Wednesday, July 17,2013
The skies are all shades of grey against a backdrop of varieties of gray outlining the mountains and marking their distance a shade lighter. It is like an old Japanese print from the 60's and it just tranquil and lovely- dressed in its subtleties as well as when it is bursting with color and clarity.
I have been working on a family trip for some culinary delights: truffles, and wine tasting. A cooking class, and some culture! All in Italy. Buon apetito. I have also been working on my query letter for finding an agent.
A slow but deliberate process. Difficult, but not impossible.
It is a good thing I am a 'glass half full' kinda gal!
I am being mentally ambidextrous in my endeavors.
Will go to one of my favorite restaurants along the lake: in front of the island of isola comacina. Picture perfect and the most sensual lemon ravioli ever. Outdoor dining in a piazzina on the lakefront, with big stone rocks as the street and a large sycamore tree with a brass fountain in front. Around the tree, a bench is growing into the trunk and old men can sit for hours under that tree- looking at the boats, the blue of the lake, and an island with Roman ruins.
I am meeting a family who is visiting. One of the gents grew up in Great Neck, the next town over from where I grew up in Manhasset. Love the small world of it all.
smiles for this Mercoledi
Judy
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday, July 16,2013
It has been a relatively normal day, awaking lake in the morning. It is quiet this morning, with soft breezes from the lake. It is a refreshing caress.
Went to the village to pick up some milk, some lunch - a turkey cutlet cooked by Suzy, the local gastronomia and take out. Suzy is a hard worker, and a creative person. She also makes all the favors for weddings, baptisms, etc... in amazingly divine packaging. Attention to detail being an art in itself.
I finally received back the dryer, purchased in April. It works for 3 days.... and hasn't since. You can't bring anything back in Italy. So, the place where it was purchased said that they couldn't do anything, as it was under warranty and it is the warranty provided who is responsible. Needless to say, it is now MID JULY, and I am only now able to use it.
Speedy is an oxymoron when combined with the word: Italian.
I worked on a new event which Historic Spanish Point open air museum..... is putting on. It is called Havana Nights & White Lights. It should sizzle.
ciao for niao
judy
It has been a relatively normal day, awaking lake in the morning. It is quiet this morning, with soft breezes from the lake. It is a refreshing caress.
Went to the village to pick up some milk, some lunch - a turkey cutlet cooked by Suzy, the local gastronomia and take out. Suzy is a hard worker, and a creative person. She also makes all the favors for weddings, baptisms, etc... in amazingly divine packaging. Attention to detail being an art in itself.
I finally received back the dryer, purchased in April. It works for 3 days.... and hasn't since. You can't bring anything back in Italy. So, the place where it was purchased said that they couldn't do anything, as it was under warranty and it is the warranty provided who is responsible. Needless to say, it is now MID JULY, and I am only now able to use it.
Speedy is an oxymoron when combined with the word: Italian.
I worked on a new event which Historic Spanish Point open air museum..... is putting on. It is called Havana Nights & White Lights. It should sizzle.
ciao for niao
judy
Monday, July 15, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
The lake is calm. There is bright sunlight, making the lake sparkle against the breeze that blows happily through my home.
My young Swiss friends just left in their 1984 Toyota van, outfitted by Micha. It is reminiscent of a time gone by, also from my twenty-somethings. Anna-Julia's mom and dad traveled in their twenties in an 'outfitted' van, and traversed the USA for 6 months. My home where their first and last stop of their journey, making it my journey in a way, too. It is great for life to go full circle, now with my friends' daughter... the tradition of seeing the world with young bright eyes and out of the window of a home-made van. Gotta love it!
The two twenty-somethings were pure delight and I miss their lovely minds, energy, sweetness and a love of life. They hand-glided (with me, too!), rock climbed, strap walked.... played games in the garden and rummi-cube on the terrace. At any rate: they are continuing their adventure and I feel privileged for them to have shared 5 days of their 'paradise' was precious and appreciated.
I just finished reading my first book of the summer. I read, and periodically look out upon my lake....from the terrace or the living room sofa. I have waited for two years to enjoy this time with books. I have been here since April 18th, and feel enough has been done to relax and enjoy the fruits of the labor of moving two homes. I read Anita Shreve's "The last time they met". It was in the library I have here in Italy.... as I have collected books to read for years, and have a stock to be devoured.
