Tricia Deed - Blog Posts

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Kite Flying for Everyone

3/21/2019

April - Kite Flying Month

The month of April has been designated as Kite Flying Month because it is the first month of Spring and most people are ready to leave the winter months and dive into sunny warm days of fun activities for the upcoming months.

It’s Spring fever and the outdoor life is calling us into activity. Kite flying is the answer for many people who enjoy outdoor activities. Or you may have been doing your annual spring cleaning and discovered the kites which were tucked away neatly in the back of the closet.

Flying kites is a great way to visit your local beaches. The ocean water may be too cold for swimming, but the sandy shore and trade winds offer kite flying conditions. The grass is growing in many open fields and offer inviting conditions for kiting.

American Kite Flyers Association

More information may be found at your local clubs and organizations or at the American KiteFlyers Association kite.org/ which is the largest kite flying club in North America with 45 other locations.

Use last year’s kite or try a new style for this upcoming year. I have found many online locations which tell you how to make your own kites or you may choose to buy. It’s a fun project regardless of your choice.

Upon your arrival at your kite destination you will find all ages of people participating in this sport activity. Children, teens, young adults, and adults up to age 90 are busy entertaining themselves watching their personal creation or watching other interesting kites being flown by others.

Kiting Activities

People will fly their kites as a recreational activity for a day or two, on vacations, participate in kite festivals, attend clubs and organizations, or join competition contests. Most communities have local kite functions. Kiting is popular throughout the United States and International countries.

The impression I have to date is that there are more elaborate kites flown in International countries than in America. Kite flying appears to have originated in China about 2000 years ago; I guess this gives International countries a head start.

In my research the American Indians were the first peoples to use a kite. It was used to catch fish.

Why People Fly Kites.

Recreation and entertainment
An interesting alternative for surfing and skiing
Art and craft activity
Design and engineering
Performing
Relaxation
Competition
Challenge
No age limit
Meeting other people
Club activities
Affordable hobby
Family activity
Exercise

Read more about kites.

Building Models as a Hobby

2/21/2019

The famous robots of Star Wars

Building Models is Fun, Educational, and Entertaining

Building models is a lot of fun and is very educational, informative, interesting, and self-rewarding.
This activity is not restricted to children, adults can assemble their interests as well.

A model may be made of any type of material. Do-it-yourself projects are great for those with a keen sense of creativity and imagination. Make your model of choice from paper, Styrofoam, sand, clay, wood, metal, and modern plastic products.

Models may also be purchased. It appears that this is how most people get started. Models are available in plastics and wood. Children get a head start because they receive them as gifts for their birthdays and other special celebrations and occasions.

I remember my brothers and neighborhood boys receiving gifts of airplanes, cars, and ships. I had an uncle that specialized in balsa wood airplanes. Another friend of mine had interests in wooden ships and wooden ships in a bottle. Another acquaintance of mine has an interest in military figurines and plays war games.

Visiting model hobby shops or the toy department in many other stores will reveal that models are available in many different categories. There are rows and rows of boxed models to choose from. Adults returning to making models usually start with one of their childhood memories.

Here is a short list of some categories:

Automobiles
Airplanes, helicopters, rockets, space ships
Trains
Farm and construction equipment
Military machinery
Science fiction characters
All types of buildings
Sports figures and people figurines
Animals
Dolls
Puzzles
A wide range of accessories

Building models is not just for the boys and men. Girls and women can also assemble models.

When building models you may choose to build one or many, specialize, or build an entire theme or community around the model.

For instance building a train on a track is the beginning, but a theme of seasons of the year, community, countryside, or an industrial area may be completed by adding all of the other models and landscaping to complete the theme.

Building a doll house may be expanded into decorating the interior, and landscaping the exterior. Some people are happy to specialize and master one type of model. There is something for everyone.
Building models may be a solo or a group activity. Family members and friends may want to share the activity together. An individual or a group may be interested in joining a local club where they can share their interests and have fun with other people who have the same interest. If competitive you may wish to compete for prizes, ribbons, or cash rewards.

