Some days it feels as though there is too little to write about, other days too much. Today is more of the latter and time is dwindling down. and so I start...
...my beloved cat Doobie passed away, a ripe old age of 17 years. He was healthy and happy right up until the very end and went as peacefully as one can. I will miss his loud purring, kissing and rubbing my face on the top of his fuzzy head, the smell of his fur (it was sweet and cuddly), napping with him.
...almost a year ago now my husband and his friend Mike started dancing on street corners. What started out as a joke, quickly became a life changing and inspiring exercise in 'letting go' and being in the moment. They filmed the entire process which resulted in Mike putting together a short film entitled, "the winter of the dance". a few short weeks ago we were notified that it was accepted into the Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films. In a mad rush we have had to assemble promotional materials, postcards, website and posters for the event (which starts on Tuesday). The most interesting part of the story perhaps is that we have no idea what we are doing never having done this before. We are unaware of any of the rules, protocol, concepts relating to a film festival of this size and so we fly by the seat of our pants. You can read an article published in the Sacremento News and Review about the project here.
...a few days ago I had my first experience dancing in public (though admittedly it was after dinner so there were few bystanders to my relief) and found it to be amazingly freeing and life affirming. The process is simple, cd/mp3 player, great music & some headphones, move your body intuitively to the sound. As a life long dancer I find this method of dancing (free form) to be the one that gets us closest to experiencing the 'joy of existence' directly. I found myself laughing and jumping and running. Something that must be experienced to be understood (otherwise it just sounds like the dancer is insane, which is actually the point of the film, why is it that when one dances in public they are considered 'strange' or unbalanced?). I think my husband and Mike have caught on to something that has the potential to change the world. A revolution of dance. We will be dancing in public for the festival. Stay tuned.
Posted by kerismith at September 17, 2005 06:24 PMWill we get to see the video?
Posted by: Jodi on September 21, 2005 05:26 PMAre you familar with the work of British artist Gillian Wearing? If not check out Dancing in Peckham which is a video she made of herself dancing without music in a small shopping centre in Peckham in south London.
Posted by: ab on September 20, 2005 05:00 PMKeri, have you heard of Le Parkour? They are known as free runners, using the architectur of a city as a challenge to jump/fly/run across/over/under buildings, structures. The founders David Belle and Sebastien Foucan created it as kind of sport with a philosophical background. The idea is to be not restricted by (limited to) the design of urban areas and to express oneself against the obstacles. You can read more about it here: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/le.parkour/english/ and also here:
http://www.urbanfreeflow.com/
Personally I find the idea of free dancing on the streets more exiting and I wish you all a splendid time in Palm Springs! A new movement is born :)
Posted by: stosova on September 20, 2005 12:35 PMOn dancing in public...My husband and I went to a killer bluegrass festival this weekend, and I danced and clapped (in front of several thousands of people!) until my feet and hands were aching...But my spirit soared! The feeling is incredible, like you become enveloped by the music and the movement. It felt like a meditation of sorts. I have finally reached that stage in my life where I don't really care about the opinions of people who don't know me, so I will be busting out in public as often as the opportunity allows!!
Posted by: Kimberly on September 20, 2005 11:55 AMTee-hee. What a lovely, silly idea. I'll totally have to try it.
And I'm so inspired by your journal entry...I think I'll have to snatch the concept and try my hand at it to. I say this all the time, but I love how sensory your art & writing is. It brings my awareness into the present moment!
Posted by: christina on September 20, 2005 11:45 AMKeri - I admire you and your husband so much. I think you're right about the revolution of dance (or any creative expression!); I've often wanted to burst out singing to muzak (in the store, or wherever), but have been too much of a 'good little girl' to do it. Your boldness is inspiring. Now I just need to do something about it!
(I'm sorry about you losing your kitty.)
That's a fantastic idea! Good luck at the festival! I'm crossing my fingers for y'all!
Posted by: toni on September 19, 2005 11:14 PMthat's so cool! the idea of everyone dancing on the street! and so sweet this is happening for you guys! look forward to hearing all about the whole experience! have a blast!
Posted by: jan on September 19, 2005 11:08 PMas a dancer, I have always been aware of the joy that takes over the body once you let go and get lost in movement. dance used to be such an integral part of everyday in communities and tribes all over the world (and remains so in some places) but we no longer view dance as accessible, as a necessary daily ritual... oh, imagine if we did.
I love the idea of dancing on street corners! right on, man.
Posted by: andrea j on September 19, 2005 09:52 PMHey, check this out: http://www.mobile-clubbing.com/
you might find it interesting. They've been dancing in the streets for a long time now, organizing silent parties all over the world. I've watched one of these in a Tel Aviv boulevard and it was sooo beautiful and funny and moving.
That's life, isn't it? The good and bad all mixed up together. That's wonderful news about the dancing film – and of course sad news about your cat. But 17 years is a damn good age for a cat, I must say. I'm sure Doobie (great name) had a great life.
Recently my husband and I did a little dancing and singing in public, but the goal was to emabarrass my 13-year-old niece who was visiting us for week in Toronto. Heh. It worked like a dream; she was mortified.
We really should dance in public more often, though. Very freeing.
Posted by: patricia on September 19, 2005 07:36 PMHow exiting about the film festival! Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm looking forward to reading more about the experience.
I love your journal page too.
Posted by: Dawn on September 19, 2005 06:56 PMI live in Santa Cruz, and there's a guy who often dances on corners, in medians, etc. I love to see him - he makes me smile. Congratulations about the film.
I'm so sorry about your kitty. I'm glad he had a long life and went peacefully.
