Greetings of Pinkness,

I was sitting with a friend last night sharing some of the life lessons I was learning this week from dressing in pink head to toe, when she asked, “Why would anyone give you money to dress in pink?”  She was struggling to understand the motivation.  She understood that people would want to support the cause of breast cancer.  She understood people wanted to support something I wanted to support but couldn’t quite grasp why folks would jump aboard a pink campaign.

We had a grand and far-ranging dialogue about giving–one of the many fine memories that will come out of this week–and the reasons we give.  In the end, we came round to the sense that when people are willing to put themselves out, put themselves into a position of discomfort, and willing to suffer some for a cause that we found that inspiring and that made us more willing to give.  That by getting behind a fundraising request with personal action charged the invitation somehow and we spent some time brainstorming what would challenge each other most.

It’s being a most interesting week and I’ll have lots of funny stories to tell in my usual weekly update on Sunday ranging from dressing up a skeleton to hiding in the pink carnations at the dollar store.  I’ve had lots of unique experiences and I found yesterday to be very challenging as I faced my third day in pink.  Now it feels like I’m on the home stretch and can see the light at the end of the pink tunnel.  We’re raised over $2000 thus far this week and it seems possible that we might just reach the week’s goal of $3580 (halfway up the goal of one per metre of Pumori). 

I visited the salon yesterday that has volunteered to dye my hair if the goal is reached by tomorrow afternoon-that brought it all home when the realities of living with bright pink hair for the next few months came into clearer focus.  I tried to imagine what the immigration officials in Kathamndu will think as I hand them my form with the climbing box checked and locks of shocking pink.

I wanted to write and invite you to join the fun.  Please check out the pictures of the week by clicking here (http://www.taloeffler.com/dynamic_photos.asp?strAdventure=pumori) or here (http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=157173&l=3c7ab&id=509940550).  One of the highlights of the week has been watching people smile with joy and amusement.  If by chance, you’re willing to jump aboard “The Pink Trail” you can click here (https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=21241) to donate or click here (www.taloeffler.com) for a downloadable form. 

Catch you on Sunday with lots more stories of memorable week!.

Thanks for your support,

TA