Letters to Laura: The Tuscan Hills

Dear Laura,

I just returned from a trip to Italy, and you were with me the entire time.

The Tuscan hills stretched out in every direction—endless, green, and alive in a way that makes you stop and just take it all in. I couldn’t help but think how much you would have loved it here. The kind of beauty that isn’t rushed. The kind that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and simply be.

We wandered through the old towns—Anghiari, Pienza, Cortona, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni—each one more charming than the last. Cobblestone streets, weathered stone buildings, little corners that feel untouched by time. I could just picture you walking beside me, taking it all in.

You would have loved the walking most of all. No agenda, no hurry. Just exploring villages, finding quiet paths, and soaking in the scenery. The hills rolled on forever, lush and expansive, kissed by the most beautiful sunlight. And the weather—absolutely perfect, like it was made for long conversations and even longer strolls.

There were so many moments I wanted to turn to you and say, “Look at this.” And in a way, I did.

You loved books, and you dreamed of traveling the world. This trip felt like a piece of that dream—one you didn’t get to take, but one I carry with me for both of us.

I left books behind in Italy, letting them find their way into new hands, new stories, new journeys. I also left one at the airport in France, sending it off into the world just like we talked about. It felt right… like a small piece of you continuing to travel, exactly as it should.

You would have loved everything about Tuscany—the beauty, the simplicity, the history, the way it invites you to slow down and savor it all.

I hope, somehow, you felt it too.

Until the next adventure, I’ll keep bringing you with me.

Love always,

Julie