NaBloPoMo & NaNoWriMo--ciaooooooo!

And now, the end is here. And so I face the final curtain. My friend, I'll say it clear. I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew [NaNo too?!]
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out [Take that Telecom!]
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it myyyyyyyy way!

Go ahead, give Old Blue Eyes a listen while you read the rest of this post.

So here we are at the end of a great, exciting month in the blogosphere. I survived NaBloPoMo, but came up a bit short on NaNoWriMo.

Thems the breaks.

The most important thing is that I'm happy with what I've accomplished, and I *really* am.

Thirty blog posts in thirty days is nothing to shake a stick at, as my grandmother would've said. And I'm proud of the content in each and every one of those posts to boot. I thank all of you for keeping up and commenting so fully and frequently; your continued support is appreciated more than you could ever know.

Now regarding NaNo, the novel that I'm working on requires a lot of research for one of the characters that I hadn't done prior to November. Sure I could've cheated and continued working on a book that I already have nearly 50,000 words written for already (remember my manuscript counter in the sidebar?). But that wouldn't have been very NaNo of me.

Instead, I wrote the half of the book that I was prepared to write going in, and I'm pretty happy with it. Indeed, I'm more inspired than ever to get into researching my other main character and get going on that part because I now see a wonderful novel coming out of these quickly thrown down words and ideas. There's so much potential for growth there, and I wasn't so sure of that before I began. So that's been a nice surprise.

Even better? I'm also inspired to pick up that old manuscript and get working on it again. I may even join NaNoFiMo, National Novel Finishing Month to get working on those last 30,000 words or so on that book. Who knows? It's all up to me, isn't it?

But back to the blog. I do have some unfinished November business right now--my November Monthly Musing:

With each leaf that falls
We offer thanks for present,
past, and future life.


Today I'm thankful for:

Eden Marriott Kennedy, founder and organizer of NaBloPoMo. She started with a fabulous idea last year and has built an impressive community around it. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of (mostly thankless) work that is involved in keeping up with all of this, but I would like to give this special woman and blogger extraordinaire a pat on the back from southern Italy for all those hours of keeping us in line.

You're a true blog heroine, Eden! Thank yeeeeew!

I'd also like to give a special thanks to BoogieMum who came up with the idea for 30 days of thanks. It's been an amazing exercise in stopping and appreciating what's important every day, and I will continue to do so in my own private journal.

P.S. Don't forget that the Dolce Italiano Contest is over at Jenn's The Leftover Queen today, where she's made a decadent Chocolate Salami.

Past posts include:

Mosaic Biscotti, Sara's Ms Adventures in Italy
Chocolate Kisses, Ilva's Lucullian Delights
Ricotta Pound Cake, Here!
Chestnut Brownies, Shelley's At Home in Rome

Remember, all you need to do is comment on any and all of the Dolce Italiano recipe posts to be entered into the drawing to win a personalized, signed copy of Gina DePalma's fabulous new cookbook full of Italian sweets and treats, Dolce Italiano.

And, finally, buon weekend!

Phew. Breath.

mio amore and me

Lately I've gotten a few requests for photos of P from friends and family, so I figured it was time to post another. You can also see another photo of him in my post Amore Mio in case you missed it.

Now here's the thing. I'm not very good at the holding out the camera in front of us and getting a good photo thing, so nine times out of ten P loses part of his head. And he didn't help things this time either as he thought the photo was already taken and turned his head before the click.

But I still kind of like it anyway.

This was taken last Saturday at the Feast of Santa Caterina di Alessandria. Why yes, I do have more photos. Stay tuned!

Today I'm thankful for:

P.

Punto e basta.

Happy Love Thursday everyone!

P.S. Remember to check out the posts in the Dolce Italiano Contest and comment to enter the drawing to win a personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano by Gina DePalma:

Mosaic Biscotti, Sara's Ms Adventures in Italy
Chocolate Kisses, Ilva's Lucullian Delights
Ricotta Pound Cake, Here!
Chestnut Brownies, Shelley's At Home in Rome

And tomorrow head over to Jenn's The Leftover Queen to see what she has baking!

dolce italiano contest:ricotta pound cake

Welcome to Day 3 of the Dolce Italiano Contest in which you can win a free, personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano, the newly-released, highly-acclaimed Italian dessert cookbook by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef of Mario Batali's Babbo Ristorante Enoteca in New York City.

