Hello Everyone:

Finally, on a quiet Saturday morning, I have taken down my Christmas tree (it was an artificial and holiday decor). Yes  – I know it’s March — but I liked to come home and turn on the lights while listening to music to wind down. My schedule, not surprising to many of you – is like a tsunami. Constant and hectic. 🙂

Following up to where I left off in my last post when I was in Turin in late January. Our ski group continued on to Mont-de-Lans, France where we skied at Les Deux Alpes. It was so beautiful and the air was clean and fresh. Not to mention the scenery! We went out in various groups with ski instructors twice a day. It was intense but a lot of fun. Those French men…..so complimentary. “Tres Jolie”.”Belle Sourire”. Nice Eyes. Ooh La La!! I had lots of laughs with Pascal, Fred and Cedric – who were the instructors of my Class 2A group. They loved my ski outfits (Jungle Girl. Lady Pink Panther) – everyone asked how many pieces of luggage I travelled with — to which I was proud to say, just one. A really big one! LOL.

IMPACT: Meeting new people and leaving a lasting impression. Where they tell you to “never change”. That you will be remembered by them for their lifetime. It’s amazing that in a matter of days you could have taught life lessons without even being aware – with just simple interaction. I was told that on more than one occasion. The feeling is quite fantastic and special. Smiling. Laughing. Joie de Vivre. Being Yourself. Without Fear. With Abandon. Confidence. To be free to express and be who you are – – both inside and out. It sometimes surprises people – – because they judge. They don’t know what they are missing. But to inspire others to want to try and follow – Wow.

I spent a couple of days on my own in Lyon at the end of the trip. My hotel had an outdoor heated pool, whirlpool and sauna. It was zero degrees celsius (give or take a couple of degrees lower) and in true Canadian fashion – I went for a swim and quick sauna. The locals thought I was very brave. LOL. Enjoyed a wonderful meal at Paul Bocuse. A three-star Michelin restaurant. The staff treated me so well and were very attentive. Maybe because I was the only person dining on their own. :O. They even brought me into the kitchen to meet the chef, and have a photo op. Received a few souvenirs to bring home (the extra-large menu, and 2 napkin ring holders – I put them on my wrists and pretended I was Wonder Woman) haha. There was an afternoon that I was in this amazing food hall (Les Halles Paul Bocuse) and saw everyone having these incredible seafood towers. And for a moment – I was a little lonely and wished someone was with me — to share this experience and also the food – which was too much – – even for me!

When asked what I enjoyed most about this adventure – – I say – the people – strangers, who for a week became friends. And although we may never cross paths again, just knowing that I made an impact is very special to me. I was a little sad when the week was over.

Seems that as I get older, the more good friends I am making. How incredible is that?!

Next post – I will get to the Year of the Earth Dog. Still have to read up on it. But now have to do some housekeeping and laundry. 🙂

Love and Hugs,

Winnie, The Warrior. XOXO