So here we are. First blog entry. I always think that the *first* of something should set the tone for what’s to follow. So I’ve been pondering EXACTLY what to say for a few weeks now… I wouldn’t call it procrastinating… but I do think it’s been long enough.

The truth is, I keep trying to come up with some sort of explanation that I simply don’t have. This blog is to be the sharing place for my findings on one of my favorite art forms: Mehndi. It is also true that I don’t know NEARLY as much as I’d like to about this incredibly extensive topic. It would make sense, then, that I have no simple explanation about the 5 W’s of henna. I’m afraid all I have for you at the moment is a beginning.

I’ve been drawing on myself, my clothes, my math homework and countless other things since I can remember. My history of really getting into drawing on myself goes back to middle school. I didn’t start playing with henna until a few years ago, though. About a year after I started bellydancing (a subject sure to resurface later). One thing lead to another and before I knew it I was going from doodling on myself, to a few friends, to people at festivals for extra cash.

The more I did it, the more I loved it, and I think my favorite, and perhaps the most profound thing about doing henna for someone is the experience that can be had. I’ve had several people tell me how relaxed and pampered they felt after getting henna done. This sparked something in me, but I didn’t quite know how to explain it. At least, not until I went to massage school. A few months into my studies I had this epiphany. I wanted to combine elements of different Mehndi traditions with the papering, personal, and even healing aspects of massage therapy. But I really wanted to know my stuff in both areas- which will surely be a lifelong learning experience.

So here we are.  The beginning of a journey about a gorgeous tradition spanning many cultures and many centuries.