The New Year is a time of parties, reflection, and looking forward.
Party: On December 31 our Portuguese neighbors will host a big dinner for their extended family, our other Portuguese neighbors, and us. As always, they will serve lota of fabulous food, roast a variety of meats in a wood-fired oven, and cover the tables with numerous desserts and wines. At midnight they will launch real fireworks (big, bright and loud) from the open-air stone and concrete eire, the open-air threshing floor used for centuries to dry beans, corn, and grains by local farmers. It has a marvelous view of Alcobaça town below. A perfect party spot.
Looking forward: We have been in Portugal full-time for almost two years. This coming year we must renew our residency visas, a process that will limit our travel in the European Union. (It is complicated). We still will be able to visit our family during two trips to the US. 2026 marks our 50th anniversary, and that thought is like someone grabbing my shoulders and giving me a hard shake. "Wake up!"
Reflection: I don’t like resolutions. However, I have found that writing the “Five Lists” offered by Suleika Jaouad (look her up!) to be interesting, useful, and almost fun. I recommend you write each question at the top of a page and see what happens as you explore what comes up for you.
1. What in the last year are you proud of?
2. What did this year leave you yearning for?
3. What’s causing you anxiety?
4. What resources, skills, and practices can you rely on in the coming year?
5. What are your wildest, most harebrained ideas and dreams?
The Fruit of Our Dreams I first wrote my Five Lists before we decided to immigrate to Portugal, and the process continues to yield fruit (ahem -- so to speak). Our Portuguese neighbors gifted us this gorgeous tray of fruit. Our own personal “Discoveries” (an allusion to Portugal’s world explorations).
On the 24th of December we were celebrating a friend's birthday in the famous town of Nazaré (100 foot waves) where Tim hoped to see The Green Flash. The hopeful video below.
Our New Year's Wish
May we all embrace the coming year with resolve to bring our integrity and loving hearts to make the world safer for the most vulnerable among us and kinder to all. Just Imagine All the People....
With love to all,
and special gratitude to our friends who have stayed in touch.
Tim and Penelope
留言