Two daughters of the same blood, but so different. Carla is the adventurer .. with energy that seems to be unbounded. Maude is the intellect .. the deep thinker. I'm certain both are destined for full, rich, colorful lives. That is my dream for them.
Having watched these two young ladies grow since the day they were born has been an incredible experience. Each time I return to France, they surprise me with new found wisdom, flourishing talent, and depths of knowledge I could never have foreseen. I'm proud of them, inspired by them, and love them as if they were my own daughters. What a gift .. I will always be thankful to my dear friends for sharing their family with me. Merci, Philippe et Veronique .. Merci Beaucoup.
But this post is not about the sentimental ramblings of a proud "Uncle" .. this post is about empowered women and their horses.
Last May, while staying in Versailles, I was invited by Philippe & Veronique to attend an afternoon equestrian event in which youngest daughter Carla (on left in photo above) was scheduled to participate. This day was an unforgettable experience and a unique view of a generation of empowered young French women exhibiting a competitive nature and skillset I could have never envisioned. One could feel the competitive spirit in the air from the moment we parked our car and walked onto the grounds of the meticulously manicured and austere riding club. This was serious business.
It was a wonderful day. Philippe and Veronique were obviously very proud of their youngest daughter .. as was Tonton Bill.
But what about Maude? Do you really think I would chance writing about one and not the other? Not in a million years. The Intellect .. The Reserved Daughter .. The eldest, with dreams of success and potential beyond description. What about Maude?
Maude has her mind set on a "Horse" of a different type. I suspect she will also Win the Day .. that is my dream for her.
Aloha et Au revoir,
Bill