Through New Eyes

Monday I was driving into Cincinnati along the two lane country road that is the only access point between middle-of-nowhere Oxford, Ohio and the Big City. I was singing to John Mayer and relaxing when a flash of yellow caught my eye. Sunflowers. A field of sunflowers. Just then, the sun came out from behind the clouds, and thousands of dew drops lit up the world, becoming a coat of diamonds. The field of golden flowers glittered, shining with its own light. And for a moment, I thought I was back on the train to Naples. I came back to reality as the field passed into my rearview mirror. The fleeting moment to Italy had passed. 

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In six hours, my friend Alessandro will be touching town onto American soil for the first time. He will be experiencing this place with fresh eyes, getting to know the people, the cities, the culture just as I learned about his. 

As I reflected on this walking across Miami University's campus this morning, I tried to look at it like I used to as a first year student.  I fell in love with this school five years ago, and, like a lot of things, time and familiarity had dulled the passion. The majestic oak trees with leaves on the verge of losing that summer green. Georgian style buildings of uniform height, harkening back to the university's 1809 roots. The remainders of the night's fog burning off in the early sunshine. It is all still there. It is all still lovely. I just haven't been looking. 


With Alessandro here, I am hoping I will rediscover what I love about living in the United States. Ever since coming 'home' from Italy, I've felt a little lost, a little depressed, and a little discontent with my current place in life. Maybe his 'child in a toy store' attitude will help me see the beautiful things again.