So, really, I never did post the pictures from Portugal? Well, that's just not right. Looking at these makes me take back everything I ever said about four seasons.
Someone get me back to Portugal please. : )
Category Archives: Portugal
quietly
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
–St. Francis de Sales
Wishing you a quiet advent.
(image from Fatima, Portugal)
outlook
"Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic. If something is not to your liking, change your liking." – Rick Steeves
This bit of wisdom was typed in the preface of our guidebook for Lisbon and I offered up a "yes!" when I read it. In a world where ranting is cultivated as an art form it is so incredibly wonderful to see this listed as the first bit of advice for the modern traveler.
Determine to be happy. Determine to be open to all sorts of definitions of a successful journey. Let go of as many preconceptions and requirements for happiness as possible so you can discover all the others right out there waiting for you.
We are all travelers, whether we are crossing the ocean or crossing our own threshold. And this is how we meet each day facing the light.
At home in Aljustrel
One of my favorite places in Portugal was the hamlet of Aljustrel. It was home to the young seers of Fatima. I loved walking through this sleepy village, loved steeping into these old stucco and stone buildings with spartan but still cozy rooms. I imagine life there, simple but not easy.
"Speak ill of no one and avoid the company of those who talk (bad) about their neighbours."
~Jacinta Marto of Fatima
Lisbon in living color
I have this little window of connectivity, hence the mega-share tonight. We aren't sure what is happening with our service. It was pretty much non-existent all weekend and may well return to that. It's fickle that way, euro-internet. ; )
These images came from our first 24 hours in Lisbon, wandering around the waterfront where the marathon was held. The boys and I hung out down here while Allen ran. (he ran the half prepping for tomorrow's Dublin marathon)
This is my boys being brave. They are supposed to at least give a try at ordering food or buying souvenirs. Let me tell you, this is a little intimidating even for grown ups. I am really proud of them and this picture sums up alot of what we hoped for them when we began this journey.
Here he is coming down the finish line.
If you made it this far we are now half of us in Dublin and the other half here at home in our pjs watching a lot of movies and drinking copious amounts of cocoa. Can you guess which half I am in lol? We are expecting this big St Jude Storm to hit the UK during the night. We have the garden furniture and pots put away and the trampoline tied to the fence. We aren't in the direct line of fire so hoping this just amounts to a windy day at home.
Lisbon in black and white
no words, just pictures tonight
Portugese Sunrise
So… Portugal. I didn't tell anyone we were even going until the trip week was upon us. We planned to take this trip two years ago. I spent it in the hospital instead. Though we have gone many places since, somehow this trip just struck a little fear in my heart, remembering. It felt a little jinxy to mention it as certainly as I had then. My body did fight back some on this trip but we made it and we saw so many beautiful things. The best moments traveling together are these though – the together part. While we love the big family trips, these shorter adventures with just a few of the kids make for a gift of one on one time with them.
I am really grateful my guys were game for getting up in the wee hours to walk to the marina with me to watch the sun come up over the water. I have spent so many years stealing every moment of sleep possible – since they are always elusive in our family. It's sort of counterintuitive for me to set the clock on vacation, but it was so very worth it. We were alone on the boardwalk, save for a few early morning runners, and it was magically still.
Well, it was magically still until Kieran was completely awake and feeling his oats. ; )
The other awesome part about traveling with my guys? They carry my stuff. I owe you one, Aidan!
little pink houses
Such a time we have had. Sunrises, sea breezes, fado serenades, and yes…
beautiful pink houses.
We are mostly unpacking and some of the crew are gearing up for one more trip. Hope to share more in coming days. My body had enough today though. Sidelined by a migraine. So this is all for tonight.
(ps. there are website changes in the works, general housecleaning that is much overdue. The facebook page is really good place to check in and keep in touch. Sometimes there is only time to post there. Thanks!)
Starry Sky Journal 