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Posted: Since I posted my first post today, I just thought I should introduce myself instead of lurking silently , smiling affectionately in the corners of HoP...
My usual name is Andrea, though I am sometimes called Rowan by those who know me well... other names at other times and places...
I live on a gorgeous little island on the west coast of Canada, surrounded by beauty and more than a little adventure... I attract the bizarre, though i dont feel all that bizarre myself. Nick once described me as female flypaper for crazy people and I guess I would have to say that is true! But most of them ( the crazy people ) are friendly! One friend says I should warn people not to go out in the woods with me late at night- the risk of alien abduction occurring is apparently gazillions of percentages higher !eek:
But I am sure the aliens are friendly too , so no worries. ;-)
I got into Poi a few years ago when I was walking a downtown eastside alley in Vancouver and started seeing all these brilliant tracers down the end of it. Thought man, good drugs, then realized I hadn't taken any...Yikes! It was Nick filming for one of the COl vids... We met, but lost track of each other shortly thereafter. It took me another year for my life to settle , and we found each other again and began some poiing together here on the island.
I was doing some Shamanistic studies at the time, working with the element of fire. So I spent a year on that element, dealing with all aspects of it, and to a degree learning to play with my fears.
The aspect of poi that appeals to me most is the challenge of perfecting three dimensional mandela images all around oneself... It feels amazing as you bring them towards symetry and harmony!I find it meditational, to run the energy as well as spin.
Then there is the funny side, spinning these silly toys around, more often then not bonking myself in the head, tangled in some kind of insane bondage rituals, and fighting off the kids who want to play with my adorable fuzzy penguin poi...
I also love to dance poi, really be free and just dance, but most often save that for the private moments deep in the forest or alone at the beach,( one notable exception being a christmas naked fire spin with MK beside the hot tub!)
In general I am quite shy, and take a while learning new moves(eternal thanks to those of you who have had the patience to teach me!) Unfortunately, I find much of what you masterful Poi beings write to describe moves to be unintelligable, so you just have to show me. Again, and again
I am many things, and none.Finding and inventing myself a-new right now after some recent disorienting life experiences. At least it's not dull! Have at various points been a herbalist,healer, dancer, a kaleidoscope designer, a jeweller , a gardener, and a translator... Lately started getting involved in relief work in Thailand. No idea what is next!
Things that make me happy- chocolate( dark only please, ) tango, purpleness, kisses, cuddles, whips, cats, feather boas , secret penguin conspiracies, stories of all kinds, smiles, plants and people. I love the poetry of Mary Oliver( read Flare, seriously, go read it now!) , Rumi, Rilke and Hafiz. I enjoy writing ; stories of my silly adventures, poetry, and assorted nonsense. I am currently working on a book of erotic crossword puzzles...
Movies, I love the English Patient, Strictly Ballroom,Like Water for Chocolate- I am sure there are others but I blank on them right now.! Sorry!
My favorite author is Jeannette Winterson( the Power Book is amazing!!!) , followed closely by Charles De Lint. I am a voracious reader and love discussing and/or debating pretty much everything!
People that have inspired me, too many,cant name them all!But must mention Nick, Oud, Vinod, Joe, Peter, MK, Andy, Zamir,Paul and many other delightful travellers that have spent time on my couch or in my web... I am honoured to know people with such inner beauty and more than a little talent!
I invite you all to come for a visit, spin some poi( please teach me! ) and join in the fun of this beautiful place. My world is simply magical: musicians, dancers, artists, healers, philosophers, clowns, mathematicians and mystics. You would be welcome.
Thanks for the amazing site , and I look forward to meeting those I have not yet met, kisses and hellos to those I have! be in touch, love and light Andrea
Posted: Kia ora from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Hows life in Canada..things here are very crooooozie, oozing with the natural throb of life... Peace, Huia. Mauao twirlers fire group Aotearoa.
Loving your life...loving your planet...loving yourself.
_Clare_BRONZE Member Still wiggling 5,967 posts Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Posted: Hellos!
lovely to meet you and welcome to Hop
Getting to the other side
BirdGOLD Member now available in "advanced" 6,086 posts Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Posted: Woah!!! Now THAT's an intro, I'm impressed!
