 Sarah - Paddler2009 | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 2nd August 2009 Marlene | Welcome back - From: Last days... Hey Sarah, Seeing the trip through your eyes was exciting. You are bold,enthusiastic and daring. Keep the big wide world fresh through your young eyes...and share what you have experienced with others, it is priceless! |
| 1st August 2009 Mimi SheDoo | Ending of an Adventure - From: Last days... Hi Sarah: Wherever you will go, people will be interested... you know why? Because you have enthusiam, excitement in your voice (writing) when you share your traveling episodes. So many of us have learned something from you - a youngster, compared to some of us. And yet, you have an "old" wisdom - maybe it's because you look at life as an adventure - something to be explored and explained, instead of thinking how bored you are and complaining that life is just that - boring. Like the movie said... Boredom is as boredom does. All in all, I feel I've been able to share a good part of your adventure with you (beats a postcard) - and I am the better for it. You've left me (someone you only met for an instant at a SheDoo gathering) with a feeling of accomplishment and pride - living through you - learning something new like eating those great chocolate deserts, being at Normandy, roaming through Rome with your father, and many other cool things. Thank you, my dear. And... looking forward to hearing and or reading more about you - with you, by you or through your mom, Carmel. What a good time you've shared. I've enjoyed every minute of your blog and your photos. Thank you! Mimi SheDoo. |
| 31st July 2009 carmelvaden | One daisy day away! - From: Last days... My beautiful daisy is coming home in one day!:) I cannot wait to put my arms around you...I have aged this summer, for I have missed you, my beautiful daughter so much...but I am cannot tell a lie...I am soooo very proud of you...your courage, confidence and perseverance have carried you through this incredible journey! Bon voyage! See you in 24 hrs!!! All my love, Mom |
| 22nd July 2009 carmel vaden | kayak has your name on it! - From: Lazy four day weekend.... The kayak has your name on it...it is waiting for you to paddle on beautiful, sunshiny SML:) Only 11 days and counting:) I must say, I wonder if the beaches of Belgium are as cold as the beaches in Canada where I grew up as a little girl where even the "jelly fish" were frozen, HA!:) Indeed, a most wonderful investment to yourself~"you learn you"~at your tender age of 19 and to have that presence within you...Your beautiful "blue drums" are all dusted off, ready and waiting:) I am out of breath just the thought of 224 steps, Ah! To be young again:) Savor and enjoy your "sejour" in Europe as it whines down and take a deep breath and with it all the experiences you have amassed. We will have a big hug, roof and bed waiting for you when you arrive on the 1st August. Love you very much, Mom & Dad |
| 22nd July 2009 Cindy | - From: Lazy four day weekend.... You are not alone! Your Mom is so ready to see you and it sounds like your Dad had a great time with you, also. You have had a wonderful experience and I believe you will also go far, as your friend from Italy. On the news today they were talking about the astronauts and I thought to myself, "One day I will be watching Sarah on the news!" Have a safe trip home and I hope I get to see you before you take off again! Oh, Kelly, your Mom, and I went kayaking today. It was great as there were very few boats out. Love ya! Cindy |
| 14th July 2009 Mimi SeaDoo | Wow and Yum - From: Roma with my Father: Perfecto, Antonio! Hi Sarah: Wow, never been to Rome, although I have been to some beautiful spots. Your "log" about your dad coming and all the great things to see in Rome was so much fun and interesting too. Wow - meaning you do have a way with words. Yum - meaning you have a way to describe the good food you eat there. Yum - I want to be there too!!! Keep up the stories - they are very interesting and fascinating and yummy. |
| 13th July 2009 Diane | Vatican - From: Roma with my Father: Perfecto, Antonio! You reminded me that I should visit the Vatican! Thanks for this vicarious glimpse! Diane |
