A much needed break ( away from our land )

I am sitting in the sunshine on the balcony of the house that Clare and I still own but does seem to fade away when we aren't there

She acquired this space; a quirky 10 room (art)house in the centro storico of Guardia S. over 15 years ago. By the time we got together/I came to the rescue, in September 2024, she was totally tired of it.

We sometimes almost forget that this house exists.

Especially when we are in the middle of all the chaos on the land that we bought almost half a year ago.

This 'new' land I am talking about is a 1.1 hectare plot with 80+ olive trees, a variety of fruit and nut trees and patches of forest. It is located on mountainous hills ( 650 meters above sea level ) and nearish the Adriatic sea. A two and a half hour drive North from Clare's old house.

As our one and only house-like building on our new land isn't fully weather- and Winter proof yet and Clare and I really needed a bit of a relief from the cold, the wind, the chaos and all the work that 'needs' to be done there, we decided to take a little break and drive back to her okd place in Guardia Sanframondi, to enjoy a bit more warmth and comfort and actually slow down somewhat, for a change.

part of the historical center of Guardia Sanframondi

We spent the last two days of 2025 there and are planning to possiby stay on for another handful of giorni to get some much needed rest.

Right now, @clareartista is getting back into her (handi)craft, working on a sewing project.

Art and creativity/the creative processs have been the main focus for her, since her younger years. Not just a side hustle.

Understandably so, she struggles to get into her creative flow on our land. And so do I.

There is just too much to do there, too much clutter, limited space and a little less comfort than we actually need, especially this time of the year.

Suddenly, a four minute hot shower each ( yesterday night ) feels like luxury and so does sleeping on double mattresses, in a warmer and, more importanty, wind- and waterproof room.

We are slowly recharging our batteries. It was much, much needed.

All is well.

Although we plan to sell this place - we actually meet up with someone who might help us out with the process, tomorrow morning - we are grateful to still have Clare's old house as a plan B/hideout.

Even more now, since our Winter rental near our new land didn't work out.

No matter how much we love (being on) our new land, we are happy to have a little bit of a holiday/some time away from jt.

Wherever you are on this plane(t), I wish you a beautiful new beginning.✨

Much love from Italia,

Vincent.