Benvenuto alla Primavera, Welcome to Spring

“With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?” – Oscar Wilde

Today, 20 March, is both the first day of spring and the International Day of Happiness. I’m writing today’s love letter to you to celebrate all of that.

Lisa and I have lived in Cagli, Italy, for just about two weeks now. The arrival of spring feels like a gift designed just for me.

Today is a gorgeous day, even with a touch of warmth!  I took my first walk to the park and children’s playground down the street. Those of you who know me won’t be surprised at all when I share the following report.

With the greatest of joy under the bluest of sky and brightest of sunshine, I rode the swing, the slide, and almost the springy duck. A little family arrived just then and I’m quite sure the little girl brought my strangeness to her mother’s attention ...

So, for almost an hour, I sat on the park’s bench, basking in my own sunny peace. Occasionally, I looked over to smile at the little family playing, and hoped that perhaps my cute new friend didn’t think I was so strange after all.

As I got busy acquainting myself with the park’s family of trees, I seemed to hear them wonder why my visit had taken an entire two weeks to happen??

A sense of bliss washed over me that was so wonderfully familiar to me. I really love adopting a tree when I am a local in new places. I loved that this beautiful sunny day was when I decided to do just that, in my new neighborhood.  

There are seven trees huddled quite closely together, I was delighted to observe. One is particularly majestic, and she seemed to call to me. The Italian word for woman is donna. My mama’s name is Donna, so I named this majestic tree Donna ... especially since she seems to reign, and my birth family has seven members.

Like all of my other adopted trees - three in France and one in Redondo Beach - Donna has other fans but I’m confident that she will love me best.

We shared a brief conversation today. I told her that things just keep getting better and better. She liked that affirmation for me. I like it too.

I love wondering what else we’ll talk about.

For now, may I gently just coax Mr Oscar Wilde to add a favorite tree to his list of happinesses ??  

“With freedom, books, flowers, a favorite tree, and the moon, who could not be happy?” – Oscar Wilde

I just think that would be so nice.

May Spring 2025 bring you magical moments that surprise and delight, just like a favorite tree certainly wants to - and will inevitably - offer.