| 13th July 2009 Debbie Jackson | bell'Italia - From: Roma with my Father: Perfecto, Antonio! Sarah & Dave, What wonderful memories! We enjoyed the photos and reading about all of the amazing things you got to see and do in Rome. Can't wait to hear more your trip next time we talk to you. Love, Debbie & Ernie |
| 12th July 2009 carmel vaden | O MaMa Mia! Yummy! - From: Roma with my Father: Perfecto, Antonio! Oooooh! I can't wait to sink my teeth in some Belgium chocolate!:) I am so happy that you both had "Father~Daughter" ever so precious time together:) I know pics do not do justice to the beauty and history you have shared together in Roma! I can only imagine...I know it'll be bittersweet to say "see you soon" on Tuesday morning...but Aug. 1st will be here before the blink of an eye and we will have that BIG, ROOF AND BED before you fly out to Colorado!:) Always remain vigilant...always, love, Mom |
| 29th June 2009 Cindy | Wow - From: Alsace: A weekend to rediscover lost passions, history, and culture You don't miss a thing, do you? Thanks so much for sharing. This is the next best thing to being there! Have a wonderful time with your Dad when he gets there! |
| 29th June 2009 Evan | Monkeys - From: Alsace: A weekend to rediscover lost passions, history, and culture I didn't know monkeys were your favorite animal! I'll get you one for your apartment this Fall. I'm sure your roommates will love it! Do you want a small one or a large one? |
| 29th June 2009 mimi SheDoo | Wow, what a trip - From: Alsace: A weekend to rediscover lost passions, history, and culture Sarah: Love your adventures - great way to "see" where you've been. Love the pics as well. Happy traveling and keep healthy - get some sleep so you can share more adventures with us! Hugs. |
| 29th June 2009 Marlene, Your Mom's Friend | Amazing - From: Alsace: A weekend to rediscover lost passions, history, and culture Sarah, I have been following your travels and am amazed at your strength and gumption to embrace the European continent. You go girl! I love what you are doing and seeing...hope I get to see you at another She-Doo event when you return. Marlene |
| 29th June 2009 carmel vaden | The leaf does not fall far from the tree:) - From: Alsace: A weekend to rediscover lost passions, history, and culture Oh! My Sarah! I'm afraid the leaf does not fall far from the tree:) Between kayaking and roller blading, what can I say? Those were and are still some of my favorite activities! But what were you thinking!!! A top a "San Francisco" like hill top! OMG! Hope you were wearing protective gear??? We did not get a phone call that you are in a body cast! You only have 5 weeks to go~try to remain in one piece PLEASE!!! How cool to see petit Venice on rollers and stop and hang out with "mini"...drum a few measures and keep rollin'...Must say, relieved that you did not get lost...w/o a GPS, we know the story too well...living in rural Huddleston, where the markers are "green pastures and cows". HA! Dad is counting the days til his arrival to Belgium, looking forward to Rome/Vatican City. Continue to be vigilant as you possibly can be...Love you soooo much and miss you more than you'll ever know...Mom & Dad |
| 24th June 2009 anonymous | - From: France: Lost in Time with a Special Guy awww you're pictures are awesome! |
| 23rd June 2009 Jessica | amazing - From: France: Lost in Time with a Special Guy so i just read all of your blog posts since you left for Europe....yes i know i was a bit behind i totally forgot you were writing them but i have now caught up. i decided to leave just one comment instead of commenting on all of them. for starters is seems you are having an amazing time i can see from the pictures that europe is beautiful. i have been to london and italy but from your pictures i have decided i definitely need to visit many other countries and cities as well. i hope you continue to have an amazing time! i miss you! <3 |
| 23rd June 2009 Evan | What a week! - From: France: Lost in Time with a Special Guy Such an amazing trip, and there's no one I would rather have taken it with. I love you and I can't wait to see you in August! |