Read more about models at https://hubpages.com/games-hobbies/Building-Model-Kits-Plastic-and-Wood.

How to Use Acrylic Paints

1/29/2019

Tubes of acrylic paints and synthetic brushes.

Indoor and Outdoor Acrylics

Acrylic paints are useful for indoor and outdoor arts and crafts projects. This paint is very versatile, water based, available in large containers, plastic tubes and plastic bottles, and very affordable. It is great for people who are allergic or sensitive to fumes and toxins associated with oil or petroleum based paints.

The main difference between water and oil is that oil will wear better and last longer. Your choice of paint depends on the project and your allergic reactions. The argument for the different paints seems to be personal.

Examples:

Latex vs oil for interior walls of a house
Acrylic or oil for painting autos
Acrylic resin and acrylic enamel or oil base for indoor and outdoor arts and crafts projects.

When I first started to paint with acrylics I did what is typical of painting. I bought the student grade acrylics and recommended tablet paper, made sketches of portraits or landscaping and started painting. However, as you gain knowledge and confidence of painting with acrylics many projects come to mind and you wonder if acrylics can be used.

Types of Acrylics

Ink Acrylics: fluid consistency and used for pen and ink drawings and other fine detailed work.
Soft body Acrylics: light transparent effects.
Thick Body Acrylics: similar to the thickness of oil paints.
Student Grade: Bargain priced for students practicing their techniques or for hobbyists.
Professional Grade: Contains more pigment which makes it more expensive and is preferred by professional artists.

Any surface will receive acrylics. All types of paper products, wood, metal, clay, concrete, and textiles. If the surface appears in our physical world it can be painted.

Practice and experiment with different types and brands of these tints. You will discover your favorites for the different art and craft projects you are creating. These paints may be used alone or mix and match.

Limitations:

Thinning with too much water will damage the outcome. Too much water removes the bonding agent which holds the pigments together.
Acrylics are sensitive to heat, light, and moisture. Use various mediums, sealants, and primers to strengthen, add quality, protect from heat, moisture, mold, mildew, and dust and dirt, These additives may be purchased or made in your home or shop. There are many recipes available online.

Benefits of Primers, Mediums, and Sealants

Primers are used to create adhesion and uniformity. This should always be done to produce a quality product.
Mediums are available for adding more or less shine to the pigment, strengthen bonding agents particularly in water coloring, slow down or speed up drying times, and add texture to paints.
Sealants help to fix porous surfaces by sealing the surface of the protect protecting the art or craft project from environmental invaders. Makes for easier cleaning.

Read more about painting with acrylics at https://hubpages.com/art/Acrylic-Arts-and-Crafts-Paint-Projects.

Read about other hobbies and interests

Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument – Selecting Musical Instruments

1/15/2019

The piano is considered to be a percussion instrument.

Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument

As a child I took piano lessons and loved it. Until we could afford a piano I had practiced at our local church. Synchronized swimming was introduced to me and my interest changed. Later in life I took a few classes in drumming to understand assorted rhythms for my dance classes. While in college I selected voice lessons. I have always been surrounded by music or musicians for most of my life.

Listening, playing, singing, or dancing to or with musical instruments share many of the same benefits.

Improves memory
Improves coordination
Is relaxing and assists meditation
Relieves stress and tension
Become more focused and improves concentration
Able to be independent or work in teams
Helps with socialization and communication
Activates creativity and imagination
Become more disciplined
Builds self-confidence

I have found the above list to be true to my experiences and you are probably able to think of other benefits which you have discovered in your musical world.

A trombone and a clarinet are in the woodwind family.

Types of Instruments

Regardless of the name of the instrument or what country they originate from there are four categories.

Percussion
String
Brass
Woodwind

Playing an instrument can be accomplished at any age. As adults we usually know what type of instrument we would like to play. However, if in doubt piano appears to be the instrument of choice for both children and adults. By tradition the piano is considered to be the foundation or starting point.

The violin is in the string family.

Selecting a Musical Instrument

Music appreciation begins in preschool or kindergarten where students have hands on experience with various types of instruments.

A child watching the instructor play a piano or guitar to lead the group may be influenced to try these instruments.

