A Journey Through the Boot


My mother is from Naples, Italy and when I was young, my mother used to "drag" me to Italy with her to spend the summers there with her side of the family. (Sigh) Those memories were the very best. I remember running through my great Aunt's vineyard with the other kiddos, climbing Mt. Vesuvius (that's right, the VOLCANO!), eating the very best food, and sitting for HOURS at the table with family and friends, chatting, laughing and loving life. I was the observer to all this beauty, and I never want to forget those memories. 

Something my grandpa always used to say was, "Life is beautiful Claudina..." as he sipped on his grappa after an amazing meal. We would hug and laugh and smile and I understood exactly was he was talking about. 

Many years later, our family will begin our Journey Through the Boot in less than 24 hours. My husband I have always talked about going to Italy...yea, when we have our 20th wedding anniversary....or that year or the next...and would you know it, life just happens, and we never did. Well, last year, I had made up my mind...and exclaimed loudly (like we Italians usually do- I mean we aren't yelling, that is just our normal talking voice) we are going to ITALY in 2025 and that is final! 

Tomorrow, we begin that journey. We are leaving on what would have been my mom's 78th birthday (as she passed away almost 17 years ago).  The experiences my mom gave me as a child are amazing...and I wish she were here to see us off. I hope to instill the beauty and experiences in my own daughter - because she is totally going! Are you kidding me? Leave my girl behind...not a chance!!!

As I write these words, I still can't believe it. I have carefully planned this whole vacation for us over a year ago and now here we are. I don't think it will TRULY sink in until I buckle my seatbelt on the plane or maybe when we land. I don't know, but one thing is for sure is once I hit that Italian soil, I just want time to s-l-o-w down. Please???

The past several weeks has been about reflecting...my daughter just graduated high school, we are taking this trip of a lifetime...and I get misty eyed thinking how grateful I am for this life. 

Grandpa was right, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. 

So, buckle up buttercup...I am about to take you on this amazing adventure...will you join me? 

Ciao Bella,

Claudine 


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