You can read more about the contest in this post of mine and also over at Shelley's At Home in Rome, home of the event, but here's the gist: Shelley, Sara, Ilva, Jenn, and I are going to be posting recipes from the book over the next two weeks.

In order to be entered into the drawing for the free, personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano, you need to comment on the recipe posts; you can comment on all 10 over the next two weeks to maximize your chances of winning.

All comments must be posted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Friday, December 7th to be entered.

So, after you leave me a note here, if you haven't commented on Sara's Mosaic Biscotti from Monday or Ilva's Chocolate Kisses from yesterday, do go over and comment.

When collaborating, we had to figure out which days we would all post our recipes. I, of course, requested Wednesdays to keep the What's Cooking Wednesday theme alive and also to enrich the WCW collection with some delicious Dolce Italiano recipes.

Now to the recipe.

I'm a cake and cookie girl, so it's not surprising that the first dessert I've chosen is in one of those food groups--namely the Ricotta Pound Cake.

I love any kind of cake and I also love ricotta, so I had a pretty good idea I'd enjoy this too.

"Enjoy" doesn't do this justice.

I *love* this cake. LOVE THIS CAKE. The ricotta gives an extra kick to the normally tame (I didn't say boring--did you hear boring?) pound cake as well as an awful lot of moisture. I love how the outside is nice and crunchy but inside it's actually almost wet. This is without a doubt one of the best cakes I've ever made or eaten.

And as Gina wrote in the book, it *is* even better the next day--that just didn't seem possible after I took my first bite nearly fresh out of the oven. I really have to learn to trust the experts.

Ah, and another bonus? It goes great with espresso!

Ricotta Pound Cake
(condensed from Gina DePalma's Dolce Italiano)

1 1/2 c cake flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt

3/4 c unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 c fresh whole-milk ricotta
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 vanilla bean
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Confectioner's sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and place rack in center.

Grease and flour 9-inch loaf pan.

In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together butter, ricotta, and sugar until smooth and light.

Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping sides of bowl after each addition.

If you have a vanilla bean (I didn't), split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the blunt side of a small knife, then beat them into the batter along with the vanilla extract. I just used another teaspoon of vanilla extract.

On low speed, beat in dry ingredients to combine them, scrape down sides of the bowl, and beat the batter for 30 seconds on medium.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth top with a spatula. Tap pan on counter a few times to remove air pockets.

Put cake in oven and let bake for 15 minutes, then turn 180 degrees to ensure even browning. Lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and let bake until cake springs back when lightly touched, the sides of the cake have pulled away from the sides of the pan, and a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes more.

For some reason, mine took another 35 minutes, so do keep a close eye on it. Perhaps it had to do with the water content of the ricotta I used versus what Gina uses? Experts?

Allow cake to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert it on wire rack to cool completely. Mine came right out of the pan like no other loaf I've made before--the browned outside is key here.

Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving.

As Gina says, flavor is best the next day, and I have to agree. Leftover cake can be stored for up to three days so long as it's wrapped in plastic.

Buon appetito!

Today I'm thankful for:

Ricotta Pound Cake of course! YUM!

Don't forget to comment for your chance to win a free, personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano!

Also if you haven't yet, comment on Sara's Mosaic Biscotti and Ilva's Chocolate Kisses as well for more chances to win.

And tomorrow? Get thee to Shelley's At Home in Rome for another tasty Italian treat!

finding fall in southern italy

I grew up in the mountains of Pennsylvania, so finding fall was as easy as walking out the front door anytime after late September (and sometimes even before). From the unmistakable chill in the air to the red, orange, yellow, and brown leaves hanging onto the trees for as long as they could keep their grip, fall always found me.

Here in southern Italy, it's not so easy. Yes, our temps get cooler and some trees even manage to lose their leaves, but you have to pay attention. You have to really look; blink and you'll miss it. Fall can easily pass you by--and that would be tragic for me as it's my favorite season.

Fall here, though, isn't all about things dying as there's a lot of new growth too. I mentioned the citrus fruits the other day, but there are also some flowers who are just making their appearance as well.

So while I miss fall from back home, I have an all new fall to appreciate here. I found her yesterday. And she sure is pretty.

Today I'm thankful for:

Please see above photos.

