Last Day Reflections of Roma-This and That

Thank you for putting up with me as I reminisced about our fabulous week in Rome. Like the title says, today is a little of this and a little of that...

A political protest that included putting red dye in the fountain so it looked like blood. When I first saw the cross, “bust” and police I thought someone had been killed.

Wouldn’t a tiny car like this be fun to drive around town? Besides helping with gas mileage it would certainly help my parallel parking when I’m in Glen Ellyn.

Who doesn’t love walking by fresh, colorful flowers!

I could totally live here.


What fun roof parties they must have…

The long glance-that lasted all day: The security line at the airport the day we flew out of Rome was ridiculously long. I had lots of time to people watch and check out what other women chose to wear on an international flight. Why do women watch other women? I think we check each other out to see how we “compare”. My husband always tells me I should be confident in who I am, but I’ve always fought a bit of a low self-esteem battle.

A woman with gorgeous glossy brunette curly hair caught my eye. (Apparently my husband’s too.) She wore a blue, form-fitting dress, a scarf tied with aplomb and fashionable boots. (I also have a blue sweater dress but I have to wear mine with Spanx and I turn blue in the face trying to hold in my 4-kid-mommy-tummy.)

After we boarded the plane and were settled in our seat I realized the Italian beauty was sitting catty-corner from me. She caught me looking at her because she was looking at me. She had a perfect, shiny, dark red manicure; I had nibbled nails with light pink polish. We both had reading glasses but hers were cuter (of course.) We ordered the same lunch and I was astonished how quickly she gobbled hers down all while looking sexy. She read her book. I read my book. She touched up her make-up before we landed. I touched up mine.(I wasn't stalking her, I was just glancing occasionally-I promise.)

Maybe she was glancing at me because whenever I travel I take off my ballet flats and put on fuzzy socks so my feet don’t get cold. I probably looked silly as I went to the restroom. Maybe she watched me because she was taking a trip to Chicago (I spied her map) and she heard me speak English. (She was probably bi-lingual.)

I wish we could have done more than just scan each other. I wish I could have asked her a million questions about Italy and told her my favorite things to do in Chicago. Our seats where just a bit too far to start a conversation and she disembarked with her guy pretty quickly. I got so caught up comparing myself to her that I sort of forgot that God made me just the way I am for a reason and HE is the only one whose opinion counts.

“Be honest in you estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3

I love traveling to different places;sight-seeing, enjoying delicious food and learning new things about cultures. Although different, I also realize that people all over the world have a lot in common- sort of like the country song lyrics-“we all bleed red”. (We don’t all dye our fountain water red though…)

What I know for sure:
God is Great
Roma is good
Italian drivers are crazy!

In His Grip, Jane

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, May 30th, 2011

Outside my window...it’s mostly cloudy and 57. It's June this week- will I ever be in short sleeves?

I am thinking... it was fun to see my oldest son Saturday night and go out for Thai food at Lele's.

I am thankful for...all our current military and the service men & women who have given their lives for our freedom here in America.

From the learning rooms... the SAT is Saturday and my girl is not preparing enough as far as her momma is concerned.(I hope she doesn't oversleep that morning-I won't be here to wake her up!)

From the kitchen...my house-host and I are celebrating Memorial Day with burgers, corn on the cob, and caprese salad.

I am wearing...my Nike black pants and my navy “Sarah’s mom” tennis sweatshirt. It is NOT a good look and I wore it to work this morning, the coffee shop and even to Nordstrom! I hope the cast of What Not to Wear is not in town…

I am creating...all the necessary forms for Sarah to attend Beyond Malibu Young Life Camp.

I am going...back to Glen Ellyn this Wednesday for a visit!

I am reading...Life After Yes by Aidan Donnelley Rowley

I am hoping...Mike gets back safely from Germany Wednesday afternoon, and that we get some clarification on next fall; maybe Sarah should live with a friend and I should join her at semester.

I am hearing...the hum of the refrigerator. A few boats drove by a bit ago.

Around the house…I need to bring down the empty recycling & trash cans. I should think about a packing list for Wednesday.

One of my favorite things…girl’s night out. Four of us had fun last night seeing Jane Eyre then going out to dinner. Oh they make me laugh and they encourage me!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I work three mornings this week, plan to meet a dear friend for lunch tomorrow, fly to Chicago on Wednesday night, get to spend time with my hubby, house & pets, going to our corner bar Friday night, driving to Indy Saturday for a visit with my Mom and a grad party, cooking at least two meals for Mike, and flying back here next Monday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This cute big boy named Tigger is one reason I’m excited to go back to Illinois for a visit! I miss him and his "sister", Sadie the dog SOooo much!

