25 February 2010

re-centering & summer hints...

Ciao a tutti! It has been quite some time since I've posted, and I wanted to let you all know that I've enabled comments, so leave me some love!


I have recently been plotting my next great European adventure (!!) which will be taking place this summer... here are a few hints: it will be starting with about a month in Germany––something new! And then I will venture south of the Alps to warmer climes and the indelible flavor of Italy in the summer. And... there will also be some time in a monastery involved.

In December I had a very vivid dream in which I spent a season in a monastery, after which I was ready and receptive for love to re-enter my life. Ever since I have been rather spellbound by this image, and though I can't just drop everything to run off to a cloister for three months, I have been craving the peace, simplicity, and solitude that this would give me, that it would help me to find within myself.

So often I am overcome by the insignificant worries of the mundane, caught up in the seeming drama of the quotidian happenings of my life: stressing about work, projects, deadlines, family, money, singleness, &c... It is so easy to loose focus! February has been a particularly difficult month in this regard; add on a few snowstorms (which were lovely while fresh, but then evolved into an awful nuisance! there is quite a difference between fluffy, newly fallen snow and the ice & slush that invariably follow), the demise of my favorite old winter boots, mopey feelings around Valentine's day, and giving up sweets and coffee for Lent (there is a bag of chocolates in my closet that is calling my name every five minutes or so).

What does all this mean for Stella? Time to recenter myself! I have been doing yoga every morning and night and taking this marvelous (though awful tasting) detox drink daily, and I can feel it working its magic. Add to that a beautiful box full of ruby red grapefruits, temple oranges, and honey tangerines courtesy of dear ol' Dad–– this should tide me over. I've also just joined a gym that is right around the corner from my apartment. It is time to make good on my new year's resolution to be in my body and honor the temple that it is!

 Here's to a wonderful March. :)

7 comments:

Veronica said...

Finalmente carissima!! Now I can leave you my comments, I will have to go back through the archives and add some there as well! Ma quando รจ che arrivi quest'estate? Fammi sap, nn vedo l'ora! Un bacio bello grosso, V

Heather J said...

your dream sounds pretty amazing and so does your upcoming trip! :)

oliveanda.blogspot.com

Stella said...

Hey Heather, thanks so much! I am pretty excited about it... only a few months to go! :)
ps- I love your blog!

Laura said...

Ciao Stella! Thanks so very much for leaving a comment on Ciao Amalfi and sharing your blog. I've only just arrived, but I feel at home here on your blog. Your passions just pour out from your writing! If you make it down to southern Italy on your European adventure this summer, drop me a line. It would be lovely to meet up!

By the way... where was that gorgeous photo on your banner taken? It reminds me so much of the beautiful Amalfi Coast! :-)

Happy March wishes to you!

Stella said...

Ciao Laura! Your instincts were right– the photo on my banner was taken near Ravello. I would love to return to the Amalfi Coast soon, and when I do, I will be sure to send you a note!

Happy spring! x

Annika said...

so funny that you asked that Laura because I was thinking the exact same thing! My heart tends to tell me when a photo is from there, long before my brain has caught up and realized what it sees.

Laura said...

Ciao Stella! I knew it was so beautiful for a reason! :-) I live not far from Ravello, but the angle of that shot threw me off. But I'm like Annika and it just instinctively hits me. I look forward to meeting you next time you're in the area!