P.S. Don't forget to visit Ilva's Lucullian Delights and see what she has made for the Dolce Italiano Contest--and leave a comment over there to enter the drawing to win a free, signed copy of Dolce Italiano by Gina DePalma!

dolce italiano contest

If you also read Shelley's At Home in Rome (and if you don't, why don't you?!), you probably already know this, but just in case, I'm letting you in on the big news:

We're having a contest! And it involves desserts! And books!

Brainstormed and organized by Shelley, the Dolce Italiano Contest centers on the book by the same name by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef at Mario Batali's famous New York City restaurant Babbo.


And this is no ordinary cookbook. It's getting rave reviews all over the place and has been named the 3rd best Cooking, Food, & Wine book of 2007 on Amazon.com and one of Publishers Weekly's best books of the year (Lifestyle).

So now, Shelley, three other bloggers that you know and love, and I are getting together to help one of you win your very own signed copy!

Starting today and for the next two weeks (Monday-Friday), one of us will feature a recipe from Dolce Italiano. If you leave a comment on a post, you're entered to win the book. Only one comment per post counts toward the drawing, but if you comment on each of the 10 posts, that gives you 10 chances to win. Comments on all 10 posts will be accepted for the drawing up until 11:59 PST on Friday, December 7.

And you and your family can have a very lovely holiday season with all these delicious Italian desserts.

So where do you need to go? Here's the schedule:

Mondays: Sara's Ms Adventures in Italy

Tuesdays: Ilva's Lucullian Delights

Wednesdays: Right here baby!

Thursdays: Shelley's At Home in Rome

Fridays: Jenn's The Leftover Queen

Since it's Monday, you need to head on over to Ms Adventures in Italy and see what Sara has made just for you today. And comment! Don't forget to comment!

Please note that comments on this post (that you're reading right now), although sincerely appreciated, do not count as entries in the contest; only comments on recipe posts will be entered into the drawing.

Also check out Shelley's three-part interview with Ms DePalma here, here, and here.

Today I'm thankful for:

The opportunity to be a part of the Dolce Italiano Contest. I cannot say enough good things about this book. Yes, there are recipes for cookies, cakes, spoon desserts, tarts, ice creams, sorbets, semifreddos, fried treats, dishes with fruit, celebratory desserts, and savory goodies--but there's also a whole lot of information on Italian baking in general, techniques, equipment, ingredients, and more.

Goodness my grandmother would've loved this. She *loved* Molto Mario.

If you're a foodie, this is a book you'll want to get all floury and sugary during the day and then curl up with at night. It's an awesome gift for anyone who loves baking, so whether you win one or not, I highly recommend picking up a copy.

little weaners

Ladies and gentlemen, we have weaning!

The puppies are already 5 weeks old! Can you believe it?

They actually started the Big Wean five days ago and *all* took to it immediately. They still want their doggie mamma, of course, but now they also yipyipyip for me when I come into the room.

Ain't nothing like puppy yips.

Today I'm thankful for:

Everything going smoothly so far with the puppies. I had read all the scary stuff about what *could* go wrong, and I have to admit I was more than a bit nervous when it all started really happening.

As neither P nor I have ever done this before, I count us very lucky that the first five weeks have fallen into place nearly by themselves.

It's a lot of work to be sure, but the excited cries when they see me, those adorable eyes staring up at me, the puppy growls and barks while playing with one another, the quiet moments of fuzzy belly-stroking--they make it more than worth it.

blogging for kiva

I've been tagged again, but don't groan--it's not a meme! No, this time Dee of The Mundane & The Profound has come up with a great way to encourage other bloggers to talk a bit about


an amazing organization that allows anyone to help entrepreneurs around the world over the Internet through a concept called microfinance.

Here is a description from Kiva's website:

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

It's that easy! You go to Kiva.org and look around at the projects that need funding. You can loan as little as $25 through PayPal and then, if you like, become a part of the project you've supported by keeping track of its progress.

Kiva was started by Matt and Jessica Flannery after working in East Africa as newlyweds; they saw East Africans around them achieving such great things with so little money that they had visions of all that could be accomplished with just a bit more funding.

And since its humble beginnings a few years ago, Kiva has raise a bit more than a bit more funding--$10 million in loans has been distributed, and 99.7% of that has already been paid back.

