Random Thoughts and Happenings
E-Mail: GarlandSmith@sqdrd.com
Garland Smith (281) 633-0774

Autust 27, 2005:

We all went to Frontier Squares. Jerry Dews was the caller. There were 5 squares dancing most of the night. Jerry is a good caller and called some interesting material. It was a fun dance. We had switched with the Taylors so we brought food. Got there early and set up the sound.
August 23, 2005:

Took Sarah to Brazos Bottom Belles and Beaus. There was a good crowd (4 squares dancing most of the evening). It was a fun dance. Bill Sharber wasn't there so I taught a couple of the line dances that I learned at Gary Sander's dance at Frontier Squares last Saturday. We danced 4 tips, Sarah got her snack, then we headed home.
August 21, 2005:

Jean and I went to our Round Dance lesson with the Prows. Jean wasn't able to dance due to knee surgery on Friday. I danced with Kathy Wright. I was all left feet and couldn't dance even the most basic stuff. But it was fun and Kathy was a good sport about it.
August 20, 2005:

Took the family to Frontier Squares. Gary Sanders called. This is the week that a large contingent from the club goes to Kirkwood for the Bob Baier and Jerry Junct week so the crowd was small (2 squares with everyone dancing). Gary called a good dance and taught several interesting Line Dances including "Shortnin' Bread and "The Stomp" (done to Bruce Springsteen's Pink Cadillac). It's a shame there weren't more dancers. But you couldn't tell it from Gary's calling. Gary works shift work and took some time off to come call for us, After the dance, he had to go in to work. Regardless of the size of the crowd, we had fun. Here are the steps for the line dances that Gary taught: The Stomp (Pink Cadillac) and Shortnin' Bread
August 19, 2005:

Got a call today to see if I would be available to call the Katy Prarie Promenaders square dance. Jerry Tucker had told me at the Fairbees Crazy Hat dance that Fred Goynes had to cancel that dance and that they might be calling me. Jerry is a good friend and has been a very strong supporter. I was available and called the dance. There was a small group but they were enthusiastic and we all had fun. I always have fun regardless of the crowd and strive to give the dancers a good dance regardless of the size of the crowd. Someone once told me a story about Beryl Maine that made an impression: They were attending a festival somewhere (it could have been a national convention) and happened to walk by a room where they could hear a caller calling and it sounded like he was entertaining a large crowd, They peeked into the room and saw Beryl Maine calling for two couples dancing a mini-square. Now that's the mark of a great entertainer! Callers and cuers owe it to the dancers to provide entertainment without regard to the size of the crowd. For me, it's not difficult to do because I enjoy it. Got to see Theresa (don't remember her last name but met her at some of the new dancer functions a couple of years ago...) Found out she got married recently. I'm glad things are going well for her, it was good to see her. Saw Jimmie Johnson. He was married to my Mammaw'S (my father's mother) brother's (Uncle Brown) wife's (Aunt Vera) sister, Eloise (she's not with us any longer... gone on to a better place). It's a small world! We were talking about the learning process never ending. He said he's been dancing for over 30 years and is still learning. He's dancing with a nice lady, Julie, who's a very enthusiastic dancer and a lot of fun. I'm glad he's found someone fun to be and still having fun!
August 18, 2005:

I took Sarah to the Fairbees Crazy Hat Dance, Bob Baier calling. Most everyone there wore some kind of crazy hat. Bob called an excellent dance as always and everyone was laughing, cutting up, and having a good old time, it doesn't get much better than that. Pictures are available at Fairbees Crazy Hat Dance 081805.
August 17, 2005:

Attended Spirit practice. We were short one girl to dance the three square routines so I filled in for Shirley Barnes. Got many comments about how different it is with me filling in and how they prefer Shirley, especially Roy! It was a fun evening and we made improvements to several routines that we practiced. Tom Walker does an excellent job putting together the Choreography and leading the practice sessions.
August 14, 2005:

Attended HSRDC Hoedown planning meeting at Square Dance Center. Good to see Mary Norris. Then on to round dance lessons with the Prows. Jean and I took beginner round dance lessons years ago from Toni Yawn on the North side of town. However, with the kids and work schedules, we never got to dance much. We're taking lessons to try to learn to dance well and unlearn some of the bad habits we've picked up along the way. Mark is an excellent instructor, Mark and Pam are an excellent team. We still have a long way to go but we're making progress. Kathy Wright comes on a regular basis and helps out sometimes. It's always good to see Kathy!
August 13, 2005:

We took the kids to Frontier Squares. Jay Flowers was calling and his wife and two children attended the dance. Jay called one of the best dances I've heard him call. It's clear he's been working on his calling! His choreography was good and I enjoyed his music selections. I think there were about five squares with no less than four dancing at any time. Jay taught several line dances througout the evening and had quite a number of people on the floor each time. He ended the evening by having everyone break from squares and get into Conga lines. The music was perfect for this and everyone was laughing and having a great time. I took several pictures throughout the evening, I wish I had a shot of the Conga line. The pictures I took at this dance can be located at Frontier Squares Jay Flowers 081305.
August 12, 2005:

Filled in for Tom Quirk at Lake Jackson Promenaders. Tom had quadruple bypass surgery. This was to be either his last or next to last dance as he is retiring from calling. This was Lake Jackson's Ice Cream Social and was visited by two squares of Swinging Seniors who traveled by bus. There were five squares on the floor most of the evening, never less than four. I also filled in for Marilyn, who took the evening to attend her only nephew's graduation from Texas A&M and spend extra time with her brother. Marilyn popped in toward the end of the evening and danced a couple of rounds. It was good to see her. Good friends, good dancing, and good ice cream. It was a nice evening.