Living in Italy – Don’t Take it for Granted

A few years ago while visiting our expat friends who live north of Venice, the husband and I stood for a moment over her desk, looking out the window that is her view all day (she works from home). The window overlooks a rushing river and, in the distance, the foothills of the Dolomites. It’s beautiful, and ever-changing with the weather. We said we hoped she never forgot how lucky she is to be living in Italy, and to have such a view. She assured us they do everything in their power to remember how fortunate they are, and to take nothing for granted. It’s been seven years or so since they left the US, and I think they’re doing a good job of it so far.

Jackie of the Allora, Aspetta! blog has devised a new way to remind herself of her own good fortune, living in Macerata, Italy. She’s dedicated every Monday to a picture of her town, and so far the two she’s posted – grapevines and doors – are scenes she passes routinely, but has only just taken photographs of. I applaud her for looking at her town with new eyes, and I encourage everyone to do the same.