Author Archives: A Star on the Forehead

Skiing in Park City, Utah – Dec23

24 Sunday Dec 2023

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If you don’t do it this year, you will be one year older when you do – Warren Miller

Hi Friends,

The busyness of the season has kept me away from here.  I am promising myself to budget my time better in 2024. The hope is to post more, to connect more.

The trip to Park City, Utah was perfect.  Michael and I had been there in March.  That was our first trip together, just a couple of weeks after we had met.  Here is the post about that trip: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.com/2023/03/24/where-fear-and-happiness-meet/

This time we traveled directly to Park City.  We didn’t rent a car as we stayed right at the mountain.  We skied 3 days. There wasn’t a lot of snow.  They made some snow, but a lot of the trails weren’t opened. Still, for me, the green trails that were opened were enough.

We went out to eat 3 evenings.  We ate tapas at 710 Bodega Tapas, Italian food at Buona Vita and Mexican food at Don Gallo.  All three restaurants were delicious. The most memorable item for me was a dessert at 710 Bodegas,  called Broken pavlova; meringue, strawberries and whipped cream. We had it on the first trip and I wanted it again.

To summarize, the trip was a success. I always want to go skiing in new places, but I am finding joy in visiting a familiar place. I think we will be going to Park City every season.

Back home, I am swamped with end of the year work stuff. As usual, I can handle it.

We managed to go to see a Broadway show yesterday: Some Like it Hot.  Really well done and fun!  After it, we had dinner at Via Brazil – we had a lot delicious food: skirt steak, chicken fried steak, potato puree, rice, beans, yucca fries. Michael doesn’t eat meat so he had a hearts of palm stroganoff, which was equally delicious.

I think that will be a new holiday tradition for us: Broadway and dinner!

I am wishing you all a blessed holiday, celebrated in a way that brings you the most joy: with delicious food, with loving family and friends, with gratitude in your heart.  Thank you for stopping by, and being a part of my journey!  Thank you for your thoughts and great wishes!

Skiing is the next best thing to having wings.-Oprah Winfrey

Some photos of our trip to Park City:

Skis are not just pieces of wood, steel & fiberglass. They are tools for escape, a medium for personal expression, a way to challenge fears, push limits and share incredible experiences with your friends.”- Unknown

 

Sunday in Poços de Caldas, MG – Brazil, Nov 25, 2023

11 Monday Dec 2023

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“The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.” ― J.M. Barrie, The Little White Bird

After visiting with my aunt, my cousin gave us a ride back downtown – we had walked to my aunt’s.   We went to Thermas Antonio Carlos to inquire about getting some spa treatments. 

Thermas Antonio Carlos is a bathhouse that was built at the end of 1920s, and inaugurated in March 1931.  It was a place for sick people to get sulfurous baths and other treatments.  Today it has been completely restored and it is mostly frequented by tourists. 

They have also added a couple of stores with natural products and also a café/restaurant.  The café overlooks a water fountain and also leads to the outdoor areas that also has a few tables.

We scheduled an ofuro bath and massages for the end of the day.  From there we went to the Bird Zoo.

We don’t like to see animals in cages, but this place is more like a sanctuary.  They gave the birds a lot room.  They also rescue old and sick ones.

We hadn’t had lunch yet when we got there, but the place had only sweet snacks. I had a brownie and Michael had a banana nut cake.

It was fun to see and read about the beautiful birds. We spent a couple of hours there.   There are a lot benches throughout, so from time to time we sat and just took in the beauty of nature, and the realization of how blessed we are.

From there we went back to the bathhouse for our treatments.  We could have the bath treatment in separate tubs, but we chose to be together in an ofuro – wooden soaking tub.  We could choose a scent and an oil.  We chose lavender and rosemary.  It smelled delicious!  It was so relaxing.

After having the bath on the second floor, we went to our massages.  It was odd, my massage was on the first floor and Michael’s was on the third.  It is a big place with many tubs and masseuses. We got the relaxing massage, and it was.  I think I fell asleep.  Next time I will probably choose another type of massage, such as a lymphatic massage.

After the massage, instead of eating at the café there we decided to walk around and see what else was out there.  Michael mentioned pasta, so I decided to go to the oldest restaurant in town, Cantina do Araujo.  The food was very good, but the service lousy.  Our waitress was inattentive.  She brought our order to the table and never came back.  We had to flag other waiters to get water and then the bill.

On Monday morning, we returned the rental, got my sister’s car and drove to my hometown.  I worked Monday and Tuesday.  On Wednesday we left Brazil and got into NY at 5:30am on Thursday.  It was the perfect time to arrive.  There was no traffic getting home.

