What a beautiful trip we shared in Portugal!! The reflection time in Mateus’ Garden, a sun soaked lunch at the winery, learning how to make pasteis de nata’s together… so many wonderful memories keep coming to mind and we know they will continue to!

We began the trip with this quote by Louisa May Alcott and wanted to share it with you once more:

“We would respectfully advise all timid sisters now lingering doubtfully on shore, to strap up their bundles in light marching order, and push boldly off.

Bring home empty trunks, if you will, but heads full of new and larger ideas, hearts richer in the sympathy that makes the whole world kin, hands readier to help on the great work God gives humanity, and souls elevated by the wonders of art and diviner miracles of nature.

Leave. . . discontent, frivolity, and feebleness among the ruins of the old world, and bring home the new the grace, the culture, and the health which will make American women the bravest, brightest, happiest, and handsomest women in the world!”

From Porto to Lisbon and everywhere in between, our eyes were opened to historic rhythms and ways of life. We toured a cork factory, tried toile painting, learned how the traditional tiles (azulejos) are formed, enjoyed wine in the Douro Valley, honed our Portuguese cooking skills, and earned about early explorers who used a compass just like we have.

Our four point compass helps us to Look In, Look Out, Look Around and Look Forward. Ladies from all different ages and stages and backgrounds and cities represented within our group and gathered around a common center point: To Live Brave. To Pay Attention. To Intake More Art.