Dear Universe,

I want to travel, see places, be inspired, take pictures and write about the experiences.  You know this.  I know this.  But the idea really hit home the other day.

A colleague and friend of mine told me she was traveling to London and Paris.  I offered to make a list of things she should do, places to see.  She was excited by the idea so I went for it.

But I went a little nuts with the list.  One spot led to the next; one idea sprung another.  I wanted it to be the perfect balance of educational, fun, adventurous, inspirational and unique things she could do.  In the process, I began reminiscing, missing the cities and the way I felt while I was away.  I worked on the list for days and it became so extensive I was afraid to email it.  That’s when my friend asked me for it.

At this point I just wanted to print the list and hop on a plane myself to do it all over again.

Instead, I emailed it to her giving her permission to ignore my lengthy suggestions since I was sure she would come up with her own things to do and that I would want to hear all about them.  I explained that I enjoyed making it and that’s why I went overboard.

She wrote back thanking me, saying she loved it.  She was genuinely enthusiastic which made me feel less crazy.  Then she mentioned that she plotted all my “hot spots” on a google map!  She said she didn’t know she could do that (neither did I).

I inspired her map?!  That inspires me.  The idea that someone wants to follow my advice on where to go and what to see in Paris and London is really surprising.  And really cool.

Or maybe she’s just desperate.  🙂

Still, I’m flattered and shocked so I asked her to save me a copy.  I might have to frame it.

Here’s to all the new places I want to go to and some of the old spots I want to revisit.  I’m ready for another trip.  Please help me find my way there…wherever there is.  I’m grateful for any opportunity.

Thank you,

A