I have been teaching English as a second language since 2020, and a year ago I started teaching Portuguese as a second language to children and teenagers. My favourite lessons are those where they to talk a lot, and have ACTUAL conversations with the target language, the language they’re learning. It’s affirming of my methods and gratifying to see the students progress and their confidence growing to become effective communicators. Recently, I decided to reorganise the way I offer lessons to make it possible for students to join in the group a few times a year, instead of only once. … Continue reading Work – Portuguese Lessons
Recently, as part of a book club we read “My name is Lucy Barton” and it’s following books. Most people thought the books were really good; the stories, the writing… I only read the first one and to me it was just ok. I felt it didn’t bring anything new as it’s basically the story of a relationship between a daughter and her dysfunctional mother. Since life is short and there are so many books in the world to read, I didn’t feel like spending time with the the rest of the books. I felt that My name is Lucy … Continue reading Why do we read fiction books?
We’ve had a couple of eventful days, with one of my kids being rushed to hospital with a broken wrist. The said child, is on the mend, now we “just” need to wait a couple of weeks until the cast … Continue reading Heading south
Its coming up to one year since I last wrote a post here. Saying it “out loud” like that it feels unimaginable how it has already pass twelve months; At the same time, as is often the case, so much … Continue reading Twelve months
I knew this day would come. The day that I wouldn’t know what to write about, and still I would have to do it because I had made the commitment to write. As I seat here, computer on my lap, I look around me and there’s a boy deep in imagination land, building with Lego and train tracks whilst he listens to his favorite audio book. A girl sitting across from me, drawing or painting. A curious dog with way too much energy because today she hasn’t been for a walk, yet? The night has already settled on this winter’s … Continue reading Attention
This week I’ve noticed a lot of snowdrops are truly out, and the daffodils are coming right after… The days are also getting noticeably longer. Yes, it’s fair to say that Spring is knocking at the door.
Reading – For the past two or three weeks I’ve been obsessed with Noughts and Crosses, the books and the tv series. A second series has been announced, and I cannot wait!
If you’re looking for more reading inspiration, these were my top 9 from last year.
Listening – A lot has been discussed about “freedom” since this pandemic started; I’ve recently listened to this episode of thinking aloud, and I found it very interesting. The changing nature of these concepts are compelling in itself, and the program manages to fit in quite a lot of thought provoking information in only half an hour!
The discussion of freedom itself is very interesting, but I particularly appreciated what Annelien Dijn said about Populism and it’s growth in Europe, because it’s something I’ve thought about a lot as well.
Making – I’ve so many projects in my mind, and fabric to use up. I’m hopping I can make time for some sewing this week.
Knitting – More socks of course! I said last week that I’m a comfort knitter, meaning that I’m usually not very adventurous with the patterns I use, but after 12 years of pretty much knitting the same pattern, I’ve decided to make a Peasant heel.
Cooking – I’m at the point of my Elimination diet where I’ve challenged almonds and cocoa, and so, to celebrate my birthday I made these delicious sweet potato brownies.
Gardening – With the growing days, and proximity of spring I’m starting to think and dream about gardening and planting. This video might help you if you’re just starting.
Thinking – I don’t really need another app, but this one is so tempting!!
What about you? What are you noticing in the natural world where you are? What projects are you working on?
I’m starting to think about holidays, you too? Have you made plans? We usually tend to do things very last minute, but for the past few months I’ve been thinking about a camping trip to Europe. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do! I used to wish that I could drive, or that we could buy a camper van, and this and that… A few months ago I asked myself: “What is stopping me from doing that?” Well, now I CAN drive (2 years ago I got my driving licence), so what exactly is stopping me? Perhaps fear of what … Continue reading Camping wish list
These patterns can be knitted for boys and girls, from birth up to the age of around ten. Maybe I’m not a very adventurous knitter, but at this stage of life, I want to knit something that I know for sure that it’ll fit well and look good after many many washes. Perhaps I should say that I’m a practical knitter. These are the patterns that I tend to lean on when my children need sweaters. On a tangible level, Knitting gives me an opportunity to provide my children with warm clothes made with natural fibers, but it’s so much … Continue reading 3 easy and versatile knitting patterns for babies and children
Why, Hello! It’s been nearly three years since I’ve last wrote here. This always happens to me; I’ve had blogs for like fifteen years? But I always end up deleting them… if I hadn’t, my blog could be one of those that says “est. circa 2007”, ah! Anyways, I’ve been feeling the urge to write here again, I think I like the idea of writing just for fun. I have been writing a lot for Uni, but this here feels a lot more relaxed: I don’t need to provide evidence for every single point I make, haha. Besides, I like … Continue reading Hello, again
Em Português um pouco mais abaixo, depois das fotografias. We moved into this flat two years ago, in attempt to reduce the waste that we send to landfill we made a little wormery. Ours is a small two bedroom, and we are a family of six, with no exterior space; I think it is safe to say: If we can do it, so can you! I will be honest, it does not take all our food scraps, but it helps! We also save some in the freezer, in paper bags and take them to the educational project where I volunteer … Continue reading how to make a wormery
the land of wishes 