There is nothing like a trip back home … back to the vastness of America’s first national preserve, back to the home of Texaco, TexJoy and Seaport Coffee, back to the birthplace of country music legends Jones, Chestnutt and Byrd. And yes. I am glad to be home. For the last four weeks I’ve been...Read More
With all of the language learning talk that has been going on around here, I decided to test my skills and head to Lamezia Terme’s finest movie theater to check out Dan Brown‘s latest hit. While I’d love to say I loved Angels and Demons, I just can’t. It is not you, Mr. Hanks …...Read More
Those of you from the major metropolis of Kountze might have heard this headline before … “Moore n’ more about People, Places and Things” by Buddy Moore “Moore n’ more” was my dear ole Dad’s legendary headline column. He wrote it over a thousand times and mentioned tens of thousands of people, places and things...Read More
As you may have heard, there aren’t many English-speaking expats prodding along here in Bella Calabria, but the ones we have are simply brill. Case in point, my Irish pal, Jen. In honour of Jenny’s 28th birthday today (ahem!) I’m going to share some of my favourite British expressions … and-oh!-how I love to use...Read More
Well, ok. Maybe stupid is a bit strong. Let’s say “insensitive,” or “thoughtless” or even “rude.” Yes, rude is better. I often try to give people the benefit of the doubt-sometimes to my detriment-and excuse inconsiderate remarks or inappropriate questions. But sometimes it is just too much. Want to know where all of this is...Read More
It has been said printer’s ink runs deep, but it is really more than that. I think printer’s ink is hereditary. It’s genetics. It is stamped into our DNA and no matter how hard we try to fight it … it begs to be free. At least that was the case with me. I’ve said...Read More
When I last left My Bella Vita I was rushing to the airport in what I hoped would be a superfluous trip to Texas where I’d eagerly meet my family at the hospital, encourage my mother and sister and aid in my father’s slow, but inevitable recovery. I convinced myself somewhere over the Atlantic that my trip...Read More
This isn’t the post I planned to write for the final day of Settimana dell’ Amore, but sometimes “life happens” and things don’t go as planned. I think it is every expat’s worst nightmare … the middle of the night phone call, the strained voices, the uncertain hours and the anxiety of an 18-hour trip...Read More
I make no effort to hide the fact that my favorite child in this world is my 8-year old nephew, Cole. – Friends who have never met him ask about him. – An Italian neighbor of mine called her granddaughter “Baby Cole” because she assumed it was the English word for “baby” because “I couldn’t...Read More
By the time you are reading this post I have already flown through England, soared above the Atlantic and have (hopefully) landed in Texas. Christmas is here and to fully celebrate the holiday season with family and friends in the US, My Bella Vita is taking a break. I’ll be back to posting at my...Read More
