Memorial Day Weekend Flamenco

It was a busy weekend. My fantastic flamenco instructor, Lourdes Rodriguez stopped by the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch to watch the flamenco shows with Mosaico on Saturday Night. I got some great photos with the Mosaico musicians and a few with the dancers, Yumi “la rosa” and Lolita. We had a great time.

On stage with Mosaico at the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch

With my FABULOUS flamenco instructor, Lourdes Rodriguez

Hanging out with the Mosaico Musicians: (from Left to Right) Simon Ames – Bass, Emerson Laffey – Percussion, Ioannis Goudelis – Acordian & Piano

With violinist Allen Ames

On stage with Yumi ‘la rosa’ & Lola

After the show with Chris & Lourdes

Monday Meltdown

Well, it’s officially HOT in Phoenix. I keep thinking I might have some time to sit, relax and enjoy a nice glass of lemonade in this madness of a summer heat, but I feel as if something else always comes up and my schedule goes into maximum overdrive. It gets challenging to keep up with everything. I’ve heard it said that “busy is good”, but, I had what I’ve chosen to entitle Lena’s Monday Meltdown. I was on the way to the grocery store and began sobbing uncontrollably. I know I was being irrational; however, I just could not get a grip. My weekends tend to get quite busy and they sometimes feel so overwhelming… dishes at home pile up, the bed isn’t made. Nothing seems in order… topped with a long dance day… looking ahead to a busy week, a busy month ahead, the list…. Oh, it goes on and on. I would love to sit in a whirlpool, have a nice cup of warm tea and watch the sun set. Screw the lemonade… THHHOTHO

Magnificent Chicks!

I got together with two friends of whom I worked with previously; Michelle & Chris. They are both doing wonderfully & it was so awesome getting together with them and catching up. One friend is a graphic designer extraordinaire & my other friend who used to be my boss is an amazing marketing director, manager… anything. Both women are exceptional human beings and talented, business-savvy individuals. As I sat there, I thought, “Magnificent….” I felt so honored to be sitting and sharing my time with them. One hour soon turned to three hours and it was beginning to get dark outside. I never thought that my previous job would provide me with so much wealth – as I see these ladies have had a huge influence on the way I manage my own business as a flamenco artist. I was quite taken aback as I sat there and came to this realization. On a separate side note: I don’t frequent Paradise Bakery & Café often but, I have to say their Ham & Brie Panini is quite impressive!

Cool New Ring Tones!

Brand New CBJ Ring Tones!!!

Song	Download	Price
El Mar Mediterraneo		$1.99
Rosas Rojas (Tangos)		$1.99
Eastern Eyes (Bulerias)		$1.99
Ringtone store powered by iSOUND.COM

For additional information on Chris Burton Jácome please visit:

www.chrisburtonjacome.com

Lena’s Total Body Workout Recommendations

I get asked often about my diet & my exercise regime. My husband suggested I add a disclaimer to this so I will. But, before I do, I thought that I might share some personal dietary information with you. I call my diet, marriage. Yes, that’s right, marriage. Now, I am happily married and since I’ve been married I’ve lost weight and for the most part, kept the weight off. Did I anticipate this? No, not at all. But, what I do believe is that when a person smiles and laughs more somehow things will fall into place. I believe it is important to surround yourself around people that make you feel good. I have a lot of different friends. And overall, they are generally positive, upbeat individuals. I notice the more I enjoy the people I am with the more I attract other enjoyable people into my life. I’ve also noticed that as I’ve matured and have gotten to know myself better, the quality of the relationships in my life have improved. In addition to this, I try to drink a gallon of water a day and I do my best to stay away from sweets (as recommended by my chiropractor). I try to have a salad at least four or five times a week and I know if I increased my vegetable intake I’d probably have more energy than I do now, but I also have to say that I enjoy taking naps as it is one of my favorite hobbies. So, I guess it all balances out…. I suppose the flamenco dancing takes care of my exercise regime. Oh, the Disclaimer: Please seek the counsel of a medical practitioner before incorporating any of the above recommendations as it has been proven by the medical community that they are smart and know what they are talking about…. Unless, of course, they are wrong, and so then their suggestions are not recommended.

Labor in the 4th Degree

Dakota Dragon

Dakota

So I was hanging out with a friend for lunch yesterday and we starting talking about babies, you know, the brand new little people with the soft skin and cute expressions. The conversation took me back to the time when my younger sister gave birth to her now almost four year old son. I was in the delivery room with her. Most of my friends had told me it would be a magical experience, “It’s the miracle of life!” My sister was in labor for about 26 hours or so & it was the most traumatizing experience for me!! I thought she handled it very well. I was nauseous, dizzy and wanted the whole thing to just end. “Put the woman out of her misery!!!” Some of that day is blurred… a survival mechanism, but I remember thinking very strongly that day: I will never impose this kind of deliberate pain on myself… Do I feel terrible saying this, “No.” Why? Because I’m not ashamed to admit that the entire experience scared the living hell out of me. Don’t get me wrong, I feel very privileged that she even wanted to share the experience with me & my nephew is cute & his skin is soft and… well you know, the adorable expressions…. I mean just re-telling the experience to my friend got me flustered. It’s left quite an impression on me…. for life.

Calo Flamenco “Por Sentimiento”

Excerpt from the original production, LEVANTO. CALO FLAMENCO, based in Phoenix, AZ, is the rising star in the U.S. flamenco scene. This dance and music ensemble keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its Broadway-styled presentations. Following the themes and elements of this traditional art form, CALO FLAMENCO’s unique and entertaining presentation style has gained critical acclaim from the press and audience members alike.