Expat Barb
@expatggbarb.bsky.social
I moved to Portugal at the tender age of 62... in the middle of Covid lockdowns. I write about moving abroad, living in Portugal (it's wicked cool), and doing those bucket lists items NOW. You can find me on Substack: https://barbaragrassey.substack.com/
The latest writing prompt is up! Happy Friday and yes, of course I have a Black Friday special for you. Check it out on the Write a Memoir page.
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/writing-pr...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/writing-pr...
Writing Prompt: Your Childhood Partner in Crime
We all had that one friend who made life a little more exciting (or dangerous).
writeamemoir.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
The latest writing prompt is up! Happy Friday and yes, of course I have a Black Friday special for you. Check it out on the Write a Memoir page.
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/writing-pr...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/writing-pr...
I’m moving my private “Friday Happynings” newsletter over to Substack. Today, I was feeling lucky. How big a factor is luck in your life? And do you feel lucky??
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/confession...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/confession...
Confession: I am lucky.
Friday Happynings
barbaragrassey.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:44 PM
I’m moving my private “Friday Happynings” newsletter over to Substack. Today, I was feeling lucky. How big a factor is luck in your life? And do you feel lucky??
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/confession...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/confession...
Wednesday Memoir Writing Tip! (Have you been thinking of writing a memoir? Check out my Black Friday Memoir Course special here: barbaragrassey.com/spill-the-in...
November 26, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Wednesday Memoir Writing Tip! (Have you been thinking of writing a memoir? Check out my Black Friday Memoir Course special here: barbaragrassey.com/spill-the-in...
I was really just blogging to keep friends and family up to date. Next thing I knew...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/i-didnt-kn...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/i-didnt-kn...
I Didn't Know I Was Writing a Memoir
I was just blogging along...
writeamemoir.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I was really just blogging to keep friends and family up to date. Next thing I knew...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/i-didnt-kn...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/i-didnt-kn...
First world problems are still problems. Or really, hassles. But everything gets done. Eventually.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/amazon-is-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/amazon-is-...
Amazon Is a Little Different Here
File this one under first world problems.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:19 PM
First world problems are still problems. Or really, hassles. But everything gets done. Eventually.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/amazon-is-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/amazon-is-...
Every Wednesday I’m putting up a quick tip to help you write your memoir—but they’re good for writing just about anything. Hope they help!
Find more tips, prompts and info at: writeamemoir.substack.com
Find more tips, prompts and info at: writeamemoir.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Every Wednesday I’m putting up a quick tip to help you write your memoir—but they’re good for writing just about anything. Hope they help!
Find more tips, prompts and info at: writeamemoir.substack.com
Find more tips, prompts and info at: writeamemoir.substack.com
A recent Gallup poll documents the MOOD that US women are in right now.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/more-women...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/more-women...
More Women Want to Move Abroad
New Gallup poll states what we all suspected
barbaragrassey.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:26 PM
A recent Gallup poll documents the MOOD that US women are in right now.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/more-women...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/more-women...
Hi, I am shifting my Friday Happynings newsletter over to my Expat Golden Girl Substack. Friday Happynings are whatever is on my mind at the moment and often a little more personal than most of my other posts. Cheers!
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/is-life-ab...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/is-life-ab...
Is Life About Stretching Limits?
Friday Happynings
barbaragrassey.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Hi, I am shifting my Friday Happynings newsletter over to my Expat Golden Girl Substack. Friday Happynings are whatever is on my mind at the moment and often a little more personal than most of my other posts. Cheers!
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/is-life-ab...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/is-life-ab...
Kicking off a weekly writing prompt on my Write a Memoir SubStack. Even if you're not writing a memoir, the prompts are great for loosening up your writing muscles! Happy writing!
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/weekly-wri...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/weekly-wri...
Weekly Writing Prompts
Hi there,
writeamemoir.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Kicking off a weekly writing prompt on my Write a Memoir SubStack. Even if you're not writing a memoir, the prompts are great for loosening up your writing muscles! Happy writing!
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/weekly-wri...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/weekly-wri...
Have you considered writing a memoir and thought, “I’m not famous-who would want to read it?” A memoir isn’t always meant for the general public. But future generations will definitely want to read it: A memoir is a gift that connects people to their past.
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/five-reaso...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/five-reaso...
Five Reasons Even Everyday People Write a Memoir
This was originally published on my book coaching blog, but I wanted to share it here, too!
writeamemoir.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Have you considered writing a memoir and thought, “I’m not famous-who would want to read it?” A memoir isn’t always meant for the general public. But future generations will definitely want to read it: A memoir is a gift that connects people to their past.
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/five-reaso...
writeamemoir.substack.com/p/five-reaso...
Ya know, sometimes you see a topic you just can’t pass on. Bird Poo Scammers. For reals.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/bird-poo-s...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/bird-poo-s...
Bird Poo Scammers
Ya know, there are certain things I never thought I would have to worry about.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Ya know, sometimes you see a topic you just can’t pass on. Bird Poo Scammers. For reals.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/bird-poo-s...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/bird-poo-s...
When you move to a new country, you should expect some bumps in the road. Some bumps are bigger than others. (Sigh.) New post.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/thoughts-o...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/thoughts-o...