It is a timely tale for me. It is about two kids who meet in high school and fall in love. Then meet again - in Africa.... and then again as 50 somethings..... kids raised. It is a love story. I love love stories. I am a romantic. I love Africa. I have just reconnected with the first love of my life after 40 years. We have been writing for years, but only recently came face to face. What a dear and wonderful thing in life. It is that circle again. Love travels miles, decades and remains at its core when combined with undeniable chemistry: astonishing, profound and life affirming. There are some things in life that sometimes have no beginning or some things in life that sometimes have no ending. There are some times in life that stand alone and can be perfect for that. It is about the quality of the moment felt or shared.
I am readjusting to the quiet of my own energy. Not too quiet, as my music, I am told- wafts along the promenade, lake side.
Have a bright and happy Monday. Lunedi
Judy
The lake is calm. There is bright sunlight, making the lake sparkle against the breeze that blows happily through my home.
My young Swiss friends just left in their 1984 Toyota van, outfitted by Micha. It is reminiscent of a time gone by, also from my twenty-somethings. Anna-Julia's mom and dad traveled in their twenties in an 'outfitted' van, and traversed the USA for 6 months. My home where their first and last stop of their journey, making it my journey in a way, too. It is great for life to go full circle, now with my friends' daughter... the tradition of seeing the world with young bright eyes and out of the window of a home-made van. Gotta love it!
The two twenty-somethings were pure delight and I miss their lovely minds, energy, sweetness and a love of life. They hand-glided (with me, too!), rock climbed, strap walked.... played games in the garden and rummi-cube on the terrace. At any rate: they are continuing their adventure and I feel privileged for them to have shared 5 days of their 'paradise' was precious and appreciated.
I just finished reading my first book of the summer. I read, and periodically look out upon my lake....from the terrace or the living room sofa. I have waited for two years to enjoy this time with books. I have been here since April 18th, and feel enough has been done to relax and enjoy the fruits of the labor of moving two homes. I read Anita Shreve's "The last time they met". It was in the library I have here in Italy.... as I have collected books to read for years, and have a stock to be devoured.
It is a timely tale for me. It is about two kids who meet in high school and fall in love. Then meet again - in Africa.... and then again as 50 somethings..... kids raised. It is a love story. I love love stories. I am a romantic. I love Africa. I have just reconnected with the first love of my life after 40 years. We have been writing for years, but only recently came face to face. What a dear and wonderful thing in life. It is that circle again. Love travels miles, decades and remains at its core when combined with undeniable chemistry: astonishing, profound and life affirming. There are some things in life that sometimes have no beginning or some things in life that sometimes have no ending. There are some times in life that stand alone and can be perfect for that. It is about the quality of the moment felt or shared.
I am readjusting to the quiet of my own energy. Not too quiet, as my music, I am told- wafts along the promenade, lake side.
Have a bright and happy Monday. Lunedi
Judy
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Lazy Lake
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Saturday was one of those great lazy days.... which continued onto the evening, after a short walk into the village and the offer of 4 proseccos with conversation. Of course- surrounded by men who were cordially inviting me into their Menaggio life. It is good that I grew up with older brothers, as I have a great comfort level hanging out with men. I love my girl time, too- which included also during my afternoon social time the chance to know a couple of women in town whom I didn't know before. Of course, Franca knew all about me, George's moped accident.... and spoke freely about it. Living a part of a legend in a small italian town is quite fascinating.
At any rate, last evening was spent catching the soft breezes from the lake and mountains.... a deep royal blue sky sporadically filled with billowing clouds. This was late at night. Sitting on the terrace with the twinkling lights coming from along the lake and across the lake: was splendid. It was Saturday night and a perfect evening, and the promenade that separates me from the lake was abuzz with folks strolling and enjoying life outdoors. Folks with their strollers, young people handing the hand of an old person, families with dogs.... all strolling. Down the street at the Lido, a famous Italian band from the '60's played, adding to the sense of living life fully. I could hear the music and periodically, the church bells would chime for what seemed a melody of clanging. You could also hear the water lapping across the hulls of the boats. Sitting on the terrace with my young Swiss friends, Micha said "Judy, you must watch this". Turning, I saw the moving painting of sorts: LIGHTING miles across were lighting up the clouds and the deep royal blue of the sky.
It went on for an hour, and mesmerized us with the drawings it painted for us in the heavens. Then, if that was not enough- voila! fireworks south of me along the lake. As we sat with the theatre of people watching and the lighting bolts, we could see framed between tall Pine Tree and the sheer verticality of the mountain rock, there were glorious fireworks!
Another perfect moment to be savored.
Today, the air is crisp, the sun shines, the breezes are like a dance of fresh air across my face. And, I am happy to be able to take this all in.
