Post 'Category 3 / Explosive cyclogenesis'..I'm back. 🌧️Sessions this weekend!

HEY there. I’m tentatively online. I say tentatively, because I don’t like to agree to something and then bail — but as you may know, I’ve been offline following what has been described as an “Explosive Sting Jet Cyclogenesis” (AKA Kristin), that devastated many parts of our beloved Portugal.

If you just want to know when I've rescheduled this week's session to, then just scroll to the bottom or check the updated calendar!

So this is a little about our experience of an “Explosive Sting Jet Cyclogenesis” 💨

We (Hubbie Carl, me, and our 3 kids) were, thankfully, away from the aforementioned sting jet — which is described as a scorpion’s stinger ♏🦂 — as it curved in and stung Portugal about 36kms away from where we live. Leiria was hit bad.

As it came in, it sounded like a truck 🚛 was barrelling into our home. Our curtains were blowing around as if our windows were wide open — but they were firmly shut, double glazed, and with shutters down. We were huddled away from the windows, praying it would pass us by.

And then it was lights out.

Thankfully, we had advanced knowledge that a storm was coming in. To be honest, we’ve heard that many times before — and like the kid who cried wolf, we didn’t take it that seriously. We prepared a little, but were honestly surprised when it really was a BIG DEAL.

We had charged up our devices, pulled our plant pots into a sheltered position, drawn off a load of water to filter, grabbed candles, matches, firewood, and rechargeable battery packs… all five of us sleeping like sardines in the same room. Bundled like mammals in a protective nest.

And our preparation was great. It helped lots. Note to self — pack chocolate next time.

Waking up the next day, the howling wind was still there. House alarms and car alarms going off — but without electricity, life sounds different.

Friends popped by and we compared notes. We were grateful that we don’t have electric shutters on our home. Many of our wealthier friends were locked into darkness for two days.

For us, being able to open our curtains became our new rhythm. Waking up earlier, winding down around 5. We had to cook quickly and simply, eating around our fireplace. Playing bingo by candlelight, pairs, snap… we had fun with the kids.

We walked around town during the day to see what was going on and to lend a hand. The paradox was not knowing what was going on in the world. Was it just us? Where was worse hit? Did it go deeper into Europe? Was the storm coming back?

Cut off from internet and electricity, we had nothing but faith — good faith that we’d be alright. But we knew nothing. Walking and chatting to other people who similarly knew nothing. In the hands of the Creator. Bewildering, and yet also reassuring.

On night two, Carl invited us on a night walk — no streetlamps, just the waxing moon, some stars. Intimate.

A breakthrough moment was realising the fire brigade 🚒 had super comms. We sat in the fire brigade café to connect to the outside world for a few minutes. And that was it.

We actually enjoyed this new normal. We went to bed in our new dorm arrangement feeling safe and laughing, Carl reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory until we fell asleep.

I enjoyed these simpler 2 days a lot.The ease of not having so much choice.

We were closer. We were enjoying it. And we knew this time would end — like a beautiful holiday coming to an end. There was an apprehension about losing this strange peace we’d been given.

And then just as suddenly as the storm had arrived, the electricity came back on.

Today, the true horror of what this sting jet had wreaked upon us became clear. We've been able to catch up with the news.

We were lucky. Some lost their lives. Landslides, floods, pylons ripped out of the ground. And more locally, our favourite cafés, restaurants, and shops were boarded up — their windows and awnings smashed and torn down.

Today has been bittersweet. Relief that we could empty, clean, and restock the fridge — and at the same time deep sadness for our friends, our community, and our country who are hurting.

To our friends who had roofs ripped off, homes crushed under trees, businesses smashed open — we are in shock with you. We’ve been walking around a bit numb.

The water is on and off. 💦 The electricity too. ⚡But fingers crossed, I’ll be here tomorrow. I'm coming back online.

🌙Full Moon Session - Saturday 31st, 8pm London (UK) time - Everyone welcome

♉Taurus Live Lab Sessions (Premium/VIP members) - Sunday 1st at 9am and 8pm. London (UK) time.

🕐Check the calendar for the times in your local timezone.

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