Welcome to HoP!!
My state of mind is not yours to define!
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Posted: hey wow, ive never met another Rowan before dyu get the same grief as me, the 'isn't that usually a boys name?' and the old original 'row row row your boat' .....?!
Pink...?BRONZE Member Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured 6,140 posts Location: Over There, United Kingdom
Posted: Hello
Nice intro!!
So you like the colour purple (well you said purpleness)? Do you like pink aswell?
Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...
DuncGOLD Member playing the days away 7,263 posts Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted: That's one wicked intro!
My mates Mom is called Rowan too
Let's relight this forum
JauntyJamesSILVER Member Carpal \'Tunnel 3,533 posts Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Posted: y0! Congratulations, because I anti-hate you!!
I think that might be the longest into post I've ever seen.
-James
"How do you know if you're happy or sad without a mask? Or angry? Or ready for dessert?"
RyGOLD Member Gromit's Humble Squire 4,496 posts Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted: That's a wonderful intro post Andrea! Love your efforts in Thailand and appreciate you sharing the happenings (from the other post, Oud etc.) Warmest welcome to ya
Posted: Hi ya! Pink- uhhmn. How to put this delicately... Uhmn. Sorry, no. Kinda hate it a bit. But it is close to purple, and if ya squint, maybe... well, as long as no one makes me wear it! In fact, I have a few items of PINK things I would be happy to give you...
Lilune- Yeah, got the boy name thing a bit. But most who know me by that name think of the tree first...
Sparkey-Sorry for being the longest intro on record! Yikes! I Have to much time to think right now. And type. Must break free of computer
Bird- You are right! everyone is crazy! Now why didn't I realize that * wanders off, smiling, liberated from her futile search for the sane...*
hugs to you all
wherever you go, there you are
oliSILVER Member not with cactus 2,052 posts Location: bristol/ southern eastern devon, United Kingdom
Posted: hello
i just noticed your (excellent! ) intro, though id pop in and say hello
i wish you well in your search for the sane, in the meantime, i hope you enjoy the un-sane
Me train running low on soul coal They push+pull tactics are driving me loco They shouldn't do that no no no
newgabeSILVER Member what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls. 4,030 posts Location: Bali, Australia
Posted: Yes indeed hello and welcome. Your post on Thailand was a great way to introduce yourself!
Lots of time on the computer eh?!?! Too much!!! Oh dear, then abandon HoP immediately!!!!!!!! SO addictive, making new friends and following chats and controversies. I sometimes dip into the technical threads but like you I find any talk of antispin floral arrangements with hyperwrap double head jobs quite unintelligible. I am proably a crap spinner in any case, and a terribly slow learner, but I like it !!! I hope to do some travelling again int he next year or so.. maybe see you on your beautiful island!!
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
StoutBRONZE Member Pooh-Bah 1,872 posts Location: Canada
Posted: Hiya Andrea, yes we have met, I've been to your house, for one of Nicks retreats, back in the summer of 2003. I was the guy with that skanky blue van, the guy that painted hats for a living. ( the van is gone now, after 11 years of service, replaced by a shiny new red one, but it's still owned by firespinners )
whips, purpleness, feather boas?? do tell
We host a meet in Beacon Hill park every Sunday night ,,,feel free to drop by, it's everyone welcome. or send me a pm if you want to get together for a spin. I don't have alot of time this time of year, being tourist season and all but you can usually find me spinning in Bastion Square Wednesdays through Sundays,,,,most of the day.
edited to say " check us out on the web EDITED_BY: stout (1116682471)
newgabeSILVER Member what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls. 4,030 posts Location: Bali, Australia
Posted: And me, I'm 52 (and rising!)
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
Posted: David! I remember you! Fabulous to meet again...So glad the spinning goes well... I barely recall a skanky Van? Hmmn. How could I have missed that? I will definately find my way to a Beacon hill fire jam in the near future, as I think I am dating someone from there( Vic) . Well, not just think, I am !! but not sure if I will continue... ( as I am supposed to be marrying someone else in the near future;-)) That means most of the whip stuff will be kept private for just now, suffice to say I like the leather...
