tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55776568583391479162024-02-07T04:36:37.146+00:00Expat Mum in PortugalChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-27613586357720930862014-01-15T12:34:00.001+00:002014-01-15T13:08:35.262+00:00The post with no name!Wow, I have thought many, many times about this post. The returning post after a long absence. <br />
It difficult to know what to say, do you explain where you have been, why you have been away? As one of my blogging buddies recently wrote after a similar long absence, is anyone still out there? Does anyone care anymore about this blog, aside of me, who knows....<br />
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It's true, at times I have missed my blog, I do like to write but as life changed, my blog and I seem to drift apart. Moving in different directions, time was an issue, as was some other occurences. I have thought so many times to start again, but struggled to find the words, to come out of my head. Having ideas but not able to move them into something else. Not even managing to log on to start until now.<br />
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I started this blog as a link to other expats, while I was living in another non-english country, now I am back in England making a new life and somehow my blog no longer seemed relavant, left behind with my former life, but Im still here. Albeit with less time and more to do but Im going to try.<br />
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<i>Dearest blog, how I have missed you</i><br />
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Now I hope to find the desire to carry on, even if sporadically.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-27347695674069822232013-02-22T16:38:00.001+00:002013-02-22T16:39:38.235+00:00The Gallery: BoysThis week on <a href="http://www.thestickyfingersblog.com/2013/02/the-photo-gallery-boys.html">the Gallery</a> over at <a href="http://www.thestickyfingersblog.com/2013/02/the-photo-gallery-boys.html">Sticky Fingers</a> is Boys.<br />
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So in this case I would like to introduce the new boy in my life and I am totally in love with my new boy!<br />
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Our boy Thomas arrived to join us on 30th January 2012 and what a sweetheart he is! We are all adoring of our new boy! It took a while but third time lucky he made it!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-71035955224962523402013-02-07T08:31:00.000+00:002013-02-07T08:32:32.173+00:00Hello world!I have been gone for a while, where have I been, well for those who follow my blog will know we have returned to England from Portugal. After several difficult years there we made the decision to return. So many times I have wanted to blog it but there never seemed enough time or I didnt know where to start. <br />
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So where to start, well am I glad to be back? Oh god yes, so happy to be 'home', it is strange at times and has taken us a little while to adjust, well we still are! The first few days especially felt like we were here for the first time ever! I felt like an alien in a new world trying to figure out these new ways of doing things and the differences in people's ways and manners. It is like a whole different world for where we were in Portugal, everything seems different and generally better and busier!! Much busier than what we have been used to, something which I think has taken our children most to adjust to. But the increased choice and movement in life is refreshing. I love to see the countryside, the trees, fields and streams that I so missed. <br />
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Do I think of Portugal? Of course, but quickly remember the reality that we lived and put my mind firmly looking forward to creating a new life here. Life is faster and more active, but that's good as life was too slow there, the weather was good but I enjoy the more variety here, too much sun can become boring! I am glad in many ways we have moved to another area, to give us a completely fresh start, instead of trying to step back into a 'past' life. We are finding new things and places and its great. We left england when our daughter was barely 2 and half years old and therefore didnt really get to experience a 'family' life here but now we are back with older children and a new baby on the way, our perspective is very different and the area we are in is great with so many things to do. <br />
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So we are on a new path, a better path. Its not easy but it is easier!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-22122527969089622782012-12-08T08:39:00.001+00:002012-12-08T08:43:44.083+00:00Adeusinho PortugalSo after <a href="http://expatmuminportugal.blogspot.pt/2012/07/why-is-change-so-hard.html">much umming and urring</a>, changing of minds and a lot of effort, we are leaving Portugal. <br />