The impact of this money, though, is surely immeasurable.

And giving money isn't the only way you can help out, so do check out the Kiva website for more opportunities--both jobs and volunteer positions are available.

I just love Dee's idea of tagging to spread the word about charities and other good works, so stay tuned for my own tag--I already have a great organization in mind. But for now I encourage any of you that love the idea of Kiva to blog about it too.

If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged.

Today I'm thankful for:

Everyone who supports those who need it, whether it's financially, emotionally, or otherwise. We *all* have something that someone else needs, even though sometimes it takes a little thinking and/or soul-searching to figure out what it might be.

I'm so thankful that there are people in the world who recognize this and give what they can, and I'm not talking about the rich and famous, although obviously their efforts are appreciated as well. I'm talking about everyday folks like you and me who are able to step out of our own worries and see that there are plenty of people who are worse off--and then take the initiative to do something about it.

Makes you have faith in humanity, you know?

we have blossoms!

While walking with the pooches yesterday morning, I came face to bark with a tree that had seemingly blossomed overnight. I certainly didn't remember it so full of life the day before. Where was I looking?

I don't know about the day before, but now I see a truly gorgeous tree with lovely thick, strong, furry leaves and sweet-smelling, bellissimi blossoms:

Anyone know or care to guess what kind of tree bears such blossoms?

I *know* some of you know.

Today I'm thankful for:

Citrus season! It's starting now and by Christmas, we'll be inundated with lemons, oranges, and clementines. And I love me some clementines.

Isn't Mother Nature wonderful that she gives us these sweet, juicy, bursting-with-color treats smack dab in the dead of winter?

Genius.

thanksgiving in italy

Happy Thanksgiving...

from our table to yours!

This photo was actually taken last year, but it was our Thanksgiving feast and the first time I had prepared one by myself. And it was complicated from the start.

First, we were supposed to have our own turkey, raised by P, but two weeks before Turkey Day, a sly fox got the bright idea to have her own feast early. So we had chicken instead--just as well as my grandmother never made turkey as she didn't like it anyway.


Then, considering many of the traditional Thanksgiving foods aren't even available here, I had to get stuff flown in (think cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes--yes, I know you have them in north and perhaps central Italy but I can't find them down here). Other than that we had filling/stuffing (mom's recipe!), mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, and peas.

Well, *I* had all those things. P didn't go near the sweet potatoes or cranberry sauce. Maybe this year.


We'll be having our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday since P's working today (and, accordingly, so am I)--remember it's not a holiday here. But I hope all of you have a wonderful day; I'll catch up to you on Sunday!

Thanks for the Thanksgiving funnies Gil!

Today I'm thankful for:

All the Thanksgivings I've spent with my family, both at my mom's and grandmother's house. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday--it revolves around food and being grateful. How can you go wrong?

And you know what? I don't have even one bad memory from any Thanksgiving, which is pretty impressive considering I come from a family of divorce and otherwise unhappy marriages. Indeed for the most part I had a happy childhood anyway, and for that I'm truly grateful.

And hopefully I'll get to have some more Thanksgivings with my family as the years go on--and P will be forced to try all the foreign foods. Hah!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who is celebrating!

what's cooking wednesday:pumpkin muffins

Last year around this time I had some canned pumpkin but wasn't up for making pies so I looked for another option. I found a recipe for tasty pumpkin muffins, and that's what I'm sharing with you for this week's What's Cooking Wednesday, the Day Before American Thanksgiving Edition.

I like this recipe because, well, I love muffins, but also because it's yet another way to enjoy pumpkin. I heart pumpkin.

If you don't feel like making pumpkin pies this year, give these a try--and throw in raisins for a special treat!

Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 c flour
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 c milk
1/2 c canned pumpkin
1/4 c melted butter
1 egg



Preheat oven to 400° F.

Now I could tell you to do the dry ingredients first and then mix in the wet, but you know what? I just mixed it all together at once and they came out fine. You don't want the batter smooth though; when the flour is incorporated, stop, and leave the lumps.

Grease bottom of muffin cups or use foil muffin cups like I did. This recipe makes 12 big muffins, but I did 6 big and then a bunch of small ones; I'm sorry but I didn't count at the time. Fill cups to 2/3 full and put in hot oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If you'd like to use icing, I did the cream cheese one I put on my birthday carrot cake cupcakes here:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 tbl butter
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

I then sprinkled some nutmeg on top.

