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Under the Tuscan Sun....

3/9/2017

14 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
PictureI am on the left and my sister on the right, in Volterra, Tuscany.
I’ve been in Italy this past week, with my husband, and my sister and her husband. It’s been a pilgrimage of sorts, one that has slowed our pace and opened our hearts. Through the vestiges of time, we’ve traveled – from Rome to Assisi to Tuscany, where we are staying.

Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, stone homes and cobbled streets, there has been plenty of time to wander and to dream.


A few days ago, we visited a local winemaker and not only experienced incredible wine, we were brought to the edge of tears by this man’s realized dream.

I had complimented the winemaker by acknowledging how proud he must be to have achieved what he had achieved. His response was this: “Proud?” “No, I don’t feel proud; I feel happy.”

I asked him to explain and he said, “I work sometimes 15 hours a day, but I am happy because I have created something that others enjoy.”

What an amazing statement! He had started with nothing but a dream, over time he bought a vineyard, and now produces some of the best wine in Tuscany. And his reward, that which makes him happy, is that others enjoy what he has created.

In a country where the architecture spans centuries; and where frescos, sculptures, and paintings leave us breathless; and where even the sun can have halos around it, it is the Italian people who have inspired me with their graciousness and selflessness. Mille Grazie...

14 Comments
Mae Clair link
3/10/2017 11:55:09

Those photos are beautiful, Gwen. What an amazing time you must be having. My mother's parents both immigrated from Italy. Though I have never seen it, I should love to visit some day.

Your story of the winemaker is touching. It goes to show when you love something so much, it isn't really work, especially if it brings joy to others.

Happy Friday!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/10/2017 12:23:49

Thank you, Mae...His passion echoes that of serious writers. We all hope our readers enjoy our hard efforts, don't we. I hope you get to visit Italy someday - you will love it.

Reply
John Fioravanti
3/11/2017 04:15:05

A wonderful post, Gwen! Your descriptions put me right there with you. Thanks so much for the photos and the story of the winemaker!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/11/2017 11:19:55

Thanks so much, John. It has been a lovely visit.

Reply
john howell link
3/11/2017 06:52:37

Beautiful photos Gwen. It is as if you took us along. You and your sister look so at peace. I love the winemaker story. He is a very fortunate person to have such a wonderful perspective on his work. Thank you for sharing the post.

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/11/2017 11:24:42

Thank you, John. Joyce and I had fun exploring the area and recalling childhood adventures. The winemaker was a gift....and I learned a lot about wine!

Reply
Jan Sikes link
3/11/2017 07:34:20

Oh my, Gwen. This story goes right along with our Aspire To Inspire quote this month. And the pictures are simply amazing. I feel as if I am there with you. Great adventure!!!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/11/2017 11:26:38

You are so right, Jan, about Aspire to Inspire. The winemaker fits in nicely with our discussion. "See you soon"....

Reply
Natalie Ducey link
3/11/2017 08:11:43

A beautiful, touching story to share, Gwen. I love hearing stories of people who are fuelled by passion and fulfilled by pure joy and happiness. To travel and embrace the beauty of Italy with your family is an absolute treasure. Enjoy! And thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures with us! :)

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/11/2017 11:28:05

Thanks so much, Natalie...The journey has been a blessing, for which I am very grateful. Blessings......

Reply
D.L. Finn
3/12/2017 23:29:35

Gorgeous pictures, that brought back some fond memories of such an amazing place, full of history and amazing people! It is a place of magic.Thank you for sharing the story about the winemaker--it isn't work if you love doing it! So true!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/15/2017 04:27:01

Thank you, D.L....you are so right, it isn't work if you love doing it. Have a magical day!

Reply
Davy D link
3/13/2017 06:03:46

I really enjoyed reading this inspirational post Gwen. It highlights what can be achieved if we follow the things we are passionate about. Hope you enjoyed the break.

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/15/2017 04:29:54

Thank you, Davy. I loved the adventure and will try to bring some of the inspiration into my writing....

Reply

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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