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Our eyes heavy and our bodies tired, we tried to stay awake to go to the airport at midnight. The weather was quite spectacular, with dramatic thunder, lightning and heavy rain. We picked up the ladies from the airport after midnight. We were in bed by 2 AM. Day one is falling in to place…

The first morning we explored the hills of Terra Gardens, spent time with my parents, rested and then we went downtown. We were caught in the rain, after exploring the medieval and crafts fair in Cluj; we picked up a dairy-free snickers cake and ate other delicious sweets from Chez Coco, and then I want…

Today I pulled a blank sheet of paper and made a “stress list”. I wake up with a clear mind, but as I start my day a slew of tasks and responsibilities flood my mind. So I just need to get them out. My engine knows how to run at a proper speed, but it…

Two more weeks until mom and dad arrive. We have big plans for May and June. In May we (mom, Sharon, Debbie, Sue and I) will host a women’s conference in the beautiful hills of Valea Draganului; We have been slowly building up to this since last Easter. We met a few times when I…

Friends, life has been rich and adventurous lately. This week alone we lived intensely. We drove to Bucuresti to a coffee covers conference and promoted more our Wanderlust Coffee Company. This trip was a success from many points of view. At first, I tended to let Conrad do His thing, be his passionate, knowledgable, coffee…

Sometimes, if I open the window and close my eyes, the intermittent gusts of wind in this narrow valley remind me of the ocean. Spring has certainly arrived at Valea Chintaului, and we are enjoying every moment of it. Every day the grass gets greener, filling in our view from the bedroom. As much as…

I have been saying yes to way more invitations than I normally would. As soon as I get going, I don’t regret it. On the contrary. But I am haunted by efficiency. No trip to town has just one purpose. No social event is just that. My parents loved yesterday. So did my friends. And…

We run away from pain and discomfort. It’s a natural tendency of self-preservation. Though it is said that it’s best to let it run its natural course. I do that when I’m sick. No medication. Mainly to be able to listen to what my body is trying to tell me. I am also talking about…

Monday we had a wonderful time with the young women, a reevaluation and a touch base, hearing feedback from each of them on the idea and need of vulnerability or transparency in the group. It was refreshing. Tuesday we gathered to study together and discuss fervently. We definitely need a purpose and structure reevaluation here.…

As a sort of follow-up to Vio’s post. One line reminded me of a conversation I had with some of the young people here. We are not a brainless river… and even the river can reshape it’s riverbed with force, determination and a little help. We went to go see “Insurgent” the other night with…

Remember that speed-talk meeting we had with two ladies at the Child Protection office in Cluj exactly a year ago? Today I mustered up the courage and energy to go straight back to the same tall door and knock confidently. We knew more this time. It’s crazy how small and powerless that visit made me…

There is one major upside to living in Cluj. The creative society is thriving, and we don’t have enough time to be part of everything, though time seems to be the one abundant commodity. People with passion, ideas, connections, resources, places and wonderful stories are connected like the nervous system. This week alone we met…