Happy Belated Birthday, LaDonna! Well, you are absolutely Glowing in your photos! It is certainly apparent to me that Portugal does suit you, even though you are having to navigate through the dog shit, cigarette butts, and perhaps aspects of yourself that are outdated or were never really you to begin with. I know that my sweet husband and myself are experiencing all of these things since we arrived here. For us there is a truly Magical, Transformative feeling to Portugal. Like all of our mental and emotional crap is floating to the surface in all of it’s glory to be looked at, and finally let go of if we can handle it. Initially there were vivid dreams, some nightmarish for us both. Lots of tears for me. I feel vulnerable, emotional, exuberant, energetic, sometimes a little scared, and grateful. But, each day we feel a little lighter and happier! Such an interesting journey!
Great post. So glad to hear that Lucette has had some happy experiences - after that last post about how frustrating it is for her. I know you will all push through. We sure miss you here, especially since the holidays are coming. Be blessed and enjoy!
Just found your blog and am loving it. It so resonates. I moved to the Algarve in July with my husband and two girls (7,9). And we are also looking at Setubul. And this all sounds so familiar. Mara
As always I love reading your texts. Life is not perfect anywhere. My friends have been writing to me saying: "wow, you are in Brazil? You must be so happy!". Brazil is a beautiful country but also full of problems which one only sees when living in the country. It,s too hot, criminality is high, drivers are crazy and so many other things that I think are wrong but then I realise that there is no perfect place. Just as we are not perfect either. So I try to make the best of every day and be happy. And I know you do it too in Portugal. Hugs crossing this huge Atlantic and reaching you! Warm greetings to Marido and Filha. Rô
Happy Happy Birthday!! Yes perfection is so overrated- a barrier to much more meaningful and treasured moments on both the exterior and interior, like that lovely room and cozy bed unmade and even your tears. Thank you sharing it all!
Happy Belated Birthday, LaDonna! Well, you are absolutely Glowing in your photos! It is certainly apparent to me that Portugal does suit you, even though you are having to navigate through the dog shit, cigarette butts, and perhaps aspects of yourself that are outdated or were never really you to begin with. I know that my sweet husband and myself are experiencing all of these things since we arrived here. For us there is a truly Magical, Transformative feeling to Portugal. Like all of our mental and emotional crap is floating to the surface in all of it’s glory to be looked at, and finally let go of if we can handle it. Initially there were vivid dreams, some nightmarish for us both. Lots of tears for me. I feel vulnerable, emotional, exuberant, energetic, sometimes a little scared, and grateful. But, each day we feel a little lighter and happier! Such an interesting journey!
Thank you for sharing your journey!
Cheryl & Andreas
Love the newsletter and the pictures! You are making it!
"Inch by inch (centimeter by centimeter) we’re figuring it out." Thank you for writing , LaDonna, thank you for sharing your words.
Great post. So glad to hear that Lucette has had some happy experiences - after that last post about how frustrating it is for her. I know you will all push through. We sure miss you here, especially since the holidays are coming. Be blessed and enjoy!
Just found your blog and am loving it. It so resonates. I moved to the Algarve in July with my husband and two girls (7,9). And we are also looking at Setubul. And this all sounds so familiar. Mara
If you're ever up in Setúbal, let me know!
I am thinking of coming up over the holidays. Will you be around? Maybe get in touch by email - marajgoldman@gmail.com. would love to connect!
As always I love reading your texts. Life is not perfect anywhere. My friends have been writing to me saying: "wow, you are in Brazil? You must be so happy!". Brazil is a beautiful country but also full of problems which one only sees when living in the country. It,s too hot, criminality is high, drivers are crazy and so many other things that I think are wrong but then I realise that there is no perfect place. Just as we are not perfect either. So I try to make the best of every day and be happy. And I know you do it too in Portugal. Hugs crossing this huge Atlantic and reaching you! Warm greetings to Marido and Filha. Rô
This is something I’ll be thinking about for a while. Thank you! And yay for ordering your lunch in Portuguese!
Happy Happy Birthday!! Yes perfection is so overrated- a barrier to much more meaningful and treasured moments on both the exterior and interior, like that lovely room and cozy bed unmade and even your tears. Thank you sharing it all!