I woke up this morning inside my little mountain cabin in NW Oregon to a world as pristine, fresh and beautiful as can be imagined. With a steaming mug of coffee in hand, I stood in front of the window to observe the new day. The broad expanse of blue sky draped the valley below like a canopy, backed by the long silhouette of distant hills. Evergreen trees dusted with snow ran like rivulets down the hillside before me, skirting open meadows here and there.
My snow-covered deck dimpled in the sunlight. Chill air filled my lungs as I read the thermometer on the front porch. Only 24 degrees. Yet I felt beckoned to go for a long walk in the sunlight. To let the sun’s golden rays brush my face on this cold winter day.
I thought of another place and another time not so long ago. While in Rome on a much warmer day, my wandering feet took me from Piazza del Popolo and up to the Borghese Gardens. It was here that I found my heart-shaped green oasis away from the maddening crowds. Long roads of shade trees kept me cool as I explored the gardens. It quickly became my favorite place to walk in Rome. There is so much to see along the way, from playful, splashing fountains, gelato and refreshment stands, benches to rest, the zoo, and the Borghese Gallery. Several spots along the edge of the park offer gorgeous viewpoints to survey the expanse of the Eternal City.
For a moment I found myself suspended between two different worlds, each as beautiful as the other. Today I will enjoy my brisk walk in this winter wonderland while I dream of returning to that garden stroll in the green heart of Rome.
Beautiful picture and beautiful thoughts, dear Susan. I’m also looking forward to sunshine and warm weather; this west winter has been brutal this year. 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Thank you Wendy…so good to hear from you. It’s truly pleasant to know that summer is on it’s way:)
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I’ve been to Rome so many times, but never ventured to the Borghese Gardens. I’ll have to check it out next time.
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So worth it! I hope you do Jennifer
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It is wonderful to have a beautiful place evoke memories of another beautiful place! I love the descriptions of both places…really want to see Italy again soon!
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Thank you Lori:) I think Italy is calling you…just my hunch!
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It definitely is! I need to travel more. Notice I said “need” instead of “want”!?!
See you soon if the weather permits!
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Looking forward to Nicoletta’s!
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I love the Borghese gardens and visit whenever I am in Rome. I will be back in about 5 weeks…can’t wait.
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Hi Debra, 5 wks. is a short time! How wonderful to be able to walk the Borghese Gardens. Have a great time:)
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Borghese Gardens Is one of my favorite places in Rome. The grounds are beaugiful and the museum is awesone. I love your description of winter around your home. I am sure it is very beautiful.
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Hi George, Happy New Year! We share a love for the Borghese Gardens. It really is a wonderful retreat from the city bustle. But I’m enjoying a good dose of winter here in the NW.
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Happy New Year, Susan. It never ceases to amaze me how easy it can be to escape the crowds. The Villa Julia in Rome is an example, even though it houses the famous sarcophagus of a couple (the only other one is in the Louvre). Another oasis is the Bardini Gardens in Firenze – so much more peaceful than the better know Boboli Gardens it adjoins. You are welcome to the snow!!!
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Better make that “Giulia” not “Julia” of course 😦
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Happy New Year Ken! I loved the Billa Julia too. And the sarcophagus was amazing to behold. Such pride, those Etruscans.
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Oh my! I feel like I was with you 🙂 Maybe I was..
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Haha! I’ll take the dream if I can’t have the reality:):)
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😉 Go for it
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Your words are perfectly explicit and transported me to both places. Absolutely captivating. I know exactly how you were feeling in that Winter Wonderland. There really is something magical about fresh snow and sun in the mountains. Thanks for the trip Susan😊
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Ahh, thank you Rae. Truly my pleasure.
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Such beautiful words, Susan, to portray both places of beauty. Even with 24° a brisk walk would feel good in that beautiful environment
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Thank you Margie! It was lovely…
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I would pick spring and early summer in Italy. Two dreary, foggy days here, but I shut my eyes and I see what you saw and want to see it again. Thanks!
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I agree with you…yet I have loved early Fall in Italy too. We can always dream!
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Ahhhhhhhh…a long exhaled breath…as I stare out at the grey foggy Georgia drizzle..as I am now thinking of the garlic scented back ally ways of the sun dappled maze as I made my way through Roma…..ahhhhhh
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I love it Julie!! Such a contrast…yet, there is beauty to be found in both:)
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truly—but a cabin up in NW Oregon sounds really great 😉 …love Oregon by the way 🙂
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Both sound very inviting. You’ve painted a wonderful image of your little mountain cabin. Good thing you don’t have to choose only one.
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That would be a tough call!
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