Sun drenched fields of wheat... the morning light casting long shadows... vines hanging heavy with fruit... richly colored buildings reflecting the warmth of the land and of the people... laundry hanging across alley-ways... windows graced by flower pots bursting with blossoms.  It never seems to let us down these visions we hold dear.  They were all here and so much more.  Foxes scooting across the road in the early morning light in search of breakfast... sunflowers bowing their heads to the end of summer...  children playing soccer in the piazza, a piano concerto sounding from a distant open window...  and my most favorite, the church bells ringing and swaying gracefully from their ancient towers echoing through villages and valleys.

 

It was a special summer spent with very special people.  Phoenix artists painting in the Tuscan countryside. Friends uniting from far away states celebrating birthdays and reunions together under the Tuscan sunshine and night sky.  Special moments shared with the local residents enjoying church suppers and local outdoor theaters, festivals and feasts.  Few places on earth continue to please the senses time after time like Tuscany. Come soon.