it's my party!

(english below)

Terça-feira dia 13 de Junho é o meu aniversário! Eu sou daquelas (acho que raras) pessoas que adooooram fazer anos! Gosto da atenção, das prendas e dos bolos! Gosto de fazer uma festa e reunir amigos e gosto de passar algum tempo só comigo a fazer algo especial!

Quando vivia em Lisboa, o aniversário ainda é mais especial porque é o dia de Santo António, o padroeiro da cidade e é feriado! Ou seja nunca trabalhei no meu dia de anos (desde que me mudei para Londres tiro sempre esse dia de férias para não quebrar a tradição). E o que é melhor ainda, na noite anterior é A grande festa da cidade nos bairros populares e a cidade enlouquece com bailaricos e sardinhadas.

Aqui por Londres não há santos populares mas ainda assim é Junho, há sol e parques e não interessa, faço anos! Costumo dizer que não quero prendas e é verdade, não preciso de nada só saúdinha e amor (já começam a perceber que sou quase uma octogenária). Mas decidi fazer uma lista de coisas que gostava de receber, caso algum de vocês esteja a sentir-se ultra generoso eheheheheh!

E tu, gostas de fazer anos? O que gostavas de receber?

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Tuesday 13th June is my birthday! I'm one of those (I think rare) people who loooove her birthday! I like the attention, the gifts and the cakes! I like to organise a party and gather friends and I also like to spend some time alone and do something special (may or may not include coffee, stationery or spa indulgences)!

When I lived in Lisbon, my birthday is even more special because it's St. Anthony's Day, the patron saint of the city and it's a holiday! Meaning: I have never worked on my birthday (since I moved to London I always book an annual leave day to keep the tradition). And what's even better, the night before is THE big city party in the old town and the city goes crazy with dancing and grilled sardines. 

Here in London there is no city party but still it is June, it's mostly sunny and it doesn't matter, it's my birthday! I often say that I do not want gifts and it's true, I don't need anything but health and love (I'm beginning to realize that I'm almost an octogenarian). But I decided to make a list of things I would like to receive, if any of you are feeling ultra generous ehehehehe!

What about you do you like celebrating your birthday? What would you like to receive?

1. Uma bicicleta! Esta vou tratar em breve, quero mesmo uma bicicleta para andar aqui em Londres, o tempo anda bom e faria-me bem ao corpo, cabeça e ainda pouparia uma fortuna em transportes! esta da imagem é uma Bobbin, são linda e caríssimas por isso vou pesquisar um modelo alternativo...

2. Workshop de encadernação! Na verdade conseguia fazer isto sozinha mas apetecia-me voltar ao London Centre for Book Arts e passar umas boas horas mergulhada em papel

3. Uma viagem até à Isle of Wight. Já sonho com este passeio há algum tempo, uns dias no meio de paisagens bonitas, praia e relaxar! E gostava de conhecer um pouco mais deste país.

4.  Este livro... para continuar a sonhar com viagens e com comboios...

5. Assinatura da Uppercase. Já ando a pensar nisto há anos!

6. iPad Pro! Outro sonho para este ano. Quero experimentar fazer lettering com o Apple pencil e essas modernices todas. Já juntei algum dinheiro e estou a vender as minhas fotografias para conseguir mais (não querem uma?).

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1. A bicycle! This will be sorted soon, I really want a bike to ride here in London, the weather is good and would do my body and mind well, and I would also save a fortune in transport! This picture is a Bobbin, they are beautiful and very expensive so I will research an alternative model ..

2. Bookbinding Workshop! I could actually do this on my own, but I would like to go back to the London Centre for Book Arts and spend some time immersed in paper

3. A trip to the Isle of Wight. I've been dreaming of this trip for some time, to spend a few days in the midst of beautiful scenery, beach and relax! And I would like to know a little more about this country.

4. This book ... to keep dreaming bout travel and trains ...

5. Signature of Uppercase. I've been thinking about it for years!

6. iPad Pro! Another dream for this year. I want to try doing lettering with Apple pencil and these modernizes all of them. I've already saved some money and I'm selling my photographs to get more (do not want one?).

