SORRY, please let me know and I will update this list!)
To our amazing singer, Yolanda B., who rocked it TWICE for us! You have an amazing voice, lady!!!
I thanked her above for dancing, but THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Stephanie Nicole le Dream, who came out to perform for Rita even though she had another show that night at Club 1220 in Walnut Creek. If you ever want to attend a fun drag show, check out Stephanie, along with a host of other amazing girls, on the first and third Sunday of each month, starting at 9:30 p.m., at Club 1220.
Thank you to Shelly Lamb, who is now teaching at Twirly Girls, and is about to go to New York for competition. GOOD LUCK! You have the entire Twirly Girl family rooting you on. And thank you, Shelly, for coming out to the fundraiser and performing, even though you had been teaching so far away that day. You are an amazing performer and so fun to watch.
So far, we have raised about $2,000 for the National Kidney Foundation.
So far, we have raised about $2,000 for the National Kidney Foundation.
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO DONATED TO THE RAFFLE:
Bel Jeremiah of Twirly Girls Pole Fitness
www.twirlygirlspolefitness.com
Doug Korb of DK Designs
Doug's e-mail
Twisted Silver
www.twirlygirlspolefitness.com
Doug Korb of DK Designs
Doug's e-mail
Twisted Silver
hOney
Inspire Fitness Boot Camps
Mighty Grip
http://www.mightygrip.com/
Sephora items donated through Isabel Sum Contreras
Baskets donated by Shelley Clark
Sephora items donated through Isabel Sum Contreras
Baskets donated by Shelley Clark
Jenny Gain, Wellness International Network
http://www.synergywellnessgroup.com/
Theresa Taylor Grutzeck at The Rouge
(510) 651-4701
Jennifer of PoleSkivvies
http://www.poleskivvies.com
Gerri Levitas of Bay Healing
www.bayhealing.com
Joe Baptist (retired Air Force firearms instructor)
Gerri Levitas of Bay Healing
www.bayhealing.com
Joe Baptist (retired Air Force firearms instructor)
Just By Touch
Primal Fit Boot Camp
www.primalfitbootcamp.com
Roxanne Freitas-Souza at Motives
Toni Reyes at Christopher's Salon
Rocco's Pizzeria
We also want to thank:
The Real Karaoke Joe
The Real Karaoke Joe
Cake Queen, Michael Villa
underwater@sbcglobalnet
And let's not forget the companies that helped fund the printing of our Lovely Rita calendar (we still have a three or four available for sale...only $5):
Physicians' Youthful Resolutions
www.youthfulresolutions.com
Penninsula Women's Health
www.penninsulawomenshealth.com
Tri-Valley Bodyworks
www.trivalleybodyworks.com
The Pole Dancing Shop
www.thepoledancingshop.com
Douglas Korb, Remax
www.dougkorb.com
Thank you to Andrew of Liquidpulp Photography (www.liquidpulp.com) for taking the photos at the calendar shoot AND at the fundraiser; and thanks to Anh Thu Tran for doing make-up the day of the shoot (and supporting the Twirly Girls by coming to the fundraiser).
Rita and I again would like to thank Bel of Twirly Girls Pole Fitness (www.twirlygirlspolefitness.com) for being so generous with her time and studio! We know she is a busy lady, but she always makes time for her Twirly Girls and we love her for that!
I personally want to thank Rita for being a good friend and keeping my life interesting and fun. She is one of the most honest and trustworthy people I have ever met. I appreciate her sharing her daughter, Kate, with me. And I even appreciate her sharing her husband, Dave, with me (no, not in THAT way). He says the funniest $hit sometimes.
One of the things I love about Twirly Girls is how supportive all the girls are of each other. We are all at different levels. We are all different ages, shapes and sizes. Hell, some of us aren't even actually girls. But we all get along, love each other and support each other. It truly is a family. It is a beautiful thing. And I am thankful every day to have the Twirly Girls in my life.