Buon appetito!

Today I'm thankful for:

Pumpkin! Ooh do I love pumpkin in all its many forms, especially my mom's pumpkin pie. Mmmm. I hope someone at home has a piece for me.

I also love and miss good old pumpkin spice coffee. Anyone know the best way to recreate that at home? I'm open to suggestions.

I've been adding some nutmeg to my (American) coffee before brewing in the morning, and that's pretty good too. Can you tell I also like nutmeg just a bit?

5 post meme(nothing like a one-trick pony)

I was tagged by new blogging buddy Goofy Andie (that's the name of her blog, I swear!) to do the following:

1. Post 5 links to 5 of your previously written posts. The posts have to relate to the 5 key words given below (family, friend, yourself, your love, anything you like).
2. Tag 5 other friends to do this meme. Try to tag at least 2 new acquaintances (if not, your current blog buddies will do) so that you get to know them each a little bit better.
3. Don’t forget to read the archived post and leave comments.

I like this meme because it gives me a chance to point out posts that new readers may have missed. I do keep a list of posts that new visitors can read to get to know me better--they're in my sidebar under "Just arrived? Check out some of my favorite posts"--but here are five more, per the meme:

FAMILY:

Big Gifts from Little Ones

This one is from May of this year and talks a bit about my niece and nephew back in the States and all the fun stuff they send me. Check out the label "family" for more family posts.

FRIEND:

Calabrian Women's Summit 2007

First published in March 2007, this post recounts my first meeting with fellow expat blogger in Calabria, Cherrye of My Bella Vita, and Dawn, who we're still hoping finds time to write up one of these blog things. We had an awesome time and recreated the magic in August before Cherrye left us to get married in Texas. I know some of you, like me, are missing Cherrye lately, but she'll be back soon to tell us all about it, I'm sure.

The label "friends" will take you to more friends posts.

YOURSELF:

Sunday Scribblings: Chronicles

I've written many, many posts about me and other than searching the "me me me" label, you can also find a lot of those on my sidebar.

But now I'm going to point you to one that says a little something different about me than any of the memes or lists I've done over the past 11 1/2 months. You might have missed this one as it was first published way back in January, less than two months into my blogging adventure. I hope you enjoy it.

YOUR LOVE:

Helping Hands

Another May post about how P surprises me every now and again. There are lots of P and love posts under the "love" label.

ANYTHING YOU LIKE :

Seeds of Truth

This last one was hard! I didn't know which direction I should go in, but I finally decided on a snippet of my fiction writing since it's a part of me that gets ignored early and often around here.

This May post was my first entry in a fiction writing contest, and I even ended up with a prize; check out other writing related posts under the "writing" label.

Now I'm going to tag 5 bloggers who are all doing NaBloPoMo, some of whom I knew previously and some I've just met. Show us what to read please!

Alyndabear
Candid Karina
Gill
Jill Althouse Wood
Miss Eliza

Today I'm thankful for:

Believe it or not, NaBloPoMo. I've realized through this experience that it's not as difficult as I thought to post something every day--except for internet issues (fixed as of now...yeah!). Getting into the habit of writing, taking more photos, being more creative about posts--these are all good things, and I have NaBloPoMo to thank.

But even more than that, I'm so thankful to have met even more wonderful bloggers through the experience. One can never have too many blogging friends, I say.

31 things i've learned in my 31 years

As of today I’m thirty-one years, one month, and one day old, and I’m ready to pass on:

