Abundance!
We go for a walk each evening, just to check in with each other and with ourselves. There is something about the rhythm of walking that coaxes out deeper feelings and more creative ideas. We do some of our best work when we walk. We have a number of different choices depending on our moods and available time. But, there is nothing like the meadow walk for inspiration and soulful engagement. (more…)
The Mugello is an incredible region of Tuscany. It begins just up the road from us to the north around Borgo San Lorenzo. But the really amazing stuff happens about an hour north of there, where the low mountains climb higher into spectacular peaks, enclosing deep green valleys. Known as the Alpi Appuane, Apuan Alps, they provide an endless panorama with inspiring views all around—known for its world famous Carrara marble, it is a place where hiking and trekking expeditions abound. (more…)
Saturday night was my big event of the week—dinner at Torre al Sasso, Stone Tower. My celebratory meal consisted of a calzone farcito with birra, beer followed by the ever popular caffè normale, espresso which is a cultural requirement. Of course I did start off with a complimentary glass of prosecco, champagne’s Italian cousin, because that’s just what happens when we go to Sasso. Even though I was solo, alone tonight, I still got special treatment and even warranted a table for four right in front of the calcio, soccer game. As you can already see, I wasn’t kidding about this being a big night. (more…)
Two people were coming up over the hill, holding hands and walking a dog. Within seconds, I realized it was Stefano and his wife Rossana out for a late afternoon stroll with Thelma. (more…)
(Em here)
Wimp isn’t a word that comes to mind when I think about myself, but perhaps I need to rethink that. We live in the campagna, country and have grown accustomed to the many creatures that share this space. After all, they were here long before we were, so we have created an amicable agreement about limits and how we can best get along together. The variety of critters includes cinghiale, wild boar, capriolo, deer, lupo, wolf, and istrice, porcupine to name just a few. As in life, where the little things are often the most difficult, so it is with me and lucertola—the dreaded lizard. (more…)
The spirit of a dog is irresistable. One of the sweetest passed on yesterday—we gave her the name Emelee almost 16 years ago. That little girl came into our lives and stole our hearts from the first time we saw her. She arrived sight unseen on an airplane from Indiana as she bravely winged her way alone, across the US to become a “California girl” for life. (more…)
There are some people in this world who are absolutely unforgettable. Even if the encounter is brief, the experience becomes indelibly etched in memory. Perhaps you meet someone with a big and charismatic personality. Maybe their line of work has a memorable quality as well. And then there are those who combine the two. Dario Cecchini is one of those people. (more…)
Em here,
Excitement and sadness mix to form a rather strange emotional concoction—perhaps an unusual elixer that hopefully, magically brings out the best in life. Cheryl leaves today for a month—4 whole weeks! Duty calls sometimes, and since family is one of our priorities, she must go alone. That may not sound like a big deal or seem like a terribly long time, but it is for us. (more…)
Our good friend Giacomo Martini just arrived in his three-wheeled truck, the Ape (say ah-pay) which means “bee” in Italian—since that is how it sounds. He has started cutting the scarpate, slopes around the olive trees. Good-bye to the fading yellow wild flowers and poppies. Hello to a well manicured hillside. (more…)
Uncommon promise 