We have one last fundraiser at Rocco's in Walnut Creek next Thursday, April 28th. If you let them know you are there for Rita's fundraiser, they will donate a portion of the sales to Rita's walk. This is valid all day, for take-out and dine-in. Rita and I, along with many others, will be there in the evening for dinner if you would like to join us.
If you'd just like to donate to TEAM KIDNEY, please check out this link:
You can also join the Lovely Rita fan page on Facebook to be kept up to date on future events:
Rita and I (along with many others) will be doing the Kidney Walk in San Francisco on Saturday, May 7th. Please feel free to join us for a beautiful walk along the Embarcadero!
I know this is really long and I apologize for that, but before I go, I wanted to let you know where you can find photos and videos from the event.
Flickr link (this is my account but I am gathering photos from all over to keep together. So far, I have photos from Andrew, Rita, Grace and myself. Keep checking back because I know there are more photos coming):
Videos on my YouTube account (might have to scroll around...look for videos uploaded around April 18, 2011):
Videos on Rita's YouTube account:
Videos on Twirly Girls' YouTube account (might not have any videos from the fundraiser but there are other fun videos on there):
See you next year! Check out my blog from yesterday...where I set a goal for the THIRD annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Second Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser!
I can't believe it is less than a month before our SECOND ANNUAL LOVELY RITA FUNDRAISER at Twirly Girls Pole Fitness! If you weren't around last year, and don't know what I'm talking about, search my blog...I posted all kinds of things about our fun event.
Our very own Rita has received THREE kidney transplants in her lifetime. Last year, Twirly Girls hosted an entire day of classes, a dance recital, silent auction and raffle to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. This year, we have already put out a Twirly Girls calendar in Rita's honor. We have also set up a pizza night at Rocco's in Walnut Creek (Thursday, April 28th).
This year, Twirly Girls is going to keep it simple. We will have a dance recital and raffle to benefit the NKF. The dance recital will start at 3 p.m., with raffle items being given away between dances. Raffle tickets will be 3 for $5.00, 8 for $10.00 or, 20 for $20.00 (best deal). Raffle tickets are ON SALE NOW!
I will do an inventory of prizes this week and do another blog about what you can win. However, in the meantime, if you have a business you'd like to promote and can donate a gift certificate or item for raffle, please let me know! We will be doing a poster to thank you for your donation. If you donate an item, I can give you a receipt from the NKF (sorry, from what I understand, the IRS doesn't allow you to write off gift certificates and/or time donated). We were so touched last year by the outpouring of donations from local businesses and this year is looking just as awesome!
The Fitness Examiner has kindly included us in a write-up. We thank them for that. Check out the article here.
We also have a link at Patch Pleasanton. Check that out here.
If you can't make it to Rocco's or Twirly Girls, please feel free to donate directly to Rita's page on the National Kidney Foundation's page.
Everyone is welcome to walk with us during the Kidney Walk 5k in San Francisco on Saturday, May 7th!
Even if money is tight, or you don't have time to visit us at these events, please feel free to share this blog with your friends. We are also accepting happy thoughts and good wishes. :-) You don't realize how important your kidneys are until you don't have them!
Our very own Rita has received THREE kidney transplants in her lifetime. Last year, Twirly Girls hosted an entire day of classes, a dance recital, silent auction and raffle to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. This year, we have already put out a Twirly Girls calendar in Rita's honor. We have also set up a pizza night at Rocco's in Walnut Creek (Thursday, April 28th).
This year, Twirly Girls is going to keep it simple. We will have a dance recital and raffle to benefit the NKF. The dance recital will start at 3 p.m., with raffle items being given away between dances. Raffle tickets will be 3 for $5.00, 8 for $10.00 or, 20 for $20.00 (best deal). Raffle tickets are ON SALE NOW!