31Things I’ve Learned in My 31 Years

1. Family members can be friends and friends can be like family members.
2. Laughing until your stomach hurts should happen at least once a day.
3. Being alone does not have to mean being lonely.
4. Dreaming is essential to living.
5. When what others want and what you want differ, trust your instincts.
6. Dogs are woman’s best friend too.
7. Sometimes love really isn’t enough.
8. Broken hearts should be worn with pride; it means you dared to love.
9. Peanut butter goes with everything.
10. Fireplaces, books, and blankets rule, especially when enjoyed together.
11. Inclement weather and important appointments are like peas and carrots.
12. Trying new things and meeting new people keep life interesting.
13. You can’t control what others do, but you can control how you react to them.
14. Stepping and/or kneeling on tacks hurts. A lot. Avoid it.
15. Love can be found in the wind.
16. Trust is a choice.
17. Innards for dinner do nothing for me.
18. The shower is a good place to cry.
19. Living simply helps others simply live.
20. Being wrong isn’t failure, it’s human.
21. Everything happens for a reason.
22. Sleeping, particularly napping, is underrated.
23. Being the bigger person isn’t always easy, but it’s always rewarding.
24. The sound of someone’s voice can be the most beautiful music in the world.
25. You don’t need to meet someone in person to develop a close relationship.
26. Success and happiness are best defined individually, i.e., by each person.
27. Appreciating small, good things makes dealing with big, bad things easier.
28. Homemade is always better.
29. Being accessible 24 hours a day is annoying.
30. The best way to learn a foreign language is full, painful-at-times immersion.
31. Moving ahead is easier if you understand where you’ve been.

Feel free to make your own list and let me know where to find it.

Today I’m thankful for:

Rainbows. We had a mini-rainbow a couple weeks ago, just a splash over the sea:

And then this one yesterday:

They’re always pretty, of course, but I just can’t think of a better way to be reminded that even when things are dark and dreary, something beautiful can come of it.

stepping up while i sigh

The only time I really lament not having a car around here is on Sundays when there’s no bus service and I have somewhere to go. Like to the internet café in a nearby town to post something on my blog to keep my NaBloPoMo streak alive. Because my internet is still out.

And so I am relying on the kindness of friend and fellow She Who Blogs member Qualcosa di Bello of Piacere, Dog Blog, Write Away, and probably another in the works knowing her. If you want to talk to someone who knows a lot about time management, visit this homeschooling, Italian-class-taking, doggie-and-sometimes hedgehog-caretaking super mom.

Anyway since I get the feeling that she kind of likes to blog, I turned to her to save my NaBloPoMo hide and hit publish at the appropriate time. They say the internet will be fixed within 48 hours of Friday afternoon, but I wasn't about to risk it.

Grazie Qualcosa!

So now what do I really have to say today? Hmm. How about we stick to a photo that reflects how I’m feeling.

I think that about sums it up.

Today I’m thankful for:

Qualcosa di Bello—the person (not only does she step in when I need her but she also sends me tahini and books!) but also the translation, which is “something beautiful.”

There are lots of beautiful things around me even as I’m typing this at the internet café, not the least of which are some pretty nice espresso beans waiting to be ground. Yum!

turtle time

Hi. Here I am at the internet café again. No internet at home. Again. But we did have three whole days of nearly uninterrupted service. Woo. Hoo.

I think this calls for a turtle:

Meet Terra (Earth in Italian), who has been with us since my birthday; she was a gift from P. Yes, that’s a shrimp in her hand/mouth. Obviously she’s looking for the cocktail sauce, but unfortunately we don't have horseradish here.

Today I’m thankful for:

Living creatures, big and small. I’m usually drawn to furry ones, but this little turtle has really done a job on me. She’s still pretty skittish, but now she’ll let me watch her as she suns and often even leaves her head above water instead of ducking under when I peek in. We're making progress.

Tell me about some of the living creatures in your life.

not that i'm encouraging slacking off at work but...

I don't work in an office anymore, but I do remember what Fridays used to feel like. I always had the best intentions of finishing off projects, and sometimes I did--if there wasn't a whole lot left to do on them anyway.

The internet was my best friend that last work day of the week more than any other day and that's why here on some Fridays, I like to provide links to other places you should go.

After all I wouldn't want you to get lost in the internet. Remember to always carry a flashlight!

For those of you like me who work at home (including stay-at-home moms!), feel free to utilize this list of goodies whenever you feel like it. These links aren't going anywhere.

Shameless Self-Promotion in Two Parts:

(1) Over at She Who Blogs, I've written about The Top Five Things I've Learned From Having a Blog.

Be sure to check out more member posts while you're there--She Who Blogs is doing NaBloPoMo too, so there's something new every day.

Our fearless leader Frances, by the way, is not only taking care of NaBloPoMo for She Who Blogs but she's also posting every day this month on her own blog, Blogjem (check out her fabulous family memories!) *and* she's doing NaNoWriMo.

Be amazed. I am.

(2) For some light Friday fun, why not have a Fred and Ginger moment by watching the classic "You Say Tomayto, I Say Tomahto" scene? I wrote about it over at Tomato Casual and discovered lots of interesting tidbits about that song.

