Power to the Inspiration-Challenged

February Blaaaaaaahs. So a writer-friend suggested that we attend  Zumba classes. Good exercise. Blood to the brain. Juice up the vertebrae. It’ll help our creative whats-its.

We chose the “Basic” level of classes to attend.

If only this were REAL money on these things!!

The level of expertise didn’t really matter to me because I usually make my own rules at events like these. It’s kind of like going to a pot luck and being assigned a “Food Category” because my last name begins with F.  You gotta be kidding…I’m supposed to bring a baked chicken?  Surprise…that chicken is going to look a lot like a can of olives (or maybe a pizza if they’ll deliver).  I say, “Power to the Potluck downtrodden. Bring whatever you want.” That’s why there’s an element of LUCK in these feasts.  You hope you don’t get something undercooked, overdone, or experimental.

So…back at Zumba Camp, the instructor was as chipper and upbeat as you’d expect anyone to be who exercises daily.  She brought these nifty…uh…rear wraps.  We were supposed to jiggle violently enough to make them sound like pennies being poured into a coffee can.  I must be deaf because I never head any of them AT ALL except the gal who took hers off, whirling it over her head. I’m guessing “STRIPPER” was listed somewhere in the early years of her resume.

I have to say, it’s great exercise, but it reminds me of the forced square-dancing we had to do in grade school gym classes.  Someone was telling us where to step, and on the stanzas I had to “swing your partner” with Louis A. who thought it was hilarious to whip his victims around tornado-style and let go. Maybe that’s why, in Zumba, I didn’t listen very well, but was polite enough to keep my imaginative steps in the back row, where I wandered around like a cow looking for the gate.

Bear with me…I’m getting to the point.

Since the publication of the first Two Pan book, people keep sending me photos of cows. You can see the book cover here if you want to see why.  Cows. Lots of cows.  Who knew cows were so funny?  Cows are the new kittens…well, maybe not.

So I received this YouTube video of this Cow’s moves, and I’m inspired to add a few more steps to my Zumba routine. I’m posting it because I hope it reminds you…like it reminds me… that no matter the job, do it with excitement and joy.  “Power to the Zumba downtrodden. Move over old Stripper, we’re making up our own moves.”

Note:  When you watch the video. Notice how people are going by without even looking. See….obviously this proves the old adage: Dance as though no one is watching.

That’s pretty inspiring.

Look for the snout wiggle at 14 seconds.