To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

Reflections of Roma-Day Five; Helping on Both Sides of the Pond

On our last full day we took a taxi with another couple over to the Spanish Steps. The flowers were gorgeous, and high-end stores like Gucci were surrounding the area.

I loved seeing all the horse-drawn carriages. Rome is the city of lovers; even the horses were kissing!

We went to a beautiful church and also listened to a street guitarist.

Next we headed to the Jewish Ghetto.Did you know the original meaning of the word came from Rome? "An area of city inhabited by minority,Jewish quarter, and environment of isolation."

After exploring and eating lunch we split up from our friends and headed over to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. I had asked our lunch waiter to wrap up my leftover pizza in hopes that I could share it with a hungry homeless person. I hated it to go to waste, and I'd seen lots of beggars.

As we approached the Trevi Fountain I saw a very old woman begging on the ground. She was not pretty to look at and people were doing a lot more staring at her than offering her money. She was a bit deformed and was shaking. I leaned down and gave her my pizza. Her eyes said “grazie”. She immediately opened the foil and devoured the pieces of pizza.

I felt such a sense of peace doing just a tiny act to help someone and the verses from Matthew 25: 35 and 40 rang in my head; “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Back in the states, our #3 son was also “helping” the homeless. He had been doing a mission feeding homeless people in downtown Spokane with some other college students when apparently a man asked him if he could help out by taking care of his kitten. The little orange kitty must have reminded our boy of our fat orange tabby named Tigger.

T.J. hesitated, then gave the man $20 and snuck the kitten back to his dorm. It was the wrong thing to do on many levels but T.J’s motive was pure. I love my son’s heart. I love that he cares for God’s creatures and is compassionate (I think he has the gift of mercy & loves red kitties like his Momma…).We got a message on Facebook saying he wasn’t hurt, but he needed to talk to us a.s.a.p. A million scenarios ran through my head but him asking if he could keep the kitty was NOT what I expected.
It was quite the story around his campus and on Facebook, and a bit of a chick-magnet too. (He gets that from his old man…)

Some girls living off campus kept the kitty until we arrived for his sister’s graduation mid-month. It just wasn't possible for us to have a baby kitten right now so we gave it to the Humane Society and thankfully a great family adopted him the next day.

Our final dinner was on the hotel roof by a pool overlooking the city. Stories were shared, toasts were made and new friends & colleagues enjoyed reminiscing about the fantastic week in Rome.

My meal was terrific, yet I gained even more satisfaction watching the old woman eating my leftover pizza.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

In His Grip, Jane

This Is Why

This week reinforced why I brought my daughter back to Gig Harbor to complete high school.

I remember when tennis didn’t work out for Sarah back in Illinois. The weather was SUPER hot with 100% humidity. (Hard to get used to for my Northwest daughter who was used to playing in cool, damp, weather.) The coaches were nice, but ruthless. The girls were NOT welcoming. Practices were never fun-always hard. It was nothing like her experience here in Gig Harbor on the Tides Tennis Team. Perhaps all the Glenbard West girls have aspirations to get college scholarships or play in the Olympics?

When Sarah decided not to continue the sport in Glen Ellyn it was a sad day for all of us. I was sad for her and me-I thought this was going to be the “ticket” to new friends. I had pictured her being invited over to her teammate’s homes. I had imagined meeting other moms sitting in the bleachers.

It was not to be.

We prayed,we persevered a semester, and then we came back "home".

When we returned to the Harbor for second semester she had an injured foot due to a big brother accident; torn ligaments, boot cast. We knew she’d be trying out for tennis in six weeks because it’s in the spring here. She rested it, then did physical therapy and got a special ankle brace.

For the second year in a row she made varsity and played doubles. She is an aggressive, offensive player and has a wicked overhand smash (I call it the slamma-jamma.)

Her coaches were so encouraging,her team was 3rd overall in league and she and her partner were practically undefeated.

Despite the rain-outs and cold, damp weather, SHE HAD FUN.

We had our end-of-season banquet this week. The weather finally cooperated and the girls and parents all had a great time.Sarah and I probably appreciated this season more than most. To add to the joy, she was nominated by the girls on the team to be next year’s team co-captain.

“A sincere prayer brings wonderful results.” James 5:16

THIS is why I’m back, and her Dad and I are living apart right now-seeing the delight on her face, hearing the excitement in her voice, knowing next spring will be here before we know it. She's enjoying school, and is surrounded by friends, teammates and adults at school and church who know and love her.

She’s a natural leader and no one in Glen Ellyn was giving her an opportunity to lead. God understands her needs and gifts, and is giving her this chance to grow through tennis and as a Young Life leader. She is thriving.

I’m glad He let the momma assist Him in making it happen.
“God hears our prayers when they are in line with his will.” 1John 5:14

What are you doing to help your children thrive?