| 22nd June 2009 Marla, Hannah, & Harper | WOW! - From: France: Lost in Time with a Special Guy Hi, just showed the girls your picture in front of the Eiffel Tower...Hannah said Wow! She's just like Dora! Lol! Hannah saw the Eiffel Tower on Dora. Hannah says tell you hi and keep posting pictures... Because we are following along! It's been fun to show the girls what you are doing! Have fun and be careful! |
| 22nd June 2009 Diane | Normandy - From: France: Lost in Time with a Special Guy The D-Day celebrations here were quite stirring too. The last of the Bedford Boys died only recently, and one can guess that many of the WWII vets who came for this 65th anniversary won't be here for the 70th. So it was very special. If you go to Paris again, be sure to have a meal at Le Souffle...just down the street from the Ritz. Have fun! XXX Diane |
| 22nd June 2009 carmel vaden | Memories of a lifetime! - From: France: Lost in Time with a Special Guy Not only have you pretzel your signatures by the Eiffel Tower, you've also etched memories in your hearts and souls with the wonderful adventures/even sorrowful journeys through Normandy, Paris...What an amazing opportunity as a 19 yr. old! You've seen and experienced more than most in a lifetime! We have started a file of your blogs with the hopes that you will someday write a book:) I remember Versailles! It is quite impressive to say the least. There is soooo much to do and see in Paris and its outskirts. Okay, so Italian pasta in a French city!:) As a vegetarian that would explain it:) HA!:) Dad is counting the days til he embarks a plane for Brussels:) I will be counting the days til August, so we can give you a big hug and not just a "skype/virtual" hug:) Continue being cautious as you absorb this wonderful journey. Love always, Mom & Dad |
| 17th June 2009 Mimi (SheDoo) | Adventure in Europe - From: Satellites, London, and a familiar face. Oh My! Hi Sarah: Wow. How much fun - and so interesting - the space info. Thanks for taking the time to write it all down for us to share. Met you b/f you left - on a SheDoo run. Always good to see Europe - been there, but it's been a while, so I like seeing what you've been doing. Have fun and enjoy your adventure! Mimi |
| 17th June 2009 Di | White truffle - From: Satellites, London, and a familiar face. Oh My! The food looks fantastic! I love the photo of the Thames bridge. It looks a little rainy, but that makes London look wonderful, I think. Here it has been raining for 40 days and 40 nights. Kayaks might not be enough. Di |
| 16th June 2009 Carmel Vaden | Food, food, food and more food... - From: Satellites, London, and a familiar face. Oh My! OMG! Could not believe the topping on that "Evan waffle"!:) HA! The pic by the London Bridge should be made into a postcard. It is beautiful!:) Thank you for sharing your European journey and adventures thru your eyes and hearts. Impressive ESA Tour! Can only imagine how Steve Smith mesmerizes impassioned percussionists!:) How many countries in just 4 weeks!? Whew! Hope you can catch a few zzz's before the Paris Air Show:) Enjoyed our skype time today:) Thank you! Continue to be cautious as you "sejour" the European continent. Like Evan, said, wear that "money belt"!:) Miss you sooooo much and love you very much, Mom & Dad |
| 12th June 2009 Joy Hensley | chocolate!! - From: Belgian Vagabonding: Ghent, Brugge, and a rainy day in Rhode That chocolate looks amazing! I think I would buy the whole entire store if I were you :] I also agree with you and your mom about the Moses thing also. Keep becoming more confident and you will be know for big things like Moses |
| 11th June 2009 Debbie Jackson | Knew you would love Brugge! - From: Rain & Catching Up on Things Hi Sarah, I'm just catching up on your previous posting...Glad you were able to visit Brugge. Now you can see why I said it is such a charming city. It would be a great place to take your dad when he visits you...Hope you have a great time on your upcoming trip to London. Can't wait to read all about it. Have fun and be safe! |
| 10th June 2009 carmel vaden | The Big 3 for your ripe old age of 19! - From: Rain & Catching Up on Things United States, Russia and now Europe with regards to aerospace~how awesome!:) You could write a pretty amazing book!:) Have a fun and safe trip to ESA~can't wait to hear how you compare it to US and Russia. Have a wonderful and safe time in London/drum festival. Talk with you soon, Love you soooo much and miss you...Mom & Dad |
| 10th June 2009 Paddler2009 | Viewing the Videos: - From: Rain & Catching Up on Things You have to scroll Down to see them and click on the icon... If it doesn't work here is the direct links: Ireland Week 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFJKqqFDK1Y Vogalonga: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yURiS-aM-3k |
| 10th June 2009 Liz | chocolate!! - From: And so work begins... YES! I'm so glad you got to try to chocolate...I'm jealous! |
| 9th June 2009 Björn Blanckaert | Ghent is wonderful - From: Belgian Vagabonding: Ghent, Brugge, and a rainy day in Rhode Hi Sarah, I just fell upon your blog by accident. I can't believe your comment about Ghent. Are you sure you arrived in the city center, with the Gravensteen castle, Saint-Bavo's cathedral, the belfry, Saint-Michael's bridge... Next time you should let someone guide you and show you all the beautiful places Ghent has to offer. |
| 7th June 2009 carmelvaden | Your eyes are open!:) - From: Belgian Vagabonding: Ghent, Brugge, and a rainy day in Rhode Sarah as you write your book of the summer, your title will be:"Sarah's travels with eyes wide open!" HA! Dad and I commented that your eyes were open on several of your pics:) Yeah! What a beautiful place, Brugge! Hopefully, you and Dad will have an opportunity go there when he goes to Belgium in July. If I'm lucky, Dad will bring me back some Belgium chocolate! Yum! As with Moses' transformation, one could draw a parallele with your transforming journey as well...For one, your speaking french with much more confidence:) I could hear it in your voice yesterday when we skyped:) Oh! Ma belle fille, je suis tres contente pour toi:) Continue de jouir de ton sejour en Europe et soit toujours prudente. Avec grand amour et tendresse, Maman et Papa |
| 6th June 2009 Dave Vaden | Cold Weather - From: And so work begins... Sarah, it is hard to believe you have been at work a week already. It sounds so interesting. I'm very impressed with what your doing. I hope the weather gets warmer soon. It will be about 30 days until I fly to Belgium. I'm looking forward to spending the week with you. Stay warm, keep smiling and eat good chocolate! Always be watchful of your surroundings and take good care of yourself. We love you, Mom and Dad |
| 1st June 2009 Liz Kennedy | Awesome! - From: Kayaking and More Kayaking hahaha let the others look...good for you with the blowup kayak lol and 8 or 9k is freaking rediculous sorry you didn't get to finish but interesting choice on banana gelato lol. Safe traveling! |
| 1st June 2009 Diane | Inflatable Kayak - From: Kayaking and More Kayaking Sarah, I have an inflatable kayak too...it is difficult to steer, and I am impressed you went 9 km with 5000 other paddlers. It sounds like such a great adventure. I am living vicariously! D |
| 1st June 2009 carmel vaden | Paddle, paddle, paddle your boat, gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream:) - From: Kayaking and More Kayaking By the time you read this, you will already be settled in Brussels, for the next 8 weeks:) We must admit we are proud parents of a brave young daughter!:) You would probably do well as a travel agent for you have lived it so far in all your planning you have done this past year. To see it come to fruition, how rewarding it must be! Continue to use sound judgement as you travel these foreign lands and always be vigilant. We look forward to hearing from you sometime on Monday. We love you so very much, Mom & Dad |
| 1st June 2009 Debbie Jackson | Chow! - From: Kayaking and More Kayaking Sounds like another amazing adventure. The water looks pretty choppy from your pictures. We visited Venice when we lived in Germany. I can't imagine what it must have been like trying to paddle your way through the canals - along with other 5,000 boats. Glad to hear you had time to explore the city. I loved the city and its culture. Stay safe on your trip to Belgium - and best of luck on your first day of work! |
