The CDS "Dressage Letters"

My Group Member Organization (GMO) of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is the California Dressage Society (CDS). Pat, I'd like to buy a vowel, please. I may have mentioned that (about a billion times) already. I talk about my GMO so often because they are, or rather, WE are, an amazing group of dressage enthusiasts. The people who make up the Executive Board and Directors are people just like you and me. In fact, if you live in California and show even occasionally, you probably know at least one board member. In fact, you might have even been a board member or director or committee member.

The cover of our monthly magazine, Dressage Letters.

Even before becoming a CDS chapter vice-chairperson I had at least occasional cause to speak with CDS's Central Office manager, Paula. As chapter vice-chair, I find that I am calling and emailing her quite frequently. I am not special, that's just how CDS does things. It's an organization that strives to meet member needs by being easily accessible. We care about each other, and it shows in how our organization is run.

Hey! That's me.

Each month, CDS produces a monthly magazine that is distributed to members. It recently went digital. When my copy arrived in my email last night, I quickly popped it open and read through it. As I read about the CDS Virtual Annual Meeting, I saw my name mentioned. Even though I've seen my name in print before, it's always a little exciting.

Hey, I am in there twice!

As I kept reading, I saw my name mentioned again. That's a first. CDS had asked for feedback from the members about the virtual meeting. Since it was such a massive undertaking by a group of people who are nearly all volunteers, I thought it was important to let them know much I appreciated their efforts. I sent an email not knowing it would be published. Again, it was fun to see my name in print.

OMG - again?

As I continued reading, I was pleased as punch to have been mentioned twice in one month. When what to my wondering eyes should appear? A THIRD mention in a single year! Yep, Speedy and I were there again. Ignore the PSG part, that honor goes to Barbara. I was having trouble with my mark up tool. The Third Level notation is ours.

Every time I think Speedy and I are finished as a dressage team, something else reminds me of all of the great adventures we've had. I know CDS didn't choose to "write about me" - that's just how the cards fell this month, but I appreciate my GMO's efforts to reward its members as often as possible. 

I feel like such a star this morning. I promise it won't go to my head.