Saturday, January 25, 2014

Grow Your Blog 2014

I'm joining the party this year.

Let me tell you a little about myself and my personal blog, just in case you are a Grow Your Blog partyer or a first time visitor.

Africa is where my life story began (Zimbabwe, to be more precise) and the Algarve region of Portugal is where I live now. My parents were Portuguese, from a town to the south of Porto, but it was too cold for someone like me who is literally allergic to the cold! I decided to call my blog Africa to Algarve because I wanted to share with you everything that makes me miss Africa so much and all the things that remind me that moving to the Algarve was a great decision.

I started an A-Z of Zimbabwe and the Algarve, then I joined in Jake's Sunday post challenge, then I discovered Carol's Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day monthly meme and Cee's Fun Foto challenge... and here I am, nearly two years later. I even started another blog in Portuguese. Rather surprisingly, I have found that lately that blog is getting more page views than this one.
Aloe arborescens
A-Z Zimbabwe - Aloes
Algarve chimney
A-Z Algarve - Chimneys
My smallest dog
Sunday post - Captivating
Orchids
Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day
Arade River, Silves
Cee's Fun Foto challenge - Water
My job keeps me very busy. I'm a English teacher in a state school. In the past 2 years the financial crisis has taken its toll on most people in Portugal and I am no exception. I'm working longer hours for less than I earned 5 years ago and the fear of redundancy is ever present after almost two decades in a secure position! Posting may not be like clockwork because, quite frankly, I do it for the fun of it and when I can or when something inspires me. My A-Z sections are a work in very slow progress. When the weather is good and here it is a lot of the time, I have to be in my garden or out walking my dogs.

I hope you will stay a while, read a post or two and find something you like. I have found many interesting blogs and made friends with many gifted bloggers since I started my blogging adventure.

If you like getting postcards from different parts of the world, leave me a comment with your email and you may be one of the 3 people I will be sending a postcard to on the 15th February. I'd love for you to follow my blog on Google Friend Connect or Google+, but it is not a requirement for getting a postcard.

Thank you for reading and thank you to Vicki at 2 Bags Full for organizing this blog party.

Best regards,
Mara Paz


Edited to add:

Today I am taking Pandora for her first obedience training session. I may take a while to reply to comments but I promise I will answer each one and visit each blog asap.



Posted by at
Labels: , ,

87 comments:

  1. Little Wandering WrenJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:25 AM

    Hi Mara
    Thanks for visiting through the Grow your Blog party. Of course I am looking forward to hearing all your news from the Algarve, your job situation sounds tough at the moment, that's the good thing about having dogs at home - they are happy whatever is going on!
    Bye for now
    Wren x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mara PazJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:36 AM

      Hi, thank you for popping over so quickly. I love having the dogs. When I walk in the door, they are always so happy to see me and taking them for walks is a great therapy for stress.

      Delete
  2. Donna HeberJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    Hi Mara,

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. I look forward to getting to know you better and learning all about Portugal. I love to garden too! I plan to look around a little more and then be on my way to visit the others. I do hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs - Donna

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fat DormouseJanuary 25, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    Hello Mara! Greetings from an English teacher in France! I think I have maybe a bit more work than you, but it's tough, isn't it? I hope you have lots of visitors from the Grow Your Blog event! I look forward to reading more about your life in the Algarve

    dormouse.wibsite.com
    fadormouse.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. CYNTHIA CRANEJanuary 25, 2014 at 1:33 PM

    Hi, Mara - I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party and I'm delighted to have found your blog, and the opportunity to learn about life from "Africa to Algarve". I've never even been out of the US so thank you for this little window into your world. And congratulations for hanging in there as an English teacher in a suffering economy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cache-MireJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:07 PM

    Hi Mara, I love reading blogs from those who live around the world and will be following you. Looking forward to your posts in 2014! Hugs, Terri

    ReplyDelete
  6. SanderellaJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:10 PM