SaveSave

analogue wednesday #23

Pentax ME Super + Kodak Ektar 100

Today one of my favourite "failed" film photos to let you know that I´m over on Astrid´s blog spreading my love for film!

Ps: I shared Astrid´s beautiful London photos some time ago.

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I've been very inspired by Crystal's "Year of Creative Habits" which I discovered last year. She has now created a course to support your year of creative habits!
In 2016, I'll be beginning again and I'd love for you to join me for a new year of creative habits. This time let's do it together. In December of this year, we'll make a commitment to be creative every day in 2016. We'll make a plan and set ourselves up for success. In January, we'll start. We'll create a trigger and a starting ritual. We'll have a back up plan and emergency kit for when life gets in the way of our creative habits. We'll support each other through the ups and downs and celebrate the small wins along the way.

A nice list: 26 Things Every Person Should Do For Themselves At Least Once A Year. Like this one: Write down a list of things you’re proud of. Things you’re really, sincerely proud of. Things you never thought you could accomplish and have. The kind of gratitude that comes with appreciating what you’ve done for yourself is unmatched. Let yourself keep surprising yourself. Make your own case for why you should trust yourself – then listen. And keep going.

This workshop in a box is so pretty.

What if you could talk to your past self? Two charming videos about it: 1 and 2.

This is a good new year resolution! How to get started.

Loved this text: How to find your voice.
What I don’t like about the expression ‘finding your voice’ is that it’s very mystifying in the minds of young people. It makes you feel — made me feel when I first heard it — that your voice is tied up with your authenticity, that your voice lies deep within you, at some root bottom of your soul, and that to find your voice you need to fall into deep introspection…

I love December as a good looking back and planning ahead time and this is a great tool to prepare the new year! I've been using it for four or five years now and love it!

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These weeks before Christmas are filled with social events, work deadlines and gift shopping so we are taking it easy on the weekend to rest and stay at home. It's now dark before 16h inviting to stay home, playing hide and seek and lighting some candles in the evening listening to Christmas songs.

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Loved this collaborative project of a couple living in two different cities. It reminds me so much of ou mirrorcities project

I loev listening to TED talks. These are 5 other sites that may be just as good (haven't tried them all!)

I am an ENFP. What are you?

Change your story to change your life

archidirectors. stunning (via madalena)

Good tips for keeping memories while traveling.

How to enjoy work (even when you're busy). Directed at freelancers but useful tips for everyone!

December reflections!

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Have a lovely Sunday folks! We're taking it easy this weekend after a week from hell, went for a yoga class yesterday and today Sunday roast with a good friend we haven't seen for far too long!

#instamemorylane

Há algum tempo vi este post no we blog you e adorei a ideia: "Uma viagem fotográfica e sentimental às nossas contas de Instagram" Estive agora a ver o meu passado no Instagram (1163 fotos!) e emocionei-me! Tantas memórias, tantas histórias guardadas! A ideia era comparar as 3 primeiras fotos no Instagram com as 3 mais recentes. Preparados? Aqui vamos nós!

Some time ago I saw this post on we blog you and loved the idea: "A photographic and sentimental journey to our Instagram accounts". So I dove into my Instagram past (1163 pictures!) and found so many memories, so many saved stories! the idea was to compare the first 3 Instagram posts with the latest 3. Ready? Here we go!

Aqui ficam as minhas primeiras 3 fotos (a minha primeira postada no dia 15 de Dezembro de 2011). Estávamos fresquinhos em Londres e o iphone foi uma prenda do meu namorado. O instagram ainda não era a sensação que é hoje e o meu estilo deixava muito a desejar (que cores tão amarelas!).
A Muji é a de Tottenham Court Road, a loja que ia sempre que visitava Londres, antes de me mudar. A foto do meio também não é grande coisa e é tirada da parte de cima de um double decker (autocarro de dois pisos) sentada nos lugares da frente (os melhores!). E a última do lado direito é um sticky toffee pudding, provavelmente a sobremesa mais doce de sempre.
Engraçado que 4 anos depois a Muji ainda é das minhas lojas favoritas, continuo a gostar de me sentar nos lugares da frente do topo do double decker (agora mais raro porque passeamos com um carrinho e temos que ficar no andar de baixo) e continuo a adorar sticky toffee pudding!

