Empty spaces can mean many things to many people.

How does that look from a photographers standpoint? I immediately thought of the empty bedroom, when my youngest daughter went off to college. I think of a lakehouse boarded up for the winter, a beach with no footprints, and the endless sea. And it is more, so much more.

We are currently cruising our way through the Mediterranean. It is the off-season. We have been privy to quiet streets, empty alleyways and invitations to experience life without crowds. And with time, to take our time, I realize those empty spaces have the most wonderful stories to tell.

I came across this bench in a large park-like setting near our hotel. Later, I learned about several of these serenity spaces meticulously placed throughout open areas of the hotel grounds. It felt like art, with a simple message that said: Stay.

There is something enticing about an empty bench, on a grassy carpet, with a picnic basket at your feet.

As we wander the empty streets of Italy, we enjoy seeing the tiny, restaurant patios off the beaten path. In fact, they seem to be expecting us, and are grateful for our visit. Company is what comes to mind. And I realize maybe good Italian food has nothing to do with taste.

Food is never about eating and everything about experiencing… Italy.

We are humbled by the architecture, that tells of its own place in time, and indulge in talks from local historians. In truth, I wish the walls could talk in an effort to settle my curiosities. Every corner invites us into a new chapter, and I find myself wondering about daily life in towns that feel almost forgotten.

Empty streets bear witness too the ebb and flow of human existence.

And I chuckle with the notion that someone heard my thoughts. One street corner spilled us into a line outside a favorite gelato shop. This almost empty shop was preparing to close for the season. They celebrate with freebies for loyal customers. We got in line. And not only did we grab a sample, we also grabbed a connection, all because of gelato.

How will you FILL your day?

I melted into the colorful streets of Burano, that felt more like a candy shop than a village. I will share more of our visit there over the next few weeks. But just for today…know…

Empty alleys are the perfect canvas for our imagination.

And finally, look out at the ocean. It is easy to feel small and insignificant in this vast perception of emptiness, isn’t it? But like magic, this seemingly impenetrable space gathers our thoughts, reveals untold stories, and carries our burdens, joys, and curiosities with unrelenting responsibility.

Wind Kisses, Donna