Children enjoy blowing whistles; perhaps this is an indicator that children who enjoy whistling will be interested in woodwind or brass instruments.

Family members who play an instrument as a hobby or who are professional musicians will have strong influences over family members. The children who inherit genes for this endeavor have a head start created by nature.

The French horn, the trumpet, and the bugle are in the brass family.

Non-musical families

Do not be discouraged if you did not inherit family genes for music. You are still able and capable to take part in musical endeavors.

To find what instrument is best suited for your personality type; try these ideas.

Take quizzes which are available on the internet
Visit a music store where you can sample instruments
Speak with musicians and ask how they made a decision
Try inexpensive plastic instruments
Review videos
Parents observe your children's behaviors and guide them, however let the child make the final decision. Be prepared for your child changing his or her mind as they gain experiences with the different instruments.

Child or adult, it is not uncommon to try different instruments before making a final singular choice. Sometimes several instruments may be selected..

The doumbek, a popular Middle Eastern drumming instrument.

Personal Example

I selected the piano as a child
I tried a flute which my friend liked and discovered I did not have the lungs for it.

As an adult I sampled the guitar, but the steel strings cut my fingers.

Later I enjoyed the drums because I wanted to learn different rhythms. Because I have participated in Middle Eastern dancing I played the doumbek in order to learn the different beats associated in this dance art. Many belly dancers have joined drum circles to better their understanding of the different beats in order to enhance their dancing and to enable a more accurate dance display with musicians during live stage performances.. Musicians appreciate the professional belly dancers who have mastered the beats.

I am not a musician but I do respect people who have mastered playing one. The main importance of your selection is that you love it and you enjoy it.

Are you having problems selecting a musical instrument? Learn more about instruments here. .Are you interested in other hobbies? Click here.

Are You Shy? Try Belly Dancing

1/8/2019

Belly dancers in a parade.

Remove Shyness

Most people know if they are truly shy or not. But, when you are considering belly dancing classes and unfortunately you hear negative comments, your shyness shines brightly. Belly dancing is exactly the type of dance which removes shyness.

Shyness is removed because:

There are physical, emotional, and spiritual changes

Build self-confidence
Build self-esteem
Build self-worth

Building self-confidence is acquired from knowledge. There is much to learn about this dance art and it is with this knowledge that you are able to enrich others.

Self-esteem is recognizing your personal accomplishments. For me this dance seemed natural and with practice it seemed easy to me. However, to many women it is a difficult dance to learn. Others find it challenging. However, when you have accomplished or mastered the movements and rhythms you know that you have accomplished the rewards of perseverance and you can take pride in your accomplishments.

There are many misconceptions about this dance by those who do not understand.or lack knowledge. They are missing a great personal adventure of wonderful experiences.

The professional dancers in this industry are performing artists. They bring an uplifting and positive status to belly dancing. Accomplishing being a dancer in this industry is a part of your being and self-worth.

Lose Weight

The movements used in this individual dance style requires focused attention in order to execute successfully. This brings attention to the body and how it works. The physical movements help the individual to lose weight or firm their curves.

The student notices the physical changes in her body and confidence emerges with these changes. Negative self-image is removed with positive proof of figure changing benefits and she feels better about her female body. Self-confidence emerges which in turn changes mental attitudes, emotional problems, and spiritual renewal..

Dance Partners

There are other arts and crafts projects which partner with the dance movements.

Music appreciation - Learning the rhythms of Middle Eastern music to become a well informed dancer and to allow other styles for variety.
Musicians - be a part of the band playing drums, flute, guitar, or specialize in Middle Eastern instruments e.g. the oud.
Costuming: Some people prefer to make their costumes. The many sewing techniques offer challenges in addition to the basic sewing techniques.Costume designing for professional performers.
Hair styling and facial cosmetics - Preparing individuals for stage performances and videos.
Jewelry making - Beaded necklaces, hair ornaments, bracelets, arm bands, earrings, rings, and foot wear.
Writing and choreography - This is a creative outlet for those with imaginations or enjoy recording. Trade magazines welcome articles.
Performing - Both profitable and non-profit performances are available. Become show promoter.
Photograph and video filming - Amateur and professional dancers are always wanting these services.
Import, export business, or being a vendor.
Middle Eastern cookery and baking. Catering cultural parties and events.

