See You Further Down the Road

By Nancy Griffin and Dorothea Rourke-O'Regan

Meet Dorothea and Nancy, two best friends of thirty years. In their first book together, they share true stories of their adventures as bellydancers, psychic readers, and observers of the mystical in the mundane. Humorous, honest, and entertaining, their offbeat yarns tell of life at home and on the road. Share their laughter and bemusement as these working women use their positive outlooks to solve some unique problems. What unexpected surprises will life bring them next?
In life and in dance, spontaneity often creates magic.
Like these two friends, find that magic: joy, fun and adventure in their wild, wonderful journey through life and the American bellydance culture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nancy Griffin
• Release date: Jul 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9780692234297

Book preview

SEE YOU

FURTHER

DOWN THE ROAD

A Memoir by

Nancy C. Griffin & Dorothea L. Rourke-O'Regan

Copyright © 2014 by Nancy Cheney Griffin and Dorothea L. Rourke-O'Regan

Make It The Best LLC

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. This book is intended as joint authorship. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without prior permission in writing by the authors, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast. This book is equally co-authored by Nancy Cheney Griffin and Dorothea L. Rourke-O'Regan.

Other than the following names Nancy Cheney Griffin, Hyetti, Fred and/or Freddie Elias, and Dorothea L. Rourke-O'Regan, all other names of people are fictitious. Other than the names of Hammond Castle Museum and Winnekenni Castle all other names of places are fictitious. All the stories are true.

Cover design and photo by the authors

Make It The Best LLC

68 Danville Road

Kingston, N.H. 03848

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by Fred Freddie Elias

About Dorothea

About Nancy

Introduction

Glossary of Terms

Dance Performance Props & Accessories

Dorothea

Nancy

Costumes

Healing Aspects of Dance-Performance

On the Road Together

Tarot and Palm Readings

Curriculum Vitae

About Us and Our Company

Contact

Acknowledgements

FOREWORD by

Frederick Freddie Elias

It would be impossible to acknowledge the contribution of ideas that have come from so many conversations with Dorothea and Nancy, as I have performed for these artists.

The coherence of a work of art and its effect on their performances is sensuous, intellectual and passionate.

Even more illuminating is a comparison of their treatment of the dance rhythms and their particular characteristics and sets of variations satisfying all of their instincts for their adventurous dance routines which lies in the range of their expression.

I respect and admire these two buddies of mine beyond reality.

I deeply thank these artists for having me share the honor of this book and structure.

It has been a great pleasure to have performed with these two artists!

Sincerely,

Frederick Freddie Elias

Authors' Note:

Freddie Elias is a virtuoso violinist who has been entertaining audiences with his Greek, Arabic and Middle Eastern music for over six decades. He studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music. His venues include the many Middle-Eastern restaurants and clubs in the Boston, MA area, numerous performances in Las Vegas, and performances at The Lincoln Center in New York City and The Chicago Opera House.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

FREDDIE ELIAS - VIOLINIST SUPREME

Composed by Dorothea L. Rourke-O'Regan

June 2012

Just ask anybody who’s anybody on the Middle Eastern Music scene

Who is Freddie Elias?

And they will tell of a memory so rich and sublime

That your eyes will smile brightly and your own heart will sing.

How does one human being put so much of themselves,

Of their spirit, their soul, into living their life?

Blessing, enriching, bestowing delight

Upon all who are blessed by your incredible gift

By your sharing the joy of your musical insight.

What silent songs sing forth from your heart

Causing emotions to soar and smiles to grow wide?

Your reminiscent refrains retrieve and reform

Boundless responses from deeply within us.

To hear and watch you play your violin

Is to witness a creation of something divine!

The musical notes that resonate forth

Blend with our heart strings, emotions and mind.

You are a joy, that is for sure, an example complex,

Of just what it takes to live life to the max.

May you know deeply within you how much we love you,

How much we appreciate all that you are.

Thank you for sharing your humor and insights,

Your stories and also your wise wisdom words.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful music

For blessing our lives with the richness it holds.

May you always be blessed with an abundance of

All things good….forever and a day!

An olde Irish Blessing from the Irish Belly Dancer born/raised in Lowell!

ABOUT DOROTHEA

I am very fortunate to wear many hats and to be able to express the many facets of my personality through my various roles in life. I embrace and love all that I have in these roles and experiences. In my family life I am joyfully fully-engaged as a sister and sister-in-law, a mom, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, an aunt and great-aunt, a niece and cousin. I am blessed with a wide circle of friends of all ages because of my various roles and interests.

