Ciao! I'm Laura.
  • Journal
  • About
  • Writing
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Journal
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Writing
  • Contact

Ciao Amalfi

LIFESTYLE · March 29, 2011

Grateful Not Only for the Good Days

Last Thursday I was sitting in the sun in Amalfi and enjoying lunch outdoors overlooking the Marina Grande beach. There were a few brave souls making their way slowly out into the cold water and returning soon enough to lay in the warmth of the sun. Spring is just about to burst open here on the Amalfi Coast, and everything from trees to tourism is coming back to life.

The next morning my cat, Puffy, showed up in the garden in terrible pain. We rushed him to the vet’s office in Maiori to find that he had a urinary block. Tests were done and there has been no significant damage to his kidneys, so thankfully he hadn’t been blocked for very long. We remembered that he seemed quite normal Thursday evening. With a catheter, the IV attachment in his front arm and a cone around his head, the following few days (and nights) were very long. As I sat for hours next to him in the bathroom to keep him calm, I had a lot of time to focus on certain ideas that have been in my mind for months now.

A very sweet patient

One of the words that kept coming back to me was gratefulness. As Puffy purred away while I sat next to him—even when he was in pain—I realized that was his way of telling me how grateful he was for me being there beside him. I thought about how grateful I am, in turn, for all the happiness he has brought us, and how insignificant and easy it is to give him this time and a few nights of sleep. I am grateful that he is recovering now and for this time helping him along that road. It was time that I needed to spend away from my busy schedule.

It’s easy to be grateful for the good days when the sun is shining and life seems easy. But what about the other days when you’re exhausted, frustrated or worried? I realized I don’t want to miss those days. I want to be grateful not only for the good days, but also for the challenging days, the long days, the stressful days. There is something in each of those days to be grateful for – if only the purring of an animal that is grateful for your love and care.

Feeling much better now!

Posted In: LIFESTYLE · Tagged: Musings, Personal, Puffy

You’ll Also Love

All the Details of Daily Life
Something there is that doesn’t love a wall
Practicing Reflection

Comments

  1. anne says

    March 29, 2011 at 17:01

    Yes Laura we should be grateful for more than just the good days ..So happy and pleased for you that Puffy is doing so well now .. take care ♥

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 30, 2011 at 09:29

      Thanks, Anne! He’s still recovering, and today I’m quite concerned about how he looks. Another day of close observation and this evening we’ll decide if we need to go back to the vet.

      Reply
  2. LindyLouMac in Italy says

    March 29, 2011 at 18:44

    Poor Puffy, it is so difficult when ones pets are unwell, so happy to hear he is doing better.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 30, 2011 at 09:28

      Thanks for your comment, Linda. Puffy’s situation was looking good Monday evening, but yesterday he didn’t improve much at all. He still doesn’t seem well to me, but we’re just waiting and watching.

      Reply
  3. Chef Chuck says

    March 30, 2011 at 04:26

    Hi Laura, We all have so much to be grateful for, it’s good to remember that every day. Life is wonderful.
    Pets bring such joy to our lives, I’m glad you have each other. Chuck’s wife, Patty

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 30, 2011 at 09:26

      Ciao Patty! You’re right, it’s important to try to remember what we are grateful for each day. It’s easier to be distracted by the bad things that may happen, but those times pass. What we are left with is the choice whether or not to remember the bad things or what we are grateful for. Having pets also brings a great deal of pain when they are unwell. But it’s far outbalanced by the joy!

      Reply
  4. Dotti G says

    March 30, 2011 at 15:31

    Hope Puffy is better. This happened to my big orange cat and he blocked up again and in the end had surgery for this. That was 4 years ago and today is he better than ever. Absolutely love Puffy – will be praying he is okay soon.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 30, 2011 at 23:51

      Thanks, Dotti! Our vet told us about that surgery, and we will consider it if this happens again, because imagining watching him go through this process again and again would be too sad. He’s still not quite back to normal, but he’s getting there. We have a special food now and some medicine that is supposed to help prevent it. The challenge is that he’s mostly an outdoor cat that comes inside, so it’s hard to keep a really close eye on this problem. But throughout the last week he’s actually learned to use a litter box, which means there is some hope there for him becoming more of a home cat. Thanks for your prays and wishes! So glad that your big orange cat is doing so well. That gives me good hope! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Nicole says

    March 30, 2011 at 16:35

    Ciao Laura,
    Best wishes to you and Puffy. These furry friends are true sources of comfort and friendship and I wish Puffy a speedy and full recovery.

