I Can't Go Home, I Need to Go to Italy.

  "I can't go home; I need to go to Italy." These are pretty impressive words... from a three year old. Words expressed because he loves to travel, even at his tender age. I have to say I fully understand. These simple words resonate in my very soul. I need; not I want, not I yearn, not I desire, I need. The dictionary defines "need" as to require something because it is essential. I ask myself, do I require this trip, is it essential? The answer is quite simply, yes. I require this visit to a country which inspires me. One where the people are warm and inclusive. A trip which will reunite me with family and nurture my weary soul.

  So, who was this sage three year old? A very special, John Henry. A boy that stole my heart the day he was born. My husband and I have been blest with three wonderful children. They each brought to our family three amazing spouses and together they have in turn brought us three beautiful grandchildren; wise John Henry, adorable Sadie, and our newest addition, impish Grayson. I now am beginning to understand what a "family tree" means. Our family is branching out and growing, as it should.

Yes, John, I know how you feel. I can't go home; I need to go to Italy. You, my dear will have to wait a few years but I will enjoy it for the both of us.

Our Grand Tour

  The “Grand Tour”.  What a wonderful concept for our 17th and 18th century ancestors fortunate enough to have the resources to travel Europe for one to two years. Get in a little culture, some great food, do some networking, have a little anonymity. This was known as the period of Enlightenment. How apropos. Something we could all use these days, don’t you think?

The last two weeks before our “Grand Tour” are the longest. Can the bags be packed and repacked at least one more time? Can I fit in more than two Italian lessons a day without experiencing total brain shutdown? Have I downloaded enough books?  Believe it or not this is one of my favorite things; getting ready for a trip to Italy.

This voyage to my adopted “mother country” promises to be fabulous. I will be celebrating my 40th wedding anniversary with my dear husband and traveling with my delightful brother and his beautiful wife. We will experience la dolce vita in Tuscany. Just like my family of old, I need, or maybe I just want, the vistas, the food, some vino, and hopefully a little dancing in the garden. I need a little dolce vita.

So, back to repacking, rechecking my lists, and maybe I can get in one more Italian lesson today. I’m feeling a bit pazzo...let’s go!!!