gratitude – Page 3 – Signora Sheila

Why I Choose Simple Living

Minimalist white home office with a white desk, olive-green chair, framed art, small potted plant, and vase of grasses; calm, airy mood.

People often ask me why I choose simple living, aka minimalism. It’s not always easy to explain, particularly to those unfamiliar with the concepts. It’s even more challenging when I explain that my journey began with a bottle of vinegar after I discovered that my daughter had stopped using chemical cleaners. Cleaning with vinegar andContinueContinue reading “Why I Choose Simple Living”

Giving Thanks for Providence

Autumn centerpiece with large orange pumpkin, smaller pumpkins, and leafy greenery on a glossy table, reflected in warm sunlight by windows.

Autumn here in Italy is a special season, one of my favorites! In small towns, like ours, the smell of wood smoke hangs in the crisp, clean air. Grapes are fermenting into fine wines. And olives, pressed into green gold, glisten in their bottles. But as an American, my thoughts turn to Thanksgiving. Even thoughContinueContinue reading “Giving Thanks for Providence”

Our Materialistic Obsessions

Elegant, cozy bedroom with a tufted bed, patterned bedding, velvet bench, tall windows, leafy plant, ornate mirror, and warm lighting.

Our materialistic obsessions. How did we get them? Picture perfect homes, beautifully furnished, and nothing ever out place. I can’t help but wonder: How did we get here? I recently read a post about wall lights that are installed after construction, with their cords dangling down the wall. The point was to hide those cords. BecauseContinueContinue reading “Our Materialistic Obsessions”

The Much of Little

Bright red tulips bloom in a clear glass vase on a windowsill, backlit by soft daylight and lace curtains, creating a warm, peaceful mood.

We don’t travel by train much anymore, but I remember the long train rides of our early carless years in Italy. When my husband had to ride an old moped 12 miles to work – even in the rain and snow. There are areas of Italy where you can live without a car thanks toContinueContinue reading “The Much of Little”

When Your Foundation Falls Away

A man in a red plaid shirt and dark pants tumbles upside down through a gray, cloud-filled sky, arms raised and boots pointed upward.

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” That’s kind of what happened to me, only the foundation wasn’t destroyed, it was just gone. I fell down an entire flight of marble steps (10 of them) in May, without remembering how it happened. I guess my mind decided to block it out. HubbyContinueContinue reading “When Your Foundation Falls Away”

Honoring Dad

Two children play in the sand on a sunny beach, digging beside a sand mound as turquoise waves roll behind them, creating a carefree mood.

Today I’m looking back, way back. Yesterday was Dad’s birthday and he would have been 87. He died last year, just 4 days before his 86th birthday. I still miss him and always will. Especially because of all the years we lost. All my years overseas, so far away from my family. It’s not thatContinueContinue reading “Honoring Dad”