‘La Dolce Vita’

Certainly, you’ve heard the Italian phrase, ‘la dolce vita’ (the good or sweet life). But have you ever heard the phrase,  ‘Adoro vedere tutte le persone interessanti durante mia passeggiata’? I love to see all the interesting people while out on an evening stroll. I learned that in my Italia! newsletter this week. 
( www.italytravelandlife.com )

I realize it’s February and that perhaps you’re in a part of the world where an evening stroll means schlepping through snow and over ice. But isn’t it a lovely thought, seeing all the beautiful people as you stroll through a small Italian neighborhood (or whatever neighborhood you happen to be in)?

I am grateful to have been able to travel to Italy in the fall of 2021 just after things opened up post-pandemic. My only regret is that as we strolled through the neighborhoods, I was so keen to check out the ancient structures, statues, and gorgeous art, that I missed out, I think, on the people-watching. I missed out on one of the most important parts of travel and that is the faces that make the places, and the stories they tell.

If I could change one thing about that trip, it would be to stroll and notice! Notice not only the faces of the people walking by, but their expressions; notice their smiles, or whether their eyes look tired or are filled with excitement.  Notice how their cheekbones frame their noses and eyes, and if they have dimples that deepen when they smile.  Notice how they carry themselves; if they are proud or walking in awe or even notice if their walk reveals nothing. I’d take in their personas because in so doing, I’d probably be feeling the heartbeat of the city, and would have a far more interesting story to tell.

So, next time you’re on a stroll, whether romantic or simply completing an errand, take time to notice the city through a stranger’s eyes and smile.  Pay attention to their walk and get a sense of their energy.  I can almost guarantee you’ll be able to say you’re living ‘la dolce vita.’

(And speaking of having interesting stories to tell, if you’re a quilter or fiber artist, please check out my journal, The Story of Your Quilt so that you can tell the tales of the quilts you so lovingly create! Available here.