When the Universe Nudges You, GO!
What does that even mean? In my humble opinion, there is a way to better live in synchronicity with the universe that most of us do. When people meditate, they speak about things becoming clearer. When people go on a retreat without their daily distractions, people report life slows down and things become clearer. I believe when we have what I call daily, weekly, or monthly “stare” time we get messages that can help us make better decisions. Find your own language for this phenomenon. For a few moments trust, this might be a possibility and join me on my journey with the goal of pondering what these words might mean for you.
Prepare For Change
During the last quarter of 2018, I attended a local evening talk by a clairvoyant. She said a lot of things that evening but the one idea I could not dismiss was, “Be prepared for change and I mean to change that might include moving, reinventing yourself, and having your life a life you wouldn’t recognize today. And if you aren’t fluid with the change, be prepared to be whacked upside the head- “she probably said be prepared for the consequences”. I like my words better because I know when I ignore what the universe is trying to tell me it feels like a 4×4 connecting with my head.
Before the “evening talk,” I was becoming restless and in need of a new adventure. So, for me, these were two signs from the universe-a feeling internally that I needed to be in a different place living a different life and an external conversation (the clairvoyant) validating this restlessness. I began to think I might be in alignment with the shifting energy in the universe. After the “evening talk”, I felt nudged to spend time in a very spiritual place doing nothing except being still, meditating, and asking for guidance. I also read everything I could on different places to live since I was “sure” I was being asked to make a big move.
By the beginning of 2019, I was able to try out the words with a few close friends and family members. I don’t remember the exact day, but I do remember within the first two months of 2019 noticing that my adventure when first uttered sounded crazy, but soon became a dream that if I didn’t follow, I would be depressed.
As a single professional woman, mother, and grandmother, I plan to move halfway around the world to an island I‘ve never been to, where I know no one and didn’t speak the language.
Once my dream was clear, and I had reached the point of no turning back, I put my head down and begin to take action. I wanted to move to Madeira, Portugal, and become a resident by the end of 2019.
Looking back now, I know those were long exhausting days with many sleepless nights and yet things moved forward. I hired people to do the things I was not competent at doing. I had so many lessons during those ten months. There were people who openly expressed negative opinions. There were those who were supportive to my face and negative behind my back, those who were probably jealous and secretly hoped I would fail, and those who supported me every step of the way. Other people’s opinions are just a test to see if you are clear and committed. Observe who is who and move on. Surround yourself with people who support you and are happy for your success!
“Go after your dream, no matter how unattainable others think it is.”
Sometimes it would have been better for me to let go of a challenge sooner. Maybe I missed things because I was moving too rapidly. Yet I was moving closer to living in a country halfway around the world. Yes, there were setbacks, sometimes 2 steps forward and 4 steps backward, but eventually, the forward movement won. I was a resident of Madeira, Portugal in November of 2019.
When the clairvoyant said, “a life you wouldn’t recognize”, I took that literally and decided to sell, give away, or find a special place for all of my belongings. Letting go of all but a very few of my “things” was quite a rich process both emotionally and physically. I can write volumes about this process, but for now, it felt as though I was the person distributing all my belongings after I had passed on. I did move with about 5 suitcases. And I did feel I had created a lot of room for new adventures and experiences.
Recap
So to recap February 2019 I announced I was leaving the US and moving to Madeira, Portugal. In November 2019 I was a resident of Madeira, Portugal with my 5 suitcases. By February 2020 I had secured a lovely yearly rental. I had met so many beautiful, fun, caring, supportive, and engaging friends. I had a wonderful life, unlike a life I could have imagined or recognized a year ago. One month later we went into quarantine.
“Follow your dreams, believe in yourself, and don’t give up.”
At the time of this writing, Madeira, Portugal has 121 cases, and no deaths, and has been touted as an island that has handled the pandemic wisely and responsibly. People on the island care about each other, follow the rules, and have created a safe place for us all. My dream which to many seemed crazy in February 2019, now seemed brilliant. Funny how dreams work like that.
