Rest and reflections on the first day back
I slept till around noon the day after I got back from Uganda. Actually, it was noon in Uganda. Here in Minneapolis, in my own bed for the first time in almost three weeks, it was 3:58 a.m. I popped awake and couldn’t fall back asleep, but I’m not sure if it was because of jet lag or because once I was awake my brain immediately filled up with so many thoughts that it was impossible to turn them off [...]
A language everyone can understand
(Note: While I am in Uganda, the Chanhassen Villager is running some of my favorite travel-related columns. This column was originally published on August 23, 2007. I’ve been accused of being an idealist. Of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. Of being delusionally optimistic. And I have to admit, I’m guilty as charged. But seeing and celebrating the good that’s in people doesn’t mean I won’t acknowledge that there’s anything bad. Looking at the big picture doesn’t mean I [...]
Taking pride in the journey home
(Note: While I am in Uganda, the Chanhassen Villager is running some of my favorite travel-related columns. This column was originally published on July 3, 2008.) It was Sunday morning, and my daughter and I were on the 9:30 shuttle from our hotel to the Orlando airport. My husband had to fly out on business the day before, and my son wasn’t able to take the time off work to attend his sister’s graduation in Florida, so it was just [...]
It’s a Small World After All
(Note: While I am in Uganda, the Chanhassen Villager is running some of my favorite travel-related columns. This column was originally published on April 14, 2005.) I learned a lot of interesting things last week. One is that if you spent just sixty seconds in front of each work of art in the Louvre, it would take you over six months to see it all. I also learned that in addition to being beautifully lit up at night, the Eiffel [...]
Time out for writing
I was out of town for a few days last week, even though I couldn’t really afford the time away. But that was the point. The trip was a 3-day Writers Retreat in Hinckley, with uninterrupted time for the kind of writing that most of us can’t find time to do in our regular and overly-busy lives. There were 15 women at the retreat, all with different types of businesses, and different types of projects they wanted to work on. [...]
Almost ready for Uganda
“If anybody offers you sambusa, take it.” That’s one piece of advice that was given to me recently regarding my upcoming trip to Uganda. I’m going to be there for several weeks, and I’ve been collecting information from friends – and friends of friends – who have been there themselves or who have family members who have spent time in Uganda or other African countries. It’s been a fascinating and wonderful experience in so many ways. As someone who has [...]