    Nicole

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 30, 2011 at 23:52

      Ciao Nicole! Thank you so much for your good wishes. Tonight he took off with my measuring tape while I was working on craft project … so I think he’s getting back to his playful and crafty self. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lorrie says

    March 31, 2011 at 03:03

    What is the latest on Puffy? Is he still getting better? I will say a prayer for him. I’ve gone through health issues with both my cats in the past year and know how upsetting it is.

    I’m now finding some time to read your blog and enjoying it! I grew up in Maryland btw (a little town called Damascus).

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 31, 2011 at 08:28

      Ciao Lorrie! This morning Puffy is looking much more back to normal. Yeah! Thank you for your kind words and support!

      I’ve not been to Damascus, but I have heard of it. I went to college in Annapolis, and I loved those years there. Still one of my favorite towns in America. After that I moved to the DC area for work before going to Minnesota for graduate school.

      Reply
      • Lorrie says

        April 1, 2011 at 04:35

        So glad to hear he’s looking better! Hopefully it’s all behind you.
        When I lived there, Damascus only had 3,000 people. You didn’t miss anything by not going there! 🙂

        Reply
  7. Welshcakes Limoncello says

    April 1, 2011 at 13:33

    Oh, poor Puffy. Lots of love to him and to you from Sicily. xx and simi says “woof”!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 2, 2011 at 10:14

      Thanks, Pat & Simi! We’re still watching Puffy closely. I’m not sure he’s doing all that much better. If he’s like this on Monday I think we’ll be going back to the vet for a check. Fingers crossed!!

      Reply
  8. Linda Lou says

    April 3, 2011 at 17:16

    Hi Laura-when I look at Puffy, I see my orange cat Sunshine, who is 15 and getting older and moving slower..he has always given me unconditional love, and when I think of him hurting it breaks my heart— and I too am grateful for having him in my life—let us celebrate all the animals in our lives who give so much to us-hope Puffy is all better now!!

    Reply
  9. Dotti G says

    April 4, 2011 at 14:33

    Sorry to hear Puffy isn’t feeling well. As I told you my orange cat Pumpkin was miserable and blocked up again but had the surgery and between that and special food has never had the problem again. I’m sure he will be fine in the end. I know how special those orange boys are. Will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 4, 2011 at 16:11

      Ciao Dotti! I’m so glad that your cat Pumpkin has been doing well after the surgery. While Puffy is doing better, I think he is still having trouble. The surgery may be the only solution for him to be comfortable. Thanks for your sweet comment!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Photo Friday: Signs of Spring

Trending Now

  • ciao-amalfi-winter-things-to-do Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the Winter – 5 Things You Need to Know
  • Amalfi Coast Webcams New Live Streaming Webcams of Amalfi!
  • Amalfi Coast Travel Positano Beach Spiagga Grande A Guide to the Beaches of Positano
  • Amalfi Coast Beaches Colourful Sun Umbrellas at the Marina Grande Beach in Amalfi - Horizontal A Guide to the Beaches of Amalfi

Ciao!

My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

Ciao Amalfi

  • Journal
  • Moon Amalfi Coast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

Amalfi Coast

  • Amalfi
  • Positano
  • Ravello
  • Amalfi Coast

Explore

  • Travel
  • History & Culture
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping

Laura Thayer

  • About
  • Writing
  • Book Reviews
  • Work with Me

Latest on Instagram

The 66th Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare The 66th Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare is here! This weekend is full of exciting events as the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics returns to Amalfi after 6 years. This event sees teams from Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice compete in a boat race in historic galleons as well as a historic parade. Stay tuned for photos and videos from the parade today and the boat race tomorrow. Forza Amalfi! 💙

#amalfi #amalficoast #ciaoamalfi #visitamalfi #italyhistory #italytravel
Last month I did a mini staycation in Positano and Last month I did a mini staycation in Positano and I loved it! Even though it’s just down the coast from Amalfi, I enjoyed the quiet of the early morning and breakfast with those famous Positano views. And a relaxed dinner without a long (and twisty!) drive home. This view from above Arienzo beach is one of my favorites of Positano.

