Where is this beach?

Here's a little Christmas in July for you! If you can name this beach, I will send you a book bundle giveaway, including: Conversations on Faith, God Allows U-Turns for Women, and Trading Ashes for Roses!

Hurry! Christmas is just around the corner. (Yes, you may enlarge it to get the "total" picture!)

Living Passionately,


Connie Pombo
Author, Speaker, Photographer?

A Christmas Carol?

Today I went to my favorite Bible Bookstore and was saddened to see that it was going out of business. It's always bittersweet, isn't it? You get terrific bargains, but at the same time you realize that people will be looking for jobs and the mega-chain store buying online and off is taking over the "little" stores.

As I browsed through the aisles--some half empty--I felt sick inside. I even saw my book, Trading Ashes for Roses: From Pain to Passion at half off. It's always strange for me to see my book in the bookstore, mainly because I haven't gotten used to my "author" title yet. I just think of myself as someone who is passionate about writing.

I still had a few people to buy for on my Christmas list, so I checked out the music section of CD's--most of them had been picked over. But I found one by Sandi Patty--it was a sound track for singers. Okay, I'm not a singer, but I am asked a lot if I sing. I think the world has the notion that if you're a speaker/author, obviously you must be able to sing too, right? Wrong!

Singing has never been on my passionate to-do list. In fact, it's never made it to the top 27. But I have to say, I bought the CD and listened to all five sound tracks (one with vocals, one without, and of course Sandi Patty singing the "real" version of "It is Well with My Soul." It's one of my most favorite hymns. Now mind you, I have acute laryngitis and acute bronchitis, so all I could do was lip-sync. It didn't seem too hard until I really tried to sing (I don't suggest it with laryngitis). And then I thought, I just might be able to do this.

I was actually surprised to find out that "singing" is not listed under the top 10 fears of most people--speaking in public is still #1, so it may not be that bad afterall. Guess what my new passion for the New Year is going to be?

Fear is what holds back most of us from living out our passions and who knows, I just might become passionate about singing. And then when meeting planners call and ask if I sing, I can say, "Yes, I'm actually passionate about it!"

Speaking of passion and adventure, check out my dear author friend Susan Kelly Skitt's new blogsite at Living Life's Adventure.

Now that I'm back in the blogging rhythm, you'll be hearing more from me so stay tuned.

Living Passionately,


Connie Pombo
Author, Speaker, "Singer"?

More Wildflowers

I call this photo "Tuscany in My Garden": the blues, yellows, and the gorgeous sunflower right smack dab in the middle--like the leaning Tower of Pisa--make me want to jump on an airplane right now and head for Italy!

This has been a great summer for flowers and discovering a new passion--gardening. My neighbor still hangs her head over the fence and says, "I don't believe those came from a packet of seeds!" But soon the landscape will be covered with snow and a different kind of beauty will erupt. Until then I'll take my flowers! (Oh, did I mention I use Miracle Grow!).

Let me hear about your passionate gardening tips; I'm still new at this!

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

Savoring Joy!

These are my "wildflowers" that greet me each morning! How can I find such joy in a $1.00 packet of seeds that continually paint the landscape of my backyard with a myraid of colors?

For the last ten years I have practiced the "art" of savoring the present moment--countless positive experiences: awe at a brilliant sunset, luxuriating in a Jacuzzi, smelling the earth after a summer's rain, basking in the laughter of children playing, and watching my "garden" grow! How is it possible? I have to admit--extroverts, optimists and "Sanguine" types--like myself--have a much easier time than others (it comes naturally to us). But we can all learn to enhance our ability to enjoy our everyday lives more fully and to "live" in the present moment. But unfortunately most of us are just too busy to notice; the "white" noise of life distracts us from living passionately.

Next time you pass by a field of wildflowers: stop and take a mental photograph. Consciously make note of the features you want to remember later! I have several "mental" photographs I pull out often (even before I was interested in photography). Although it's nice to have a "tangible" picture; it's not necessary. One such mental photograph is of Dardinel's Lake in the Sierra's (backpacking in California--the year 1974). We made cheesecake in the glacial snow and watched the chipmunks eat it (not our idea, but theirs!). The glacier was mirrored in the lake and created an upside portrait--forever etched in my memory. I will never lose that photograph. I savor the joy of it often!

