Thank you, Tara. I was indeed incredibly happy! And that was the night before I left Sicily.
And it was wonderful to stay as long as I did - as well as stressful. I spent a lot of time trying to reach someone at an embassy or consulate who might assure me it would be okay to stay past the 90 day limit. Never got that assurance and was extremely concerned there would be repercussions. Alas, things were too crazy at all levels of government for that to happen.
We are never too old or too young to experience those pivotal moments! I love both stories--the eventual regret about your saxophone (as I am now relearning how to play the piano alongside my daughter, my regret of stopping my own lessons 30 years is melting away!) as well as the recognition that your decisions leading you to Sicily and who you are right now were lifechanging. I can't wait to see what's next!
Thank you, Pat. And thank you for all you do in the world!! What an honor to be speaking at the Commission. You are wise, my friend, and have much to share.
Jan, I am happy for the path you chose and the path that chose you... And now that you asked about the Pandemic
I would not have quit my pathetic job. I would not have spent time discovering who I was. Reading, meditation, fasting, long walks in nature (a habit I keep up to date) and appreciating solitude.
If I hadn't quite that damned job I wouldn't have met Maria, I wouldn't be in Europe pursuing my Masters. You and I would not have met on the Substack Writers seminar. I wouldn't be reading your Meditations and Musings because I started writing. After all, I needed an outlet for all the reading I was doing. I was scared at the time and I didn't know much except writing to clarify my thoughts on my then-failing career.
From the writing I got to understand myself better and the research I made then influenced my next job and my whole person in ways I could never imagine. I let old and energy-sapping friendships and acquaintances die. I left home for the first time in my life. I left home psychologically, spiritually and emotionally, without any emotional regret but with a little bit of fear and courage to face the world. I left home but I found home in the world. Isn't it quite the funny paradox?
And thank you for sharing your Saxophone story. I now know not to quit piano because without music I find myself lost in the world. By lost I mean the world doesn't make sense without an instrument in my life.
What an amazing, rich, big, and wonderful life you have created for yourself!! Solitude is so essential to knowing our truth. The pandemic was a gift in this way- the forced solitude. Sadly, not everyone was able to embrace it as such.
I have such admiration for all you have done in these last few years, Jimmy.
And yes, always keep playing! Music is in your soul 🧡🎶
Seeing 👀 the comment..Thank you for your encouragements and your kind words Jan. I'm grateful. And yes the music shall play as long as I have breath:) l 🧡
Love this, Jan! Destiny: listening to your inner voice, not weighing the pros and cons as if life were a balance sheet. You trusted yourself, had faith in the possibilities the unknown might bring. I’ve NEVER regretted taking big leaps based on no more than “I know I need to do this, but I couldn’t tell you why.”
I'm so glad that the pandemic brought us together with the fellow pat that is you! I'll never forget our day up in the tuscan hills riding kids' playground toys and learning about each other.
I was in Italia visiting my wife, Ami, as you know...and I was to return to do a short set of gigs with my band on the West Coast...when Coronavirus punched all those plans into oblivion. I wonder what would have happened? I may very well still have our band going and playing music,we might still have our beautiful little home in Colorado.... but instead it caused us to turn inward and to each other for solace and strength. And we go to do it with Italia and it's beautiful culture and people.
We too PRAY to return and also hope to have a place to call our own in the Nord or Sud.
And when that happens we're going to stop in Sicilia for an aperitivo and maybe a night or two with a fellow pat who helped us get through! MUAH
Charlie!!!! If I had not returned to the mainland, I would never have met you and Ami, and that would be a huge loss! Indeed, what an incredibly delightful day that was in Fiesole! Truly a highlight of my entire time in Italy. And there was also the possibility of staying with you, as you so kindly offered and for which I was indeed tempted to accept. But then you moved to Milan and I would have been... at a loss. And so, our adventures unfolded as they did.
You and Ami MUST come to Sicily and stay with me for more than a night or two! I will be deeply hurt if you don't. My prayers join yours that we will make it out of this country and return to the land of our hearts.
I did not know about the band... and yet, of course!
This piece is a good reflection on how a single decision can change the course of your life or how different choices might have led to a different version of yourself. It is also about how small moments can turn into big shifts, even when the decision doesn't feel significant at the time. It highlights the weight of decisions, big and small, and the paths they open up.
The cake looks delectable and lovely photos. I really enjoyed this because it was so thoughtful.
Long day yesterday and I forgot to say it feels like we think more about the impact of decisions and the decisions themselves but less on how they change our paths.
You found home. Beautiful
You look ravishingly happy in that photo! How wonderful it must have been to stay indefinitely, with no clear end in sight.
Thank you, Tara. I was indeed incredibly happy! And that was the night before I left Sicily.
And it was wonderful to stay as long as I did - as well as stressful. I spent a lot of time trying to reach someone at an embassy or consulate who might assure me it would be okay to stay past the 90 day limit. Never got that assurance and was extremely concerned there would be repercussions. Alas, things were too crazy at all levels of government for that to happen.
We are never too old or too young to experience those pivotal moments! I love both stories--the eventual regret about your saxophone (as I am now relearning how to play the piano alongside my daughter, my regret of stopping my own lessons 30 years is melting away!) as well as the recognition that your decisions leading you to Sicily and who you are right now were lifechanging. I can't wait to see what's next!
