She arrived in Spannocchia one summer day, seeking to remove the
writer's block she was experiencing. She had never been to Italy,
never stayed at a farm estate. Joining a group of ten writers she had
never met, she stepped inside the villa, the magical place tucked away
in Tuscany.
She gave herself permission to explore the nearby surroundings outside her window. She
fought it at first, uneasy about losing time to being at leisure
instead of writing at her desk. Then letting the battle go, she shook
off her guilt and wandered over to the Secret Garden where the birds
were singing and inviting her to keep wandering. She followed the path
of the trees and drew in the scent of herbs, flowers, and life floating in the air. Along the path, an opening cleared the way for a special table and six chairs made of earth and stone. She sat on one of the chairs and tipped her face to the skies, touching the sun and becoming part of the light. It was bliss. It was happiness dancing in the delight of inspiration all around. The magic of the place continued to unfold as the writers came together
on their retreat, coming from California, Canada, Dubai, Illinois, New
Mexico, New York, and Oklahoma. Together they shared unforgettable
moments and learned more about each other. Drinking Italian coffee early
in the morning, cooking and eating breakfast in the kitchen, attending
the writing sessions taking place during the day. One afternoon going on
a tour of the 1100-acre estate rich with history and its own story of survival. Coming together in the evening for dinner and wine from the vineyard. No longer strangers, they opened themselves up and shared personal stories and laughter. Going further and sharing their dreams (quieting their fears). They read their stories and poems, played storytelling-drawing games. They laughed some more, and they also cried. All to the sound of joy and hope deep in their souls. Going beyond the rolling hills of
Tuscany and into the heart of their lives. Slowing down time with the
gratitude they carried. Each moment a gift they treasured. Loving and needing nature's beauty. At Spannocchia in the heart of Tuscany, where the community believes sharing knowledge is as important as preserving and protecting their natural environment. Comments are closed.
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