November 1, 2024 (Halloween)

Hey there, Friends, Dreamers, and Fellow Kids-at-Heart,

Here’s a story about open arms, big dreams, and a Halloween surprise…

Happy Halloween! I’m writing to you with a big smile and a pumpkin-full of candy. And you’ll never guess what happened last night. As I opened my door to trick-or-treaters, two teenage boys, maybe 15 or 16, showed up. I couldn’t help but laugh and asked, “Aren’t you a little old for this?” One of them grinned and said, “We just want to relive our childhood.” And I thought, Yes! Isn’t that what we’re all after—a chance to tap into that magic of being young, curious, and full of wonder?

Let me share the inspiration behind this project with you. It began in the Louvre, where I found myself face-to-face with the Victory of Samothrace. Her open arms seemed to reach out to everything broken and incomplete, welcoming it all with strength and grace. It wasn’t a triangle, more like two arms stretching out from a strong center—a symbol of resilience and inclusivity. And that’s what inspired the two “arms” of our Leaf Card League: Montpellier in Southern France and Tippecanoe in the United States, reaching toward each other across the ocean.

Then, the vision really took root when I visited the Picasso Museum in Antibes. As I watched a tourist ask about the museum’s history, I realized something simple yet profound: selling a ticket isn’t just about a transaction; it’s about inviting someone into a story. I imagined a world where every museum, big or small, could connect with visitors through its unique “leaves”—its stories, ideas, and treasures. And that’s how the Museum Leaf Cards Alliance was born, with leaves as symbols of connection and growth, forming a shared network of knowledge.

Of course, I couldn’t leave out Tippecanoe—where HUNTER was born! This little town holds a big piece of my heart and is where the journey began in earnest. Now, Tippecanoe and Montpellier are like two open arms, welcoming this dream of connection, learning, and creativity.

This journey is called “MOVE WITH US” because, well, I’d love for you to come along! Here’s the plan, step by step:

• X1: Southern France (Montpellier, Nice, and nearby cities) – Launch Museum Leaf Cards Alliance (40 Emails)
• X2: Southern France – Collect Real Data
• X3: Tippecanoe, Indiana, USA – Implement Detailed Plan (20 Emails)
• X4: Tippecanoe, Indiana, USA – Collect Real Data

Note: If necessary, we’ll extend beyond Montpellier and Nice to neighboring cities in Southern France to reach our outreach goals.

And here’s the thing—I’m sharing every piece of this journey openly because I believe that good ideas are even better when they’re shared. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, transparency, and showing each step so that anyone, anywhere, can try it, too. If these teenage boys can embrace their childhoods again, why can’t we embrace our big, messy, heart-filled dreams?

So, welcome! Let’s make this journey together—hopeful, humorous, and full of possibility. Who knows? Maybe we’ll inspire a few more kids (and adults!) to open their arms to learning and laughter, just like the Victory of Samothrace.

By sharing, we’re not just telling a story; we’re opening doors for anyone, anywhere, to create their own.

Here’s to reliving childhood and building something beautiful.

With all my heart,
June W