Thank you, Ashleigh. How wonderful that you are playing piano again!!! And playing with your daughter - that must be fun.
Jan, you have such keen insight as you walk through life in moments of reflective thought!
Savor these memories, experiences, and those who influenced your journey.
Continued to learn from all of life.
Am in NYC for the Commission on the Status of Women this week.
I speak tomorrow on “Women’s Empowerment” as there are representatives from around the world.
Excited to be here.
Stay well my friend! Pat McDonald
Thank you, Pat. And thank you for all you do in the world!! What an honor to be speaking at the Commission. You are wise, my friend, and have much to share.
Jan, I am happy for the path you chose and the path that chose you... And now that you asked about the Pandemic
I would not have quit my pathetic job. I would not have spent time discovering who I was. Reading, meditation, fasting, long walks in nature (a habit I keep up to date) and appreciating solitude.
If I hadn't quite that damned job I wouldn't have met Maria, I wouldn't be in Europe pursuing my Masters. You and I would not have met on the Substack Writers seminar. I wouldn't be reading your Meditations and Musings because I started writing. After all, I needed an outlet for all the reading I was doing. I was scared at the time and I didn't know much except writing to clarify my thoughts on my then-failing career.
From the writing I got to understand myself better and the research I made then influenced my next job and my whole person in ways I could never imagine. I let old and energy-sapping friendships and acquaintances die. I left home for the first time in my life. I left home psychologically, spiritually and emotionally, without any emotional regret but with a little bit of fear and courage to face the world. I left home but I found home in the world. Isn't it quite the funny paradox?
And thank you for sharing your Saxophone story. I now know not to quit piano because without music I find myself lost in the world. By lost I mean the world doesn't make sense without an instrument in my life.
Jimmy! I accidentally posted my response to you below
YES!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
What an amazing, rich, big, and wonderful life you have created for yourself!! Solitude is so essential to knowing our truth. The pandemic was a gift in this way- the forced solitude. Sadly, not everyone was able to embrace it as such.
I have such admiration for all you have done in these last few years, Jimmy.
And yes, always keep playing! Music is in your soul 🧡🎶
Seeing 👀 the comment..Thank you for your encouragements and your kind words Jan. I'm grateful. And yes the music shall play as long as I have breath:) l 🧡
Love this, Jan! Destiny: listening to your inner voice, not weighing the pros and cons as if life were a balance sheet. You trusted yourself, had faith in the possibilities the unknown might bring. I’ve NEVER regretted taking big leaps based on no more than “I know I need to do this, but I couldn’t tell you why.”
Sometimes it’s so much obvious and clear. Sometimes a bit murky. And still, you always do know. 🩵
I love "La Pepplarino Trainstop" in Sicilia!!
I'm so glad that the pandemic brought us together with the fellow pat that is you! I'll never forget our day up in the tuscan hills riding kids' playground toys and learning about each other.
I was in Italia visiting my wife, Ami, as you know...and I was to return to do a short set of gigs with my band on the West Coast...when Coronavirus punched all those plans into oblivion. I wonder what would have happened? I may very well still have our band going and playing music,we might still have our beautiful little home in Colorado.... but instead it caused us to turn inward and to each other for solace and strength. And we go to do it with Italia and it's beautiful culture and people.
We too PRAY to return and also hope to have a place to call our own in the Nord or Sud.
And when that happens we're going to stop in Sicilia for an aperitivo and maybe a night or two with a fellow pat who helped us get through! MUAH
Charlie!!!! If I had not returned to the mainland, I would never have met you and Ami, and that would be a huge loss! Indeed, what an incredibly delightful day that was in Fiesole! Truly a highlight of my entire time in Italy. And there was also the possibility of staying with you, as you so kindly offered and for which I was indeed tempted to accept. But then you moved to Milan and I would have been... at a loss. And so, our adventures unfolded as they did.
You and Ami MUST come to Sicily and stay with me for more than a night or two! I will be deeply hurt if you don't. My prayers join yours that we will make it out of this country and return to the land of our hearts.
I did not know about the band... and yet, of course!
Abbracci a voi entrambe !!
Un grande abbraccio!!!
You are SO right! And yes...we would LOVE to make our way to your lil choo choo stop!!
Oh and that Sax picture is amazing...what rockers!
😂
This piece is a good reflection on how a single decision can change the course of your life or how different choices might have led to a different version of yourself. It is also about how small moments can turn into big shifts, even when the decision doesn't feel significant at the time. It highlights the weight of decisions, big and small, and the paths they open up.
The cake looks delectable and lovely photos. I really enjoyed this because it was so thoughtful.
Yes, that single decision is what I why trying to capture! Excellent synopsis - thank you!
Long day yesterday and I forgot to say it feels like we think more about the impact of decisions and the decisions themselves but less on how they change our paths.
Just think, if you hadn’t planned to move to Sicily, you would’ve never met me!!!! 💚🤍♥️
And THAT, my dear friend, would have been a loss indeed! Voglio bene! 😘💕
My Sicilian Soul Sister!
💚🤍♥️