A Chakra Path to Sensuality Through Belly Dance

Hello Readers!

I know it has been quite a long time since I have posted to this blog, and I apologize. Do not fear, however! Simply because I have not been posting here does not mean that I have not been writing! Of late, I have been working on my graduate thesis, conference papers, editing manuscripts for others, as well as writing articles. One such article, I'm excited to say, was just published to the premier issue of the fabulous periodical, Sensheant Magazine! This magazine informs people about and promotes healthy sexuality and sensuality for women, and is an amazing new project.  Digital copies are FREE!

The lovely women with Sensheant were kind enough to feature my article, "A Chakra Path to Sensuality Through Belly Dance", an article based on a workshop I had taught and which combines many of my passions. I'd strongly recommend downloading your FREE (need I say it again?) digital copy of the entire magazine, as it has incredibly pertinent information throughout. Get in touch and let me know what you think!

"Pas de Deux"

While still an undergrad student at the Macaulay Honors College, I had the privilege of studying under poet Nicole Cooley (author of Milk Dress).  Of the poems I wrote for her class, she had said this was her favorite. I enjoy it because it is a sonnet, which I think mirrors and enhances the structure, poise, and beauty of ballet, the poem's subject. Let me know what you think of it!

"Pas de Deux"

by Veronica Spettmann

Sounds of his faintest footfall on hardwood;
his rapture binds his body to the space.
Focusing, his support is understood
when she approaches him with perfect grace.
Together, sinuous and strong, they weave,
becoming a single body and mind.
She trusts him with a faith he can't believe;
they let the music put their fears behind.
Their muscles twitch beneath spandex and silk,
their costumes crinkle as they do their lift.
It looks as if they dance when they just walk;
the smell of dripping sweat is their prized gift.
Another day is done: their romance ends -
tomorrow they will stitch their love again.

Published first to this blog: January 6, 2014

"Bill"

Happy New Year, One and All!

I have some very exciting opportunities unfolding at the onset of this year, 2014. I am publishing a couple of works to this blog in preparation for one of those opportunities.

This piece, "Bill," is a short story I wrote while studying creative writing in Greece in 2010. I had the privilege of studying with author George Crane (writer of The Bones of the Master: A Journey to Secret Mongolia). He told his students to write a complete short story - beginning, middle, and end - in as few words as possible. My chest swells when I remember how much he praised my story. I hope my followers will enjoy it as well as it came from the depths of my heart. I wrote it less than a year before my Opa, Bill, passed away, and I find the story has even more meaning to me now that he is gone. Please feel free to leave your feedback, good or bad.

"Bill" 

by Veronica Spettmann
 
     It's sad when those you love grow old and feel themselves dying. Opa died four years ago with his wife, though his facade is strong. He confided in me recently that he wishes to visit his roots in Germany. He hates traveling, but I think his desire to see it once more is stronger than his distaste for the size of coach seats.
     "May I go with you?" I asked.
     "I might not come back."
     I know he does not mean he will like it so much, he'll move there. Maybe saying good-bye to roots is easier than saying good-bye to the ones that love you.
     "I'll stay with you."
     He smiled because he knew I meant, "I will not let you die alone." Sometimes, I remind him of his wife. It makes him cry. I am honored to look like her.
     Tomorrow we embark on our journey to the old homes and hangouts of the Spettmann's and the Ritterbach's. I wonder how long we'll be there.


Published first to this blog: January 6, 2014