Celebrating and Embracing the Unexpected

Life has an uncanny way of surprising us with opportunities we never saw coming. This weekend, we’ve been invited to attend the NC Governor’s Inauguration Ball—a monumental event celebrating the new state council and leadership in North Carolina. It’s not just any invitation; it’s a testament to the influence and heart we’ve poured into This is Raleigh. (slight change, read until the end)

This moment feels surreal, taking me back to when we were invited to the White House. Imagine that: everyday Aussies from a small town, simply following our dreams, ending up in rooms like these. How does that happen? By showing up fully for what you love, pouring your soul into it, and focusing on helping others. You never know what’s on your horizon. There are gifts and opportunities waiting to reveal themselves, but you can only access them if you’re open and ready.

This weekend, we’ll (were supposed to) don ball gowns, mingle with the city’s leaders, and celebrate North Carolina’s future. It’s a personal and cultural milestone, and a step forward for our business—a chance to elevate what we do to new heights.

I’m especially excited at the possibility of meeting some incredible leaders I admire, like Congressman Jeff Jackson (seriously, follow him!) and our new Governor, Josh Stein. Manifestation powers don’t fail me now!

As I reflect on this wild ride, it’s clear that embracing the spirit of travel—its unpredictability, growth, and connection—has led me to moments like this. This is your reminder: life is full of unexpected opportunities. Trust the journey, show up fully, and stay open to the magic ahead. ✨

Update: Talk about embracing the unexpected. I had this email all ready to go out to you today, so I did not want to cancel it as the message is still relevant and important. As I alluded to, this is wonderful celebration is no longer happening … this weekend.

Last night - after spending an afternoon getting fake nails (which I only do for special occasions), we received notice - and a reminder - that Raleigh is a city that just cannot handle winter weather. We have snowstorms predicted for Friday night - and based upon our experiences, I’m placing a bet on that it will be snow flurries. But, alas, chicken little the sky is caving in, and so all precautions have been taken to postpone the event until the Spring.

So at least I will not need a winter coat anymore - great as it really didn’t match my outfit. It just means I now have a new hairdo and stunning nails and no way to show them off.

The only thing these nails are doing is making it incredibly hard for me to type this post!!

Until the Spring!

Caroline

P.S. yet another validation for me why I am happy to rarely, if ever get snow. It may look pretty, but, in a city like ours it shuts everything down, and I just can’t handle these current freezing temperatures.

P.P.S. Alas, there is one Inauguration celebration event happening tonight that the snow couldn’t touch. It’s a more low key one, but at least my nails will sparkle.

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