Lift off for Taos in Sonoma

Photo:  Cristina and I on a bumpy prop plane bound for Sana Rosa.  She’s typing volunteer lists for the SCIAW Greenlake Walk & Roll Oct 19.  www.sciaw.org.   I’m typing this blog.

Steve Gursten:  I’d like you to consider joining the TAOS group.

K3:  What kind of a group is it.

SG:  Plaintiff lawyers who have become friends and share advice.

K3:  Steve thanks for asking.  Honestly, I belong to enough groups.

SG:  This is unlike any group you belong to.  We are small but geographically diverse.  This is a real personal group where we are friends.

K3:  That’s really nice of you Steve, but due  to my schedule I’m not sure if I have time.

A couple months pass.

Diane Gober:   Hi Karen – Steve and I would like to invite you to attend the TAOS meeting in Sonoma this fall.

K3:  Hi Diane and Steve – Um…That is so sweet of you.  But.. I don’t drink wine.

DG/SG:   No problem there is so much else to do there.  You will love this group.  It is wonderful.  We have such great times together.

K3:  Can you share the list with me.

DG/SG:  Sure here it is.

K3:  (Impressed).  I know a lot of people on your list.  What a great group.  I’m not sure about Sonoma.  It looks like everyone is a couple, I don’t drink wine or play golf, or spa, and am a vegetarian.    Maybe I should wait for the next meeting. 

DG:  Oh of course you’ll fit in.  Not everyone is a couple.  You can sightsee and go on hikes.   I always order vegetarian options.

This goes on for a few more weeks.  DG is optimistically indefatigable. 

K3:  Okay Diane and Steve – I’m coming and will bring my daughter.  Thank you so much for inviting me.

DG/SG:  You will have a great time.

Am then bombarded with menus, venues, directions, options,  notices of whose attending, and loving emails of friends greeting friends.  Diane may be the best party planner I’ve ever known.

A few weeks later:

SG:  I found a great way to introduce you to the group.  I’d like you to speak with me on blogging.

K3:  Don’t want to steal your thunder.  This is your time slot  to speak.  Am content to be the newbie, sit back and watch.

SG:  No I insist.  This will be fun.  As a matter of fact – let’s blog about our talk to Taos on blogging.  My blog is MichiganAutoLaw.com (see the Blog section) 

And before we know it here we are.  On our way to TAOS in Sonoma.