sperlygirl

red laundry on a line

   Kai and I took a walk off the beaten path today - down a street, onto a gravel path, and along a stream which parallelled large vegetable patches on one side and the mountain on the other. We watched birds fish in the stream, farmers till their land, dogs loyally guard their houses, and red laundry hung on a line.  As we approached the little town, we wandered through the winding streets. There was a bustle of Saturday morning trips to the local market by many. I love to hear the various conversations in Italian...lots of times I just close my eyes and soak it in - creating a memory to tuck away for years to come. Last night was a 'girls night' - much needed by all. We ate and talked until the wee hours of the morning. Always amazes me the connections women can make - even across cultures.  

goats on a bridge

  We have heard them many times - all their bells ringing - but today we saw the goat herder, his dog, and the herd actually cross the bridge. This is what I love about living here...that even in this modern button pushing world, there are still goat herders crossing bridges. Classic.  (long sigh)

cake, presents, crowns…

  This pic seems to sum it up for me - this past year has been a blur. And to look at this and see little buddy flying though the room with his birthday crown and "woobie" in hand - well, to me, it speaks volumes. We had such a fun day. Grammie baked a yummy carrot cake, Grampy and Jim hung decorations and secured last minute preparations, our good friends came over with their kids and Kai had a ball. He worked the room, going from person to person. He loved coming to the food table and promptly helped himself to many items.  He devoured his little cake with reckless abandon! I do believe he did try out every toy and book he was given. All the while, I watched (still amazed that we have a child, let alone, a 1 yr old)...and I thought about what Barb told me the other night. She said only when you have a child of your own do you realize just how much you were loved. I get it now, thanks Mom and Dad.

breathe in…breathe out

 Ever have one of those weeks where you just feel like you're treading water but not making any progress? I don't know what it is exactly that's making me feel overwhelmed but it's something. And to make it worse...that's when my creative brain jumps into overdrive and the ideas rain down but I am not able to get to anything. It's such a crazy, warm winter here right now. The skies are gray and cloudy and it spits rain most of the time. The sun starts setting about 4:30 - so you start yawning at 5 but there is still so much evening left.  It gives me, what my Dad & I always called, "the blahs". Oh well, Grammy is on a cake-bakin' mission tomorrow.  Birthdays await.

Sunday market runs

Yesterday, Kai & I walked down to the market. It's become our Sunday ritual. He loves it because the women at the bread counter always give him a roll and it's great for me to practice my Italian (which isn't very good)!! The Grandfolks head out this week and the McSmiley b-day fun will gear up for Saturday. My mom is re-cooping and will be able to make in a few weeks. Looks like a beautiful, sunny day today - better go take advantage of it. :)

Refocus

 Today was one of those gray, cloudy, rainy days - given all that has gone on this week - it made me want to shift gears, change my perspective, refocus. So I grabbed my camera and went out a bit. There's something about viewing life through a lens that tends to make me slow down and see things I normally would pass by.  I have been looking at some wonderful photos on others' blogs and sites (and then hanging out with Levon while he was in town - his 'eye' is always fresh and creative!) lately.  It was so damp out though, that it soaked my shoes and socks - so coming back to a cup of hot tea was a real reward.  We spent the rest of the afternoon watching a dvd J gave me of my favorite photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson - it was inspiring to hear his thoughts on composing and capturing life through a lens. His photos are like poetry to me.  Funny what refocusing can do for your mood...

whew…

What a LONG week it's felt like! We're getting ready to ring in Kai's #1 in a few days...hard to believe. Makes me feel all sappy and mushy - it's gone by too fast. Each day is a new adventure with him - he's such a happy one - makes every moment a true treasure.  This week, for sure, has made me look at and reminded me to count my blessings daily. My mom has had some health concerns that will delay her visit a bit - but things are looking better and we're all breathing a sigh of relief. Kai is just anxiously awaiting this visit from all the grandfolks. Hope you'll find one small item in your day today - that brings you joy. For me....laughing with good friends and a workout that makes my heart beat rapidly with life!

Ciao!

So here it goes...January always feels full of promise. Good things to come. Although I am still pinching myself at the dream we're living now. 2007 rang in with dear friends gathered here from all across the globe. We watched fireworks from high on top of a mountain in a villa in Lucca. See...pinching myself again. Can't beat holidays shared with good food, good wine, and dear friends. And this year.... our son!!