MARCIA AND RODNEY--THAT FIRST KISS
I gave my first dance competition in January 2002.   A lot of the Baltimore individuals called me to express how much they enjoyed it.  Rodney was one of those people.  We started talking and then the conversations led to another conversation and so on.  We mostly talked about dance, competitions, etc.  We never talked about personal things, however, we both were uncommitted in a relationship.  At this point in our lives, we both enjoyed being unattached and free to explore the fruits of life, especially, hand dancing.
I decided to give my second dance competition in January 2003 and I asked Rodney to play a role in its development.  After all of the encouragement, love, and respect that I received from Baltimore, I wanted them to be represented, abundantly.  I had a dinner party over my house and Rodney brought me a silhouette of dancers as a gift.  It was beautiful and I loved it.  I thought that was nice and thoughtful of him.  We were now like friends, checking in on each other.  I had my first meeting in a restaurant and since Rodney wasn't familiar with this area, we decided that he would pick me up and then we would go to the meeting together.   I was in the promoting mode of the event and Rodney and I went to a lot of events together.  Besides he had a pretty car.  I noticed that Rodney was always a perfect gentleman.  I felt lady like with him because he did all of the manly things.  He would get my drinks, made sure I was always comfortable, and we would share the ticket/cover charges but he paid for most of them. (He still does.) I was impressed with the way he dressed--cool, however, he dressed like a bamma at times (smile).
In November 2002, I was very upset because I had to take time out of my happy life to deal with jealousy, envy, and evil from within the African American Hand Dance Community all because I wrote "my" truthful opinion about "my" observation.  This was my first time dealing with enemies and such foolishness.  It felt like when I went to Boston, MA and experienced for the first time--prejudice. The incident broke my spirit and I was unable to get peace within myself. (For more detail read web page--THE BOYCOTT.)
The beauty of the matter is that GOD sent me two angels and lots of positive leaders and role models to help me deal with this situation that I was not educated about.   The angels were Russell Price, Jr. and Rodney Weaver.  Russell helped me to empower and strengthen my skills by concentrating on writing, teaching, loving, and living.  He always encouraged me to be the best that I can be.  He created "Eye on the Hand Dancer" and the "Hand Dancing Source" for me to continue my writing skills. Rodney was loving me intensely, unconditionally, and affectionately. Holding me and letting me cry in his arms and checking on me ten times a day to make sure that I was okay and to see if I needed anything.  Their support gave me the determination and strength to deliver a unique dance competition. 
It's now December 2002 and we were having a meeting at my house.  Everyone left and Rodney was the last person to leave.  I went to get his coat and I started feeling kind of
funny--like I wanted to be affectionate with him.  I helped him put on his trench coat and all of a sudden I wanted to get into that trench coat with him.  He must have been feeling funny too because we kissed at the same time.  The kiss was nice and gentle--not too much--but enough to make you want more.  I told Rodney that I didn't want to get serious until after the competition, if that's where we were going.  The next and last meeting which was over my house, I could see love in his eyes.  He wanted more!
The competition was over and "we could not get enough of each other."  We had so much fun, joy, love, excitement, and everything was going special for us.  He was always over my house.  Then I suggested that he come and live with me.  So he did!  Then I got the engagement ring with no commitment for a wedding date.  (I guess, my head was in the sand.)  Then I gave the engagement ring back after three years.  Then I wanted the engagement ring back.  He hasn't given it back to me.  But he wants me to cook for him.  Not until I have a ring on my finger and I am your wife and you are my husband--will I cook.  I use to cook a few nice meals for Rodney--whatever he wanted--but he never said "thank you" or acted appreciative about it!  Then I would cook and he would say he wasn't hungry.  Or I would tell him I was cooking dinner and he would get home late.  Cooking is not one of my strong points.  So now, I have forgotten about the engagement ring and we make sure that there is plenty of food in the house so that Rodney can cook his own meals.
We are a couple and enjoy togetherness.  Sometimes he likes to go out and party with his friends in Baltimore while I am doing taxes or something.  We have traveled together via the train to Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlantic City,  Pennsylvania, Williamsburg, VA, and California.  We enjoy hanging out and going to various dance events.  I took Rodney to the Universal Soul Circus for his birthday one year.  Paid big bucks for tickets to sit on the front row.  Got there and Rodney was nodding.  The ring master came over to us to find out why Rodney was sleeping while he was conducting a circus.  We went to the Poconos in Pennsylvania four times and always had a wonderful time.  We taught hand dance for four years at my neighborhood fire house.  Billy, Cheryl, Asia, and Kenny were the instructors. Rose, Clarence, and Mildred were the assistants.  I enjoyed it but I couldn't give the students what they wanted--more time--tax season! 
Rodney is adorable and a sweetie in his way.  Like most men, he gets cute at times and  like most women, I have to get cute-er.  He is attentive, fun, loving, generous, supportive, and a very nice man.  From day one he has brought me flowers, cards, candy, stuff dolls, and gifts and still does.  GOD willing I plan to keep him forever.  I give him all of my love, whatever I have is his, and to share my legacy.  Our families like us as a couple.  They have been waiting a long time for the wedding.  I am cool about it, as a matter of fact, I enjoy our living arrangement, very much.

WRITTEN BY MARCIA FOSTER

Every woman has her own story about love and happiness, especially, that first KISS--this is mine! My partner for going on 9 years is Rodney Weaver who was born on May 27, 1947, (Gemini) in Baltimore, Maryland.  He is a member of Charm City Hand Dancers in Baltimore.  I was born on June 28, 1947 (Cancer), in Washington, D.C.  According to Astrology, we are not compatible.  Cancerians like nice quiet lives and being involved with a Gemini is like being on a roller coaster ride.  .
Teaching social hand dance
Mae, Rodney, Russell, Marcia
Rose,Clarence,Mildred,Rodney,Marcia,Kenny
l-r,b: Rose,Mildred,Marcia,Cheryl
top: Clarence,Rodney,Billy
Asia
Cheryl Clark
Billy Parker
I tell Rodney that no one wants him and that no one wants me so we are stuck together forever!  He smiles. We both have our personal issues that we have to deal with but who doesn't.  We try to handle them with determination, respect, love, intelligence, and wisdom.  We get angry with one another, however, my anger stays in me for about 3 days and Rodney's anger stays in him for about 5 minutes.  Rodney keeps the peace between us more, but I am less moody than him.  Consideration is important to us and we remind each other of that.  We have attended 8 Night Watch Church Services on December 31.  It is important for us to be on our knees, worshipping GOD, so that we can be blessed for the rest of the year.  So far, it has worked for us.  We don't agree on some issues but that's our prerogative, perspective, and opinion and its respected.  To sum up, I truly enjoy my love life and I pray that our love continues even after death.  I THINK!