And the Art is Up On the Walls
This is Sterling, the first horse Naida and I purchased when she got back into riding in 2008. This piece was painted by a fellow rider and she perfectly showed the entire world Sterling’s true character.
He now sits above our dining table.
Thank you A.M.
March Was Overnight Guests, Snow, Blossoms, a Night Out in Pescara, and of course, Daily Italian Learning
When you come to visit, you’ll see that our home has a nice advantage, namely, that it was formerly a B-n-B. You will have your own room, with your own private bathroom, nearly as much privacy as a hotel.
Our Italian learning remains our focus. We study, not just to communicate with our neighbors, but we prepare for our driving test, which is all in Italian, and not easy.
One of the ways we “study” is to meet Ivana and Romano in the piazza, where we do our best to communicate. Thankfully, they are VERY PATIENT with us.
Remember to click on the link below to see our previous posts, going back to 2024, when this adventure began.
THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS SHOW SOME OF OUR ART
Not on the Walls Yet
Mark’s maternal great grandparents look like they could be from Italy.
Two pieces of art need to be framed yet. They were given to us by an elderly woman in our village, one is a watercolor and the other is a photo.
And the middle piece is from Albania and sits above our kitchen door.
Art from the Past
Naida and I had lots of great meals near the Alamo at “Jim Cullums Landing.”
Naida’s horses have always been a big deal to us (and still are).
The middle photo is an 1885 scene from local Sulmona, Italy.
And the church bulletin I picked up on Father’s Day, in San Francisco 1999. The service had a profound impact upon my life. It was only weeks after that service I met Naida, and shortly after that we decided to marry.
Not All Art is on the Walls
Auntie Martha when she heard we brought the carpet she gave us to Italy, “I’m Glad it made the cut.”
The top photo has a lot of art on it, but what’s in the center is the REAL ART!
Our first wooden horse we purchased in Greece, 2014.
Miscellaneous art which is important to us, from the Ark Encounter Miniature, to the bowl I made in school 5 decades ago. Along with 3 recent Italians aquisitions, a handmade walking stick, a leather change container and a stone Christmas ribbon.
Some Fun Art
A unique piece of Michael the Archangel.
Howard, Naida’s father “in his element” circa 1975.
Naida and I from 2 decades ago, at our church, FBA (where we are members again).
And a very cool Italian clock given to us by Howard’s wife.
Walking the Valley
Naida will often video record our walks. This one shows the valley and our village from the perspective of the valley.
APOLOGIES FOR THE SOUND.
1st Lunch Outside
We love taking advantage of our view and our patio, when the weather cooperates. Gladly, we are experiencing an early spring (we think).
From House to Home
Naida has really done a GREAT job making our house a home. And this is just one room.
I’m a VERY LUCKY husband.
Naida’s Brilliant Snow Video
Snow rarely happens here, so when it came down and as thick as it did it was wonderful. The snow was gone in a few hours, but it was special!
It reminds me of a great 13 second video I did of Jumper & Naida, “Slow-Mo-Snow” I called it . . .
Sweet, Sweet Times with Friends in March
Mark’s Giardino
DEVO NOTES FROM MARCH
These are a few notes I’ve shared with a group of friends
The prayer is one that can “cut through” worry and complaining.
Afterall, you can’t complain or worry if you’re sincerely acknowledging what the Lord has done in your life.
While the English notes explain the Italian verse, I think the simple version is: “TRUST HIM.”
As I heard someone say recently:
Be People of Prayer
Not People of Panic
Paul is so practical.
Praying about distractions could not be more practical.