Should everyone pick up and move to Madeira, No. Should everyone start listening for their nudges so they can find their Madeira, Yes! I am starting this page for anyone who has been turned upside down by the pandemic and is paralyzed. Remember only you can find your dream. If you borrow another’s dream it probably won’t work for you. If you have a partner/family, it is important to find a dream that fits all of you. I will pack as much information on this page to help you through the challenges.
“As soon as you begin to pursue a dream, your life wakes up, and everything has meaning.”
Barbara Sher
Why A Travel Page?
The purpose of this travel page is two-fold. One, I want to nudge everyone who feels stuck to just take a step forward-and another-and another!
Don’t look back! You’re not going that way.
Mary Engelbreit
Two, I want to show you how powerful it is when you move to a new place to find your community by making friends. Accept invitations, issue invitations, join groups, be curious about your new home and you will begin a rich exciting journey.
Life is about taking chances, trying new things, having fun, making mistakes, and learning from it.
Wait too long and you run the risk of bumping into fear, isolation, and depression!
WELCOME TO MY TRAVEL PAGE
Madeira Daily Living
Researching the BEST places for Ladies to Lunch, Lounge, and Swim was a challenge so Pip and I formed LLLS and had our new summer project!!! Sooo much fun!!!
Hotel Quinta do Furão
Nothing better than a nice glass of wine by the beach with this amazing view
Supporting local artists post quarantine at Bar Formiga!!
Supporting local artists post quarantine at Bar Formiga!!
Exploring Funchal
View from
Duas Torres, Funchal
Funchal’s main market for flowers, fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables.
A cool drink by Fort Såo Tiago 
Enjoying Funchal 
Painted doors in Funchal 
Enjoying Funchal Lillie Ceramics 
Mercado dos Lavradores Mercado dos Lavradores-Funchal’s main market for flowers, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. 
Mercado dos Lavradores-Funchal’s main market for flowers, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. 
Mercado dos Lavradores-Funchal’s main market for flowers, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. 
Fort Såo Tiago 
Lillie Ceramics 
Lillie Ceramics 
Lillie Ceramics 
Lillie Ceramics Barreirinha looking over the gorgeous coast and sea with dessertas islands. 
Madeira wines , sercial, boal, malvasia, verdelho
Santana
Municipality in Madeira Island, Portugal
Santana is a municipality on the north coast of the Portuguese island of Madeira. It’s known for its Casas Típicas de Santana, traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs. Examples of the houses can also be seen at the Madeira Theme Park, which has exhibits on the island’s history, culture, and traditions. The white, baroque-style Igreja de Santana church has a gilded altarpiece. ― Google
Area: 36.9 mi²
MUSEUMS
3D FUNART MUSEUM
Ready for an incredible adventure? The 3D FUN ART Museum is a unique facility! An innovative concept in Portugal. This space combines the science of visual perception with the magic of illusion and makes everything seem possible. Photographs are allowed and even encouraged. A space for all ages to visit with a camera device and a bit of relaxation. https://3dfunart.com
Mudas. Contemporary Art Museum
MUSEUM MUDAS Contemporary Art Vale dos Amores 9370-111 Calheta ( overlooks Calheta beaches) 291820900 Here you will find an ever-changing presentation of modern art from local and international artists. The building that houses this is very modern and has a wonderful spot overlooking the Calheta sandy beaches. Opening hours Tues to Sun 10hrs to 18hrs. Small entrance fee.
Parque da Ribeirinha
Santo de Serra
November 2020
After a long walk in a dark forest finally the sun is trying to come true.
CARE FOR NATURE; NATURE WILL CARE FOR YOU The “Parque Ribeira Primeira” (First Creek Park) offers close contact with nature. You can do fishing Rainbow Trout and taste your catch grilled on-site. The open-air barbecue area is not a restaurant but a place where friends can gather to taste the freshest fish in Madeira. Everything is cooked with wood and in front of everybody. Photos below. Captured by Nelio Pestana.