Our next adventure will be in Park City, Utah.  Park City was our first trip, just a couple of weeks after we first met. It will be nice to go back.

Here are some pictures of our Sunday in Poços De Caldas, Minas Gerais- Brazil.

“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.” ― Stephen King,  Shawshank Redemption

 

A boat ride in Capitolio, MG – Brazil

08 Friday Dec 2023

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“A waterfall cannot be silent, just as the wisdom! When they speak, the voice of power speaks!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

After spending 3 nights and 2 days in Sao Roque de Minas, we said good bye to our new friends and went to a small town called Capitolio.

Capitolio has many lakes and it also sits on the edge of the Furnas Reservoir.  There is a lot to do there, but we only did one thing: We took a 3-hour boat ride. 

The boat ride was great.  Along the way there were floating bars with places to swim.  We chose to swim at the third stop where there was a waterfall that we swam up to.  There was also other waterfalls, and of course the Canyons.

The Canyons is an area with gorgeous rock formations.  Unfortunately it was the site of a tragedy in January 2022.  Part of a cliff collapsed on top of some boats, 10 people were killed and many more injured.

The collapse was attributed to rock erosion, and could have been prevented if there was any inspection done. They still allow visits there, but now it is inspected for erosion daily.  There is personnel from the coast guard monitoring and only one boat can go through the area at a time, and it cannot get too close to the cliffs.  And while visiting that area we had to wear a hard hat and life jacket. 

We enjoyed the views, swam to the waterfall, ate cod fish cakes and had caipirinhas at one stop.  It was really enjoyable.  Normally they fill a boat with up to 10 people, but we decided to do just the 2 of us, and it was the best decision.  We didn’t have to stay or stop in any place we didn’t want to.

After the boat ride, instead of spending the night in Capitolio, we decided to drive towards my sister’s apartment in Poços de Caldas.  We made a quick detour to a small town called Campestre, where both of my parents were born.

Campestre is not such a small town anymore.  There was a mass going on at the main church and there was nowhere to park downtown.  It was also night and raining, so we decided to just take a small video to show mom and dad, and we continued on to Poços de Caldas.

When we got to my sister’s apartment was already night. I wanted to go out, but Michael was exhausted from all the driving, so we stayed in. It was the best decision as we were able to get an early start the next day.  

Next morning, we went to the weekly craft market and then stopped by one of my aunt’s house.  We walked up the hill from her house to a brand new lookout.  It was so beautiful to see the whole city, and the Christ.  Every Brazilian town has the statue of Christ somewhere.  In this town in at the top of a mountain.  There is a cable car that takes visitors to the top.

There was a roda(circle) of capoeira happening on the lookout.  Capoeira is a an Afro-Brazilian cultural art of dance/fight.  Some new students were graduating and they were having a ceremony.   It was awesome to see that, specially for Michael that was not familiar with it.

Here are some pictures of Capitolio and just one from the lookout.  Sometimes it is a question of enjoying the moment or taking a picture.  The moment always win, so I am sorry for not having more and better pictures.

The rest of the day will be on the next post.

 

“There are some things in this world, if you enter their sphere of influence, they will close your world and only their world will remain! That’s what a big waterfall is like!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

2 days in Serra da Canastra National Park, MG – Brazil

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

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“Anyone who needs more than one suitcase is a tourist, not a traveler”
― Ira Levin, Rosemary’s Baby

Brazil was hot, very hot, but I survived; and actually, managed to have fun.

For the first few days there, I worked remotely.  It was great being able to work and spend time with my family.

Then I took 4 days over Thanksgiving to travel to Serra da Canastra.   Michael had searched for a place to go.  He read about this protected national park in the state of Minas Gerais.  It is a park full of trails and waterfalls.  The tallest and most impressive one is Casca D’Anta, at over 610 feet. 

We made no real plans in advance.  We didn’t book a hotel or guide, or anything.  We rented a car and started driving towards Sao Roque de Minas, which is the closest town to the park.

The drive was gorgeous.  When we got near the town, I started looking for a pousada.  A pousada is smaller than a regular hotel, it is normally charming and provides a more familiar experience.  They all provide delicious breakfast, with tons of variety.    

We chose Pousada Barcelos based on reviews.  We got there it was already dark, and they had availability.  This was right before high season, so I knew our chances of finding a place to stay was good.

We checked in, and on their suggestion went to Velho Chico Restaurant.  We shared yucca fries and fish parmigiana with rice, beans and French fries.  I had my usual caipirinha.  Michael had a draft beer. Everything was delicious.

