Shocked seems too small and plain a word, but it's the closest I can come to to describe my feelings when I finally logged in last night and learned of Josie's passing.

Universe? WHAT THE HELL?!?!?

We connected, she and I, over oil wrestling for Sheldon's affections dancing. The other month when everyone was meeting up for OS' anniversary, I was thrilled to meet my LA compatriots, but my heart was back in San Francisco, that place I call home. Did I want to throw back a few pints with Joan? Of course. But what I really wanted to do, the person I really wanted to meet, was Josie, aka DD.

Artistic, honest, and supportive - that's who she was. To me at least. I told her once that if I had half her energy right now, with me being just under half her age, I would consider myself blessed.

It seems oddly fitting that the studio where I have taught for the last few years closed its doors this week, the same week that my online soul sister danced her swan song.

Yanno? She probably planned it this way - so that she'll have studio space wherever she is now.

That tricksy woman ... touche.

To t[df] - farewell.


To Josie - until we meet again. Dance, woman, dance. Jangle those bells, stamp those feet, and shimmy until you can shimmy no more.