Space Goddess » 2010

Apr 30

project dream ball – upon a fold

What an inspiring use of paper! I’m going to have to order a pattern! When we travel, I can leave paper balls for kids!!!

http://uponafold.com.au/blog/post/project-dream-ball/

Posted via web from Travelingking

Apr 29

Don’t Miss Out – Exclusive Savings with Crystal Cruises

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Don't miss out — Exclusive Savings on the World's Best!

  Contact me today!
  Barbara King
  Great Getaways Travel
  913-338-2244
  barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Incredible savings on voyages
you'll never forget!

During May 2010, book any 2011 voyage or
a select nine-day or longer 2010 voyage
through your Virtuoso travel advisor and receive
additional savings of up to $500 per stateroom!

That's on top of Crystal's 20th Anniversary Gifts of:
• 2-for-1 Fares
• Up to $2,000 per couple, all-inclusive
"As You Wish" shipboard credit
• Free Airfare on select 2010 and all 2011 voyages

In addition, enjoy exclusive Virtuoso Voyager Club^®
amenities including a Dedicated Onboard Host,
Welcome Aboard Reception, Pre-paid Gratuities
and Custom-designed Shore Experiences
on all Crystal cruises!

Contact your Virtuoso^® travel advisor to book your trip today!

Valid for bookings made 5/1/10 – 5/31/10. Savings is for new bookings only on the selected sailings. No cancelled/rebooks or name changes allowed. Savings amount is $250 per person ($125 per person on 7-day voyages). This offer is not combinable with any other incentive or onboard booking discount. Combinable with: 2-for-1 Fares are per person in U.S. dollars, double occupancy and do not include port, security and handling charges of $270-$780. The 2-for-1 price is based on 50% of the Brochure Fare. Free Air for 2010 Europe and New England/ Canada sailings and all 2011 sailings is available from select gateways only. Add-ons for other gateways are available from Crystal Cruises' designated gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. Air routing, scheduling, and carrier selection are at the discretion of Crystal Cruises. Kids Sail Free, 3rd berth guest in stateroom sails free (17 years and under with waiver). Available only on the December 21, 2010 departure for this promotion. "As You Wish" Onboard credit offer is combinable with Group Amenities. Only applies to first two full fare guests in stateroom or suite. Onboard Credit is not redeemable for cash and gambling and cannot be used in the Casino. And cannot be applied as a deposit toward a future cruise. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. All fares and itineraries are subject to change. Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. Guests must be booked into the Virtuoso group to be eligible for amenities and fares. Virtuoso Voyager Club events may require a minimum/maximum number of participants. Restrictions may apply. Virtuoso is not responsible for errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL and VOYAGER CLUB are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved. CST#2069091-40 NA 350206 4/10

Posted via email from Travelingking

Apr 27

Discover small-ship expeditions with VAST

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Barbara King
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Click here to see all the amazing offers >>

Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. Unless otherwise stated, prices are in U.S. dollars. Restrictions may apply. Virtuoso is not responsible for errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved. CST#2069091-40 350072 4/10

To receive emails in your Inbox from Virtuoso and your Virtuoso travel advisor,
please add the domain email.virtuosomail.com to your address book or safe senders list.

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To discontinue receiving this email, please reply to this email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

Posted via email from Travelingking

Apr 27

Avoiding lines at Western Europe’s museums – Tips – Travel + Leisure

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“You can often purchase advance or special-entry passes through a
website affiliated with the museum or its city. Dodge the queue at more
than fifty English sites, including the Tower of London and Windsor
Castle, with London Pass (visitengland.com).
Likewise, Paris
Museum Pass(parismuseumpass.com) –>
allows you to jump to the front of the line at the Louvre and sixty
other monuments in the City of Light. For Berlin’s recently opened Neues
Museum, book online at neues-museum.de for timed admission. Avoid the long wait at the Sistine Chapel and Vatican
Museum by prebooking your visit through museumrome.com (two-hour private tours from $70 per person). And the Museo
del Prado (museodelprado.es; –>$10), in Madrid, offers discounted advance admission on its website.” —T+L
arts editor Mario Mercado.

via travelandleisure.com

Rarely in the US have I experienced long lines to enter museums (major exhibits often issue specific reserved tickets)—not so in Europe! I recommend you follow the tips on this article from Travel + Leisure!

Posted via web from Travelingking

Apr 25

HOPE, An Unexpected Gift!

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I have tried to write this post for over a week. I've started, stopped, and then moved on to other topics–fun topics, travel topics, warm fuzzy topics. This topic is all about Hope, a concept I saw in action on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

On April 15th I boarded an American Eagle flight from KC to Chicago (Thank God, no surly personnel encounters this time!). While I moved to Kansas City in 1971, my mother, brother, and sister and their families still live in the North Shore suburbs of the Windy City (and we all know why Chicago is called the Windy City, right? Actually, there are 3 theories of the origin of that label http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_the_name_"Windy_City").