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

Passionate about Montreal!

No visit to Montreal would be complete without a visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame. This magnificent castle in the sky can be seen from almost any location in the city. And if you're planning a wedding, it can be rented for a mere $10,000 a day (ask Celine Dion).




The basilica inside is breathtaking (pictures cannot do it justice!), and at night a sound and light show: "And then there was Light," which highlights all the features and heritage of this artistic masterpiece. Don't forget the flower vendors across the street with a cascading fountain of every conceivable variety and color.




Mark Twain said, "This is the first time I was ever in a city where you couldn't throw a brick without breaking a church window. Yet I was told you are going to build one more . . ." It can't be argued that this is a city of churches, but if I had to pick just one to visit: Notre Dame would be it!

I'm passionate about stained-glass windows and the ones inside the basilica won't dissapoint you. Be prepared to wait in line and spend a couple of hours (we're glad we did!). Afterwards wander the sidestreets for some dining "al fresco" at one of the charming cafes.



Auvoir!

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

Paris without the Jet Lag!

The best way to see Montreal is via a carriage ride through "Vieux Montreal," and ask for "Slim" (aka Mark). He's had the likes of DiNiro, DiCaprio, Madonna and Oko Yono in his carriage. Instead of looking at the great architecture of this picturesque city, I found myself enthralled by the tales of Slim's celebrity adventures! The clip-clop of the horse-drawn carriage on the cobblestone streets with the bells of Notre Dame echoing throughout the city--with an occasional passer-by shouting "Bonjour,"--I felt as if I were in "Paris" without the jet lag!

Did you realize more "European" films are filmed here than in LA? Why? Because it costs less to take an entire film crew to Montreal than to close off one street in LA for an hour! There are no highwires in Old Montreal, and gas street lanterns give the feel of Europe at a fraction of the cost. Such films as "The Score"; "Ghostbusters"; "The Avaiator," and get this--the steps of "Law and Order" have been filmed here. Can you tell I was soaking in the entire flavor and history of this rare and unique gem of a city!



Don't miss Place Jacques-Cartier on the slope to the waterfront. Here you will find flower markets, cafes, and Place Royale - the city's oldest public square which dates back to 1657. Side streets are filled with artistans at work with something for everyone with prices to fit any budget.



This is absolutely a photographer's paradise! I caught this window while sipping cafe au lait with a "real" croissant (located along Place Jacques-Cartier). Montreal is charming by day and enchanting by night! You will want to return--like me--to taste more of this decidedly French city on the North American Continent.

Now I'm passionate about "all things" French, and managed to pick up enough words to make me really dangerous! However, you're safe with: bonjour, bonsoir, and merci!

Living Life Passionately!


Connie

More on my trip tomorrow! Until then "Auvoir"!

"Oh, Canada!"

If you missed me this week, I've been blogging on God Allows U-Turns. Visit www.godallowsuturns.com to catch up on "Living the Passionate Life!"

Tomorrow, very early, we leave for Canada: Montreal and Quebec City! I've made my new passionate to-do list and I'm checking it twice!! Be prepared for a photo journal when I return. I've got lots of superb reading to take along with me (hubby is driving this time).

Thanks for all who sent me their passionate stories this week via e-mail. I'll respond when I return.


Living Passionately,


Connie

Bellagio

This picture was taken in 1997 when I first discovered my passion for photography: a moment caught in time. That time, that place, that person will never be the same again. But this photo is forever engraved in my mind! At any moment of the day I can close my eyes and see the snow capped alps of Switzerland, the palm trees, and the sapphire of lakes--Lake Como. Walking through the streets with buildings flag-bedecked, geraniums rustling from every window, bougainvillea veiling the staircases--I knew heaven had to be close by! As I walked into the gardens of Villa Serbelloni, once designed to cradle dukes and duchesses in high luxury, is now the haven for the discreetly wealthy. I, of course, am not! But for one moment in time, I was transported to a time and place that serves as a reminder of what "heaven on earth" looks like. Is it any wonder that the composer Verdi chose to compose "La Traviata" in Cadenabbia across from Bellagio--what a magnificent view he had!

You can see why my love for Italy and the Italian language lends itself to "Living Life Passionately!"

