When I look at these pictures I get all misty. Where did the time go. My daughter, my only child, is sweet, level headed, smart, witty and charming. Everyone who has ever met her loves her.
Man, Look at that hair ...
Here I am with my baby daughter saving her from the crocodile infested waters off the
coast of the Galapagos islands.
Here we are at the talent portion of my brothers wedding. We did this ventriloquist thing but nobody thought it was funny and they called child protective services on me. Sheesh
In this photo Jasmine and me were playing with super glue and spilled it all over our cheeks. We had to call the fire department to help us get unstuck.
Here's a picture of me and my progeny when I was going through that strangler phase. My wife had to use the tranquilizer gun to subdue me. But all went well for Jasmine's twelfth year.
Christmas 1999
Yearbook photo 2000
Christmas 2004 with her fiance, Patrick.
Here we are at the talent portion of my brothers wedding. We did this ventriloquist thing but nobody thought it was funny and they called child protective services on me. Sheesh
Salsa Dancing in Fresno
On my 40th birthday my friend, Mark, took me out. I was single at the time and he gave me a choice of the Reggae Bar in the Tower District or Salsa Dancing at the Starline, that was also in the Tower District. Because it was my birthday, I chose the Starline.
I came from a background where dancing was NOT cool. But I had so much fun that night I continued and took lessons. After a few weeks of stepping on women's toes and suffering embarrassment, I started to "get it". One-two three, four-five six, cross body lead. This was during my middle age school days and the stars lined up where I was able to practice three or four times a week.
Me and Jill at Havana Nights Fundrasier for Fresno Community Hospital
Salsa lessons in my living room
Volunteer Salsa Dancing
I volunteered as a literacy tutor at Reading and Beyond (then called Fresno Covenant Foundation). I was really involved and planned a Christmas party for the kids. I choreographed a dance skit. It didn't work as expected but it was a lot of fun and the reportedly the kids really had fun.
Salsa Dance Venues in Fresno
The Starline
This place is the longest running Salsa Dance venues in Fresno. I haven't been there in years but I do have fond memories. From their webiste:
Each Salsa night that Starline is open, free Salsa dance lessons are offered for no extra charge (free with admission to the club) between the hours of 8:45 P.M. and 9:45 P.M.. A partner is not required. The class will concentrate on basic steps and new patterns. Salsa Classes are taught by Phoebe Romero on Thursdays & Pete and Carmen on Saturdays.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE LEADERS?
Moves! Leaders can always use more variety to their dancing to keep the followers interested. But beyond moves, learning the basics of what makes up patterns will help the leaders understand dancing better and move towards making up their own patterns or expressions of the music.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE FOLLOWERS?
Instructions are usually directed towards the leaders when learning patterns. So, what's in it for the followers? In addition to breaking down the leaders directions, the followers are instructed on where and how to move with each pattern. Their footwork is also broken down when the patterns require more than the basic step. This gives essential insight into the kinds of movements that they are expected to do, and how to best follow the lead. Following the lead of a variety of dancers make you more versatile and allows you to have more fun dancing with any type of dancer.
HOW DO THE CLASSES WORK?
Classes at Starline appeal to a beginner and intermediate dancers. For the beginners, all classes start with the basic step, so that people just starting out can learn the step and participate in the dancing later to get more practice. The first part of the lesson typically includes the basic footwork and rhythym, and a single turn for the followers. Several patterns are usually taught, which employ the basics and also go beyond to new types of moves. Often times both a beginning and intermediate pattern are taught. People attending the class do NOT need to have a partner or sign up ahead for registration. All classes are drop-in, and we change partners often, so that you can experience dancing with a variety of people, which is very helpful for improving your skills. Intermediate dancers will benefit from the classes by learning new patterns each week. Patterns are rarely repeated, so that by attending classes regularly, leaders can build a large repertoire of moves. Similarly, followers learn the kinds of things to expect while dancing, as well as tips for following intricate moves.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE LEADERS AND FOLLOWERS BOTH?
Both partners will learn more detail about patterns, as well as hints for leading and following certain moves well. Learning more of the patterns and the nuances of each of them will lead to your ability to lead/follow with any dancer.
I like Pete and Carmen's new place. The old gritty dance studio on Sheilds and Cedar seemed to go well. The meshing of Aikido and Salsa dancing turned out to be a good fit fpr Pete Swingle, who had been studying the Japanese martial art for 20 years.
These classes are always fun. Especially for singles. When you first start salsa dancing it seems you get a whole new crop of friends. Pete and Carmen teach some of the Fresno Adult School classes.
Cedar Lanes
Sierra Lanes
Fun Places That Didn't Last
Aikido Arts Studio
La Cabana
King Tuts
Citron
Cedar Lanes
Personal
I live in Fresno, California where, among other things, I am the groundskeeper for my cat, Krisis, and caregiver to my two dogs Missy and Mabel (AKA "Scardy" and "Tuffy").
I found this video on VHS tape and converted it recently. It's amazing how fast time goes by.
Starring Ron Thomas, Jessie Cordova, Steve Wimer, John Brown, Randy Lowery, Ed Lopez and others
Jimmy Hall, God rest your soul. You had a kind heart and you loved your family and God. Your life was too short.
Art Sanchez, you were a fun and happy-go-lucky man. You, too, were taken too early.
Certified Grocers, where I spent 11 years, is still a cooperative of independent grocery stores in California.
Why we wash vegetables
One of the nice things about living in the Central Valley is the long growing season. Last night I picked some tomatoes from my backyard garden and found this little guy (or gal).