    Good morning Mara, and it was refreshing to visit your blog, and to meet someone through our blogging from another part of the world! You have a lovely blog! I use to be on blogger myself, but moved to WordPress, I actually had a couple of blogs here, one for writing, the other for my crochet things...both to WP! I did join your blog, and you have a new follower too. I understand what you say about the economy. I live in Hemet, California and take care of my mother. I quit my full time job because I was driving over 50 miles to get to work, then home...and the gas prices were eating me alive! Lol..I kid you not. Minimum wage....so I took early Social Security and have been looking for part time work.....in June on the 10th, it will be 2 years....looking for work. Sad. I was an insurance biller, medical insurance. Here, tons of companies are laying off, going off shore, reducing work hours to part time, then our new health insurance issues. Our country is no longer what I grew up in. I actually feel soon, we will be a third world country. I and most people feel this way. Very sad. So I keep busy with crochet, knitting, and sewing when I am not helping my mother. Well, enough! I could write a book! Lol!! Sandy www.sanderellascrochet.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:30 PM

    So nice to meet you. I envy your love of gardening. I have too small of a yard and no sunlight where I do have yard to garden. keep your chin up and remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

    Hugs
    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
  8. GillieJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:43 PM

    Hi Mara, I am assuming you won't be coming to visit me anytime soon, lol, at least not in person? We got five inches of snow last night! I do hope you will come over and check out my GYB post though! Mm, your job sounds tough right now, so glad you have such wonderful stress relievers!

    ReplyDelete
  9. BirdJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:43 PM

    Hello, Mara. It's so nice to meet you. I am over here from Vicki's Grow Your Blog party. I'm so happy that you decided to join in because your blog is absolutely beautiful and I love your introduction post here. I am looking forward to your future posts when you make them and looking about your blog over the time to read what you have here and see your beautiful photos. Blessings, Bird http://birdsearthyspirit.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. KateJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:48 PM

    I enjoy your blog and now I know a little about you. Thanks for that.

    ReplyDelete
  11. macmillanmarieJanuary 25, 2014 at 3:25 PM

    So nice to meet you. I would love to visit "both your homes" someday. Enjoy the hop!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 3:36 PM

    Mara,
    Stopping by from the GYB party. I enjoyed my visit. You have wonderful photographs. I don't have dogs but enjoy making art quilts of them.
    Have a wonderful day!
    Dolores

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:04 PM

    Dear Mara,
    You have a beautiful blog, I look forward to reading more of your posts.

    Have a wonderful day!
    -Felicia

    ReplyDelete
  14. Christina PaulJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:13 PM

    Hello- visiting from the Grow Your Blog party- what beautiful photos- I was in Portugal many years ago and loved it- beautiful country and delightful people- esp the island of Madeira (and Madeira cake) Sadly seems like the financial crisis is everywhere- I can completely relate to being underpaid lol and I blog for fun as well! Wishing you all the best- I would love to to be entered in the giveaway receive a postcard I have a little collection. Obrigado (the only Portuguese word I remember)

    ReplyDelete
  15. lynetJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:23 PM

    Hi Mara, I`m reader by Vicky, happy grow your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  16. the east coast desiJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:28 PM

    Hello Mara, I completely understand what it feels like to migrate to a place different than where you were born or brought up.......but the brighter side of things is that you learn to adapt and develop different perspectives on things...And from my experience I can tell you that I've had a blast like you having moved from India to US. Glad to have connected through the grow your blog party........and good luck with everything!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. BluMoonJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:52 PM

    Hello Mara, I enjoyed reading a bit about you I am a gardener and dog lover myself. I would love it if you visited my blog.
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  18. khakiJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:52 PM

    Excited to have found your blog! (by Way of 2 Bags Full). I visited Protugal way back when- I lived in Seville/went to school for 6 months and we did a weekend trip over. It is beautiful. I look forward to reading/following your blog!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Empty nester at lastJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:14 PM

    I would love to visit Africa...in fact there are a lot of places I would like to visit...but if I do..it will have to via the web right now...but a cool post card every now and again would be cool. I am new to GYB and this is my first year....can't wait to see all the cool people I will meet.! Thanks for joining!

    ReplyDelete
  20. SusanJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:15 PM

    What an interesting blog. I hope you post lots as I want to find out more. I have moved countries twice. Quite the challenge. I would love to visit Portugal but for now a card would be nice.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:23 PM

    Dear Mara, The postcard idea is a fantastic one! I love postcards and have quite a collection. So sorry to hear about the stress of not knowing about your job. Teachers are very much needed in this world so I wish you all the best. Take care, Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  22. CallyJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:27 PM

    Hi Mara
    I was so pleased when I saw your Blog.
    Twice a year I visit the Algarve and have been doing so since the 1980's.
    We always go to Armacao de Pera. So it will be with great interest that I follow you.
    I have seen how the local people are struggling financially and I really feel for them. there used to be a nice little craft shop in Armacoa but that has closed down.
    Your picture "In Doggy Heaven" looks so much like my beloved Honey who is also in Doggy Heaven.
    Hugs x

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:39 PM

    Hi Mara,

    We are always interested in seeing how people live in other parts of the world. Your photos are lovely and of course dogs are such a comfort!