Ci vediamo domani! Ciao tutti!

Connie

Guest Blogger

The week of July 3-9, I will be a guest blogger on Allison Bottke's U-Turns website. Allison is the the creator of the U-Turn series and in March, the book was released, volume 5 of the series: God Allows U-Turns for Women: The Chocies We Make Change the Story of Our Life. "Living the Passionate Life!" is my contribution to the book, and I hope you will join me next week. An added bonus, each time you make a comment to one of the posts, your name will be added to a drawing at the end of each month. Hope to hear from you next week.

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

Retreat for Writers

Welcome to my retreat for the weary writer: The Conestoga House. This estate is open to the public every Wednesday with formal gardens with thousands of rare and exotic flowers/plants from around the world. The public is allowed access from June through September and it's absolutely free. A picnic lunch is allowed in the terraced garden area by the pool. This is my great escape! You're free to join me on Wednesday afternoons (if you're in Lancaster, PA)! LOL

I started going regularly last year because an author friend of mine confided in me that she lost her "passion" for writing. I was amazed--shocked really--that anyone could lose their passion once they found it! It seems to be epidemic among writers/speakers. Too much on their plate with deadlines and multi-tasking! Her words came as a great admonishment: anything taken to the extreme can become a weakness! Writing became a "chore" to her--an obligation to fulfill and, yes, one more deadline to meet. Her health suffered, her family lamented, and eventually she experienced a total breakdown. I cried--no sobbed--as she shared the loss of her passion. I wondered, "Would she ever write again?" She said, "I don't miss it at all--my life is full of people that I love--not deadlines. In the process of writing, I lost contact with those I love, my family and friends, and I kept putting things off because of deadlines." Does this sound familiar to any of you writers?!?!?!? Take heed!

I have taken very seriously what she said because I never want to lose my passion for writing, but as long as I'm hooked into the "passion giver," I think I will continue to love what I do.

Of late, I have met even more authors/speakers just like my friend. Create a refuge, guard against a writer's worst enemy--the loss of your first love--the Lord Jesus Christ! Find your own "Conestoga Gardens"--refresh and renew your weary soul! A deadline can wait--your soul cannot!

Living Life Passionately,

Connie

Greek Tragedy or Roman Drama?

For those of you who have never given birth in a foreign culture, you have missed one of life's greatest moments. In less than 45 minutes, my oldest son, Jeremy, will turn 25 years old. He was born in Catania, Sicily (the little island off the boot of Italy!). We had a "Cinque-Cento" for a car, which is just about as big as a loaf of bread, and with my nine-month pregnant tummy--we had a car load full! I gave birth in a small clinic without a doctor. I truly believed them when they told me I would deliver sometime the next day!). Jeremy came kicking and screaming into the world in less than three hours after my arrival (while I slept--please don't hate me for having a nearly non-existent labor). I was surprised as anyone to realize that "birth" was so easy (what was that verse in the Bible?). I was expecting unbearable pain, but quite frankly I was scared by all the other laboring Italian women shouting, "Maria, aiutami!" (Translation: Mary, help me!) The only real drama that occurred was watching everyone else run around with haste trying to get me to the delivery room (don't move a laboring woman!). I won that battle and Jeremy was born. I was passionate about giving birth; it was just too much fun! My only disappointment was it didn't last long enough and I didn't get to use my "American" Lamaze classes that we took at Signonella Air Base. I expect those of you who have labored for 36 hours will be giving me a call and letting me know of your disgust! But I have "suffered" in other ways--just not childbirth!

Italians live life passionately without trying (I know I married one), and if I had to do it all over again, all my children would be born there. La dolce vita! Add Italy to your passionate places to visit--you will never regret it!

The "birth" of our passions is often the result of great suffering, but more on that later. Tune into www.godallowsuturns.com where I will be sharing how God used another kind of suffering to reveal my passions. (I will be blogging the week of July 3-9.)

Living Life Passionately,


Connie Pombo

My Son is Living His Passion

Jeremy, my 24-year-old son, called me on his cell phone from "El Cap" in Yosemite. He's the rock climber and is in "rock climbing heaven" right now. Last night they did a nine-pitch climb using their headlight gear and he said, "It was great, Mom; I could see the stars above and it was "pitch" dark below us." Great! There are some things a mom just doesn't need to know!

