Posted on August 19, 2009 - by admin

Life after Florence

Thank you all for your interest in our transition home.   You could probably infer by the lack of my blogging that it has been..hmm…a bit overwheming?  I came right back into our busy season with a million ideas and inspirations.  There are so many stories I could tell about the adjustment of the last month but I will let them surface as they may.  I can tell you that things are different….we are different…..we walk a lot more…..we spend more time with our friends and family…our priorities are different….yes, even the kids.  My girls have asked to cook more then they ever have in the past….they complain about ingredients….lack of flavor….expense….they don’t generate as much laundry….ha….we will see how long that lasts!  Although they have hit the ground running, there is this new bond between us…a knowing…that life is good…life is precious….and life is finite….therefore, simply LIVE.

I have to admit that I was a bit anxious returning home.  I was excited to see everyone but wondered how I would possibly replace a lifestyle that aligned beautifully with my soul.   In reflection,  I realized that our days in Italy were focused on food and family…and the people we met were passionate about their life….whether it was farming olives, owning restaurants, making wine, holding cooking classes, retailing produce….these people were inspiring… they added energy and joy to our journey.   The lifestyle was definitely in alignment with my soul…..but really,  the experience aligned my soul…and my soul would come home with me.

I learned that we all have the ability to live peacefully.  Places and people may make it more simple or more complex…but in the end, we can find peace anywhere and with anyone as long as it is within us…and although I previously had never lived in Florence nor have any Italian heritage, my journey truly felt like a trip home….I suppose it was because it led me back to my self….ergo I conclude…..home is wherever YOU are.

I  made a deal with myself to live my life in the Napa Valley with the same intention as I did in Florence.  I will seek out passionate people and continue to develop and create products for us all.  I will recognize all the amazing people in our neighborhood…who I’ve overlooked in the past.  I made this pact with myself on the plane headed back to America…..and guess what?  I’m already inundated!  I’m backlogged with amazing people who have entered my world since I returned…so stay tuned….sign up for our blog if you’d like or simply keep checking in….we have a lot of great things on the horizon that I will share in the coming months but for now….check out the lavender harvest and the Kahn ranch.  We are working with the Kahns in the development of our exclusive Napa Valley organic lavender line….it will be the icon of our new brand….Napa Valley Bath Co. Check them out in our harvest blog or napavalleybath.com.

I will be posting product info and pictures soon..we’ve changed our packaging et al and have released all of our new products in both stores.  We will be rolling out products and new blends in the coming months….because what goes on your body is as important as what goes in it!

Thank you again for all of your support.  I look forward to living this new adventure with you!

Ciao!