I’m feeling a bit like the White Rabbit in Alice In Wonderland today! Tomorrow it will be a week since we arrived home from France but it feels like that happened yesterday. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
I feel terrible that I completely missed the International Day of The Girl, but I also know that these initiatives carry on through the year. If you missed it like I did, it’s not too late to go to the Facebook page and raise your hand in support of education for girls. Go ahead … do it 
now … I’ll gladly wait … and share it with your friends. Thanks! Why should some girls be denied the privilege of education that we are so fortunate to have in most parts of the western world?
Last evening I had the good fortune to attend a talk given by the intrepid journalist, author and human rights activist, Canada’s own, Sally Armstrong. For decades she has spent time in some of the most war-torn parts of the world working towards improving the rights of women and girls. She is a powerful and engaging speaker and has recently published Ascent of Women, with its hopeful message that the world is indeed changing thanks to women raising their voices.
Much of her talk last evening was focused on Afghanistan, as she was the guest of Oakville-based Canadians In Support of Afghan Women . Funds raised went to support the Lantern Fund, a teacher training initiative, organized by the not-for-profit Canadian Women For Women In Afghanistan. These women are a force to be reckoned with ! (It’s okay to end this sentence with a preposition … I checked … )
Click here to read an article about the evening.
As always, Sally’s message was inspiring and this particular aspect resonated with me. She spoke of how young women in Afghanistan are taking hold of change in their country, against terrible odds and great danger. And they are making progress. One small way we can help to show these brave young women and men (… yes, they are actually being successful in having young men join their fight for change!), is by liking their Facebook page, Young Women For Change, and helping to share their message. Once again, social media is helping to strengthen a cause. Click here for their website. Be part of it!
And not to forget … If it’s Friday, it must be France …
They just don’t make windows like they used to!
Are you busy catching up with “stuff”, like I am, or do you have a nice relaxing few days planned? Whatever the case, I wish you a bon weekend!
Patricia Sands 
great post today. I’m a fan of Sally Armstrong and how lucky you are to be going away for 2 months next year. thanks for the fabulous postcard. I’m staring at it right now.
Sent from Samsung Mobile
Patricia Sands’ Blog wrote:
Thanks, Susan! It’s been great fun to hear from so many readers about Katherine’s postcard! I’m already counting the days to returning to France next year … in the meantime, I’ve got this novel to finish!
Patricia, I must admit, when your post popped up in my email I got a chuckle. Between the I’m late, I’m late and rabbit references my brain went to excited pregnancy announcements. I know that’s not the case, but it still tickled my funny bone. And yes, I, too am one that seems to find herself playing catch up more often than not.
LOL! Kitt, that’s pretty funny and definitely not remotely the case! Thanks for stopping by and sharing that chuckle!
Welcome home. So glad to see positive thinking women doing wonderful things for other women who are less fortunate. Good for you Patricia!
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Hi Patricia ~ How are things going? I always walk away from those evenings beating myself up about not doing more! Hopefully spreading the word via our social media connections is a way we can help make a difference.
So enjoyed receiving my postcard! Welcome home! Time flies for sure!
Hey Gail! Everyone seems to be enjoying hearing from Katherine! It’s good to be home but I am already counting the days until we get back to France next year!
Welcome back, Patricia.
Thanks, Anneli! It’s always good to get home and hug our family … and with a family our size, that’s a lot of hugging! How are things in beautiful BC?
Nice weather right now, I hear. I’m in Montana for most of October. Colder here, but still beautiful.
Glad you are back home safe and sound. Yup, I’m busy with stuff too. Love the picture!
Thanks, Darlene! What are you up to … a new release soon? I’m glad you like the picture. Those windows are just irresistible to me!
Working hard to get book 4 completed and off to the publisher. The day job is getting in the way!
Not surprised you have much to do, as the wheels keep turning even when we take time out.
Education for girls is in the news and it’s profile is being lifted which is great, I hope the benefits arrive where they are most needed. Thanks for introducing us to Sally Armstrong, what an inspiring women.
As with Kitt I thought the same thing! Maybe a baby on the way?
I would love to be sipping a cup of coffee looking outside that window in the morning.
Patricia – Oh how I can relate to I’m late, I’m late. Believe me, you are not alone. I love hearing great speakers and Sally Armstrong sounds like not only an inspiring but passionate speaker. Thanks for introducing Ms. Armstrong. I’ll be on the look-out for more information.