Below my first 3 photos (my first image was posted on December 15, 2011). We had been in London for a couple of months only and the iphone was a gift from my boyfriend. Instagram was not yet the sensation it is today and my style had much room for improvement (such yellow colours!). 
That Muji shop is the Tottenham Court Road branch, the store I always went when visiting London, before moving here. The middle photo is not much better and is taken from the top of a double decker sitting in the front seats (the best!). And the last one on the right is a sticky toffee pudding, possibly the sweetest dessert ever.
Funny that four years later, Muji is still one of my favourite stores, I still like to sit in the front seats of the top of the double decker (now rarer because with the buggy we have to stay downstairs) and still love sticky toffee pudding!

E a três mais recentes. Do lado esquerdo um edifício que visitei em trabalho tinha este corredor de saída de emergência com uma luz incrível. No meio o London Eye, o Parlamento e o Big Ben numa das minhas vistas favoritas de Londres, um passeio com amigos do Japão. E a última do lado direito os meus dois amores, a contraluz num restaurante onde só fomos usar a photobooth. As cores melhoraram e houve um pequenote que veio revolucionar a minha vida. Mas ainda é Londres, ainda o mesmo iphone (velhinho 4!), ainda o mesmo namorado ;-P e ainda a vontade de registar pequenos instantes neste formato quadrado. Agora vejo como cada quadradinho conta tanta história!

And the three most recent. On the left a building that I visited for work had this emergency exit corridor with an amazing light. In the middle, the London Eye, Parliament Houses and Big Ben in one of my favorite views of London, during a walk with some friends from Japan. And the last on the right side of my two loves, backlight at a restaurant where we went to use the photobooth. Colours have improved and there is a certain little man who has turned my life upside down. But it is still London, still the same iPhone (oldie but goldie 4!), still the same boyfriend ;-P and still the will to capture small moments in this square format. I know see how each small square has so much history!

Que tal, gostaram deste #instamemorylane? Se mostrarem o vosso deixem-me o link num comentário para eu ver!

So, did you like this #instamemorylane? If you share yours leave me the link in a comment and I'll have a look!

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artichokes in israel

I've been curious about the green juice movement for a while... this seems a good challenge!

What a FUN house!

Feel like you're not good enough?

Always fun to check other's love for notebooks!

Just heard about Futah, made in Portugal beach towels, and they seem amazing! I'll be checking them for summer.

Daydreaming of these huts Muji just launched... *sigh*

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Hope you're having a lovely weekend. It's raining in London, pear and apple crumble in the oven, friends coming over. Everything just perfect for some cozy time at home (ignore energetic 13month old running around)

spreading some internet love (and I'm joining #naphopomo)

Autumn in London is so pretty!

Some things that caught my attention recently:

What cute stickers! Want. Want. Want.

Nobody cares how hard you work. True.

How many planets do you need to sustain your lifestyle? I need 2.6 gulp! Need to do something about this!

Loved these personal journals by Moleskine.

Ha ha ha, hilarious! Plastic Bags of New York

Loved this interview and his project: Scott Patt. Bigger. Smaller. Funnier. #inspiration

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And on another news: This is a probably ridiculous attempt but would be amazing: I'm joining Xanthe and others on #nablopomo in a photography version #naphopomo! It's basically committing to post daily during November... Argh, it will be difficult but let's give it a try. I'll start by updating my Project 52 which has been lingering since July...

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From my archives 2011 - A handmade broom in the siberian railway.

I'm slowly leaving the fog of the recent months... Before sharing an update here's some links I've loved from the internet:

Really enjoyed this conversation between Elizabeth Gilbert and Marie Forleo. Absolutely loved when she said "what will make you finish it is not discipline, but self-forgiveness". As someone who struggles with creative perfectionism these are words to repeat every morning and night.

Share your work! I have bought the book but this is a nice summary.

Related: Focus on the process instead of the final product.

I'm not really into camping but would love to try it more. These seem great tips!

Beautiful way to fund a one year travel adventure.

Love this oversized tiled photo art project!

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The Mad Hatter Tea Garden at Margate (an institution closed on the Friday we visited!)

