Despite the sadness of losing my children’s only great-grandfather this past week I can’t help but feel so grateful for the time we all had together. We have been so fortunate to know and spend time with this amazingly dynamic man who put family in the centre of his life. His enthusiasm for everything from art to travel to the goings-on of his very large immediate family was contagious (as well as his famous giggle). We’ll miss him dearly but have many lovely memories to remember him by.
Some images that made me smile despite the sad news this week:
The best reading corner in the house on a sunny day. Also perfect or a sun-spot nap.
Last days of summer hats and dresses.
Trying to paint a kitchen with a large clumsy cat in the middle of it all actually makes it much more fun. For me at least.
I run into Idyllic little scenes such as this every single day. I love living in Italia.
Have a great week!
Gratefully Grateful
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Jillian In Italy 
Jillian – I always enjoy and appreciate your beautiful photography and perfect comments! I look forward to your posts, Your adorable tote bag always keeps a knitting project in it and someone who sees it for the first time wants to know where I got it! Each time I see it I think of you and have a smile on my face. Thank you for the joy you add to my days!
Thanks for your message Karen. So happy to hear you’re still using the tote bag!
Mooi geschreven jill. En tom heeft prachtig gesproken, daarover was iedereen het eens. Het was een zware dag, maar een mooi afscheid Pip
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Op 23-sep.-2014 om 14:17 heeft Jillian In Italy het volgende geschreven:
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hi jill
what a nice post about opa
and what gorgeous pictures
I love the reading spot cushions
and the hat and beautiful fabric of the dress, did you make it?
I wish I lived in Italy too…sometimes I really feel as though I was born in the wrong country!
xoxo
You totally should have been born an Italian Julie! I didn’t make the dress but if you like it I’ll keep it for your girls. And those cushions are from IKEA!
Your life is beautiful
Thank you Jandi.
So sorry to hear of your loss… sending love to you all.
Thank you!
The photo of the rosebush growing out of a seemingly hostile barren environment really underlines the fact that beauty can be found and survives everywhere – we just need to be attuned to seeing it – in a rosebush, a summer hat, a wonderful person we have known.
So sorry for your loss. I also think how wonderful that they got the chance to meet a great grandparent, not all kids get this chance!
A big hug!
My kids still have 3 great grandparents so they are extremely lucky. Thanks for your message Gio!