Confession time. I’ve been binge watching Hallmark Movies since November 9. You may be wondering why that’s news worthy. Well, we’ve had one long-standing rule in my family. No Christmas movies before Thanksgiving. We felt it was important to embrace Halloween and Thanksgiving, to savor those festivities and all the memories they bring. We resented the fact that retailers drag their holiday decorations out before Halloween. We don’t want to rush things. We’d much prefer to linger in the moment and enjoy each holiday rather than fast-forwarding to the grand finale. So, why would I break this long-standing rule? I’m not big on watching TV. I much prefer to read and write {{{obviously}}}. The only thing I regularly watch is the news. I teach courses in international relations, human security, and peacekeeping, so I’ve got to stay apprised of current events.
There in lies the problem. Our current political climate scares me. And, you know what? I’ve been feeling that way for quite some time. The political rhetoric; the demonizing; the fear mongering; all those hate-filled speeches; the chaos; the lies {{{oh, my word, the lies}}}; the erosion of our civil liberties, our democracy, and our constitutional rights; this rise in hate crimes; the KKK literature littering the streets in my community; the tiki torches on university campuses; the mail bombs; the active shooters targeting those with different skin tones, religions, or political beliefs – this presents a security threat for all of us, regardless of our political affiliation. I’ve seen adults and children alike bullying others, threatening American citizens, those visiting from other countries, those who came here seeking refuge, and those who are here legally, screaming at them, demanding they leave our country. It’s terrifying really, because I’ve seen where this all leads. I’ve spent decades analyzing violent conflicts in places like Rwanda, Darfur, Bosnia, Kosovo, Syria, Ukraine, Georgia, Germany, and Iraq. All the warning signs are there. We are drawing perilously close to authoritarian rule, government collapse, and violent group conflict. That scares me, and it hurts my heart.
You see, I’ve been mourning the loss of civility, integrity, honesty, kindness, and respect. That’s why I’m watching Hallmark movies a little earlier this year. I want to see more kindness; more selfless, heartwarming, cocoa drinking, cookie making, sleigh riding, snow-ball fighting, awkward, tender and romantic moments. I want to see flawed people make mistakes but choose to do the right thing in the end. I want to see wonderful things happen to kind people. I want to see the good guys win. And I want to see it over and over again.
So, yes, I’m binge watching Hallmark movies a little earlier this year. I know it’s not the most productive use of my time. This may very well delay the book I’m writing, but you know what? I need these feel-good moments like I need my next breath. So, this has me wondering if everyone carved out time to watch these Hallmark movies, if it wouldn’t change things… if it wouldn’t inspire us to be kinder, more selfless, giving, and patient with others. There are kind, selfless, heroic people out there accomplishing great things. I know these people exist. I am fortunate enough to have several of them in my life. And, guess what? I’ve been baking more cookies, volunteering more in my community, seeking opportunities to be kind. I’ve been spending more time with family and friends and really savoring those moments with them. So, don’t underestimate the power of a Hallmark movie. Tune in instead. They just might save us in the end.
In Broken Together Rafael takes Kristine to Portugal, where he reveals a closely guarded secret. Kristine falls hopelessly in love with Portugal. Is it any wonder? Majestic castles and intricately carved churches are nestled like jewels among white-washed limestone buildings and red clay roofs that spill into the ocean from the hillsides of Lisbon. The cobblestone roads are more appropriately labeled a medieval maze than passable streets. Art is everywhere, within the Moorish, 
buildings; and in the black and white mosaic tiles that form elegant designs within the sidewalks beneath your feet. The decaying buildings in the impoverished areas are no exception. These post-apocalyptic looking buildings boast magnificent displays of urban art. Lisbon doesn’t simply depict art; this city IS art.
A thirty minute train ride will whisk you away from this artful city and promptly deposit you into Sintra, a seductive soiree of magical forests, castles, palaces, and palace gardens. You’re left wandering slack-jawed through a fairytale novel, where you’ll discover delicate arches carved as finely as any filigree necklace at Monserrate Palace. Those arches sit atop an endless array of elegant columns with floral capitals. The hallways, ceilings, balconies, and stairways are carved with such exquisite detail it will make your heart ache. At Regaleira Palace the mysterious underground tunnels between the grottos, caves, initiation wells, and chapel marked by the Knights Templar will tempt and tease your imagination. The gardens surrounding these palaces are filled with unfathomable beauty. Tendrils of fog wind around the majestic Pena Palace and through the lush forest that holds equally intriguing mysteries
Can’t get enough of the palaces? Go spend the night at Obidos Castle. Want to learn more about the Knights Templar? Visit the City of Tomar. Want to explore another fascinating city? Visit Porto. Prefer to kick back and relax for a while? Escape to Cascais or the Madeira Islands. There are so many fantastic experiences awaiting you in this country, experiences that are truly unique to Portugal. Rest assured, the people of Portugal will take very good care of you. They take service and hospitality to a whole new level. Most everyone speaks English, and the menus are printed in multiple languages. If you look even remotely lost, someone will stop to ask if he can help you, and he won’t just offer directions. Oh, no. He will quite likely walk you where you need to go.
