Stopping To Smell the Flowers

Living in Italy is teaching me to slow down and smell the flowers…literally.  When I lived in the States, I traveled around town by car.  To work, to the supermarket, to a restaurant, to a friend’s house…I always went by car.  Here in Rome, I travel by foot or public transportation (and sometimes bicycles).  When I make my weekly trip to the produce market or need something from the supermercato (supermarket) or ferramenta (hardware store), I put on my walking shoes.

Some days it seems inconvenient, but most days I enjoy getting out and walking.  It has forced me to notice so much more of life’s little treasures than I would if I were stuck inside a car.  It’s nice to notice some of nature’s beautiful treasures on a regular basis.  From the playful lizard scurrying along and diving into the brush, to the array of colorful and unique flowers we see along the way.  It’s nice to slow down, enjoy nature’s treasures and smell the flowers.

I’ve included a few of the flowers I’ve spotted along my walks.