Some interesting things that have come my way from the internet that I would like to share:

One of my favourite things is butter on toast! But cold butter sucks (file that on first world problems!). This knife would make my life so much better (slight exaggeration...)

And what should be a first world benefit: the case for the 32-hour week (yes, please, can someone explain me why we need to work so hard?)

Gmail hacks!

This is so beautiful! And in my own country! Thanks Ana!

What an exciting adventure! Maybe one day we'll do the same... (#daydreaming)

Long post but worth reading: The year I embraced minimalism and completed a yearlong shopping ban

And probably not the best articles to read while flat hunting in London but the hard reality hitting us: one and two.

And this project starts tomorrow. I think I'll give it a go!

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Loved this birth announcements ideas.

I suffered with acne through my teenage and early adult years and it can be devastating to your self confidence. This video is very brave. You are beautiful.

Apparently the UK "ranked 13th out of 15 countries for children’s life satisfaction, 13th for agreement with the statement “I like going to school”, 14th for children’s satisfaction with their bodies and 15th for self-confidence". Interesting reflection on aspirational parents.

I don't dream of getting married but if so this casual wedding style would suit us well :)

Speaking of weddings, I was so happy with the US Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage last week. But this post from Will reminded me that despite these great achievements we are still very far from equality, even in the west world. Also this one from Lisa Congdon.

No time to be nice at work.

One hundred words of now.

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How stunning is this house? I could live here no doubts...

Fictitious dishes, a delicious and funny project

Agree with them all: After losing his father, here are the 10 life insights this dad wants his daughters to know

And another helpful list of advice: 15 ways to stay married 15 years

The parent I aspire to be

And one from me, a guest post I wrote about the things I love about London (in portuguese only I'm afraid...)

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Loved listening to Maria Popova - Cartographer of Meaning in a Digital Age. Do you read her amazing blog Brain Pickings? You should!

10 books for the creative mind

I love this video about Oliver Jeffers!

What is your productivity style?

What to do when you have too many ideas? Oh my, that's me and my racing mind! Some good advice to help you clear your mind on which idea to follow first.

It's my birthday next weekend and of course a picnic is already scheduled with my London friends. This blanket would be perfect.

And finally... it's not easy to think of death or deal with it, but two relevant texts this week might help, one from Joanna Goddard whose family has been strike with death this winter and a facebook post from Sheryl Sandberg following her husband sudden death. Both a good reminder of what really matters!

Let's enjoy life shall we? Have a lovely Sunday folks! It's sunny in London! Yay!

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Arsenal won the FA Cup again this year and it's parade day! Streets are closed to traffic and the players drive through the streets to the fans cheers and applause! This photo is from last year, because this year we are all sick and tired at home...

I kept seeing this vintage style posters in a few places in our recent trip to the USA and I really like them.

This book seems interesting...

Beautiful photographic project from brian w. ferry (love love all his work)

"The oddly obvious thing I need to be reminded of"

My dad was in town and brought this lovely book (as a gift to a friend's daughter) and I think it's brilliant. I should do a sole post dedicated to Planeta Tangerina.

And that's it! Have a lovely Sunday beautiful people!

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Today is 17th May, Norwegian Constitution Day. It's a really festive day, norwegians dress up and there are parties, music and parades!

What a clever idea! I'm wish-listing this clutch/wrap/purse. Ideal for travelling and actually everyday!

I love Marie TV from Marie Forleo. This recent video on Conscious Parenting was filled with wisdom and definitely not only for parents.

Hello Sandwich is releasing an updated version of her famous Tokyo Guide. Tempted to buy although Japan is not on my future travel plans... (*sigh*)

Excited to see Alexander McQueen's exhibition at the V&A next weekend. I bought the tickets months ago (it's selling out pretty quickly) and had almost forgotten about it!

Not many links today, it's sunshine here in London so let's go and have a picnic! Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of the week.

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I love Emily McDowell's work. Now even more that she launched the Empathy Cards - brilliant and helpful idea. (via Silvia)
Being sick can be really lonely. One major reason is because most people don't know what to say, so they disappear, or say the wrong thing entirely. And as a friend, it IS hard to know what to say. I created Empathy Cards because I believe we need some better, more authentic ways to communicate about illness and suffering. My goal for this collection is to help people connect with each other through truth, and to help people with illness feel seen and understood. I think these are the most important things I’ve designed so far, and they’re some of my favorites.