Boas however, I will enjoy with anyone! If fact, I shall wear one when next we meet ( I will keep a spare in the car just in case the occasion arises...) N will likely do a workshop here this summer, wanna join us? I'd love to see how you have improved . I am starting fire and drum jams here next month too! Wicked.
Newgabe, thanks again. Sounds like Thailand is also close to your heart? Do you go often? I am doing a presentation and discussion around the work going on there, and fundraising and development issues, tonight. Quite nervous actually,, wondering if anyone will come, or if too many and it will be a zoo! I am also feeling mixed up about even talking about some of the expereinces, since they are pretty intense, and my heart still hurts.
Here, it is easy to sort of take a break by being detached, but if I get into it I will have to feel it, and not sure I want to do that right now. I think I underestimated the effect that trip would have on me personally! It was full of golden moments, but on an energetic level very complicated some days.
Yeah, I might just have to leave Hop and break the deal before addiction sets in... Right now circumstances have me with time on my hand and feeling a little crazy with physical limitations, but normally I am never still long enough to be with my computer!
newgabeSILVER Member what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls. 4,030 posts Location: Bali, Australia
Posted: Hey Andrea.. I have only been to Thailand briefly and some time ago. But my son (Dave..*Knoxious*) and his mate (DImitri...*Fluid Druid*) go there a lot and know Oud well. Di went contact juggling on a Thai TV talent quest a few years ago.. as did some of Oud's Bangkok street kids... and they won! Bulk baht!!! Proving the value of training the kids to have another way to earn their living rather than the nasties that would usually be their only option. Di has been back to Kho Phi Phi this year to help clean up. ANd another freind of mine is involved setting up kindergarten and mosque and loos and other essentials in her husbands village in Aceh, so I have been following a few close to home stories about reconstruction...
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
Posted: Wow! I am so in love with your sons mate!(Dimitri sp?)
I met him( for around five seconds,well, okay a day or so) he was begging to be kidnapped so he could miss his flight, and I almost, almost, did! It really is a small world. I met him through Oud too, and another pal there, Jo. Great guys. I think I heard about the contact juggling thing from one of them too! Cool.
Strange to get on a site this huge and find so many connections. Some kind of semi-conscious synchronicity I guess.
I was so warmed by all the work people were doing to help. It was very beautiful! Lots of hard work going on, with the best of motivations. Compassion in action!
Do you spin with you son? Does he perform with Flame Oz too? That must be so much fun!
hope you are having a brilliant day! I am all set for my presentation tonight, so feeling more ready. A very cool belly dancer I want to work with says she will be coming tonight too, so maybe after we can shake things up with some serious tribal dance!
You mentionned Hop addiction... Does the abnormal fascination for the little moving emoticons Graemlins pass? I am hoping its just a stage... smiles, Andrea
wherever you go, there you are
Bubbles_SILVER Member Carpal \'Tunnel 3,384 posts Location: mancunian, United Kingdom
Posted: hey, welcome to hop! how did your presentation go? i have to agree with the whole, 'best intro' statement, it was really nice to read a post like that have a good night!
Disclaimer:im not responsible for what i say or do whether it be before,during and after drinking alcoholic substances (owned by BMVC). Creater of Jenisms(TM) Virginity like bubble,one prick all gone.
newgabeSILVER Member what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls. 4,030 posts Location: Bali, Australia
Posted: Sorry, Andrea, once the gremlins have got you, there's no way back!!!
Not surprised you're in lurve with Di!!! WHo isn't!!! Move over baby!!!!! Di is my adopta son... stays here in the summer and we hope he can make Australia his home in the next few years. Yeah, my boy Dave is a great spinner, also in FlameOz. www.flameoz.com has some piccies.. nice ones of Di too!
He's the tall one, often with red spikey hair.... they are somewhere crazy at the moment (Slovakia? Slovenia?) We just decided last night that my 14 year old daughter will go meet them in Ibiza in a few weeks so we're all a bit at the moment!!!