Buona Domenica..... and as always, a smile
Judy
Saturday was one of those great lazy days.... which continued onto the evening, after a short walk into the village and the offer of 4 proseccos with conversation. Of course- surrounded by men who were cordially inviting me into their Menaggio life. It is good that I grew up with older brothers, as I have a great comfort level hanging out with men. I love my girl time, too- which included also during my afternoon social time the chance to know a couple of women in town whom I didn't know before. Of course, Franca knew all about me, George's moped accident.... and spoke freely about it. Living a part of a legend in a small italian town is quite fascinating.
At any rate, last evening was spent catching the soft breezes from the lake and mountains.... a deep royal blue sky sporadically filled with billowing clouds. This was late at night. Sitting on the terrace with the twinkling lights coming from along the lake and across the lake: was splendid. It was Saturday night and a perfect evening, and the promenade that separates me from the lake was abuzz with folks strolling and enjoying life outdoors. Folks with their strollers, young people handing the hand of an old person, families with dogs.... all strolling. Down the street at the Lido, a famous Italian band from the '60's played, adding to the sense of living life fully. I could hear the music and periodically, the church bells would chime for what seemed a melody of clanging. You could also hear the water lapping across the hulls of the boats. Sitting on the terrace with my young Swiss friends, Micha said "Judy, you must watch this". Turning, I saw the moving painting of sorts: LIGHTING miles across were lighting up the clouds and the deep royal blue of the sky.
It went on for an hour, and mesmerized us with the drawings it painted for us in the heavens. Then, if that was not enough- voila! fireworks south of me along the lake. As we sat with the theatre of people watching and the lighting bolts, we could see framed between tall Pine Tree and the sheer verticality of the mountain rock, there were glorious fireworks!
Another perfect moment to be savored.
Today, the air is crisp, the sun shines, the breezes are like a dance of fresh air across my face. And, I am happy to be able to take this all in.
Buona Domenica..... and as always, a smile
Judy
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Today had to be great as my day yesterday and evening were tops! I am coasting on the bounty we get to enjoy, if we seize it. If we recognize and appreciate it.
Last evening was a wonderful ending to a thrilling morning. Slept and entertained my young friends and an Italian.... two generations enjoying company: One speaks Italian. One speaks English & Italian. One speaks German and French. One speaks English, German, French and Italian. A veritable melting pot. The young 'ns sang in English and German without music and it was a gift , so sweet and beautiful. It was heartwarming.
Slept in far too late this morning to the sound of the telephone ringing.... saying that my guests were 15 minutes away. After a hearty welcome, a bit of reading! I have now enough time to devour the books I have been saving to enjoy. Having set up two households, I have now the time to enjoy them and my life on the lake.-to take that time and read is a fabulous gift and I am seizing this one, too!
Strolled 10 seconds into the heart of Menaggio.... and sat to enjoy a few gifts of bicchieri da prosecco, and the company of some Italian men. They talked of food. Everyone talks of food: of the great dinners had, or about to have, about the poetry of spices, of what they are preparing for lunch or dinner. It is precisely why the Italian palate can be trusted, admired and revered, as they spend a lifetime cultivating and talking about it in fine detail.
The 8:00pm bells are playing a symphony of clangs and it is music. It is a lovely , breezy evening.... and all will be strolling about. I love people-watching and this is a feast.
Ciao for now
Judy, with a grin
Today had to be great as my day yesterday and evening were tops! I am coasting on the bounty we get to enjoy, if we seize it. If we recognize and appreciate it.
Last evening was a wonderful ending to a thrilling morning. Slept and entertained my young friends and an Italian.... two generations enjoying company: One speaks Italian. One speaks English & Italian. One speaks German and French. One speaks English, German, French and Italian. A veritable melting pot. The young 'ns sang in English and German without music and it was a gift , so sweet and beautiful. It was heartwarming.
Slept in far too late this morning to the sound of the telephone ringing.... saying that my guests were 15 minutes away. After a hearty welcome, a bit of reading! I have now enough time to devour the books I have been saving to enjoy. Having set up two households, I have now the time to enjoy them and my life on the lake.-to take that time and read is a fabulous gift and I am seizing this one, too!
Strolled 10 seconds into the heart of Menaggio.... and sat to enjoy a few gifts of bicchieri da prosecco, and the company of some Italian men. They talked of food. Everyone talks of food: of the great dinners had, or about to have, about the poetry of spices, of what they are preparing for lunch or dinner. It is precisely why the Italian palate can be trusted, admired and revered, as they spend a lifetime cultivating and talking about it in fine detail.
