So being the new girl in a new town, I am actually in the process of downloading the first episode of The Mary Tyler Moore show. As I keep hearing “You’re going to make it after all…” (the only part of the theme song I can remember) in my head, I figured it is an excellent theme to this current move.

I may not have a couch yet, but as of this morning I have cutlery. Using a martini glass as a bowl and a measuring spoon as a “regular spoon” (both left by the previous tenant) the other night was fun, but it has since gotten old. Today I was buying cleaners and light bulbs and plates, all things previously bought and shared with old housemate. Thinking about what I could live without for awhile (the “wants”) vs what I really must have in order to keep things clean (the “needs.”), was humbling beyond belief.

Along with not having a couch, I also currently don’t have internet access. So I’m writing this at a lovely cafe in Alexandria (Buzz) listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, my favorite singing combo ever. Not having internet issues means not being able to look up job listings, so as I need a job to have a couch, I’m looking online at various open positions.

While sometimes these searches send you down the rabbit hole, this one has unearthed an extra bonus surprise, the work of Panmela Castro while learning more about the Global Women Entrepreneurs in Handcrafts Development Program offered by Vital Voices.

The website has a lovely write-up about the work Panmela is doing, using graffiti as a way to bring about social change! Although I’m highly biased, it always so inspiring to learn about people using graffiti and street art as tools for positive activism. You can also see the results of the Graffiteras Pela Lei Maria de Penha here.