Posted by: dona bumgarner on September 19, 2005 06:31 PMKeri, I am so very sorry to hear about Dooby's passing. It's always sad to lose a beloved. (It's something I have never gotten used to.) They come into our lives with their enormous personalities and give us a kind of grace, that fortunately, stays with us. May his spirit soar.
Dancing--What a wonderful idea. I think you're right, it could be revolutionary -- I can see a world of people connected to the exuberance/joy of life, wouldn't that be something?
I am visiting just miles from Palm Springs right now but must leave in a day and will miss your dancing, how disappointing. Please do let us know how we can can get a copy of the film. Good luck at the festival.
All the best to you,
Theo x
Andrea told me about this - how exciting & wacky!!
Posted by: Swirly on September 19, 2005 01:32 PMDude that is one of the coolest things ideas. So freeing and happy and full of life.
And sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved pet...
Posted by: Ali on September 19, 2005 01:28 PMoh...the loss of a cat that has been with you for ages, I understand completely. Mine has been gone for 3 years now and I still miss him terribly. I am very sorry for your loss.
May your dancing bring you joy and maybe I'll do a little over here in New Mexico to raise the joy level up a bit!
I'm so sorry about your cat. Both of mine are near that age and I don't know how my life will be defined when they are gone.
I think the "oddity" of dancing in a public space in that way is very culturally defined. I see it happening often (along with loud singing) in my neighborhood, which is predominately African American.
Posted by: Theresa on September 19, 2005 11:08 AMthis reminds me of that expression which i agree with
"if there is no dancing at the revolution i'm not coming"
i am very sorry for your loss... isn't it weird how good things can happen (i.e. film festival) even amongst the bad, when you're open to it? i'm usually not open to it, so i don't receive the good part. i admire you for that.
Posted by: adele on September 19, 2005 10:25 AMKeri, I don't know if you've been to Palm Springs before, but when I did, I found they'd named their streets after rat-pack era movie stars -- wacky in an endearing way.... I hope you guys dance at the corner of Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope drive :-) Highlights for me were visiting a cactus garden, driving out in the desert to take photos of dunes and wind turbines (they have fields of them!) going to Joshua Tree National Park -- all kinds of Dr. Seus trees and wild, sand-blasted desert terrain -- stunning! Nothing like Toronto. Oh, and The Best key-lime pie I'd ever eaten at a place called California Pizza Kitchen. Have fun....
I had a recent bout of dancing to the sounds of a bongo player with some people who were dressed in animal costumes up on stilts, at the corner of Bay and Adelaide....I wish there were more moments like that in this town, it was great!
Posted by: shera on September 19, 2005 09:52 AMKeri,
I am amazed at the conversation on your site in the last two weeks, and your grace and honesty in dealing with it while making an enormous transition of your own. Thank you for your willingness to share your heart with us. I can't even remember how I found your site, but reading it helps me connect to my own heart, and my own art.
Thank you for being a voice of beauty.
Arlia
Hi Keri! I'm very sorry about your cat *hug*.
I'm enjoying your blog very much. I see you've been writing for quite some time - I wish I could start from the beginning and read forwards, not missing a single blog, but I think I may have to make-do with dipping into each month...! I shall check back soon though,
Catherine x
Posted by: Catherine on September 19, 2005 08:27 AMSome the best fun I've ever had was dancing in public with my friends. We were in a carpark with the car's doors wide open and the stereo turned right up. So. Much. Fun.
Posted by: Sophie on September 19, 2005 07:55 AMCongratulations on the dance succes! Can't really relate to the cat, I'm allergic. However, we found a dead rat yesterday, but he was never a pet.
Posted by: eliane on September 19, 2005 07:31 AMHi Keri!!
Sorry for your cat.
And Congratulations for the short film!! I hope you have good luck in the Festival. I read the article in the Sacramento News and Review and it sounds great. I hope we have the opportunity to see the short film...maybe in the web?
G'day Keri
Just had to drop in and say thanks for sharing the story of your husband's dance experiment - I am inspired - perhaps we could start a chapter in Australia. But it just wouldn't be the same without the whole snow atmosphere and clothing adding to the drama.
Hi Keri,
I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. I have a very old kitty too and I dread that her time will come soon. I can't imagine life without her so my heart is heavy for what you must be feeling. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Kristin
Posted by: K. on September 19, 2005 03:24 AMHi Keri,
I like your farmer's market drawing. When I lived in Monterey, I went to the Farmer's MArket every week and felt as you, that everyone is happy at the market. California produce is so fresh and delicious!
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your cat.
. . . oh your kitty . . . so sweet that you got to be with him for so long . . . that he went on through in such a gentle way . . . til the two of you meet again :)
. . . and the film sounds so cool . . . please tell us how we can see a copy of it? I would lovelovelove to see dancing like that . . . I used to try and do it when I lived in NYC but I never lost my self-conscious edge . . . oh to do it with abandon . . . :)
Posted by: katherine on September 18, 2005 11:52 PMKeri,
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved cat. I'm a huge cat lover and refer to mine as my children. A few years ago, I lost one ... I was so devastated. I scoured the Internet for support groups ... just someone to talk to and to let me know I wasn't crazy for feeling the amount of grief that I had inside of me. So, if you need someone to talk to ... feel free to e-mail me. I know exactly what you're going through.
Best Regards,
Heather
Keri, I read about Doobie's passing on Jeff's (and Mike's) blogs and thought how sad that must make you...to have that happen so quickly after you left. So very sorry. As for the dancing, I think it's fabulous that the film was picked up by the festival. I hope you'll document your performance in the streets of Palm Springs (a film about dancing to promote the dancing film?) ;) I've only been to P.S. once--decades ago--but it struck me as a pretty uptight place. It'll be interesting to read about your experience there. Good luck at the festival!
Posted by: Marilyn on September 18, 2005 08:52 PM