This is A Sign to Pay Attention to Signs
In all forms.
Bom Dia,
Coming to you today from a lovely resort in one of my new favorite places… Portugal’s Algarve Coast. I’ll be writing about the experience in future newsletters, but for now, I’m giving you a homework assignment: Look up Vilamoura, an area that’s absolutely bursting with opportunities for world-class golf, luxurious resorts, and recreation.
I’m here to cover the area and take part in the Vilamoura ProAm ~ an event that allowed me to play golf on world-class courses and meet golf professionals and amateurs from around the world. Plus, I got an inside look at the transformations underway in the area.
Truly amazing.
In this week’s newsletter:
a story
a message
a collection of links to keep you informed, entertained, and well
Story #1
Prior to this week’s trip to Portugal, my husband (Eric) and I enjoyed a three-day golf trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We stayed at the brand-new Spring Hill Suites by Marriott in Orange Beach. When I say brand-new, I’m talking newborn - the hotel opened just three weeks prior to our visit, and I honestly think we were the very first occupants of our room. (How often does that happen?!?)
My review? 10 out of 10 recommend this all-suites hotel. It had a great room set up with a work area, fridge, coffee maker, beautiful bathroom, and hotel amenities galore. The gym was top-notch, and my favorite part of the stay was the fact that the hotel had washing machines and dryers. (A godsend if you’ve been traveling for weeks and had more travel ahead of you like we did.) And, sidenote, why doesn’t every hotel feature laundry facilities?
At any rate, the story.
After a 10-plus-hour drive from Naples, Florida, Eric and I arrived in Gulf Shores around dinner time. We were tired. And hungry. And very glad to be meeting our host from Visit Alabama’s Beaches at an area hotspot called Papa Rocco’s, known for its warm beer and lousy pizza in case you’re wondering.
We were the kind of tired where we were on autopilot… our one goal was to get to the destination, no sightseeing along the way.
We were in that mode until we saw a Speed Limit sign that said:
I asked Eric if he saw it, which, of course, he did, because it said 26, not 25. We discussed theories on why it was 26. I guessed it was to make people actually go 26 or under, and not speed. I mean, correct me if I’m wrong, but if you see a sign that says Speed Limit 25, do you even notice it?
Kind of blends in, right?
At the restaurant, our host confirmed that the road signs in the area sometimes have one-off speed limits to prompt visitors to slow down… and actually not speed. Not just for the sake of not getting a ticket, but for the safety for visitors & residents alike.
This article has the whole story on the Speed Limit 26 sign.
Not a bad idea, Alabama.
The Speed Limit 26 sign made me wonder:
What other warning signs do we overlook because our brains have become so accustomed to seeing them that we don’t pay attention when we should?
And I’m not just talking road signs.
I’m talking about advice we hear all the time - eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, reduce stress, schedule doctor’s visits - but don’t pay attention to. Maybe that’s why it takes an attention getter (a symptom, someone we love getting sick, or hearing stories of illness or accidents) to make us actually take action for the important things.
The lesson/takeaway?
I’m going to try to be more present, more observant, (less on my phone and in my head) and actually take note of (and follow!) important signs and messages I see each day.
And act on them.
In other words, I’m going to keep my head on a swivel to notice what’s happening in front of my face.
And now, onto the links section. This week, I’m keeping things light. Instead of a big list of links you might skim and forget, I’m sharing just a few favorites—the ones that truly made me pause, think, and pay attention.
Enjoy!
Abbey
Speaking of signs… If you’ve followed me for awhile, you might have heard the story about how when my mom was in her last days, she woke up in the middle of the night and said, “I’ll be a butterfly at Christmas.” (She died on December 4.) Well, since then, she’s “visited me” with butterflies. In all sorts of situations, including the golf course. See pic below - this butterfly 🦋 followed me for at least four holes until stopping on my vest for a selfie. ⬇️
Next, an IG post that hit:
This feels like something we all need to read: The Lost Art of Paying Attention.
Next, a podcast that’s just plain fun- times two. Kristen Wiig guest stars on Good Hang with Amy Pohler. Speaking of Kristen, have you watched her in Palm Royale? (Seasons One and Two on Apple TV.)
About the Happy Hour pic. ⬆️ Okay, so admittedly, I don’t get out much. So maybe this concept isn’t new, but it was new to me - a happy hour offered at two times, 3-6 and then 9-close. Sort of a rule breaker… you can have a happy hour other than before six o’clock! Genius. Made me think - what other rules need to be broken or amended?
Speaking of rule breakers… who says lattes need to be blonde, flat, and white? Starbucks is now making them lavender. ☕
It sure seems like the entire world has been under a cold snap. My thought is do whatever it takes to get cozy - this aesthetic electric blanket might help, maybe it’s time to stock up on affordable cashmere sweaters from Quince, and
