So yeah, I spun a little fire. It was only one fire poi and I kept it slow and careful. But hey, it still counts! This weekend, I shot some video for a professional fire poi spinner. He was amazing. When we finished the shoot, he let me spin one of the poi, until it burnt out. Audrey grabbed the camera and shot a few seconds of video, so we could share it with you. Um, yes. I want to do this again, with smaller, beginner poi--two of them. This one was pretty gigantic, kind of like swinging a flaming pineapple around. Fire poi, partially checked off my Life List. Now, to check off fire hooping...It will happen. (much to my husband's chagrin)


Amazing fire poi spinner dude

Speaking of checking things off the list--I spun poi in church a couple of weeks ago. I know that sounds weird, but we did this song called, "White Flag" and I spun my white, tailed poi. It was a pretty cool fit. Here's a pic:

You can kinda see the poi, if you look carefully.

And then, I played the congas and my UKE! (not at the same time)

sweet

The reason I mention this, is because it was the first time I did either of those things in public. (I'm not counting videos.) Here's the weird thing--I spent eight years on staff at this church. These people are family. But often, I was content to stay behind the scenes, filming or directing. There were a lot of times that I felt really self-conscious about getting up in front of anybody, because of my size. I was embarrassed. Um, hello--these people see you already, Shelli; it's not like they don't know... Silly, yes? Some of you know what I'm talking about.

Spark has helped me feel comfortable about putting myself out there, right where I am. I don't have to wait until I reach a certain goal, or look a certain way. I can share my journey. I can share any gifts or talents I might have. I can do that right now. It feels good. It feels authentic. I hope you're in a place where you can do that too. It's a pretty amazing thing.

Speaking of amazing, allow me to brag on my offspring for just a moment. Here is my 18 year old son, heading off for his first day of work at the grocery store. I'm so proud, I could explode. He has Asperger's (high-functioning autism). People told us, way back when he was in the first grade, that he might not be able to be independent, that he may always need someone to take care of him. Excuse me, but he drove himself to work that day. He still has a lot to learn, but that is a HUGE woohoo moment for my Manboy!!

Let's all agree to ignore the McDonald's bag he's holding, okay?

And Audrey was great in her nearly all-female cast of Robin Hood. She was Little John. This is what happens when you're the tallest in the class. There were two boys in the class, and neither of them wanted a big part. (They were a Guard and a Merry Man.) So, yes, Robin Hood, Maid Marion, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham--all girls. Too funny. Like reverse Shakespeare. Audrey's getting ready to start rehearsals for a nearly all-female case of Aladdin Jr. next. Yeah, she's Razoul, Captain of the Guard. Again, this is what happens when you're the tallest... But she's thrilled and that's what matters.


Girl Power Little John!

Okay, I'm through rambling for now. Spark ON!!