My mom is 92, almost 92 1/2. I add the 1/2 because dementia has turned my once vibrant, well-read, and ardent card-carrying Democrat mother into a petulant child and children always count 1/2 birthdays. Mom still lives at home with excellent full-time care. Recently, at my sister and sister and sister-in-laws urging, I've increased my visits to see my mom to every 4 to 6 weeks. Instead of dreading the visits because of the pain of watching how dementia robs a person of their essence, I've come to look forward to my visits. Mom is always glad to see me. In fact see re-experiences this joy many times during my visit because, when I walk out of the room and then back in, she thinks I've just arrived. Funny? Sure. Sad? Immensely so!

There is another benefit of my visits–connecting with my brother, sister, and my BFF, Caryn. I timed my April trip to coincide with a show of wearable art, organized and run by my sister-in-law, Kathy and her friend Linda (http://artwearunlimited.com/). Bookmark the website to watch for the date of the Fall/Winter Show–incredible!My sister, NanC, a world renowned bead artist, displays some of her creations at the show (http://nancmeinhardt.com/). So, I scored a trifecta-seeing NanC, Kathy, and buying some of NanC's beautiful jewelry!

Now for what hope looks like: my brother, Ron, has Parkinson's Disease. I remember him saying "I have Parkinson's. Parkinson's doesn't have me!" For over 12 years Ron's body has slowly stiffened and, as he shared with me, his condition has deteriorated rapidly the past 12 to 18 months. Ron is a jokester, an avid sports fan, and barks orders better than an Army sergeant, all of which I've translated as, "I won't share my feelings with you but I will be entertaining." On Friday, April 16th, I visited with my brother. He was watching a Cub's game on TV, told me to get the mail when he saw the letter carrier arrive, and then sorted through the mail as if I wasn't there-all par for the course! Then I asked a question:

"Ron, if your Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets tomorrow, may I take you there?" And the door to the inner workings of my brother cracked open a sliver! "Yes," the group was meeting and "Yes" I could be the wheels. So, at 8:45 AM I picked up my brother to go to the meeting. Kathy had a pile of things for us to take because after the meeting, I was taking Ron to meet friends to go to a Cubs game, of course! Cubs jacket-check, Cubs hat-check, medicine-check, wheelchair-check and off we went.

As we drove to the church where the group meets twice monthly, Ron profiled some of the regular members; and as he talked, I slowly entered another world, the world of Ron, a Parkinson's Disease patient. Participating in the meeting, I felt an ocean of emotions which hit "shore" two hours later when, sitting at O'Hare Airport awaiting my flight home, I shared my impressions by phone with my husband back in KC. The first emotions – sadness, fear and anger – came out in tears as I described the morning's experience. What followed surprised me: I came face-to-face with one my own core reactions about disabilities, Pity. Then came the freeing gift: Ron's group gave me something very powerful, Hope. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's, it's progression slowed but not ever stopped. Yet, I had the gift of spending time with a group of people who exuded hope. For many of them, just getting to the meeting was an ordeal, and they came anyway. They shared their experience, their medication regimens, and any recent news of research, meetings, or media exposure. They also shared something else, a clear message for all of us: LIVE today, ACT today, BE today. Together they could give each other much needed support, the support of "I know and I understand." They spent the first few minutes doing seated exercises because TODAY exercise is important. They shared anecdotes and often laughed because TODAY laughter is important. And, all of them, went on to whatever activities they had planned for Saturday afternoon because TODAY activities say, "I have Parkinson's; Parkinson's doesn't have me." So, Ron went to the Cubs game, probably overexerting himself taxing his body, and he had HOPE, Hope the Cubs would win and HOPE that he would live fully TODAY. Thank you, Ron, for teaching me to live without Pity (self or other) and to live with purpose, with HOPE.

Posted via email from Travelingking

Apr 21

Magical destinations from Adventures by Disney

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This summer, discover the Gateway Collection with
Adventures by Disney

  Contact me today!
  Barbara King
  Great Getaways Travel
  913-338-2244
  barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Adventures by Disney proudly presents
the Gateway Collection, which takes you to
Italy, London, Paris and Costa Rica!

This new vacation option makes select trips more accessible while keeping what you love most about Adventures by Disney vacations — magical destinations with exclusive, immersive experiences
for the whole family.

Your Adventure Guides provide concierge service every step of the way, ensuring that you have what you need before you even know you need it! The Gateway vacations include plenty of time on your own so that you can enjoy the convenience of guided travel yet still see and do what interests you most.

Book your next Gateway vacation through
your Virtuoso travel advisor by
June 30, 2010 and you'll receive one
Memento Box per booking!

Contact your Virtuoso^® travel advisor to book your trip today!