    Good luck with the Grow Your Blog Party!

    Kathy and Deb

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:50 PM

    Hi Mara. I am hopping all over for the blog party. I believe we are all feeling the economic crunch so you are definitely not alone. I look forward to reading your blog as I have always wanted to visit Africa and Spain. Hopefully they will someday be scratched off my bucket list. count me in as a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:58 PM

    HI Mara, your photos are beautiful! One of the things we love most about blogging is meeting people from all around the world! We're glad you have your dogs to help keep you mind off of work troubles!

    Good Luck with the Grow Your Blog party!

    Deb and Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  26. Magaly GuerreroJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:16 PM

    I'm an admirer of teachers and librarians. I think you have one of the most important jobs in the world--shaping young minds, guiding them in the art of how to use words!

    It is a great pleasure to meet you via GYB. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  27. prince snow farmJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:50 PM

    Nice to meet you! I live in Massachusetts and I am also from Portuguese heritage (azores). I am also participating today!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Mosaic MagpieJanuary 25, 2014 at 8:34 PM

    What a beautiful place where you live. I look forward to reading more.
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  29. Linda HJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:03 PM

    HI Mara, I have travelled through most of Eurpoe but have not been to Portugal. Maybe next time! It looks beautiful! Have fun on this great Blog Hop!
    Waving Hello from cold snowy eastern Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Tanya BreeseJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:05 PM

    hi from virginia! it's nice to meet you! i enjoyed learning about you and seeing your beautiful photos!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Elizabeth EdwardsJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:11 PM

    hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. i love sending postcards - send my through the website postcrossing ... it is such fun. i hope you are having a wonderful day!! ( :

    ReplyDelete
  32. mysteryhistorymomJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:12 PM

    What a thrilling life you lead! Off to become a new follower! Do stop by my blog when you get a minute as I'm hosting a giveaway, too.;) Lori

    ReplyDelete
  33. A little bit countryJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:01 PM

    Thank you for visiting my blog, I'm looking forward to following. Finding lots of great blogs in amazing corners of the world. Elaina xo

    ReplyDelete
  34. TriciaJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:45 PM

    Wow what wonderful picture of your world. I too am taking part in this great meet & greet. My son & I would love to recieve from you. We live in Michigan we love to exchange postcards everywhere even if I don't win. We use as a way to learn about the world beyond our little house. Thank you for a wonderful chance.

    In Kind Regards,
    Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  35. suziqu's thread worksJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:18 PM

    Hello Mara
    What a fascinating blog you have. I am here to welcome you to the GYB party on behalf of Vicki as a volunteer. It has been wonderful to read about your life from Zimbabwe to Portugal. I am sure you will have so much fun sharing all the things you enjoy like gardening and teaching.
    Your Pandora is so beautiful. I wish you lots of luck with the training!
    I wish you many hours of joy through your blog and that you form some lovely friendships.
    All the best on your journey!
    Suzy

    ReplyDelete
  36. SuzeJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:23 PM

    I believe the economic crunch is hitting more and more people. The distance between the "haves" and the "have nots" is becoming greater and greater. I am disabled and can no longer work. Every day I wish I could still work. I try to do a little quilting. Today I planned to sew a little and ended up sleeping. It is very frustrating. Blogs are very uplifting for me. I really enjoy your pictures. I don't have flowers anymore and hope to plant some flowers this spring. I think it helps to make a house look more like a home. I'm hoping my yard men (my neighbors) might help me do that. Then maybe I can get out in late afternoon when it's not blistering hot and weed them and water them. I'm glad you have your vegetation and dogs to help keep your sanity and, of course, your wonderful blog.