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For those of you who regularly read my blog you will know that we have been through <a href="http://expatmuminportugal.blogspot.pt/2012/10/the-week-that-was.html">difficult times</a> whilst living here, mostly brought on my the Global Financial Crisis. We have been here 4 and a half years and tried to make it work, probably we didnt always make the best decisions which led us to the wrong place but that's life right! You cannot see what is ahead so you make decisions with the information you have at the time, things havent turned out<a href="http://expatmuminportugal.blogspot.pt/2012/08/the-fear-of-disappointment.html"> the way expected</a> and led us down some hard roads.<br />
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So now we have the opportunity thanks to some very supportive people to make the move and a fresh start. Although sad to be leaving and disappointed at how things have turned out. In truth it has taken me a while to get my head around leaving and the hope that we could find a way to stay, but now I see there is no way forward for us. The situation in portugal is grave and will take several more years to improve. <br />
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So now instead of looking back, I can move on firmly looking forward, something I feel essential to creating a new and better life for ourselves. It is a fresh start in a new part of the country with new opportunities to seize. I know things wont be easy, but they cannot be as difficult as they have been!<br />
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This move has been on our minds for several months, while waiting for opportunities to come and most importantly a passport, without which we could not go anywhere, something so simple can be the key to a big decision. <br />
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So with a tinge of sadness but a heart full of hope, we say goodbye next weekend.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-74105694115875552922012-11-30T11:10:00.000+00:002012-11-30T12:34:47.432+00:00I believe!I believe in many things, sometimes to believe in something is all you have. We find comfort, strength and security in our beliefs. Whether they are religious or destiny or to believe in someone or something.<br />
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As many of you know, I have been having a difficult time lately, struggling to find a way through this crisis. Lately has been particularly tough for several reasons, leaving me feeling trapped and like having no way forward, as though we have fallen too far to come back. Everytime it seems like we are moving forward something comes in our way, usually that we were not expecting, throwing us off track again. But we try and try again. I believe we will get there somehow, and I know I am trying everything I can to do that. Im not the world best problem solver and am a<a href="http://expatmuminportugal.blogspot.pt/2011/05/oh-why-procrastination.html"> terrible procrastinator</a> at times, two things which can heavily go against me but I try and I believe there <i><b>has</b></i> to be a way. Somehow I hope if I believe enough in the possibility, it will happen, because the alternative is not an alternative. <br />
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Someone said recently, 'no-one has to help you', and that is true. No-one has an obligation to help you but sometimes, if you're lucky there are very kind and special people who will go out of their way to help. We have been blessed enough to have been given that kind of help and are so so grateful. It also changes the way I see things, in that I could not imagine someone giving such help, and that if I have the opportunity to repay that kindness or pass it on to someone else I will without a doubt. Especially in these times, when many are struggling, it can cause us to become selfish and only think of ourselves and our problems. But there are people who will help, and go out of their way to do that.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-6193878098294289182012-11-28T06:59:00.000+00:002012-11-29T07:26:37.628+00:00The Gallery: EyesThis week's theme on The Gallery is <b><i>Eyes.</i></b><br />
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This is my youngest daughter Grace who has amazing eyes, this photo was taken quite a while ago but now she has these huge, and I mean huge eyelashes, that a supermodel would be envious of and a little speckle of brown around the iris, as does her mother. </div>