I will do an inventory of prizes this week and do another blog about what you can win. However, in the meantime, if you have a business you'd like to promote and can donate a gift certificate or item for raffle, please let me know! We will be doing a poster to thank you for your donation. If you donate an item, I can give you a receipt from the NKF (sorry, from what I understand, the IRS doesn't allow you to write off gift certificates and/or time donated). We were so touched last year by the outpouring of donations from local businesses and this year is looking just as awesome!
The Fitness Examiner has kindly included us in a write-up. We thank them for that. Check out the article here.
We also have a link at Patch Pleasanton. Check that out here.
If you can't make it to Rocco's or Twirly Girls, please feel free to donate directly to Rita's page on the National Kidney Foundation's page.
Everyone is welcome to walk with us during the Kidney Walk 5k in San Francisco on Saturday, May 7th!
Even if money is tight, or you don't have time to visit us at these events, please feel free to share this blog with your friends. We are also accepting happy thoughts and good wishes. :-) You don't realize how important your kidneys are until you don't have them!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thank you to the Examiner.com!
Amy Rabinovitz, of the San Jose Fitness Examiner, kindly posted information about the Lovely Rita Fundraiser! Thank you, Amy!!!
(Note: The fundraiser this year is April 17, not April 11...we have e-mailed Amy to fix this.) :-)
http://www.examiner.com/fitness-in-san-jose/twirly-girls-lovely-rita-fundraiser-benefits-national-kidney-foundation
The Lovely Rita Fundraiser organized by the students and teachers of Pleasanton's Twirly Girls Pole Fitness is a benefit for the National Kidney Foundation, and it's straight from the heart:
One of their own, Lovely Rita (aka Rita Pearson) is a three-time kidney transplant recipient.
On April 11, 2011 there will be an all-day event at the Twirly Girl's studio 660 Main Street, Pleasanton, Ca 94566 that includes special classes, a silent auction, raffle and recital.
Last year the Twirly Girls raised nearly $3000 but this year they have redoubled their efforts. Along with the day-long fundraiser, they created and sold a special 2011 calendar, so there is nearly $1000 in the Lovely Rita fund already. (Click on the slideshow to see a picture from the calendar)
According to the Agency for Healthycare Research and Quality, (which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), an average of 3.7 million adults in the United States were treated for kidney disease each year between 2003 and 2007. Kidney disease can lead to renal failure and may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
This is an energized and committed group of friends and colleagues, and the very best kind of community outreach. If you've been considering pole fitness (and haven't we all?), head up to the studio and give it a twirl.
If you like this article, sign up for the spam-free email notifications of future San Jose Fitness Examiner articles, and keep up with fitness activities and news in Silicon Valley.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Twirly Girls 'Lovely Rita' Fundraiser benefits National Kidney Foundation - San Jose fitness | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/fitness-in-san-jose/twirly-girls-lovely-rita-fundraiser-benefits-national-kidney-foundation#ixzz1E2ufZyvz
(Note: The fundraiser this year is April 17, not April 11...we have e-mailed Amy to fix this.) :-)
http://www.examiner.com/fitness-in-san-jose/twirly-girls-lovely-rita-fundraiser-benefits-national-kidney-foundation
The Lovely Rita Fundraiser organized by the students and teachers of Pleasanton's Twirly Girls Pole Fitness is a benefit for the National Kidney Foundation, and it's straight from the heart:
One of their own, Lovely Rita (aka Rita Pearson) is a three-time kidney transplant recipient.
On April 11, 2011 there will be an all-day event at the Twirly Girl's studio 660 Main Street, Pleasanton, Ca 94566 that includes special classes, a silent auction, raffle and recital.
- For complete information: See the Lovely Rita Fundraiser page
Last year the Twirly Girls raised nearly $3000 but this year they have redoubled their efforts. Along with the day-long fundraiser, they created and sold a special 2011 calendar, so there is nearly $1000 in the Lovely Rita fund already. (Click on the slideshow to see a picture from the calendar)
According to the Agency for Healthycare Research and Quality, (which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), an average of 3.7 million adults in the United States were treated for kidney disease each year between 2003 and 2007. Kidney disease can lead to renal failure and may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
This is an energized and committed group of friends and colleagues, and the very best kind of community outreach. If you've been considering pole fitness (and haven't we all?), head up to the studio and give it a twirl.
