Reflections on My 39 Years in Umbria

I spent the morning at the inn with some very special guests. The view of the valley from our Genius Loci was particularly beautiful and, as so often happens, I seemed to "see" it with "new" eyes, the way I usually look at/see things the first time. There was a marked gentleness, delicacy, discreetness, freshness and intricacy of patterns.
The lightest of breezes played with the lace-like leaves, inviting them to frolic and dance to the joyous music of a multitude of birds.

The vineyards have hesitantly sprouted their tiny new leaves, affording the view a new lushness. There are endless shades of greens...and a striking field of the brightest yellow hues (rapastelli gialli), tender "baby" greens on the tips of the latest blooming oaks, pale blue skies dotted with powder puffs...so very different from the cobalt blue skies of full summer.

It seemed I saw the valley view with "new" eyes, with the magic of the first time. Perhaps it was because the view truly is ever-changing, or perhaps it was because I was admiring it with and through the eyes of very special guests for whom it actually was the first time!