You can't plan life... you can try, but inevitably, it will redirect you. And anyway, some of the best moments with friends are the spontaneous encounters or last minute parties planned. This summer, I decided not to make plans in advance and decided almost last minute to attend two events; my travels took me from the streets of New York City to the verdant hills of Sheridan, Wyoming. In New York City, I attended the Backspace Writer’s Conference and learned so much about marketing and other topics. I have to admit though, the highlight of my trip was watching Kevin Spacey in Eugene O’Neill’s A Moon for the Misbegotten. His performance was powerful and quirky and I bought my ticket only hours before the show.

In Wyoming, my daughter, Bella, attended a week-long clinic with Buck Branamman (of horse whisperer fame). I decided last minute to drive up and observe. Talk about presence! If I imagined God as a person (which of course I don't) He would be a lot like Buck. Well, a combination of Buck and the Dali Lama. Branamman is opinionated, incisive, and right on when addressing the topic of horses – you can see the positive results of his recommendations right away. I got to know his wife, Mary when she joined me in the bleachers to observe. She is beautiful, personable and from the short time together it was clear she can definitely hold her own with Buck.

Seventy-two hours without cell coverage, computers, a shower... barefoot in my cowboy boots, the rain on the tent at night, washing my dishes and face in the stream... well, okay it was a ditch... all did my brain and soul so much good. To think I used to plan things all the time!