If you like this article, sign up for the spam-free email notifications of future San Jose Fitness Examiner articles, and keep up with fitness activities and news in Silicon Valley.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Twirly Girls 'Lovely Rita' Fundraiser benefits National Kidney Foundation - San Jose fitness | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/fitness-in-san-jose/twirly-girls-lovely-rita-fundraiser-benefits-national-kidney-foundation#ixzz1E2ufZyvz
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Back to blogging for The Pole Dancing Shop
The Pole Dancing Shop has been amazing to me! They sponsored the Twirly Girls calendar and they just allowed me to guest blog for a third time!
http://www.thepoledancingshop.com/news/76/Will-Pole-For-Charity-by-Lori-Myers.html
In April 2010, Twirly Girls Pole Fitness held a fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. One of our very own, the Lovely Rita, is a three-time kidney transplant recipient. She does the NKF 5k walk in San Francisco each May and needed to raise money. The studio happily held a day of classes, an open house, silent auction, raffle and dance recital to benefit the foundation. We raised almost $3,000.
We decided to do it even bigger in 2011. The Twirly Girls put together a calendar shoot, featuring students, instructors, and our supportive men. We are planning to do another day of classes, etc. in April 2011. We should easily be able to double or triple our donation this year. We are asking other studios who are interested in getting involved to contact us to coordinate. We can put you in touch with the National Kidney Foundation for fundraising materials. It's a fun way to promote your studio and feel like you've done something good for the world. [See my blog post: http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2010/11/calling-all-pole-studios.html]
For me, the biggest challenge is getting ready for the dance recital. Performing for people outside of my comfortable and supportive class is very scary. I am doing a group number with the FEVER! girls. But I am also doing a surprise (guess it won't be much of a surprise if Rita reads this...so I won't reveal TOO much here) number alone. I had set a goal two months ago to lose enough weight and gain enough strength to invert within six months (which would be somewhere around April). I have a goal of losing a total of 35 pounds. I have lost 8 so far. Sometimes I move a little slowly, but at least the scale is finally moving in the right direction.
I am planning to start the Couch-2-5k plan in January so that I can start preparing for the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco (it is a 12K over some difficult hills). I am already doing 5k's but I mostly walk/jog them and I want to be able to run the entire way. It won't help much with strength but it will give me a good cardio workout so that I can lose the weight. On January 3, I am starting a 7-week boot camp that promises to kill us on Mondays. While losing the weight, I also need to work hard on gaining strength so that I can actually haul myself up into an invert without breaking my neck.
I have already increased my yoga classes and am going to add pilates reformer classes next month to help with flexibility and core strength. I also took a pilates class that incorporated ballet moves, so I am becoming more interested in using those moves to make me stronger and help with my fluidity.
So, that is my plan for the first quarter of 2011. I hate setting New Years resolutions because they are so easily forgotten. That's why I set my goals now and plan to keep them. What are your goals for 2011?
