nyc with mom

Day one of mom's visit was consumed by our dancing/Broadway Blessing event. Which you can check out the vid on my previous post.

Day TWO: Included Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Batman movie set, WTC (no pictures from WTC sorry)...

Andreas proud of the Norwegian Copper used to build Miss Liberty.

After leaving Liberty Island and Ellis Island we stumbled upon the set of Batman!

Day THREE: Included Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, Junior's, Central Park, and WEST SIDE STORY! (guess which part was my favorite?)

Galavanting around Rockefeller Center.

Lunch at Grand Central Terminal, followed by us devouring delicious NY style cheesecake at Juniors.

Forever21 in Time Square, had a pretty impressive advertisement display, which included pre-recorded model's taking pictures of people passing by on the street in real time? Crazy? check it out:

This was the pic I took of the huge display screen. That's us in the pic she's holding!! (and a few other street walkers....)

Finally....

Yeah!

Day FOUR:

Which I don't have pics of got even more exciting....

My mom and I rode bikes around Prospect Park.

Andreas and I went to work at the cafe, and then the TORNADO HIT!

While at the cafe the winds suddenly picked up, the sky went black/green, and rain was falling horizontally. Trees were down on almost every block! Fortunately no major injuries, except for one death :( Weather experts said with absolutely no warning it's amazing that there weren't more casualties.

Day FIVE: We scurried over to Brooklyn Bridge Park before my mom had to fly off again.

At Brooklyn Bridge Park

This was the crazy line waiting for some famous Grimaldi's Pizza, located under the bridge. There's ALWAYS a crazy line for Grimaldi's! Side note: girl in pink shirt - NOT me. haha.

Needless to say the week was very eventful. After working at the US Open for two weeks, then the eventful week with my mom I was tired. :) Work has been up and down, last week was a very FULL work week, but this week has been extremely slow.

Last weekend we did make it up to VA for the weekend for Libby's wedding so many some pictures soon for that too!

A call to prayer - Hezekiah

What if??

What if America was never meant to have “freedom of religion” but FREEDOM OF RELATIONSHIP with God. The only religion that exists…that can honestly support and be based on that kind of lifestyle is the one that serves the Living God. Israel…Judah…they were not to be a place of “Freedom of Religion”, but meant to be a place that represented a chosen people. CHOSEN. Chosen by LOVE. Love: A foundational building block in the creation of humanity was the love of the living God. The Abba - Father. He gave us freedom of choice, so that we may CHOOSE Him!! So that we could choose Love, something that always renders from choice.

Hezekiah, a king who did right in the eyes of the Lord, “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. ” 2Kings 18:4

This was no place of “freedom of religion”, but a place to live in the freedom God offered to his chosen, now which has been revealed as the freedom in Christ extended and granted to all peoples who choose Him.

Hezekiah was a man who did right in the eyes of the Lord. Now what are we doing? We need to be living lives of integrity. Like Hezekiah, we need to be living lives that have full trust in the One and Only: Living God. Placing our lives in the hands of the King of kings, the Lord of Lords, who promises to His chosen one’s, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples of earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-2

I’ve heard a saying, “…America, the most powerful nation on earth.” I don’t believe America will much longer be the most powerful nation on earth, unless do as was commanded to the nation of Israel through Jeremiah, “Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, ‘Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your fathers’ But you have not paid attention or listened to me.” Jeremiah 35:15

I know…our forefathers of this “most powerful nation” meditated and pondered upon the scriptures of the Bible, when they came up with the idea of a “free” country. A country that could live in the kind of freedom that God offers us, the freedom to love him, the “freedom of relationship” with the Living God. Not a freedom to be abused, or used for selfish desires and false gods.

Not only America but peoples of all nations, may we strive to turn from our selfish ideas, selfish agendas, and our gods. May we put our full trust in the Living God, and seek truth – through the word of God and the Holy Spirit – day and night. May our heart’s desire be turned to the God of mercy and grace, the only one who is worthy.

I believe we need to do as Jeremiah said, and “each of us need to turn from our wicked ways”. If we stop long enough to listen to our heart of hearts, it won’t take long to recognize the “wicked ways” we’ve been living out. We all have made mistakes, and it’s God’s grace that allows us to turn and live with hope and true freedom. Occasionally someone needs another person to point out what he/she is doing wrong, but a lot of times it doesn't take long when we actively chose to be introspective. Be introspective and recognize where our guilt roots from. God is not a God of condemnation, but of conviction, because he is a God who offers a way out: forgiveness (when we choose to change). Why not take advantage of this freedom of relationship he offers?

In addition to continuously placing our trust - our faith - in Christ and being introspective with our mistakes – our sins -, we need to act, we need pray, we need to verb. Verb: a word used to describe action.

