Let me tell you why I blog

I blog because I need it.
I blog because of my mom, my most faithful reader.
I blog because of Nicolas, to help him remember.
I blog because I need to keep a record of my thoughts.
I blog because I take pictures.
I blog because I forget.
I blog because of the amazing community of bloggers out there.
I blog because I can.

Sometimes I wonder how much longer I will blog. I find it sometimes difficult and challenging, but then I get a comment that encourages me, or I get a job offer because of what I do, or I get an award by a fellow blogger, and then I know that I will keep on blogging.

The sweet Lost in Sicilia awarded me with a Honest Scrap Award and to be honest, it made my day! I had been thinking about closing the suitcase for good, and then I get a nice pat in the back. So thank you, thank you very much.


This award requires that I write 10 honest things about me, so here we go:

-I am jealous of those who cook with ease.
-I love to eat, this is the main reason why I run.
-Did I tell you that I like wine too? A lot.
-I am a dog person. Cats are just too cold.
-I have a lot of projects in my mind, few of these see the light of day.
-I am afraid of lightning.
-I am a romantic fool.
-I want a tree house. Again.
-Making things makes me happy.
-I clean while listening to music. The dancing, shake your hips, sing out loud kind of music.

There you have it. Now, time to spread the love and award some special bloggers:

Milanese Masala
Frutto della Passione
Burnt by the Tuscan Sun
Italy Tutto
Scattered Moments

Dear Santa,

A wish list. Some things I want for me, some I want to give. Mostly, I just love everything in this list, from the smallest item to the unaffordable ones. Beautiful design, handmade objects, readable enjoyment. I hope you get inspired.


TOMS shoes, you buy one pair and Tom will send another pair to a child in need. One for one.


This adorable hand-knitted leopar puppet. Made by women who belong to a collective of knitters in rural Kenya.


This beautiful letterpress calendar, visit Lynn's blog for a great giveaway.
An ETSY artist, buy handmade.


These dreamy Earrings, yes these I want for me.
An ETSY artist, buy handmade.


This retro and gorgeous espresso machine. Designed by Italian architect Luca Trazzi.


This fun and wonderful book.


And this one.


And this one. You can watch how the book was silkscreened in India here.


This camera. Oh, how I wish she was mine!


And this old-new, handmade in Italy bike.

Ten things: Happiness and thanks.

1. Mom, Nick, Fer, friends

2. Sunshine in my face

3. Paint or clay in my hands and clothes

4. Airports, suitcases, maps

5. Waking up dreams lingering in my mind

6. Mocha (my dog) running alongside me

7. frost shinning on grass

8. Wine and the conversations that ensue

9. Books and time spent between their pages

10. Silence

What I love about Italy.

Remember my 10 things post about my husband? I think I am due for another 10 things list, and what better subject than my host country: Italy. Here are 10 random reasons why I love it so:
1)The land, not just the mountains and the beaches, but the old towns, the churches everywhere, the little roads, the yellow on the walls made of 10 layers of color and history, the chickens in my neighbor's yard, the pigs in the farm bellow, the bicycles everywhere, the beautiful people... I could go on and on...
2) The coffee, no need to explain this one.
3) The bar where I get my coffee, which is the social heart of our little town. We walk in, they know what we want, they just ask you: "cappuccino?" as to give you the opportunity to try something new. You drink your coffee, you eat your "brioce" from the open display at the bar, and you walk up to the register and pay what you consumed. The honor system in all its glory, no one questions what you say you ate, and no one lies about it.
4) The food. Simple, seasonal, colorful, beautiful food.
5) The language. Italian is like a song with many rhythms and a definite cadence. I just happen to be the girl that never made it to music class.
6) From sweet to bitter... I am talking about liqueur: Frangelico, Amaretto di Saronno, Sambuca, Limoncello, Campari, Amaro, Grappa.
7) Art everywhere.
8) Gelato!
9) Italians love children. They go out of their way to make children feel loved, welcome, cared for. My Nicolas sure likes this too.
10) Soccer players... really!

Auguri, tanti auguri.

Today is my husband's birthday. He is 41. We have been together for 18 years and I am still in love with him, let me tell you just 10 reasons why:
1) He is a good person. True good, "not talking bad about anyone" good, "looking for the best in people" good. That kind of good!
2) He is a great dad. He loves our Nicolas with all his heart.
3) He is very good at what he does. He works hard and likes his job, and the same can be said about his running, or biking, or cooking.
4) He is my harshest critic and my most fervent supporter.
5) He has a smart sense of humor. After all this time he still makes me laugh -often.
6) He eats everything I cook, from a simple soup to a fancy multiple course meal (and any disasters in between)
7) He has beautiful eyes: intense, bright, and full of life. Beautiful hands too.
8) He is grounded, while I am a dreamer. Good combo ah?
9) He whistles while he gets ready in the morning, and he smiles while he sleeps.
10) He doesn't stress out, for any reason. I don't know how he does it! I, on the other hand...