My amazing mother, Dora Elizabeth Maguire Rourke, taught me how to sew. How she made time for creating such wonderful childhood experiences while running a household with my dad, George Rourke, and five children has and always will amaze me! My dad was a shining example of steadfastness and dedication in all areas of his life. Both mom and dad were caring loving parents with a good common sense discipline and upbringing of us kids.

At age ten I was already designing and hand stitching clothes for my dolls, including picture hats. Mom showed me how to use my grandmother Catherine Boyle Rourke's Singer treadle-sewing machine. By the time I was in my teens I was designing and making my own clothing. Sewing has remained an important and fun skill in my life! My new modern-day electric sewing machine and 5-thread serger are always set up and ready to use! I am so fortunate to still have my maternal grandmother's (Sarah Doherty Maguire) sewing machine cabinet. Grampa Bob and Gramma Sarah lived on the next street to us and she lived until I was in my senior year in high school. One evening when I was at her home sewing on her White electric sewing machine, she said to me...Now why doncha be takin' that machine home with you as I don't be usin it much anymore (in her best Belfast No. Ireland brogue!). My upgraded sewing machines over the years have always fitted in" to her cabinet just fine!

Since I was a teenager, I have had a keen curiosity about Ancient Egyptian culture. In due time I also became interested in, and developed a desire for knowledge about, psychology, philosophy, spirituality and human behavior. All my learning came together to create the Middle Eastern Dancer/Teacher I am today. I earned college degrees in Psychology, Mathematics and Secondary Education. Like many people, I have had diverse careers. My careers range from being an engineering assistant/mathematician to an independent professional sales woman to the master-clinical hypnotherapist/counselor that I am today.

I began my career in dance in 1974. I grew from student to professional Middle Eastern Dance teacher and performer, costume designer/creator, and choreographer. I have been a professional Tarot Card Reader/Consultant since 1984. In 2001 I began my studies and certifications programs in the field of Hypnotherapy. I am a hospital-certified Hypnotherapist, a certified Master-Clinical Hypnotherapist and certified Reiki Master. I am the founder and owner of Focus On You Consulting and Quantum Hypnosis Center.

No matter my professional careers throughout these years, my career as a professional performer and dance instructor has always been an important and integral part of my life.

I enjoy writing poetry and have painted a few Egyptian-themed water color paintings. I am a member of a poetry and art group through which I regularly read my poems on our monthly local cable TV show and often participate as co-host and moderator. I am honored to have my paintings on display in several local venues.

My life is rich with diverse involvements with loving circles of family, friends, teachers, mentors, benefactors, clients and students. My deep and healing spirituality anchors me in all aspects of my life and gives me courage to keep changing and growing, growing and changing I am blessed beyond my earlier imaginings - for which I am forever thankful and grateful.

ABOUT NANCY

I’m a wife, a mom and a grandmother. I am a professional: bellydancer, Hawaiian Hula dancer, card and palm reader, clairvoyant, Reiki Master and practitioner, publicity agent, teacher, entrepreneur, costume designer, and seamstress. Yes, I know what you're thinking, but it's true: seriously a professional, not a dilettante or dabbler. I am joyously, passionately, profoundly, and dramatically in love with this life and who I am in it. This is a miracle in itself as I haven’t always been so. Over the years, I’ve done a lot of soul-searching. I spent my adult years holding various conventional jobs which helped support my family and allowed furtive side-forays into the wellsprings of dance, healing, and mysticism which fed my soul enough to keep it alive through some mightily long dry spells.

Now there are no longer any dry spells. I have come to realize that my full joys can also be my real vocations. I've found that, as I am a student of life, so I am a beloved teacher of all my learned skills. I can have more than one passion, many related careers, and be paid for having fun! What a concept!

Most of my knowledge has been acquired through experience, The University of Life. (I'm the opposite of Dorothea in that department). I have had some amazing teachers, Kumus (Hawaiian term for Teacher, literally Source) along the way. I got my love and expertise for cooking and art from my beloved Mom, Celia Farnsworth Cheney. I got my love and appreciation for Nature from my dad the lumberman, Lawrence Bliss Cheney, and his mother, my Quaker Gramie, Ellen Bliss Cheney. Now that I've become a businesswoman, I am in awe of my businessman Grampa, Roland Cheney, who prospered himself and his farming family right through the Great Depression and beyond without a college degree. All these talents, and the respect and honor which comes with them, I am doing my best to pass down to our grandchildren.

