How are we already on the last day of January?
It went by in a blur and I had to go back into my photo album to remember all that happened, some things already feel ages ago and others feel but a moment ago.
December was a big beautiful intentional month and both Kat and myself went out of our way to make some new traditions. It was the first time in 4 years we felt ready to celebrate the holidays which felt significant for both of us. I was deeply touched to get invited to some family celebrations this year and I graciously accepted and spent time with my dear friends in Aveiro. It was good for me and very uplifting. I closed out 2025 with a day trip to Tomar before heading home, I’ll share more about that in a separate post. I also did another gorgeous walk to Lisbon Cathedral with my friend, Pam which we both wanted to do before the year ended.
I was also determined to see the fireworks in Cascais on New Years Eve. I had to make last minute plans for the evening which ended up being such a beautifully unscripted evening with a good ending. We crawled into bed around 2am and honestly to see out 2025 so kindly was truly an unexpected gift!
Goodbye 2025 and Hello 2026!
I stayed in Cascais on New Years Eve as we had planned to be up early to do the cold water sea swim that everyone notoriously does on the 1st January known as Primeiro banho do ano (first swim of the year). The only problem was that it was bitterly cold and wet but we were committed to each other to see it through. I’m so proud of us. The water was bearable but getting undressed… not so much!
This image of the four of us running into the sea is by far one of my favourite images from the past year and there were many. I’ve decided to have it printed out and I will place it somewhere special. I took my tripod with me and filmed us entering in and exiting out. This image was worth the effort.
Thank you beautiful ladies… same time this year. xxx
I have quietly entered January with some post December blues. It’s an old familiar January companion of mine. I am amazed just how much my body still keeps the score to some of these old pattens and rhythms. The beauty for me now is not fighting it but I have rather ushered her in to sit with me and we will go gently together as we navigate our way back to that deep sense of joy I’ve been walking with the past six months. I am using all my modalities to recover… writing every morning, somatic movement, predominately Tai Chi, Swimming Dragon which is profoundly mood stabilising. I am also back to painting everyday, walking everyday and of course, swimming when I can, storm dependent.
With somatic movement and painting, the brain engages in such a way that it can’t be distracted by pain or intrusive thoughts and for those beautiful hours there is no discomfort.
My walks continue to be visually exquisite and a reminder to me that when you seek, you will always find beautiful wherever you go. My photography continues to mature and grow and has always been an additional support to my creative process. I’ve been getting a lot of messages and requests for my images lately and this has been a delightful surprise. I’m exploring some creative ideas around this.
So that all being said, a tad bit late, as usual… Happy New Year to you and may 2026 be your best year yet, from my heart to yours, always… Jeanne-Marie
