GRATITUDES + BREAKTHROUGHS // AUGUST 16, 2016

Gratitudes

I’m sure as you saw last week, I came to visit San Benedetto in Perillis again with Ayla. This place is unlike any I’ve ever been. The cobblestone streets, stone buildings and floral balconies just create an atmosphere of relaxation. Most cell phone service doesn’t work here and even a solid wifi connection is spotty, so you are forced to disconnect. I’ve (happily) been forced to walk the streets in the afternoon without the buzz of my cell phone, to enjoy morning cappuccinos while peeking at the mountains between homes, I’ve read while the breeze blows through the sheer curtain panels in the living room, I have indulged in long meals with multiple courses and ordered more glasses of vino than I can remember. This place understands downtime, family time and personal time. I’m so grateful to be here again.

While here I was able to connect with a few couples who were interested in mini-sessions. As of this morning I’ve shot 4 couples and one adorable mom + son. It’s just what I needed to kick-up that enthusiasm again. I love photographing people, don’t get me wrong I love my travel work but being able to talk and walk with a couple is really fulfilling. I should also mention it’s nerve-racking trying to direct people in another language! Thankfully most of these couple’s knew a little English and I knew even less Italian but we were able to make it work. Picture a lot of charades with a very basic English or Italian word. Shout out to Ayla for coming with me in the beginning so I didn’t feel as lost!

Last week over a glass of wine, Ayla and I decided we wanted to go to the beach again but didn’t have solid plans. We mentioned it in the piazza and before we knew it we had recommendations for areas and beaches. In my opinion there is nothing better than asking a local what their favorite <insert whatever you need> is. Vasto was the main recommendation for the beaches and bright blue, clear water. That night Ayla and I went home and did a quick google search and we stumbled upon Reserva naturale di Punta Aderci. In the morning we made our way down the mountain out to the coast and it was gorgeous. Ocean tumbled pebbles lined the beach with massive rocks, soft cliffs and views of the mountains. The beach was also decorated with driftwood forts that beach-goers would claim for the day. Out at sea we saw an old fishing hut, unique to the area, that was abandoned. Up the coast a little they’ve been transformed into funky restaurants and while we wanted to grab a bite we ended up heading home.

I also drove my first car in a foreign country. That has been on my life list for a while but I’ve never really had the opportunity. I drove us home from Vasto and I have to tell you, Italian drivers are aggressive. I thought for sure I would be underwhelmed because traffic in Northern Virginia is heavy and home to plenty of irritable drivers. Nope, here they drive faster and the rules of the road are only suggestions. I can say though that after a while a settled down and started to see patterns with the drivers. I doubt I’ll ever fully understand what is the “law” and what is “suggested” but I did get us home.

Breakthroughs

I’m an animal person, I always have been. I’m not sure I really had a choice growing up. My parents made sure that we always had animals around dogs + cats mostly and then as we got older we ventured into hermit crabs, fish and turkeys. And seeing as my Dad worked and eventually managed an Animal Shelter loving, appreciating and taking care of animals has been ingrained in me. San Benedetto in Perillis has a reputation for taking care of animals. People from neighboring towns will sometimes drive through in the middle of the night and abandon their dogs and cats. The people here tend to take care of them and they become part of the town. They have names, personalities and are loved on everyday. Sometimes people even adopt them, or the animals adopt a person. There are times though, when the animals that have been left here don’t bounce back from their traumatic abandonment and seek to live in the shadows without the full support of the town. I found one of those dogs this week. This puppy is flea-bitten, underweight, riddled with ticks and in serious need of a bath. When I saw him I immediately felt called to help. I went to the local general store and picked up a few cans of dog food. Earlier this week I spotted him and was able to get him to come close enough to dump the can on the ground and watch him eat it. Yesterday was an even bigger breakthrough as I was able to feed him directly out of my hand for almost 15 minutes before deciding to dump the rest of the can to let him eat it. I was also able to pet him and pull of a nasty tick. My heart aches so deeply for this little guy. I’ll be here for a few more days with a few meals but I know when I leave his meals will become scarce again. I’ve thought about trying to do the paperwork to bring him home – talk about a souvenir – but it isn’t logical. The breakthrough I’m having is revolving around doing what I can and hoping for the best. I want to save all of the dogs, but I know I can’t. I’m putting faith in this town and with this pup that he’ll finally start to trust people and come to get the love and support he deserves.

Also people who abandon their animals suck.

As always, thanks for reading. xoxo.