Gulmohar

The Gulmohar (Delonix regia or Royal Poinciana in English) is an abundant flowering tree, that grows in many places in the world. And is also common in Mumbai.

This Gulmohar stands nearby Melissa in Florida

Today I was gifted a Gulmohar, 25 years old! Not as big as the tree on the picture above, but a beautiful bonsai. Full of promise to flower as fervently as you might expect of a flame tree, for many more years with the right care, the right soil, right watering, and of course: with the right sunlight.

We share a lifespan of 25 years, the bonsai and I. And we are hopeful for another great 25 years. Of flowers, sunlight and water. Hopeful and eager, of a future as we were.

CONGRATS for Melissa!

Many CONGRATULATIONS for Melissa, today turning 17!

Far away in Florida, working hard on tennis and in school, we want you to know how GREAT you are.

We love, care for you, and see so many great virtues in you.

And we wish you all happiness in life!

Beach Beauty at 16

American school girl with a real smile!

Strong and always carrying others!

Lovely ...

Some years back ...

Parabéns mamã!



Parabéns mamã!

Muitos anos bem dispostos!

You rock!

Keep fabulous!   Cheers!!

50 lived well

I thank you Maria da Luz e Camilo, my parents, for the depth of your love, and for holdind me in high regard.
Thank you for helping me define my core, develop a strong sense of self, and showing me how to live up to it.
Thank you for teaching me how to bring meaning into the otherwise trivial daily actions.
Thank you for providing a firm emotional background from where I fearless and confident can face the world and embrace life as it comes.

I thank you my sisters, my closest companions in life, for with the strength of your caracters and your bold honesty, reducing my self importance to zero.

I thank you my friends, for your trust and support, and for allowing me to devide my sorrows and to multiply my joys.

I thank you Hans, my husband, for coping with my imperfections every day and for inspiring me to become a better person.

I thank you, Camila and Melissa, my dear children, for loving me no matter what.

                                    A huge lot to celebrate!       Let's do it!!         Cheers!!!

Parabens! Gefeliciteerd! Congratulations!

Today is a manifold Good Friday: three generations Matos celebrate their birthdays, all born on the 6th April. Many congratulations to Ivone ("seeing Sarah"), and many congratulations to Maria da Luz - both young forever and sharing their birthday with their mother and grandmother! Let the champagne flow on this celebrate day ...