Nine of Cups
This is often called the wish card and it indicates you have everything you ever hoped for in all aspects of your world. It’s a moment to enjoy life’s pleasures and be grateful for all you have.
Italian Spring
April in New York City is a blustery, grey mess. Brisk air from the March rain is ever-present. There are moments of light, a stray sunny day, but often, it feels less like spring and more like second winter.
In Italy, this time of year brings warm weather and breezes that envelop you in the smell of wisteria. We had not planned to go to Rome, but when we got the wedding invitation, I started a steady campaign to seize the opportunity. "When will we get another chance to go to a wedding in another country? You've always said you would love to go to Italy. Here is our chance!" I was relentless, and when I found flights for $424 each, Jason relented and said yes.
We landed in Rome a week before the nuptials and spent one night in the city before heading to Venice, Florence, and back to Rome at the end of the week for the wedding. In Venice, we found rings of glass, knives of steel, and gorgeous masks. Florence gave us the gluten-free pasta and pizza experience I've yearned for since forsaking the stuff back in 2009. We city-hopped aptly and landed at our Airbnb two days before the wedding, which we decided to share with our friends Sam and Matt, full of energy and ready for adventure.
We all take our post-train naps, us coming from the north, them from the south, all long journeys. Upon waking, we head out for a stroll. Sam knew a perfect spot in the park for a picnic. We stopped at Pandali for gluten-free bread and pastry, Vianetto for wine, and Cacio della campagna romana for charcuterie. We winded ourselves through the city, up the Spanish steps, and beyond to Villa Borghese. We wander by a mournful opera singer and a juggling minstrel and find a vast old growth to post up under. Jason carries a messenger bag, which he has had for as long as I have known him, and pulls out a blanket he snuck away from the Airbnb, along with his pocket knife with the wine opener, and we settle in.
We spend the afternoon basking in the sunlight, sipping Chianti, nibbling on our snacks, and chatting. There is so much chatter and laughter that we overlook the sunset and the light fading. A soft breeze brings goose pimples to the back of my arms, and I shiver and ask, "Shall we pack up?" Bursting with joy and replete with the pleasure of connection, we weave our way back through the city to our home for now. I pass out early and sleep the transcended sleep of a queen, every whim satisfied, every need met.
Does this card inspire a story in you? If it does, I want to hear it!