exploring life and love with pictures and words
Sipping my coffee, I assess the postcards that lay before me on the small counter top. I am purposeful about choosing the right card for the right person, imagining which photograph in the bunch might be their favorite. Luca always gets the unusually shaped ones or those with Italian words written across them. His momma... Continue Reading →
My Faithful Friends, Tis the season to show some gratitude . . . and give a little love. I am grateful to all of you for reading my stories and supporting barenakedinpublic.com for the last three years. Your kind words of love and praise have encouraged me to keep on writing even when the words... Continue Reading →
Since arriving in Italy, I have spent a good amount of time visiting churches, cathedrals and even an abbey. It’s not unusual for me to pass a few churches in a single day. My power walks, errand running and shopping have all been interrupted by my desire to visit these peaceful sanctuaries for even the... Continue Reading →
Thanksgiving . . . my favorite holiday This year I will spend it far away from my family, my home, my country. Traditionally, my family cerebrates with everyone gathering at one home, sharing an abundance of delicious food, and always inviting friends, often friends of friends, who need a place to be, to feel included.... Continue Reading →
Not sure of the time, but I know I am calling it close. Racing down the station steps, the familiar rumble and long slow hiss of the arriving train have me picking up my pace. With seconds to spare, I politely push my way into the full car, Scusi, Scusi, secure a spot, and the... Continue Reading →
A light breeze blows through the kitchen of my uncles’ home, a little relief from the hot steam rising above the iron as I press a pair of linen shorts. Looking at my wrinkled line-dried clothes piled on the kitchen chair, I figure about another half hour and I’ll be finished. In the nearly seven... Continue Reading →
I quietly dig through my suitcase, trying not to wake him with shuffling and organizing. I glance over my shoulder and he is fast asleep, face down, arms splayed and peaceful. I am a little jealous of his masterful midday napping skills. I dozed off for a bit, but even with curtains drawn and only... Continue Reading →
I have chosen a new path these days, or perhaps the path has chosen me. The coastal breeze of the Pacific Ocean no longer cools me, Catalina and the pier no longer in my view, crashing waves and seagulls squawking cannot be heard from where I walk today. My sister’s voice in thoughtful conversation and... Continue Reading →
Sinking into the oversized sofa, I sit one leg bent beneath me, wiping an endless stream of tears from my cheeks and neck. I blow my nose into a pitiful crumbling wad of tissue and reach for another. While I sniffle and snort my therapist stops speaking for a moment, patiently waiting for me to... Continue Reading →
Friday afternoon, school is clear of children and teachers. I sit at my desk assessing the neatly organized paper piles laid out before me. I could work a couple more hours or keep the promise I made to myself and go see my son. Quickly scribbling a to do list for Monday, my decision is... Continue Reading →
Bare Naked in Public 