I am forever grateful for my dance learning. Honestly, I know that my life would be totally different, not nearly as colorful, absorbing, rich, work-and-friend- filled without dance.

I am living proof that, if you follow your true passion(s), the whole Universe and its Author will guide, inspire you, and bring you the best teachers possible! I didn't begin my career until I was thirty, and then I was really afraid it would be impossible due to my advanced age. Never have I been more joyously, satisfyingly WRONG! In spite of a teeny- tiny budget, a succession of jalopies we drove which were always conking out, the responsibilities of raising a family, no dance training whatsoever, no college degrees, and no self-confidence in the beginning, I have become a professional dancer, performer, and instructor. My knowledge of folklore, history, and backgrounds of Near and Middle Eastern Dance was gleaned from books, talking with and cooking the cuisines of my treasured Greek, Armenian, Lebanese, Egyptian and Turkish friends of all ages. And then, the TEACHERS I've had! From Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Armenia, Morocco, the Sudan, and here in the USA…they have given me the priceless gifts of what makes their cultures, histories, and dances SO rich and unique.

Although it may seem like it, I'm not tooting my own horn here. I just want you to KNOW, to be SURE, that if you love, want, and set your mind, heart, and actions toward something, there is NO WAY it won't happen for you!

INTRODUCTION

How We Met 1984

The names of us two would not necessarily make one think Oh, yes, those two, those Belly Dance Teachers and Performers! But it was because of each one of us being a professional Middle Eastern dance teacher and performer that our paths crossed. It was around the mid 1980's. At that time there was a famous dinner club restaurant in Lawrence, MA where patrons enjoyed live Middle Eastern Music and belly dance performances. That was where we first met each other. Nancy from Kingston, N.H. and Dorothea from Stoneham, MA - and still residing in those same towns!

Our Friendship Grows

This is a story of a magnificent friendship, one that would became full of fun, joy, adventure and learning, of gloriously-happy as well as devastatingly-sad events. It began unfolding almost thirty years ago and continues to unfold unto this very day. Other callings that we share, besides those of the Middle Eastern Dance community, are that we both design and sew clothing for ourselves, our troupes and other dancers. We share a keen interest and awareness of ancient lore and ancient traditions. We became Reiki Masters under the guidance of the same Reiki Master. Nancy provides intuitive counseling and Dorothea is a master clinical-hypnotherapist. Both of us have helped many people through our work as personal-development consultants. We both are experienced Tarot readers. Together we design and present seminars under the umbrella name of Your Best Life LLC to help people live more fully. Nancy's own dance studio is named Paradise in The Palms and Dorothea's own business is named Focus On You Consulting.

Neither one of us has never had only one career at any given time. We balance our commitments to our families, creating memories for and with them, our careers and professional lives and staying involved with friendships. We came to know each other in our roles as mothers and eventually as grandmothers. Each ones' grown children have come to know their mother’s friend, and grandchildren are also in the knowing loop.

We work well together at events, gigs, shows and excursions. There are no unexpected surprises in each others' behaviors or expectations of each other. One might say we are on the same wavelength. An elegant and deep bond flourishes in a multitude of ways in which we listen to each other, support each other, comfort each other, encourage each other and reciprocate with unconditional love and compassion and, equally-important, learn from each other.

We believe that the same magic works in many lives, not just ours. What makes the magic real is taking the time to notice it, taking time away from the mundane to focus on it, allowing it to settle in, to embrace it and cherish it. In today’s hectically-paced world, of which we are a part, when we can glimpse a trace of the unexpected humorous aspect or the unexpected surprising lilt to life, then we gain a peace profound, a resonance within our very cells. This inner balance quells the rushing forward into the next unknown moment and allows us to linger in the precious present moment. In this kind of moment we can suspend time, expand our awareness and be ever more-prepared to step into the next moment. With a lighter and brighter attitude and calmer countenance we can accept more of life’s conditions and give more of ourselves to life and to others.

We hope you will enjoy your journey through our journey! Thank you for taking some of your precious time to spend it with us!

