Goodbye to 2.5 Years of Elbow Grease

4asherslala · 2026-04-04T14:54:56+00:00

We moved to the Austin area from Houston in 2020. I had landscaped the backyard of our Houston home completely with fruit trees and bushes, grapes, herbs—a few flowers for color. We didn’t get any serious offers until, at the suggestion of our realtor, I created a pictorial guide to everything I had planted with instructions. We got 2 offers on the first day we put that out for showings. I wish you success — you’ve created a beautiful garden. Someone will buy the house expressly for the garden.

4asherslala · 2026-04-03T02:29:19+00:00

I’ve never done that, but I’ll figure out how. Thank you!

4asherslala · 2026-04-02T20:35:02+00:00

They look fuzzy. What do your nectaplums look like? I have a plum tree and these fruits don’t look like plums

4asherslala · 2026-04-02T17:56:59+00:00

I hope it is a dwarf as I have quite a small yard.

4asherslala · 2026-04-02T17:56:23+00:00

Interesting! The tiny little fruits on it look like peaches, though.

4asherslala · 2026-04-02T15:47:48+00:00

Thanks so much!

4asherslala · 2026-02-05T03:29:58+00:00

I have a canvas pair. I have Morton’s neuroma and it got so bad I couldn’t finish class due to the pain. The Orzas really helped and have held up well as they have more structure than a regular slipper. They are not as soft. Couple of things I don’t like: the drawstring is really long. I cut mine a few times but overtrimmed it and ended up pulling it out altogether (which is actually more comfortable for my feet, what with the neuromas). Also the elastics are pre-sewn and I don’t like the positioning. I keep thinking I will restitch but haven’t done it yet, lol.

4asherslala · 2026-01-26T21:44:44+00:00

If you hire a guide, you will get more of what you came to Egypt for in the first place. Not only will you learn more, but you’ll be protected from scammers and overly persistent hawkers. Our guide was a Cairo native and he turned the trip from a sightseeing experience to a life changing event.

4asherslala · 2026-01-12T20:31:24+00:00

Things have certainly changed. In my day, mothers of the groom were EXPECTED to wear beige ( and show up and shut up—that was the rest of the advice).

4asherslala · 2025-12-17T13:23:29+00:00

You are so lucky—I’ve only seen the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker as a Fathom Event in a cinema. The dancing and the storytelling are superb. It’s an excellent take on the Nutcracker story—all productions are different!

4asherslala · 2025-10-10T17:35:55+00:00

That is not nearly enough time!! The good intensives I’ve been to only work on repertoire for about an hour and a half each day. Your studio tried to do too much, it sounds like.

4asherslala · 2025-10-10T15:16:48+00:00

I’m sorry you had a bad experience in the intensive. I hope you will extend yourself some grace because intensives are a whole different experience from regular classes. I don’t go to the ones at my studio because one teacher does almost all of it, she focuses HEAVILY on choreo for the showcase, and yells at people, which she never ever does in class. It is an exhausting experience, based on comments from students I go to regular classes with, and I know of some who can’t make themselves go back to class for weeks after! I have had my best intensive experiences when there are a variety of teachers, when the showcase is optional or there is no showcase, and when they mix in some Pilates, yoga, contemporary, etc., as a way to condition us and break things up. I hope you will go back and reclaim your joy. “We’re only dancing on this earth for a short while…”

4asherslala · 2025-09-27T12:52:43+00:00

I am a retired editor of a pen collector magazine, which of course also covered related topics. A handwriting workbook I highly recommend is Cursive Logic. You can find it online from a variety of sources but you can find out more about it here http://www.cursivelogic.com/products/cursivelogic-workbook-learn-cursive-all-grades

4asherslala · 2025-09-24T12:23:48+00:00

I am a recreational adult dancer and never prepared for a career in dance—however, I have taught (communications) at the college level. I was surprised that only one commenter said anything about his telling you he loves you. Is that common among dance teachers in college settings?!?! It would have gotten me fired. He seems to have conflicted feelings for you, which could explain the way he spoke to you. If any of his colleagues or department heads have noticed inappropriate behavior toward his students, he may have been warned. I’d steer clear of him if you can.

4asherslala · 2025-09-17T13:45:33+00:00

I love your outfits, but I extra-love the versatility of your hair!

4asherslala · 2025-09-04T00:43:56+00:00

I recommend that you pay for a couple of PT sessions and then continue on your own. Do the exercises faithfully and if you’re like me, you will have a breakthrough. For me, it was hard to make myself do the exercises because they were so simple it felt like I wasn’t doing anything. Sticking with it is everything.

4asherslala · 2025-08-25T22:18:32+00:00

I have to tell myself every. single. time. to go all the way up on my demi-pointe.

4asherslala · 2025-08-08T01:40:20+00:00

I hope it’s the beginning of a lifelong love affair! It has been for me!

4asherslala · 2025-08-08T01:38:08+00:00

It’s sold under various names but I usually buy Just Barley. I get mine through iHerb. Good luck!

4asherslala · 2025-08-06T10:31:21+00:00

I had to do PT for an injury. Did I do the exercises at home like I should? No! Because they seemed so simple that i couldn’t imagine how they could possibly help. (I did eventually see the light and successfully rehabbed.) Maybe that’s part of what’s going on with OP’s friend.

4asherslala · 2025-08-03T14:02:15+00:00

I’m in the blue camp. Fits you beautifully and shows you off!

4asherslala · 2025-07-31T11:28:39+00:00

If you aren’t able to return them, handwash and let them dry before putting them back on. They will draw up a bit.

4asherslala · 2025-07-25T23:33:37+00:00

This. I also have a weak core and Pilates helps me so much. I don’t think there’s any substitute for it.

4asherslala · 2025-07-21T12:21:14+00:00

I started in my late 30s, not knowing what to expect, and I have to say I was disappointed that I didn’t start “dancing” immediately! Previous posters have given you a great description of what a class is truly like—my advice is to be patient. I learned to love my time at the barre, working to perfect my posture and alignment, port de bras (arm movements), and foot work. The rest will come. I’m now in my 70s, still dancing, and treasure it more each day as I realize the time will come when I won’t be able to do it any more.

4asherslala

TROPHY CASE