acceptance – Signora Sheila

Summer Heat and Visitors

Woman in a floral dress holds an open book, gently turning its pages in warm natural light, creating a calm, reflective reading scene.

It’s been a busy summer so far. We started by installing our first-ever air conditioner and a short trip to our summer house. Next, we got our guest home ready for many dinner and house guests. This included Hubby’s niece and family from New York. As you can imagine, with all of our family livingContinueContinue reading “Summer Heat and Visitors”

When the Way is Blocked

Close-up of two hands gripping a chain-link fence, with a blurred person in a gray sweater behind it, conveying confinement and longing.

No one likes roadblocks or delays. We prefer to do what we want and go where we want. But sometimes we find roadblocks in our way, and frustration sets in. Or irritation, anger, resignation, sadness. Disappointment can bring a whole range of emotions. And we wish for a bulldozer to clear the way. I’ve hitContinueContinue reading “When the Way is Blocked”

A Faith Strong Like Espresso

Open Bible with a pen resting in its center beside coffee on a wooden table, creating a calm, reflective reading scene.

I love espresso. But that’s normal. I’ve lived in Italy for over 30 years! But what I really want is an espresso faith! Not in the sense of quick and easy, because a life of true faith is never a life without problems. But rather a faith that looks above and beyond problems and trials.ContinueContinue reading “A Faith Strong Like Espresso”

Through the Eyes of a Child

Child in a pink knit hat and striped shirt looks toward a small backyard playhouse and swing at sunset, creating a warm, peaceful mood.

One day, while watching an old Andy Griffith episode my 6-year-old grandson piped up with a question. “Why don’t they want that man to sing, Nonna? He sings real good!” That man was Rafe Hollister who, with his golden singing voice, had entered, and won, the singing contest held by the local Ladies’ Society. ButContinueContinue reading “Through the Eyes of a Child”

Forever Changed: A Short Story

Worried woman in a rust-colored robe and head covering clutches a rope outdoors by a stone wall and clay water jar, conveying urgency and attentiveness.

She walked a lonely road, a water jar on her shoulder, that Samaritan woman. In the hottest part of the day she made the way, her solitary way, to the village well. Only after the others had returned to their own homes did she venture out. They did not welcome her company. No more than she,ContinueContinue reading “Forever Changed: A Short Story”

Their First Look at the Americans

Rocky stone path winds uphill through lush greenery, bordered by a rustic wooden railing and stone wall toward an old hillside building.

One by one they filed in, sitting around the smoky fire in the dark, dingy room. The entire village, it seemed, wanted a look at us — the Americans. While I in turn, through teary, smoke-filled eyes, examined them. Our new town folk, for this was our new home. A village from another era Life in that isolatedContinueContinue reading “Their First Look at the Americans”