I imagined it would be good to write about my Valentango experience each day, but somehow that idea faded with my energy after hours and hours of classes and milongas and practicas. Valentango is one of two annual tango festivals here in Portland, OR and as the title suggests, it comes near Valentines Day in February and lasts from Wednesday evening til Monday evening.  It’s been going on much longer than I have been dancing the Argentine tango, which is about six years now.  This year my experience at the festival was the best I have ever had and can be summed up in a word: sublime.  I had many great tandas, several new and delightful dance partners, some delightful new friendships were begun and other friendships were deepened.  Oh yes–and I learned a few new moves as well!  I even found a lovely guy who was willing to trade the lead back and forth a little. That was rather awesome, I must say!  Bonus:I bought not one pair of shoes!  Thanks be to God!  They are more expensive at the festivals. (But I am shopping on line as we speak!) 🙂 It’s Monday after the last full day and there is one last milonga tonight. I will go. I did not manage the last two milongas last night because after I taught a ballroom class until 7:30pm  and found my feet could barely hold me without agonizing pain, and I also began to realize my body was screaming for rest, beautiful and horizontal REST . . . I opted out and laid low with the boys (Charlie and Ellis, my big “garfield” cats); even got almost eight hours of sleep!  Today I previewed a couple of films for my church: Call Me Malcolm and Departures.  The first was revelatory, the second was emotionally cathartic—in a good way!  I’ll use them both soon.  Then, a little while ago I noticed my feet are somewhat swollen . . . oh my . . . . oh dear; a new wrinkle!   So, out came the ice and I suspect I’ll probably need to repeat that process later tonight when I get home.  It’s currently raining and blowing hard outside, but I am undaunted.  Must have tango . . . . must have tango . . . .really must have a little happy tango to-daaay!  Got my little heart shaped earings in place . . . off I go!