The 8:00pm bells are playing a symphony of clangs and it is music. It is a lovely , breezy evening.... and all will be strolling about. I love people-watching and this is a feast.
Ciao for now
Judy, with a grin
Friday, July 12, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
This morning was as exhilarating and perfect as a day could be. I did something today that I have been wanting to do for eons. I went paragliding! I found the perfect friends to do it with, which makes it even more precious.
We started in a converted 1987 van which my two young Swiss friends are using to travel through Europe this summer. Inside there was Micha's hand-glider, a bed, a trapeze, a refrigerator, a bed, a guitar and the ease of youth. Anna Julia sat in back on the floor, as Micha drove us north along Lake Como to the end of the lake - a town called 'Gera Lario'.
Here, we met the hand-gliding crew on the lakeside which would be our landing field. Fabio looked every inch a 'Fabio' in the imaginations of American women who read romance novels. He had dishelved hair, a rugged and handsome face and a glint in his eye, a daredevil grin that exuded confidence. He smoked a vanilla scented electronic cigarette as he drove the gang up the mountain.
Micha prepared his own hand-glider, as he is a pilot. Pascal took Ann Julia and I had Fabio as my guide.
We walked to this glorious hill with wildflowers and lots of cow paddies. We were 1300 meters high overlooking Lake Como and above the tree line. Life doesn't get much better than that. The day had a slight haze, with crisp breezes and a bright blue sky. Some clouds wafted in the distance.
I put on the gear which is a seat strapped to your legs and torso. I was instructed to run when directed and to lift my knees when I longer felt the ground beneath my feat. I ran and felt as if I was going to trip head first down the mountain, as just then: we were pulled off the ground and into the cool and windy feeling air. No noise except my giggles of delight along with the sound of the breeze. It was as exciting as it was calming.
A thrill of being alive. Today.
We flew for about 20 minutes, allowing me to steer the hand-glider. We rocked left and right as if on a sideways swing. Each swing caused a swelling in my soul and I felt light with joy. We did a spiral, which seems like being in the center of a gentle tornado. And, we floated. Over the mountains. Over the lake. Over the boats carrying wake boarders. And, then.... ever so gently, with a few steps, we were again land bound.
Sweetly and with a sense of having been a bird for just a minute.
Driving home and back to Menaggio....along the old curvy and narrow roads, we were all satisfied. Satiated and happy.
Indeed, it is a good day to be alive.
This morning was as exhilarating and perfect as a day could be. I did something today that I have been wanting to do for eons. I went paragliding! I found the perfect friends to do it with, which makes it even more precious.
We started in a converted 1987 van which my two young Swiss friends are using to travel through Europe this summer. Inside there was Micha's hand-glider, a bed, a trapeze, a refrigerator, a bed, a guitar and the ease of youth. Anna Julia sat in back on the floor, as Micha drove us north along Lake Como to the end of the lake - a town called 'Gera Lario'.
Here, we met the hand-gliding crew on the lakeside which would be our landing field. Fabio looked every inch a 'Fabio' in the imaginations of American women who read romance novels. He had dishelved hair, a rugged and handsome face and a glint in his eye, a daredevil grin that exuded confidence. He smoked a vanilla scented electronic cigarette as he drove the gang up the mountain.
Micha prepared his own hand-glider, as he is a pilot. Pascal took Ann Julia and I had Fabio as my guide.
We walked to this glorious hill with wildflowers and lots of cow paddies. We were 1300 meters high overlooking Lake Como and above the tree line. Life doesn't get much better than that. The day had a slight haze, with crisp breezes and a bright blue sky. Some clouds wafted in the distance.
I put on the gear which is a seat strapped to your legs and torso. I was instructed to run when directed and to lift my knees when I longer felt the ground beneath my feat. I ran and felt as if I was going to trip head first down the mountain, as just then: we were pulled off the ground and into the cool and windy feeling air. No noise except my giggles of delight along with the sound of the breeze. It was as exciting as it was calming.
A thrill of being alive. Today.
We flew for about 20 minutes, allowing me to steer the hand-glider. We rocked left and right as if on a sideways swing. Each swing caused a swelling in my soul and I felt light with joy. We did a spiral, which seems like being in the center of a gentle tornado. And, we floated. Over the mountains. Over the lake. Over the boats carrying wake boarders. And, then.... ever so gently, with a few steps, we were again land bound.
Sweetly and with a sense of having been a bird for just a minute.
