A Bon Voyage at Jill & Robs

A Big Thanks to Jill and Rob for hosting a terrific gathering of some of our oldest friends at their home in Marin. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as all the details and planning was beginning to wear me out. Both of us were really looking forward to a few hours kickin’ back with friends.

Jill suggested that I bring some of my artwork and set up a mini-show in her living room. Renata picked out the pieces to bring, and on Saturday we loaded the car with art. We set up a corner of the living room with easels to hold the framed work and a print bin for the matted work. Many of these old friends had never seen my art before, and I think were pleasantly surprised by what they saw. Maybe now I can get them down to the South Bay for an art show after we return.

Kathy suggested that we pin up a world map and list up the places we are planning on exploring. The list became a world geography quiz. Claire had to bring out her world atlas book to help find some of the places. A few of the stumpers were Ahmedabad, Lake Baikal, and Ulaan Baator. (Do you know where these places are?)

Soon the house was filled with familiar faces, and the table began to overflow with the bounty of a potluck. Then, before dinner, a spontaneous circle formed holding hands and our dear friend Wumby said a beautiful prayer sending us out into the four corners of the globe. Rob chimed in saying “YOU GUYS ARE THE EYES OF THE WORLD.” Well, that’s what Jerry sang, “Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world.” It’s true; we are ALL the eyes of the world.

As the evening progressed, goodbyes were said, and the house began to slowly empty as friends went home. 2am came and went, and then 3am, and before I knew it, it was 4:30am and I was still in conversation with a few women. It was a magic hour, and we sat outside by the fire discussing the depths of life.

A few hours with friends turned into an all-night slumber party and we finally found ourselves on the road home around 3pm on Sunday, exhausted from all the fun, but strangely, completely refreshed and ready to get back to the details of planning for our departure. Thanks friends, you gave us a big shot of love and support right to the heart.

Welcome!

Welcome to Global Fusion!

First of all, to all those of you who have been supporting us in so many ways, from encouraging words, making suggestions and critiques, sending us recommendations for our destinations, to making donations, and buying Lyn's artwork. THANK YOU! Without your help, support and encouragement, we wouldn’t have made it this far.

Now, we are busy in the final stages of our preparations.

Our house has been rented!

Our other concern was our cat, Willow. She is an important member of the family, and we agonized about how she would be affected by our departure. We are much relieved, now that one of our neighbors has kindly volunteered to adopt Willow. Ever since she was introduced to the family, she has been visiting them regularly.

Taro had been busy with a project that finally came to an end last week. He gave notice to his employer, and his last day will be Friday, April 16.

Lyn has rented a storage space, made some reservations for accommodations, arranged travel insurance, and started packing. She has been filling up her iPod with some of our favorite music, too.

We are looking forward to seeing many of our local friends at the NorCal Fusion Bon Voyage Party at 12 Galaxies next Monday.

The flight to our first destination, Amsterdam, is May 5. Three weeks and counting...