So I've come to realize that many of my followers are not my California homies! So for those of you who haven't seen me buzzing around the streets of Marin...I'm back. I came back to California at the beginning of February due to my grandfather's health deteriorating quickly. Thankfully, I made it home in time to be with him and share a few more days of love and closeness before he passed away. The next week was spent almost exclusively with family and long-time friends, which was another great blessing. Rob met more of my family than I think he ever intended to in one week's time, and we celebrated my grandfather's life with wonderful memories and beautiful friends. And then reality set in.....
Man I miss Italy! I cried when I left, and though I knew my fairytale Italian life would have to end eventually, I just wasn't ready for it to be now. So as I struggled through California culture shock, I found myself easily sliding back into all my old niches and facing the less-fun parts of life back here (like driving a car-did I mention how much I LOVED never driving in Italy??). I already knew the cappuccinos wouldn't be the same, and I had to remind myself not to speak to the clerk at the grocery store in Italian, but STILL....It's amazing how I could live almost 25 years of my life in this environment and in 8 months forget it and attach so strongly to another way of life. Ahh, I can hardly wait for June. Thank goodness for ACLE.
It has been so great to see so many long-time friends. The kids have all grown-as I knew they inevitably would-the dogs still love me, and it's been great to catch right up with all the great people in my life around here. Time has flown right along and I am ready to shift my life once again, back east this time. I am excited to see more friends, do more traveling, and welcome spring as soon as it will come. What a great life, right?
These are a few pics of my family and some of our time together. And for those of you who don't know, here's my hometown:
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