Of course if you're at work, turn the speakers way down. And if you can't have them on at all, well, Fred and Ginger knew how to dance a little too so enjoy the footwork.

Feel free to look around Tomato Casual while you're there. I won't mind.

Semi Shameless Self-Promotion in Two Parts:

I am honored to have been one of the entries in a wonderful blogging event:

You can read my entry here.

Run by two of my very favorite bloggers, this event captured the hearts and memories of many fabulous bloggers and you can find the round-up of entries in two places (half are listed at each blog):

African Vanielje

The Passionate Palate

No Self-Promotion, Just Some Damn Good Reading

Blogging friend -R- of And You Know What Else came up with a fantastic idea--an anonymous blog swap. It gave participants a chance to blog about things they normally wouldn't at their own blogs (for whatever reason) and the results were phenomenal.

Below is a list of the participants, and believe me, there's not a bad post in the bunch. (I may or may not have spend most of yesterday evening reading these.)

After you read the guest post, please take time and look around the host blogs--all fabulous standing on their own.

Alyndabear
And You Know What Else
Bright Yellow World
Confessions of a Novice
Everything I Like Causes Cancer
Face Down
Liz Land
Muse On Vacation
Nabbalicious
Nancy Pearl Wannabe
Not What You Think It Should Be
Operation Pink Herring
Red Red Whine
Reflections in the Snow-Covered Hills
Sass Attack
Stefanie Says
Thinking Some More

Happy reading and buon weekend!


Today I'm thankful for:

The opportunity to work at home. I know some people would hate it, working alone in the same place they eat and sleep, but I just love it and don't think I could go back to working in an office. Sure it takes a lot of discipline, but I've always been good at getting things done when they need to be done, and the transition from many years of higher education to this really wasn't too difficult.

Read: I always have homework.

I love the freedom of being able to choose when I work, read, cook, walk and play with the dogs, watch an old episode of E.R. or Gilmore Girls, do laundry, run errands, etc., pretty much when I want to. For me, there's nothing more frustrating than trying to force things when they just aren't coming, so working at home really benefits me both professionally and emotionally.

There are downsides, of course, like others' not taking my time seriously or assuming I don't have a "real" job, but it's all about making boundaries--something I didn't use to be good at, but I'm getting better.

Part of it is my own fault, I know, as I don't often outwardly show stress in front of people I don't know well. I've been told I make things look easy, but I think that's only because I've always had the idea of the Italian bella figura (making a good impression/looking good) in my head.

Or maybe it's just that old Dry Idea deodorant commercial: "Never Let Them See You Sweat."

Either way, I don't see how it helps to get others worked up about whatever is going on in my life--except for those closest to me of course. Everyone needs a sounding board or five (I'm grateful to have those people too!).

Anyway, I know I'm extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work at home, and I'm very, very grateful for it.

more random stuff about me

So we're halfway through NaBloPoMo and NaNoWriMo. How are you feeling kids?

I figure it's about time to dig into those questions I asked you for a while back.

To recap, I was first tagged by amazing artist Robyn of Have Dogs, Will Travel to write seven random facts about me. Then I was tagged two more times, first by Italianissima of Always Italianissima and then by Tui of Mental Mosaic for more random facts.

And even though I wasn't technically tagged, I'll also accept the kind NaBloPoMo invitation from BipolarLawyerCook as well.

I'm responding to your questions in the order they were received with the exception of those from Sara of Moving Right Along who wants my favorite Italian cookie recipe and Robin of My Melange (did you see I won her book contest?!) who asked about whether I'm legal in Italy (short answer: yes) and how I got to be that way (longer answer needed). Both will get their own posts at some point.

Try to sleep at night anyway.

(1) Giulia of From Head to Boot asked what I used to think about future children and whether that has changed.

As far back as I can remember, I always thought three was a good number, and I still do, and, interestingly, so does P. I was never hung up on whether they be boys or girls, though, and I’m still not.

Of course the older you get, the more you realize that these things are pretty much out of your control, so I’m just hoping for a healthy baby or babies in whatever number we’re supposed to have.

Truth be told, though, I’d *really* love at least one little girl; my relationship with my mom is one of the most precious things I have in my life, and I’d love the opportunity to recreate that with a daughter.