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Pop over to the Gallery to see more!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-57441226852831049292012-11-27T11:15:00.000+00:002012-11-29T07:27:42.130+00:00More strikes!Today here in Portugal, there is yet another workers strike. Firstly, dont get me wrong I am not against people having the right to strike but at the moment, it is seems to be every other week. The workers unite to show their dissatifaction at how things are, lack of jobs, increased hours, increased taxes, reduced wages, but every other week!! Striking every other week, will not make any difference. It would be more effective to all combine for one moviment, after all arent they all striking for similar things.<br />
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And what they need to remember is everytime they take a day to strike, production is heavily prejudiced, putting this country further back in its efforts to pull itself out of this financial crisis. Things are not easy, nor are they very fair, but you should be grateful for having a job. Especially for all of those who are not in a job and for every time you strike a day, that is potentially another job in danger as companies struggle to survive while output is reduced through striking. <br />
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The strike which took place two weeks ago, caused some big problems for several people and businesses and was reported around the world, as I heard from several family and friends. The leader who planned this strike was seen encouraging the crowd, which then turned to chaos causing injury to both protesters and the police. It was awful to watch as it seemed like complete social breakdown, which went on for several hours. Making Portugal and Lisbon especially, look unsafe and out of control. I know of one hospitality business which lost several thousands euros of business, due to these events, as the clients pulled out due to the events of this day! How many more businesses had the same problem. We are desperately trying to bring people into the country and these events just put people off.<br />
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People need to see the bigger picture, striking every other week, only damages the country further and makes the struggle worse. We need to work together, except the situation and build a better future!<br />
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-29305514673501460772012-11-18T10:41:00.000+00:002012-11-18T10:41:05.506+00:00Silent sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-15347832487116167052012-11-15T10:12:00.000+00:002012-11-15T10:12:08.936+00:00No lunch for you my dear.Here in Portugal as is well known, things are not good in terms of economy and crisis. This recent event to me is the complete reality of the situation. Obviously these things dont happen on a daily basis but this is an example of things happening. <br />
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A few weeks ago here in the Algarve, a little girl was left to go without her school meal. The issues surrounding this is conflicting and I am not sure exactly what the situation on the day was, but this is what I understand to have happened. The girls mother was behind in paying for her daughter's school meals, anywhere between 75cents or 30 euros, the mother had been asked to pay the backdated fees, which were payable direct to the school. The mother works during the school office time and could not get there in time on this particular day. <br />
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So the school made the decision not to feed the child, a primary school age child, even a dinner lady offered to pay for the meal but was told not to. So this child went hungry!! In a modernised country, who lets a child go hungry for 30 euros! The school's reason was that they have debts in terms of their food costs, and this is understandable, but they surely should have alerted someone to this particular child's situation, rather than just not to feed the child? I think for an educational facility where the child's welfare should come first, this is completely unacceptable and the school has failed in its role. If a child was potentially being neglected or hurt in some way would they not have a duty or conscience to do something, make someone aware, is this not a similar thing? I know everyone is under financial pressure, but this is too much.<br />
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I love Portugal, but am sad to see how things have changed, time to move on! Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-78749028595416545532012-10-31T12:23:00.002+00:002012-10-31T12:23:41.017+00:00Lessons we learnThroughout life we learn many lessons, probably many more than we realise. Some are learned through experience, some through teaching but also we learn through others. In that I mean, we see how others respond or react to a situation and we learn from that. <br />
