CARVSMARK

Hello, everyone!

It’s been a hot minute since my last blog post, and let me tell you, my fingers have been itching to type like they’ve just discovered a glitter factory wildly excited and covered in sparkle! So buckle up, because here’s a whirlwind tour of my past year!

A year ago, I was sashaying along the beachside trail in Cascais, Portugal aka my second home, right after my actual home, and just slightly above “places I still need to dust” on my priority list.

From soaking up sunshine like a sponge and meeting people who were absolutely fantastic to watching my son morph into a remarkable human who can now say has a futebol family in Europe, it was a year of unforgettable moments. I made the most of my sabbatical: I relaxed (a lot let’s be real, it was basically a nap marathon), decompressed (mainly by avoiding household chores), and even managed to write a book, pen an article about sustainable farming in Colombia, and meet some extraordinary people from Sweden, Norway, Spain, Brazil, the USA, and, of course, Portugal. If you’re into getting lost in translation and discovering new experiences, I highly recommend the international scene. It’s like a never-ending episode of

“Who’s That?”

My European escapades taught me a few key things: Life is a bit like a tapas plate full of variety, occasionally messy, and definitely better with a side of sangria. I realized that Europe isn’t just the land of my ancestors but a place where I felt like an extra in a family reunion sitcom. My son, definitely fluent in Portuguese swear words and soccer jargon, has expanded his worldview in ways I didn’t think were possible. Soccer not only introduced him to lifelong friends but also grounded him in his cultural roots so much so that he now sneaks Portuguese phrases into everyday conversations. We’ve upgraded from “Please pass the salt” to “Por favor, passa o sal.”

Who knew seasoning could be so educational?

Today, I made a dramatic re-entry into my classroom for the first time in over a year, and let me tell you, it was an emotional rollercoaster kind of like finding out your favourite TV show has been renewed, but with a completely new cast and a plot twist involving extra homework. The past week has been a whirlwind of teacherly chaos: prepping, emailing, and setting up for the grand re-opening of what can only be described as the “educational circus.” The flood of welcome-back messages made my heart do a happy jig, especially from a friend who didn’t say much but made sure I felt missed and loved. For a moment, I thought everyone expected me to return as my pre-sabbatical self, but thankfully, my travels have transformed me into a new and improved version.I’ve learned to appreciate every minute, live with love, and let gratitude be my compass.

My theme for this school year? Community. How htting! I’ve discovered that community in North America is like trying to find a unicorn in a haystack—full of diverse cultures, and always on the hunt for that elusive common ground. My students are the future, and I hope to inspire them to seek kindness and open-mindedness, just as I’ve done during my travels.

Here’s what I’ve learned during my sabbatical:

Don’t Overbook Your Calendar: Leave space for spontaneity! Whether it’s an unexpected forest stroll or an impromptu coffee with a colleague, let your days breathe. Back-to-back meetings are so last year—and so is my old calendar.

People Are Good: Despite the news giving us a daily dose of doom and gloom, I’ve encountered more kindness and warmth than I ever imagined. Portugal showered me with hugs when I left, and I’m getting a warm reception back here, too. It’s like the universe has a hug quota I’m fulfilling.

Embrace New Experiences: Dive into new things, even if they scare you. I’ve been juggling social media for the arts department, experimenting with graphic design, and researching for Sooo. Magazine. Plus, I’m developing a children’s book with Colombian farmers—so stay tuned for that!

Celebrate Your Scars and Imperfections: They’re like battle trophies. Each scar tells a story of resilience and growth. Instead of hiding them, flaunt them! They’re proof of your journey and the healing along the way. Rock those scars like they’re the latest fashion trend.

A huge shoutout to all my friends in Portugal and across Europe for your love and support. From Porto to Lisbon, from MAAT to the Palace of Mafra, your support has been my guiding light. I will miss the food so much—especially those heavenly pasteis de nata! I’ll do my best to stick to my Mediterranean diet, but don’t be surprised if I show up with an extra pound or two of Portuguese pastries.Stay curious, stay fabulous, and keep exploring!

Obrigado and até logo!