To my mother, to my brother.

 

One year ago, on November 21, 2011, 2:19a.m. at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California... the woman who gave me life left the world to enter the Kingdom. She is currently walking on streets of gold - where I can't wait to be.

It's an understatement when I say that I can't wait to have a full family again. In the meantime, I'll enjoy and make the most of this one short life that I've been given by my Creator...

To my mother, to my brother: You are loved.

"...I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations." ~ Isaiah 60:15

Exactly last year...

They say that time heals all wounds. Unfortunately it's not just time. It's what you do during that time that will allow wounds to heal. Time by itself is not enough... ~Billy Lewis

Photos from last year's Thanksgiving gathering at Mercy.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

passion. love. art. youth.

One day left until Prelude Urban Dance Competition Series in Hayward. All these late night rehearsals, sleepless nights, worn out bodies, aching muscles, and hard work will finally pay off. Countless hours spent in the dance studio taking the time to perfect each detail for our set. I really could not be anymore thankful, blessed, and proud to be in Press Play let alone call them my second family.

There is just something different about this performance (personally). It's not just any other show. We've done many big shows together, but something about this one really makes me want to leave my heart on that stage. It's been a challenging year; not only for me, but also for our group. With all the losses and having to adapt to all the challenges being thrown at us simultaneously, we've managed to stay solid - never forgetting our roots, and always remembering why "we do what we love and love what we do". None of this would be possible without the

One who gave us the gift of dance in the first place. For that, I'm so thankful.

This Saturday, I've decided to dedicate my parts of this set to my mom. With her one year anniversary coming up on November 21, it would only be right to. Without her support, her encouragement, her willingness to give, I would not be where I'm at - let alone dancing on that stage this weekend. From day one at age 14, she signed me up for classes with Jason Magsuci and since then, I've never stopped dancing. My curiosity grew. And that curiosity led me to Press PLAY. From her willingness to pay for monthly tuition, to letting me stay out late for rehearsal all throughout high school, watching my performances, supporting me in all that I did with Press PLAY, I know I'm beyond blessed. Ready to share this talent with those who are willing to watch. And I know I wouldn't have been here if it weren't for my Proverbs 31 woman.

At a young age, God gave me an amazing opportunity to enter a world full of different people that I've grown to love. From the start, to us - and even to my mom - Press PLAY didn't offer just dance training. It came with a strong leadership, a focused mindset, an endless imagination, members who were (and still are) willing to learn, and enough chemistry, work ethic, and support to keep going for a long ways to come... It never stops here.

Words can't even begin to explain, so I'll show you through movement instead... G.U.I.DANCE (God, U, and I DANCE)

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.." ~Psalm 30:11

A quiet moment of awe at 3am.

Before the moment passes and it fades a bit from memory...

I am so grateful for each and every one of the people that helped plan, organize, do the labor, find the place, clean, etc for my Mom's one year anniversary party. It was great to have every one do the work and not only that--do it joyfully! Do you know how hard it can be to have people do things joyfully? I am thankful! In awe of how smoothly things were able to run. None of it would be possible without

A) Prayerfully planning (Thank you, God!)
B) People doing the work

So thanks!

In the month of November, I quite forgot 'tis the season to count your blessings (Well, every season is the season but let's not be literal for a moment to enjoy the literary phrase), so join me as I begin counting once again!

It was a great night, I'm sure Desiree or someone will post photos later.

Thanks to everyone who helped and attended in person or in heart!

Expect a Miracle!

-Liana S.