If it’s Friday, it must be France ...
Ooops – I’m late again – I know it’s Saturday, but we have company and I’m attempting to sneak this post in while still being a somewhat gracious hostess. Good thing we have understanding friends who realize writing and blogging are consuming my life somewhat distracting at times.
What I want to say today is this: if you have a dream, keep pursuing it.
You never know when unexpected opportunities will become a reality.
Taking a deep breath and publishing our writing, into which we put our hearts, minds, and bare our very souls a good chunk of our lives, sometimes opens doors we might never having imagined.
Here are the best parts of writing for me (without getting into the satisfaction, frustration, challenge and all-around buzz of crafting stories): connecting with readers ~ becoming part of amazing communities of writers and bloggers all over the planet ~ receiving invitations to share thoughts, knowledge and experience ~ hearing the same from others ~ discovering ways to give back through what we do ~ listening, learning, laughing ~ feeling inspired to keep writing.
To be sure there’s another side: the search for the right words and ideas ~ the questioning and self-doubt that sneaks in ~ the hours of researching, editing, rewriting ~ the demands on time and money and presence that may be needed elsewhere in our lives ~ the inevitable struggle that is part of any creative process. And for many, that’s just the short list.
The yin and yang.
And then, out of the blue, may come something totally unexpected.
For example being invited to lead, along with my good friend, non-fiction author and speaking partner, Susan Sommers, a tour of 16 women (sorry, guys … this an all-girls’ party) to the south of France for 12 days in October, 2013.
It’s part of the innovative Broad Horizons program of Uniglobe Instant Travel based in London, Ontario
Seriously.
It happened.
And you know how I love the south of France.
I’ve been guiding friends around that part of the world for years and love to do it.
Here’s the fabulous itinerary – South of France Itinerary 2013. We’ve worked hard to ensure it’s going to be a very good time – inspiring, energizing, providing memories for a lifetime.
There’s just the right combination of literary, art and laughter: enjoying café au lait or sipping pastis in the shadow of authors we have read, walking in the footsteps of great artists, touring, shopping, wining (including wine tasting at an ancient vineyard) and dining (including a cooking class in Provence), and relaxing. Call your bestie and come if you can. It’s going to be superbe, magnifique, and fantastique … and if you can’t go with us, rest assured I’ll be writing about it to share here with all of you.
We’ll be here …
And here …
And here …
And in the countryside of Provence strolling streets like these …
Visiting places like this …
And taking endless photos of these
Tempting? There’s more info on my website too. Click here if you would like to see it.
Keep dreaming. Keep believing. Keep writing. You just never know …
What are the lows and highs of the yin and yang in your creative process? How do you find the balance for which we all search? Share your dreams. What doors have opened for you?You know we care.
Ah, what a dream – lucky you!
Thanks, Marina. I’m truly delighted. It’s going to be a great tour! I feel very lucky indeed.
Opportunity beyond belief. Marvelous.
Thanks, Sheri. I feel the same way!
Oh my. So tempting. I was considering a tour of Ireland in September, but this looks just as tempting. How can I do both and still pay the light bill at home? I’m saving this post to think about it.
Hey Julie! It would be great fun if you came along … especially if you are already over in France at that time.
Oh wow. This would be so much fun. You are perfect for this! I’m so happy for you Patricia. Big hugs.
Thanks for all your enthusiasm, Kate! It’s going to be a very good time and Susan and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been offered these opportunities.
pat. what a wonderful blog! I cant wait to enjoy france with you and the other women! today is my birthday and we are going to the art gallery and a birthday party at my daughter.s house. enjoy your company. susan
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Patricia Sands’ Blog wrote:
Happy Birthday, my dear friend! We are going to have just a great time with what I know will be an awesome group of women!See you next week.
This is such an exciting opportunity for you, Patricia! I wish I could go, but that price tag is a bit out of my reach. Still… to see France with YOU. That is a dream come true! I can’t wait to see the pictures and to hear all about your fabulous adventure. Congratulations!
Thanks, Tameri! It would be such fun if you could come but it’s nice to know you will be with us in spirit and maybe one day on the tour we can do a twitter party from France. We are going to need to take a break de temps en temps. And you know… just as exciting is the thought of the RWA conference in Atlanta and getting to spend time with you and so many other WANAs in person. That’s going to be a blast!
Pat – great blog – makes us all dream for sure! you will be the very best hostess ever – I am sure of that! Those attending are very lucky!
Gail – come! Wouldn’t BJ love to send you along for your birthday? I am SO looking forward to our little reunion in Haliburton in June! Thanks again for arranging that speaking opportunity. It’s going to be a lovely time.
Oh my gosh, how exciting!!! Congratulations…and what an incredible journey and opportunity to partake and share with others. It’ll be amazing and I can’t wait to read all about it as you ladies adventure and share with each other. Your photos just make me DROOL!! I will be with you in spirit.
I absolutely love your yin and yang description of the creative process. Such a true reflection of the absolute utter joy that comes with certain unique challenges. 🙂
Thanks, Natalie. You are such a good example of the kind of opportunities that open up to us with your wonderful experience with MADD. You are giving back in the most important way. How did the weekend course go? You know I am a huge fan of the commitment you and Scott have made.
Dreams to Reality, Yin and Yang. I get that. It takes a lot of faith to turn dreams into something real. But the best part is the minute you realize the work has paid off. One minute you’ve set out to make a goal/dream real and the next you’re living that dream. Sailing and writing are that for me. Both take work and aren’t anything like I imagined, yet the rewards are so worth it.
Beautiful.. I took a trip a couple of years back, started in Barcelona.. not quite your trip, but I recognize a few photos above. My mind is adrift ..
Enjoy those memories, Brenda! They keep taking us to special places even when we are sitting at home.
Wow…a dream come true. How wonderful…those photos are so gorgeous too. Incredible.
Thanks! It’s going to be great fun traveling with 16 women and sharing this special part of the world that holds my heart. And … of course … more fab photo ops! I can feel my shutter finger trembling …
I recognize a few places, too… Beautiful pics!