While we were in Italy last fall, we found the cutest little shop, so of course we had to check it out. We were minding our own business and enjoying the store, when out of the blue my allergies decided to kick in.
The harder I tried not to cough the worse it got. I must explain that since I had whopping cough a few years ago, my cough sounds much worse than it really should. Ashley always tells me that when I start coughing, I can clear a room. Actually, that could work to my advantage - LOL. The bark is MUCH worse than the bite.
I think the poor lady that owned the store thought I was about to die. I didn't know how to tell her that everything was okay - it was just my allergies. But whoops, I don't speak Italian and she didn't speak a word of English. She kept frantically running around the store waving her arms, which made me laugh causing me to cough harder.
Finally, she ran into the back room of the store and came back with a cup of water - spilling it all the way. It helped a bit, but if she had just calmed down, it would have helped me more. I couldn't stop laughing/coughing. It was a scene from a comedy. All the while, Ashley was laughing at me, laughing at her. Mark was in another store and missed the whole thing.
I felt so bad to have caused her such anguish that I thought I needed to buy something. So I grabbed the first thing I saw (thank goodness it wasn't expensive) and bought it. We lovingly refer to her as "Lady Mushroom". The hat she is "sporting" is a mushroom. Thank goodness she has a PINK dress!
Here's a closer look at her face and absolutely wonderful shoes:
As we were leaving, the lady called out "Buongiorno". I replied "Buongiorno" and she replied "Buongiono" and I again replied "Buongiorno". This went on for a few more "Buongiono's". I think she probably meant "Please, get the h*** out of my shop, you silly American!"
After we left her shop, I thought to myself - what in the world am I going to do with a "mushroom headed lady"? I surely didn't need her. However, she has become an important part of my morning ritual. While making my coffee I look at her, smile and say "Buongiono"! Maybe I should add a little cough for old times sake.
Please visit Beverly to visit all the other Pink participants!
Have a good day and a better tomorrow!
xoxoxox
caren
She is so cute, i love it.
And you did the awesome job in your post.
Posted by: Logo Design | January 18, 2010 at 01:08 AM
she si just so pretty just the kind of thing I would love in my house
Posted by: valerie | January 18, 2010 at 12:47 AM
What a GREAT story! I love her! She is so cute! Happy Pink Saturday! Thank you for the sweet comments for my mom's birthday!
Posted by: Jenny | January 17, 2010 at 06:52 PM
It's so fun that you went to Italy! Today I posted that I watched Under the Tuscan Sun, probably for the fifth or sixth time. I am going, too, one of these days. It's on my "Some Day" list. Happy Pink Saturday a litte late! Drop by sometime, we'd love to hear from you.
~Mermaid Shelley
Posted by: mermaid shelley | January 17, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Hi Caren! LOVED your post today!.. Great story and I LOVE your little mushroom girl! I think she's adorable, and think "Lady Mushroom" would definitely put a smile on my face in the morning too! Happy Pink Saturday, and hope you're enjoying the weekend! ~tina
Posted by: Beansieleigh | January 16, 2010 at 09:08 PM
♫Happy Pink Saturday♫
Gloomy and gray over in my neck of the woods today so all of the pinks shared this Saturday are so special and cheerful. They remind me that there are more colors than just white, gray and black.Your pinks are wonderful! My goodness - so special☺
Your post is just SO FUNNY!
I hope your weekend is filled with sunshine surrounded by the laugher of those you love.
Please pray for the people of Haiti. May God bless each and every soul.
Posted by: Mimi | January 16, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Caren, I was just planning on visiting you when I saw that you had made a comment on our post. Fun. I love your story so much. Oh, what a fun and funny memory. Thank you for the laugh. I needed it. Happy Pink Saturday.
Posted by: Mermaid Debbie | January 16, 2010 at 11:04 AM
love your mushroom lady. the look on her face is priceless. what a great story! Happy pink saturday to you!
Posted by: Nancy | January 16, 2010 at 09:01 AM
Caren, that was a GREAT story! I need a little mushroom lady to talk to first thing in the morning! :) What am I saying? I have two cats and THE STONE RABBIT who like to chat! :)
Wow, you had whooping cough....that's pretty scary! I'm fairly certain I had it, or something close to it, when I was in 7th grade. My horrible coughing nearly drove my family crazy...but I don't recall them taking me to a doctor. I finally recovered.
Yes, I'm sooooo glad this snow is melting. However, we've had some very foggy mornings and evenings the last three days...with freezing icy stuff (from the fog). I am so ready for spring.
Hope you have a great Pink Sat! L, dana
Posted by: dana | January 16, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Thank you for a warm welcome! This got to be the friendliest meme in the world!
I love the plate the mushroom lady! Very cute! And a nice ritual ;-)
Posted by: quiltworks | January 16, 2010 at 07:24 AM
LOL that was funny. Ok maybe the coughing part and the allergies was bad but thinking of what kind of a scene happened at that time and the way you're telling the story sure made it funny.
The mushroom lady - - I didn't think it was a mushroom she was wearing. And good to her that she makes you smile . . . laugh whenever you see here. Now, that's a good "use" of her :-) and a nice way to start the day too!
Happy Pink Saturday Caren!
Mizpah,
Li
Posted by: MyThoughtsMyVoice | January 16, 2010 at 05:02 AM
Lol, what a lovely story - I really do like your 'Mushroom lady' - she's rather cute. I guess she'll always remind you of that day in the Italian shop.
Have a happy pink saturday & a lovely week.
ciao for now,
Elena :)
Posted by: Elena | January 16, 2010 at 03:20 AM