Amazing Grace, indeed

This was a little piece of Heaven I experienced on a Saturday in June. It was the second time we visited these friends' house. The first time was a year ago and we had never met in person... only online! We felt such hospitality and warmth that we felt we were family. Last year, I realized this family does what I've been wanting to do in theory/dreams and have never successfully/naturally/organically implemented at our house. They are also a bilingual family (father is Irish), the mom also writes (but actually BOOKS... something, again, I only think of doing in theory), they also don't use electronics individually, at least not while we were there and each child plays an instrument. Every night, after dinner, they sing songs together in the living room, read the day's mass readings, reflect together on them and finish with the rosary. This is so simple to them and so COMPLEX to others like me (and you, I'm sure!) that they actually started a movement: https://www.familiasdecana.pt/

This upcoming weekend they are having a family camp, in tents. Let me know if you want more information!

Anyway, after lunch, they nonchalantly took out their instruments, shared some songs the oldest daughter had composed (I know... whaaaaat) and asked what we wanted to sing. They taught Adelaide (and me!) how to play along, harmonizing, when someone starts playing something. You either hear what key the song is in, or ask if your ears are like mine, and play notes from that scale. Especially the I, IV and V. Simple enough, right? 

Sometimes the sisters stay up late playing together, composing and improvising, on their porch with an amazing view. And, unlike the rude neighbors I have heard of here in Lisbon who ask people to STOP practicing music (yes, even if it's during the day), their neighbors say, play more!