This year's purchases

new books = happy meerkat

The book fair reconciliation

For several years after I started my major at Uni the book fair here in Lisbon held next to no fascination to me. It meant going up and down looking at prices that were outrageously high even with the fair discount. My profound dislike for Portuguese publishers probably didn't help. Here the books are enormous, heavy and very expensive. So in my mind all that was worth buying were dictionaries and books originaly written in Portuguese (because buying a translation, however cheaper, would be stupid!)

Last night I went there for the second time this year and, also for the second time this year, had a great time. I still feel the same way about the publishers, but am now expanding my purchase territory to translations from roman languages. And the fact of the matter is if I buy books in Portuguese, I might as well buy them where I can get a discount and a stroll with friends.

New places that become our places

Yesterday, as I was watching bits and pieces of the royal wedding, I realised how much more in-tune with the English way of living, thinking and functioning I've become. The architecture doesn't strike me as odd as it did before and the weather seems much easier to live with than it seemed to be nearly a year ago when I first thought about this (seriously, I mean). Of course those are just examples! The key thing here is that I can't wait to take that final step. I can't wait to start my life. And I'm extremely happy with the place I chose to do it in.

Like a breeze through an open window

Today L. got a package on the mail from her daughter. It was a a book and a card for mother's day. And somewhere inside I smiled. Because now I too have someone in my life who pampers me. Who stands by my side and tells me he loves me. Just because, no questions or demands. And it's not a game, there's no strategy and no brownie points. I am loved and I get to hear the words and see all the wonderful gestures. And it feels amazing.

Sweet friday

Why I love Castle so much # 1

- You had a lot of imaginary friends growing up, didn't you?

- Still do.

Ain't it the truth?

Occasionally my tongue does run away with me a little. It is an inevitable consequence of working as a translator. Juggle languages enough, and one can become drunk with words.

Juliet Marillier, The Well of Shades

Thanks to the Universe

I'm thankful for having the wolf in my life. He is the most wonderful person I know and nothing could thrill me more than to share my life with him. And I'm thankful for the few days we get to spend together, even if we have to wait seven weeks at a time to meet again.

Happy Easter

On trying to stay positive