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
Posted: Hi LiquidBg! Nice to meet you, and thanks for the compliment about the intro...The presentation went well, small group but interesting people. It was emotional, but felt good to talk about it all with people who cared. Not as much progress on future development plans as I had hoped to start, but maybe that is just gestating right now... I am glad it is done.
I am off to the ferries to pick up a friend, Yipee! He is here for a few days, and tomorrow one of my favorite bands is playing, so much excitement and dancing ...
Oh, New Gabe, I am so jealous of the time you have with D! Can I come stay too? I will go to the site( drool) and get a visual on your son too... Trip to Ibiza sounds fantastic! Good night, and pleasant dreams to all ( note : none of the little gremlins snuck in this time! Quick, I must escape...)
wherever you go, there you are
RyGOLD Member Gromit's Humble Squire 4,496 posts Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted: So tricky when your intro isn't attached to your nick!
Soo mm.. Wednesday afternoon- today's a public holiday in Brisbane thanks to the Ekka, which is this big funfair event- rides, showbags, farm animals, lots of people dressed like ranchhands, and a cold bug which everyone who goes seems to catch..
Still. I bet they haven't got painted deer!
Trust this afternoon finds you well!
BansheeCatBRONZE Member veteran 1,247 posts Location: lost, Canada
Posted: RY! You found my thread! I forgot I even had it. Cool. I just posted in yours though, so not a lot to say right now.
This is Tuesday evening here, and I am a bit worn around the edges. Fraying...
Fun fair would be good.Hope you have a blast!!!
Fall fair coming up here, hokey but fun. I may enter a pumpkin in the contest, one of mine is quite huge and lovely. Apparently deer dont like the taste of pumpkin. Or maybe its size and violent orange colour is simply too intimidating?
Did I give you the word inchoate for your new list yet? And nefarious, I actually heard that word used by three different people, three different times today! Odd.
I wish my brain came with an off button.
hugs to you, thanks for finding me... xoxo a
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
RyGOLD Member Gromit's Humble Squire 4,496 posts Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted: mm..! I did notice the long lovely sex-in-the-salt-spring-city update post in mine.. thought I'd try to return the favour.. Gets a bit tricky when you're got an alter ego duplex personality
Didn't plan to go to the Ekka.. it was a bit too hectic for my own liking. And there weren't any crazy look-that-person-is-spinning-a-sock-with-a-ball-in-it types to go with.
So yes.. Wednesday afternoon here. Ended up doing a 20 minute before store shuts grocery dash, and managed to do a good $85 bill. About half a leisurely session.. not bad given the time constraints..
Inchoate.. yup... think you gave it to me. Still haven't ever used it spontaneously though.. it's one of those words I'm afraid to accidentally use wrongly and come off sounding like a snotty twat.. *checks to confirm definition*
Hey how do you like 'incipient'?
BansheeCatBRONZE Member veteran 1,247 posts Location: lost, Canada
Posted: incipient scares me.Like the sound, but it is so ominous in its implications...
go on, sound like a snotty twat. I dare ya.
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
BansheeCatBRONZE Member veteran 1,247 posts Location: lost, Canada
Posted: Ry darlin', I am putting together a bunch of words for the reconstitution of the lost list... Tune in to this here page tomorrow !
SOSS update...
Was supposed to go see a friend play guitar at the local cafe, and meet guy there. No, not a new man, an old one Got into town, stepped out of the car, and bam! ran into *current* country Boyfriend, (who I am confused about as per last missive, and is definately not a committed anything er, yet) He and I: smiles, chemistry, connection,-- me, panick,-- he is also going to meet the same friends ( this island is soooo small!!)He and I did not expect to see each other. Happy to see him, but confused. I suddennly get attacked by rampant insecurity and overwhelmed by his extreme gorgeousness, and do the sensible thing-- which is run away!
Eep!
Saying I will be back in 15 mins, after I have collected another pal from his place down the street. Get to the other friends place, who is getting riotously plastered all by his lonesome on his beach. Can't have that! So I start drinking a little with him, and one things lead to another, and the next thing you know it is the middle of the night, and my friend and I are having a hilarious wasted slightly x rated crazy ride in a random shopping cart around the back alleys...
