freedom /ˈfriːdəm/ “the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved” Similar: liberty, liberation, release Freedom. I’ve given a lot of thought to that word in the almost 70 days of one of the world’s strictest lockdowns. In those days and months, the world changed – some say permanently – and we have changed along with …
This morning marks the beginning of week 7 of total lockdown here in Italy. We venture out for a stroll on our new land – ‘to-go’ coffee mugs in hand, a light sweater draped across my shoulders to block the cool spring air and wellingtons to guard against any unwelcome tall-grass dwellers. I stop in …
As the streets empty, business doors are bolted shut and silence descends upon the once buzzing city and town centers, all Italians – young, old, single, married, in love, indifferent – hunker down to pass the hours, days and weeks in total lockdown. We are all in limbo…our lives on hold. Caught between ‘before’ and …
Life in Italy in lock down coronavirus in Italy
My journey to Italian citizenship
When I think of New Year’s Eve one word comes to mind, nostalgia. It’s a rich word, a full word – carrying with it the history of our past and the story of our lives. To give into nostalgia is to acknowledge that life is bittersweet. We recall all the lives, losses and lessons that …
The countdown is on…only 5 days until Christmas! If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet you better get to it. For much of the Christian world that means joining the hordes of last minute shoppers as they brace to face long lineups at their local shopping mall. Oh, the hustle, the bustle, the canned …
When is it too early to decorate for Christmas?
I owe a lot to olive oil. It’s nourished my body, my soul and not least of which, prevented me from having stretch marks when I was pregnant. At least that’s what my tiny, powerhouse of an Italian Grandmother, Carmela promised all the women in the family it would do if we faithfully rubbed the …
Few things give me greater satisfaction than a mind blowing room makeover. I am besotted by ‘before and afters’. Hooked by the much-anticipated ‘reveal’. Driven by a desire to hit the Italian version of a Home Sense store and fill my cart with delectable accessories, carefully color coordinated to make me swoon. I admit it. …