He's coming home tomorrow on his twenty-fifth birthday, June 30! But I think he already had the best gift of all--"Yosemite"--a rock climber's paradise.

Holding onto the "Rock"!

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

Superman Returns in 3-D at the IMAX

I just got back from a fun writing assignment: Reporting on Superman Returns in 3-D at the IMAX. Okay, I know what you're thinking?!?!? But I will never see a movie again unless I can see it on an IMAX screen in 3-D. Did you know that the film they use is three times larger than normal size film, the projector is the size of a car, and the light is so bright that it can be seen from space!!! The popcorn and drinks were great too--I love this job! I'm passionate about certain movies, but this absolutely tops the list. This is your movie critque's corner for today!

Living Life Passionately,

Connie

A Day without the Internet

Yesterday my modem went out on my highspeed Internet and a new one had to be ordered through my Internet provider, so now I'm using "dial-up" (and I thought highspeed was slow!). To get an old password for dial up re-activated, I spoke with four technicians from India: Raymond, Michael, Ben, and James, obviously not their real names. The problem: I couldn't understand a word they were saying, so I asked my computer technician whom I had called to help interpret. He couldn't understand them either. Three hours later, we got someone from the states who solved the problem in 3 minutes instead of 3 hours. My point: How did we become so dependent on the Internet in the first place and how did out-sourcing become so prolific?

I'm passionate about writing, but when there is a systems' failure, my passion dwindles. Today, I'm up and running (mind you a tad bit slower), but I realized through the whole experience, I'm entirely too dependent on the "computer"; it's my best friend and worst enemy. But as a writer, I can take any situation--bad or good--and write about it! Stay tuned for the tales of: Raymond, Michael, Ben and James (I wonder what their "real" names are). If you have a "passionate" Internet story, I'd love to hear from you.

In the meantime stay connected!

Living Life Passionately,

Connie

Wedding Bells and Happy Father's Day Weekend!

This past weekend, my oldest son, Jeremy, was in a friend's wedding. I was supposed to be at a book signing for God Allows U-Turns for Women in Whitehall, PA, but my "U-Turn Sisters" allowed me this time to be with my family at the wedding. Thank you Susan, Tammy, and Carolyn--you are so precious to my heart! I can't wait to hear all about the reading/discussion and signing!

The wedding was beautiful and the flower girl upstaged the bride by throwing and "re-throwing" her petals up and down the aisle! But the best part of any wedding is re-living your own when the vows are given. What made Terry and Danielle's wedding so memorable was the similarity to ours (minus the adorable flower girl!). The bridemaids' dresses were lime green; they played "The Wedding Song" and the "Lord's Prayer," and read from I Corinthians 13--all of which we had in our 1975 wedding! There was "passion" in the air.

Passion--what is it? Webster defines it as: "a compelling emotion or desire." Mark and I are more "passionate" about each other now than when we first married 30 years ago. That my dear friends is a tribute to our Lord Jesus Christ who made us one. Now we complete each other's sentences, we speak the same words at the same time, and some may say we look like each other (I'm the one with the hair!).

Thanks, sweetheart for 30 wonderful years! I'm sending this post to your e-mail! And thank you to my dear U-Turn sisters for allowing me to make yet another U-Turn back to the future--if only for one day!

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

"The Grand Canal," Venice, Italy - 2004

Today while trying to find a Father's Day gift, I came across a book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Okay, I have to tell you . . . that reminds me of my "Passionate Life" speech--27 things I want to do before I die, and many of those things I wanted to do were in the book--that is places to see! I guess it's no secret to those who know me best, that I love to travel! And one of my favorite places is Italy: my son was born there, we lived there six years; I love the Italian food, language, and culture. So the first chapter I turned to was Italy, of course, and I had to make sure I had visited all the places that were on their list. With a few exceptions, I have seen all the "passionate" places in Italy except, are you ready? - Pompeii, the "Leaning Tower of Pisa," Verona, and "The Last Supper" in Milan at Santa Maria delle Grazie. On my last trip to "Milano"--it was closed! That was my third trip to Milan and I left without seeing "The Last Supper." Okay, what's my point here? Do you have a list of places you've not seen, but always wanted to? Start making the list and crossing them off. There's no time like the present to "live" your passion! I will leave you with a picture postcard of Venice. Marcel Proust writes, "When I went to Venice, my dream became my home." Enjoy your ride down the Grand Canal--experiencing the city from a uniquely Venetian perspective.