The staff at the pousada were the best!!  I got a list of tour guides from them, but by next morning I hadn’t connected with any yet.  I was not concerned.  I knew all would turn out okay.  To visit the park, one needs a guide or a real good 4×4.  Some of the roads are just very difficult and very hard on the vehicle.

At breakfast, a couple on the next table asked us about our plans for the day.  I mentioned that we didn’t have anything scheduled.  He offered to call his guide and see if she could fit us in.  She did.  For two days we went to waterfalls with the couple and a guide named Claudia.  She is mostly known as Loba da Canastra. Loba is a female wolf. https://www.instagram.com/lobadacanastra/

We visited waterfalls and local artisans.  Besides the landscape, this area is known for having some of the best coffee and making some of the best cheeses. 

It rained right at the moment we got to Casca D’Anta, so it was specially full, gorgeous and loud.  I left my phone in the car, so it wouldn’t get wet, so I don’t have a photo, but will get one and post later.  It is a must see! 

This couple that we met were the most awesome people.  He is such an inspiration, a lover of life and adventure.  https://www.instagram.com/jjosuelprado/

They are planning a trip to Amazonia next year, and Michael and I hope to tag along.

After 2 days there we drove to Capitolio.  To be continued… Here are some pictures of those 2 days. 

Pousada Barcelos: the inn where we stayed

A tiny village that we stopped for lunch

Lunch stop: home cooked meal on a wood burning stop. Delicious!! A variety of delicious stuff such as zucchini, okra, chayote, collard greens, pumpkin pure, pasta, chicken, etc

A little chapel at the top of a mountain. A farmer built it fulfilling a promise after a successful surgery.  It has been featured in soap operas and music clips.

Here is Michael enjoying a waterfall.  I joined him after the photo.

Igreja Matriz: the church in Sao Roque de Minas

Location of Roça da Cidade, artisanal cheese factory and store.  An award winning cheesemaker.  

Carcara: a bird from the Falcon family

    A homage to St. Francis of Assissi.  The Sao Francisco River has its origin right on this spot.  The spring is right to the right of the statue.  This river the the longest rivers that runs entirely in Brazil.

My always favorite: passionfruit caipirinha

Tilapia parmigiana

“A traveler enters the world into which he travels, but a tourist brings his own world with him and never sees the one he’s in.”
― Thomas H. Cook, The Crime of Julian Wells

Going to the sauna, aka Brazil

15 Wednesday Nov 2023

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“God, it was hot! Forget about frying an egg on the sidewalk; this kind of heat would fry an egg inside the chicken.” ― Rachel Caine

I am on the way to Brazil tonight.   I will be working most of the time, but will take a few days off over Thanksgiving to relax.  Michael and I will be driving towards some small towns and a national park.  

I am bracing for the heat I will encounter.  It has been incredibly hot where I live in Brazil.  The high tomorrow will be 99 degrees, and on Friday 101.  My mom’s house, as well as most of the homes, have no AC. 

I have been trying to get my mother to agree to get AC, but she complains that will make holes on the wall, and it will cost too much (even though I would be paying all the bills).  Perhaps this time I can convince her.  Fingers crossed.

Right here in NY:

 

In Brazil now:

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!  May you count all your blessings, big and small!

I am grateful to still have my parents and to be able to go see them often. May you be able to spent time with family and friends.

I am grateful for this community we have here! 

“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

Re-Create & Celebrate – 7 Steps to Turn Your Dreams into Reality – by Cindy Georgakas

13 Monday Nov 2023

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Re-Create and Celebrate – 7 Steps to Turn Your Dream Into Reality was written by Cindy Georgakas. She is the creative and fun force from the blog Unique Times https://uniquelyfitblog.com/

Cindy is an experienced multi- talented individual in the health and wellness area. She is a certified life coach, as well as being certified in Yoga, massage therapy, Reiki, among many others.

One look at her blog gives you an idea of what a dynamo she is. I am in awe of all she accomplishes while taking care of her family, including elder parents; and being there for her clients and community. And not to mention, helping out with the two sweetest additions to her family – her two adorable grandkids.

She has put a lot work on this book; it is a work of love and it shows. In this book Cindy invites one to look inwards and work through seven steps to achieve their best life. These are the seven steps:

1. Finding the true you
2. Finding your purpose
3. Finding your want and why
4. Plan of action – Reaching your goals
5. Loving yourself
6. Processing feelings
7. Falling off the wagon, burnout and support

Yes, it does require some work. It requires commitment and honesty in completing each step. She reminds us that there are no shortcuts.