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During this past year I have learnt a lot of lessons, mostly the hard and painful way. Unfortuantely many of them things which came at me, which I was unable, despite my best efforts to avoid. But more recently, through my experiences with other people and their responses, I have learnt things I will never do. And have learnt how people can let you down, and this has taught me the behaviours I will never replicate. So on the upside I have learnt something, which I believe / am sure will stay with me through life, on the down side it has left me hurt and disappointed. <br />
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But hey ho, there are always others to help and rely on in different ways and life goes on. We live and learn, unfortunately sometimes the hard way! But this recent experience has given me a firm lesson for life. One which I had some experience with before, but now, realise what it truly means.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-35822245910012501052012-10-18T11:15:00.000+01:002012-10-18T11:16:14.694+01:00School Homework Portuguese StyleSo here we are the first month done in school! So far, so good. A whole new world opened up not only to my daughter but also for me. I have to admit the first few days felt strange, being a new 'school gate mum' (fortunately we do not have the 'school gate mum syndrome', as you find in the UK) among the crowd of Portuguese parents and grandparents waiting for their child to appear. And of course with new school, comes new routines and things to do. One of those being homework....<br />
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Now, I quite like homework but Im lucky in that I have the opportunity to sit down and help my child, as some parents I know are not so fortunate. She gets a piece of homework every day, and to be honest before it started I wondered how much she would get and worried about what would be too much. I thought every day would be too much, but to be honest it is not. She usually gets a couple of activities to do, whether it is handwriting, some maths (I say maths but at the moment, it is more about positions and obsrvations than numbers) or other things, normally takes no more than 15 - 20 minutes. Now I would think having some work to do after a full day at school would be a bit too much, but it really isnt. And I think doing it every day sets them up with a good daily routine. She happily sets about her homework once home and no problem, job done.<br />
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But for me, it has also given me a challenge! As of course the homework is in Portuguese. Now my reading is ok and generally I understand 95% but still having to understand and assist a child who cannot read proficiently enough to follow the instructions is interesting to say the least and strange to be doing homework in another language which I am not proficient in. Its a strange experience but also good for me to learn as well. And of course, if stuck we have Daddy on hand (for the moment) to help, as my pronounciation is terrible and having to read phrases is my downfall for sure!! <br />
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But I have to say I am so very proud of Sophie for how she has adapted to 'big school', after struggling a bit in pre-school. She is learning well and developing much better than we expected to be honest, not that we thought she couldnt but like any parent you worry. But what I am most proud is how she is learning all these new things in two languages. Of course, her English is proficient as her first language but her portuguese has and is developing greatly (again, another vast improvement on the last pre-school year). And to be able to understand and explain new concepts learnt in two languages is amazing to me! A very proud mummy!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-43227884397983706402012-10-10T10:58:00.003+01:002012-10-10T11:00:03.428+01:00The week that was.....Last week was a terrible time for me and my family with many difficulties to overcome, but somehow we managed to get through with support and help from some very special people. The last few weeks have been difficult waiting on things to happen, that should be happening, chasing people here and there and being fobbed off. Living in a different country to where these things are taking place with little or no support there is very difficult. You expect things to be done in a certain timescale but these things just dont happen. The worry and frustration is painful. Nothing seemingly to go in our favor and struggling to stay positive by finding the little silver linings and victories where they hide. Which seems to be increasingly difficult. I know many others are going through similar or worse things than we are and things could be worse or different problems, but I pray that once we are out of this situation and we will be eventually, we will never be here again!<br />
