Who Am I - A Solo Female Expat in Portugal

A Short Bio

I want to introduce myself and my million accolades, just kidding!

I’m a US Expat and recovering Californian who moved to Portugal solo, sight unseen, without a support group in 2022.

My background: I’ve worn many hats and had many careers throughout my life. Maybe because as soon as I “master” something, I want a new challenge. Maybe it’s because I’m fickle. Maybe it’s because I’m Gen X and that’s one of our many “qualities”. Whatever the reason, the outcome is simply, I have gained knowledge and experience in several areas.

The ones that are relevant here are: I spent almost twenty years as a television producer, writer, director and actor though the acting part was the least of it because I wasn’t very good. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Film (Screenwriting and Production) and a Masters of Science in Chinese medicine. Completely different ends of the spectrum, I know!

After flitting from one career and interest to the next, in 2016 I followed my lifelong passion and ended up as a writer. To date (September 2023) I’ve written twenty-five novels and published eighteen. I write in several genres, mostly fiction and, I’ve yet to “make it”!!! But I keep on writing. I’m indie published and it’s been a slow road.

I’ve written blog posts for many years, I had a weekly podcast and I’m new to substack. So new that I’ve already made too many mistakes to list!

I hope you will read, like and/or subscribe to my “expating journey” to glean entertainment and value.

I’m not the only one talking about my experiences here in Portugal. I love that others share their expat experiences in this space, and beyond. Before I moved out of the US, I gobbled up as much information as I could and all of it was different. Everyone has a different take, bend, spin and most importantly, experiences!

I still enjoy reading about other people’s experiences in Portugal. Some are similar and other experiences are vastly different. I find this both incredible and helpful!

For short, how-to, personal tidbits and informational vids on living in Portugal you can find me on TikTok.

For photos of Portugal and travels (including vanlife) please follow on instagram.

My old/er podcast (live your dream and how to travel full time) is on my website.

I welcome reader interaction so if you have questions or just want to say hi, please do!