This list is what I know, but, there are many other arts and crafts activities which support this dance interest.

Women are Unique

Women are very inventive, imaginative, and creative and these are three of many reasons as to why this dance removes shyness.

Read about the sensual art of this dance.

How to Collect Coins

12/11/2018

1994 Gold Walking Liberty coin encased in plastic for protection.

December is the month whereby I take an inventory of accomplishments, activities, relationships, health, finances, and whatever else needs to be inventoried in order to set my plans and goals for next year and a five-year future. It is a good month to review, reevaluate, and analyze in readiness to start refreshed and full of energy to execute new plans starting in January.

One hobby which may be of interest to many of you is coin collecting or numismatics. Anyone can start as this hobby is as simple as being mindful of your pocket change. One necessary investment will be books which help you to identify collectible coins and their value.

This hobby can start for as little as a penny or you may choose to purchase a collectible coin which is affordable for your budget.

Research Before Collecting Coins

Before you spend any amount of monies on this hobby, read any available free materials that you can muster from the Internet and your local library. Another good source of information would be to join a local coin collecting club. Its members are very helpful.

Beginners need to learn how to store and clean their coins as well as learning about certification and grading of coins. Much of this can be confusing in the beginning and numismatic members can be helpful sorting out details.

Coin Purchases

Do not spend any monies on any coin until you acquire knowledge or beneficial purposes for buying it. After you purchase that coin; do not spend it. It is to be kept as a collectible. As the years pass that coin may be worth ten or a hundred times more than its face value. At its worse a coin is always its face value.

Examples:

Non-collectible coins may be better used for their metal value. Silver has value and like any other commodity it will vary with the market trend. It can be a difficult decision if you need to choose between collecting or melting. My advice in solving this dilemma is to follow your intuition or gut feeling.
Some coins have value as a roll. A roll of coins of any denomination may have increased value. A roll of dimes is $5 but depending on the year, mint, un-circulated or circulated condition it could be worth thousands of dollars.
Some coins have value because the collector has placed a value on it.
You love it.

Knowledge is Key

Knowledge is the key to your collection decisions. Coin collecting requires constant learning. The downfall with this hobby is that it can become addictive. Decide on a budget and do not let it consume the majority of your time.

Read more

To learn of other hobbies read

The Wonderful World of Travel

11/20/2018

Holiday Travel

Special holidays or celebrations have thousands of people traveling to see their loved ones, friends, or selected geographical locations. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two heavy traveling days of the year. Many families wish to see out-of-state family members or friends.

Traveling will enrich you with memories of adventure, exploration, peoples’ culture, geographical wonders, and more.

Beach travel is popular for everyone who enjoys water activities.

College Breaks
College breaks have students traveling to selected areas for pleasure or returning home to relax from studying, catch up on sleep, and visit neighborhood friends.

Many people enjoy the sun, surf, fishing, snorkeling, shell collecting, looking at bikini clad women, and building castles and various figures in the sand.

Fall Foliage

Fall foliage can be viewed starting in Georgia and traveling northward. The western coastline of the United States and Alaska is also beautiful. If you like foreign countries try Canada, Italy, Germany, China, Japan, and Russia. Do your research to be sure that your travel dates will agree with nature’s calendar.

I had some friends who went to Egypt dressed and packed for warm weather. It snowed. This was totally unexpected. This is a lesson in checking on the weather report. It would be beneficial to check with tourism guides to be sure that the foliage will meet your expectations.

An example of this is California. The massive fires have ruined many of the scenic drives.

Activities and relaxation for every age group are available around the clock.

Ocean Cruising

Cruising is popular because of its convenience. Pack your bags, get to the ship, board and enter your room. It’s done. The cruise will supply food, shelter, and scheduled entertainment. If you wish, you may choose to select your own form of entertainment by sleeping, relaxing, meeting new people, swimming, walking, or jogging.