#positano #amalficoast #positanoitaly #amalficoastitaly #costieraamalfitana #italytravel #positanoview #arienzo #amalficoastview #ciaoamalfi
That this place is just down the coastline is stil That this place is just down the coastline is still a marvel to me. Yesterday morning the colors in Positano were brilliant. 💙

#Positano #AmalfiCoast #ciaoamalfi #amalficoastitaly #positanoitaly #amalficoastbeaches #positanobeach #positanoview #positanoamalficoast #expatlife #italyexpat #italyexpatlife #italytravel #italyiloveyou
You know that feeling when you’re walking around You know that feeling when you’re walking around with something weighing on your mind? I didn’t even realize that’s what I’ve been doing until I had a follow up exam yesterday and got the all clear. At the same office in Amalfi where this whole journey with breast cancer began last June. I took a different sort of walk afterwards and that cloud over Amalfi made me laugh a bit. All clear! Float away little cloud of worry that has been following me around. Vattene! 🌬
After Flavio Gioia, the next natural stop for the After Flavio Gioia, the next natural stop for the #AmalfiCoastCompass series is the Arsenale, where the galleys and ships were built and repaired during the Republic of Amalfi. Just a few steps from Piazza Flavio Gioia, the Arsenale is the only medieval shipyard in Italy to have survived intact. Dating back to the 11th century, its two long aisles with stone cross vaults and pointed arches creates an evocative space.

Today the beautifully restored Arsenale is the setting for art exhibitions and cultural events. Yesterday was the opening for Kerameikos (April 8 - May 10, 2022), an exhibition of contemporary Vietri ceramic arts curated by professor and art critic Massimo Bignardi and organized by @agarte_fucinadellearti. The show brings together 160 works by four master ceramicists from the Amalfi Coast: Salvatore Autuori, Vincenzo Caruso, Giuseppe Di Muro, and Ferdinando Vassallo.

Take a look through the photos to see a glimpse of the exhibit. Second photo: I loved the bright colors and geometric shapes of Salvatore Autuori's work. Third photo: beautiful historical elements in pieces by Giuseppe Di Muro. Fourth photo: look closely at the textures from nature in Ferdinando Vassallo's ceramic series. Fifth photo: the mix of colors in this vase by Enzo Caruso was stunning in person.

The exhibit is free to visit and is open from 10am-1pm/ 4pm-4pm Wednesday to Sunday. For more information check out www.arsenalediamalfi.it.
It’s already back to rainy in Amalfi, but yester It’s already back to rainy in Amalfi, but yesterday was something splendid when the sun came out. Colors quite like this don’t come along with the storms. I’ll take it all!
One of the first things I noticed about the Amalfi One of the first things I noticed about the Amalfi Coast was that I had a lot of questions. It was unlike any place I had ever been. Just over 15 years later, I still have plenty of questions and am constantly seeing new things. This place really has taught me to slow down and look closer.

With that spirit, I’m starting a new series called #AmalfiCoastCompass where I’ll show you places you might have missed, things you might have wondered about, and ideas for your next trip to the Amalfi Coast.

There’s no better place to start the Compass Series than with this statue in Amalfi. Have you noticed it before in the middle of Piazza Flavio Gioia? It’s a statue of Flavio Gioia, a figure from the 13th century credited with inventing the compass for sailing. He stands holding a bussola, or compass, gazing intently downward at the instrument in his left hand while his right points forward. 

While the existence of this particular mariner is questionable, what is sure is that Amalfi was Italy’s first maritime republic and its sailors not only crisscrossed the Mediterranean and traveled as far east as Constantinople but also created maritime codes that were used for centuries. So while the exact creator or individuals behind the perfection of the compass for navigational use will likely never be known, the statue represents Amalfi’s contribution to travel as we know it today. 

This statue was created by Alfonso Balzico, an Italian sculptor born in 1825 in Cava de' Tirreni - not far from Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast. He studied in Naples and created many important statues around Italy. His statue of Flavio Gioia was created in 1892 and won a gold medal at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris. (Flavio Gioia was still getting around the world!) It was on display in Rome after Balzico's death in 1901 until the city of Amalfi acquired the statue and it was placed in Piazza Flavio Gioia in 1926. It’s been moved a couple of times (at least) but now it’s located in the center of the traffic circle surrounded by a fountain and little landscaped garden. And one last little curiosity: the statue of Flavio Gioia is oriented facing north.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2022 Ciao Amalfi · Theme by 17th Avenue