Lori Myers
Student at Twirly Girls Pole Fitness Studio in Pleasanton, California
http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/
http://www.thepoledancingshop.com/news/76/Will-Pole-For-Charity-by-Lori-Myers.html
Will Pole For Charity by Lori Myers
Posted on 1st Jan 2011 @ 8:42 PM
In April 2010, Twirly Girls Pole Fitness held a fundraiser to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. One of our very own, the Lovely Rita, is a three-time kidney transplant recipient. She does the NKF 5k walk in San Francisco each May and needed to raise money. The studio happily held a day of classes, an open house, silent auction, raffle and dance recital to benefit the foundation. We raised almost $3,000.We decided to do it even bigger in 2011. The Twirly Girls put together a calendar shoot, featuring students, instructors, and our supportive men. We are planning to do another day of classes, etc. in April 2011. We should easily be able to double or triple our donation this year. We are asking other studios who are interested in getting involved to contact us to coordinate. We can put you in touch with the National Kidney Foundation for fundraising materials. It's a fun way to promote your studio and feel like you've done something good for the world. [See my blog post: http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2010/11/calling-all-pole-studios.html]
For me, the biggest challenge is getting ready for the dance recital. Performing for people outside of my comfortable and supportive class is very scary. I am doing a group number with the FEVER! girls. But I am also doing a surprise (guess it won't be much of a surprise if Rita reads this...so I won't reveal TOO much here) number alone. I had set a goal two months ago to lose enough weight and gain enough strength to invert within six months (which would be somewhere around April). I have a goal of losing a total of 35 pounds. I have lost 8 so far. Sometimes I move a little slowly, but at least the scale is finally moving in the right direction.
I am planning to start the Couch-2-5k plan in January so that I can start preparing for the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco (it is a 12K over some difficult hills). I am already doing 5k's but I mostly walk/jog them and I want to be able to run the entire way. It won't help much with strength but it will give me a good cardio workout so that I can lose the weight. On January 3, I am starting a 7-week boot camp that promises to kill us on Mondays. While losing the weight, I also need to work hard on gaining strength so that I can actually haul myself up into an invert without breaking my neck.
I have already increased my yoga classes and am going to add pilates reformer classes next month to help with flexibility and core strength. I also took a pilates class that incorporated ballet moves, so I am becoming more interested in using those moves to make me stronger and help with my fluidity.So, that is my plan for the first quarter of 2011. I hate setting New Years resolutions because they are so easily forgotten. That's why I set my goals now and plan to keep them. What are your goals for 2011?
Lori Myers
Student at Twirly Girls Pole Fitness Studio in Pleasanton, California
http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 10, 2010
I don't bend in half
So, I realize this has been a theme throughout my blog, but I am NOT the "normal" pole dancer. Pole dancing has BLOWN UP in the last couple of years. The dancers who compete are training with aerial circus acts, contortionists and gymnasts.
I can't even do a back bend.
I have a goal to be able to invert by April. It doesn't even have to be a good invert. I just want to be able to go upside down and not fall on my head. I'm working hard to lose weight and get strong. Will that be good enough? If I can't fly through the air with the greatest of ease like the other girls (and boys) do, will I still be happy?
I sure hope so.
I just wanted to write this so I could include a couple of really cool videos from YouTube. Someday...I will be this amazing. Someday!!!!!
Steven Retchless practicing...UH-MAZE-ING!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kBmVXRoYMo
Miss Pole Dance Australia 2010 intro...More AMAZING!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce7HgItK4Vs
P.S. The Twirly Girls calendars will be printed soon! The price is $15 (add $2 for shipping). Please contact me if you are interested in pre-ordering and I will give you an address. All of the proceeds will go to support the National Kidney Foundation on behalf of our very own, Lovely Rita!! We have sample photos on Liquidpulp Photography's fan page on Facebook. Don't miss out...we've had a lot of interest and we're only printing 250 calendars!
I can't even do a back bend.
I have a goal to be able to invert by April. It doesn't even have to be a good invert. I just want to be able to go upside down and not fall on my head. I'm working hard to lose weight and get strong. Will that be good enough? If I can't fly through the air with the greatest of ease like the other girls (and boys) do, will I still be happy?
I sure hope so.
I just wanted to write this so I could include a couple of really cool videos from YouTube. Someday...I will be this amazing. Someday!!!!!
