Three Italians and a Wedding

I admit I really enjoy the titles that my family members come up with for their blogs. My sisters Renee and her family are incredibly good at this on our family website, that i never post on... i have my own blog and that takes time enough. regardless... i felt the busyness/interestingness of my life lately deserved a fitting title. alas, i just can not come up with one that fits! grrr... so... it is what it is, it does have to fit, somehow!

we had the extreme pleasure of hosting a very intimate Italy reunion on friday night. i do have to say, in one way or another i enjoyed everyone that we were fortunate enough to experience Italy with. at the same time i admit, this small group plainly represents my favorite people.

the food was italian and quite yummy.


three true blue Italians attended the event (henceforth the title) somehow they all seem brothers. which IS astonishing because they are so unlike one another. (other than.. the obvious choice of stylish clothing).


we repeated our wine tasting game from a few weeks back. kinley got way to into it! (note her focus here) so much that we had to find a prize for her! it was a blast and my goodness does that young woman have a way with words!



leslie flew all the way up from SF. i wish she lived here, we are kindred hearts and enjoy one another so very much. she is such a dear new friend, just too far away... )o:


the chef of the evening (me) appreciated the thumbs up of the 'master' if he enjoys the food... one can rest easy. thank you dr. juri sbandati. i believe you are the best!


the evening was an complete success and though our group was small, we were mighty. each of us found saying goodnight tough. this is a group of hearts that came together in Florence and are most likely friends for life. what a blessing to have our 'Laura' a part of it and for her to have the opportunity to get to know our new friends on a deeper level.

the following a.m. Bill, I and Francessco were off to Astoria (yes where GOONIES was filmed, a phenomenon i do not get.... apparently my age) for Tim & Terra's wedding!

we decided to take Francessco along simply for the joy of the experience of an 'American' wedding, not to mention his OBSESSION with GOONIES (yep, Italy too! we searched for posters, the house even visited 'the beach' what on earth is it with that FLICK?) also... admittedly, Terra & I had our hopes on hooking him up with a friend of hers.

we ran into Terra in the lobby before the party... Francessco was smitten... oops, wrong girl! she did look so lovely though! wow.


Terra had her 'very simple' gown made in Paris, it was, as was she, stunning. she confessed wishing she could wear it again and again.


it was a great celebration and turned out to be a BradnNav reunion (sans Russ, which is understandable... awkward....)


Francessco admits, when he saw DeAnna he felt a BOMB go off inside (Italians.. they do not waste time with their illustrations). i am sure that is why he is avoiding eye contact here. unfortunately, wrong girl.... again...


DeAnna and DJ have been married for years and are quite the charming couple.


Ben's wife Chloe is about 2 weeks away from birth and is glowing. i think Ben has found his girl and awaiting his bambina with excited anticipation.


Terra & Tim enjoyed the entire evening fully. we were so happy we all attended to show our love.


the golden couples of BrandNav. so striking!


Terra eventually introduced Francessco to 'the girl' and he did spend a good couple hours talking with her and then was out till 3 a.m. bar hopping. he enjoyed it very much. although, the following morning.... he continued to reflect on the BOMB that he had felt evening last. oh italianos...... so romantic.

attempting to clear his head we whisked him off to 'the beach'. another goal of the weekend, to allow Francessco to see the astounding Oregon Coast before his return to Tuscany.

it was a misty morning, the fog laying on the hills offered a serene feeling that none of us wanted to leave. it was spectacular with a very tranquil awareness that we each absorbed in our own way.



the 'boys' grew in their respect for one another and the things they have in common. they are kindred hearts, so rare for males. especially here in the USA.


the time was too short. i longed in my heart of heart that it could be longer... Francessco had another 'date' and we needed to return him to Bend.

too me, this is LIFE here on earth.






really more than words can say. well other than all those above and... people, places and love.

x.