Recently God's really been burdening my heart to pray for Christian leaders to rise up in all spheres of society (in government, education, church, science, family, economy, arts & communication). The other night, I had an inkling that we need to pray for leaders to rise up from the coming generations, especially political leaders, who will be like King Hezekiah. Hezekiah “…did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. …There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.” 2 Kings 18:3& 5b

We need Godly leaders. We even need Godly leaders in politics, especially in politics. Let’s pray! (not only for Hezekiahs to rise up in America, but worldwide!) I'll be praying through out the week for Godly leaders, but especially on Mondays. You can do as you feel lead. Whether it's praying in your car on your way to/from work, on your way to the store, at home in the morning/evening, fasting food/music/tv/etc., whatever way you feel God leads you to pray for Godly Leaders to rise up!

more from sex+money

In '08 during my Transformation for the Arts school at the UofN, I did a research paper on sex trafficking. Specifically young girls being sex-trafficked. It took me into a sad world, but a world where some how, some way there is hope.

Many organizations, individuals, groups, even celebrities are getting on board to the fight against the human sex trafficking industry.

During my research I found the following song: Constance by Mr. J. Meideiros

"Sex+Money" represents a group of people who - after having traveled around the world and discovered this profane and alarmingly huge issue - began a journey around the US with full efforts directed to bring this appalling industry to an end.

On YouTube they have been posting webisodes of their journey towards making a film.

You'll hear the song Constance in their latest webisode:

Here's a special note from the team I received last week and thought I'd share:

"The post-production phase for Sex+Money is still moving forward! The "rough-cut" will be ready in October, and the final version (90 min) is slated to be released in January. We are also planning our 50-State Promotional / Distribution Tour for Spring 2011; if you would like to have a screening of the film in your area please let us know!

The film right now is at a financial crossroads.

We urgently need your help to continue working on the project. We invite you to partner with us this week in making a tax deductible contribution."

(for more info: http://www.sexandmoneyfilm.com/)

Brooklyn to Bronx to West Village

This past weekend...

Brooklyn: Friday night: We were extremely grateful to attend Swell Season's free concert in Prospect Park (again a part of the Celebrate Brooklyn BRIC concert series). Swell Season is the band made after the movie Once was such a hit - by indie film standards. (check out their most popular song "Falling Slowly" on Youtube.)

For those of you who haven't heard of Swell Season (or the movie Once), go check them out. Glen Hansard (lead male vocalist) is extremely passionate about his music, and it spouts out with great force through his vivacious vocals.

The Bronx: Saturday afternoon (July 31: Declared: National Dance Day by So You Think You Can Dance's Nigel Lithgoe):

After weeks of being in the home land of bboying/breaking, and Andreas not finding any fellow bboys....finally Andreas found online a breakdance jam happening in the Bronx. Old-skool breakdance revolutionaries from the late 70's and 80's put on the jam and were the honorary judges. The event included a three-on-three battle, and a single bboy cypher. Three bgirls did show up for the 3-on-3's which was pretty cool to see some bgirls represent. ;)

Andreas didn't plan on "competing" but decided last minute to, and got 2nd in the cypher. :)

It was a free event, and great to hear some of the "fathers" of bboying sharing the history of breaking in the Bronx and at St. James Park (a park located in the Bronx where bboys used to meet up back in the day to jam).

West Village: Saturday evening:

We were invited to the Marivaldo Project's show at SOB's in West Village by Marivaldo himself. Marivaldo is part of the famous rhythmic "off Broadway" show STOMP. He has his own band: Marivaldo Project that is influenced by the musical culture from his home country of Brazil! He rocks out on the bongos and other percussion, with trumpet player, bass guitarist, electric guitarist, a female vocalist, and another guy from the show STOMP rocking the drums. It was great to dance, enjoy the music, and we even were invited backstage to hang out with the band between sets. Thanks Marivaldo for letting your warm culture generosity/kindness shine through by making us feel so welcomed! :) "This is how we do it in Brazil!!" -Marivaldo (bringing on the beats and the fun.)

Back to Brooklyn: Sunday:

Sunday was the lazy day of the weekend. :) We went to church, chilled with our new friends from church, and I also chilled with some dancer friends aka my "Flatbush Friends" (Colleen and Sonia) ;)

Next weekend...We may be going to enjoy the musicality mixing of DJ Q-tip. Also to a little YWAM "Alumni" get together in Manhattan. updates to come...

Me very seriously (haha)...reading a book about Modern dance in the train to or from a class at Alvin Ailey...

A weekend in Brooklyn

(Image taken by Andreas at NY Philharmonic
Orchestra concert. Location: Prospect Park)


Two nights ago (Friday), we enjoyed the musical entertainment of NY Philharmonic Orchestra for free! This was part of their Concerts in the Park series events. This particular event was held at Prospect Park. Following the orchestra was a fun display of fireworks. Quite the pleasant experience as THOUSANDS gathered in the park for this event! :) (You can visit about.com for a list of similar concert events going on in NYC area: here)

Yesterday (Saturday), was a bit strange and slow. However we did enjoy going to the Farmer's Market at Grand Army Plaza (Prospect Park) for some DELICIOUS yellow and white nectarines. :)

Today (Sunday), we - for the second time - visited "Church! of Park Slope" for their Sunday service, we think we may continue to attend this church.

