17 Comments
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Kathy Garland's avatar

As I read about your experience, I felt the excitement, the tension of being so near the lion's pride. Oh and who can't relate to the fear of leaving everything out, or losing money and passports? You trusted your intuition and guidance, which is a huge life lesson for many people, myself included.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Love this, Kathy!

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Mary B Hansen's avatar

Quite a ride! I love the part about trusting yourself: "Why would I feel all is well when nothing had changed?" Opening yourself to feel all is well is so important.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Thanks Mary!

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N.J. (Nancy) Mastro's avatar

Wow! What a tale. I love it. By chance, last weekend I rewatched the movie Out of Africa for what I'm sure is the 50th time. I am a big fan of Isak Dineson. Out of Africa is one of my favorite books, and I have an old copy of West with the Night, but haven't read that one yet. One day... But a few years ago I read Paula McLain's Circling the Sun, which is biofiction about Beryl Markham. You might enjoy it - when you get home, that is. Enjoy your trip!

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Oh, thank you for the recommendation to read Circling the Sun. I do recall that book now but haven't read it. I really enjoyed Paula McClain's The Paris Wife and Love and Ruin. Thank you!

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Sally McQuillen's avatar

I loved being along for the ride Joan~ for the adventure and the emotion and the reminder you received from within.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Thank you, Sally!

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Karen Lynne Klink's avatar

What an adventure! Memories to last a lifetime. I read both the books you mentioned and loved them. You wrote this so well and had me with you the entire time.

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Thank you Karen! You said it perfectly: Memories to last a lifetime - absolutely

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Gabi Coatsworth's avatar

Love this post! I reread the Dinesen and Markham books recently. They were extraordinary women in many ways, not least their willingness to take risks with their love and lives...

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

I agree! Those books made a lasting impact on me when I read them. What a great idea to reread them. They came to mind after I wrote the post, but now I think I'd like to read again.

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Nancy J. Fagan, Writer's avatar

Loved this Joan!

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Jenn Todling's avatar

And I so appreciate the shout out to my post- thank you friend!

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Absolutely!

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Jenn Todling's avatar

Wow! I just love this so much. What a vivid picture you paint of the roller coaster of emotions you experienced. I just love how you found the grace to tap into your intuition in those challenging moments and look at the beauty that resulted. And also- adventuring is not for the faint of heart! What did you learn about yourself in that moment?

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Joan Fernandez's avatar

Hi Jenn (I assume in Paris!) I suppose I reaffirmed that I'm not in charge and neither am I alone. That there are other intelligences at work and at hand to appeal to no matter what. :)

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