All posts tagged: SanLorenzo

Roses in Rome

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Ah, yes, this photo is my first red rose of Rome, I refused it at least 3 times, yet, still, my friend bought it for me anyway. The vendor stood close to us, hovering over our dinner table at a local family-run restaurant. I had never experienced that before, salesmen coming inside a restaurant with bundles of flowers for sale. Of course, I thanked my friend, but at first I secretly wished he had not given it to me; I started to stress a little.  We had only just met, why did he want to buy me a flower? How would I keep it from wilting while we ate? Where would I keep it in my little B&B room? So many stupid worries that never came about. It did not wilt as I had feared and I ultimately found a good place to display it in my room, in a drinking glass on top of a little black counter-top. It stood there, perky, all week, next to a TV I watched for about 15 minutes one day. (I …

Unexpected Treasures

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While thinking about the things that make me happy, things that cost little or nothing at all, it occurred to me that I discover, appreciate, or see little treasures every day, whether I am outside or at home–everyday surprises, unexpected treasures. These treasures can be as simple as time spent in conversation with a friend or someone you just met, discovering a beautiful architectural trim on a building down the street, appreciating a special space you have purposefully created in a room, or experiencing something unexpectedly profound–something that causes you to feel connected to the universe, comforts you, or challenges you to go in another direction. Finding and exploring a treasure can happen when your mind is relaxed and open, or when it is stressed and occupied with other thoughts.  There are no rules, and seeing something cool can happen at any time. When I started writing down all the inspiring things I encounter each day (more about this in my post Keeping Notebooks) I realized how much these little things mean to me.  I will sporadically share some …

Alice Pasquini – Street Enhancements

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One of the most wonderful things about staying in the San Lorenzo area of Rome was the amazing street art and “graffiti” that I did not expect to see so much of. Terrific stuff! On my first visit there I was walking near my B&B and came across an embellished utility box on the side of a building.  A little girl about to kiss her black kitten.  I took out my little camera; it was one of the first photos I stopped to take on that trip because I was so excited to see this little gem. I discovered later that it was painted by Alice Pasquini. Here is another one, a little girl looking up with her fluffy puppy by her side.  I tried to frame her as best I could in the photo (as she was surrounded by a less than pristine pavement, parked cars and bits of debris) and I ultimately used some filters on it so the focus could be on her. Thank you Alice, these small street art pieces were a joy to see, and made …