A sunlit, breezy August afternoon in what could be Umbria or Toscana brought back memories and reflections of wonderful days living in Italy. Today, however, was a forty minute drive on Long Island to Greenport’s Raphael Winery with a tasting of Rose Pinot Noir and a blackberry-licorice laced Cabernet. It was a day when Nature’s whispers calmed my soul and reminded me of Her Peace that surrounds us if we choose to look and feel Her warmth.
rising like morning mist from the Umbrian countryside gently cups the spirit in a reassuring embrace of results if we but persevere, act and believe.
“The hands are a haven where we learn to invoke her.”
After having lived for 10+years in Italy, I returned this year with some high school students and several parents. I had been to Assisi before and loved it, but this time proffered something marvelously special. Following instinct to amble ‘up’ via Santa Maria delle Rose, I found a small church with an incredibly moving art exhibition. Mystical sculptor and artist Guido Dettoni della Grazia’s exhibition invites all to enter and hold the image of Mary in between the Alpha and Omega of eternity…and with a larger than life-size Tau of San Francesco in back of the exhibition. Probably one of the most unexpected and moving expressions of spirit I have ever witnessed.
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As harvest time begins over the hills of Rome, Tuscany and Umbria, Italian families begin collecting their wine casks for refilling. Bold reds ~ delicate, crisp whites, slightly sweet prosecco ~ all varieties for all palates bless even the most modest Italian evening table. This simple addition to a meal, with family around a table adds years to life and makes each moment just a bit more lively and enjoyable.
beyond me 