the hot goddess

Trick or Treat in Midlife?

Memories of midlife Halloweens in the United States.

In Portugal, despite evolving challenges and ongoing changes, there are far more treats than tricks here in midlife.

No tricks here
Just soul-nourishing treats
And then there’s my BF. Always a source of varied and continual treats…
Translation from German:
“At a certain age,
women are so experienced that they
only take men on an ‘outpatient‘ basis,
and never again on an
‘inpatient‘ basis!”

AMEN, FRAUEN, AMEN!!!
My German BF sent me this, saying it reminded him of me.
Our thriving outpatient relationship is a treat.

These ongoing treats are sustaining, despite the shocks, shifts, and sidelines of life.

The most frightening shock I’ve had since living here was from my son last week. He was at work in the U.S. when the building he was in caught fire. He and everyone else got out unharmed, but the entire complex burned to the ground. Such a huge loss that could’ve been much worse. My son has coped with deep losses this year, and I’m proud of him. This fire sparked opportunity among the ashes (ugh, I know), and he’s now launching his own business.

A mother cries when she thinks of what could have been.

Portugal’s political arena continues to shift far right, along with other European countries. Recent parliamentary votes here reflect a growing anti-immigrant sentiment and are ushering in more restrictive procedures through a new, so-called “Foreigners Law,” as well as a recent “Nationality Law” that’s still awaiting Presidential approval. These measures affect foreigners who want to live here as residents, and those who also want to seek Portuguese citizenship. I can’t say that I don’t understand why this is happening. Portugal is bursting at the seams with a growing influx of immigrants — including me and every other person who has moved here from another country. Expat? Yeah, hon, we’re all immigrants.

The sad fact is racism exists all over the world. There is no paragon.

Translated by Google Translate’s camera from my TV screen.

For various reasons (no, not just the previous government), Portugal’s current immigration authority remains mired in a deep backlog of residency applications. They are making progress processing a reported 400,000 applications, but overwhelmed workers are striking, and immigrants stuck in limbo are suing to a reported tune of an average of 500 lawsuits a day, according to news sources.

I am still waiting to hear from the immigration authority that my residency permit renewal has been approved. It’s a tad stressful, but we all know it could be much, much worse. We could have hooded and masked KKK thugs Ninjas “officers” here terrorizing folks. Sigh. A bit of good news is that the immigration authority here seems to have improved communications somewhat, with some applicants receiving status updates via email or on their online portal. I remain hopeful.

As is usual for me, I’m currently sidelined with a lingering virus following my Morocco trip. Not COVID, just the customary crud that — despite preventive measures — likes to settle in after I spend time on an airplane and in an airport. But even with this pesky bug on today’s rainy day, it is a treat to sip my tea while enjoying the view right in front of me.

Yes, thank you, still more treats than tricks here in Portugal.

Check out this article about Halloween, tomorrow’s All Saints Day, and Sunday’s All Souls Day in Portugal.

Thank you for reading ❤️! I hope your weekend finds you well and enjoying the treats of life wherever you are.

Morocco flashback

The Hot Goddess

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22 comments

  3. There seems to be so much uncertainty in so many places around the world. Immigration issues will continue to be a big one for years to come. Hoping you get your residency renewed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you, Tamara ❤️. Yes, none of this is a surprise. That’s why it’s so important to do thorough research and regional backgrounding, and then develop a contingency plan (or 3 😆) before moving to another country.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • So true! Life isn’t always interested in following our plans, sometimes it makes plans of its own that we then need to follow.

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  6. Glad there are more treats than tricks, Natalie. Sorry about the crud. How interesting about the rightward shift in Portugal as well. Thank goodness your son is okay – here’s to the best in his next chapter! Happy November!

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Yeah, there’s been a bit of craziness coming from your neck of the woods, from what I’ve been reading lately. Hopefully, everything gets resolved quickly and you get to your permit renewal. You’re probably fully recovered by now, but if not, I hope you get well soon.

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