At this time of year, many people focus forward – setting goals and making resolutions related to diet, health, exercise, work, relaxation, education, finances, etc. In our extended family, we were fortunate enough to take time to celebrate the present, and in particular, the sisterhood of generations of strong and vibrant women in our family.
Yesterday at brunch, four generations of women, aged seven weeks to 90, shared hugs, stories, laughs, and memories, accompanied by great food and wicked mimosas. (Our wonderful spouses weren’t included, nor would they have wanted to be!)
We toasted one another, and those not with us, as we celebrated one of our greatest blessings – the love we have for each other and the strong bond that ties us together. And of course, there was never a shortage of hands to hold the new baby!
Our Italian grandmothers, and my mother, would have been proud – all of us at one table, and, of course, all talking and listening at the same time. An Italian skill handed down from generation to generation. Tradition.
While looking forward is a great thing to do at year’s end, taking time to appreciate and celebrate the present is incredibly uplifting.
To my aunts, sisters, daughter, cousins, and nieces, you rock!
And to all,
may your new year be filled with love and
may you make time for special times with family and friends.
Happy 2013!
Felice Anno Nuovo!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Ugh, Juju, I LOVED this. Gratzie per this post così bella. It is a great reminder to celebrate all the wonderful things we have in the present your words brought tears to my eyes and the pictures, a sme to my face.
Buon Anno Nuovo!
Love,
Alexis
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Thanks and love you!
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Wow, Judy – this was fabulous! Happy New Year!
Love, Sandy
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And the same to you both! xo
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Judy,
Thank you for sharing-wonderful photos in the present, but also remembering your family’s past(our italian grandparents instilled a lot of good in us in many ways). T’auguro un Felice, Bello e Prospero Anno Nuovo. Kathy Cori(Loyola Camper)
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Grazie, Kathy! And the best to you!
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What a lovely family, at least the female side of it! I’m envious. I have very few relations. Very Happy New Year to you all. Tanti auguri! Patricia
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Ciao Patricia!
Grazie for your note. Readers have loved your photos, so please continue to send as time permits. We all love seeing the changing seasons of Cortona, which only a few are lucky enough to enjoy.
Tanti augury a te!
Judy
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What a wonderful idea, wishing you and your lovely family a healthy, happy 2013!
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Filocia,
Definitely worth pulling together! And the best to you and yours in 2013!
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