To me it was a big reminder to stop being so comfortable in life and get moving towards being the best that I can be. I have a great life, but am I fully aware and involved in growing and becoming better? Of course not. There is always room for growth.

Cindy Is not preachy in delivering her message. Throughout the book she shares her own struggles and hardships, and how she overcame them – and still does.  Problems will show up, it is how we handle them that makes the difference.

Each step for me was a reminder of the work that I need to do. The two parts that I keep going back to are:
1. Page 86 – Having a morning routine. I get up and go, always grateful, but always on the run. I know I need to improve that, and Cindy does a great job of giving me ideas.
2. Page 139 – Change your words and change your mind. It is all about making sure that our inner voice is always reflecting our gratitude and love for ourselves.

Cindy’s book is an invitation to create the life we want while celebrating the life we have.  I am accepting that invitation, and so should you!

“Words can illuminate your spirit, or kick you to the curb. What are your inner voices doing to you? Start noticing what words you say to yourself, and then ask where they came from. Perhaps they are old tapes you heard growing up. – Cindy Georgakas

“The Scars We Don’t See” by Cassa Bassa

10 Friday Nov 2023

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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ― Maya Angelou

I am long overdue in writing this review and the others I will be posting next.  I like to support my WordPress community by buying their books, but unfortunately, I am not speedy with my reading and reviewing of them.  Sorry.

The Scars We Don’t See was written by Cassa Bassa.  She is the powerful voice behind the blog Flicker of Thoughts  https://flickerofthoughts.com/

She has contributed stories to other books, but this is her first published book.   It is micro-fiction, a combination of very short stories and poems.

I have always been a fan of her blog, specially of how she masterfully conveys so much meaning in so few words. This book didn’t disappoint.

I decided not to read the stories in order.  Each day I opened to a page and let it speak to me. And it did.  Some days it seemed to be written specially for me.     

There are so many wonderful stories, that I love for different reasons.  There is some tragedy and some comedy, and beauty in all of them.

In the section entitled “I See You” she shares her observations of the people she meets and the world around us.  In the section entitled “A Little Bit of Me and a Whole Lot of Fiction”, Cassa shares some of her own self intertwined into fiction. 

Cassa is a sweet soul and her stories reflect all her sensibility.  She is authentic, and nothing in her micro-fiction is predictable.  

Below is one of my favorites. 

Keepsake

There was a poet living in poverty.  His only possession was his words.

He was secretly in love with the shoemaker’s daughter.  So, every day he wrote a love poem and whispered to her as a keepsake.

She was born tender-eyed and was not married, even way past childbearing age.  But all the days of her life, she was happy, especially when she saw how beautiful she was in the mirror.

Terrific Tuesday: Love, Compassion and Generosity

31 Tuesday Oct 2023

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Marvelous Monday!

30 Monday Oct 2023

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Wishing everyone an amazing Monday!!

“See if you can catch yourself complaining, in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in your power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.” ― Eckhart Tolle

Blessings!

ps. Comments will be turned off on some posts.  At the moment I am concentrating my efforts on 1. visiting the blogs of my friends, old and new; 2. cleaning my Drafts folder and 3. finishing books from my fellow bloggers.

Visiting Blogs: I don’t want to miss out on my friend’s words – I am always inspired.  I am also enjoying visiting new blogs.  There are so many interesting people out there.

Drafts Folder: When I decided to start cleaning out the folder I had 260 drafts. As of now I have 173 drafts left to review. Progress!

Books to read: I have 6 books to finish reading (those are books from my fellow bloggers only.  The complete list of books to finish reading is over 40)  They are are at various stages. As you can see I have been mastering the art of starting, but never finishing. Will read one at a time now instead of doing a couple of pages of many.

Lastly, I am praying for peace, wishing peace, hoping for peace, praying for peace. Lets love and respect all!

Spending a day Celebration, Florida

22 Sunday Oct 2023

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Yesterday, Michael and I spent the day in the very charming community called Celebration.  We had a late lunch/early dinner at Regianno’s and ice cream at Kilwins.

It was my dear friend Kat from lifetreeandcoffee.wordpress.com who recommended it all.  Thank you, thank you!! We loved everything!

The town is so charming and friendly. We chatted with a bunch of local people.

“It is good people who make good places.”
― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

Here are some of the pictures from the day:

Charming town

Watching the peaceful Lake Rianhard

Next time, we will rent a bike to go around the park

Happy to say we didn’t see any of those

Lovely park

I believe it is some kind of diving duck

Drinks at Reggiano’s

Toasted coconut and pumpkin ice cream at Kilwins

I have some additional pictures on my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blessedwithastar