Totally forgot to go back to the cafe until it was well closed and everyone gone. Oops.
OMG I am so hung over, laughing my head off, wondering how I can possibily explain to everyone that I was supposed to meet!
Hmmn, that reads as a confusing communication. Maybe I am still drunk. Use your imagination to fill in the gaps, hey?
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
BansheeCatBRONZE Member veteran 1,247 posts Location: lost, Canada
Posted: Trouble with me Ry, is , instead of being single, I am sort of multiple.
No, not multiple personality, multiple relationships! After, years of marriage and monogomy, I seem to have gone stark raving man mad.
You'd think that would be fun, but I dont really enjoy it.It is confusing. Nothing stagnant in my life, opposite problem in fact- dizzy with all the motion, constant change. I think that is why I am tired.
I need to ground myself. In so many ways.Working on it, but not easy to decide how and where and what and who to include in the process!
Relationships, well, sit down with some hot chocolate, heres the "Sex on Salt Spring "Update:
As you know, I have one gorgeous guy, who lives here, the country music one, who is my sometimes lover and ??? something undefined, but not a committed relationship whatever it is. We are different, like alien species. A complicated interaction , unpredicatable, sort of day by day. But we seem to bring each other a lot of joy together, regardless. I smile just thinking of him.He is lovely.
Still, nothing likely long term of it, if I am smart.Hard to resist though! Yet,he is not the right life partner for me. So, I am still dating others --as that opportunity manifests, which it seems to be doing a lot lately. Summer heat I guess. Multiples...
And a part of my heart is still in the UK and never came back to me after this last trip. But that is a different story.
Chapter Two:
There was this DJ that everyone was raving about, telling me I have to meet, etc etc.I have heard about him from friends in the electronic music world for ages.He is always described as shaman, with music as the healing force... People use words about him and what he does , like: clear, powerful, solid, integral, flow... very intriguing. So I heard he was here for an event, and I just said fine, go ahead, tell him to call me( thinking no one would actually just do that out of the blue, call some woman they have never seen or spoken too!)
And well, yup, of course, he did. I almost dropped the phone in shock. Regained composure( sorta) Saw him that night. Strong connection for me, left me feeling shaky and thoughtful all day. Magical: him, the swim ,the night, everything. It kind of paniked me really. I dove into the ocean naked , in the darkness,and it was like the water exploded into universes around me, stars and sparkles streaming on my skin. Astounding. Not like the tiny glows I have seen from phosporensce in the past- fireworks! Spectacular sensation. He said I looked like a mythical cross between an angel and a mermaid.
It was exhilarating, laughter and joy echoing all around the bay.
He is a man I could see myself with , long term, like forever, lifetimes... I would so love to even just find out. Curious. Only just met, but that is not at all how it feels. Dumb hey. I must be crazy. It is probably nothing.Imagination.
Tomorrow, we are going horse back riding- horse is one of his totem animals- then for morrocan dinner at mutual friends, then kayaking at night to see the phosphoresence again... Sigh.
The End:
Then, he leaves !!!! early Thursday morning. Knowing my life ,I will never see or hear from him again. He said last night how ironic it was, to finally, after so long, meet someone he feels strongly for, just as he leaves...
It could have been my observation- minus the irony- cause for me, that is sort of the state of my life the last few years. Everything in transition.
Dizzy.
Can this be real?Ridiculous. I am an idiot.
Apologies for the sappiness people, I am in strange head space. Why should this experience make me sad?Cause it is hopeless? Should I even go out with him tomorrow? What am I doing?!
Please share the story of your hellish stagnancy to make me feel better! Maybe make you feel better?
Can I shake it up some for you, rock the boat? Turn things upside down and see who falls out? I am good at that sort of mischeif ya know!
Pass some chocolate, people!
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
SkulduggeryGOLD Member Pirate Pixie Crew Captain 8,428 posts Location: Wales
Posted: *hands over the Green and Blacks* There you go hun.