How fortunate I have been to have blogged for these past twenty years—the friendships that have blossomed, the work paths that have opened, the compassion shown, the travels shared… I am forever thankful.
Years ago, I met Laurie when she came to the French La Vie with her friend Lizzie (another close friendship that developed during that time.)
Instantly we found a bond that deepened over the years.
Laurie has family in Italy and eventually bought a place there, asking me to help her make it into a home. Over time I’ve helped her shape it—designing, developing, finding things, furnishing rooms—and somewhere along the way I found myself falling in love to the village too. Each time Yann and I return we dream of staying longer, though the pull of the Pickles and company calls us back.
This time we are here gathering the practical bones of things—plumbing, lights, furnishings—for the extension of her home.
In the evening there was a procession for Saint Anthony through the winding, steep streets. A brass band went first, then the village moving behind it. A farmer set himself by the edge of the street selling cherries, fava beans, apricots, snails—ordinary abundance so appreciated. Later we opened one of Laurie’s 2019 wines, her own blend called “Lifesaver,” shared with her friend, Marco, the local sommelier.
This blogging life has opened a delightful dream- thankful beyond measure.
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