September, remembering Francesco
Settembre è un mese che mi piace molto, anche in città. Le temperature ritornano “umane”, i colori si scaldano, la luce è particolare. Dopo la torrida pausa estiva le attività riprendono e ci si sente un poco più vivi.
September is a month I really like, even in town. The temperatures become “human” again, the colors warm up, the light is special. After the torrid summer break, activities resume and we feel a little more alive.
Settembre è anche il mese nel quale qualche anno fa ho perso l’amico Francesco. Ci eravamo conosciuti durante un workshop di fotografia e subito eravamo entrati in sintonia. Al di là della fotografia avevamo interessi ed idee in comune, forse eravamo entrambi un poco orsi, non ci piaceva seguire il flusso delle cose solo perchè tutti fanno così. Ci piaceva avere idee nostre.
September is also the month in which I lost my friend Francesco a few years ago. We had met during a photography workshop and immediately had connected. Beyond photography we had common interests and ideas, maybe we were both a little bearish, we didn’t like to go with the flow of things only because everyone does that. We liked having ideas “of our own.”
Oggi voglio ricordare Francesco con un suo regalo, un libro che parla dei guerrieri Sioux. Mi sono sempre interessate le storie dei meno fortunati, degli ultimi. Ma quello che rende prezioso questo libro è la dedica che lui mi ha fatto. Io posso solo dire “Francesco, sei andato avanti troppo presto ma io ti sento sempre vicino, grazie”.
Today I want to remember Francesco with a gift from him, a book about the Sioux warriors. I have always been interested in the stories of the less fortunate, the last. But what makes this book precious is the dedication that he wrote for me. I can only say, “Francesco, you moved on too soon but I always feel close to you, thank you.”
“Christmas 2000, Hi Swiss, Maybe it’s a sad book, but it’s not sadness I wanted to give you, but it’s the distinct feeling that we belong to a rare tribe in extinction (read rare tribe already extinct due to mediocrity, indifference and superficiality)
it is the difference that makes the difference.
F.R.
Hi, and…don’t have the writing analyzed! I know it reveals all my complexity.”
NB: Francesco scherzava chiamandomi svizzero sia per le mie origine italo-tedesche sia perchè lavoravo per una compagnia svizzera.
NB: Francis joked by calling me Swiss both because of my Italian-German origins and because I worked for a Swiss company.
Se desiderate saperne di più sulla nostra amicizia questo è il link di un post cha avevo scritto agli inizi di questo blog: https://thequietphotographer.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/francesco/
If you desire to know more about our friendship here is a link to a post I wrote when I started this blog : https://thequietphotographer.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/francesco/
E voi avete periodi dell’anno che vi ricordano maggiormente qualcuno che è lontano, amici, parenti o colleghi di lavoro o studio?
And do you have times of the year that most remind you of someone who is far away, friends, relatives or colleagues at work or study?
the quiet photographer 
I always remember my father who is no more and every month, every day, every holiday for me is no longer the same as before. Especially in the period before Christmas I always write him letters, I tell him certain things that I haven’t told him, sometimes I even dream about him, and my heart cries.
Such a lovely remembrance, Robert, so well written. I’m sorry you lost a very good friend, someone you could be comfortable with. Sheri (above) said it better!
The photo of the street with the truck and leaves is great, I really like that look. The seasons bring all kinds of feelings with them. It’s good to pay attention to that, as you do.
I love that you shared the actual dedication, in Francesco’s handwriting. It somehow conveys better than just words his humor, and his affection for you. Having known someone so sensitive — and with such a sense of humor — must have been wonderful. The evidence is your willingness to share him with us even now, after so much time.
People often speak of tribes around the world as ‘uncivilized,’ but Francesco — and you! — know that there’s another tribe: one made up of truly civilized and caring people. May that tribe increase!
Not easy but I’ll work to make the tribe increase! Thanks for your nice words, appreciated. And I know If Francis sees this page he is already smiling!
Ah, Francesco… he must have been a wonderful person to know. It is always hard to lose a close friend. The fact that you still remember him and share your images and stories, he is never gone, but truly still here.
The world needs more people like Francesco. And you, as well.:)
Thank you for sharing this story.
You are correct, he is still around here, and smiling 🙂
A wonderful post in greeting of autumn season and in memory of your friend. What an excellent message he wrote to you in the book. I see why you treasure it. Be assured there are still many of us out here that care, think, and express life more deeply and passionately than ‘the norm.’ But it is a big loss to lose a friend with such a special level of understanding and connection. Thanks for sharing Francesco’s memory with us. I hope the beauty of the season comforts and refreshes you.
Thanks for your words, much appreciated. These words written by Francesco more than 20 years ago are still true. And yes, the world changed, still is changing but luckly there always be someone who works to make it better. This gives hope !
Doing good where we can. That’s the sum of hope, for sure. I agree!