| 31st May 2009 Ernie | Venice - From: Kayaking and More Kayaking Sarah, We went to Venice also... Debbie was so confused she thought we could drive to Venice...long story...but that started Debbie Tours...yes she can plan some vacations. Hey, enjoy. Ernie |
| 29th May 2009 Cindy | Thank you! - From: Mount Brandon Video and Blasket Island I think I am enjoying this as much as you! Again, thanks for sharing, and safe travels to you always. I will keep those prayers going, too! Cindy |
| 29th May 2009 Debbie Jackson | Fond memories of the Pontoon! - From: Mount Brandon Video and Blasket Island More amazing photos. And, I must tell you, as someone who majored in English/Communications, I would have given anything to have had the opportunity to attend that Irish literature course. When you get home, we'll have to talk more about the course...I laughed when I read your mom's comments about pontoon boat. I remember having fund on Lake Clinton in that boat. You had outgrown the playpen by then, but we have a funny picture of Ashley, age 9 months, looking extremely uncomfortable in one of those oversized life vests...Good times! Please keep safe as you travel to Venice. You're in our thoughts & prayers. |
| 29th May 2009 carmel vaden | Playpen on a Pontoon! - From: Mount Brandon Video and Blasket Island OMG! You were only barely 7 months old and we had you in a life jacket in your playpen on the pontoon, rocking you to the waves of Lake Perry and Lake Clinton in Kansas! You(your sea legs) come by it honest!:) I can see why you want to go back to Ireland:) I may have to be heavily sedated and go with you next time:) You look soooo happy!!!:) God bless you in your travels in the next 48-72 hrs as you leave Ireland for Venice via London. We will anxiously await your call. Mom & Dad |
| 27th May 2009 carmel vaden | The hills are alive with the sound of.... - From: Hill Walking, Beach Walking, Horse Walking(Trotting), and more Can you guess "sound of...?" Yes, I would have sing from the top of my lungs if I was there alongside your "hill climbing"!:) How as you put it "simply beautiful". Your lower extremities must be getting pretty darn strong! 5 miles on the beach and climbing the 2nd highest peak:) Thank you so much for your awesome travel blogs, as parents, it is the next best thing to seeing you in person:) Love you so very much, Mom & Dad |
| 27th May 2009 Ernie | Sheep - From: Hill Walking, Beach Walking, Horse Walking(Trotting), and more Waaaay to many sheep for me...watch out. Hey have fun. See Ya |
| 26th May 2009 joy hensley | fun!! hehe - From: Bodhran hey, so I know you're going to fill me in on this more when you get home. Miss you! :] |
| 25th May 2009 carmel vaden | "A Virginian Bodhran Player is Born!" - From: A weekend in Killarney You looked happy with your new instrument:) Can't wait to hear you play it in person:) Only 1 question:"Where are you going to fit it in your luggage as you travel?" Relieved to know that you are prudent with strange surroundings...unfortunately their are idiots roaming and preying to cause others harm...continue to be very vigilant even in beautiful Ireland...and may God and the luck of Irish be with you throughout the rest of your summer journey in Europe. Talk with you soon, we love you so much, Mom & Dad |
| 24th May 2009 Carmel Vaden | abandon ship! - From: Bodhran You would of been proud of your "mother" today:) I took the kayak out and it started taking on water after about 20 mins on the lake. I had to be towed in by Cindy~Thank you Cindy!:) I think I need a new vessel~HA! It took 3 persons to be get the kayak out of the water...the good news is I did not sink and was wearing my life jacket. All this to say that I hope you will wear your life preserver in Venice when you do the 30 K in your inflatable kayak:) Love you, Mom |
| 24th May 2009 carmel vaden | bodhran time! - From: Bodhran Very pretty bodhran! Can't wait to hear you play it:) You look happy:) Can't wait to talk with you soon:) We love you very much. Mom & Dad |
| 22nd May 2009 Ricky | - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals No matter how nice Ireland looks in the movies, nothing compares to the super high definition experience known as standing there in person. Embarking on a profound journey and experiencing a new atmosphere, I'm sure there is no better feeling in the world. I am jealous haha |