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But after a very hard week, the toughest of this year so far (of the worst year of my life), there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel with agreements made and new opportunities found. But until these things actually happen I dont count on anything for <a href="http://expatmuminportugal.blogspot.pt/2012/08/the-fear-of-disappointment.html">fear of being let down</a>. But maybe, just possibly, I hope we may be turning a corner.<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-88272810408721354022012-10-07T08:19:00.002+01:002012-10-07T08:20:14.531+01:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-76008325750474438512012-10-01T07:27:00.000+01:002012-10-01T07:27:00.612+01:00The times are a-changing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The times are achanging, unfortunately not so much in my life as the weather. Every year is a little different at this time, and autumn is normally very slow and subtle. But this last week it changed in a big way, signifying summer is over! Although the lack of people about and restaurants closing early clearly signify the end of season :(<br />
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The weather this week has turned overnight with cloud, rain and cooler temps. But I dont believe it is the end of the warm weather, as once the sun appears it soon warms up. I am reluctant to get the winter clothes out and am resisting as long as possible to put the duvets back on the beds!<br />
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Last year, the summer stayed for a long time and we were on the beach well into October but this year appears to be different. Many people say we dont really have an autumn as this change is so subtle, that overnight winter arrives to stay!<br />
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As an english person I should have a natural aversion to rain and cloud but it never really bothered me. And to live in a place with such little rain and grey days is still something that is almost strange to me. This last year we have had such little rain, only about 6 days have we had any sight of rain and that was always short-lived. I start to crave something different from sunshine and blue sky! We were desperate for rain, I was craving to see the rain fall and then last week it did, it really came down. It was so refreshing and renewing somehow, and instead of making me down it lifted me.<br />
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Something I really miss from home is the proper changing of the seasons. When I was living there, it was something I didnt look forward to, the dark and cold nights. But now I miss it, especially the changing of the trees. Here, because we dont have the same type of trees and mostly because the temperature changes so slowly and subtley we dont not get the beautiful colours in the trees and I really miss it, more than ever. But its not just the trees, I am missing home, I have not been 'home' in over 3 years as much as I want to go, I have not been able to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvI6VcUnbrE4DlX5-CMehLeMa9RxECK_iKKnam0wpobxO0bzYd4jpoA-SFpRtPdQ424QJl71km04QYZ1Brdqi2JcL714-0JHoWMdI7ns7hxJecHdvyY7EK_DzOvuLOuaMS2fHwb8gCsQ/s1600/autumnroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvI6VcUnbrE4DlX5-CMehLeMa9RxECK_iKKnam0wpobxO0bzYd4jpoA-SFpRtPdQ424QJl71km04QYZ1Brdqi2JcL714-0JHoWMdI7ns7hxJecHdvyY7EK_DzOvuLOuaMS2fHwb8gCsQ/s1600/autumnroad.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-10475230731840172362012-09-30T19:35:00.001+01:002012-09-30T19:35:37.531+01:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4wQ5pj-KbUraA7D-07Ps7XQHiaIHdPhsVGITcBo_llhQdL03volL5WIgzPvbiuQH5Vb0Im3fTmhZ7YXb223M3SBJEI0yQ5V8PctrTxaqCdjwVnvYuGOR-7459bJipCpycq6U_E1gJoM/s1600/DSC_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4wQ5pj-KbUraA7D-07Ps7XQHiaIHdPhsVGITcBo_llhQdL03volL5WIgzPvbiuQH5Vb0Im3fTmhZ7YXb223M3SBJEI0yQ5V8PctrTxaqCdjwVnvYuGOR-7459bJipCpycq6U_E1gJoM/s640/DSC_1186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-29627418688706493622012-09-26T07:38:00.000+01:002012-09-26T07:42:45.200+01:00The Gallery: 8pm<div style="text-align: center;">
This week on <a href="http://stickyfingers1.blogspot.pt/2012/09/the-photo-gallery-8pm.html">The Gallery, the theme is 8pm</a>. What do you do at 8pm?</div>
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In our house generally it is bedtime, not for me, (although sometimes it could be!) but for my two girls. Although 8pm can also on occasions be dinner time, if we are running late or its the weekend or holidays! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcJyM3Tdb7DmbrmX-jIiBUC_ncQv7eIkr9ymFXdTd-wgZkX8UZfeb2WK8g-XG63fy2AXEUyjMVsd-IKvgpaqH5JT6TX6eEPDRxQu_KZk9BawOoFjuTZaMLYJ7XucqnRjPVYEYQKzWNvQ/s1600/2012-05-23+20.29.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcJyM3Tdb7DmbrmX-jIiBUC_ncQv7eIkr9ymFXdTd-wgZkX8UZfeb2WK8g-XG63fy2AXEUyjMVsd-IKvgpaqH5JT6TX6eEPDRxQu_KZk9BawOoFjuTZaMLYJ7XucqnRjPVYEYQKzWNvQ/s400/2012-05-23+20.29.29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Come and what others do at 8pm on <a href="http://stickyfingers1.blogspot.pt/2012/09/the-photo-gallery-8pm.html">The Gallery.</a><br />
