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Mahalo means to be grateful. Aloha has a number of beautiful meanings. What a month of November...

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota

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#22 Pixie Dust

Pixie Dust is an apparently common expression related to Disney.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#21 Swallows

Swallows are a friendly little animal in every sense, and are one of the symbols of Portugal. They like to travel, choose a partner for life, always return to the same nest each spring, and only leave it when all the chicks have flown away for good.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#20 Finding love. Falling in love.

Squeezing Grandparents, Uncles, Cousins and Friends. Hugs, kisses and more hugs... (we're very physical).

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#19 The power in you

After a lot of thought, and contacting the respective parts of our professional anchors in Portugal, we are going to extend our stay by another year. When we presented the proposal to the family team, the reaction was immediate.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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# 18 Land of the free, home of the brave

I've always loved anthems. Despite the warlike tone, I always found it amusing to hear emotional players before matches chanting a kind of motivational speech for the match.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#17 If you laugh if you cry...

My birthday dinner was different from usual, but it was also delicious. We had two large families together in our cute little corner, and although we didn't have chairs for everyone, we were very comfortable.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#16 Never worse but never better

The phenomenon has already taken hold of this family, and although they won't admit it, the truth is that we have two Swifties in the house. And a loyal fan. I like it more and more myself, I must confess. We found Wonderland...

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#15 Solo walking at night and opportunities

We picked Mercedes up from the bus when we arrived at the OSS (Outdoor Science School) camp and when we saw her with a big smile, it was heaven. She hugged us and the first thing she said was: "Mommy, I did a solo hike in the night"...

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#14 Palm trees and white peaks

Diversity is what best defines California, it seems to me. Of cultures, landscapes, possible experiences, flavors, fauna and flora, the open-mindedness of those who live here...

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#13 Embracing the unknown

I remember when I was 13, when we moved to another school district, I convinced my parents not to change schools or swimming clubs, so that we could continue with what we had known until then.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#12 The value of things

The international family enthusiastically organized to welcome us at 7 both in Chicago and Canada, and we bought the trips convinced that despite being a very expensive time of year, the value of Christmas as a family was well worth the investment.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#11 Giving Season

At this time of year maybe we'll all be a bit Merry and Bright, or at least there'll be a global attempt to integrate the spirit and be more generous.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
West Coast Screenshot Oct At Am: flower, petal, flower arrangement, flower bouquet, dahlia, leaf, geranium, floral design, da

#10 Thanksgiving and one of the 7 wonders of the world

With life happening in the fast-moving wheel that it is everywhere, I must confess that I love this moment of pause when American families come together to give thanks on Thanks Giving. Being grateful must be one of the most important cultivable virtues.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#9 Halloween, Friendsgiving and Christmas

Since August we've had pumpkins and bats everywhere, and it goes without saying that the preparations for October 31st in the afternoon, from the supermarket, to the decorations in each house, the nooks and crannies of the streets of Seal Beach, etc., promised a big party in every sense.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#8 Amazing and Distressing

Even if it's for the better, even if it's temporary, even if it's far away or close to home, to our loved ones, to everything. Change is hard. It always means leaving your comfortable surroundings and adapting to everything new.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#7 days no

And when the video call suddenly arrives on the other end, and the longing for a tight hug, an unhurried conversation without an appointment becomes real, you apologize for the quick hang-up, for the discomfiture, or for the crying while staring at a screen in the middle of the street.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#6 Our people

This week Rodrigo turned 45.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#5 Avocados and passion fruit

Every once in a while, when I blur my lines, I remember that this all started because I came here to work! And when I remember that, it's also a mixture of excitement and butterflies in my stomach, because I make to-do lists every day, and it's rare that I eliminate all the points.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota
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#4 Enjoying the ride

When we landed after having managed to embark on this adventure, and tried to get around the challenges that came our way, worry and breathlessness became a constant.

Patrícia Mota
Patrícia Mota