one of many... (beautiful italian books)

We've been amassing quite a collection here. We didn't bring much with us to Rome, including things for Claude to play with so finding so many beautiful books here has been perfect.
I Numeri by Luigi Veronesi

ohhh and the coliseum....

it really is colossal not to mention photogenic. I walk by it every couple days if not more often, as it's on my way to most everything. I have yet to grow even slightly numb to all it's grandeur. It's a power sight.

sisters... and a little bit of roman glory:

My sister is here visiting... we've been on so many outings, going places I'd been wanting to go in and those I see every day. Being someplace so beautiful is made more lovely by being able to share it with someone else... So happy you came Kindra. Here are a few bits for the last few days-

Handmade for Japan:

I haven't been living in the "real world" here. We have a very spotty internet connection, no tv, and only occasional radio (through the internet). So I haven't been following the news in the way I usual do. It's overwhelming when I check in- so much... too much to express in a short blog post.

But in times like these we all feel moved to help in any way we can- Ayumi Horie has organized a benefit for Japan with many talented artists... Read more about it in this NYTimes article, view the facebook page, and/or visit her website.

talk about playgrounds...

I wrote a few weeks ago about the challenge of finding a nice play space here in Rome that was near our house, cleanish, and well cared for. Thanks for all the tips and links from everyone- since we arrived we've found some really beautiful parks to visit.
Here's one of my favs. Love the Italian playground standards like this swing- what a lovely design... and Claude can't get enough of the koi pond. All around it's a hit.

fountain or drinking fountain

yes yes yes- there's always a reason to celebrate.

here in Rome everywhere you look there are small reminders that life is good and every moment is the perfect moment to celebrate something. Why wait? People throw confetti for any number of reasons here- children bring it to playgrounds, it's tossed on major and minor holidays, because one is in love, because it's Tuesday- there is no good reason not to toss a little paper in the sky and be joyful.


Photos 2, 3, and 4 by Emily my very good friend and dullDiamond partner. Ohhh and we just opened up the shop again... I've been making a few jewelry pieces here and Emily having just visited brought them back home again. (thanks Em! So good having you here- miss you already.)

Barolucci's Beauties

This shop of hand-made Italian toys, clocks, and most notably Pinocchio dolls was such a lucky find today... I'd read about it but hadn't yet decided to find it in all of Rome. We came home with a little pack of small goods but I'm still thinking of heading back for a clock or doll. I'm a sucker for anything well made and local, but it was the displays that I was most drawn to- the objects in process. Who knows I might still come home with one of those beautiful Pinocchio dolls for Claude... or for myself.

from this week...

We have a bunch of friends in town this week visiting from home... it's so nice to have a little bit of normal in all this new. And even better to have someone to share our awe of this city with. Thanks B&M and J&E. So glad you came especially for this very very sunny week.

Spring in Rome- some beautiful things from this week.

(I took these with my mama and Jays Mom in mind- they share the same birthday- love you two!!!)