Thanks Marco

Our friend took a few shots of us the other day. Here is a preview.

Sicily Summer Highlights

 

I am attempting for the first time a collage. I hope it comes through ok. It was hard to choose just a few pictures to show you from our time in Sicily... back in July! I do think, however; that these represent our fun time! Now that the weather is turning COLD here in Milan looking at pictures of the beach is stirring up feeling of nostaglia for sun and water!

Beautiful, really.

I had an awesome experience the other night! I went on a date with my friend Bianca to hear Andrea Bocelli sing in the Duomo (main Cathedral) of Milan!!! He has such a simplistic and clear voice that resonates through whoever is listening. The setting was perfect: detailed paintings hanging between the columns depicting the life of Christ, stained glass telling stories from the Bible, most everything around crying out to acknowledge the existence of a greater power in our lives.
My only 2 complaints are the hard benches that made sitting for nearly 3 hours difficult and the late hour of the concert (9pm).
The concert was to benefit a foundation (sorry it is in Italian)supporting children in Haiti. In opening the concert a now grown orphan sang an original song she wrote about her feeling of her beloved country, it was lovely. Then Andrea came out and sang. There was a small boys choir to accompany him during a few numbers as well as a young Ukrainian violinist. Everyone was wonderful! I thank Giovanni for getting us the almost impossible tickets and to Bianca for coming up with the idea to invite me!

Fried little fish

Remember when I told you I would post some pictures of Lottie popping little fried fishy?? Well here are 2 for your viewing pleasure! I have other pictures from the summer that I want to share- sorry for my absence! Hoping to have them up next week!

Accepting yourself

"We receive mixed messages today that self-love and a sense of self-worth are forms of selfishness and conceit. However, I know from my own experience that when I don't fully accept myself and all of my warts, blemishes, and imperfections, I am crippled in my charity toward God and my neighbors. Let me encourage you not to feel guilty as you aspire to appropriate self-love, which comes in part by honest self-knowledge and acceptance."
—Jeffrey R. Holland, On Earth As It Is in Heaven

Time well spent

Our vacation has been GREAT! So great infact that I am still on vacation (Gio went home last week... someone has to work, sorry Giovi!)!
We spent a few weeks in Sicily with Gio's family and after a short day in Milan to change out some of the luggage we flew State side and have been here for a little over 3 weeks. We took a few days to visit some friends in Saramento, CA and one week in Lake Powell with my family! The in between times full of movies, pool trips and visits with loved ones! I don't know when I will get any pictures posted, but for now I am enjoying family and our time here!

vacation time

The Bags are packed, the house is clean enough to leave.... Tuesday night we jumped on a plane to head south. We are in Sicily for the next few weeks and already enjoying the Food that will make us FAt and the Sun that will color our skins, oh, and least I forget the siesta's that are nearly madatory! For the first few days of our trip we are in Palermo. Giovanni is doing some Geneology work here. I am enjoying seeing new places, Lottie is adored the beach and the tiny fried fish we had for dinner last night! (pic's to come). It was so very funny to watch her pop them into her mouth like they were french fries! One after another, always tail first. I am off to play with Lottie, she just brought me a jasmine flower for my hair... so sweet!