There is a place I visit when I am in Italy where "smiles are free".

It is a place where they remember you after a month's absence; they see you walk in, clear off your favorite table, and serve up your cocktail of choice - all the while bantering together with smiles that are free.

And what if love were free. And what if peace of mind were free.

If hugs, and acceptance, and tolerance, and hope ... were all free.

 If you are a dreamer, come in

If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,

A hope-er. a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…

If you’re a pretender, come sit by the fire

For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.

Come in!

Come in!

This couple sat down at a nearby table as I sat having a "special big caffè" - the kind that locals say will electrocute you (they haven't met me!). 

Their love was a dance. 

Their music the streets of Rome.

I couldn't resist.

When Caroline makes cupcakes ...

the world feels warmer.