la dolce vita

The last time I was in Italy was October 2011. 

If you go back in the archives you'll find some posts about it.

I had a store then and every weekend (almost) 

drove four hours to the Catskills to run it.

 I was still practicing law, representing mentally ill people in court.

I've closed the store and stopped practicing law, except for some pro bono work.

I'm painting, almost full-time, and writing a book,

blogging (occasionally) and instagramming (a lot).

I've become a crazy cat lady.

Tomorrow I return to Italy. 

It will be cold, but it's cold here too.

There will be New Years in Bologna
known as La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa 
(the learned, the fat one, and the red)

and wandering through Venice without crowds.

It will be good to see new things, and 

it will be good to come home.

See you then. Be good. Have fun!

xo, Jen

Christmas cats, flowers and a bunny.

 

A visit to Bow Street Flowers

filled me with holiday warmth and cheer,

and my house with beauty.

 

Aji finally left the tree 

to work on (re)arranging the flowers.

My work is done. She's in charge now.

Jane is sharing our Christmas in the house posts, so scoot on over here to join in.

merry and bright

I love Christmas lights. Every night I stay up late, 

reading, in sight of the tree.
(Do you spy two cats?)

 My mantle is covered with a rainbow coalition of deer.

I made friends at the local pet store/cat shelter.
I wish I could bring one home, but two cats is my limit these days.

My son Luke, adopted this sweet cat in Brooklyn.
I can't wait to meet her.
(Am I grandmother to a cat?)  I'll bring toys.

The days are short and cold on this side of the planet.
I hope that you are filled with light and warmth.

Thanksgiving in the Catskills

I felt like I was living in a Robert Frost poem.

Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening was on repeat.

Dinner was at our friends George and Gerry's house.

( and their three Boston Terriers--see Louie, above)

It was an especially nice group of friends and family.

Everybody contributed to the meal.

 There was just the right amount of snow--

enough to be pretty,

but not a bother.

I often find holidays stressful, and have struggled to simplify,

to focus on what matters, enjoy the little things.

Tonight talking to my son about Christmas I said,

Just give me a tree with lights and some hot chocolate and I'm happy.