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

DREAMING OF A NEW JOB?!

This morning I read on MSN the "Five Dream Jobs of Women." I looked to see if Author/Speaker was on there and "no" it wasn't. But what was listed intrigued me; I guess because I've actually thought seriously of doing one of them! Here they are ladies (keep dreaming!): Hollywood Wardrobe Stylist (no thanks!); Vacation Tour Director (Yes! Of course, it also pays the least--$20,000 per year--but who cares?!). After living in Italy for six years, I realized it's a BIG world and I want to see more of it! Actually, I considered a job with "Pirillo Tours"--only because I speak "Italian" and I love Italy (need I say more!). Here's one that made me laugh: Ice Cream Creator! On a recent speaking engagement, I was in Stowe, Vermont and passed by the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Plant and went on tour and met the "ice cream tasters." Except they call themselves "food scientists" for a whopping $56,000 per year! You can have your ice cream and eat it too! Okay, are you ready? Number Four: Concert Promoter (maybe!--I guess it depends on who I'm promoting!). And last but not least, Doll Fashion Designer. Okay you "GI Janes" at $68,000 per year you too could learn to like dolls--again?!

They all sound fun and interesting, but I'm going to keep my "job"--writing about my passion!

That's what's on my heart today!

Living Life Passionately,


Connie Pombo

"Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." -Psalm 37:4

God Allows U-Turns for Women Book Signing, North Wales, PA

From left to right: Carolyn Ruch, Susan Kelly Skitt, Tammy Gehman, Connie Pombo.

At Barnes & Noble in North Wales, PA on Saturday, June 3, the U-Turn authors and I had our third book signing. It was pouring down rain and sure enough it proved to be a good day for having a book signing (authors--keep that in mind!). What a joy it has been sharing these signings/discussions with Susan Kelly Skitt of Chalfont, PA, Carolyn Ruch from Hatfield, PA, and Tammy Gehman from Allentown, PA. Their U-Turn stories are amazing and what a gifted group of women that I have had the pleasure of being with since our first book signing on April 1 (no joke!). Had it not been for our stories and inclusion in the series, our paths would have never crossed.

This morning on the way to church my husband said, "If you could be doing anything right now at this time in your life, would what it be?" Without hesitation, I said, "Exactly what I'm doing now!" For the first time in my life, I can truly say, "I'm passionate about what I do!" Unfortunately, it all came with a cost!Through my tragedy, pain, and loss, I found my passion--speaking and writing.

Don't wait for something tragic to happen to ask yourself the same question. Evaluate your life: Do you want to be doing what you're doing in a year from now? It's estimated that 84% of Americans dislike their career or profession and 63% don't want to get out of bed on Monday morning because they dislike what they do. Are you one of those statistics? It's never too late to evaluate your life and make a U-Turn!

I'll be guest blogging on the U-Turn website the week of July 3-9. Be sure to check it out at www.godallowsuturns.com.

That's what's on my heart!

Living Life Passionately,


Connie

Weekend of Hope, Stowe, Vermont - May 5-7, 2006
Once every year, the community of Stowe and surrounding areas open their hearts and resources to cancer survivors across the nation. Lectures, workshops and informational sessions are given by leaders in the field of cancer care. Rooms are provided free of charge to families dealing with cancer--donated by the members of the Stowe Area Association. I first attended in 2002 and then again in 2003 where my life was changed--I wanted to share my story of hope and healing with others.

In December 2005, the journey was complete with the book I had in my heart since I was first diagnosed: Trading Ashes for Roses: From Pain to Passion. It's the book I always wanted when I was diagnosed: "Here read this book; this is what I'm feeling and this is how you can help!" One of the best gifts I received was a journal that read, "Start writing!" and I have stopped since. Writing is therapeutic--it aided in my recovery, and to share that with others is my way of giving back. This year I returned as a presenter for a therapeutic writing workshop, and what started as a way of dealing with the life-changing effects of cancer, has now become my passion--speaking and writing!

