Tag Archives: Reflections

Time Standing Still

Posted on December 2, 2013 by cheryl & emerson

May 20th, 2012. In the early morning hours, the small Italian town of Finale Emilia became the epicenter of a 6.0 magnitude earthquake—shaking the heart and soul of the beautiful historic town center. Only one year before, we visited that … Continue reading →

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The Best of Italy!

Posted on May 5, 2013 by cheryl & emerson

“È quest’autobus per Santa Brigida? Is this bus going to Santa Brigida?” Seems like a pretty simple question, but after a 5 hour hike and an hour wait for the last bus of the day, we wanted to be sure. … Continue reading →

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Scaffolding: Human Expression

Posted on April 30, 2013 by cheryl & emerson

Over 2,000 years ago, the comic playwright of ancient Athens, Aristophanes said: “Let each man exercise the art he knows!” We think he had it right. Yesterday, we were having lunch in Fiesole. It was balmy in the shade of … Continue reading →

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Spirit of Adventure

Posted on April 14, 2013 by cheryl & emerson

Ah, Spring! It’s that magical season that reminds us that what was closed and silent begins to open, open, open. Immediately in front of us is the most incredible display of hope and faith in each new day. The Tuscan … Continue reading →

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Things Don’t Always Work Out!

Posted on October 14, 2012 by cheryl & emerson

A few months ago, we came across a program called “Workaway.” It’s an online organization that allows people who need help to find those people who want to help. Or conversely, people who want to help, can find someone with … Continue reading →

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Finding Our Way

Posted on September 20, 2012 by cheryl & emerson

We decided to take a big walk! Sometimes it’s helpful to symbolize life’s journey by creating a walk that challenges us with everyday trials, on our way to a special destination. It’s even more powerful when that path is one … Continue reading →

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Life on the Cutting Edge

Posted on August 19, 2012 by cheryl & emerson

Walking down a narrow side street in Lyon, on my way for a morning coffee, I (em) caught a glimpse in my peripheral vision of what appeared to be a small salon de coiffure hommes, which basically means barber shop. … Continue reading →

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The Art of Trickery

Posted on July 26, 2012 by cheryl & emerson

Illusion is a distortion of the senses. The brain picks up visual cues that are recognizable, instantly fitting them into familiar patterns. In a flash, it issues a report about what’s going on. The brain fills in the blanks. Normally, … Continue reading →

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The Path of Desire

Posted on June 9, 2012 by cheryl & emerson

Through the olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees, there is a trail in the northern hills of Florence that leads from the Cave, old stone quarries of Maiano, to the ancient borgo, town of Settignano. On this very trail, young … Continue reading →

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The Soul of a Place

Posted on April 2, 2012 by cheryl & emerson

Early spring in Italy: this year our friend Stefano, an expert in the world of plants and trees, taught me the time-honored art of pruning olive trees. What’s the big deal?, you might ask. Well, actually, we’re talking about the … Continue reading →

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