(2) Shelley of At Home in Rome asked me what is the most expensive thing I’ve ever splurged on.

I’m not really a big spender generally so, other than book shopping sprees (and there have been more than a few of those), the most expensive thing I’ve ever splurged on was my first trip to Italy in the summer of 2002, and it was very much an impulse decision.

I was surfing the Internet one night looking for information on my ancestors' village, not a thought in my head of a visit, and I happened to come across a tour that was heading precisely here. Coincidence? I don't believe in them.

I had my flight booked within a few hours and the rest, as they say, is history.

(3) Dee of Mundane Profound Musings asked if I could be president of one country for 100 days, which country would it be and what would I do?

I’d pick to lead the US because of the issues I’d like to address--getting out of Iraq and providing universal health care. Those are the big two, and probably all I could reasonably focus on with just a hundred days, but I wouldn’t mind trying to do something to increase the value of the dollar as well as pass some environmentally-friendly legislation.

Of course I'd also love to do something about immigration laws in Italy, but I only get to pick one country.

(4) Alyndabear asked about the best thing about living in Italy.

Other than P and my doggies, I’d have to say that the best thing, for me, about living in Italy is the overall peaceful feeling I have being here. Maybe that’s cheesy, but honestly, I’m just happy, and that’s definitely the best thing about living here.

The cappuccino ain't bad either.

(5) Karen of Artsortments asked how often I get back to the States to visit.

Unfortunately I don't think the term "how often" really applies as I haven't been back since June of 2004. I'm hoping to get back there sooner or later, but this euro/dollar thing isn't making matters any easier. On the bright side, most of my family is discussing plans to come here next summer!

(6) Karen also asked whether I've seen any Mafia activity lately.

I hear and see nothing, cara mia.

(7) Maryann of Finding La Dolce Vita wrote "Yes, how do Italian women stay thin in Italy with all the great food? What is a normal day of eating and or exercise like in Italy?"

I'm sorry to report that I know of no magic information explaining why many Italian women are slim; personally I think a lot of them just have high metabolisms because some of them can eat and eat and eat and still be really thin (those women reportedly exist everywhere).

But actually a lot of Italian women *aren't* slim as percentages of overweight and obese people are climbing up and up. And unfortunately some of the slim women I know really don't eat very much at all and/or smoke. But I'm guessing this isn't what you want in the form of diet and exercise advice.

It's really different for everyone, though, so it's not easy to say *this* is what they do--except that I can tell you how I lost weight (somewhere around 30 pounds) while here and how, I imagine, many Italian women keep themselves in shape.

I eat less junk food, processed foods, sugar, red meat, and butter. I eat more fruits, vegetables, and beans and use *a lot* more olive oil. Chicken and rabbit are our go-to meats.

I don't think that generally Italians get a lot of exercise unless they're walking around cities a lot. Although many young people I know go to the gym, from what I see many Italians like to drive rather than walk from Point A to Point B. But a lot of the older women still do a lot of manual labor, so that's their exercise.

Me? I don't drive, so I do a lot of walking, especially with the dogs. And I also do yoga.

I guess it's cliché but the best I can tell you is to eat less of the bad stuff, more of the good stuff, and move more, which, in general, is what a lot of Italians seem to do (except for the moving part as described above).

And there we have seven random things about me, sort of.

I still have more questions to answer, but if you have anything you'd like to know, ask me in the comments!

Today I'm thankful for:

Sunny, windy days like today so I can finally hang out some clothes and actually have them be dried by the end of the day.

If you've been reading my blog or just about any blog by an expat in Italy, you know that clothes dryers are quite rare around here (I'm very jealous of MB of The Flavors of Abruzzo right now!). This means that during the colder months, we end up with wet, musty-smelling clothes a lot of the time as they have to dry inside on racks--which takes at least two days when it's damp outside.

I will eventually get a dryer, I'm sure, but for now, I cherish these glorious windy days and then go crazy doing laundry. You can see the roughness of the sea a bit here:


La tramontana is the name of the wind that gives us these great clothes-drying days; it also usually means that any rain clouds pass over us quickly without dropping anything.

Sure it puts a bit of a chill in the air too, but I'll take it for the sake of our clothes...not to mention that it also gives us an excuse to start up a fire in the fireplace.

And I love a fire in the fireplace.