The Lone Tree Chronicles: How I Accidentally Adopted a Family (and Why You Should Too)
Updated: Sep 16
Lone Tree, Colorado
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Buckle up because I'm about to take you on a wild ride through the unexpected joys of embracing the unknown. by the end of this, you'll be itching to throw your own "I don't know you" party. (Spoiler alert: It's way more fun than it sounds!)
The Party That Changed Everything
Picture this: I was in good ol' Lone Tree, Colorado, hosting a top-secret birthday bash for my friend's beau, Michael. The twist? I'd barely met the guy and had never met his family or any of his crew. Talk about diving into the deep end!
As I whipped up a storm in the kitchen (four killer apps, if I do say so myself), I couldn't help but wonder: "What in the world am I getting myself into?" Little did I know that I was about to stumble upon a life-changing revelation: Sometimes, strangers spice up our lives and teach us the most valuable lessons.
From Tahiti with Love: My Misfit Adventure
Now, let me take you on a quick detour to Tahiti. (I know, I know, but stick with me here!) It was there, on a solo adventure, that I first discovered the magic of embracing the unknown. Enter my ragtag group of newfound friends: Nenad, Rajko, Milton, Melanie, Carl, and Lindsay. Note to ponder-there was nothing "misfit" about them. We were all traveling aboard a very luxurious and exclusive cruise ship in, of all places, the South Pacific. Ragtag is probably not my best word to describe this incredible group. These lovable weirdos didn't just become travel buddies; they became the unofficial tattoo artists of my heart. (Don't worry, no actual ink was involved – just indelible memories!)
The Dutch Connection: More Than Just Windmills and Cheese
But wait, there's more! Milton and Mel, his daughter, just as a simple point of clarification, became regulars on my global adventures. We decided to take our show on the road to the Netherlands later that year, along with 22 other complete strangers. (Because why not, right?)
Enter Joan, my room buddy extraordinaire. In just eight days, this woman went from "Who are you?" to "How did I ever live without you?" And let's not forget Hank, Sue, and Elaine—the unexpected teachers who opened my eyes to new perspectives faster than you can say "stroopwafel."
The Pen Pal Plot Twist
Just when I thought my stranger-danger skills couldn't improve, along came Carole. This East Coast dynamo found my blog, and BAM! Instant friendship across the miles. We've never met in person, but our shared love for the m/s Paul Gauguin (and my envy of her five trips aboard my favorite floating palace) sparked a connection that has me racing to my digital inbox every day.
The Accidental Family Adoption
Now, back to that birthday party. Michael's family – Edee, Monroe, and Sven – showed up early to help, and before I knew it, we were elbow-deep in party prep and belly-deep in laughter. By the night's end, Monroe was ready to sign adoption papers. (I'm still waiting for the official paperwork, Monroe!)
The Grand Finale: A Call to Adventure
So, here's the deal, folks. Keep your friends close, sure. But those strangers? They're the wild cards that make life enjoyable. They're the ones who challenge you, inspire you, and sometimes even adopt you.
My advice? GO! Travel solo, chat up that person at the bar, and say yes to that party where you won't know a soul. Be fearless in the face of the unknown. Because let me tell you, it's in those moments of "Who the heck are these people?" that you might find your next big adventure, your next big lesson, or heck, your next big family.
So, who's ready to throw their own "I don't know you" party? Trust me, it's a real hoot. And who knows? You might end up with a new family, a pen pal, or, at the very least, one heck of a story to tell.
Also, to all my newfound friends and family out there, thanks for teaching this old dog some new tricks. You guys rock!
Until next time, keep embracing the strange and wonderful!
Your newly adopted (fill in the blank),
Allison Paige
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