We all are definitely aware of just how very busy Il Volo has been since winning Sanremo. The doors have been thrown open, and so many more opportunities have opened up for them, that it’s a bit mind boggling, even for us. I can’t imagine what it must be like for them! On one hand, I’m so very proud and happy for them; but on the other, empathy. They have to be so mentally, and physically exhausted. Of course though, it’s a wonderful thing; they’ve worked so hard, and given so much, and no one deserves it more. Even though they’ve been away from us for a while, and it may be a while longer, it warms my heart when I hear them openly acknowledge the unwavering support that has been given to them by those where they were first received: USA, Canada, South & Latin America, and Mexico. They will always be grateful, and have never hesitated to express it publicly. They certainly are on their way to fulfilling that dream they have worked towards for so long, and now it has gained enough substance to actually be felt as a possible reality. For us, their dream is really what we have known to be their destiny. We have felt it from the moment they took the stage in Detroit, and we have never felt otherwise. Where they were placed and with whom, the natural skills and talents they were given; their character, values, sensitivities, and most of all their compassionate hearts, were knit together for a specific need, at a specific time. Each are very different from the other, and yet, each are the same: something I find to be quite remarkable. I ran across this, and wanted to share: not only with Il Volo, but with everyone:

Only as high as I reach can I grow,
Only as far as I seek can I go,
Only as deep as I look can I see,
Only as much as I dream can I be.
Karen Ravn

In our striving for our life to be successful and productive, we find that riches, or even popularity, really have very little to do towards achieving our goal. Instead, what plays to greater success, is in continuing to stay real. Within humility comes the ability of honestly sharing yourself with others, and perhaps even touch their hearts. There is so much good to be done, and so much joy yet to be created; and each of us have the ability to make a difference, in our own way. Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio are each very aware of the need in this world; hence, the tireless effort they put forth in using the gifts they’ve been given. They have a rewarding future ahead of them: the excitement of discovering new ways to reach out, the amazement of unexpected opportunities, the wonder of visiting new places, and the gratification of seeing the smiles on the faces of those lifted by the beauty of the music. Behind them, families await, friends anticipate, and wonderful rest beckons, even if for just a moment.

YES, WE MISS THEM!! Even though we follow them, we save photos, we read comments, and look forward to tweets from them, we still miss them! I understand, I surely do! But, OH MY GOSH, thank goodness they continue to keep in touch with us, rather than choose just to ignore! Those cameras, always in their face, has to get aggravating sometimes. But we are so thankful for it. What would we do without the Internet? (never thought I’d be saying that!) In the meantime, to ease the angst of their summer tour being both long, and out of reach; and the ansy feeling of Eurovision looming, I found a way, a distraction if you will, to ease both, temporarily. I decided to take a trip. A virtual one, but none the less effective, for the moment. I began by filling my mind full of photos of the guys from each of their galleries, and while firmly embedding them in my head, I tucked the guys securely into my heart once again, and off we went towards home, their home. Oh yeah, there was a momentary delay, Gianluca had to finish fixing his hair! lol. We love you Gianluca! We went to Sicily first, and Piero and Ignazio made sure to show me wonderful sites, and lots of interesting things that are part of who they are: towns and countryside, mountains and beaches, food and vineyards. We took in beautiful art, architecture, and historical ruins. We talked about traditions and customs, and their way of life. They were wonderful guides, and I learned many things. Next, it was Gianluca’s turn. We spent most of our time in Montepagano; his quaint hilltop sanctuary he calls home. We looked down at beautiful beach views, and beyond. I was able to experience the vivid reds and bright golds of the suns goodbye, shining across the massive expanse of calm sparkling water, and in the morning, the pale hues of pink and yellow at it’s dawning. All around were rolling hills of green, and the brilliance of brightly colored flowers dotted the landscape, while trees shimmered, as their leaves danced in the cool breeze. The atmosphere was easy and inviting, and the people cordial, and unmistakably content. I couldn’t help feeling that this place where Gianluca returns to his family, offers to him that same calm, and thus the rest and rejuvenation needed. I had such a wonderful time with the guys, and I returned to my own surroundings refreshed, and even more grateful for knowing such extraordinarily caring young guys. What a blessing they have been to all of us, and will be, to much more of the world as they travel.

In case you would like to take your own journey, here are the sites I chose:

#1 Travel Series – Sicily
#2 The Best of Sicily – Rick Steves Europe
#3 Italy Travel Skills
#4 BBC – Sicily Unpacked #1 (of three episodes)

In amongst these sites, you will find many more.

ITALY:
#1 Montepagano – Roseto
#2 La Bella Montepagano
#3 Gianluca Ginoble torna a Montepagano
#4 Montepagano (by ALDO MENINI)

BONUS SONG VIDEOS you might enjoy:

#1 Sal Da Vinci e Ignazio Boschetto contano – NON RIESCO a FARTI INNAMOARE
#2 Il Volo en Cancierno CD Juarez ” 10 FICH 2014 “
#3 CONTIGO EN LA DISTANCIO (Soundcheck ) Gianluca Ginoble Il Volo @ Ciudad Juarez (Agosto 1, 2014 )
#4 Il Volo – EN ARANJUEZ CON TU AMOR (Gianluca)
#5 Ignazio Boschetto y el baile_______________________This one is not a song, it’s JUST FOR FUN, and drooling?
#6 Gianluca Ginoble – Serenade
#7 Vivo Per Lei – in Italia,French,English & Vietnamese ____________________Andrea Bocelli 1st segment, beautiful— Then listen to……..
#8 Vivo Per Lei – Gianluca Ginoble ___________________________As Myron said, remarkable range for a baritone. Sounds so much like Andrea.

A Cappella Songs – Il Volo

#1 Il Volo – White Christmas Live
#2 Il Volo – “EL TRISTE” a cappella en Radio 10

And another – just plain orneriness? Nooooooooo! NOT IGNAZIO!

IL VOLO GRANADA (by Nanktat)___________Love it!

All these Italian words are giving SPELLCHECK fits, ha ha. Anyway, if you choose to take my tour, it will take some time. It took me the weekend. So split it up or whatever, just enjoy. It really was relaxing., and believable!

MORE, JUST FOR FUN (I THINK)

Just a line to say I’m living, that I’m not among the dead,
Though I’m getting more forgetful, and mixed up in the head.

I got used to my arthritis, to my dentures I’m resigned,
I can manage my bifocals, but God, I miss my mind.

For sometimes I can’t remember when I stand at the foot of the stairs,
If I must go up for something, or have I just come down from there.

And before the fridge so often, my poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put food away, or have I come to take some out.

And there’s times when it is dark, with my nightcap on my head,
I don’t know if I’m retiring, or just getting out of bed.

So, if it’s my turn to write you, there’s no need for getting sore,
I may think that I have written, and don’t want to be a bore.

So remember that I love you, and wish that you were near.
Now it’s nearly mail time, so must say goodbye my dear.

Here I stand beside the mail box, with a face so very red,
Instead of mailing you my letter, I have opened it instead!

Unknown

MIND YOU, I’M NOT ADMITTING TO ANYTHING, I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS CUTE!!!

Blessings, as always, CIAO “Kitty”