A Walk on Time, Ravenna, Italy
They all have memories for me. The pistachio shells remind me of the winter night we all went into Milan and wandered around, Brandon hounding us for a snack until we stopped at a kiosk and bought the pistachios. Then, what to do with the shells… We would collect them up in pockets as we walked around and then drop them in a trash can. Apparently I forgot a few, lingering in my pocket. In my pocket they will stay.
The Metro tickets may have been from the same night, or some other time. We used the Metro all the time when we wanted to go into Milan. The tickets were stuck everywhere… they became bookmarks and notes. My son has piles of them saved up. I have two in my coat pocket now. Where I slip my hand in and remind myself I lived in Italy for a while.
The British penny must be from my visit to London last winter, where I met up with my fellow muse Kirstin and had a fabulous weekend wandering around with my camera. What a joy that was, to connect with her and her family in person. I’ll keep that memory safely tucked away in my pocket too.
We find our lives are filled with these little memories, tucked away to be discovered again and again or in plain sight to remind us often. Our house is a veritable story book, the items “before Italy” and “from Italy” blending in to this “after Italy.” The physical space we live in has changed as we shift the elements in our lives to encompass our experience. My style of clothes has changed. My photographs have changed. It’s all a reflection of the personal changes that living abroad has brought. They are the concrete reminders that we did live in Italy. Our time there was real.
If it weren’t for the contents of my pocket, I’m not sure I would believe it anymore.
Ah, the tangible evidence of those special places…..I saved the old fashioned biglietto d’ingresso from the gardens we visited in Ravello. Every time I see the pretty little ticket I am reminded of a beautiful day in Italy! Have a wonderful weekend, Kat!
I have only been to Venice and only once but it felt so like home I am sure I lived in Italy in a previous life!! I have a dream of going back and spending at least a month in the country if not more time. I think we all keep tangible memories like these. I found a few the other day going thru the old trunk in my room.
how wonderful it will be for you when you make a return visit – you must one day!
I definitely plan to Helen! Europe feels too much like home now.
This post feels so wistful; I love the way you wrote it. I like the idea of these little things tucked away as tiny anchors to cherished experiences.
Kat,
I love the thought of you carrying those shells in your pocket – a tangible reminder of Italian magic. Like magic beans, that secretly grow into a hidden garden.
Yes, those little treasures that bring things back in a flash. This is a lovely post.
I’ve never been in Italy and I would love to. I love the way you bring back all those lived moments with little treasures. I am so excited to think about your time in another country. You are brave. I am scare to death to leave my country for so long time. I have been away only for a month. My son and wife are trying to convince me to live in Pennsylvania close to them. Sometimes I get excited about that but them I am scare. Maybe now is a good time for a change. You asked me about balancing my job and the creative business, I have to tell you it is really difficult. I have my own circumstances as i know have your own, too. I think it is the kind of job I do. It is really stressful and I get home so tired, physically and mentally. Nevertheless, I am trying to focus in the projects I am developing with the tiles and surface design. I wish we could have more time for our art. I have a prayer these days and I believe things will turn positive soon. In the meantime I try to do something with my art. Focusing and taking good care of myself is something I am committed to. Hugs!!
I so enjoyed reading this post, filled with nostalgia and wonderful memories. Somehow those pistachio shells in your pocket, and the fact that keeping them there helps you remember…all that makes me think of the story of The Polar Express. The silver bell, and how if you hear it – you believe.
How we long for those simple connections to wonderful memories, special times. Your words are beautifully written.
Kat, this is such a beautiful, beautiful post. So very wistful.
I di hope you make it this some time soon….be sure to drop in! x
Isn’t it funny the smallest things can bring back a big memory. Not just of a little shell, but of a place, a time, an evening. Guessing you’re missing Italy a bit and hitting on that nostalgia you thought might knock on your door from time to time. I guess when that happens you just ride its wave. All part of the journey.
I love this image…such colors and textures, and a wonderful POV.