#azorean

Vila Franca do Campo

The little islet of Vila Franca do Campo is one of the most iconic landscapes on the Azorean island of Sao Miguel. It is over 4000 years old, actually very young geological speaking and it isn’t active anymore. The islet has a volcanic origin and the volcanic activity occurred over time. From the outside you can see many layers and each layer represents an explosive eruption.

On the Açores, bodies are buried for seven years before being dug up, and their bones placed in a crypt under or near the church. Why am I saying this? Because storytelling is how Azoreans remember our dead. I can go back five generations on my mother's side, just from her stories alone. All Soul's Day on the Azores is celebrated by coming together with friends and family, and sharing stories of loved ones who have passed.

Many writers will say so-and-so author inspired them to write, but it was my mother who was my inspiration. I remember her telling stories (though rambly) while we did chores, or cleaned people's houses, or made delicious food. Time would fly right on by, because of her stories. And it wasn't just stories about family, but of the islands and the folklore... This year has taken my grandmother (January 7th) and my mother (September 1st). There are so many things I will never learn. So many stories I will never hear. She was the best storyteller, and it's so hard to write now. She was so proud of all my short stories. She could barely read English, but she sure did try. Not many stories are really keeping my attention now, they are nothing like her long rambling stories that came out of nowhere. I want one her hugs so bad.

The Jacinto’s, circa. 1892

Olivia Taylor Dudley

Gender: Female

DOB: 4 November 1985

Nationality: American

Ethnicity: Azorean Portuguese-Cornish-Dutch-English-French-Irish-Scottish-Swiss-German-Welsh

Gif Hunt tag