“The men nodded vigorously at me. When they took hold of me and lifted me in their strong arms, I thought nothing of it. I thought they were helping me. I was so full of trust in them that I felt grateful as they carried me in the air. Only when they threw me overboard did I begin to have doubts.”
― Yann Martel, Life of Pi
Sailing the Atlantic…
“Of course I’ll hurt you. Of course you’ll hurt me. Of course we will hurt each other. But this is the very condition of existence. To become spring, means accepting the risk of winter. To become presence, means accepting the risk of absence.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Look closely and you will see a heart.
This Valentines day, as I contemplate love, fear, risk and all that spring and winter brings me, l’ll take Mr. Saint-Exupéry’s advice and accept (stay open to) them all.
“I have been astonished that men could die martyrs
for their religion–
I have shuddered at it,
I shudder no more.
I could be martyred for my religion.
Love is my religion
and I could die for that.
I could die for you.”
– John Keats
“The very essence of romance is uncertainty.”
― Oscar Wilde
On my last evening in Verona I walked through Piazza Erbe one last time. While resting at a cafe I noticed this young man waiting by a statue holding a red rose and looking nervous. I wasn’t going to shoot him, but then the old man to the left walked by him and noticed him as well. He gave him a look I couldn’t pass photographing – a knowing look. It’s not the best of photo quality…but it says a lot about the two men and their thoughts.
These are a few things I love about Italy
1. The way women wear pretty bras even when jogging or working out and high heels while biking through town.
2. The way the men stand with one hip cocked back, as if modeling.
3. Neat and tidy balconies.
4. The olives.
5. The coffee.
6. You have to ask for the check at a restaurant. Therefore, you never feel as though you are being rushed out the door.
7. Expression and/or drama in public, both good and bad, is acceptable.
8. Men can go for a walk or sit on a bench with other men and it’s not seen as “gay” or such.
9. Women walk arm and arm and it is not seen as “gay” or such.
10. Absolutely NO ONE wears Crocs to dinner….thank you
One Street Shy 