Thanks to the generosity of the Stowe Weekend of Hope, I stayed at the lovely von Trapp Family Lodge (a bit of Austria in America!). From my balcony I captured a rare moment for me--a sunrise! I heard it would be magnificent, so I set my alarm for 5:00 a.m.--no sunrise! Then again at 5:15 a.m. (where is that sun?!) Once again at 5:25 a.m. (I was tempted to go back to bed!), and then creeping over the mountains it came--a magnificent fireball filling the sky. I captured it on film to remind myself that it's worth an early rising to see God's beauty painted in the skies in such a glorious backdrop!

Green is the color of spring, hope, and healing! It's also the color of the mountains in Stowe that inspire us to celebrate each day as a gift--something those of us living with cancer never take for granted.

If you know someone dealing with cancer, tell them about the Weekend of Hope (held every year--the first weekend of May). Bringing survivors together in such a beautiful, supportive resort environment is healing for the body and the soul. That weekend three years ago, changed the course of my life--I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today!

For more information on the Weekend of Hope visit www.stowehope.org.

While cleaning out my file folders (definitely not on my passionate to-do list), I came across an essay written by my son, Jonathan, when he was 9-years-old; I had just been diagnosed with cancer. That boy is now a man--he will be 20-years-old this summer and is a freshman at Grove City College and doing wonderfully. But as I read through the essay I was reminded how significantly my diagnosis had affected him. He writes, "Because of my mom's cancer, I have been able to handle many changes in my life. Also, I have learned how to handle unexpected situations. These things have given me strength for today and for my future. I will always remember what happened on March 21, 1996." Great words of wisdom from a young child! Both of my sons have gone on to excel in all their endeavors, but more importantly through their tragedy, pain, and loss--they have discovered their passions! Jon is passionate about snowboarding and Jeremy is passionate about rock climbing--extreme sports--testing the limits. I find that we do two things with pain: either bury it or become more passionate about life because of it. The choice is always ours. I'm not passionate about organizing files, but I received an extra gift today. This month on March 21, 2006, I will be celebrating 10 years of "cancer survivorship" and living life passionately. Life is a gift--open the file folders of your life and begin to do the things you've always wanted to do--start making a list, but don't file it away! For more about "Living Life Passioantely" check out my story in the God Allows U-Turns for Women book that just came out by Bethany House Publishers.

Every night before you go to sleep, look at the good you've accomplished during the day; measure your progress, and make plans for taking advantage of whatever opportunity the morning brings your way.

Simple Wisdom - Inspirational verses for each day!

As I went to bed last evening I was surrounded by 17 file folders--all works in progress: speaking engagements, writing projects, deadlines, and my "passionate to-do" folder--an ongoing list of the things I want to do, but haven't accomplished yet! The day had been one of constant interruptions and it seemed that "nothing" was being accomplished--I was faced with more "to-do's" and my passion for completing them was fading. But then I picked up the folder titled: Passionate Living Workshop. Then I had one of those lightbulb moments: Wait a minute, this is the whole purpose of what I do--to help others discover their passion! In the last chapter of Trading Ashes for Roses I explore the questions that helped me to discover my passion; it started with three simple questions: If you had a year to live, what would you do differently? What would change in your life now in order for that to happen? What are some goals you can make in order for that to become a reality (name at least three)?

Measure your progress one passionate goal at a time! For more helps and hints on discovering your passion, check out: Trading Ashes for Roses at http://www.conniepombo.com

Blessings and Joy,


Connie

"Roses--what would my life be without them--whether a single rosebud or an entire bouquet, they have transformed my life."

Ten years ago after being diagnosed with cancer, I never thought that a "rose" would change my life, but each day brings more roses--ones I never expected, including the book, Trading Ashes for Roses, my gift to anyone hurting from life's tragedies, pain and loss. Through my cancer journey, I discovered my passion--speaking and writing. That list of 27 things I wanted to do before I died is now complete--it's time to start a new one!

What's keeping you back from realizing your passions? Take some time to reflect on what it is you have always wanted to do, but didn't because there wasn't enough time. Well...there's no time like this present moment.

To help you get started, check out the last chapter of Trading Ashes for Roses and begin your journey of living the passionate life.

Blessings on this remarkable journey!