My Newest Addiction

Dear Madonna,

I've become one of these people you see walking around, riding the subway, and sitting in Starbucks with white strings coming out of their ears. I'm listening to all my favourite music on a pretty pink iPod I bought for myself on Valentine's Day, and it's like crack! I still can't get over the quality of the sound and I love how it takes me into my own little world.

On the other hand - I've also downloaded the first four webcasts if Oprah's Monday night "classes" with Eckhart Tolle, where they are going through his book, A New Earth, chapter by chapter. In Chapter Two they talk about how people walk around wearing iPods are are not fully present and connected with their environment. In fact I was listening to that particular podcast as I was walking home from team rehearsal on Wednesday night. It's very cool that so many (2 million +?) around the world are taking part in the classes, but I guess I'm just not ready to be 'awakened'.

On top of that, it's Earth Hour tomorrow and I'm scheduled to deejay at a dance in Waterloo. Not likely that we're going to be turning off the lights and stopping the music....

Besides feeling a little out of step with the rest of the world things are going well as we get closer and closer to JulieFest. Rooms are still available at the Gladstone Hotel; I booked mine yesterday (hint, hint), and registrations are coming in every week.

I noticed when I was on iTunes this week that 'Hard Candy' is already a best seller, and it hasn't even been released yet! I guess all that free press about you and Guy is paying off - heh heh heh.

Until next time,
Julie

Accept All Invitations

Dear Madonna,

There's been a lot of talk lately about you and Guy leading separate lives. Girlfriend-to-girlfriend, if there is any truth to the rumours that you're splitting up I want to share some excellent advice from Canadian stand-up comic Sandra Shamus, and that is to "accept all invitations".

You may not feel like going out, and you're probably reluctant to do new things and meet new people but it will be sooooo good for you. That's why I think you really MUST come to JulieFest. Toronto will be such a great change of scenery and I'll introduce you to all my friends.....

One commentator speculated that all the talk about your rocky marriage is really just a publicity stunt in aid of getting your name in the press before the release of your new album next month. Well, if anyone knows how to manipulate the media you do!

In any case, I'm here. Even if you just want to talk.

Your friend,
Julie

Mea Culpa

Dear Madonna,

Please accept my apologies for not writing sooner to congratulate you on your recent induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! I don't care what anyone says, you look hot! Why shouldn't you wear a dress that shows off your thighs? Yeesh...people are just so mean. And all that talk about the 'work' you've had done. Nill Illigitimi Carborundum, is all I can say.

Well, registrations have started coming in already for JulieFest, and people are booking Private lessons with Mike. We're really only two months away, and I haven't heard from you yet so I'm a little worried you might not be able to make it. If it's just that you're still trying to get out of some other commitments, I understand. Please feel free just to show up.

Mike's given me the names/descriptions for the three workshops he's going to be teaching on Sunday, May 18th at The Gladstone Hotel. In fact they're names of Dear Johns songs:

• Train Kept A-Rollin: How to stay on track but get some really steam and momentum built up


• A Little More Time: Extending patterns, extending with groove


• She's got the Rythym: ....and he does too; fun, alternative rhythms you can put in your butt

Remember Saturday is still *your* day, and my friend Shelley's husband came up with a brilliant write up for their website:

Mike Topel is crossing the Borderline to get Into The Groove. He's coming to celebrate JulieFest, as are all of Toronto's West Coast Swing dancers. It will be a day to Cherish, as is the woman whose birthday we're celebrating. Who's that Girl, it's Julie Epplett, and Mike is her gift to Toronto. If you don't know Mike, he's more than a Beautiful Stranger, and once you dance with him you'll Open Your Heart. He's True Blue even to the most Material Girl. I don't have to Justify My Love of Mike's dancing, see if for yourself... it's always in Vogue. Trust me, Mike is the best social dancer I've ever seen. Dance with him and you'll see he's Crazy For You as any leader should be. He knows What It Feels Like For A Girl, and his dancing will make you feel Like A Virgin. Follow your Lucky Star to JulieFest, catch the Fever and dance with one of North America's most amazing dancers.

I'm heading out to Vancouver and Seattle this week so will write to you next from the West Coast. Until then,

Julie