Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Thursday, September 19, 2013

What Stories the Cobble Stones Could Tell



Our son had prepared another breathtaking day for us to breath in.  The Bride and Groom went on to Siena, Italy for pictures, while another group of us piled onto a bus for Florence.  We would have only six hours to discover and explore the Birthplace of the Renaissance.  For this history buff, there just wasn't going to be enough time to take it all in...note to self...I AM coming back.

What could these cobblestones tells us?  The footprints of Michelangelo, Dante, Donatello, Leonardo DaVinci... this post can't contain the all the names and events that lived and occurred in this City of Florence.


We tried as hard as we could to pack our day full.  Benjamin and Stephen led the way through the streets of history.  We headed toward Michelangelo's Statue of David.  Once there, Benjamin stood frozen and wouldn't move as he studied the muscles and detail of David and Stephen marveled at the artistry from one piece of stone.  My many art lessons for my children through 25 years of home schooling flooded my mind.  The fact that all beautiful things point to my Creator dominated my thoughts.

After being mesmorized by the timeless statues, we walked (still stunned) into the Duomo, the largest domed cathederal in the renaissance world. Truly, this century produced some of the most amazing architecture and craftsmanship the world has ever seen.  Your physical senses just can't wrap around all that you are seeing.



As we loaded up the bus at the end of the day, I was still reeling like I was in a dream.  On our return trip through Tuscany to the Villa, our minds shifted from the sights and sounds of Florence to the event that had provided such a dream adventure...the rehearsal dinner for our son and his fiance' that was being prepared.


We entered the Villa, dressed for dinner and prepared to honor our son.  Hubby had prepared a wonderful, "Our son is just great!" speech, as well as ending with the strength his new wife would add to his life.  They were both "STARS".

What a joy it was to be able to stand before others and be your child's Biggest Cheerleader.  One guest asked me before "Proud Papa" spoke... "are you going to cry?"  I, matter-of-factly said, "No!, I have done my tears in advance."  I was wrong.  The tears weld up in my eyes for more reasons than I can explain.  You look up and think, "where did the time go?"

Our magical movie fantasy would continue with more "pinch me moments" that I could have never imagined.  Just wait, you will hear how my son and daughter-in-law continued to floor us throughout this surreal, Italian adventure.  I kept thinking "it can't get much better"... and yet it did!!

15 Joining in with more words:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

It is so wonderful to be able to share in this very special trip with you and your family through your posts! Amazing in every way.

Tanna said...

I love hearing about this journey, Janette. His fingerprints are all over it. blessings ~ tanna

Debbie Petras said...

I have been to Florence and loved it too. I have a photo of me with my mouth open staring at the statue of David; kind of embarrassing. But what can I say? It is amazing!

I'm loving every minute of your descriptions of this amazing experience. Only God ...

Blessings and love,
Debbie

Debbie Petras said...

I have been to Florence and loved it too. I have a photo of me with my mouth open staring at the statue of David; kind of embarrassing. But what can I say? It is amazing!

I'm loving every minute of your descriptions of this amazing experience. Only God ...

Blessings and love,
Debbie

Angel said...

As a fellow history buff, I get what you're talking about. That feeling of awe that you were walking in "the footprints of Michelangelo, Dante, Donatello, Leonardo DaVinci." How cool!!!

Vee said...

I am so enjoying this journey. I shall never go there in this lifetime, yet I am able to see it through your eyes. It impresses me that even Benjamin, perhaps most especially Benjamin, was able to appreciate the work of the masters. Looking forward to more of the story!

Nancy said...

What a wonderful gift God has given you not only through this trip but to see the love your son has for you and his family...

It's an amazing adventure and I am enjoying you sharing it with us....The pictures are just beautiful...I can't wait for the next installment....

Debbie said...

I honestly can't tell you how much I am enjoying sharing in this trip with you! Soo amazing! The pictures are truly like postcards, or right out of a history book. To see it all with your own eyes must have been more than you can even really describe. Our God is so awesome and gives more than we are able to comprehend!

HUGS!

podso said...

I am just awestruck at all you are sharing. What an amazing time. I'm patiently, well anxiously, waiting for the next installment.

myletterstoemily said...

this was so fun for me to relive my florence
moments from this time last year. i'm so
happy you were able to enjoy that beautiful
city, too.

i can't wait to see hear more!

Sandy said...

This is wonderful and I'm so happy for you. I know I say that with every comment, but I really am so happy for you and your family. How the Lord brought all this about is truly such a wonderful example of His love for you and how He is in every detail. God is so good!
Big Hugs~

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I wonder if the amazement you felt in Italy as yo saw all that you had read and studied and taught about, might be a tiny slice of how we will feel in heaven when all we have trusted and dreamed about will be reality?

I'm lovin this journey Janette!

Christine said...

How wonderful to be able to share with us this dream-like-wedding adventure.

From the start of your adventure, I could feel the excitement grow. THIS is a prayer answered! And I can't wait to read more!!!!!!

Vickie said...

Hey Janette - what a trip! For this artist, I dream of going on a trip like that. Enjoy each second an soak up everything you can. This is a Heaven-sent trip and experience if I've ever seen one! Ciao!

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Oh, Janette, what a wonderful experience. It is a once in a lifetime moment. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

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