Thoughts on Changes in Citizenship Eligibility
The big talk in all the expat groups this week is the change in immigration law—as well it should be.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:04 PM
When you move to a new country, you should expect some bumps in the road. Some bumps are bigger than others. (Sigh.) New post.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/thoughts-o...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/thoughts-o...
Closing in on the last of our New Year’s Resolutions for Future Expats. (I told you I’d remind you every month!)
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...
New Year's Resolution #10: Create a Timeline for Your Move
Dreams become plans when you set a timeline.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Closing in on the last of our New Year’s Resolutions for Future Expats. (I told you I’d remind you every month!)
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...
I've started a SubStack publication for people who are interested in writing a memoir.
People think a memoir has to be this BIG THING. I say, start simply.
Memoir or Autobiography or Family History? No matter what, it starts with writing something down. writeamemoir.substack.com/p/what-is-a-...
People think a memoir has to be this BIG THING. I say, start simply.
Memoir or Autobiography or Family History? No matter what, it starts with writing something down. writeamemoir.substack.com/p/what-is-a-...
November 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
I've started a SubStack publication for people who are interested in writing a memoir.
People think a memoir has to be this BIG THING. I say, start simply.
Memoir or Autobiography or Family History? No matter what, it starts with writing something down. writeamemoir.substack.com/p/what-is-a-...
People think a memoir has to be this BIG THING. I say, start simply.
Memoir or Autobiography or Family History? No matter what, it starts with writing something down. writeamemoir.substack.com/p/what-is-a-...
Reposted by Expat Barb
There's no photo of Scott Bessent where he doesn't look like he’s got a stick shoved up his ass…
October 31, 2025 at 12:02 PM
There's no photo of Scott Bessent where he doesn't look like he’s got a stick shoved up his ass…
At this point, I only hope that I will live long enough to be partially fluent. But yeah, I’m keeping at it.
My October Portuguese Progress update. It ain't pretty. But it's not hopeless.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/october-up...
My October Portuguese Progress update. It ain't pretty. But it's not hopeless.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/october-up...
October Update Portuguese Progress
My progress has slowed down and that's partly on me. But I think it's also because I am swimming in deeper waters. That's my excuse anyway...
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:20 PM
At this point, I only hope that I will live long enough to be partially fluent. But yeah, I’m keeping at it.
My October Portuguese Progress update. It ain't pretty. But it's not hopeless.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/october-up...
My October Portuguese Progress update. It ain't pretty. But it's not hopeless.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/october-up...
We’ve had over six months without a drop of rain. It is back and ready to rumble.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-rainy-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-rainy-...
The Rainy Season Returns
I woke up to torrential rain and thunder and lightning this morning and I was THRILLED because 1) we haven’t had any “real” rain since last March and frankly, my balcony could use a good washing and 2...
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:19 PM
We’ve had over six months without a drop of rain. It is back and ready to rumble.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-rainy-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-rainy-...
What’s it like to work from 4,000 miles away? The five hour time gap can really work in your favor. Take a look!
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/a-typical-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/a-typical-...
A Typical Day for a Working Expat
I am frequently asked how I spend a typical day as a working expat.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:15 PM
What’s it like to work from 4,000 miles away? The five hour time gap can really work in your favor. Take a look!
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/a-typical-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/a-typical-...
Moving abroad means starting fresh in every way. Here’s how to find the right friends without the wrong drama.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-slow-a...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-slow-a...
The Slow Art of Making Friends Overseas
It’s tempting to bond fast when you’re new, but expat friendships—like good wine—need time to mature.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Moving abroad means starting fresh in every way. Here’s how to find the right friends without the wrong drama.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-slow-a...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/the-slow-a...
Reposted by Expat Barb
Sometimes you just catch the wave of contentment and it may be the best feeling in the world.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/glimpses-o...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/glimpses-o...
Glimpses of Perfect Moments
There are moments in life that are just perfect.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Sometimes you just catch the wave of contentment and it may be the best feeling in the world.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/glimpses-o...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/glimpses-o...
There are minimum income and reserves that you need to have in order to qualify for various visas. But don’t count on being able to live on that. (For paid subscribers, but free subscribers can use a pass.)
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/plan-to-su...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/plan-to-su...
Plan to Supplement Your Retirement Abroad?
I had a lovely chat with a woman who has reached the scouting trip point in her journey to becoming an expat.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 7:32 PM
There are minimum income and reserves that you need to have in order to qualify for various visas. But don’t count on being able to live on that. (For paid subscribers, but free subscribers can use a pass.)
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/plan-to-su...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/plan-to-su...
It’s election time again in Portugal. Expats are watching this one more closely.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/upcoming-e...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/upcoming-e...
Upcoming Elections, Chega, and Immigration Reform
I was sitting with some friends having coffee today and the conversation, of course, turned to the upcoming elections here in Portugal.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:15 PM
It’s election time again in Portugal. Expats are watching this one more closely.
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/upcoming-e...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/upcoming-e...
First Friday means a check-in on your New Year’s Resolutions. How are you coming along on your plans to move abroad?
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...
New Year’s Resolution #9. Take a Scouting Trip
Hey—it’s the first Friday of the month and that means it’s time for our New Year’s Resolution Check-In.
barbaragrassey.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM
First Friday means a check-in on your New Year’s Resolutions. How are you coming along on your plans to move abroad?
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...
barbaragrassey.substack.com/p/new-years-...