    ReplyDelete
  37. CathJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:49 PM

    Hello Mara, your blog touched a chord with me as I lived in Africa for many years (RSA). I miss the temperate climate of the highveld and cannot stand the head and humidity of Australia where I now live. A bit opposite of what you feel.....I am allergic to the heat! I hope you find many new blogger friends today.
    Cath @ Bits 'n Bobs

    ReplyDelete
  38. DeAnna January 26, 2014 at 12:01 AM

    You have a great blog. I enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  39. DebraKay NeimanJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:03 AM

    I am having fun finding new bloggers to follow...love sewing and quilting. Greetings from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. JeanneJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:11 AM

    Will enjoy following your blog as I love learning about other countries! Hope that things will settle down for you as it is difficult to feel insecure. Would love to be one of the recipients of your postcards, and look forward to getting to know you via our blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  41. JackieJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:37 AM

    I found you through the blog party! Great blog, I love to travel adn your blog is very informative!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Art and SandJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:46 AM

    Oh, Portugal . . . very high on my list. I am a recently retired school teacher with great plans of travel. But, we crazily decided to get a new puppy last summer so we have not traveled much. We are on our first vacation since we got her and it seems to be working so maybe Portugal will happen sooner.

    I just became a follower and will be back after viewing all of the blogs at the party.

    ReplyDelete
  43. MelodyJanuary 26, 2014 at 1:18 AM

    So glad I found your blog through Vicki's GYB party. I'm a very keen gardener and dog lover so I'll enjoy following your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  44. EvalinaMariaJanuary 26, 2014 at 1:43 AM

    Hello from Yukon! I hope you're enjoying this party as much as I do. I had no idea that aloes has such beautiful flowers!
    Evalina, This and that...

    ReplyDelete
  45. JocelynJanuary 26, 2014 at 3:41 AM

    My daughter is finishing her degree in English. She would like to teach English as a second language. Your story is very interesting. When my children were young, we started collecting post cards from all over. Whenever a friend would visit a foreign country, we asked for them to bring back a post card. It's been an interesting hobby.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Silly GooseJanuary 26, 2014 at 4:03 AM

    Hi there,

    I'm visiting through the GYB party. It's so nice to meet you and read your blog.

    Thanks again for joining the party!

    Suzie
    http://www.sillygoosequilts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Judy Cooper Textile ArtistJanuary 26, 2014 at 4:13 AM

    Greetings from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Nice to meet you.

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2014 at 5:09 AM

    Hi Mara! Greetings from the USA. :) I'm from the GYB party. I enjoyed reading your post and think it would be so interesting to learn more about Africa and even Portugal. Hope your dog's training went well today. I'm starting late tonight on this because my daughter had her 3rd birthday party today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on your drawing for the postcard from another country. I have always adored collecting postcards. Good luck to you on this party and hope you grow your blog this year. :)

    Jennifer www.karmas-journey.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. VickiJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    Your photography is breathtaking. Here from GYB. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

    ReplyDelete
  50. SamiJanuary 26, 2014 at 7:06 AM

    Hi Mara, I'm a follower already, just nice to read a bit more about your life story. What a nice idea of giving postcards away.

    ReplyDelete
  51. TinaJanuary 26, 2014 at 7:59 AM

    Hi Mara, I came hopping here frome the GYB party and love your blog. Am following you via bloglovin.
    You are the first one in Portugal that I follow!!! Algarve seems so beautiful.
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  52. ClaireJanuary 26, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    I've just left a comment on your Portuguese blog, but then I saw the button for the English one...
    Anyway, I'm following here, and it was lovely to meet you at the party yesterday :) x

    ReplyDelete
  53. RedSetterJanuary 26, 2014 at 1:12 PM

    Hi Mara, visiting from GYB and like the style of your blog and your posts so looking forward to reading more and visiting again.
    Love and best,
    RedSetter
    http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/ - my crafting adventures
    http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/ - tales/tails of my two cats exploits

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thistle Cove FarmJanuary 26, 2014 at 2:18 PM

    Oh Marie, I hope the job remains secure until you decide it's time to retire or leave. It's awful, having that hanging over your head. I'm visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoying your blog; will also visit your other blog. I've been to Portugal, it's a beautiful country.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Jeanne GwinJanuary 26, 2014 at 2:55 PM

    Visiting from GYB party and am excited to be a follower of your blog now via GFC. Can't wait to read more.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Bonnie58January 26, 2014 at 3:02 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing, Mara. great blog

