Signora Sheila

Some readers may have noticed that I’ve been struggling to write recently. This is partly because I haven’t been feeling well and have been trying to take care of many household tasks before hospitalization. I’ve also been wondering about the usefulness of blogging. So, all things considered, I took a long unannounced break.

Despite all the therapy I underwent, I need surgery. Therapy helped, but it obviously can’t fix a rectal prolapse, which is now also affecting my overall health and intestinal function. So surgery is scheduled for July 22. It should take about two hours, and I’ll need to stay in the hospital for two nights.

I’m at peace about it. Afterward, however, I’m not supposed to climb the stairs for a month, so we’ll be putting a twin bed in the dining room for me. I can’t do any work either, not even make the bed! Poor hubby; it’s going to be a hectic month for him. But at least I’ll be autonomous this time. After my back injury, he even had to help me out of bed. And it’s a good thing he loves to cook!

In the meantime, I’ve had to rest more, which is difficult for me. I always think about everything I should be doing. However, the rest helps, and I was able to finish all my spring cleaning, albeit much more slowly. Now, the house is in good order, so it should be easier for Hubby to manage, and I should be able to rest more easily!

I’ve been rereading the Mitford Years series by Jan Karon, which I find delightful. Now that I think about it, it’s probably because the characters live out my definition of the true dolce vita: “a slow life of simplicity, filled with appreciation for the little things, a focus on loving people more than possessions, and the joy of walking with Jesus day by day.” This is what I sense in the tales of Father Tim, his parishioners, and the villagers, and I find the books both restful and invigorating.

I like how Father Tim asks his future wife what she doesn’t love, since she seems to love everything. And she lists a few of those things. The two often discuss such topics. Isn’t that a key to knowing people and forming true, lasting friendships? It’s about knowing and appreciating the little things about each other.

Today, I’m learning from Julie Andrews singing My Favorite Things in The Sound of Music. According to the song when we reflect on those things we don’t feel so bad. I love the songs in that movie and find that music is a wonderful gift and a great remedy. I’ll keep these things in mind during this time of struggle, counting my blessings and remembering just how much the Lord has given me!

A few of my favorite everyday things – in no particular order

1. Reading
2. Espresso, cappucino & pizza
3. Music
4. “Apperitivo” in the piazza
5. Comfy materesses, wool blankets & feather pillows
6. The Psalms and the gospel of John
7. Cats, birds, hedgehogs & butterflies
8. Goats and chickens
9. Hot vegetable soup
10. Ice cream
11. Mountains and sunsets
12. Soft wool blankets
13. Flowers
14. Ladybugs
15. Waves lapping the beach at the seaside
16. Walks in the gentle rain
17. Pasta with cream sauce
18. Salmon, asparagus, potatoes, and cherries
19. Coffee with friends
20. Old movies

Fortunately, my list of least favorite things is much shorter – and they’re in a very specific order. And thankfully, most of the time I can avoid them!

1. Any animal with more than 6 legs
2. Mosquitos
3. Dogs (sorry dog lovers!)
4. Greasy food
5. Summer heat
6. Waiting in long lines

Think about a few of your favorite things today. No matter what you’re going through, you’ll probably find that your spirits are lifted!

📷 Image credit