🌰 Magusto in the Mountains: Fire, Chestnuts, and Finding Warmth in a New Home

Something I’ve learned recently about life in Portugal is that the most magical experiences aren’t the ones you plan. They’re the ones you’re invited into. Our landlords, Antonio and Aura — who have quickly become two of the kindest, most generous people we’ve ever met — invited us to join them for a local festival…

🎃 Halloween in Portugal: Pumpkins, Saudade, and the Question of Belonging

Saudade – Noun. A Portuguese word that doesn’t have a direct English equivalent… The sentiment is a feeling of longing, nostalgia, dreaming, and wistfulness… Halloween isn’t exactly a big deal in Portugal — at least not in the same way it is back in the U.S. Here, October doesn’t bring front-yard graveyards, inflatable ghosts, or…

A Little Quiet. A lot of Change.

It’s been a while since my last post. Somewhere between unpacking boxes, learning how to drive on tiny one-lane roads, and figuring out which recycling bin takes the milk cartons, I lost my writing rhythm. And truthfully, it wasn’t just logistics. I hit a wall. After months of planning and pushing and documenting every step…