July 2, 2013
When you meander through shadowy lanes in summertime Sicily, just before dusk, surprise is always right around the corner.
Out of nowhere a blind courtyard will appear–the kind you don’t see till you’re right in it.
That’s how I met Smiley.
Up he popped from his yellow seat.
Rushed at me like I was the long lost friend he hadn’t seen in 50 years.
Ciao! he cried.
Ho 5 anni!
Si, mi piace Topolino (Mickey Mouse)!!
***
Jann, wouldn’t life be wonderful if we all had Smiley’s sunny disposition? How lovely to be five and live life in such a carefree manner! We have much to learn from children! 🙂
gorgeous little boy and surrounded by love! ciao lisa x
Ciao Lisa xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
–The beautiful innocence of a child!
Smiley is Faaaabulous and filled w/ expression.
Xxx LOVE
xxxxxxxxxxx BACI xxxxxxxxxxx
He has such an expressive face! And no one minded you taking his picture?
Hi Nan–one of the fun things about being in Sicily is that (most) people love cameras.
What a cutie! Isn’t it wonderful how Five is such a carefree, uninhibited time in one’s life?
Yes, Debbie, if we could only bottle that 5-year-old carefree approach to life! I feel like I need a little sip of that now.
Five years old is a magical age to be and you have captured his joy in life quite wonderfully in your pictures. What a wonderful greeting to stumble upon. I love the casual comfort of the women sitting outside having a chat. The special everydayness of your photos always captivates me!
Thank you Lynne for this sweet comment. xxxxxxx
He is adorable and so confident!
Hi Francisca, welcome to this blog. So glad to hear from you. jann
“Picciriddu!” My mother -in -law (born in Menfi) would always shout “picciridda” when my daughter (her granddaughter) came to visit. Luckily, last year when we spent a week in Sicily, I was able to find a t-shirt for my granddaughter that said the same thing:)
Aw, Mike, you taught me a new word in Sicilian (I looked it up). I’ve heard it but never quite knew…So cute. Grazie. Got this from an online forum.
I can confirm that picciriddu is a sicilian term. Picciriddu= little boy,kid.
we call picciriddu a little boy until the age of 10/11, afterwards we call him picciutteddu.
Piccolino! What a little sweetie! How do you meet these wonderful people? Brava, Jann!
🙂 How do I meet them, Anitre? Tramp around little lanes with a camera around my neck, basically. xxxxxxx
Man, how adorable is he? Pure joy. xx
🙂 I bet he keeps those 3 women plenty busy. Thanks for dropping by, Narelle.
Your posts always make me smile! This story reminds me of the time I was browsing in a boutique in Apt and felt a tug on my pants. There stood a little boy about Smiley’s age who began jabbering away to me in French about Spiderman. Some topics are universal!
Thank you Evelyn. I’m so glad to “meet” you. I’ve just visited your beautiful blog. My whole life I dreamed of living in France, and here I am in Sicily! Happy, yes, but sad I cannot be in two ( or 3 or 4) places at once.
Gorgeous little fellow!!! Just a beautiful moment Jann. Thank you! His smile has made my afternoon! xx
Such an imp. Baci to you, Janine. xxxxxxxxxxx
I love his hair!
Oh, yes. Even 5 year-olds are stylish in Italy! Marian, welcome to the blog. So glad you stopped by.
children are wonderful. short short story.nice.
Cemal, I’ve been thinking of you these days with Turkey always in the news. xxxxxxxx
Beddu
Hi Ron, thanks for your lovely Sicilian comment.
I like how the mother suddenly appears in the second frame, watchful and protective.
Good point, Sam. Sort of like Mama Bear.
He is adorable + great photos. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Grazie mille, Peggy. xxxxxxxx