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"Just remember, they can buy anything but they can’t buy backbone." - Rushmore - Herman Blume (Bill Murray)

Some things just cannot be explained.  We drove up Ruta 12 (near the multi-million dollar homes) yesterday morning from the beach in Punta del Este.  It was a beautiful summer morning drive in the country with no traffic, 60 degrees, and sunny.  Birds were chirping, a light breeze was blowing, all in all an idyllic Disney moment.  Only two cars were in front of us.  There was a lone cyclist riding a very expensive bicycle on the road.  He was handsomely decked out in spandex, riding gloves, special shoes, and helmet.   The car in front of us slowly passed him and as it did so, the cyclist began lifting his left arm into the air, pumping it up and down.  We were a a few meters back, and couldn't quite make out the hand gesture, so we wondered what Uruguayan tradition this might be.  
​As the next car passed, it became very clear - not an Uruguayan tradition at all - just a road rage bicyclist wildly waving his third finger at every car!  When it came our turn to pass, we looked at each other, wide-eyed and questioning whether we'd be graced with his antics.  Sure enough!  We had a good laugh over his ridiculousness.  Whatever his nationality, I hope he rides into the sunset a happier man.
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“You can dance in the storm.  Don't wait for the rain to be over before because it might take too long.  You can do it now.  Wherever you are, right now, you can start, right now; this very moment.” ― Israelmore Ayivor
The clouds in Uruguay are amazing.  I had forgotten how clouds could look, until I really looked at them here.
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“You know what the secret is?  It's so simple.  We love one another.  We're nice to one another.  Do you know how rare that is?" - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Carmen (America Ferrera)





​     My Kindle Cloud of four years contains 619 books I've read.  Being a voracious reader for my entire life,  I've always puzzled at my inability to find inspiration to pen my own stories.   
I have finally discovered my muse(s) and inspiration - my wonderful teacher friends in Austin, Texas.  We call ourselves the "Sistahs" and give each other "traveling pants names" as in the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.  (I am currently "Builder Pants.")  We have always emailed each other with funny teacher tales.  When I changed my life around and retired, I kept emailing them with my new adventures.  They responded so positively that I kept writing and am still at it.  My Sistahs - My Muses!  
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"Grab them and hug them and tell them that you love 'em. Tell them, 'If you need anything, come to me.' 'If you need somebody to talk to, come to me.' 'I'll give you the shoulder, I'll give you the hug. I'll feed you, I'll clothe you if you need it. That's how you start from this moment. When you leave this reunion today, you take that with you. -  Madea's Family Reunion - Myrtle (Cicely Tyson)
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     My husband returned to my arms today. We had little reunion scene at the Montevideo Aeropuerto, as we cried, kissed, and hugged.  Finally together at last - after spending 8 months out of the past 12 apart.  My prayers have been answered.
     I oversaw all the construction for our house while my husband returned to the States.  When he left, there was only a foundation.  Today he saw firsthand the walls, roof, and windows!  I am so proud of myself for overseeing all of that.  Mostly, though, I am honored that he placed so much trust in me.  
     Thank God for technology.  We were able to communicate daily with Skype!  I'm not sure how our house would have gotten built or how sane I would be without contact through technology.   My heart is full!