Our Decision to Write This Book

Our dreamy decision a few years ago to write this book was and is still based upon our desire to share our unique experiences with our precious families and with you, dear readers. Out of our passion for dance and performance blossomed a mutual intent to explore and expand our artistry. We worked hard to create magic in our lives. We had to carve out and schedule time because our families came first. They pitched in with household help and behind-the-scenes support for which we are still grateful. Perhaps to an outsider looking in on our experiences, it might seem to have been sheer luck. Yes there were unexpected magical turnings and twistings, but we know that they happened through the strength of our determination. We are in awe of the unfolding of the ways in which coincidences and circumstances were drawn to us by our intent. We just could not make this stuff up!

Why We Chose This Title

See You Further Down The Road

Several years ago, during a working and hanging-out weekend, we rented a movie entitled Latcho Drom, meaning The Good Road. It was a story and documentary about Gypsies/Romanies who live in many different countries. It was about their cultures, their similarities and differences, and the undercurrents that make each group unique. We were entertained, heart-wrenched, and educated by this film. We were enchanted by the message of commitment and endearment of the members of a clan to each other and of the forming of bonds. Especially, there was a part in the film where a member was returning via train to their clan and how the members of the clan gathered around the train station to welcome them home with much singing, yelling and joy! As we became more learned about the Gypsy/Romany cultures we came to know that they did not say good-bye to each other; instead, they said something along the lines of See You Further Down The Road. We latched onto and formed the habit of using these words when we were departing from each other. Hence, they became the title of our book.

How We Chose Our Dance Names

It was not unusual for some dancers to be given a dance name by their teachers or a musician. Some dancers chose an Arabic or Greek word because they liked the sound of it without knowing its meaning! Knowing mentors cautioned us against such random selection. (Can you just imagine.........And now, please welcome on stage, the lovely, the talented, Miss Camel Dung"!) We chose our own!

Dorothea – When it came time to select a dance name for myself I was not sure at all of what to select. Many of my peers were selecting Arabic names. I pondered and meditated about this important decision. I decided that I would choose a variation of my given name, Dorothy, and chose the name Dorothea. I am 100% Irish. I found out that Dorothea is a Greek name meaning Gift From God. I eventually had Dorothea made my legal name. An interesting aside.....My mother's name was Dora. I grew up hearing about one of her aunts back in Ireland who was named Dora. I assumed she had been named after her aunt. In the mid 1970's one of my mother's cousins who lived in Ireland came to visit. She stayed at my mother's home in Lowell, MA but also spent a few days in my home during her visit. One evening, she and my mother came with me to see me perform at a dinner-club in Cambridge. After my show she asked me about the name Dorothea. She did not know that I was using that name until I was introduced by the emcee. I told her my story about how I selected it. She then said to me - Did you know that your great-aunt Dora was really named Dorothea? My mother was as equally surprised as I was! I am one of only a few dancers who uses their legal name as their dance name.

Nancy - Although I have had three successive dance names in my career, I chose the last, and permanent one, Hyetti myself. For a laugh about this, take a look at the following page with my first and second business cards. I did the artwork on the first one myself!

My morphing names happened like this. At the start of my career, a Greek friend was so excited on hearing that I was a professional belly dancer, that he offered to name me. Honored and amused, I accepted, and he pronounced me Nausicaa. He animatedly explained that Nausicaa, in Homer's Odyssey, was Odysseus' first (and unrequited, thus WAY more romantic!) love. I was taken with it, so began to introduce myself as Nausicaa, but no one who wasn't Greek could remember or pronounce it!

Discouraged, I made the jaunt back to our friend's restaurant, and told him of my plight. He thought some more, and then suggested Nafsika, or the more affectionate derivative, Nafsiki". I liked the sound of the latter even better than my first incarnation, so off I went with a lovely second name...only to be met with the same results as the first! Drat!

I was beginning to become popular as a soloist in many more Arabic clubs than Greek. Consequently, the Arabic, Turkish, and Armenian band members with whom I worked were all in agreement that I should have an Arabic name. (It would sound better, Habibi I was assured). After some thought, I believed they were right, but I wanted to avoid the pitfalls of the first two names, and this had to be the last time I changed it. I decided that I would choose my own name, not be given one, so I asked them to suggest a list of ten, but they had to be unusual, and there could be no one in our area with the same name. They happily complied, and I chose Hyetti. I selected this name for two very important reasons: Firstly, it is a term of endearment. Secondly, the word means my life". Iit signifies that my life and how I live it is my choice. The word describes my approach to life and my love