Hello! My name is Mari Peckham aka The Goddess Mari in the world of belly dance. I’m a professional belly dance performer and instructor in the Chicago area. I also have been a creative movement teacher for young children since 2001. I feel fortunate that I love my work, so “job” isn’t really a bad word for me.

I have an extremely diverse work background. I went to college for nursing with a minor in psychology. I also studied accounting very briefly before finding myself in cosmetology school. I went on to become a national trainer for a salon product company, and left to take a position as a Sales Training Coordination executive for an International high-end cosmetic company. I even worked as an assistant for a magician!

With all that said, it might be a bit obvious that I believe in following your heart and your dreams.

I am also a mom of two sons, currently 15 and 8. They are both unique, loving, bright, and respectful children. They march to the beat of their own drummers, which I find a bit frustrating at times, but is also one of the things I love most about them.

I’ve always been a writer and, in fact, have written copy for websites all over the Internet. After leaving my executive position 8 years ago, I began to do contracted business writing for people online. As my sons became older and their schedules grew more hectic, I found that I didn’t enjoy business writing enough to try to continue, so took a couple years off from it. When I came back this year, I discovered that I still wanted to write, but that I wanted to do it in a lot more personal manner.

I wrote some personal growth and spirituality articles that I published elsewhere online. But finding that I had stuff that I wanted to say and share, I was encouraged by a friend to start blogging it. So…here it is! My first few articles that were posted elsewhere are here on the site as well. I am putting them here as a feed because I had some wonderful comments on them that I don’t want to lose. Might sound a little selfish, but quite frankly, I am writing from the heart and it makes me feel a bit naked and vulnerable. The feedback means a lot to me. Keep that in mind, please, because I would LOVE to hear your feedback, as well. Remember, there is no need to “agree” with me on everything that I say. You are welcome and encouraged to state your mind, but I would appreciate your lack of judgment on me as a person.

You’ll also find some articles on other stuff here, as well. I believe in holistic healing, so you might find some nice remedies for you to try at home. I enjoy cooking, so maybe some recipes here and there. I work with children, so I might have some advice or ideas to share. And, of course, there’s my passion…belly dance. Not sure exactly how the blog will go down, but I do hope that you enjoy it and come back often!

Take care and have a blessed day!
Mari