We’ve just returned from our trip abroad! While I love traveling, there truly is no place like home. It’s good to be back. Since we’ve been gone, daylight savings time has ended. That means lighter mornings and darker evenings. Our mid-term elections have taken place. That means a shift in the balance of power. And a new month has arrived. That means holiday season is upon us. Loving to cozy up, cook, and create this is one of my favorite times of year. Hello November! I’ve got a stack of books including Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth, Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear, and the classic Bel Canto by Ann Patchett whispering to me from my nightstand. Crockpot recipes for Yankee Roast, Butternut Squash Chili, and Chicken Tikka Masala are luring me into our kitchen. And abstract finger painting, quilling, and collage art projects are calling me into my studio! I can’t wait to enjoy them all, as well as my next mindfulness activity. While this one has always been a part of my life, in November, I will be engaging in it with intent. But now to share last month’s picture perfect experience with you.
In October, photography was my mindfulness pick. Knowing we were going to spend time away, I wanted to record moments in time, but in a present way. In Portugal, before our bike tour began, we explored the Lisbon area on foot, tram, and by metro. One special spot we visited was Miradouro de Graca, a popular terrace area that offered sweeping views of city rooftops and Castelo de Sao Jorge. So beautiful! Another memorable sight was The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). Situated along the Tagus River, it was by far one of the most unique museums I’ve ever visited! Comprised of a former thermoelectric plant and a contemporary art gallery, we spent hours exploring the industrial buildings where I felt like I was actually walking the cement floors among the coal burners, boilers, and condensers. And no city exploration would be complete without a taste of the local fare. So we headed to the famous Belem bakery to sample their world renowned pastries. Yum!
From my journal: October 22, 2026, recorded in Belem, Portugal
“…stopped in Pasteis de Belem…if only a photo could capture this place…it smells so sweet, tiled in blue and white…and the quaintness and richness of the pastel de natas, custard tarts, they’re amazing!”
A few days later, we met up with our VBT riding companions and were we bussed to Evora. For the next six days we biked through the towns of Redondo, Mertola, Tavira, Cachopo, Monterosa, and Vila Monte. Not only did we cycle through rustic farmlands, scenic plains, and white washed towns, we were guided on walking tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as cork and olive groves. There was so much to see, and so much to learn!
At the end of our tour, Robert and I flew to the U.K. where we spent three days traipsing around London and our old stomping grounds in the southwest town of Richmond. Knowing I wanted to bring home a few mementoes, I snapped pics here and there throughout the two weeks, but with no concern about staging or composing these photos.
As intended, I waited until we got home before looking at them. How fun it was to see them and relive the memories all over again! By being mindful when taking these photos, I was able to capture and appreciate the joy and beauty of these experiences, while staying in the here and now.
Now to November’s mindfulness activity. This one will find me cultivating awareness and calmness as I wind down at the end of my day. What better way to do this than by brewing and sipping tea? While I do enjoy tea on a regular basis, I want to elevate my usual activity to a ceremonial level. Many cultures around the world honor the ritual of brewing and drinking tea. In Japan, this tradition is known as “ichi-go ichi-e” which translates to “one time, one meeting”. I love this expression as it reminds me that all we have is now, just this moment, as nothing is permanent.
Every afternoon, I will take time for this tea ritual. I have a collection of tea sets and an array of brews to choose from in preparing my tea. An Emma Bridgewater “Union Jack”, a Roy Kirkham “Walk the Dog”, and a Jam Tart pot depicting three double decker British buses are among my favorites. Most have matching cups and saucers, but I also have singles that were gifted to me. There is my Queen Anne cup and saucer that a sweet student gave me, a Lenox Monticello cup a co-worker handed me as a token of appreciation, and my sunshine yellow Tea Forte cup my cousin Cathi sent to me. I adore them all! And teas, I have so many! As mentioned in my Suits Me To A Tea post, our pantry contains at least 12 brands and 29 varieties of tisanes. So many choices! Once I decide which tableware to use, and which tea to enjoy, I’ll set the kettle on, listen for the boil, then watch as I steep the tea, and finally pour it into my cup. As I sip, I will pay attention to the warmth of the tea, the aroma, taste, color, and I will remember to appreciate this ichi-go ichi-e tradition, while savoring each of these one time, one meeting moments.