Traveling is enjoyed by everyone because you are engaging in your favorite activities.

Do you want more information about traveling. Click here.

Belly Dancing - Sensual Essentials: Ebook or Paperback

11/7/2018

Belly dancers having fun performing at a community event.

Performing as a Group Builds Confidence

Not all students of this dance perform. Many women enjoy this dance for the personal growth experiences that they gain.

This dance has been in America since the 1950's; 50 years have passed and thousands of American women have praised the positive qualities of this dance activity.

Many of us have praised the physical benefits. There are just as many mental, emotional, and spiritual gains acquired, but never really spoken publicly. This is part of the mystic and sensual calling of this dance.

Until you try it, you will never know of its benefits for your body, mind, and soul. It's more than fun.

Tricia Deed

Tricia Deed, like many other women, have taken belly dancing lessons and faced controversy when telling her friends and family that she was taking an interest in this dance.

There were different responses or attitude changes which made her feel uncomfortable. But, being the adventurous person that she is, she went ahead and took lessons.

In the classroom she met many different women from different lifestyles who had also faced the same issues. But after learning what this dance has to offer women; it mattered not.

Women who live in non-belly dancing communities or a bible belt region meet with negative responses when considering this dance. It is because of one student that this book was written by Tricia Deed. She chose Azizi, her instructor, to be interviewed because of her many years of teaching and performing experiences.

A Gift for any Holiday or Special Occasion

Azizi is your guide to becoming a better belly dancer and a confident person behind the costume.

Looking for a special gift for your belly dancer?

Get a head start filling her Christmas stocking with an Ebook or paperback version of "Belly Dancing - Sensual Essentials" available at Amazon..

"Belly Dancing - Sensual Essentials" will help you or the gift receiver to improve their dancing as they gain a greater knowledge of sensuality.

Ideas and solutions are available in easy reading format to help beginners who may be shy or feel awkward about taking belly dancing lessons.

It is also an excellent guide book for instructors to recommend to students or "thinking about it" individuals because of the negative information which surrounds them when they mention to their family or friends that they want to take belly dancing lessons.

The information in this book will also help active belly dancers understand their struggles with their feminine identity. Azizi offers solutions to these doubts and concerns.

Azizi, a professional belly dance instructor and performer, is the source of information for this book drawn from her experiences of many years in teaching Middle Eastern dancing. Azizi has taught night club or cabaret styles, ethnic, and folkloric dancing.

"Belly Dancing - Sensual Essentials" is available at Amazon. Purchase your copy today. The Ebook is currently selling for $3.99 and the paperback version for $7.95.

Need more information?

Contact: Tricia Deed at email tricia_deed@yahoo.com

Stilt Walking is an Adventure

11/5/2018

A Stilt walking Memory

This little girl is using the same type of stilt that I learned to use.

The other day I was sitting with some friends and we verbally walked down memory lane.

One of the memories which we talked about concerned stilt walking. This was an activity that many of us enjoyed in our youthful years. This was a favorite outdoor activity in our neighborhood.

Stilts were not available in department stores. Our fathers made them out of wood. Stilts can now be purchased in department and toy stores for children.

The children and adults who enjoy stilt walking today work with aluminum/steel stilts which are made for workers.

But for those who are willing they will take the time to maker their own from wood.

Types of Stilts

Drywall stilts are popular for beginning stilt walkers because they offer more stability for balancing.

Or perhaps the character which they are portraying is not very active and the person on the stilts will not need to work as hard maintaining balance by using the drywall stilts.

There are 6 other stilt styles used by other types of workers as well as stilt walkers who are entertainers.

These are peg stilts. To maintain balance a person needs to constantly be moving. This person is a clown practicing his juggling act. He will change into his clown costume for showtime.

Interesting costumes conceal the peg stilts and Canadian crutches. Some people will design their own style of crutches and stilts.

The next two styles of stilts which walkers use include the peg style and Canadian crutches which are used for arm extensions especially when representing four-legged characters.

The peg style will hold the body erect and will require the operator to constantly move in order to maintain balance.

