I looked at the pictures of Burano, with the colorful homes, the tranquil waters, the laundry hanging from the windows, the shopkeepers calling out to the tourists, and I am right there! I close my eyes and I hear the Italian ladies, in their broken English, trying to convince me to buy their lace products. I hear the fountain in the center of the piazza, drawing adults and children alike to be refreshed by the cool water. I feel the warmth of the mid-day sun beating down on my dark hair and the gentle breeze offering a momentary respite from that warmth. I smell the aromas emanating from the ristorantes. Oh but do I want to just sit for hours in the shade of the umbrellas of the cafes.
And Tuscany.....well, I could sit on the wall surrounding Pienza and just admire God's handiwork for hours! Then I could swing around and walk up the path to grab a gelato and find a sweet, little, old lady who is sweeping her steps and pinching off the dead flower heads in the window boxes to watch. When the mood struck I would then wander a little further up the cobble-stoned road and find a table and enjoy a glass of the local red wine along with bread, olive oil and their renowned Pecorino cheese. (My mouth is watering already!) Then I could retire to my room overlooking the valley with the windows wide open and sleep with only the sound of an occasionally cricket in the background!
And the Sistine Chapel. Well, can I even say JUST a thousand words? My Sweetie bought me a wonderful birthday present - "Restoration of the Sistine Chapel." Just the front cover evoked so many emotions and feelings! Then, when I saw details of the most awe-inspiring piece of artwork ever created, in my humble opinion, I was overwhelmed all over again. How could one man so envision Biblical events and bring them to life as he did? I "see" the expulsion from the garden and observe the look of anguish on the faces of Adam and Eve as they reach to God and He doesn't reach back. To feel the energy passing from the fingertip of God to the fingertip of man. I can almost feel the life giving force! Oh my, I am getting chills just remembering. And even though there may have been a thousand people crammed into that chapel, when I looked up, I was the only one in the room.
So, as I remember those very special places and times, I have a challenge for all of you. I may have gone to Europe to experience these pictures, but I know all of you have a special place you have gone as well. It may have been a visit to Europe, like me, a trip to another part of the states, another city, a journey to local park or museum, or even a trip in your mind while reading a book. We all have pictures in our heads that are worth a thousand words. Sometimes we need to take a look at those memory books and relive a moment, just a moment, so that we can live, really live, for today!