All prices are in U.S. dollars. AIRFARE TO AND FROM DESTINATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PACKAGE PRICES. Pricing applies to specified departure dates only. Government fees and taxes are subject to change. Room configurations are subject to availability. The child rate applies to Guests under 12 at the time of travel when accompanied by an adult in the same room. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are traveling with children, check the trip's minimum eligibility age and recommended minimum age. A $300 deposit per person is due at time of booking. Standard terms and conditions apply. As to Disney properties/artwork: © Disney. Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. Restrictions may apply. Virtuoso is not responsible for errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved. CST#2069091-40 350170 4/10

Posted via email from Travelingking

Apr 20

“I want part of this and I want part of it now!” Space Bulletin-April 2010

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"I want part of this and I want part of it now!".

Glenys Ambe, Virgin Galactic Future Astronaut

Watch the Virgin Galactic Future Astronaut video here.

"When I heard about Virgin Galactic I was stunned to realize that it may be possible to go into space without being a professional astronaut in my lifetime.I decided I had to be there if there was even a chance of this becoming a reality."

Deborah Moran, Future Astronaut, USA

Future Astronaut Matthew Upchurch with Richard Branson & Burt Rutan.

"Making a deposit is just the beginning. So far I am running as a member of the Virgin Galactic team in the London Marathon with Richard Branson then in June my wife and I will be spending 4 days in Morocco with Richard and 20 other Future Astronauts. This is a much bigger opportunity than I ever thought it would be"

Rob Nixon, Future Astronaut, Australia

Spanish Future Astronaut and Accredited Space Agent, Ana Bru having fun in a centrifuge!

Watch the inaugural SpaceShipTwo captive carry test flight of here.

Last month Virgin Galactic announced that SpaceShipTwo completed her maiden captive carry test flight showing the world that their project is a reality that is well under way. Virgin also announced that they now have over 330 ‘Future Astronauts’ who have each put down a deposit to secure a Virgin Galactic flight. In this Space Bulletin we delve into who these Future Astronauts are and why they are so keen to get in line for the trip of a lifetime.

From scientists to actresses, from 18-years old to 83-years old, fromSan Francisco to St Petersburg, Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts definitely cannot be lumped into one category…

“One of the most common questions I get asked is what the profile is of a Virgin Galactic client” says VG Head of Astronaut Sales, Carolyn Wincer “…and there just isn't one! I guess if I had to pick one thing they all had in common it would be a pioneering and innovative spirit. Other than that it is an extremely diverse and interesting group of people from all kinds of different backgrounds. Their motivation to get on board is generally a desire to be part of something new and exciting, to take the ultimate adventure and to explore something new. But once they have paid their deposit most customers realise that the adventure has already begun!”.

Some people liken becoming a Virgin Galactic customer to joining one of the most interesting and exclusive clubs in the world. The Galactic team recognise the benefit and enjoyment their clients have by being able to meet and socialise together.

Many a long lasting friendship or business partnership has come about through networking and Virgin Galactic help facilitate this in a variety of ways such as organising exclusive events on Sir Richard Branson’s private island, Necker Island, often hosted by the man himself as well as providing access to a Future Astronaut-only website where customers can get to know each other in privacy.

“Some of our clients love to get involved with our events and to meet each other, others value their privacy and ask that their identity is kept confidential. We make sure we cater to everyone’s wishes” says Wincer.

It goes without saying that a trip to space is going to be a life changing, awe inspiring experience and with Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites it will be one that is designed with passenger safety and comfort in mind.

However many people overlook the value of being part of the project from the beginning. Not only do Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts get to be a part of history in the making but they also get to have a lot of fun along the way, meet an amazing group of people and get exclusive ‘behind the scenes' access to the project.

“If you haven’t signed up you don’t know what you are missing!”

Mario Ferriera, Future Astronaut , Portugal

For more information on the Virgin Galactic project or to reserve YOUR place in history contact me today…

Barbara King
(913) 338-2244 or barbara@greatgetaways.travel
www.greatgetaways.travel

, The VIRGIN GALACTIC name and logos, the GALACTIC logo and IRIS device are trade marks of Virgin Enterprises Limited.

The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST#2069091-40 12/09.

Posted via email from Travelingking

Apr 20

“I want part of this and I want part of it now!” Space Bulletin-April 2010

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"I want part of this and I want part of it now!".

Glenys Ambe, Virgin Galactic Future Astronaut

Watch the Virgin Galactic Future Astronaut video here.

"When I heard about Virgin Galactic I was stunned to realize that it may be possible to go into space without being a professional astronaut in my lifetime.I decided I had to be there if there was even a chance of this becoming a reality."

Deborah Moran, Future Astronaut, USA

Future Astronaut Matthew Upchurch with Richard Branson & Burt Rutan.

"Making a deposit is just the beginning. So far I am running as a member of the Virgin Galactic team in the London Marathon with Richard Branson then in June my wife and I will be spending 4 days in Morocco with Richard and 20 other Future Astronauts. This is a much bigger opportunity than I ever thought it would be"

Rob Nixon, Future Astronaut, Australia

Spanish Future Astronaut and Accredited Space Agent, Ana Bru having fun in a centrifuge!