Our picnic table at the lake
Snapshot of an Italian Family Picnic
I can’t express the profound joy of a simple family
picnic, the culmination of at least two days of cooking
and a sleep over by the men to secure the perfect spot.
Under the shade trees the flag was hung and a
magnificent table was set groaning under the weight of
roast chicken, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna & more. The
tantalizing yet unconventional aroma spread to nearby
parties with stragglers wandering over for a taste.
While the adults played cards the children took great
pleasure splashing through the creek and walking
gingerly on the mossy rocks with bare feet while slices
of sunshine cut through the canopy of leaves.
Music mixed with laughter sounded on the wind blowing
ever so slightly through our hair. The dancing had begun
only to be halted by the occasional firecracker thrown
from our grandmother’s mischievous hand; a lawn chair still
bears the scar.
Looking back at the snapshot from this day causes emotions
to flood the soul; the pain of so many gone from its frame
along with pieces of my heart. But yet happiness &
warmth along with their laughter rings in my ears if I
sit quietly to listen, a challenge in my grown up world
serving as a reminder of the lasting effects of a
carefree existence of feeling utterly satisfied.
by Lynn Barclay ©2012
Elisco Family 4th of July Picnic (w/flag flying upside down)
Footfalls and Forays 