Happy World Hoop Day!

(Marietta Center for Advanced Academics) MCAA Rocket---Some of my awesome hoop dance students

This picture was taken a couple of days ago at my very last hoop dance session with a few of the MCAA students. I will so miss seeing them on a weekly basis. As part of our last class, we successfully recorded their entry to the World Hoop Dance project:



It's not the entire choreographed dance, but this clip represents a major accomplishment on their parts---they had a relatively small amount of time to practice and learn the routine. They should be SO proud of their accomplishment, because I definitely am!

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!!!!

I went to Random.org and plugged in the numbers. Congratulations to Taylor Oviedo---she won our grand prize package, and Natalie Shaw is the lucky recipient of the smaller prize package. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Are you following me on Facebook?

Since my last blog entry was over a month ago, one might get the impression that I've been letting Alphabet Hoops-related activities slide into obscurity. That is SO not the case! I'm working on so many hooping-related projects that I'm beginning to wonder if I've completely gone over the hooping edge.

Hoopnotized products are available here.

As I work towards getting my various hooping projects ramped up and ready to go, I have slowed  down on blog entries, but I am making frequent updates to my Facebook page...and Twitter. So if you miss my regular posts, please join me on Facebook.

(And don't forget to enter my hooping gear giveway! The drawing is next week!)

The Blind are Also Color Blind

I do NOT have the rights to this image. This is the source. If you know where I can purchase a print, please let me know.

This is one of my all-time favorite photos. I first saw it in college when sifting through old magazines for a research project. (Judging from the dimensions of the page, I'd guess it was a Life Magazine. However, I've always remembered it as being Time Magazine.)

I haven't been able to verify any of the details, but  a post on the Internet, states that the photograph was taken in 1964 by LA Herald Examiner photographer Doug Wilson at Disneyland, during an event for the Foundation for the Junior Blind.

Apparently, Lyndon Johnson bought a print for the White House. I would love a print, too, but can't find one for sale anywhere. (Sad side note: The photographer, Doug Wilson, rode his motorcycle off a cliff and died not long after the photo was taken.)

My heart stopped just a little

My heart stopped just a little as I pulled into Laurel Park behind a TOUR BUS yesterday!!!! I had a lot of hoops but not *that* many! I was so relieved to find that the bus was for another event. Many, many thanks to the much smaller group of guys and gals who hooped with me! I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. I look forward to our next get-together!

Hula Hoop Giveaway!

Each time you attend an Alphabet Hoops-sponsored hoop jam, your name will be entered to win a custom adult- or child-sized hula hoop (a glitter tape color of your choice + black grip tape)!

Drawing will be held at the final hoop jam in either September or October (TBD). You do not have to be present at the drawing to win, but you DO need to include contact information so that I can reach you!

And, on a related note, did you see the Marietta Patch article about our inaugural hoop jam earlier this month?

Next hoop jam is Sunday, July 31st!

Free hoop jams at Laurel Park in Marietta, Georgia!

Do you live near Marietta, Georgia? Then please join us at a free hoop jam twice a month Sundays, 4 - 5:30 p.m. at Laurel Park! Check here or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AlphabetHoops) for date announcements.

Our very first hoop jam is Sunday, July 10th at 4 p.m.!!!

We'll set up near the three large trees in the center of the huge field opposite the tennis center. Bring your own hoop or use one of mine. I'll also have a limited number available for sale (adult sized are $30 each; kid sized are $15 each).

UPDATE July 9, 2011: Laura Roinestad, Baila Hoops Hoopnotica-certified instructor, will be at the hoop jam! (Visit her Facebook page for information on her adult hoop dance classes! https://www.facebook.com/BailaHoops)