The Stories That Walked Through the Door

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  There is something a little surreal about rolling a suitcase full of books into a bookstore when your name is on every cover. You write them quietly. You edit them. You second-guess them. You work through covers, publishing, distribution and all the details no reader ever sees. Then one day, you unpack those books onto a table in a beautiful independent bookstore and wait to see who walks through the door. Saturday at Bookery Manchester , they walked through. And what a gift they were. A Perfect Day for a Bookstore It was damp and gray outside, the kind of New Hampshire day that practically begs you to wander into a bookstore and stay awhile. Inside, my table was filled with The Internal Fungus Among Us , Rooted & Renewed , and Watered & Whole , along with bookmarks, information about my wellness work, and a wellness giveaway basket filled with all three signed books, my Gut Health Grocery Guide, a journal, candle, eye mask and a few other little things meant to e...
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Bouncing Around Portugal

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Bouncing Around Portugal

Portugal has a way of surprising you at every turn, castles, cathedrals, coastline, and history woven into every village and stone walkway. Here are a few snapshots from my journey, each one a reminder of how much beauty is packed into this country.




Cabo da Roca

Portugal’s westernmost point, and the most western part of Europe.
It’s said you must touch the monument to make it official, so of course… I did.



Turrets and Hidden Kitchens

The turrets on top of this home represent where the kitchens are located. Something about this house feels a little spicy, in the best way.



One of Many Forts

Portugal is full of forts, strong, weathered, and still standing like quiet guardians of the coastline.



Lisbon Cathedral

A breathtaking reminder that history here isn’t just remembered, it’s lived.



A Portuguese Palace

Grandeur, detail, and timeless architecture that makes you pause in awe.



Chapel of the Royal Palace

A sacred space filled with stillness and beauty.



Entryway to the Palace

This statue is said to represent the elements of the earth, or perhaps those who supported the ones who were out at sea.

Either way, it feels like a symbol of strength, grounding, and devotion.






View from the Palace Courtyard

Even the courtyard was impressive, and much larger than it appears in photos.





The Caves

A final reminder that Portugal’s magic isn’t only in its cities, it’s also carved into its coastline.


Love & Light

jMf


If this story resonated with you, you can explore more reflections on healing, growth, and faith in my book From Soil to Soul: Watered & Whole, available on Amazon.

If this resonated with you, I share more reflections on gut health, healing, and whole-person wellness at Forward ThinKer Wellness. Follow along or reach out directly at forwardthinkerwellness@gmail.com — I'd love to connect.










 

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