| A Cottage by the Sea |
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 I drove up the street to Our Lady of Fatima’s parking lot yesterday to start my afternoon walk because the walkway I usually take to get to the back roads, was too icy. Truth be told, I was tempted to stay home and read my book. Need I say, I’m very grateful I got off the couch. The pictures say it best.
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 I’m almost finished with jet lag. My strategy is to stay in bed for eight hours, even when I wake up earlier and really want to get going with the day. Last night I went to bed at 9 and got up at 5 t, so I’m just about spot on with my usual routine. In Florence, walking was an essential part of my daily schedule; I averaged between six and eight miles a day. Now that I’m home, I’m lucky if I log in half of that. A daily walk is still on my daily agenda, although the number of miles get in is cut in half. Getting our EVERY day for a walk, even if it’s a short one, will keep it a part of the rhythm of my life. Habit is essential. To put it simply and clearly, if I don’t walk, I don’t walk! –even if it is just up the street or around the block. The bigger challenge is to step out every day when weather stops being as appealing as it is now in New England.  I can’t remember where I got this little travel magnifying glass, but it is perfect: 2 1/4 inches square, snaps open and closes with ease, and is mighty powerful. Walking along examining little things is a beautiful way to be in solitude with nature. The only caveat is that it slows down my walking. Ah, but I have a springtime solution; take two walks a day. It is light enough for me to head out after supper for a little stroll up the street to the Wadsworth Cemetery.   I took this picture on my walk this morning. While photographing I was greeted by a friendly and chatty dog, followed from around the corner of the house by the owner.
Me being friendly and chatty: Gorgeous tree…. we must be grateful.... in fact, I’m taking a gratitude walk. My neighbor being friendly and chatty: That’s why I’m doing in my back yard…. Sitting and being grateful.  Florence is crowded. I knew it would be, but being on the streets with everyone doesn’t come close to reality. I don’t mind the crowds.. I want to be here, and so do others. tTomorrow I’ll get out at 7Pm and walk the streets while many are sleeping. But for today, there is a slide show of my first wander about my favorite city. Hmm, I did do a very good job photographing the crowds.  A spring walk. Why travel? At least why hop into the car today? I’ve walked this four mile loop, in every season, hundreds of times. Each is the same, each is different. Sometimes I walk with a friend or talk on the phone with my daughter; sometimes I chat with myself as I go along. But, today I took pictures which is the best way to stay immersed in what is happening NOW. It was winter melting away and spring quivering to take charge. We New Englanders knew it would happen, but on this day, we tell whomever we pass, that yes, indeed, spring is finally here, for sure. Listen to the pictures. The winter was rough on the trees.  I’m back walking. After strolling all over Florence early in December, and daily walks in Lancaster, PA with my daughter at Christmas time, my daily exercise came to an abrupt halt. We returned to a New England of frozen pipes, zero temperatures, and snow blocking the walkway in front of our house. I stopped scheduling a walk into my daily schedule. My bad.
Now, with the weather warming up, there is no excuse; only adjustments need. Today I drove half a mile up the road, parked at Our Lady of Fatima church, and walked my usual back roads. A simple solution. Don't give up walking. When in Florence during spring and fall I must walk at least ten miles a day. In December I do a little less. The temperature is colder and daylight hours diminished, but that’s not an acceptable excuse since the temperature is decidedly above freezing and the streets are well lit. Rather, I believe that the dark and cold of winter call us to hunker down and take stock of our faith, by which I mean the meaning and purpose of our life. If nothing else, we walk slower to breathe in this awesome, mysterious, and humbling world, wondering where we fit in.  I just completed the second half of my church walk. This time I headed north from the Duomo to San Marco (Dominican), and then on to Santissima Annunciata (Servite). As I turn toward Santa Croce (Franciscan) I noticed San Ambrosia way down the street, so I took a detour there. Next, back toward city center to La Badia and Orsanmichele. I was all over the map! Before ending this church walk at Santa Trinita, I crossed the Arno to Santa Felicita, then crossed back to view Santi Apostoli, one of the oldest and pretties churches in Florence. It’s fair to say that my final destination was to Chiaro Scuro, where they serve the largest cappuccino and provide a comfy place to write. |
