Better

A couple of faithful readers have emailed and called to see how I am doing. I am a bit better, though really had been knocked for a loop by the usual ailments. I finally was able to go to dance class on Saturday, knowing I would be taking things very slowly and planning to stand in the back. Well, this plan usually falls through because after the warm-up, I usually go to my dance bag for my water bottle and take a swig--whereupon, everyone grabs a space in the back. So, there I am in my Melodia dance pants, my burnt-velvet hip scarf, my green choli and white tank top underneath, my body feeling like it is eighteen million years old, and I must stand in the front of the class, kitty corner to The Instructor. So, I decided to dance just to the level where I was able, and forget about being good (and oh, did it hurrrrtttt to move, especially my arms), and not think about what I was doing. But I know that if I can move enough, I can bring the muscle pain down to a dull roar, so move I did). After class, The Instructor took me aside and praised me! She said she was seeing a real improvement in my dancing and that I was relaxing into it and becoming more fluid. And this is a woman most thrifty in her praise--if she compliments a dancer, it means they've done superlatively. I guess I should stop thinking and start dancing more often.

But anyway, I am feeling slowly better, so I appreciate all the kind words.

Also, I got a call this past week from my alma mater. There is a chance I will teach again this Fall. I really appreciated the call a lot and will be talking to the department chair tomorrow. I don't know what they are looking for, except to teach freshman comp, but I loved teaching that class when I was getting my MFA. I haven't been on campus literally since my professor Harvey Birenbaum's funeral in 2005.