the hot goddess

Weathering Storms in Midlife

Whether we’re facing a literal or a figurative storm, remembering gratitude can serve us well.

November has brought both kinds of storms. High-pressure systems causing mental atmospheric disturbances — anxiety, frustration, confusion — over procedures, test results, processes, and delays, all beyond my control. An emotional storm that blew in on what would have been my mother’s 93rd birthday; the first since she died suddenly over the summer. A damaging weather storm that hit Portugal and other parts of Europe.

Claudia was an Atlantic cyclone that was nowhere near as devastating as the terrible typhoons, Fung-wong and Kalmaegiin, in the Philippines, or the horrific hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. I’m grateful Portugal was spared the destruction of those monumental storms, though any loss of life is a tragedy.

Source: EuroWeekly News

As we head into Thanksgiving Day next week in my other home country of the United States, I’m choosing to dwell not on the challenges and things I wish were different, but on the many things I have to be grateful for. Some big, but mostly delightfully tiny, everyday surprises that can glow up a day. Wherever you are, I hope you are able to do the same.

Being able to travel is one thing for which I continue to be grateful. Short road trips around Portugal bring as much wonder and discovery as longer international travel. This month, my loving boyfriend took me on a weekend getaway to a surprise location. After returning home, I was also surprised to see our getaway location featured in National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine as one of 25 “Best of the World” travel spots. Who knew?!

Source: National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Source: National Geographic Traveller (UK)

I’ve had the northern town of Guimarães on my travel to-do list since 2023, when I was required to do an informational text read-aloud in Portuguese for my instructor in my curso intensivo level A2 Portuguese class. The text was about this historic town, the “birthplace of Portugal” and the country’s first capital. Back in 2023, I kept stumbling over the pronunciation of Guimarães as I read for my teacher. I haven’t progressed much from that A2 level since then, but at least I can now pronounce the name of this town correctly.

We stayed at this beautiful former 12th-century monastery, now a pousada (historic hotel) operated by Pestana Hotels.
Cozy refuge from the remnants of temperamental Claudia.
Breaks in intermittent windy downpours revealed briefly blue skies perfect for sightseeing and picture-taking among the historic churches, museums, castle, and palace.
Aqui Nasceu Portugal
“Portugal was born here”
Guimarães is about 45 minutes northeast of Porto and more than three hours north of my home on the Silver Coast. This was my first time seeing maple trees and the bright colors of fall foliage in Portugal, and it reminded me of my other home in Ohio.
Rain and wind kept this plaza empty despite periodic peeks of sun.
A lovely boulevard with fountain and flowers greets visitors.
Boyfriend timed my surprise getaway to coincide with the Guimarães International Jazz Festival, which featured musicians from North America, South America, and Europe.

Of course, there’s much to be grateful for around the Silver Coast too. Hiking and my walks in nature bring feelings of joy, contentment, and a centered-ness that can’t be beat. No fall colors here on early November walks, though. Just plenty of blue skies a week or so before the storm.

Ponte dos Namorados
“Lovers’ Bridge”
Some rainy days might end with glorious pink-orange sunsets over the ocean, which I can see from my living room window at this time of year. Another small thing, but I am immensely grateful for this dream come true.

Also in the small-thing department is gratitude for the simple healing power of humor and laughter in any kind of storm. Thank you to these various unknown sources for making me giggle and guffaw.

I’ll be using these for the holiday season.
Yes!!
When Next Level isn’t an option.
Why didn’t I think of this?
Estou pronto para levar as coisas ao nível anterior (previous level).

And, no, this is not directed at my amazing boyfriend.
Ich liebe dich, GB.

Thank you for reading ❤️! May your weekend find you buoyed by gratitude and not blown off course by any storm that might come your way.

All images are my own, except as noted.

The Hot Goddess

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Source: Instagram

P.S. — LOL. I just saw this today and have no clue what IG is referring to. They asked me out of the blue to prove I was human, which I did with a CAPTCHA code, then an SMS code, and then a selfie video. But I guess they still decided I’ve been faking it as human since 2019 when I started my account. Too funny. I spend very little time on Instagram and am not on Facebook, so I couldn’t care less about this. I will not be creating a new IG account (which I was prompted to do!), and I have updated THG site accordingly. Thank you, Universe, for this affirming sign.

33 comments

  2. About the instagram AI account police claiming you’re a fake human. I think they can’t believe how young and vibrant you look coincides with whatever age they have attached to you. 🙂
    “May your weekend find you buoyed by gratitude and not blown off course by any storm that might come your way.” You also my friend. You also.

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  5. Wow, what a fun, visually stunning getaway! On my bucket list. Sorry to hear about the emotional storm of dealing with your mom’s passing. Storm Claudia seems to have passed and your photos are as stunning as ever.

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  10. Thank you for the shout out to your people. At this very moment it has been five days since I have seen my primary credit card or my wife’s good glasses and car keys. We have been spending less and searching more. But thank goodness I can remember my childhood phone number because we use it as a password!

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  12. I like that National Geographic, Puerto Rico music, rum… 🙌🏼

    Wow! After all this time following you and you’re not human? What??? 😂 Meta is going insane. I’m glad I don’t use any of its platforms.

    Beautiful photos, and I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday, Natalie.

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  14. Loved this and IG, and FB are so lame. I am only their myself to stay in touch with my grandchildren. Beautiful post and you made me roar with laughter with the telephone shout out. Yes I can remember a phone number for over 60 years and forget a password in 60 seconds. Enjoy you weekend here in beautiful Portugal, I know I do.

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  15. Great post, love the humor (childhood phone number intact! Password?) I think you’re human and I really like that about you. Not sure the entity who decided you weren’t is, though. Check out my post if you miss seeing snow and would like to without compromising your thermal bliss.

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