life: examined is an invitation to get curious—a collection of ideas, and thoughts about living a creative, intentional life—written from my perch in Portugal.
—> Thank you for your support
Hey, look up there. That’s one of the walls that surrounds the patio at my new home. I think it’s pretty cool.
Hello friend, I'm back with another installment of life: examined.
I skipped writing/publishing last week because moving is a pain. Moving and getting situated in my new place has taken more time and energy than I thought it would.
I should know better—it’s not like I’m a novice at moving house. And, as I mentioned previously, this is my 4th move in 3 1/2 years.
Casa Pequena is small (hence the name), and other than kitchen cabinets, there's no storage, but with a bit of duct tape and creativity, I'm making places for all the things.
Some of those places, though, are piles on the counter or bags and boxes in the middle of the floor.
That's okay; I don't plan to move again (I hear you snickering—stop that), so I have time to get it right.
Friends & Travel
Friends are coming to visit, and new and old friends are MOVING HERE over the next few months.
I can't wait to see these humans—it's been too long. And, since I'll be traveling a bit, too, my summer publishing schedule for life: examined will be three times per month, rather than every week.
I promise to share photos of my travels with you—stay tuned for more about that (Hint: a 12,000+ ft. peak somewhere in Europe).
Writing Marathons Past & Present
Starting June 4 (today!), I’ll devote a chunk of creative time and energy to the #1000wordsofsummer writing challenge.
1000 Words of Summer was created in 2018 by New York Times bestselling author Jami Attenberg. More than 15,000 people sign up for this 2-week writing fiesta.
Will everyone attempt to write 1,000 words each day of the challenge?
Probably not—it depends on each person's project and form/discipline. 1,000 words a day can be just that or a goal that makes sense for each writer. Accountability, community, and the short duration make this adventure appealing.
Do I have a project for the 1000 Words writing challenge? I think I do! Let's just say yes, I do—I have several projects, so I'll take time today to narrow it down to just one.
In November 2005, I completed NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) by writing a novella of 50,000+ words in thirty days, so I think I can handle this one. Wrist, arm, and nerve pain be damned!
With the 1000 words event gobbling the first half of June, it seems the right time to cut back to three issues per month—over the summer, at least. Like my Move to Portugal (M2PT) program, I'll re-evaluate what works best for me and how I want to retool the services I provide. Stay tuned for more on that.
So, if you were waiting to grab a spot for a Move to Portugal session (link to page is disabled for now), you'll need to wait until September. Sorry about that!
The best way to stay current with my plans for M2PT is by reading and subscribing to life: examined. I'll announce news here first.
Tell Me
How’s it going in your world? Do you have summer plans? Moving to another home, state, or country? Let me know in the comments, below.
Good Links
Artist Ai Weiwei on Finding Home in Portugal’s Countryside (sort of my neighbor, NBD)
Let’s ride bikes—in Europe! —> Eurovelo—The European Cycle Network
“AT&T has donated at least $1,052,000 to anti-LGBTQ politicians since 2021.”Please don’t participate in pink washing—don’t support corporations who use Pride month to enrich their bottom line without actually supporting the LGBTQ community —> These 25 rainbow-flag waving companies donated $13 million to anti-gay politicians since 2021
Thank you Catherine, Sande, Pamela, Irene, Ana, Gayna, Jorge, Neta, Rich & anonymous someones for supporting life: examined through Buy Me a Coffee.
Your generosity, in part, allows me to write this letter to you each week(ish).
Whether a coffee, a comment, a like, or a share—I’m grateful for your support.
Until next time —> stay curious, eat your veggies, and thank you for reading life: examined
—> Say hello to me on Instagram.
Thinking of you today. And the birds and the wind in the trees. Nice feelings.
Hi Shanna, I love your terrace! The tiles are wonderful! I hope you are well and settling into your new home, I know what you mean! We must have moved 6 times in 9 years in Spain! First apartment was lovely, inland from the coast but public transport wasn't very frequent and as I don't drive, was a hindrance! Next one was lovely too, had a balcony overlooking a beautiful pool but then we had noisy neighbours upstairs so..... And so it goes, each time a different reason from the last. Anyway, don't wish to bore you! Can't wait to hear about your travels! I myself am off to the Outer Hebrides next month! Not to see Andrew I hasten to add! He won't be there anyway! Probably planned it that way or he's just probably relieved he's away!! Don't blame him really, I'm a pain in the ***!! He's probably already told you this?!! Anyway Shanna, I hope you get settled very quickly so you can get out travelling like you planned and let us all know where and what you get up to! Take care xx