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2014 at 5:30 PM

    hi mara..
    i came via the blog hop.. and found your blog name very interesting.. :D
    i would like to follow your blog.. but can't seems to find the follow button.. maybe you let me know how i can follow it.. thank you.. ;D

    ReplyDelete
  58. FignieJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:05 PM

    Beautiful blog! Your garden is amazing! (I live in the Yukon - We are covered in snow right now - and my garden is well - lacking in all departments!) I am really happy to have found your blog in the lovely list!! :) I can't wait to browse here more often - specially when it's cold and icky here!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Linda aka Crafty GardenerJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:17 PM

    Hi, I'm Linda from craftygardener.ca and I found your site from the Grow Your Blog event. I have quite a collection of postcards and I'd love to be entered into your give away. I can be reached at my site or at craftygardener at xplornet dot com Hope you have time to visit my site and enter my give away. It has been nice browsing through your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  60. KaisievicJanuary 26, 2014 at 8:49 PM

    Hi Mara, I am here from the GYB party and I live on the opposite side of the world from you in Melbourne, Australia. You would have loved it here a couple of weeks ago when we had a heatwave - over 40 degrees celsius for a week! You have a great blog, please come visit me at http://kittenstitching.blogspot.com when you get the chance. hugs, Kaye

    ReplyDelete
  61. Tisha DoltonJanuary 26, 2014 at 9:32 PM

    I live across the Atlantic in Upstate NY. I hope to look around your blog & see what is missing from NY in the snow...

    ReplyDelete
  62. UnknownJanuary 26, 2014 at 11:50 PM

    Hey, U have an interesting blog. Lovely orchids you have. I love collecting different types of orchids too.

    http://novicedecorator.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  63. Patty AntleJanuary 27, 2014 at 1:30 AM

    Hi Mara. It's nice to meet you and learn about your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  64. janJanuary 27, 2014 at 4:48 AM

    Hi Mara!
    I am visiting from GYB. I live on a small farm with cows,dogs,cats and chickens in the USA in the North Georgia Mountains. I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Portugal and Africa so I will defintely be following your blog. It is very nice to meet you. I blog about our farm life and my sewing/craft adventures at Sew and Sow Farm. Have fun. xo jan http://sewandsowfarm.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  65. maggiegracecreatesJanuary 27, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    I am visiting from grow your blog as well. Your photos are beautiful. I'll be reading past posts and visiting again to see what you are up to. The pup is so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  66. PegJanuary 27, 2014 at 5:13 PM

    How lovely to meet you, I'm also part of GYB and am really enjoying meeting so many lovely people. I hope training class goes well. I've become a follower and joined your site.

    Peg x

    ReplyDelete
  67. CaroleJanuary 27, 2014 at 11:04 PM

    What a lovely blog and so glad to meet you. Dropping in from GYB and have really enjoyed my visit.
    Carole xox

    ReplyDelete
  68. My Dream CanvasJanuary 27, 2014 at 11:50 PM

    What a beautiful post. Its great to connect with you. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Donna@Gardens Eye ViewJanuary 28, 2014 at 6:30 PM

    Mara I loved reading your story...I am just retiring from education soon. I was not able to join in Vicki's meme this year but it is wonderful to read all the posts. I am a reader already of your blog, but learning more about the blogger is such fun!

    ReplyDelete
  70. CreateologyJanuary 28, 2014 at 9:15 PM

    Reading your blog is helping to make this great big world just a bit smaller and friendlier. Now following and will visit again. Creative Bliss...

    ReplyDelete
  71. HeatherJanuary 28, 2014 at 10:30 PM

    Stopping by for the GYB hop-I will be back-I love reading about how people live day to day in other parts of the world!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Elise LeaJanuary 29, 2014 at 4:45 AM

    Stopping in via GYB! You write a beautiful blog and I really enjoyed reading a little about your life! I hope the financial situation gets better for you (and everyone else)!

    Elise @ http://loveleadesigns.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  73. Phoebe @ Lou MessugoJanuary 29, 2014 at 5:39 PM

    Waving hello from the south of France, lovely to meet you through the GYB party! I was an English teacher for many years, working in Australia, Asia and Europe but unlike you I found it too hard and stopped a couple of years ago. I love the theme of your blog being an avid traveller myself so I look forward to reading more.

