To L.

"Dear L.,

I have so many things that I want to tell you because you are important to me.

Over all these years, there has always been a piece of me missing.

I've lost count of how many times I have said "I don't care anymore" or "I have given up". And then I try again.

Somehow, I know that you are there for me if I need and that is enough when it comes to other friends. I know they are there, I care about them but I don't feel the need to get back in touch often. And that is not because I don't like them as much. 

You see, the thing is, we have been through a lot together, I shared my deepest thoughts and feelings with you at many important times and you never judge me in any way.

I miss you. A lot. And it's not just when I have a problem, but when I achieve something good, when I have a good news or even silly thoughts or opinions.

I saw that you are going to this spiritual trip somewhere and that triggered me to think that I will try again to regain that unique friendship we used to have.

Maybe now, that we all grew up to be distinct people from a few years ago, we can all be a group again.

I think you wouldn't feel left out this time. I believe we could all see how we belong together apart and that we can take our friendship to the next level - the family we have chose.

Believe me - they all miss you too - there's never a time when we are together that someone doesn't bring your name to the table.

And I hope you miss us too.

We all changed over these years. 

And I think you'd like us, who we are now.

N. is still the only guy (man) in the group and, although he is more mature, he still has some silly jokes that only him could come up with. He is enjoying his job to a certain level and he will never move from our city - too scared of flying or going into a boat, he says.

C. is probably the one who has changed the most. She is back to dancing and that took her to great adventures and experiences. She is very eager to live the Life at its fullest and getting surrounded by positive energies.

S.V. has discovered other passions than fashion and beauty and has started a new project with her brother. She is still trying to figure out some parts of herself and what she wants from the future, but she is getting there.

S.F. has moved to a different city to work and is building her life there. She is still the one who is a bit more pessimist about Life but I guess that gives us a reality check every now and then.

P. is now living in the french territory. She is doing well too. Still the same peaceful girl who accepts whatever life brings and makes the best of it - it has been working pretty well with her.

M. doesn't come out with us that much but she is still one of us. She has a different Life now. Some things didn't go the way she was expecting but she is and has always been a fighter. 

And then you have me. I think I changed a bit, still the same awkward, silly and adventurous girl who wears an armour almost to every one.

In your hashtag you put you walk alone. I say "you don't have to, we are here for you"."

Married at first sight.

Consequences of modern times or going back to old times?

There's a new tv show, also seen as a social study, in Portugal, called what in English would be translated as Married at first sight .

And the names says it all - strangers who only meet their future spouse when they are in front of the priest.

Everything is arranged and based on several interviews with doctors and coaches to find the perfect, or almost, match.

And I see this as a sign of the modern times as this is nothing but a consequence of technologies that make people too busy or too picky or any other reason that makes them think this may be the only chance to marry someone.

After the dating apps and others as such, this seems to be a direct result  and it affects people from all backgrounds and ages.

On the other hand, I can't stop seeing it as a return to old times - although today it is still seen in many cultures - when people have an arranged marriage. Different reasons are behind it, though, starting from assuring the family future, financially or through connections, to guarantee there are isn't any mixture with other ethnicity/ race.

I can understand why people go to this show, trying to achieve a dream that seems impossible in any other way, as I find myself single and unmarried, even though I live in this big city with millions of choices (they say?!). 

I am, however, confused as to what this means for our western society or to where we are being dragged.

Something to think about and to reflect.

Have a great night!   

Know your loved ones.

Have you ever been disappointed or surprised by someone you know for so long that you thought you knew everything about them and they could never show you something unexpected?

Well, I guess, we all do this on a daily basis. Even without knowing it.

Especially with our parents. 

We think we know exactly who they are but mostly we only see them as our parents. 

We forget they are women and men who have their own dreams, desires and ambitions as any other person. 

We forget that they have not given up their life to raise us, they chose to add us to their life and yes, they do try do make their best to allows us a good future, but they are still their own person who is still trying to figure out what comes next.

I guess that's why some times we don't see them as humans and we get disappointed because they have flaws like everyone else and are not the super heroes we always thought. 

And we get surprised to find out they also know how to have fun with friends in the exact same way we do with our friends.

I once got disappointed with my parents because I was not expecting that reaction and I was upset for a while but at the same time that made me think about all this.

That happened a while ago but it was the trigger that made me see my parents as individuals who are more than my parents. And that was great.

Nowadays, I still get surprised and I believe that won't stop happening because I know them better now more than I ever thought and it is still something that I want to keep happening. Not just with them but with everyone I love.

Too deep?

Well, we need to value our loved ones as much as we can because one day will be too late.

Have a great weekend! 

Yayoi Kusama.

Artist.

Amazing.

Japanese (somehow it gives this even more artistic feelings).

Pumpkins.

Infinity mirrors.

If you have not seen it, you have to run to her nearest exhibition.

Although, in London, is a very, very, small one, it's still great.

Can't wait to go to her museum one day!

Animals... aren't we all?!

Yes, I missed it yesterday. From work to gym and cooking and so on, it went completely out of my Things to do list. But here I am today and maybe it is much better like that.

They say today is the Animals' International day.

And what is there to say? A lot, I would say.

Ever since I know myself as a person, I have been around pets and I can't even express properly how much they mean to me.

And, although, everyone say they have a favourite one, I can't choose one because they are all so cute and unique in their own way that you can't stop being amazed by them.

There was a moment in my Life that things were not going well, when it was about employment, and I was very close to that thin line that, when crossed, takes you to depression. Back then I had a cat, Nikita, and a dog, Juliao.

I really felt like they knew when I was at my lowest and, many times, when I was tired of feeling sorry for myself and putting that weight on my parents or people around me, I could feel that Nikita would feel it and she was always by my side. I would talk to her and she would listen, which was all I needed sometimes. It really broke my heart when both of them died and it still hurts thinking about it, but the memories are here and they are great.

A couple of days ago, talking to a colleague, he said he would put a human life above an animal's one without a second thought and I couldn't decide if I would be able to see that choice that easily. I do know, in certain cases, it would be a clear decision, but in others... let's just say I prefer that I will never come across a situation where I do have to make a decision like that.

In a lighter perspective, have you check the videos on Youtube focused on animals? It is impossible not to love them!

Have a great night!