Get Your Green Hands Ready

    When I woke up this morning I never thought I would (try) to do an "on the spot" of one of my picture books, Twyla Twirls.  The kids finished their morning leche (milk), shared their knitting projects and I desided to ask one of my favorite questions--"Do you remember your dreams."  The kids were shy and didn't want to answer, but their teacher explained how important "dreaming with eyes wide open" was for their learning theme.  She said some people discourage the "you can dream and take the whole world in" frame of mind but they push it big time.  I explained that one of my stories is about a girl who lives with her heart open to the senses and little gifts of life...next thing I knew I was sitting in in a patio with 20 little faces waiting for a story. At this point, we were already late for an appointment. However, I had no idea. I told the story if Twyla Twirling through her birthday as best as I could. The teacher told me I was the very first writer to EVER visit the school.  As per all their special visitors we gave green hand prints for their book.
     After the elementary school we rushed to meet two writers at their cultural center.  These two ladies write adult fiction, short stories and one is trying her hand at children's literature.  She has a beautiful story for children that has already won awards and although our time was quick, I loved my time with them.  After that we had one of our luxury lunches at a Rotary member's home. Her dear mom made us an enchilada-like cheese and veggie dish.  Of course there was a dessert but this one was an incredbile pured apple mixture with wine and I believe raspberries.
    I want to add that Pam, Joe and Stuart got to go to Rosario for the day to visit the school that partners with Shennadoh.  So it was mainly the "Oakley and Bekah" show in San Vicente today.  We also got to go to a horse therapy place.  When they asked if I wanted to ride I had no idea that I would also participate and feel one of their therapy tools.  I heard "pull your feet out and know we are all right here.  We have you and so does the horse."  They basically had me lie down on top of the horse and break in and out while the horse was walking.  It felt like a secure, mini-massage.  I can see how this therapy would be helpful.  I just wrote an article for the Roanoker on a local spot, Healing Stides of Boones Mill, for horse therapy so I had an idea on it's incredible muscle and emotional benefits.  However, I didn't know--as an able bodied person--what an interesting impact it could make in such a short time.
   After the horses, we went to two schools.  One that specializes in helping kids with some learning difficulties and then a language school.  The name of that first school--"CreSER" is worth noting.  The verb "to grow" is Crecer and Ser is "to be" so it is a great play on words.
    Pam and Joe worked hard with our host mom, Griselda, to provide a wonderful "American" meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans (but they got yellow instead "mas suave" apparently said Griselda) and apple pie. Afterwards we had the long awaited tango lessons. I love to dance but have a harder time with "organized dance" however we had some strong teachers and Pam and I had a blast.  I think the boys enjoyed it too.  Off to bed...another big day tomorrow when we head to San Jorge.