A beautiful text.

The Worrier's Guide to Life (hilarious! and so me...)

I live in a one-bedroom flat with my partner and baby son. So yes, to keep sanity, we embrace minimalism and here's 18 five-minute decluttering tips to get you started.

I loved the inspiration from Austin Kleon's book "Steal Like an Artist" so I'm curious about the Journal...

I knew it! This is going to be printed and hanged in the kitchen! (via a cup of jo)

My favourite way of travelling is no doubt by train. So my friend Elinor hit my soft spot when she sent me this amazing list of this 10 espectacular train journeys... #daydreaming

Have a lovely Sunday!

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ACE Hotel, Palm Springs 2015

I've been following Famapa from the blog My Funny Eye for years and she is one of my favourite photographers. So happy to see that she now has a website and is available for editorials and commissions!

Didn't know ice cream could be that easy (and I love how my friend Filipa writes). And if you live in London and think you have no time for cooking, Filipa can change your life!

I loved to peek into Gert's journals! Beautiful calligraphy. Check the other interviews as well.

Beautiful maps collected by @dennyshess (via swissmiss)

This series on Raising a Travelling Tribe by Tina Fussell (aka Travelling Mama) strikes a chord with me. Tina, her husband and three kids, originally from USA, have been living abroad for the last 10 years and she always shares great reflections on how this decision affects their lives, the good and the bad!

A good reminder: So don't give up on The Thing.

I'm not one to think of marriage but love love this idea: wedding table number cards that convert to anniversary cards. It's giving me some ideas for Filipe's first birthday party...

Have a lovely Sunday! Happy Mother's Day in Portugal!

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Para ser honesta tenho uma relação amor-ódio com este tipo de posts. Chega o fim-de-semana e a minha feed* de blogs enche-se de links e videos e eu sinto logo stress de tanta coisa para ler. MAS a verdade é que eu passo muito tempo na internet (olhá novidade...) e tantas vezes encontro links interessantes que gostava de partilhar (mas não escrever todo um post sobre isso). Por isso vou experimentar partilhar convosco o que encontro e digam-me se gostam!

To be honest I have a love/hate relationship with this type of posts. It comes the weekend and my blog feed* fills with links and videos and I feel overwhelmed. BUT I do read a lot of interesting stuff (well, that I find interesting anyway) and sometimes want to share it and don't really want to write a whole post about it. So there you go, I'm starting my own link love sharing today! I'll try to keep them short and sweet and let me know if you enjoy it!

100 days of handwriting by kanpai

I discovered #the100dayproject just a couple of days before it started and jumped in. The idea is for you to choose a creative habit and commit to it for 100 days and just see where it will take you! It has started but don't let that stop you! You can even do only 30 days or a week or whatever. Just start if it feel right! I've committed to try 100 days of my handwriting, it's been much harder than I thought but I'm not giving up! You can follow my hashtag #100daysofhandwritingbykanpai on my instagram.

This talk on Creative Mornings by Elle Luna, the creator of the #100dayproject.

This project reminds of a much bigger project I found last year: a year of creative habits by artist Crystal Moody! So inspiring!

I don't really need it but I'm in love with this small bag.

Beautiful envelopes. Need to step up my game!

Here is a nice team building project!

Love this analog memory desk.

And a funny (and real!) description of a day with a newborn.

* I use feedly, what about you? i found it to be the one closest to my beloved rip google reader.

happy birthday envelope surprise

Sou uma fan assumida do blog oh happy day. A Jordan e a sua equipa são uma fonte inesgotável de ideias criativas para festas e encontros. Quando vi esta ideia em Abril passado pensei que era perfeita para surpreender o meu namorado no seu aniversário. De imediato fiz uma lista de amigos e família e contactei toda gente a pedir que me enviassem uma mensagem de parabéns e talvez alguma foto deles com o meu namorado

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I'm a huge fan of oh happy day blog. Jordan and her team are an endless creative source and come with the best party ideas everyday. When I saw this idea late April I thought it was absolutely perfect to celebrate my boyfriends upcoming anniversary. I immediately made a list of friends and family and contacted everybody requesting a small happy birthday message and maybe some photos of them and my boyfriend.

