These are stories that generally involve only Cheryl and/or Emerson and are most likely about day-to-day activities. They can be engaging the two of them in a whirlwind tour somewhere, or simply about conversation around the fire. Usually, they will have a more reflective side to them, or a particular lesson learned.
It was an ordinary evening—or so we thought—when the dinner discussion morphed into a mild debate, which then turned into a significant disagreement, just before the fight broke out. Now, it seems to have been a strange topic that neither of us really remembers at this point. We do, however, recall in crystal clear detail the feelings that accompanied the fateful conversation that seemed to go on and on and on. (more…)
C’era una volta, once upon a time . . . in the Tuscan hills just north of Florence, Italy, lived some very poor farmers. Their homes were usually one room, built high in the mountains, where both family and animals dwelled together. Life was difficult, but they were thankful for what they had. (more…)
We both saw it at the same time—a squalo, shark swimming across the late summer turquoise sky. I’m serious. Now, don’t tell me you’ve never seen such an outlandish thing. It happens all the time. In the summer when the air is warm, sometimes they come out for a dip. They love to glide through the calm sea of the sky. In fact, there are all kinds of things swimming around up there! (more…)
Rolling fog. Watch and wait. It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, you have to be ready. There can be nothing more important. Drop everything you’re doing, just let things fall where they are because something very special is about to happen—lasting only minutes at best. I quickly needed to move into position because the fog was rolling in. Usually, it works its magic when no one is watching, so only those alert and ready can actually bathe in its cleansing mist. (more…)
After a long hot day of working on our stuff, we settled into the usual chairs at the old table outside the kitchen door. Dusk was steadily creeping up over the hills, touching our bare feet, cooling us down on the now shady terrace. Shadows deepened within the underside of the grape arbor, as a breeze rustled the white paper napkins held still by our favorite blue-handled utensils. This is the time of day to give up all striving, surrender to the sound of an unknown chatter in the nearby woods and soak it all in—breathe as if to allow insight or the gift of ancient wisdom to arise.
That is how our world was yesterday evening at 9 pm. (more…)
“Check that latest draft message and send it on if you’re ready!”
Morning voices bounce through the hard-surface stairwell with collaborative news. We each sit in front of our own computers on different floors typing away. We are once again reminded how connected this life has become. Most of our e-mails are signed “c and e,” making it difficult to tell where one starts and the other leaves off. This, of course, is a tricky balancing act—how to keep healthy individuality in the midst of significantly integrated lives. But for us, it’s a challenge worth taking given the possibilities. (more…)
The ancient stone structure was tucked into the mountainside—moss covered its roof. The old wooden door had been replaced with an iron grille denying our entry. Curious to see the inside, I inserted my hand into the small square window to the left of the door and snapped a couple of photos. Hopefully, the camera flash would light the inside of the stone cottage and we’d be able to at least visually enter the space. I withdrew my hand from the shadowy recess and pushed the review button. (more…)
They mentioned that they might “breeze in” one day on their way north. Sure enough, on a Sunday afternoon Joan and Erin arrived from Rome. We walked into the train station and there they were, as if we had been planning this rendezvous for years. Stowing their luggage, we made our way through the narrow streets, past the market at San Lorenzo, around the corner to the left, arriving at TrattoriaZà Zà for lunch. We took a table out front in the warm midday air and settled in for a couple of hours. (more…)
The sling chair looked inviting this morning. With a cup of hot tea in hand, I decided to sit down for a few minutes to soak in some warming rays of the morning sun. I settled back onto the cushioned headrest, my hat pulled down to shadow my eyes from the brightness. Within moments, I slipped into a peaceful quiet mood. As my breathing slowed, I drifted more deeply into thoughtlessness. My stillness seemed to be underscored by the comforting drone of bees. (more…)
Sometimes a fork in the road really makes a big difference. Up the hill, just through Galuzzo on the outskirts of Firenze, Florence, we were cruising toward Viale Machiavelli. Caught up in conversation, we simply continued straight up the road instead of taking our normal right jog. Oops! By the time we saw the sign, ZTL, there was no turning back. Oh, those dreaded “zona traffico limitata, limited traffic zones.” No matter how quickly we circled the block to regain our correct route, the damage was already done. (more…)
Cheryl & Emerson
Quality time is undeniably great for relationships. We've discovered that quantity of time can provide that quality. Perhaps it takes Time to Partner.
Quality time is undeniably great for relationships. We've discovered that quantity of time can provide that quality. Perhaps it takes Time to Partner.
Uncommon promise 