Spiral Alchemy

Tag: me

  • Chasing Magic in São Miguel

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    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
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    I recently traveled to the Azores, back to the island I was born on for the first time alone since we immigrated to the U.S when I was four. I had visited a couple of times in the past with my parents and friends, each time as exhilarating as it was absolute chaos. We were always spread…

  • A Server’s Tale

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    “Bars are the places where life in the city reveals itself…where ordinary people go have a drink, ponder the weather, and are always ready for a chat. Buy a newspaper and enjoy the ebb and flow of people.” -Paulo Coelho Ah, the ebb and flow of people. Simultaneously enchanting and monotonous, especially from the perspective…

  • Listen to Yourself: On Achieving Self-Discipline

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    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in , ,

    “The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.” When was the last time you sat in silence and felt yourself slip into nothing? Do you ever tune out the noise around you and pay attention to what happens next? If the answer is ‘yes’ and you’ve allowed yourself moments to stall out, this cryptic message…

  • Slowing Down

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    Thoughts written on the back of specials menus during a late night serving shift It shouldn’t be lonely to be alone. Resilience is knowing this,                      living without relying.                                  Something…

  • A Guy and a Gal in Galway (Part 2)

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    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    A vibrant tale about a couples’ first adventure abroad in a city where the Guinness flows like water and the locals are as friendly as the sheep The second leg of our journey begins in the heart of Galway’s city center (or centre) with freshly poured beers in hand, watching from the patio of a…

  • Ebb and Flow

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    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
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    I dove full force into oil painting for the first time a couple weeks ago and LOVED it! The way the colors seem to communicate with one another and dance is incredible. As I was painting this, I felt like the paints were guiding me and not the other way around. Often, I’d have an…

  • A Guy and a Gal in Galway (Part 1)

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    A vibrant tale about a couples’ first adventure abroad in a city where the Guinness flows like water and the locals are as friendly as the sheep On May 2nd 2018, my boyfriend, Richard, and I embarked on our first adventure abroad together to Galway, Ireland. Where my anxious brain might’ve expected drunken arguments in…

  • Luminescence

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    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    I don’t believe in God, but sometimes I talk to the Moon. If I’m alone and listen carefully, it whispers to me. I usually begin with a question. “Am I going to be okay?” You’ll see, with time. Deep breath in “But will I be happy?” I hope so. Exhale Never a concrete answer At…

  • Kitty

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    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in ,

    I spent my first five-dollar bill on a stuffed kitten. We had just moved to The States and were rummaging through the toy aisle at Target when Papa slipped me some cash. “Pick something special to bring home.” On my quest, I spotted a striped orange cat with almond eyes and clear plastic whiskers poking…

  • Ode to Rose

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    by

    Mariana Rodrigues Cabral
    in

    I pull back my hair with your raisin clip as you waltz in and out of rooms Only you can paint with olive oil on Sunday morning “Can I help with anything?”   Fine sesame hair, freckled skin that smells like sunrise Your broken nail clings to my hair during braiding time It’s only 7…