In His Grip, Jane

Reflections of Roma-Day Four; Totally Tourists

Everything about the way we looked on Wednesday screamed, "tourist"!!
We had on our Tides Tavern t-shirts that had been given to us by our Washington friends at our moving-away party. We wanted to have our picture taken in front of the Coliseum in the shirts and take it back to join all the other photos on the wall of the Tavern.

Tides Tavern has been featured in Coastal Living (see the May issue) for the BEST chowder and Halibut & chips.

Mike was wearing shorts and I was snapping photos. FYI-men in Italy don’t wear shorts unless they’re at the beach. Ask Nino-he knows…

I loved the people watching. I loved seeing women riding their small motorcycles with dressy clothes. I noticed most women in Italy wear hose. After accidentally stepping on my fake tanning lotion in the hotel bathroom and squirting it all over my white shirt, I’m thinking maybe I should try to bring the hose fashion trend back to America.

It was a long walk but we made it to the Coliseum and were struck once again by how it just appears as we looked down an alley.

We didn’t go inside this time but looked up pictures and facts in our Rick Steves guide book.

The Forum was wonderful but don’t get your picture taken with the fake Roman Soldier unless you want to pay $$. Did I mention we were ignorant, trusting tourists?

The sun was shining in Rome on Wednesday and we stopped in several stores on the walk back. Due to the poor exchange rate between the Euro and the dollar, we didn’t do much purchasing other than food. I tried on some leather jackets but didn’t bring one back. My dreams of bringing home a purse, shoes, jacket and art didn’t come true but I have memories tucked in my head & heart to last a lifetime.

Although I was quite the tourist on Wednesday, I could certainly adjust to becoming an Italian local (except for the cigarette smoking…and I’d need to learn the language.) I loved stopping at little sidewalk cafes for a beverage.

Being in the city where so many of the early Christian history took place was so awe-inspiring. Looking at what man created thousands of years ago conjures up feelings a bit like looking at the amazing world that God created.

I’m thankful God gave humans the creativity to build and paint and make a city that is still standing even after thousands of years have gone by.
After seeing ceilings of gold in churches, it makes me even more anxious to see streets of gold someday in Heaven; I’m glad I won’t just be a tourist when I get there but a citizen.

Rev 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.


In His Grip, Jane

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, May 24th, 2011

Outside my window... it’s overcast and about 48 degrees. I know the sun is trying to peak through the clouds!

I am thinking…I have zero plans for Memorial Day weekend since Mike will be in Germany and the kids are over in Spokane. No picnic/BBQ for me AND I have to work Monday morning. (Yep, I’m whining.)

I am thankful for...my daughter-in-law Amy who celebrated her 24th birthday yesterday!

From the learning rooms... Sarah wishes she’d chosen a different topic for her Junior Exhibition…(Her teacher said it was a "learning moment".)

From the kitchen...I’m going to make Chinese Chicken Salad for the tennis banquet pot luck. The recipe is on the Brittany Bay Gourmet salad dressing bottle.

I am wearing...my fuzzy red robe and my new pink slippers I bought for work. (We take our shoes off at the childcare center to keep the carpets clean.)

I am creating...zilch. Can I just say it’s pretty impossible to “create” when all my stuff is back in Illinois, and I’m staying in someone else’s home!!!

I am going...to take the doggie I’m sitting to the vet. Her eye has been swollen and now it’s bleeding. Other than that it’s a FREE day until the end of tennis season party.

I am reading...Still Life by Joy Fielding.

I am hoping...it starts to feel more like spring/summer weather here. I have only worn shorts one time!

I am hearing...the clock ticking-it’s very quiet here since it’s just the dogs and me.

Around the house…my host’s septic system hasn’t been working properly so I can’t do laundry or run the dishwasher. Hope it’s working today or I'll be off to borrow a friend's washer & dryer again.

One of my favorite things…walking the Harbor on a sunny day.

A few plans for the rest of the week: besides the tennis banquet I get to hear Stuart McAllister speak at church on Wednesday night. He’s a world-renowned evangelist and teacher from the faculty of Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics. Thursday is the last Mops day I get to play with the one year olds, followed by a volunteer appreciation lunch. Hopefully I’ll connect with some girlfriends for coffee or lunch and catch up on the Friday Night Lights episodes I’ve missed online.I finally got caught up on my other two favorites: Army Wives and The Good Wife.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is my college boy's shoe collection.He likes shoes as much as me! It took all six of us to go through all his stuff and pack him up to move out of the dorm. WHY are my middle children so unorganized? I am a list-maker, packer extraordinaire, and even found myself straightening the magazine piles at the doctor's office yesterday!


To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

And She's Off!

