Musings on Dance, Food, Geek Stuff
It’s the Summer of 1997 or 1998. I’m in Silver Bay, New York for the annual retreat of New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Basically it’s adult summer camp for Quakers in New York. That’s as exciting as it sounds, complete with lots of meditation, reading, quiet conversation, and contemplative walks…
Last Saturday, I participated in the “2-Raw Spring Skate Jam,” my first weekend-long rhythm skate party. It was held at the Sunrise Rollerland rink in north Sacramento. It was an amazing event and I’m so glad I got to be there. It’s been a little under two years since I started quad skating, so I…
Last week I bit the bullet and upgraded from my trusty Riedell R3s to the Crew model. For those considering this new offering from Riedell, here’s my initial impressions. The Riedell Crew is essentially a re-skinned version of their well-regarded 120 boot paired with the Powerdyne Thrust plate and Sonar Zen outdoor wheels. Priced at…
Only 34, by latest count! Based on data originally compiled by Robert Ruiz. For additions and corrections, email rikomatic-at-gmail.com.
The year 2021 was not without its challenges for me. I think it’s important to remember the ones I confronted. #1: Moving Mom My sister and I worked together to get our mother into a much safer, more supportive environment. It was not easy for everyone involved, particularly our mother who has lived alone for…
The year 2001 was height of the neo-swing era in New York City. There were bars and clubs everywhere offering live swing music and dancing. Young lindy hoppers like me would cruise around the city, going from venue to venue, drunk on this music and this dance that was all around us. There were a…
Several months ago, I started going by “Riki” instead of “Rik.” It began almost subconsciously as I was meeting new people at the skating rink. I didn’t know why I was suddenly introducing myself as “Riki” but I just went with it. Slowly I started expanding this practice, and now in informal settings, it’s just…
This might be the most woo post ever. But lately I’ve been thinking about the kind of energy I share with those around me. We talk about people who “light up a room” when they walk into it. And others who “kill the vibe” with their presence. What does that mean? I am slowly starting…
I was not good at small talk before the Pandemic. And certainly have not improved since. At the first true party I was at, I was noticing one tactic that I want to get better at: throwing out a topic about someone else. Hanah was hosting a “post-Apocalypse” dance party at her place last weekend….