| 22nd May 2009 Debbie Jackson | - From: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Classes Begin and an Archeological Tour Sarah, Sounds like your summer has gotten off to a great start! Glad to hear you've met so many nice people...The pub crawl sounded like a lot of fun. The photos are beautiful. My favorite is the one of the sunset. Looking forward to seeing more. |
| 21st May 2009 carmel vaden | bodhran!!! - From: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Classes Begin and an Archeological Tour We feel like we are there with you! You look beautiful in person and spirit! Wish I could have been a little bird in a corner when you sang, I know I would have swelled with pride and said:"This is my beautiful daughter!" Have you played the bodhran yet? Yes, pizza yummmmm~my favorite food HA!:) The photos are absolutely amazing and the people sound genuinely friendly~what a breath of fresh air! Love you, Mom & Dad |
| 20th May 2009 Kyle Wise | - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals Your pics so make me want to go there. |
| 19th May 2009 Chuck and Margaret | Amazing! - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals Sarah, You are amazing. What a wonderful opportunity. The photos are beautiful. Keep yourself safe. We love you. Chuck and Margaret |
| 19th May 2009 Aurel Lazar | Wow! - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals Wow, Sarah! It looks like you're having a blast! I'll praying for your safety! |
| 18th May 2009 Evan | Miss you! - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals I'm so happy to see you having fun over there! I expect, of course, to hear every detail from you first-hand when I get to visit you. :P Stay safe, have fun, learn as much as you can, and let every circumstance draw you closer to God and glorify Him. I love you and I'm praying for you all the time! |
| 18th May 2009 Tom Sand | Hey Sarah! - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals Thanks for remembering your old teacher in your facebook note about your trip! I'm sure you are having a great time, and I can't think of any one to better represent the US to foreigners than you. Can't wait to continue to read about your trip!! |
| 18th May 2009 Cindy | - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals Sarah, I can only imagine how much you are enjoying this trip. The pictures tell the story, and thanks for sharing them. I am enjoying this as well! This blog is great! |
| 18th May 2009 carmel vaden | Awesome! - From: Saturday, May 16th-Landing in Ireland and Sunday May 16th- A day with the locals Absolutely looks like a beautiful place~Ireland~even on a windy, rainy day:) Was glad to see u wear your gloves:) Your roomate, Deidre seems very sweet:) We love the aero yet artistic photos(would make awesome pics for your book!). Great to hear your voice yesterday, you sounded soooo good:) We love you more than the oceans put together!:) Stay safe & healthy, Always, Mom & Dad |
| 16th May 2009 Joy Hensley | :) - From: One Week Until I Leave Ms.Vaden, I hope you are having a blast as I am typing this. PS-Best of luck on the 30k |
| 16th May 2009 Carmel Vaden | The luck of the Irish - From: One Week Until I Leave As we saw a beautiful rainbow at Smith Mtn Lake yesterday, we just knew everything was going to be ok with your travels to Ireland and throughout Europe for the next 10 weeks:) We can't wait to see thru your lens as you share your travels with us in the days and weeks to come...Always, Love, Mom & Dad |
| 14th May 2009 Lisa Butler | Jealousy!! - From: One Week Until I Leave Sarah, I am so incredibly jealous! I wish I could travel with you! You'll have an awesome time, I just know it! Soak it all up! |
| 8th May 2009 carmel vaden | Only 6 days and counting! - From: One Week Until I Leave We can't wait to see you tomorrow:) We will not take our eyes off you for the next 6 days!:) 3 months is a long time but what a wonderful opportunity and an adventurous time it will be:) We look forward to following your travels and experiences abroad thru your blog. Love always, Mom & Dad |