The most visual change I have noticed since returning back to our village (now in spring/summer) is all the flowers. Big and beautiful flowers everywhere. The attention to detail around every nook and cranny is truly inspiring. To see the character of these ancient homes is one thing, but then add the most vibrant blooms of all sorts. Now, imagine the smell, the birds chirping and the butterflies. It becomes magical. Straight out of a fairytale pop up book.
Walking down our street we pass the prettiest gate covered in roses and other gorgeous flowers. The colors all around spread wide. They range through the rainbow, pinks, purples, reds, yellows and whites. The fragrance of wisteria and jasmine take over your smell. It’s a lovely time to be here, back at our home away from home ~ in Poggio Nativo.
Behind our home is a small communal garden. We have found that our neighbor Luca (who lives slightly behind us) takes care of this space. He has planted and potted a wide range of beautiful flowers. Looking out our bedroom widow, it gives a pretty backdrop against the stone facade. Even with our laundry hanging lol. It has truly transformed since we were here in February, in the cold of winter. To see this space full of flowers blooming and the care put into the garden is quite something.
Our other neighbor has potted flowers up each of his steps. He also has a flowerpot up in an old window that appears to be part of a ancient ruin. We watch him pull out his ladder, just to climb up and water the flowers. You can see the pride and joy everyone has for bringing such beauty to this special place. This little corner is one of my favorites. He has a black iron gate that leads to nowhere. It use to service a building or home. Now, it is just there with beautiful flowers and has new purpose. To just be beautiful.
Consider how the wild flowers grow ~ Luke 12:27
This all reminds me of my grandpa. He enjoyed taking such beautiful care of his flowers. He had hostas of all sorts. His pool area, where we spent every moment of our childhood summers was so manicured. All of this reminds me of him. I have felt my nana and my dad on our last trip. Coming this trip I had hoped to have a sign that Grampa was close too. Now I feel it. Being surrounded by such beautiful flowers takes me back to time spent with my him and how close we were. I know he would think this place is something special. He would love the birds and the flowers, he would love all of it. If we could only share everything special with the ones we love, the ones that have passed. So, holding them close in our hearts, keeping their memory alive is what keeps them here with us.
Tonight we joined 2 sets of neighbors and shared stories over a few bottles of wine. We learned our home is attached to an ancient palace. The palace dates back to the 13th century. It is amazing to sit in the silence of the birds chirping overhead, while marveling at the historic place we now get to call home. Some call this the ancient wall, others refer to it as the castle. The listing by the real estate agent had the home listed as “The Guardian of the Castle”. I’m not sure the difference, it is worth looking into.
Whether it is a castle or palace -it is amazing. Our neighbor also told us the homes attached to the wall (like ours and his) were most likely the original servants quarters. I love hearing stories, but I prefer not to let my mind wander about spirits sitting here with me lol.
We are still trying to get the wifi to maintain service. Mike added a wifi extender yesterday. The house is built of stone, brick and concrete. It’s not surprising our service isn’t wicked fast. It just takes a lot of patience while trying to upload photos. Add me learning this new website and how to do this or that, and the struggle is real. I have so many beautiful photos to share, if I could only learn how to share them correctly.
Like the blooming flowers, we all have to start from somewhere. It’s a process as we grow. While in the process, bloom with happiness. Stop and smell the roses. It truly is the simple things in life. If this past year + has taught me anything, things can come and go. Focus on what makes you happy. Even if it happens to be an old pot overflowing with beautiful flowers. Flowers signify hope, promise and regrowth. Happiness truly blooms from within.
Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill HIS promises to her ~ Luke 1:45