I interrupt my reflections of Roma to share the joy of watching my oldest daughter graduate from college last weekend.She's our 2nd child to graduate from Whitworth University. Two down, two to go!

For the past two years, Allie has lived off-campus with 5 amazing roommates. The house had an amazing view in the backyard and our oldest son lived there when he was a junior, senior and in grad school. Lots of memories on Nelson Road…

We had a very fun party on Saturday afternoon.

The commencement on Sunday lasted three hours! Too long, but we persevered…

All the $$$$$, and long hours of studying were worth it!

Allison Grace Carver-we’re SO proud of you! God will use you in a mighty way!

Mommas- it goes by in a flash. I remember putting Allie on the bus for kindergarten back in Grayslake, Illinois 17 years ago. Cherish every moment!

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go." ~ by Dr. Seuss

(Allie will be student teaching in Costa Rica in the fall, then look out world, she's off to teach children reading somewhere in the world!!)

In His Grip, Jane

Reflections of Roma-Day Three; He Had Me at Hello

Tuesday was the day that APP had arranged a private tour of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. We were given a headset and introduced to our tour guide.

His name was Nino Giovanetti.

Imagine the most interesting man in the world beer commercial actor without the beard, and you’ll be close. He was handsome, suave, debonair, and we all instantly fell in love.

“Hellooooooo!...” was his famous way of making sure we were listening. He said it in a sing-song voice. He spoke in the third person. “Follow Nino!” “Nino is over here.”


He seemed to know everyone and commanded respect from officials and police officers. His knowledge was vast and I learned so much about Michelangelo’s masterpieces and the Catholic history. I could have listened to him all day.

I discovered Nino has his own website so you can check him out too! http://www.ninoknows.com/

I would follow Nino just about anywhere. I have no idea how much it cost APP to hire Nino as our guide, but whatever it was, it was worth it. He had a gentle, yet magnetic way of drawing you in. It reminded me of Jesus inviting his disciples to follow him.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."Matthew 4:19

It costs a lot to follow Jesus, but He is worth it.

I’m hoping to return to Italy someday (in two years for our 30th wedding anniversary?) and have Nino take us to the beaches he talked about.

The Vatican and Sistine Chapel were amazing, as expected. It is my second time there, but due to the amazing "experienced guide" that Nino was, I got SO much out of the tour.





In His Grip, Jane

Reflections of Roma-Day Two; How Do I Look?

(Mike, looking good as we take a break from shopping & walking.)

I’ve been off the computer due to my #2 child graduating from Whitworth University. Whoot! Now, back to memories of Rome…

Michael had to be at a meeting Monday morning. I had plans to go down for breakfast and people watch, but when he returned at 11:00, he found me-still sleeping!! We headed out to explore and find lunch. A local businessman directed us to a café. After lasagna for me and spaghetti with meat sauce for Mike, we began our walk. I wasn’t feeling “pretty” since I couldn’t find my make-up case-only the concealer, blush and mascara I’d popped in my purse. Apparently I’d left my cosmetic bag back in Illinois! We found a shop called Upim which was sort of like a small Macy’s. I was able to find some make-up so I would feel better being around all the beautiful Europeans.


We popped in a few shops, enjoyed our first cup of Gelato, saw a beautiful church and spent our afternoon people watching.

The plan for Monday night was to take the night walk to the Spanish steps with three other couples and eat on the way. We ate Al Fresco under a lit awning with heaters. We had a map but the six of us seemed to be having trouble looking for the right direction. (I missed the unit on map-reading skills…)



Mother Nature decided not to cooperate, but the rain didn’t dampen our spirits. We stopped off to grab a coffee & brandy to warm up. We sat outside under umbrellas. Best line of the week: we asked a young police officer, “Taxi?” and his response was, “No, I’m a Policeman…”



We stood in the rain waiting without umbrellas (traveling tip,carry one!) until we finally caught some taxis and headed back to the hotel. Unlike my routine of climbing into bed at 9:30, we sat up with friends until almost midnight. The “other group” staying at our swanky hotel was also up.

A pyramid marketing company from the U.S. was also staying at our hotel having a reward trip. We nicknamed them “New Jersey”after the TV show. They had been rowdy and obnoxious on the plane and we were not delighted when we walked in and saw them in the lobby. They were all in their early twenties and dressed sort of like pimps. They drank WAY too much and were rude to the staff. We were embarrassed that they were representing America and hoped that people observing them didn’t think ALL Americans act like that when on vacation. I have no idea whether any of them were believers, and I'm sure many of them are really nice when in a different setting, but they weren't thinking about their company's or country's reputation...

"Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11

I started my day worried about my lack of make-up and was reminded that it’s what we look like on the inside that matters most…