The way a romantic operates.

My Italian true love has her heart set on going to southwest England for two weeks this May. To take a course on Thomas Hardy, the English poet and novelist. In the very region where Hardy lived much of his life. Many of his novels are set there, in a semi-fictional place called Wessex. It’ll be a good and worthwhile experience. Especially since my true love teaches English literature. She’ll gain insights about Hardy. But  more important, it’ll be an adventure. An opportunity to satisfy her curiosity, too. However, to make it all possible, she must navigate the often complex and stifling Italian bureaucracy. Makes her anxious. But I tell her, don’t be. If she doesn’t make it, there will be an even better consolation. I’ll personally take her there next fall or winter. We'll explore Hardy country together. Yes, the way a romantic idealist operates. –Jim Broede