Steven Retchless practicing...UH-MAZE-ING!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kBmVXRoYMo
Miss Pole Dance Australia 2010 intro...More AMAZING!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce7HgItK4Vs
P.S. The Twirly Girls calendars will be printed soon! The price is $15 (add $2 for shipping). Please contact me if you are interested in pre-ordering and I will give you an address. All of the proceeds will go to support the National Kidney Foundation on behalf of our very own, Lovely Rita!! We have sample photos on Liquidpulp Photography's fan page on Facebook. Don't miss out...we've had a lot of interest and we're only printing 250 calendars!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Twirly Girls Calendar Photo Shoot
The calendar photo shoot was yesterday. We are so excited. The shoot went really well. The photos look like they're going to be AWESOME! I am working on some funding to pay for the printing of the calendar and I think we're going to make some decent money for the National Kidney Foundation. Current projections are about $3,000 from the calendar alone. We haven't even made it to our fundraiser day in April yet and we're already looking to beat last year's donations!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who participated. We had 27 Twirly Girls and Boys who were photographed for the calendar. We had an amazing photographer and make-up artist helping us out. We had a lot of fun. And I can't wait to do it again!!!
Check out some photos on my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48809&id=100000107566031&l=d1aedfbcdb
Here is my open letter of thanks to all of the people who helped us yesterday:
-------------------------------------------------
=^..^= 
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who participated. We had 27 Twirly Girls and Boys who were photographed for the calendar. We had an amazing photographer and make-up artist helping us out. We had a lot of fun. And I can't wait to do it again!!!
Check out some photos on my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48809&id=100000107566031&l=d1aedfbcdb
Here is my open letter of thanks to all of the people who helped us yesterday:
Lori Myers November 29 at 9:34am
I know Bel sent an e-mail already and I apologize for overfilling your e-mail boxes, but I just wanted to thank everyone who participated yesterday.
Andrew Fryxell of Liquidpulp Photography very generously donated his time yesterday. If you ever have a need for a photographer, please consider him. http://www.liquidpulp.com/
Anh Thu Tran also generously donated her time to come and do make up for a lot of the girls. She went way above and beyond the call of duty and completely made over a good number of the girls (including myself). I can't thank her enough for helping us. If you are in need of a make up artist, please get in touch with me and I will give you her e-mail address or cell phone. (She's on my friends list on Facebook if you'd like to send her a message now.)
I want to thank Kristin for helping keep everything moving smoothly, posing and making announcements. Thank you to Bel for being so giving of her time and studio (especially now when she has so many Groupon classes taking over her life). Thank you to Rita for being the subject of our fun day and keeping people fed!
I also want to thank all of the girls for coming out with their costumes and great attitudes and posing for the calendar. I'm sure there are some things we could have changed but I thought the day went fairly smoothly and I was very pleased considering that was my first try at a calendar shoot!
Now to the business side of things: We hope that all of our Twirly Girls will be willing to buy and sell calendars. Calendars are going to run $15. If you already know you want one (or ten), please e-mail me and let me know. We are about to choose a printer and we want to make sure we order enough. We are asking that you please drop off the money for the entire order when you pick up your calendars. Although we trust you all, it's easy to lose track of calendars and every dollar we miss is a dollar that we can't give to the National Kidney Foundation. Christmas is coming and it would be a lovely stocking stuffer!!!
Also, if you own a local business or know a local business owner, we are still looking for funding to print the calendar. We are looking for 9 businesses to donate at least $100. We would then print your business card in the back of the calendar. Please let me know if you're interested. The photos should be ready in a couple of weeks and we'd like to have the funding set up by then. Again, the more sponsors we get, the more money we can give directly to the National Kidney Foundation.
Don't forget the Lovely Rita Fundraiser will be April 17th. Another fun day of classes, a dance recital and a silent auction/raffle. If you'd like to donate anything for the silent auction or raffle, please let me know. We are working to get hair and make up set up for those girls who want to participate in the dance recital. Start planning your dances now, ladies. We also plan to have a DJ there to run music. It should be another amazing day.
May 7th is the actual Kidney Walk in San Francisco. It's a 5k down the Embarcadero. We'd love to have other Twirly Girls join us.
A group of Twirly Girls will be doing the 100th annual Bay 2 Breakers on May 15th in San Francisco. Sign up for your Twirly Tuff classes to start getting in shape. It's about a 7 mile walk/jog and there are some tough hills, I hear. If you've never been (like me), then it's something to experience! We will be wearing our Twirly Girls shirts to represent!
