These pictures were taken on October 10th. Almost all of the leaves are gone now.
My legs are sore and my body's weak but it's great. Last night I danced the night away like Cinderella. I FINALLY got to salsa to my heart's content. My friend Michelle coaxed me into going and I did. I didn't wake up until 1 p.m., got ready to go in to my internship for four hours and locked myself out of my house, paid a locksmith $58 to get back in (he just slid some hard plastic between my door and the doorjam), and went to the internship from 3 to 7 p.m. I had dinner with Michelle and I needed to let off some steam.
I was getting twirled this way and that, getting lead to do what my partner wanted me to do (now turn, this way, no that way), and I love it when I dance with a firm partner. Since salsa is a submissive dance, the guy leads so if he doesn't know what he's doing, it pretty much sucks.
I can't wait to turn my pumpkin into a sparkling carriage again and go dancing. Viva salsa! hehe.
Oh yes, I finished my obiturary assignment and this time I had fun with it. You can see how my imagination gets a little crazy sometimes.
Erika M. Bailey, who was a salsa queen and won consecutive state championships for 40 years, died Thursday night at the age of 105. Bailey died at her home in Denver, Co., while watching the popular TV show, Joey. The dancing machine danced her way into everything she did. She also changed the world of salsa and created new dances that are now staples of the dance. She took pride in her work and wanted everyone to learn salsa. No matter the age, weight, or race, she would not stop until someone did her dance at least once. Everyone has rhythm and salsa brings it out of you. Come and salsa your cares away with me!, Bailey once said while standing in line at the post office ready to mail a package. Described as a perfectionist, caring, strong, passionate, fun, loving, independent, Bailey had a way of getting people to join in the fun. Photography, web design, graphic design, and basketball were other interests she had. Bailey was born in Orange County to Jeane and Clifton Watts. She was graduated summa cum laude in photojournalism at Harvard University, where she met her husband, Dougie Bailey. They moved to Denver, Co. the following year. From 2012 to 2052, Bailey won several awards for her salsa dancing abilities. Bailey is survived by her husband, Dougie, and her daughter, Alex Berry of Florida, and two sons, Troy of New Hampshire, and Joe of Washington. She has three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Friends may call from 12 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Forest Grill Chapel, 760 Forest Grill Avenue. The funeral will be held at 10 p.m. Tuesday at the Forest Grill Chapel, with Pastor Tim Bagwell officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Grill Cemetery. The family requests the memorial contributions be made to the Salsa Dancing for America Foundation or to the Denver Dance Troop for a scholarship in Baileys name.