This time of year often is filled with nostalgia and it seems even more so during this pandemic. As 2020 comes to an end & we all try to navigate the the holidays as best we can, thoughts of Florence come to mind.
Touching objects from Firenze takes me back. Back to the neighborhood shops; the international shops; the museum shops; the boutique food markets and everyday life there.
These past nine months here in the United States, I found that the possessions that I choose to wear for example, are from Florence. I will choose a pair of Gallo socks or a Petit Bateau tee shirt (purchased in the Florence shop) not only for the comfort of their soft fine cotton but for the warmth they give my body and soul. Grevi hats are worn with affection. I proudly choose scarfs and sweaters from Max Mara, La Rinascente and the local outdoor markets.
The two vacuum packed bags of Santa Maria Novella potpourri that I have left will be used sparingly.
Aprosio bracelets and earrings as well as Angela Caputi necklaces and pins adorn the top of my dresser; my objects d’arte.
These objects trigger memories:
Memories of walking into a magnificent cathedral, a neighborhood chapel or one of the seventy plus museums while meandering through the city.
Memories of the life loving people of Florence that I have come to love. The art of living La Bella Vita all while displaying La Bella Figura. The rituals and traditions especially during the holidays. “Buone Feste”; “Tanti Auguri” greetings to be heard and exchanged with gusto and sincerity.
The seasonal fruits and vegetables… The pride of the merchants…
The art of savoring a meal or a coffee with friends. The list can go one and on.
Yes, life also is not the same in Florence during COVID. It’s been a tough year for all.
While we wait for the end of this pandemic, we dream. We dream of what we had and what we hope to have again.
Dear Florence, wishing for a “rebirth” or Renaissance in the city of the birthplace of the Renaissance as well as everywhere. We are waiting, waiting to once again appreciate all you have to offer. Buone Feste and Auguri per un felice 2021. Tanti Tanti Auguri.
fondlyfromflorence&beyond 
Thank you, what a lovely post, I felt transported for a few minutes. Happy New Year, stay safe.
Sue
On Sat, Dec 26, 2020 at 3:34 PM fondlyfromflorence&beyond wrote:
> fondlyfromflorence posted: ” This time of year often is filled with > nostalgia and it seems even more so during this pandemic. As 2020 comes to > an end & we all try to navigate the the holidays as best we can, thoughts > of Florence come to mind. Touching objects from Firenze t” >
Thanks Sue. A Happy New year to you too as we stay safe and strong.
I savor all my Italian goodies daily, my stash of Perugina cocoa, & my BIALETTI TUTTO CREMA MILK FROTHER. (I had to look up what it is called here). Socks from markets…on & on.
Grazie cara Diane – sigh
Thanks Sandi. To 2021 and to returning La Bella Italia!