On another side note, we are throwing around the idea of doing a pin-up photo shoot at the studio. We'd do a package deal for make up, hair and photos. If this is something you'd be interested in, let me know and I'll start pulling prices together. I am hoping to keep the cost under $100 per person (which is still a great deal for all three services). Start thinking of your costumes now! :-) You don't have to be a Twirly Girl to participate in this event. Might be a nice Valentine's Day gift if we get enough interest!
Thank you again for everyone who participated yesterday!! We had such a fun day! And next year, we'll start planning earlier so expect to start shooting in August or so. ;-)
Andrew Fryxell of Liquidpulp Photography very generously donated his time yesterday. If you ever have a need for a photographer, please consider him. http://www.liquidpulp.com/
Anh Thu Tran also generously donated her time to come and do make up for a lot of the girls. She went way above and beyond the call of duty and completely made over a good number of the girls (including myself). I can't thank her enough for helping us. If you are in need of a make up artist, please get in touch with me and I will give you her e-mail address or cell phone. (She's on my friends list on Facebook if you'd like to send her a message now.)
I want to thank Kristin for helping keep everything moving smoothly, posing and making announcements. Thank you to Bel for being so giving of her time and studio (especially now when she has so many Groupon classes taking over her life). Thank you to Rita for being the subject of our fun day and keeping people fed!
I also want to thank all of the girls for coming out with their costumes and great attitudes and posing for the calendar. I'm sure there are some things we could have changed but I thought the day went fairly smoothly and I was very pleased considering that was my first try at a calendar shoot!
Now to the business side of things: We hope that all of our Twirly Girls will be willing to buy and sell calendars. Calendars are going to run $15. If you already know you want one (or ten), please e-mail me and let me know. We are about to choose a printer and we want to make sure we order enough. We are asking that you please drop off the money for the entire order when you pick up your calendars. Although we trust you all, it's easy to lose track of calendars and every dollar we miss is a dollar that we can't give to the National Kidney Foundation. Christmas is coming and it would be a lovely stocking stuffer!!!
Also, if you own a local business or know a local business owner, we are still looking for funding to print the calendar. We are looking for 9 businesses to donate at least $100. We would then print your business card in the back of the calendar. Please let me know if you're interested. The photos should be ready in a couple of weeks and we'd like to have the funding set up by then. Again, the more sponsors we get, the more money we can give directly to the National Kidney Foundation.
Don't forget the Lovely Rita Fundraiser will be April 17th. Another fun day of classes, a dance recital and a silent auction/raffle. If you'd like to donate anything for the silent auction or raffle, please let me know. We are working to get hair and make up set up for those girls who want to participate in the dance recital. Start planning your dances now, ladies. We also plan to have a DJ there to run music. It should be another amazing day.
May 7th is the actual Kidney Walk in San Francisco. It's a 5k down the Embarcadero. We'd love to have other Twirly Girls join us.
A group of Twirly Girls will be doing the 100th annual Bay 2 Breakers on May 15th in San Francisco. Sign up for your Twirly Tuff classes to start getting in shape. It's about a 7 mile walk/jog and there are some tough hills, I hear. If you've never been (like me), then it's something to experience! We will be wearing our Twirly Girls shirts to represent!
On another side note, we are throwing around the idea of doing a pin-up photo shoot at the studio. We'd do a package deal for make up, hair and photos. If this is something you'd be interested in, let me know and I'll start pulling prices together. I am hoping to keep the cost under $100 per person (which is still a great deal for all three services). Start thinking of your costumes now! :-) You don't have to be a Twirly Girl to participate in this event. Might be a nice Valentine's Day gift if we get enough interest!
Thank you again for everyone who participated yesterday!! We had such a fun day! And next year, we'll start planning earlier so expect to start shooting in August or so. ;-)
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