    ReplyDelete
  74. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2014 at 6:29 PM

    Hello from America. I found you through the Grow Your Blog, and the name intrigued me. I have a daughter currently living in Africa (Dem Rep of Congo) with her diplomat husband, so any window into life for in Africa I find interesting. I have only been to Lisbon, but I remember the doorways! I loved your photos. I am a quilter, so not certain you would find my blog terribly interesting, but I have enjoyed yours! Stop in sometime for a quick read. Mary

    www.stitchinggrandma.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. hafzaJanuary 31, 2014 at 7:58 AM

    Hello Mara! Visiting you from GYB party. You have beautiful blog with beautiful photos.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Vickie LynnJanuary 31, 2014 at 8:00 PM

    What a beautiful garden you have! Ours is rather dull in this season, but will be very lush in a few months.
    I am visiting from the GYB party and thought I would pop in and say Hi!
    Vickie

    ReplyDelete
  77. WhoMomFebruary 1, 2014 at 3:29 AM

    Love your pictures...the area where you are looks beautiful. Your English is very good...I'd love a Postcard from another country. What a great prize. Thank you for sharing from WA state, USA

    ReplyDelete
  78. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    Hi Mara, visiting from the GYB party. Lovely photos and blog!
    Alison

    ReplyDelete
  79. Lija BrokaFebruary 3, 2014 at 2:54 PM

    Happy partying! Hope you are enjoying yourself. I can so understand the heavy burden of the financial crisis. We have had to deal with potential for redundancies here in the UK too. Though I think teachers (although having some cuts to pensions and increased work loads) still are pretty safe.
    I would love a postcard if I am selected (I collect them ... me being a saddo .., and would always be willing to send one back).

    Lija
    http://stitchingincrossesandmore.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  80. MartiFebruary 3, 2014 at 3:10 PM

    Sounds like an exciting life you've had. Good luck with the obedience training. By the time you are done, one of you will be trained.

    I found your blog from the Grow Your Blog party. How fun!

    ReplyDelete
  81. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2014 at 3:11 AM

    Hi Mara, I teach English too, but in Quebec, Canada in the French College system. I would love a postcard from your part of the world. If you visit my blog you will have a chance to win a fabric postcard from me ;). Great pictures. You live a most exotic place!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Neena ShilvockFebruary 4, 2014 at 9:00 AM

    Hi, I am here from the GYB party. Love the idea and hope you will pay me a return visit :)
    xx
    Neena

    ReplyDelete
  83. Kristen KingFebruary 9, 2014 at 6:28 PM

    I am visiting from the Grow Your Blog Hop. I really enjoyed visiting your blog and hope that you have a chance to see what I’ve been up to at http://meadowbrook-Kristen.blogspot.com/. Happy Stitching!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Monique (A Half-Baked Notion)February 13, 2014 at 12:48 AM

    Hello. Mara! I am a GYB visitor from New Brunswick, Canada :) Your blog is lovely and I think your postcard idea is so special!

    ReplyDelete
  85. BirgitFebruary 13, 2014 at 5:00 PM

    Hi Mara,

    I really like the background picture of your blog -- makes me dreaming of exploring Portugal. Even though I live comparatively near (Germany), I have never been in your country. However, I have a neighbor who is from Portugal, so I could at least try some yummy Portugese dishes. :)

    Nice to meet you! If I happen to receive a postcard from you, be sure to include your address. Then you will get a postcard from Munich. :)

    Lots of greetings from Germany,
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
  86. overboardcreationsFebruary 14, 2014 at 4:14 AM

    Wow I love my visit . Didn't realize that there is so much going on in cyber world. Forgive me for coming to the party at the last minute, But Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party entries are 600 bloggers. My reading was a little tasking. I wanted to read and get to know the girls so I did read everyone's bio 24 hours left to go. If you like come visit My site http://overboardcreations.blogspot.com/and contact info is http://ovr_brd@yahoo.com I believe inspiration comes from all facets of life even knowing the great people out there with wisdom and knowledge the do's and don'ts and even the wonders of life from a personal point of view. I liked you following you on goggle connect and Bloglovin you. hope to see you in the cyber neighborhood I am new to blogging so I don't have a lot posted because I got side tract with GYB party. Kind of felt it was important to have some one read my silly chatter. I can't remember a time I didn't dabble in something creative. I tried a little of everything. But, my new love these days is Card making I just love it.

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you so please leave a comment...

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...