exploring life and love with pictures and words
Scrolling Instagram, I pause on a photograph, a couple whose world travels I follow. I skim the short summary of their current journey and a zillion hashtags. Two simple questions posed catch my eye, and then my thoughts. “What was the greatest risk you have taken so far? Was it worth it?” Without hesitation I... Continue Reading →
I sit shotgun as my cousin Moira zips down the tiny, narrow streets of Somana into Mandello. Windows down, the mountain air blows through the car. She taps her horn and waves to passing cars and neighbors who brave the walk. They shout Ciao, Buon Giorno! Their greetings trail off as we speed past. I... Continue Reading →
A small book on meditation, a list of handwritten recommendations from a private session with my yoga teacher, and a few cherished notes from friends are the small bits of inspiration I chose to bring along on this journey. I knew there would be times I would want to read them, refer to them, and... Continue Reading →
Tapping away on my keyboard, I reread phrases, type and delete words, and feel a range of emotions in the span of a few hours as I write. Sometimes my emotions are a reflection of the content itself. Other times they are conflicting expressions of belief and doubt in my ability as a writer. One... Continue Reading →
It’s raining in Milan, gray and dreary. I wonder if the weather has anything to do with how I feel, missing home. I talked to my daughter this afternoon and learned it was raining there too. As we chat I can hear my eight month old granddaughter, Aria, babbling to herself and laughing. I smile... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Bare Naked in Public 