Portugal, I miss you already

: my upcoming art collection to celebrate Portugal

May 08, 2023

“Your Portugal visa is granted. Please send your passports to the embassy.”

A year ago, in May 2022, I video-d my husband jumping up and down with glee, running around like a happy kid in our living room. Our Portugal D7 visa was approved. We will be moving to Portugal!

Image: black & white sketch with fine liner pen and brush pen of my husband leaping up with both feet off the ground, his arms stretched high, big beaming smile. Reacting to the news that our Portugal D7 visa has been approved.Image: black & white sketch with fine liner pen and brush pen of my husband leaping up with both feet off the ground, his arms stretched high, big beaming smile. Reacting to the news that our Portugal D7 visa has been approved.

For several reasons, family being one of the main reasons, we are back in Malaysia. I’m writing this in May 2023. It’s been a year since the day we've gotten our D7 visa.

What a mind-blowing adventure and journey we had! Yes, we are saddened our season of living in Portugal was cut short, but we are giving our hallelujahs we had the opportunity to experience it.

image: Apple notes screenshot which says, "Too many goodbyes in five months," I said, as I placed my hand on my heart and bid another goodbye. More goodbyes to come in another month. "I might need therapy,", I joked and laughed it off.

In our own ways, my husband and I are still processing our time in Portugal. And adjusting to life back here. That is amidst, his not-so-pleasant surprise of needing radiotherapy treatment for his lymphoma, and two weeks after the completion of the sessions, the sudden passing of his mum. Such is life. An intermingling of joy and sorrow.

image: crayon sketch of a closed radiotherapy room door — I did sketches to calm myself through the waiting time outside the radiotherapy room

One day, when the time is right, perhaps I’ll write about this and share them with you.

For now, meanwhile—I’m grateful that as an artist, I get to relive memories of my time in Portugal and find solace through my art.

New collection coming up in May 2023

I’m currently working on a new line art collection of original artwork, featuring urban landscapes of Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Faro. Excited to share them with you through my eyes! This collection sees a stretching of me as an artist, a going beyond what I usually create.

image: flay lay of three line drawing (incomplete), taped to a board, with paint brushes on top

I can't wait to share these pieces with you and give you a glimpse into my Portugal experience through my eyes.

The collection will be released at the end of May, and there will only be five pieces of original artwork for this series.

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💖 Sending love,
Melinda

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