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<a href="http://stickyfingers1.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Gallery"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_YvvceOEVsWU/S6fY0nf07UE/AAAAAAAABD0/SbguGrqPapE/s160-c/Badges.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;" /></a>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-20617481922281131082012-09-23T07:11:00.000+01:002012-09-23T07:11:00.202+01:00Silent sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1jhQZsNbenPrUjFPolJxR4PdAUg427yWLTp2C6DZnQKze0TCB9qxQEjr3qeqmYzZD1XND3ArKTMeYIquld-lAHpNOncDRu5GFvyPUhZ2dfs4Z6DkwMdip0ZvcUj3InK9ucaOTEdvlb0/s1600/1343835649623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1jhQZsNbenPrUjFPolJxR4PdAUg427yWLTp2C6DZnQKze0TCB9qxQEjr3qeqmYzZD1XND3ArKTMeYIquld-lAHpNOncDRu5GFvyPUhZ2dfs4Z6DkwMdip0ZvcUj3InK9ucaOTEdvlb0/s400/1343835649623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-5333970400899338312012-09-21T09:07:00.000+01:002012-09-21T09:07:00.163+01:00Freelance writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwsDNRbRyt3tZ4kTVEApaNM0Vx8m6z5rH6gI8H2r9kL6u-6oltA0WJ6vq5fthVJvMeJSxjTeVG6m5S9K9vXZh0mkOEoZmf82scGjWGkbYQiRDAZep6quMKXW-l8YglXXd1Pn_QcxnDuw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwsDNRbRyt3tZ4kTVEApaNM0Vx8m6z5rH6gI8H2r9kL6u-6oltA0WJ6vq5fthVJvMeJSxjTeVG6m5S9K9vXZh0mkOEoZmf82scGjWGkbYQiRDAZep6quMKXW-l8YglXXd1Pn_QcxnDuw/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
In the last few months I have started doing some freelance writing. I do it by picking up jobs from a work board, mostly blogging posts. So I am not specifically working for one person or type of blog. It covers all sorts of topics, from relationships, places, technology and many other things. <br />
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I started doing it, as I quite enjoy writing, always have but also for some extra cash. But what has been interesting to me is the range of topics I have covered. I pick the work by things I know about or interest me and it is a very wide range, wider than I expected. I am now enjoying it much more and will do more of it. <br />
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I have covered topics on various issues of Internet Marketing, Social Media for Hospitality and other related issues, fashion, travel and various products. I have also written for International travel blogs and other organisations and publications. <br />
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So if you are looking for a freelance writer for your blog to do guest or sponsored posts or just to give you a hand with any writing work, <a href="mailto:csagate@talk21.com">give me a shout</a>.<br />
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-14295747533453497322012-09-19T10:03:00.002+01:002012-09-19T10:05:18.959+01:00The Gallery: Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week on <a href="http://stickyfingers1.blogspot.pt/2012/09/the-photo-gallery-breakfast.html">The Gallery</a> is <i>Breakfast</i></div>
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<i>Breakfast in our house is one of two things if its weekend or holiday time, is usually very late and lazy but if its school time, its rush, eat, eat, eat, lets go! </i></div>
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<i>Breakfast in our house generally consists of two things, toast and cereal. Mum eats toast pretty much everyday (i dont like cereal anymore) and the kids vary between toast and cereals. Their favourite cereal is a portuguese cereal called <a href="http://www.nestle.com/Brands/Pages/BrandsDetail.aspx?brandguid=CA1D2C28-6688-4A28-92E0-C2F370850161">Cerelac</a>, which is a sweet flour based cereal which you mix with milk or water. </i></div>
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Pop over and see what else is on <a href="http://stickyfingers1.blogspot.pt/2012/09/the-photo-gallery-breakfast.html">The Gallery</a></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-91982092935299191112012-09-17T08:41:00.000+01:002012-09-17T08:41:00.706+01:00The minefield that is starting school in Portugal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuArHcSIPZzFagJkGS4K_yr03p-pbXhVGJrbY1yRJ0N0M3y-4VEH5Tpu7TXUIwqnTahkCZSFeXkehLri4DNVTtlSt96snjscW9PBxRAz5WOM0G5OHQZ0kH0ed7-i_k5u3yMwUzV2CMYA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuArHcSIPZzFagJkGS4K_yr03p-pbXhVGJrbY1yRJ0N0M3y-4VEH5Tpu7TXUIwqnTahkCZSFeXkehLri4DNVTtlSt96snjscW9PBxRAz5WOM0G5OHQZ0kH0ed7-i_k5u3yMwUzV2CMYA/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Today our oldest daughter starts her first year at Primary school here in Portugal and what a journey it has been, a quite stressful journey too. <br />
