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!

On a random ride on the metro system, I happened to be in a car with a live accordion player and started taping but without showing the musician because I wasn’t sure it was ok to video him. I was rewarded with a figure (man? woman?) who jumped on the car at the last second, all dressed in silver foil? Qui sait?

But my favorite thing about this short but powerful little clip is the sanguine face on the hooded figure in the mask. His face says to me “I have seen everything. This doesn’t phase me.”

What do you think he’s saying?

Run, don’t walk, to read this excellent whodunit. The Maid by Nita Prose. You’ve never read a book like this one before. Now, go!

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is an incredible book that every woman and every man who loves a woman should read. When it ended, I felt bereft. I’d lost a soulmate.

Spectacular Things. Very good book! Fresh perspective, fascinating story.

My Brilliant Career by Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin, aka Miles Franklin, published in 1901. Set in Australia, a fabulous and unusual coming of age story.

She’s fun and so is her book!

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand. Perfect summer read!

Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch. I don’t know how I could have missed reading this novel years ago, since it is heavily involved with a story about a painting stolen from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book, but it continued and continued and I lost the plot. While this isn’t a ringing endorsement, I did like the book.

J.D. Salinger, a Life, by K. Slawenski. An interesting read about an author I enjoy.

The Nude by C. Michelle Lindley. I liked it mainly because its about an art historian and a work of art. Good but not great, imho.

Happy reading! Stacks of books left to read!

I’m spending lots of time and energy working on my Youtube and Instagram accounts. If you are interested, you might head over to one or both of them and see what’s going on. Youtube channel is Get back Lauretta! and Instagram account is Laurettagetback.

I got totally caught in the rain yesterday during sporadic thunderstorms. Wish I had caught the thunder on the video, but I was a little slow and completely drenched!

Buona domenica a tutti voi!