Over all, a fairly eventful, yet relaxing weekend.

This week we will continue to take classes at Alvin Ailey. Which is very exciting and inspiring to be able to attend classes at such a renown studio. (Sidenote: Ailey will be performing in Central Park for free this coming Fri and Sat)

Music to check out:
Addison Road
Chasen
Gungor (<-- VERY good)
Audrey Assad

what's up Park Slope NY

(Park Slope: our new 'hood) :)



So this is just a quicky (I hope), to share a bit of what's going on over here in NYC - from miscellaneous fun things to work and training.

We moved in on Sunday, June 13th. (with my dad's help - thanks!) Into our fantastic apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY.

Shows! (and some miscellaneous fun)
We've been enjoying a lot of free shows at Prospect Park near our apartment. A concert series called "Celebrate Brooklyn" put on by BRIC. (We even were able to see a few dance performances at this venue: like itutu and zvidance).

We've enjoyed the extremely diverse culture's that live here in NYC, celebrated through watching the World Cup! (Congratulations to Spain!)

We attended Broadway in Bryant Park - last Thursday (concert series started July 8 and will run through mid-August). We enjoyed watching snippets from the Broadway shows Nunsense; Promises, Promises; In the Heights; and STOMP!! :)


DANCE
In the beginning of July the world renowned dance company: Alvin Ailey performed at Brooklyn's BAM theater. We were so blessed to be able to attend and see their famous "Revelations" piece!!! :)


We've been joining with ProjectDance every Wednesday night, with their company "Atmosphere", for a time of prayer and dance.

Through our connection with ProjectDance we were invited to see Broadway Underground in action at the B.B. King Blue's Club. Extremely inspiring!

From June 21-July 1 we each bought a "5 Class Card" for Broadway Dance Center and each attended five great classes there.

Now we are hoping to attend other fantastic studios in the area such as Mark Morris, Alvin Ailey, Steps On Broadway...for drop in classes. We hope to continue to take drop in classes at various studios, then we may attend a dance program at Broadway Dance Center for 6-9 months starting in October 2010.

WORK
I've applied to a few positions via craigslist and other website ads. Mostly positions in dance studio operations/administration. I haven't gotten any call backs. Preferably, I would like to work in operations/administration for a dance studio or a theater. God knows best though, and although I'm being vigilant, I want it to ultimately be in His timing and hands.

Andreas has posted on craigslist and fliers around town, that he will help people move for a hourly fee. He has gotten one hit from that, and hopefully more inquiries will come!

We are praying and asking God for creativity and ideas in how He wants to provide. Thus far, God is good, and we've been provided for every step of the way. :)

OTHER STUDIES
I've been slowly, yet steadily making my way through three books. I'm thankful for the self-discipline in studies I acquired through homeschooling (hehe). As I've thoroughly been enjoying studying through the following books:


*click on the titles see info on the books on Amazon.com (images from their website.)

Teach Yourself Norwegian (Book + CD)












Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology











Theatrical Design and Production

He is steadfast...(do I got that yet?)

Journal entry from Dec. 23

Psalm 59:17
¨O my strength...¨
-- God is his (David's) strength. Capitol ¨S¨pointing out divinity, strength for life is not something man can do on his own. David is and we are dependants. We have to choose to be dependents on God, because it's not such a forced action, yet it is O so beneficial!
(side note. being dependant is not always such a bad thing contrary to what a high percentage of media communicates.)

¨...I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortres...¨
-- Fortress. God was David's fortress. and can be ours. Is mine. I can run to God for absolute safety, uncomparable peace.

¨...the God who shows me STEADFAST LOVE.¨ (emphasis added)
-- O how sweet assured and promised love is! Especially in a generation that has mostly only witnessed weak and a small quantity of commitment. As a married woman...I gotta tell ya, assured and promised love is so much healthier when you look at your life as a whole!

What are all these pieces_ _ _

What is this blog all about? Over a year ago, in a program I was in we had what we referred to as 'Artistic Projects' due weekly. It was a way to process our thoughts and teachings for each week, the project would be due on Friday's. I feel that it did indeed help me process, also to keep me grounded. I'm hoping to use this blog similarly as 1. an outlet for weekly 'artistic projects'. Nothing too fancy and in all shapes, forms, and sizes. You'll see...hopefully.

I do not plan to limit the blog to only that. 2. Occasionally there should be quite random entries, or should I say things sorta 'to note'. A picture from what Andreas and I are doing. A video clip I found interesting. etc.

Also, inspired by King David and God, some psalms may turn up on here... Not necessarily from the Bible, but 3. Psalms of Tammy. Like in the previous entry.

There you have it people. Puzzle pieces of my life coming together in one spot, can you see the bigger picture?

Be inspired.

This week's project was to just get this blog up. I made the background print and sidebar print. The HTML coding is a little rough as I used a alternative website and tweeked some things to fit me better. Enjoy