Driving home and back to Menaggio....along the old curvy and narrow roads, we were all satisfied. Satiated and happy.
Indeed, it is a good day to be alive.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
I am back at it again!
I have been away from blogging as it seemed so self indulgent. And then a friend mentioned to me that all writing is a bit self indulgent. I had to think on that for awhile and realized that statement might just be true. When we write, we are assuming that someone is going to want to read what we write. There is a bit of ego involved, which had never occurred to me. But, it is precisely that 'self indulgent ego' part that prevented me from continuing the blog on a regular basis.
Recognizing that I must get over that hurdle, and put it out in the universe that I WANT TO WRITE something which others will value on some level: I will begin again and try not to stumble over my ego.
I am sitting in my kitchen right now on Lago di Como overlooking the lake on this crisp, breezy and sunny day. Bellagio sits in front of my view and takes my breath away, as always. The first time I had ever spent a summer here more than two decades ago, I sat on this very expansive terrace overlooking the bounty and beauty which is Lake Como. I remember thinking and saying "If I ever get the chance to return to this lake- at least ONE MORE TIME in my life, my heart and soul will be filled!" Remembering that wish, each time I arrive on the lake and my heart swells with immense appreciation for the incredible beauty and grace found here, I remember that wish and thank the universe for giving me that ONE NEXT TIME to take it all in.
Those of you who are reading this, I need your help and support and will beg you for it. I need to increase my readership as I have just completed a manuscript that I am hoping will get published. A blog with lots of followers will help in that endeavor, so I will keep asking for your help to 'spread the blogword' for me.
I am currently living in the most beautiful apartment in Menaggio, a feat which took 20+ years to find and get. It is filled with tall arched windows overlooking the lake with 180 degree views.... and three grand terraces, bringing the indoors to me. The scent of jasmine is everywhere and wafts through my home. I am in a piece of heaven.
Two young twenty-somethings arrived from Switzerland yesterday. The eldest daughter of friends of mine, it is such a pleasure to see a sweet charming young woman, after knowing her as a baby. I met her dad when he was 19 ( he is now well into his 50's) when I was escorting groups of high school students through Europe. He was a local guide, and we have been friends ever since. He is tall and thin and married a great gal who is also tall and thin. They live in a tall and skinny home in Basel and had 3 tall and skinny kids. They are my TALL and SKINNY family. I have always gravitated to young adults and they are the second group that I have gotten to welcome this summer. I attribute it to my short attention span, that I get along with the 'youngins'.
More tomorrow and later today, gator. Happy day to you.
Smiles, as always
Judy
Recognizing that I must get over that hurdle, and put it out in the universe that I WANT TO WRITE something which others will value on some level: I will begin again and try not to stumble over my ego.
I am sitting in my kitchen right now on Lago di Como overlooking the lake on this crisp, breezy and sunny day. Bellagio sits in front of my view and takes my breath away, as always. The first time I had ever spent a summer here more than two decades ago, I sat on this very expansive terrace overlooking the bounty and beauty which is Lake Como. I remember thinking and saying "If I ever get the chance to return to this lake- at least ONE MORE TIME in my life, my heart and soul will be filled!" Remembering that wish, each time I arrive on the lake and my heart swells with immense appreciation for the incredible beauty and grace found here, I remember that wish and thank the universe for giving me that ONE NEXT TIME to take it all in.
Those of you who are reading this, I need your help and support and will beg you for it. I need to increase my readership as I have just completed a manuscript that I am hoping will get published. A blog with lots of followers will help in that endeavor, so I will keep asking for your help to 'spread the blogword' for me.
I am currently living in the most beautiful apartment in Menaggio, a feat which took 20+ years to find and get. It is filled with tall arched windows overlooking the lake with 180 degree views.... and three grand terraces, bringing the indoors to me. The scent of jasmine is everywhere and wafts through my home. I am in a piece of heaven.
Two young twenty-somethings arrived from Switzerland yesterday. The eldest daughter of friends of mine, it is such a pleasure to see a sweet charming young woman, after knowing her as a baby. I met her dad when he was 19 ( he is now well into his 50's) when I was escorting groups of high school students through Europe. He was a local guide, and we have been friends ever since. He is tall and thin and married a great gal who is also tall and thin. They live in a tall and skinny home in Basel and had 3 tall and skinny kids. They are my TALL and SKINNY family. I have always gravitated to young adults and they are the second group that I have gotten to welcome this summer. I attribute it to my short attention span, that I get along with the 'youngins'.
More tomorrow and later today, gator. Happy day to you.
Smiles, as always
Judy
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