Praia de Pescadores (Fish), Albufeira, Portugal I am a life learner, and I believe that nothing helps us grow in knowledge and compassion as traveling to a country where we do not speak the language and everything seems different from home. My husband and I forgot to add international roaming to our phones, so when... Continue Reading →
Living to The Fullest Towards the End of This Journey
Image Credit: Sebastian Knoll @ Unsplaah I looked at the older woman in the mirror, Wondering where the years have gone. In my seventies now, and still moving forward, Much closer than ever to the dawn. I ponder what lies beyond this world, As I approach the tip of the dark spaces. I struggle to... Continue Reading →
Braga, Portugal, You Stole My Heart
We are spending nine weeks in Portugal to decide on where we might want to live for the next three years. My husband’s only grandchildren live here, so he wants to come and spend time with them before they go off to college. I am still ambivalent about leaving the United States and my family,... Continue Reading →
I Look At Social Media, But I Don’t Share My Life
I came off of Facebook because I spent too much time distracted by reels. I also began to be disturbed at the ugliness of the rhetoric. Even when I taught college students, I advised them to be careful what they posted on social media, for fear of losing a future job because of an ill-advised... Continue Reading →
Happiness Makes the Soul Rejoice in Being Alive!
Daily writing promptWhat are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?View all responses I don’t think we are meant to always be happy, but it would be absolutely wonderful if we were. That would mean that everything brings us happiness. Yet, without the sadness of trials and tribulations, we would not be able to comprehend... Continue Reading →
A Colorful Seat Brings Joy to a Cancer Survivor! Every Day is a Gift!
Beaufort, South Carolina, 2024 As a colon cancer survivor for nearly 18 years, I found this seat inspiring and beautiful. Every day is a gift! Posted for Pull Up A Seat Photo Challenge from Xingfu https://xingfumama.blog/2026/04/10/pull-up-a-seat-photo-challenge-2026-week-15/Mama https://xingfumama.blog/2026/04/10/pull-up-a-seat-photo-challenge-2026-week-15/
It’s the “What-Ifs” That Makes Suitcases Heavy
My husband and I are in Braga, Portugal, and as we decided at the Porto airport whether to take a low-cost bus or an Uber that costs a little more, the decision was made by the fact that we have six pieces of luggage or bags. This meant we called a Uber, rather than having... Continue Reading →
Knowing When To Let Go Has Made Me Happier
Daily writing promptDescribe one positive change you have made in your life.View all responses It was learning to know when to let go of relationships hat made my life happier. I was watching Kenny Rogers” movie, The Gambler. When he sang,”You got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when... Continue Reading →
In Five Days, the Next Adventure Begins
Lisbon, Portugal, 2024 I searched for my birth certificate yesterday. I had forgotten that it was so torn up, but I don't have time to send for a new copy. We leave for Portugal in five days! We are scouting for a home there, to have more time with the youngest grandchildren, so we plan... Continue Reading →
I’d Let the World Know My Story in Two Words: Survivor and Persevere
Daily writing promptWhat tattoo do you want and where would you put it?View all responses I will probably never get a tattoo, mainly because of the needle. I have had too many involuntary moments with needles, having small veins that run, to sit and endure voluntary pain. But, if I were to get a tattoo,... Continue Reading →
