I had no idea the day I wrote the following excerpt about my Switzerland trip that I could ever learn to live more fully. I figured I was doing a pretty dang good job as it was. I was wrong.
Early last year I was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer and was told at one point that I had 3 to 4 months left to live. Before then, I loved living the ordinary day–fully. After having survived cancer, however, I now love being able to HAVE an ordinary day to live fully. Sounds like a minor change, but for me, it’s BIG.
Even so, I still believe what I wrote in 2009 about living a full life. For you see, an ordinary day to me does not depend on where I am or what I’m doing. Every day is ordinary!
If one ever needs to learn how to live life more fully, go to Italy. Go where the Italians look you in the eye, twinkle to twinkle, wordlessly teasing, daring you to play. That’s what we did the days we started our backpack trip in the Swiss Alps, crossed into the Italian Alps, and came out into colorful Italy.
Italian Alps Via Swiss Alps
Centuries-old stucco buildings faded to pastel greens, golds, and reddish oranges with terra-cotta tiled roofs. Bright red and pink geraniums grow from window boxes lining shops and inns nestled end to end along the narrow cobblestone streets. Amber ales and sparkling orangeades sitting on outdoor café tables glowed rich and alluring as the midday sun shone through the glasses and bottles.
Santa Maria Maggorie, Italy
Amber Ales and Sparkling Orangeades!
But the people were the most colorful of all. Hands waving, everyone, young and old, talking at once, the Italians know how to live.
Is it any wonder how many of the world’s great artists have come from Italy: artists such as Michelangelo, who have breathed life into flat canvases, stucco ceilings and marble statues? And cooks, Italian cooks found in everyday homes who breathe life into their meals. Meals that nourish the body, life that nourishes the soul.
Mike and I found ourselves returning three times to the quaint village of Santa Maria Maggorie. I think we will go back to Italy one day—especially if we ever need to learn to live life more fully.
La Dolce Vita!
Mike and I are in Switzerland right now, or who knows, maybe Santa Maria Maggorie. We are living the sweet life. Or, as they would say in Italy, “La Dolce Vita!”
I hope you’re living the Sweet Life today, too!
I so wish I were there too…but at least I am living the sweet life through you. Great writing and pictures! Bring some home for us to paint! Bobbie
I did start painting again in the Alps. I just couldn’t stop myself! (Not that I tried.) Yes, I have oodles of photos. Let’s paint!
Once again you have captured the perfect words, and photo’s Gayle. You really are living the good life. Love and prayers, Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Thank you. You are living a good life, too. We’re all living The Sweet Life!
Dear Gayle & Michael I finally caught up with you and was able to view and enjoy and your explorations from August on. Here in the Berkshires the “peak” is a bit early, but the hills are beautiful in the reds, oranges, yellows,greens and bluish purple haze here at the base of Mt. Greylock. Thanks you for the scenes and the hopes that your hearts share.We have had a bit of rain so today the sun is out and I must get in some mowing and weeding! I feel like you are gathering and bringing all the energy you will need to help others explore the beauty in their journeys, as you listen. I love the way you “listen” to that around you and transform it into words and visual beauty to share with others where ever they may “be..”
Hi Sandra,
Where you’re living is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful place on Earth right now. I so long to experience your Fall colors again–maybe next year…
I’m glad you enjoyed “listening” to life with me. It is such a splendid musical!
Oh sweet gayle. You so deserve the sweet life. My life too has become sweeter realizing that each day with Vince was a blessing. Love to you.
Thank you, Jacque. I suspect Vince is still with you every day–love does not stop!
Hi Kids-
Its so nice to hear that you are having a great time in Italia.
Among other things, I hauled my Model T to Dillon, Montana and joined a tour of ‘T’s on a trip through southwestern, Montana. Yellowstone Park , Bannock, and a few out of the way dirt roads.
I just returned from Eureka, traveling with a helpful lady, where we spent a few days cleaning an apartment and also cleaning and fixing a sump pump under my buildings. You haven’t lived until you have worked on sump pumps!
But it also comes with a few drinks in the evening and some great dinners.
Both of you-Be well, be happy.
John Stubban
Hi John,
You can bet that if I had worked on sump pumps, it would be a blog post!
Happy to hear about your adventures. I still haven’t seen your car.