Embora tenham sido precisos uns quantos lembretes toda a gente alinhou na surpresa e enviou as mensagens mais especiais e fotos. Eu imprimi-as todas e coloquei cada uma num envelope. Uma vez que tenho literalmente resmas de papel em casa fiz os envelopes à mão em vez de comprar novos.

Finalmente colei os envelopes na parede (com fita-cola de papel) na forma da letra R (a inicial do seu nome). Só para ser mais colorido ainda cortei uns círculos às cores e espalhei pelo chão. A parte mais difícil foi evitar que ele fosse à divisão onde tinha preparado a surpresa mas ele não descobriu. Manhã cedo coloquei alguns dos círculos com uma seta pintada pelo corredor e esperei que ele acordasse e a curiosidade o guiasse até à surpresa. Funcionou! Ele adorou e ficou tão feliz a ler todas as mensagens queridas! Valeu mesmo a pena todo o trabalho!
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Although it requested a few reminder e-mails everybody joined the surprise and sent the nicest messages and photos. I then printed them all and placed each in its own envelope. Since I have an endless paper archive I handmade the colourful envelopes instead of buying new ones.

Lastly I glued them on the wall (using paper tape) in the shape of the letter R (his initial). Just for fun and even more colour I cut a good number of circles and spread them on the floor. The hardest part was to keep him away from the room I had prepared the surprise in but he didn't find out. Early morning I placed some of the circles with an arrow drawn on them on the corridor and waited his natural curiosity to find the surprise. And it worked! He absolutely loved it and was so happy reading all the sweet messages. It was worth all the work!

continue curioso

pelo facebook fui cair neste projecto brasileiro tão interessante: continue curioso. o projecto conta as histórias de pessoas que saíram da zona de conforto e arriscaram em projectos que mais que dinheiro dão satisfação pessoal. o projecto apresenta-se:

continuecurioso é uma web série documental sobre buscas e questionamentos. conversamos com pessoas que se desprenderam de um jeito convencional de levar a vida pra caminhar em direção ao desconhecido. sem saber muito bem o porquê, entendemos que quando é o próprio destino que tá em jogo ninguém entra pra perder. ao avesso das coisas é que descobertas são feitas no trabalho, nas pessoas próximas e principalmente em si mesmo. não sabemos qual jeito é o melhor ou se existe um jeito certo. durante o caminho pra achar respostas, o que encontramos foram perguntas. e não importa quais foram, o que importa é que a gente ainda segue perguntando.

bem sei que este tipo de histórias às vezes já começa a cansar "do what you love" bla bla bla como se tomada a decisão tudo se resolvesse por artes mágicas. a verdade é que esta coisa de largar tudo e arriscar é como o resto: não é perfeito, há muito medo, muitas quedas mas também muita coragem e muita vida. e acima de tudo, a vida é mesmo só uma e só nós somos responsáveis por ela, faz o que quiseres. o importante é continuar interessado, continuar curioso.

ps: e os vídeos são lindos, tão bem feitos! claro que me identifiquei com a fotógrafa :)

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through facebook i found this interesting brazilian project: continue curioso (stay curious). the project tells the stories of people who left their comfort zone and ventured into projects that more than money give them personal satisfaction. the project presents itself:

continuecurioso is a web series documentary about exploration and wondering. we talk with people that have let go of a conventional way of life to embrace the unknown. without quite knowing why, we understood that when fate is in the game nobody wants to lose. when things are upside down, discoveries are made at work, people around you, and more important, yourself. we do not know which way is the best or if there is a right way. on the journey to find answers, we only found questions. and doesn't matter what questions, what matters is that we keep asking.

i know we can be a bit fed up with this kind of stories "do what you love" bla bla bla as if once the decision is taken everything is magically solved. truth is that this thing of changing your life and risk everything is exactly like the rest: not perfect, there is fear, many falls but also a lot of courage and a lot of life. and above all, life is really just one and only we are responsible for it, do what you want. the important thing is to keep interested, keep curious.

ps: and the videos are amazing, so beautiful! of course I had to share the photographer :)