Your articles for me, are always a balance of thoughtful, intelligent thinking on the world, combined with nuggets and moments of joy. Which, really, isn't that what life is? Moments and nuggets, combined with the boring and banality that is life. It helps to ground me. Enjoy your distance from the U.S. It's so hard right now.
So much balanced bliss in this post. Between the sparkling seas, the "peacemaking romanesco" and the old-school turkey gravy... THIS is the tonic for the polycrisis that has overtaken America's nervous system right now.
Aw, can picture the family togetherness (we had something similar).
I think I missed the memo about passport/driver license photos. My goal in life was always to look older than my first passport photo (at age 21) when I looked 12. Happy to report that I always look older but so far not old. Except for that dratted neck -- yours is much nicer than mine. :)
And yeah, it's bad here. Just had a convo last night with a city govt friend who says she watches daily ICE pickups at the courthouse from her office window. And the city budget is a disaster without our Canadian neighbors coming to shop or tourist. Of course I don't blame them.
Another great article, Alison. I admire your vulnerability and insights. I had to look up a few words, too, so thank you for helping me expand my vocabulary! I always look forward to reading your articles. Miss you!
Thanks for the kind mention. I was laughing so much in portions, and how it all turned out well in the end with food and beloved family! I always hated official photos in the US, but somehow in PT I'm loving the results of my residence and driver's license photos--go figure I'd have to wait till my late 60s to not cringe at pulling one out for ID. Your photos were gorgeous...and I too am feeling strange in writing about my life when so many our hurting...até à próxima and ...é o que é!
Your articles for me, are always a balance of thoughtful, intelligent thinking on the world, combined with nuggets and moments of joy. Which, really, isn't that what life is? Moments and nuggets, combined with the boring and banality that is life. It helps to ground me. Enjoy your distance from the U.S. It's so hard right now.
PS... I love the video of that beautiful snail!
It’s a death’s head moth caterpillar. Quite the name!
So much balanced bliss in this post. Between the sparkling seas, the "peacemaking romanesco" and the old-school turkey gravy... THIS is the tonic for the polycrisis that has overtaken America's nervous system right now.
I wish that was all it would take. We’ve lost our way.
Your Substacks keep me from doomscrolling (at least for a little while). Thank you, Alison.
Then my work here is done. :)
Aw, can picture the family togetherness (we had something similar).
I think I missed the memo about passport/driver license photos. My goal in life was always to look older than my first passport photo (at age 21) when I looked 12. Happy to report that I always look older but so far not old. Except for that dratted neck -- yours is much nicer than mine. :)
And yeah, it's bad here. Just had a convo last night with a city govt friend who says she watches daily ICE pickups at the courthouse from her office window. And the city budget is a disaster without our Canadian neighbors coming to shop or tourist. Of course I don't blame them.
Another great article, Alison. I admire your vulnerability and insights. I had to look up a few words, too, so thank you for helping me expand my vocabulary! I always look forward to reading your articles. Miss you!
Thanks for the kind mention. I was laughing so much in portions, and how it all turned out well in the end with food and beloved family! I always hated official photos in the US, but somehow in PT I'm loving the results of my residence and driver's license photos--go figure I'd have to wait till my late 60s to not cringe at pulling one out for ID. Your photos were gorgeous...and I too am feeling strange in writing about my life when so many our hurting...até à próxima and ...é o que é!
Lovely. We have 45 days left until we enter PT on our visas. It is so much worse physically being in country.
I bet. I can’t bring myself to visit the US. I hate feeling that way.
We are in PT right now getting our apartment set. Dread going back. We enter on our visas March 2. Petrified if we'll make it.
Sending you best wishes and good luck!!!