The flourishing earth, the Tuscan sun, and a message from my dad 🌳

Week 20-21 | 13 - 26 May | 2024

Hello, love.

Oh, it feels so good to write that. To sit down in my little studio, light a candle, and write to you. It feels like it’s been forever. And, even though it’s only been two weeks, so much has happened. And June is right around the corner. Time is moving so quickly, I feel. Do you feel that too?

Before I go any further, though, how are you? How have you been these last two weeks? What has been going on in the rhythms of your life?

Share as much as you want. I’ve missed you.

I believe that I am just as amazed each year, but May in Sweden is absolutely magical. And this year has not disappointed. It is as if, overnight, the earth flourishes and blooms. And, every year, I am overcome with emotion and gratitude and awe.

I enjoyed the summery, lush vibes of May in Sweden for only a little while, though.

This May, my love turned 40, so we planned a long weekend birthday trip to Tuscany. Squeeeeee!

We left on a Thursday night and returned Wednesday morning this past week at 4:00 am. So, the bulk of these past 2 weeks have been traveling. Which is why I haven’t written to you.

But, with this letter, I want to give you a tiny sneak peek from our trip.

It was an absolutely incredible journey. And a chance for my love and I to explore new places that neither one of us had ever visited. Needless to say, the trip far exceeded my expectations and I am still reflecting on every single moment of inspiration that we experienced. The food, the wine, the history, the art, and the beauty of nature. It was all a dream. And I more grateful for this opportunity than I could ever really express.

I have so much that I want to share with you. So much, actually, that I need your help in deciding how I am going to share the moments of this trip with you.

It will definitely be in the form of a series. But, the question is, do I share it chronologically - like, one day at a time? Or do I share it by choosing themes, such as wine and food, art and history, etc.? What do you think?

Could you vote in the poll below? I’ve love to hear how you would like me to organize and send my letters to you. 🫶🏼

We returned to Sweden on Wednesday at 4 am, slept for 2 hours, and then went straight to work. It was intense, but totally worth it.

The rest of this week was also jam-packed with activity and energy. I suppose I was still riding high from all of the inspiration that filled my body and soul while I was in Tuscany, but I just kept going non-stop until today, when I finally slowed down to catch my breath.

Besides 3 days at work, we also went to a political meeting in preparation for the EU election in 2 weeks. We attended the sneak peak opening of our bartender/friend’s new wine bar in town, and we capped off this amazingly summery weekend by walking in the Pride parade. So much love and goodness all week long.🏳️‍🌈

As the energy of the full flower moon of May began to wane, I also settled into a slower pace as Saturday rolled around. I actually dreamed about my dad last night and have been thinking about him all day long today. I went through my photos from Italy and began curating and organizing them, tapping into my love of photography that comes from my dad. I felt extra close to him today, especially after dreaming about him all night.

Then, as I was putting away a souvenir from Italy, for some reason, I picked up a long, wooden candle holder my dad made for me years ago. I have no idea why I picked it up. It’s on the top shelf of our bookcase and it just sits there as decoration. I suddenly noticed something on the bottom. Could it be that my dad signed it? How have I never seen this?

I pulled it down and looked at the faded lines and letters. It took me 1 second to realize that my dad had not only signed it, but had written a message. I squinted and held it under the light, trying to make out the lines. But, the last line was immediately super clear. Before long, I knew what the whole message was.

“Elizabeth. My little girl. I am so proud of you. Love Dad. Dec 2002."

“I am always with you.”

To end these incredible two weeks with this message and a feeling that my dad is closer than I have felt since he passed away in October is more than I actually have words for. So, I cried. I just let the tears come. And flow and burn and moisten my cheeks. I cried because I miss my dad. I cried because the sun is strong and the earth is flourishing. I cried to cleanse my soul and to let everything begin to sink in. I cried to feel grounded and inspired and loved. I cried because I hurt and ache. And I cried because life is beautiful and fleeting.

I don’t really know what more to say after that. I think I just need to let it all be. I am filled with so much right now. It feels as if my soul, after so many heavy years, is flourishing and blooming with the earth.

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Well, my friend, it’s now time for me to savor this Sunday evening and let this week come to an end. Please don’t forget to vote in the poll and help me decide how to share my Italy stories and photos with you. 😉

Here’s wishing you a lovely start to the last week of May.

I’ll be in touch again, very soon. Sending you so much love and wild, flourishing summer energy.

xoxo. liz.

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