When representing a four-legged animal or creature the body needs to bend forward from the waistline. The Canadian crutches are worn on the arms permitting the operator to balance and support the bent body.for walking and other active movements.

Young girl practicing with her spring stilts.

The spring type of stilt is used by the more athletic and advanced stilt walkers. The characters which are used are those which do a lot of running, and jumping. Science fiction characters are a favorite for these stilt activities.

The type of character that you are portraying will wear stilts suited to its character traits and activities.

Examples:

A walking tree: drywall stilts

A clown: peg stilts

A mythical character: spring stilts

Stilt walking Activities

As a hobby, you can entertain at outdoor activities, such as parades, street festivals, and special community events. Children enjoy this style of entertainment at birthday parties. There are many more other types of outlets available for the hobbyist. Just tell people that you are an amateur stilt walker and you will be invited to their special parties and gatherings.

Do you want more information? Read Stilt-Walkers: Athletic Hobby or Career

Are you looking for other types of hobbies? Visit our Hobby list

Belly Dancing Is Addictive

10/24/2018

Azizi posing for a shot of her red Turkish style costume.

Belly Dancing is Fun and More

Do you still find yourself wanting to learn more about this dance. I would say you have become addicted just as I did.

What is it about this dance that holds us spellbound?

These are the possible reasons for our fascination:

How about it’s just good fun and nothing more?
Our social life has improved with new friends who share the same interests.
Weekends have seminars and workshops and belly dancing entertainment activities.
Improving our relationships with others.
There are belly dancing clubs to join.
The challenge and enjoyment of making costumes, jewelry, and other belly dancing accessories.
An outlet for photographic and painting skills.
An outlet for arts and crafts
Learning to play instruments. The most popular appears to be drumming.
It has helped with weight loss, improved physical appearance, energy, and stamina.
A person’s mental and psychological outlook changes.
Getting to know your true self.
There is no conclusion to this dance, therefore it is an ongoing interest with variables.
Discovering womanhood and being comfortable with our gender.
Understanding and becoming comfortable with our feminine body.

Part-time or full time income or business opportunity.

The sensuality of this dance is how each woman feels about her self. It builds confidence, self esteem and self worth. Feeling beautiful is important to our feminine image.

Sensual Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is a sensual dance because we use all six senses to experience the essence of its musical rhythms. The music encourages the body to respond using our senses to follow the sounds from the different instruments and rhythm patterns.

Our hip, shoulders and belly areas can shake, roll, and quiver. These movements respond to drum beats. The drum beats invite the physical body to respond and mark the beats in unison. It relieves any minor aches or pains by warming and stretching muscles to release aches and pains, and tension while renewing and charging the body with energy.

The wind and string instruments invite the body to move with slow and deliberate hand, arm, abdominal, chest, and hip movements. The dancer is exercising her body performing slow motion stretches while interpreting the message or story of the musical piece.

The musicians tell their story with sound and the dancer illustrates the story with movements.

Designing and participating in choreography is a lot of fun. Performing a precision movement fills each dancer with pride and accomplishment of some difficult movements.

Belly Dance Addiction

We become addicted because this dance gives us pleasure, energy, clears our thinking, relieves aches and pains, and renews our overall spirit for living. It is an overall do it yourself of disciplined movements which beckons us to continue. It becomes a part of our life style.

Read more

Read more about sensuality in the article ...https://hubpages.com/entertainment/Belly-Dancing-is-a-Sensual-Art-for-Women.

Or visit for more information about “Belly Dancing – Sensual Essentials” written by Tricia Deed.

Photos used under Creative Commons from dustpuppy, Chris_Parfitt, dustpuppy, Arya Ziai, infomatique, Base Camp Baker, Yutaka Seki, Maurits Verbiest, eastmidtown, mattbuck4950, rumpleteaser, Glyn Lowe Photoworks, exfordy, TipsTimesAdmin, GabboT, David Cifuentes ( FotOh! ), Natja K., SupportPDX

Tricia Deed - Freelance Writer Published eBook Belly Dancing - Sensual Essentials Email: Tricia_deed@yahoo.com Pin it code for images on weebly