April 13, 2008

Well it seems only right that this trip started and ended with problems with Ethiopian Airlines! It makes things feel complete. I’m in Paris now and arrived three hours before my flight to make sure I was here on time. Everything went wonderfully. I found a place right outside of my gate that did manicures along with a massage. (Ouch on the price. I hope the dollar goes back up in value soon!)

I stood in line at the gate and waited while the attendant started talking to her supervisors, then on the phone in French. Then I watched the gates CLOSE!!!! It turns out I had no ticket but lucky for me there is a flight in the next two hours and I should be able to make my connecting flight home in time to say Happy Birthday to my mother, Sue Davis. (Happy Late birthday to Briana too.)

Spain was so exciting. I got a chance to speak with a group that not only made a significant donation to us but invited me back at the end of October for a week’s speaking engagement. But most wonderful were my new friends. I’m not sure I remember feeling so comfortable with people so fast. I LOVE Madrid! I also got to see Patricia who wrote about the Trampled Rose in her thesis on Gender issues. I studied the fashion on the streets so I can give you an update soon. For now the dresses are all short! They are wearing tights. I guess it’s back to Jazzercise for me.

I can’t wait to go back. I promise to practice my Spanish in the mean time. Vamos a hablar!

Next was Paris. Christiana invited me to spend the night at her home. We had a delicious dinner of rabbit cooked in mustard sauce. She said it is very typical. Then cheese for dessert. I think we should take up the custom! Her home was more than cool in downtown Paris complete with a courtyard. Just like the movies. I got to meet with some other members of Gwadenia and show them our new DVD. You get to see it too at the coffee on April 24 at the Colorado Springs Country Club.

Thank you to all of you who believe in our dream! Let’s keep up the good work. This trip was truly Magic. I’m coming home with enough good energy to actually win the energizer Bunny contest this time.

It looks like we already have a group trip planned in October. Let me know if you’d like to come play with us.

I’ll be back in my office April 20th. I’d LOVE to hear from you!!!!