A Simpler Kind of Life

• By Johanna Nuding+
• Posted in Change, Italy, Life, Travel, Unsolicited Advice
• On August 17, 2012
• 3 Comments.

Staying at Enrico’s in Prevalle was such a beautiful experience. He appreciates old things and the times they represent. He restores antique furniture for a living. His home is warm and inviting, but also a 400-year-old treasure chest. Every day I was there I’d discover something I hadn’t noticed the day before…a gem hiding around the corner, on a wall, scooted under a table or tucked away in a drawer. And each treasure has a beautiful story attached to it. Enrico is a passionate story teller when he’s speaking of the chandeliers, chairs, desks, armoirs, etc. that he’s brought back to life. He’s always sure to maintain the integrity of the original, intended craftsmanship. I can feel the love in every piece of furniture in his home and work shop. It really is magical.

 

There’s no flat screen TV at Enrico’s (come to think of it, I’m not sure I saw a television at all), no wifi, no central heat and air conditioning…That would just be weird in the 400-year-old home he’s worked so hard to restore. He burns wood in a stove to heat the water for baths/showers (the water gets ridiculously hot, by the way). The oven/stove is fueled by propane. He has a huge fireplace where he does most of his cooking in the winter time. And, he’s got a record collection to die for. He lives a simple, yet full life.

 

Funny doesn’t always translate in another country, but Enrico has such an excellent grasp of the English language and American humor that we enjoyed cutting up and cracking jokes with him. Dionne, Sister and I are constantly making each other laugh and creating fictitious scenarios or stories. Enrico enjoyed getting involved in these pile-ons. And after a good one-liner he was always quick to smile, laugh and reply, “That’s funny!” or “I like that…that was a good one!” He’s lighthearted and childlike, but an intelligent, deep thinker.

Enrico lives his life with such an open heart and open mind. He freely gives and shares with true gladness. He loves his daughter, family, friends, horses, crow, chickens and dogs with every fiber of his being. It really is a joyful thing to witness. He sets an excellent example for us all.

I already feel open, but Enrico makes me know that I can do more…that I should do more. After all, I’m pretty sure nobody gets tired of feeling loved, admired and appreciated. One more smile or wink, one more “grazie” or “ti voglio bene”, one more squeeze of the hand, pat on the back or Texas-sized hug and an “I’m thankful for our relationship”…it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference, but for whatever reason, they tend to be the things that we put off until tomorrow.

We should all strive to sprinkle a little “Enrico” into our day.

Give it a try: just one extra act of love, admiration and kindness each day. You never know, it might feel so good that you can’t stop at just one. Of course, you will run across the occasional person that is foreign to this concept. Your honesty and kindness might send them running for the hills.  It’s happened to me quite recently, and I’ve struggled thinking that I should have just kept my mouth shut.  But where’s the “living” in that?  Just keep doing what you’re doing. They’ll either come around or they won’t. If they don’t, take it as a tip from the Universe and keep on moving – eyes ahead.  Never turn around and dwell on the past because the only moment you can experience is upon you.  I repeat this daily mantra as a reminder: “The past is over and cannot be changed.  This is the only moment I can experience.”

It’s true that living life with an open mind and an open heart makes you vulnerable, but know that disappointment makes you stronger and more attune to the things you do and don’t want for yourself. Welcome the feelings of rejection, hurt and disappointment and then let them go. Don’t hold them hostage. I promise that living with your heart wide open will make the highs higher, the victories sweeter and the love richer.

So, in honor of Enrico, dish out one extra act of love, admiration and kindness today. Why not start with yourself for practice? Look in the mirror, smile your sweetest smile and tell yourself the thing that you most need to hear today.

That’s it!  Think about it.  You look so smart when your wheels are turning.  And smart is sexy! *wink*

 

 

Here are some more pics to peruse: