"The sharp knife of a short life

I've had just enough time..."


- "If I Die Young" The Band Perry


I see Beauty in many things. And like the ghosts that only speak to you if you notice them, they tell me wondrous tales. With my camera and my thoughts, I captured these as faithfully as I can to share with you. And by doing so, they gave me the reasons. And though the thousand reasons may not all be sweet and some indeed bitter; they are still reasons to live. Come to think about it, that is Life, isn't it?

Saturday 21 December 2013

Christmas Comes Early to Parma.


I've had just enough time to...   wink at the cherub

The Sleepy Cherub that spoke to me without opening its eyes...


Wandering through the narrow streets of Parma, we came across a brightly lighted window that drew us light moths to a flame. Peering in, we were greeted with the sparkling decorations of Christmas which brought us cheers. There is something magical about Christmas. Something that lightens our spirits and drives away our woes, at least until the resolutions of the New Year when reality once again intrudes. That autumn night, Christmas came to us early in Parma.


The delightful interior of the decoration shop.


It was the sleepy cherub that spoke to me. I pointed it out to my friend who took a shot and posted on her Facebook. Her friend thousands of miles away fall in love with it and wanted it as a Christmas present. So we went back to the shop the next day. The wonder of modern technology. But personally, I think it was the cherub’s design to draw us back to the shop. I am not complaining or I can’t be sharing this story and these pictures of the interior of the shop with you. Now, do you still not believe in the magic of Christmas?


The Happy Son & Father-In-Law - what a cheerful couple :)


So we found our way back to the shop the next night. With the intention to buy something, I could bring myself to ask the shopkeeper if it is okay for me to take a few shots. I can understand “yes” in Italian especially if spoken with a smile. But first we bought the cherub so it can fly all the way to the Philippines to spread cheers in a foreign land. I asked the shopkeeper if the older gentleman working alongside him is his father. He said “father-in-law”. Ah, that is an important word to know. I thought that was so nice, he and his father-in-law working together so warmly together like father and son. I told them so. I pointed to the two of them and gave them the thumb up. It looked like  with just a couple of days in Italy, I’m already learning how to use my hands like a true bred Italian. We bought a few other souvenirs among which is a cute metal bird attached to a long spring that can spring up and down to give it as a Christmas present to my new friend whose birthday I just discovered was on Christmas eve. Wish that I could remember the Italian word for it which started with a “po…….” that the father-in-law kept trying to teach me, unsuccessfully. 


Another view of the delightful shop.

As we left the shop with our presents, we were imbued with a warm glow. We must have caught some of the spirits of Christmas that will nourish us through the approaching cold winter. To All my Readers & Friends, I wish you all and your family –

“Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!”

"Merry Christmas!"



Italian Carol - Christmas - Natale - Tu Scendi Dalle





7 comments:

  1. WaldyWhite, bjebie, ineedathis, and 3 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    1000 Reasons - My PC Crash :(
    My computer crashed! I’m unable to load the original higher resolution photos to my photostream. And I so wanted to post this sweet cherub to share with you, all my friends and wish you all a “Merry Christmas!” If it is any other period, I will patiently wait but this is a time sensitive post so even if it is not ideal, I will share it for yesterday someone sent me a personal image with the words “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention” by Oscar Wilde. So in the same spirit if not the same idea, I will share what is for me an imperfect work rather than nothing. Maybe, it is the Cherub’s way of testing me to see if I am deserving…

    1000 Reasons - My PC Crash :(
    I will repost the images when the computer is up and running again… hopefully. Thank you each and everyone of you who visited my photostream and share your thoughts. I enjoyed your visits and comments and looking forward to another year of sharing. “Every act of sharing is a little act of kindness” so says Thou San of a 1000 reasons (not me – him!) :-)
    p.s. because of this, I may be slow in visiting too…

    Rebecca Ang
    Have a very lovely joy-filled, peace-filled Christmas! Sorry to hear about your computer woes - I feel for that cos' technology and I don't get along altogether that nicely... Kindness is indeed "worth more than the grandest intention" and every act of sharing "is a little act of kindness" :) Thanks for taking time to post despite the PC crash. Sharing makes us realize that we have certain things in common with others elsewhere in this world... and where opinions differ, we expand our worldviews and appreciate diversity of thought and feelings.

    bjebie
    Hello Thou-San, the cherub really is adorable! Yes, I believe in the magic of Christmas! Merry Christmas. Hope your computer problem is easily solved and you'll be back on line soon.

    ineedathis
    I was just about to ask about the size, how unfortunate hope you fix it soon.
    Have a joyous week!

    ReplyDelete
  2. bjebie, ineedathis, and Carl's Captures added this photo to their favorites.

    1000 Reasons - My PC Crash :(
    This is the delightful interior of the shop selling all kinds of decorative items and all decorated for the Christmas season. It is a very pleasant and peaceful feeling to be just inside the shop, especially in from the cold outside.

    ineedathis
    I am sure you had the taste of Parma ham,
    Wishing you and your loved ones peaceful Christmas and the happiest New Year!

    Carl's Captures
    Such timeless and beautiful light indeed :) Merry Christmas!

    bjebie and ineedathis added this photo to their favorites.

    1000 Reasons - My PC Crash :(
    The happy son and father-in-law working alongside each other lovingly packing each little gifts we bought with such patience and good cheers. This is the kind of business I can see myself doing - with books. An indie bookshop if I don't have to pay the rent :)

    ineedathis
    Glad you got that big smile from both, btw you are always welcome to my home especially at Christmas time:-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks like you had a great time Thou San!

    Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from the Netherlands! ;-)
    dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

  4. Patricia Speck
    Aw......this is so very cute!!! and a fabulous capture my friend.
    I wish you and yours a Very Happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year ahead.
    I also hope that you are able to save all your work on your computer and hope you are able
    to buy a new one soon. I hate being without one.

    oola n
    the delicacy of the background and lighting really make a difference in this image... it becomes more than just the putti...it is an experience

    Carl's Captures (Away)
    Such timeless and beautiful light indeed :) Merry Christmas!

    oola n
    it has a cozy, emotional warmth too... evokes memories and fantasies of perfection being offshoots of mother love and/or home... well, to me anyway... I can just picture the aunts sitting together making these objects by hand in the evening, sharing stories and tea as they do it... the air seems fogged with the time to stop... to do things more slowly and with a peacefulness...
    mmmmmmmmmmm

    Patricia Speck
    What a lovely, happy portrait. it is so nice to hear of people getting along so well.
    It does the heart good.

    oola n
    oooooh an Indie Book Shop !!!!! mmmmm I can just imagine snuggling in there... what a delightful, perfect idea... like ... like nothing else in the world... love it

    ReplyDelete
  5. My PC crashed. I managed to get it restarted and I'm scrambling to backup some files as it is still very unstable and I don't know when it will kon on me. It is about time to replace it. I quickly uploaded these images but I have no time to transfer the writings as I'm rushing everything . Please go to the earlier posts to see the explanations or go to my blog for the whole story and "Merry Christmas !" The cherub helps me to make these postings possible :) Magic of Christmas ma!

    a1000reasons.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-comes-early-t...

    5div, Jeff S. PhotoArt, bjebie, and 6 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    1000 Reasons - My PC Crash :(
    So I managed to post it. There is magic in the cherub and Christmas after all. Now lets hope the PC will last long enough for me to transfer my stuff out.

    Jeff S. PhotoArt
    Such nice work, well done!!!
    Wishing you and yours Season Greetings and a Happy New Year .

    bjebie
    Thou-San, I hope for only the best as you transfer your files, etc. The cherub with the chubby cheeks is so sweet!

    kelly dilello
    Magic, yes magic is everywhere. we need only allow ourselves to see. I am grateful for knowing you. I love the shot and the messages you convey. Happy Christmas, I wish you much magic and love in the coming year.

    BlueLunarRose
    Beautiful photo, lovely composition and lighting, lovely work!!
    Merry Christmas!

    ana_lee_smith
    A most charming cherub! And a gift to treasure for the fortunate recipient back in the US. May the magic of Christmas stay with you each & every day through the new year, thou. And many thanks for your always thoughtful input on my photostream, which is much appreciated. Wishing you a merry Christmas & happy holidays, my friend. Cheers!

    henrhyde (gill) catching up
    Great festive presentation

    Onasill ~ Vacation
    I would like to extended my wishes to you and your love ones for a very Merry Christmas and and Happy New Year for 2014. “May you have Happiness and Good Health” Thou

    The Visual Poet
    Beautiful capture! Happy Christmas and New Year my friend!

    alphawolf_2013
    Merry christmas and happy holidays!

    alfonso.pisacane.9, sethph88, and 2 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    sethph88
    great light, excellent shot.............. Happy Holidays, Thou-San

    ana_lee_smith
    A treasure -trove of festive bling *~* Lovely shot, thou!

    kelly dilello
    is one of these gentlemen yourself????

    ReplyDelete
  6. 5div, Jeff S. PhotoArt, bjebie, and 12 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    1000 Reasons - Waiting for a new PC :)
    So I managed to post it. There is magic in the cherub and Christmas after all. Now lets hope the PC will last long enough for me to transfer my stuff out.

    Jeff S. PhotoArt
    Such nice work, well done!!!
    Wishing you and yours Season Greetings and a Happy New Year .

    bjebie
    Thou-San, I hope for only the best as you transfer your files, etc. The cherub with the chubby cheeks is so sweet!

    kelly dilello
    Magic, yes magic is everywhere. we need only allow ourselves to see. I am grateful for knowing you. I love the shot and the messages you convey. Happy Christmas, I wish you much magic and love in the coming year.

    BlueLunarRose
    Beautiful photo, lovely composition and lighting, lovely work!!
    Merry Christmas!

    ana_lee_smith
    A most charming cherub! And a gift to treasure for the fortunate recipient back in the US. May the magic of Christmas stay with you each & every day through the new year, thou. And many thanks for your always thoughtful input on my photostream, which is much appreciated. Wishing you a merry Christmas & happy holidays, my friend. Cheers!

    henrhyde (gill) BEST WISHES FOR 2014
    Great festive presentation

    Onasill ~ Vacation
    I would like to extended my wishes to you and your love ones for a very Merry Christmas and and Happy New Year for 2014. “May you have Happiness and Good Health” Thou

    The Visual Poet
    Beautiful capture! Happy Christmas and New Year my friend!

    alphawolf_2013
    Merry christmas and happy holidays!

    Rebecca Ang
    How has the backup and file transfer process been? I hope it has been smooth thus far, not posing too big of a problem for you, and that you didn't lose any important data. Computer woes are such a pain. Once in a while I entertain thoughts of returning to the pre-Internet era - good old pen and paper. Of course, that's a silly thought cos it's never going to happen, but it's true though that while technology brings much benefit it has its numerous downsides as well.
    ------
    May the meaning and magic of Christmas be yours today and always. Also, I'd like to say that I do sincerely appreciate the opportunity to read your writing, hear your thoughts, and I very much enjoy the dialogue/exchange.

    GlobeTrotter 2000
    Merry Christmas !

    Rumbo181
    Te deseo a ti y a los tuyos unas Felices Navidades y un excelente 2014.
    Y Que hagas unas fotografias maravillosas.
    I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and an excellent 2014.
    And that you make the most outstanding pictures too.
    Rumbo181

    ineedathis
    Thanks dear friend!
    Merry Christmas!!!

    october blue (Away)
    Merry Christmas and Happy New year ......wishing you all the best for 2014 !

    Geo_grafics
    Merry Christmas my friend do keep up the beautiful work it is a wonderful pleasure !
    maybe a belated X-mass present ?

    JosedanielRP
    increíble!

    ishratzakiasultana (on and off)
    Hmm, we see magics everywhere! I wish your PC last long for you and work really smooth!

    Paddu Rao
    Very cute !

    Eyemdreaming
    Merry Christmas and happy holidays - good luck with your PC!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...