The Balcony is now Open

Wow, my very own balcony with walls to write on and hopefully many people who stop by to view them! I came up with this idea while visiting Juliet's courtyard in Verona, Italy. In case any of you were wondering, yes, the story of the 2010 movie starring the adorable Amanda Seyfried, is based on something very real that happens just off a small cobblestone street marked Via CappeIlo 23. I was in complete awe of the hundreds of letters that adorned the walls within the courtyard. Some were hidden in nooks and crannies, others were painted on in graffiti style, a few were written on locks and secured to the iron gates. All of them hosted a special message waiting to be heard. I was fortunate enough to spend time in Club Giulietta where secretaries sit for hours at a time responding to each and every letter they receive. What I learned while I was there is that love is universal and there is a huge desire to share it. That is what I'm hoping to do here. The written word has so much power. We often overlook it's value in today's modern technology. Words are meant to be shared. When was the last time you wrote an "old-fashioned" letter to someone? I encourage you to write your own letters or notes here in my comments section, whether they be to a loved one or to yourself, whether they are about a person, a place, your favorite recipe or book, anything you love! Chances are if you love it, others will too. I'm going to start by writing out two letters from my favorite author (in this century), Nicholas Sparks. They are short but the words are powerful and leave a lasting impression. I've read all of Nicholas' books and when I started a wall of my own, similar to that in Verona, his were the first letters to adorn it.




"My dearest Allie,


The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give to you forever. I Love You. I'll be seeing you....


Noah"


Nicholas Sparks in The Notebook






"Thank you for coming into my life and giving me joy. Thank you for loving me and receiving my love in return. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever. But most of all, Thank you for showing me that there will come a time when I can eventually let you go."


Garret Blake via Nicholas Sparks in Message in a Bottle






I read these letters almost daily. They remind me of how lucky I am to know the meaning of the word love. Yet, love comes in many forms as I hope to display here on my Balcony. There will be posts about beautiful places, delicious foods and delectable wines that pair with them, picturesque photos, and excerpts from great magazine articles, books, and classic literature. Stay tuned for the first journey as we travel throughout France and Italy for Valentine's Day!! Thanks for stopping by my balcony.


"There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met," William Butler Yeats