Tootie is my stage name. My "you better be bringing your A game" alter ego or in times of great dance world induced stress, my fractured personality. Tootie helps me naviagate my way down the red carpet of life and still smile for the cameras.
Tootie reminds me to laugh at the absurdity of most things and especially all things pertaining to the heady world of children's competitive dance. A world that often defies rhyme or reason. I own a dance studio. The setting offers many magic moments and is home to many of my Tootie-isms. I have danced my entire life. I hope I dance all my days on this earth.
Tootie is the slightly bedraggled but forever besotted mum of Imogen (Immy), Ondine (Onny), Cale, Archer and Evie. They defy me, confound me and captivate me but always inspire me to be better. Despite my myriad of children, I am yet to sport a tupperware container, attend a Mother's Group meeting or wax lyrical on laundry detergent or nappy brands.
I peddle my wares teaching dance and spruik the power of punctuation and correct grammar as an English teacher. ( the latter has been left a little by the wayside as I go about my breeding quest. The last one seems to be quite rhythmic so I can probably shut up shop.)
I yearn to be an enigma but am a massive contradiction. I need to be far more Zen. Our house is possibly the loudest and most chaotic house imaginable. I want my own Panic Room installed. No, seriously, in the very least I need a bunker when the whirring of kids and artillery of husband becomes all too much. I dream of one day having a walk in wardrobe where I can house my insatiable collection of shoes and clothes. I love to shop. I live on a diet of trashy mags, Diet Coke and Pay Tv. ( and a fair few cheesecakes, champagne and Assorted Creams.)
We live on a farm. It is an ideal setting for our often manic world. We are about to embark upon expanding our home so we can all fit. ( My panic room or walk in robe is yet to be addressed in the plans.I don't mind -so much as long as all whom I love are housed.)
My husband and children are my world. They are more than fitting co-stars. Fingers crossed, the kids will dance like me and sing like their father (what a strange twist it would be if it was reversed.)
Unfortunately, Shane Monopoli ( you know him- the man pioneered Glamour Photography) is yet to forward my most recent shots but a pic is forthcoming.