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Here in Portugal, children start school in the calendar year they turn six, so as our daughter's birthday is in January, she is one of the oldest or latest to start. School is obviously mandatory from this age but it is up to the parents to register their child and to be aware of these rules. <br />
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One of the things which bugs me about living in Portugal is the lack of information and the difficulty in obtaining needed information, such as about schooling. We knew via friends who have children already in school that we had to go to the central school in the area to register our daughter and that it had to be done by a certain date. That was fine. Then in late July, they put up a list in the same school, telling you where your child has got a place, thats fine. <br />
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From then the fun starts, trying to know what you need, when it starts, what needs to be paid for and how and when. After several trips back and forth to the school over the past few weeks we have pretty much got it sorted, we think!! <br />
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First comes the question of when they start, we are told they will start in the week between 10th and 14th and that is all. What books do we need, here in portugal, you buy the school books and supplies etc every year. After several weeks and asking, we are told there is a list up at the school, so back we go again. Still no date on starting though, but we are told we will be informed next week (ie the week before school starts!)<br />
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So now we have the books, but no starting date, now, what else is needed? so off we go to the shopping centre where all the relevant shops are full of textbooks, folders, pens, bags and everything you need. We stand there looking at the multitude of items, trying to figure out what is needed. How many workbooks, does she need pens, pencils AND crayons, should she have A4 or A5 books? I feel like im in a nightmare! So once again we trek up to school to ask and are told that the local council will be providing the first years with the 'kit' they need, so that problem solved and money saved!! Bonus. <br />
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So now we just need to know when we start and how to get all the information about timings, dates, lunches etc. In the previous years, parents would receive a phone call inviting them to a meeting, usually two days before the meeting is held and the weekday before school actually starts!! But this year, they put it on the school website, the meeting is on the Friday, before they start the school today. This is only announced the Monday beforehand. How working people can sort their life, I have no idea with this lack and lateness of information. <br />
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So we go off to the meeting, where we are told about the school hours, where to get her school 'kit' and how to pay for lunches. So then we rush off to pick up these things needed for the following Monday, stand in queues only to be told we dont need to worry about it until the end of the month and this is not the right place to be anyway!! <br />
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So it has been a bit of stressful couple of weeks, trying to get everything sorted and finding all the details, but here we are on the First day of school!! Thank you to my wonderful husband, who without him, I would have been very lost in this situation.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-88753963871003806592012-09-16T08:21:00.000+01:002012-09-16T08:21:00.194+01:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSSDqafX8fAHEIsnYBTOEyluiUScExFVW-254XmpSK5TWBWkY8GooYmj6zE4mENj0kenPekEyRMcv1gVjgvykpCQdcgTBgxM90kaZJkIZKQQ9egoIt4i4bov3KZh1oKiCdJu7HEFB65s/s1600/2012-04-25+15.50.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSSDqafX8fAHEIsnYBTOEyluiUScExFVW-254XmpSK5TWBWkY8GooYmj6zE4mENj0kenPekEyRMcv1gVjgvykpCQdcgTBgxM90kaZJkIZKQQ9egoIt4i4bov3KZh1oKiCdJu7HEFB65s/s640/2012-04-25+15.50.25.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-41942876759450263752012-09-12T08:21:00.000+01:002012-09-12T11:16:24.952+01:00The Gallery: BeautyThis week's theme on <a href="http://stickyfingers1.blogspot.pt/2012/09/the-photo-gallery-beauty.html">The Gallery</a> is <i><b>Beauty. </b></i><br />
