Enjoying a moment of American car and fast food culture. It definitely has its place!

Over the well in the center of the 15th century Renaissance courtyard of the Palazzo Galli Tassi you will often see a beautiful seasonal flower arrangement. When my language classes resumed in this building this past week, this was the loveliness that awaited.

On the block of stone that serves as the table top, you can see fossils embedded in the stone. It is quite something.

You come across something that astonishes you completely. It’s so rare, which makes it all the more meaningful.

That’s exactly what happened when I finished watching the exquisite tv series Somebody Somewhere. I came to it late and completely by accident, but I am a better person for having found it. It moved me in its stunning truths.

Run, don’t walk, to watch this miracle.

There’s a beautiful walkway that runs around the south end of Florence that I love to walk. I hadn’t been there is a while and somehow I saw something I don’t recall ever noticing before. It was this small, simple structure. An example of vernacular architecture.

It’s odd, because the majority of the buildings that line this roadway are nothing short of historic Florentine mansions and yet here was this simple little…shed?

As you can see, I’m walking along the beautiful Viale Niccolo Machiavelli, as the plaque on the facade of the shack reveals.

But what caught my attention, and charmed me, was that someone had taken the trouble to faux paint a design on the simple door.

I love the simplicity of the small building and have no idea why it is there or what it was used for. I am beguiled by the fact that the owner (or someone in charge) went to the trouble of faux painting the cute little doorway.

Gorgeous weather, long long walks. And I saw this sign and share the feeling.

Is there anything more lively than an orchid?

Pretty wonderful!

Monthly treat! The flavor I chose for my September experience is a new one: a blend of Buontalenti and pistacchio mixed together as one gelato. Absolutely sublime!

Below, high above Piazza Santo Spirito on a splendid afternoon!

Look at that line of trees: umbrella pines and cypresses. I adore them!

Last evening in Florence was the annual procession of children and their paper lanterns, which are called rificolone, and the festival itself is called the Rificolona. After the video, I provide all the info about the celebration.

Date: Held annually on the evening of September 7th.

Origins: The tradition dates back to the 17th century when farmers and pilgrims would travel to Florence on the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary to sell goods at the market in Piazza Santissima Annunziata.

The Lanterns: The lanterns, called rificolone, were used by the pilgrims to light their way through the night and became the central symbol of the event.

Today’s Celebration: The event features a parade of children and families carrying their own uniquely crafted paper lanterns, accompanied by music and festive gatherings in the city’s squares.

The Term: The word “rificolona” specifically refers to the colorful paper lanterns that are the focal point of the celebration.

Community: The festival is a cherished community event, known for its magical atmosphere that blends tradition, playfulness, and wonder. It’s an especially unmissable event for families with children, offering a special experience that connects generations through a shared tradition.

Below: the littlest Fiorentina of all last night was this little doll. She’s learning already to be proud of her heritage! Wave that lantern amore!