No pics, just an update

Today was a *lovely* day. I use the term lightly because this morning, I met with the executive director for Koins (the organization I am working with for my water project) and she gave me a grim update of the conditions in Samburu. If you get a chance, take a look at CFAC for a brief recap of our meeting. As soon as I can figure out how to get the "little goodies" working correctly, there will be a listing of fun things you can purchase to make your life a little lighter, and make a difference in the lives of citizens of our world. So check there in the next few days, thanks for reading, and have a lovely day.

Serious stuff

Samburu, Kenya is experiencing a worse than usual drought. Today, I had another meeting with the executive director for Koins. We discussed the imminent need to build a safe and sanitary girls dormitory at the Samburu Secondary School. The stories she told me about the conditions she saw there last May made tears drop from my eyes.

Of course, they'll need a water source. Since Samburu's topography doesn't work for boreholes (wells) we will most likely tap (via pipeline) into the main water source from Mombasa. If you have any questions about the specific, technical aspects just let me know (it's not that interesting to write about..really...plus, I can put you in touch with someone who can explain the process much better than I).

One of the saddest facts that young women face is the inability to continue with their education because of menstruation, pregnancy (often due to early marriage or rape) or lack of funds and water.

Most people know, or should know, that an educated woman is the first line of defense to poverty, violence and AIDS. Anything we can do to keep even one girl in school is worthwhile.

The next time you turn on the tap, try to think about what a precious resource water is.

Never give up.....14 hours to shop

I cannot resist taking photos of signs. This one is from the Palais Royal arcade. Little compares to the perfect little black dress. Lucky for me, I have a reason to get a brand new one!

I tried on a lot of dresses today. Shopping is exercise! I did not buy this one....the sleeves were too much like wings. I am not a bird.

I didn't shop here today, but isn't it a cool photo? I rode enough escalators today to justify posting this pic I took in Paris last month.

Relentlessness leads to the right choice. I pick up the chosen one tomorrow....but still need to get shoes....and *maybe* a handbag. Will have to sleep on that lovely thought.

Live. It. Up.

Just back from true vacation in Hawaii (so much of our traveling is for business). It's always lovely to go back to places where no matter how many times you go, you appreciate that first...

Wave crashing on your legs. Daughter got a head start....
Snorkel adventure....

View of Waimea Canyon. This was, actually, the first time we saw this part of Kauai. It's amazing. If you stand there and concentrate just a little, you can hear the wind in the canyon. I am sure it is saying something important (no idea what because I was watching daughter like a hawk so that she didn't fall off the side...we had our flip flops on and there weren't any guard rails. She can be a daredevil).

Ooh, and the first, second, and *maybe* third mai tai.

Total rest and relaxation.

Status update

Oh my, it's been a while since there's been an update. To quote one of my favorite songs,* it seems I've spent most of the year in a plane going up and down (mostly for work), while continually working and thinking about the well project. Thank you to everyone (friends, family, and strangers) who continue to show support and interest in CFAC.

Lots of activities happening now, in the near future, and ongoing.

Now: Cake for a Cause. Try your luck at winning, hands down, the best cake from the best baker in the state of Oregon. Those of you who have had her cakes know what I am talking about! Call Georganne at 541-479-4559 if you want to buy a ticket.

Near Future: One of my dearest and most creative friends will open her Lake Oswego home for a children's holiday party Sunday, December 13th from 1-5 pm to benefit CFAC. Treats and crafts will be provided. Please email me at alampert712@gmail.com for information. Oh, and I'm going to have one at my house too. I will do pretty much exactly what she does......why reinvent the wheel? The date and time at my home TBD.

Ongoing: Headbands, notecards, and art sale. I'll get the links and photos for those up soon. But right now, I have to do my other job and get daughter to sleep.

*Does anyone out there know Tracyanne Campbell from Camera Obscura? Goodness, it would be more than I could say to get her to do some kind of benefit. Oh, I know, right, yeah, but if you're going to dream.....dream big!

Sometimes you have to work with what you've got.

I took this pic when I was a little* lost and frustrated. I saw this post box and it made me giggle. Someone has a good sense of humor! (*impossible to get completely, utterly lost in Paris).

The week before Halloween I wandered around and got lost a lot (always thinking, "I am sharpening my map reading skills (!)" but really just walking in circles) among the streets of Paris, knowing full well that when I returned, I would have a Halloween costume to assemble wiki-wiki. Daughter wanted to be a businessman so I left thinking, "CAKE. WALK. Once I get home, we'll just dip into the closest goodwill and pick up a boy's suit." Ummm, errrr, not that easy (why weren't legions of suits on racks just waiting for us to scoop them up?) Lucky for me, she changed her mind and wanted to be a pirate. Hey, that's a businessman of the sea. Right?

With 3 days to get it done, I transformed into domestic goddess mode** (absolutely no disrespect to Nigella). We looked through her closet to find piratey-like things, and then picked up the rest at the fabric store. We used what she already had and altered sewing patterns I had to make her shirt and accessories. Smug satisfaction. Not to mention her favorite costume so far.

Ooh, and aren't all of you being excellent moms by eating your kid's (s') candy because we know candy is bad for children?

**Going to carry on in the spirit! Tomorrow, I'll pull on my wellies and muck about in the in the garden. Maybe even bake or cook a little something. This year I'm gonna glitter the gourds! But, best of all, it's time to start the covet list for Christmas!!!!!! You all know how lovely and fun that is.

Lucky or lovely?

I think it's both. How unlikely is this?*

Ummm, since I just received feedback on how it is hard to tell what it is...it's a leaf stuck on my Mercedes emblem.