Gotta tell you folks, this one depressed me a bit but as always, Valerie's beautiful writing came through:

The End is Nigh

So sad you will need to put your Italian lives on hiatus. But I am sure that it's only to be a hiatus.

You are a wonderfully evocative writer, mia amica.

One of Valerie's best. Sad, but warmed my heart at the same time.

Hopefully, your time away will be short.

Sharon J

Valerie, your article left me feeling very wistful. The bittersweet of what we do and how we live sometimes brings the emotions of it very close to the surface. Of course, that is part of the beauty of it. To love and appreciate something so much that the thought (no, the knowledge) of living without it is unthinkable means you are very much living in the moment. Very consciously. You are very aware of what is real and meaningful to you. This is the blessing underneath the bittersweet, I think.

In any event, you have so much to take with you on the next phase of your journey. How lucky you are.

Blessings.

Kim - Thanks for posting it and thanks for your sweet compliments.

Marian - Sei carissima. Hiatus is such a good word. On the upside, I hope to pass by and see you in NJ!

Sharon - Thanks!

Diane - What a nice way to look at it. It is bittersweet and emotional, yet we are so fortunate to have had these amazing three years, and more fortunate to have friends to come back to.

quote:

On the upside, I hope to pass by and see you in NJ!

Send me a PM or e-mail when you know your schedule! Montclair is very convenient to Manhattan and I have a spare room.

As I have often said, you paint with words. Your observations, insights and reflections are sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious and ALWAYS so well expressed. How I have enjoyed your writing! I have printed and gathered together all your monthly articles - thank you, Valerie, for sharing your world through your talented writing with us.

May Life be gentle and help you find your way back to Italy if you so desire. Wherever it takes you I know you will find an extra dimension and enlightening experiences.

With fond encouragement at this difficult time,

Mary

Oh Valerie I am so sad to hear that your Italian life has to be put on hold for awhile. Selfishly, I was so hoping to make it to Le Marche while you were still there to take advantage of your vast knowledge of the area.

May your last days in Italy be wonderful and may you have a happy landing back here at home.

Wherever you end up I will look forward to your wonderful writing on any subject you choose. All the best to you and Brian. Thanks for sharing your Italian adventures with us and keep writing your beautiful prose!

Valerie,
Brighten that bank account! I like your way of thinking.

Bittersweet...

jan

Marian - will do!

Mary - Thanks, that's so sweet of you. I am glad to know you have enjoyed them so much. I have certainly enjoyed writing them. The opinion of my fellow Slow Travelers is more important than that of anonymous editors anyday!

Colleen - Hopefully we will be back there in Le Marche soon! But you are still welcome to ask questions, and we have colleagues assisting with the tours in our absence. I have lots of notes to write about, so there is no lack of subject matter to write about!

Jan - Bittersweet indeed (agrodolce). But we certainly plan on returning al piu presto.