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There are so many things that can be interpreted as beautiful and it is a very personal thing. To me there are many things beautiful, the most being:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeecE5jBNO9fN6kR7P-9nwtbZwSpMROXOwf67pz2qC4qXBJJLiYXXG5_PTgGwJPxYV1pXhprKPbuZ3doUETFY4jstfPT9Qqm6hHNvHpYmO2h7kKmoIT8GYQLiFWPO1_V-DeVFoCBDGeg/s1600/1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeecE5jBNO9fN6kR7P-9nwtbZwSpMROXOwf67pz2qC4qXBJJLiYXXG5_PTgGwJPxYV1pXhprKPbuZ3doUETFY4jstfPT9Qqm6hHNvHpYmO2h7kKmoIT8GYQLiFWPO1_V-DeVFoCBDGeg/s400/1448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>My children!</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61OzVmUG3SwOqkIe0BllLs7gaUpdD1IbeanBNLhN7bXosHXdhg_mYwWzUwi4IzoXZAP5bWDASi8lgLeHHaIBDsoeenRp5pzt99KE6TeP0znyu7eu-X0UoMsuWSqYiatfelyNhA4yVmQE/s1600/cacela13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61OzVmUG3SwOqkIe0BllLs7gaUpdD1IbeanBNLhN7bXosHXdhg_mYwWzUwi4IzoXZAP5bWDASi8lgLeHHaIBDsoeenRp5pzt99KE6TeP0znyu7eu-X0UoMsuWSqYiatfelyNhA4yVmQE/s640/cacela13.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Beautiful landscapes and views<br /></i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYrRGMm3WYUVlbTeJU7MpRE3tes6mxbnrYi0hRN60m9e_xPxSdqe3iAf1ikXW2vmclyCitt4uSFID19pa-_cAa72XQxXiXdAyVj7Cs86vcd5iNys5kzIBKzIbdRAR7v0hhQd-Km71pio/s1600/101_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYrRGMm3WYUVlbTeJU7MpRE3tes6mxbnrYi0hRN60m9e_xPxSdqe3iAf1ikXW2vmclyCitt4uSFID19pa-_cAa72XQxXiXdAyVj7Cs86vcd5iNys5kzIBKzIbdRAR7v0hhQd-Km71pio/s400/101_1960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Things Mother Nature has given us</i><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">There are so many beautiful things in this world, and beauty is truly in the Eye of the beholder! </span></div>
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Come and what else is Beautiful on<b><i> <a href="http://stickyfingers1.blogspot.pt/2012/09/the-photo-gallery-beauty.html">The Gallery</a></i></b></div>
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-6881965671364518792012-09-09T08:14:00.000+01:002012-09-09T08:14:00.537+01:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-4735723575324232622012-09-06T08:13:00.000+01:002012-09-06T08:20:19.392+01:00Saying GoodbyeThrough a post on<a href="http://www.tots100.co.uk/"> Tots100</a>, I found this great new organisation called <a href="http://www.sayinggoodbye.org/">Saying Goodbye</a>, who are working with several organisations such as the Miscarriage Association to organise memorial services in the memory of <a href="http://expatmuminportugal.blogspot.pt/2011/06/lost-one.html">'the lost ones'</a> - the babies who we never got to meet. Many, many people have been through this, more than I imagined until it happened to me. <br />
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All over the UK, they are organising these services to allow parents and family members to formally remember their lost babies. What a great idea I think, to give people a chance to share with others who have been in a similiar experience and are there to support each other. <br />
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I, unfortunately have had the experience of losing two babies, one in a <a href="http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/scans/missedmiscarriage/">missed miscarriage</a> and one through an <a href="http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/complications/ectopic/">ectopic pregnancy</a> that put me into emergency surgery with serious internal bleeding. I think of my lost babies often and it annoys me how some people can be so mis-understanding of those who have been through it, and there are many of us. So for <a href="http://www.sayinggoodbye.org/">Saying Goodbye</a> to organise these services is wonderful to help those who have been through it.<br />
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For more information about the organisation and the services being held, press <i><b><a href="http://www.sayinggoodbye.org/">here</a></b></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #660000;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">My body is a temple,</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Holding this precious gift safe and sound</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Like a priceless treasure</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Never to be lost, never to be found</span></i></b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">(Anonymous)</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577656858339147916.post-48584978509171484662012-09-04T07:37:00.000+01:002012-09-04T07:37:39.379+01:00Cannot find the wordsI want to write but cannot find the words. In the last few weeks, my blog has been a kind of diary for me. Im not a very open person and do not like to really share my feelings or show myself, but it has been helpful lately. but now I cannot find the words, my head is foggy and confused, I feel lost, spinning. My reality of what is possible is mixed with my wants that are out of my reach. I believe in the almost impossible, always have, maybe that makes me a dreamer, living in the clouds, maybe it just makes me stupid. I feel I had found a path and now have lost it again, fearing the future, feeling that I know it already. I feel bound, muted, unable to fight. maybe there is a greater cause in this, but right now I dont see it, but then you are not supposed to. Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15910447113358477823noreply@blogger.com3