CHRISTMAS Is Such A Special Time In Madeira!!!
December 2020
December 2019
Christmas in Madeira, Portugal!
Camara de Lobos Christmas time!
Sunsets in Camara De Lobos!
Madeira, Portugal’s famous New Year’s Eve Firework Celebration! Thank you Pip and Dave!!
Carnival – February 2020
Just before quarantine!
Carnival – February 2020
Just before quarantine!
Good Friends = Great Memories
Fun Times at the Paoil
Cabo Girão viewpoint!
Cabo Girão is a lofty sea cliff located along the southern coast of the island of Madeira, in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, Portugal
Age of rock: Miocene | Elevation: 580 m (1,900 ft)
Walking The Levadas With Great Friends!
Levadas, Poncha’s, and Good Friends are always a winning combination!
Exploring The Island
West Side Of The Island
“An afternoon of Poncha’s with good friends.”
Thank you, Graham and Kamila.
Solar do Pargo– west side of Madeira, Portugal!! www.facebook.com/Beautiful-Madeira-111102747196129
www.facebook.com/Beautiful-Madeira-111102747196129
Sunsets at Solar do Pargo are always beautiful!
An afternoon swimming at the black sand beach in Seixal!
The Many Faces Of Madeira From My Apartment
Early morning 🌞🔅🔆☀⛅🌤Stand up Paddle Boarding
Sunrise From My Apartment!
Full Moon
Fanal Madeira: Visit The Magical Laurisilva Forest
Madeira’s original laurisilva forest. When the first explorers came to Madeira, the island was covered by the Laurisilva forest. Now only 16% of the forest is left. Laurisilva is a type of native forest that once covered much of southern Europe. Now there are only a few areas left and the largest is here in Madeira. The forest is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Very Important People
I cannot say enough about how important these people were/are to me. When you get clear where your journey is going to take you to get your “Important People” as well. These people helped me get to this beautiful island.
Tobi Hughes is the first person I found to speak with who actually lived in Madeira. I know I am not alone when I say he was a guardian angel for me to get to Madeira. He helped me handle breakdowns that were happening before I even arrived here. He continues to be an important part of my Life on Madeira.
If you plan to come to Madeira for whatever reason you will need to subscribe to www.madeiraislandnews.com. Join as a Patreon and get many inside stories about Madeira.
After arriving in Madeira, I met another very special friend, Tobi’s partner Nelio Pestana. Nelio is a gifted Photographer and a beautiful soul.
Tobi and Nelio are Madeira!!
Paula Santos – A very special person and friend who negotiated all the paperwork enabling me to become a resident a few months after we began working together. She guides me in the journey of paperwork required of a citizen outside of the EU now living in Portugal. Thank you, Paula. I look forward to you and your husband visiting me in Madeira soon.
https://www.timelysolutionslisbon.com/blog
Cecelia and Allan welcome you like family. They are there to take care of your first “landing” in Portugal. When I arrived my very first time in Portugal with my 4 suitcases Allan was there to pick me up at the airport and give me the “everything you need to know about where you are living”. Thank you. You confirmed what I thought~Madeira had my name on it.
www.ays-madeira.com
My wonderful friend and driver Nuno Gomes enjoys the beauty of Madeira’s Levadas in his free time. www.facebook.com/nuno.m.gomes.31
Nuno gives new meaning to “he takes exquisite care of me“. I was truly blessed when I met him soon after I got here.
Otilia Gomes – A wonderful woman, Nuno’s sister, who takes exquisite care of my home.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
Joan Cabras. My good friend, I am forever indebted to you as the quintessential architect of my website and this travel page. Thank you for all your hard work and for always being there for any internet and computer challenges.
Nelio Pestana. Thank you my dear friend and talented artist for your photography. Life is always fun when you are around.
Tania Pereira. A very talented stylist and makeup magician-thank you. Urban Hair Studio https://www.facebook.com/urbanstudiohair
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