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”
Tag Archives: gratitude
Our Materialistic Obsessions
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
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”
Honoring Dad
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”
The Right Prayer
Prayer. What is it? Yes, we know that it’s conversing with our Lord. But what is it, really? Does it need words? Can it have emotions? How should we do it, and what should we expect from it? Prayer. What is it? Yes, we know that it’s a conversation with our Lord. But what isContinueContinue reading “The Right Prayer”
Embracing Life’s Winter
I’m thankful that I no longer live in the land of always winter – that was my home state of Michigan. (At least that’s how it often seemed!) Always winter, but with Christmas! I much prefer southern Italy, where winters are mild and the rare snow melts quickly. Only in our distant mountains does itContinueContinue reading “Embracing Life’s Winter”