18 Comments
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Emily Levin's avatar

So grateful to have found you here, Imola. Journeys are not to be confused for vacations, are they? You really make that truth sing here. Thanks for this!

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Imola's avatar

Yes! Exactly. But of course you will have an illuminating close reading that will teach me something more. Grateful to have found you here too, Emily.

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Emily Levin's avatar

❤️

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Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

Your concluding thought, "I am not glamorous, but I am resourceful. And of that, I am proud," is such a powerful statement, Imola. It strikes at the heart of what true strength and fulfillment often look like. In a world that often prioritizes effortless perfection and material displays, you've flipped the script and highlighted that genuine glamour isn't about what you possess, but about your ability to adapt, create, and thrive despite limitations.

I often think about how much creativity is born from constraint. When we're handed a blank check, it's easy to just fill in the blanks, but when resources are limited, our minds are forced to conjure up ingenious solutions. That, to me, is the most enviable form of wealth – not endless resources, but endless resourcefulness. Your story is a testament to the fact that ingenuity and resilience are far more attractive and sustainable than any superficial sparkle.

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Imola's avatar

Alexander, you always say it better than I do!! Thank you! From my heart to yours. Truly.

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Alice Dvořák-Hughes's avatar

There should be no such thing as “too short for a woman my age”, really!!! I get those feelings around that…howeverrrrr… I think you find seeing THAT photo of this superb woman her age (and what a woman at that!!) that is YOU… I am happy to CONFIRM

YOU HAVE OUR BLESSSSSSSSIIIIIIIINGS and so much more… love you in them hottiepants writing away about the kind of glamour that is so much more glamorous than all da Guccis, Puccis and Vuittons😍💕🙌🏻🎉😘🔥🩲

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Imola's avatar

Oh, Alice, I don’t know why but your comment actually got me teary. I guess I just feel your blessssssiiiings and love! Thank you a million. I think I will have to write that poem about those hottiepants (which my ex calls ‘stripper shorts’)… Stay tuned. And come to BP!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Aw, thanks for the shoutout, Imola! I learn from you, as well!! I feel like I could have written parts of this post, minus the teenagers! I am also such a light packer! (I meant to read Elissa's post. Thanks for the reminder!). And all the (often stressful) juggling that goes into being able to afford it -- whilst to the outside world, we appear to be just merrily coasting along. Haha.

I'm so glad you had this trip! I don't think I knew that you're from Budapest! I've only been there once, but I loved it! Which side of the river are you from? And you're renovating an apartment there? Anyway, I hope your beloveds' hormones steady out sooooon!

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Imola's avatar

Aw. Thank you Jane! Yes, ‘coasting along’ here… if only if it were true. I stay on the Pest (flat/ central) side of Budapest. Not as green as Buda, but convenient walk away from most places. A beautiful city, but of course I have a complicated relationship with it. I am told hormones will steady eventually, but it will take years!

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mary g.'s avatar

oh, i loved today's post! Thanks for the shout-out--so sweet of you. You look amazing in that yellow dress and I love the green handbag! Your daughters! And is that your mom? Very impressive that you have found ways to travel, though none of it is easy. Glad to hear Home Exchange is working for you. Our neighbors are members and they love it. (I also carry only a teeny carry-on bag while traveling. Haven't checked a bag in years.)

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Imola's avatar

Thank you Mary! Yes, those are my two daughters and my mum. A rare moment of peace :)

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Lara's inner work space's avatar

Enjoy your travels dear heart !!

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Imola's avatar

Thank you dear heart!! Will reach out this week. Xx

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Thank you for the mention, Imola. You look absolutely glamorous in that brief yellow dress. Have a wondrous trip. xx

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Imola's avatar

Thank you Mary! Xx

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Éva's avatar

Love this! And yes, you're hot!! Sending you 💓!

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Imola's avatar

Haha. I think my daughter meant temperature hot, which it certainly has been :)

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Éva's avatar

Hot temperatures and a gorgeous woman with beautiful daughters!

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