I still haven't found...

... and that may never happen. That is something good I guess. It can keep you searching and learning. Anyway, metaphors apart, what i haven't got yet is time to write properly. The words do keep coming to mind, the world keeps inspiring me though when that happens I'm usually on a bus, sleeping, during class...

Much has changed since I changed job. You might have not much idea since I don't write about myself often, but I can assure you you it is huge and good. the job is great. I have learned so much and I have also faced really hard situations that have helped me to grow. I have dad chances to develop projects, field trips, workshops and training. Sleep hasn't been worse, but I cannot complain much now.

Below are some extra photos from Rio das Ostras, in particular, the "Coca-Cola" (Coke) Pond - due to the high iodine concentration and of salts the water is as black as Coke.  Ain't our coast nice? 

Here are a couple of trees taken at Ibirapuera Park in the city of São Paulo. A good  friend of mine took them to show her aunt who is a painter and loves painting trees. I liked these so I decided to show  you guys. More on Ibirapuera HERE.

That's it so far. I'm really into the show and tell thing. There is more to be told and shown, but this is soon, I hope.

Carnival

Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil. It is not about a big moment in history or about a famous person, but it is important for the people because it's a time of camaraderie, freedom, and almost a whole week without work. People can choose between parties or rest, and most people choose parties, day after day, night after night.

It starts forty days before Easter. It's based on the Christian calendar, but it isn't approved by the Church very well. It lasts four days and four nights. It starts on Saturday and finishes on a Thursday. People put on their costumes and go out into the streets or to clubs. There are also the Samba schools which make a parade showing their music, fantasies, and allegorical cars. They are followed by the people. Every year the parade tell a different story. Each city has one or more schools like this.

Carnival is celebrated in the south where by Wednesday everything comes back to normal. The problem is that it is not approved by the church in the Northwest where carnival is more traditional. There people don't respect its end and continue to party until the next Sunday.

I like Carnival, but I am that kind of a  party person. I respect this holiday though. And, like at every other popular party, people drive, dance and have fun. Unfortunately, some people aren't conscientious and give it a bad name, leaving a bad impression of this holiday, but it is the only national holiday that moves all the country and its different kinds of people and cultures together.

I decided to rest. And at the same time visit some old friends. They live in Rio city, and some of them have a house in the north part of Rio state, a region named "Região dos Lagos", in "Rio das Ostras" to be specific. They have this new house by the beach which I had never been till this holiday. I could rest, get a tan, have lots of fun, feel flattered after making ice cream and everyone fighting for it. Below are some pics and some brief description.

Below is the front of the house. The sea is a few meters behind me.

Here are some spots from inside and around the house.

Here is most of the guys behind the house where the pool is. After the larger one, are some more spots from the pool and around it.

This is the beach in front of the house. Unfortunatelly I could not enter the sea due to the fact that it is too wavy and... I don't swim... This first pic below, I wanted to show the bird.. and the ski.

I did like to take the kids to the beach to catch some shells. They loved it!

Below is "Costa Azul" beach. Just 3 or 4 miles away from where I was staying.  Below you can see the beaches, people walking on the large sidewalk and the whale square. Those beaches have dark sand, so they are called "Coca-Cola beaches".

This "truck" below is named Trio Elétrico. Musicians get on the top playing and singing while the crowd follows it.

Here are some of the old and new friends I met.

Below there is Zeca, the dog of the house. The other pic is Cristina, the owner of the house, and Zeca.

That's all for now. Take care, you Xanga people!

Currently Listening The Black Album By Jay-Z see related

Doing great!

It has been quite some long time I don't write here. And it is going to be like that for quite some time. Meanwhile here are some places and people that are part of my routine. Whatever it may be.

The pictures above were taken at Sumaré subway station on my way to dance class. the station is located underneath an overpass. The avenue view above is what we see through the windows.

Above are spots of Jardins neighborhood while going to the first national convention from my new company. The streets seem peaceful because we were in the middle of a holiday. What? Me working during a holiday? Yeah...

Above is the home of a good friend of mine. There is also the front part of her studio. Can you see the dog Chocolate on the top of the stairs???

Chocolate on the grass, and Luana, my goddaughter.

Above is the whole crew interrupting a nice chat to take some pictures.

Allow me to introduce my future husband Aramis and his mom Chrysane. Not only is she  one of my best friends but in about 25 years she'll also be my mother-in-law. hehehehe

Well, guys, that's all for now. I have lots of good news, but I will share later on. So far, I'll try to visit some of you good people.

Take care.

New. Again...

2007 is here guys. I can't believe how fast 2006 was...well, it felt really fast for me . It seems like it just turned 2006. I was so occupied with work and I still am and I can foresee 2007 to pass by fast too. Sometimes I wish I can afford to just relax but I seem to lose control sometimes and let myself become a busy bee.

2007 will be an interesting year for me, I can feel it. I am now officially the new coordinator at the school I work for. I will be busy juggling my personal and work life, then. Hopefully things will go smoothly with the dance classes and hopefully work will go well too. I do have great plans this year..mostly dedicating it to make life a little bit more stable. Right now, I'm a bit disorganized, a total opposite of who I am. I used to remember all appointments and important events just by memory but I seem to be having problems with my brain lately (or is it ust stress?) and I have forgotten so many things, some of them quite important that would have cost me my life (a little bit too extreme but you know what I mean). So this calls for help, an organizer comes to the rescue. I just need to make myself get used to using it. I have the means but I have to get used to writing to it..lol.

So how did I greet 2007? I went to the farm again, so did all the rain in the world.Because of that we played all the indoor games we had- including truth or dare...lol. It was a lot of fun (plus Brazilians won both male and female Sao Silvestre marathon in Sao Paulo! wohoo!) We went to a video store and  watched movie all day (a great way to start the new year!). And here I am, organizing things for work tomorrow *sigh*.

I am excited and anxious. I am excited for some future events that are coming this year; anxious to get things done right away this year. One thing I need to teach myself this year: I need to step back, relax and enjoy life. As the saying goes, "Don't take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway."

below, mixed snapshots.. no caption.

**Pics of the new year in Copacabana

To you all... Happy New year!

Currently Listening The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring By Howard Shore, Enya see related

Words from the heart's current state

 

The long drawn attempt to revive my assurance of self worth, has begun to see the light of fulfillment, after a mushy lapse into sloth.The journey ahead, though triggered by a vivid sense of destination is at stake, for the resolve is momentary,the emotional upheavals inexplicable and the future unpredictable.But i am grateful for this day, because i could rise above the nagging preoccupations and acknowledge life with a sense of accomplishment, perceive the genuine smiles, the thoughtful urges and the constant companionship, which rekindled the feel of belonging and made me realize the goodness of it all.The beauty may slither into oblivion, in the face of just another triviality, but it remains intact, in silent anticipation, as always.I may not see everyday, what i saw today. But i m glad that i could see it today.

These photos were taken today. The place is the school where I am a coordinator. Basically now I am changing job and position. Weird how it feelis like I'm stepping on eggshells. It is thrilling as well. }Well, enjoy them. I will try to post more later. Take care, y'all.