This morning, I met a friend whom I hadn't seen in person since we last worked together in 2020. She retired recently, and I intended to treat her to coffee. Instead, she arrived with a present for me and insisted on buying my coffee.

Her gift was an exquisite hand-blown glass butterfly from Murano, Italy. She was aware that I am learning Italian and—being Italian herself—she wanted to give me a taste of something from her culture. I hadn't previously heard of Murano glass, so I did a little research on this world-renowned glass art this evening.

According to History of Murano and Murano Glass, there is evidence of glass production in the region of Venice, which includes the island of Murano, as early as the 6th century. The first recorded mention of a glass master dates back to 982. In 1291, all the furnaces for making glass were moved from the centre of Venice to the island of Murano. This move served two purposes: to protect the centre of Venice from the risk of fire and to protect the trade secrets of the region's glassmaking. For several hundred years, "Murano held a near monopoly over commercial glass production in Europe."

What makes Murano glass so special? The article What is Murano Glass and Why Is It So Famous? states that glassmakers mix the glass with other minerals, which give the glass products their "funky colours and vibrant designs. The resulting liquid glass mixture is then mouth-blown and then handcrafted by master glassmakers in a series of elaborate steps."

For two hours this morning, my friend and I got caught up on our respective retirement pursuits, our health and our passion projects. We agreed that retirement affords us the freedom to choose how and when we spend our time: exercising (going to the gym, playing pickleball), being creative (baking, writing), taking care of our health (going for regular mammograms, undergoing risk-reducing surgery), using our talents in the service of others (teaching, tutoring), being present for loved ones (moms and children), learning (reading, picking up a new language) and never taking life for granted (we're both cancer thrivers).

Coincidentally, Atomic Habits author James Clear talked about freedom in his weekly newsletter, which arrived in my inbox this afternoon. He said, "Clarity is freedom. Know what is important to you and it will grant you the freedom to ignore everything else."

Upon reading this quote, I thought about the clarity of the Murano glass artwork my friend had given me. I also thought about the freedom we increasingly have to focus on health and mental health, family and friends, community and peace of mind and to avoid negativity, including much of what appears in the news these days.

As I've been writing this post, I've been glancing at my glass butterfly, appreciating all the gifts of this day, including my friend's presents and her presence.