Good Morning Loves,
I hope you had a fabulous weekend. Fall is finally creeping in on Portugal and the mornings now have a bit of a chill to them. It would be nice to sleep with the windows open and we could if we didn’t live in the middle of Party Central, with tons of bars and nightclubs to the front of the apartment, and to the back a very lively pub that patrons love to hang out at until 6 a.m. Honestly, what can anyone possibly still be talking about at 6 a.m.? We’ve been asked to sign a petition to close down the bar behind us but we can’t see shutting down a Setúbal institution and putting people out of jobs, so we put in our ear plugs and get under the covers. It works.
Being at home after our Spain jaunt has been restorative. Resting, eating nutritious homemade meals and taking walks have all factored into several days of much needed self-care for both Eric and me. By the time you read this, my beloved bestie, Holly will be here and we will be packing up to visit Porto before we jet to Paris for a very girlie weekend of fashion, food and girl talk. When Holly heads home to the states on Sunday, Eric will fly into to Paris and I have a full day of fun planned with him in mind. Paris isn’t his cup of cappuccino, but it might be after he sees what I have in store for our one night together in the city of lights.
The next day we set off for a whirlwind of cities, starting with Berlin, because we have to fit it all in…right now.
Why?
Eric and I have made the decision to move back to the states. We have discussed, sought, plumbed the depths of our hearts and minds, disagreed some, agreed a lot, and found a peace with this difficult decision. A wonderful friend even offered me a great job in tourism which would keep us in Europe, but after very careful thought and consideration I knew I was not the perfect person for the position. It was the only time in my career that I didn’t think about the pretty paycheck and jump in head first. I consider that growth.
What happens next? On November 30 we will fly one way to Miami from Lisbon, rent a car for a month and stay with the besties in St. Pete/Tampa, while contemplating our next moves.
I’ve been meditating a lot lately. LIKE A LOT. This week my meditation was about ‘playing in the unknown’. Whew, that’s a lot for someone like me to take in. I want to know what’s going to happen every step of the way.
And yet, the times I’ve just let go have been some of the most magical of my life.
Time to make the magic, kids.
No sympathy comments are necessary because the best is yet to come. I am not sad this leg of the journey is over, I’m delighted I was able to experience living in Europe. And although we are leaving now, that doesn’t mean we won’t be back one day.
I hope you will continue to meet me here every Monday morning to sip coffee together and visit. There will be stories to tell and life’s questions to ponder.
Hug each other tightly and call your lawmakers. Remember you are ENOUGH.
I love you.
xoxo,
Patti
Do you know many people say coulda shoulda woulda? You did it! I’m so proud of you. Life throws us curveballs, which is why my substack has been silent. I think that I’m on my way back though. Can’t wait to see what your next chapter brings.
Meditation is a wonderful thing and so is letting go and embracing life and you guys did just that. I know it was tough, but the experiences you have added to your repertoire along the way are amazing! No regerts! Big delayed hugs and kisses as I suck at keeping up w/ comms when traveling LOL.