Caroleeena's Circles Of Joy

Using Performance to Help People with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

By Caroleeena February 23, 2014Dance, health, mental health, Performance2 Comments

I recently sculpted a fire performance for a group of 80-somethings. For this performance, I chose happy songs that were popular in the 30's & 40's. I did this because I know many of our elders are affected by Alzheimer's and/or dementia and I have read that familiar music from when…

The Miracle Of Healing Kittens

By Caroleeena February 16, 2014Gif Story

Thanks to the loving care of no one I am no longer sneezing and aching but for three days I breathed like this I had pretty much given up on breathing through my nose People kept saying, “See a doctor!” but I already saw the only doctor I could afford but…

How My Valentine’s Day Is Shaping Up

By Caroleeena February 14, 2014Gif Story, Uncategorized

Well, it's that special time of year again...the hell that is Valentine's Day. You'd think that a holiday that celebrates and would be super but, instead, when you're uncoupled it's more like So instead I planned a big Valloween Party! A dress up party for all people, coupled and uncoupled, with…

Ruminations Upon Making A Tutorial Video

By Caroleeena January 29, 2014Poetry, Tutorial, Uncategorized, Video1 Comment

Organize information Turn on camera Forget information Turn off camera Review Turn on camera Stumble over information Drop hoop Run out of battery Replace battery Talk Bird starts talking too Cat knocks over recycling cans bat - pat - rat tat tat tat Bird breaks into song Badly Loudly Stuffy cat…

My Day in Gifs

By Caroleeena January 19, 2014Gif Story, Uncategorized

So, I have been sick for a few days and it's really getting on my nerves. I am taking steps to take care of myself but I am still sick even though I have been eating fruits and vegetables I've been taking hot baths to ease my body aches and help…

How to Break Down, Describe, and Name Hoop Moves

By Caroleeena January 3, 2014Dance, hoopdance, Hooping, Movement, Uncategorizedhoop journal, hoop teacher4 Comments

One challenge of keeping a hoop journal is figuring out what to call a move and/or how to describe it. It's also a challenge for hoop teachers. Hopefully these tips will help. I try to start with a short metaphor or analogy for the name (lasso, stir the pot, infinity, beam…

Nutrition for Flexibility

By Caroleeena September 9, 2013Food, health, nutrition, Recipe, Uncategorized3 Comments

If there was one thing I learned in gymnastics, it was that eating the proper fuel for our body can greatly increase our flexibility. Before Stretching: Thirty minutes to an hour before I stretch, I eat a big plate of leafy greens with vegetables or fruits, usually in the form of…

A Restorative Yoga Sequence for Hoopers and Dancers

By Caroleeena August 31, 2013Dance, Hoopdance, Hooping, Movement, Poi, Yogalengthen spine, stretch, yoga, yoga for hoopers

After a lot of hooping or dancing, or even sitting, my spine and all the muscles around it feel compacted. This yoga sequence helps me stretch and lengthen and loosen all those core muscles and lengthen my spine. It's very restorative. I recommend it for everyone but especially for hoopers. 20…

My Hidden Hoopdance with Agoraphobia

By Caroleeena August 5, 2013health, Hooping, mental health6 Comments

Agoraphobia has been the biggest challenge of my life. I've never said that out loud before. The outside world is unpredictable. You never know when or where something terrible will happen. I know this from experience. It's not safe out there. I prefer to stay home, in an environment I have…

Chilled Strawberry Beet Soup with Macadamia Topping

By Caroleeena July 18, 2013Food, health, nutrition, Recipebeet soup, chilled soup, eating for energy, power food, strawberry beet soup

When it comes to eating for color, you can't beat this dish. It contains three reds--beets, strawberries and tomatoes. Your cutting board will look like you murdered someone. (Don't be afraid.) Need energy and nutrition but don't have time for a lot of work? Try this delicious, low-calorie, high-energy, vibrantly colorful…