"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire"... on the beach!

There are always so many enchanting surprises when you live in Italy. My favorite one happened just the other day in Monterosso... I was with my boyfriends little brother playing futbol on the beach, when all of a sudden, we see a swarm of kids running towards us, and asking if we'd like some "castagne." One of the kids, a typical Monterossino, pointed his finger to his cheek and did one of the thousands of Italian communicating gestures for "yummy"... "buona." Who could deny such a charming little offer. So, we ate 'em, hot chestnuts, roasting over an open fire, on the beach.

In Italia, such recognition to the little tradtions in life, make me feel so humbled. In Italia, you still find joys over gliding paper-airplanes in school halls, barfeoot bikerides on the shore 'til sunset, perfumed laundry dripping from colorful widowsills. Ally cats roaming rusty rooftops reluctantly.

I find the Italian heritage in so many ways; it's in the kitchen, on the silver screen, and on the Riviera. Italia is the country of senses... I am forever grateful to open up my own in this magical place.

"Back to dat same ol' place... sweet home Monterosso!"

Yes, I have returned to the Cinque Terre, and I'm the most content being on this planet. My heart feels swollen and empowered. The salty steamy breeze fills my lungs and opens my mind. I am still mad to live and will squeeze in the occasional "beach rave," but i love just airing out my head here. It's so releasing to not be an "ant" in the city, and just lay and sway and caress your spirit and imagination with the beauty of our world.

Nothing is more comforting than lying on the beach in the night with the howl of the hungry sea playing with the wind. I hope the summer speaks to all of you in such a harmonies way. I'm still reading "On the Road" and reminising of hazey blubbery drunk summer nights in the states, just go air out you brain... like that Jack Johnson song... "It's all relative, it's all understood." Have an awesome day!

"Mad to live"....and it happened in New Jersey "sOn!"

Yes, Billy Joel might have sang about New York, but I have to say I fell a little bit in love with it's underated, underated, highly scrutinized neighbor. New Jersey is called "The Garden State," and yes, I've seen the movie, and thought the title was it's only justification. But, after my best friend picked me up from Newark, I looked past the smog and the crusty factories, just a bit ahead, towards the turnpike, I saw bountiful flowers bursting like "spiders across the sky like stars." They were in the forests... flowere bushes peeking from the thicket off the highway. The forests were truly magical. I couldn't get over how pleasantly surprised I was of New Jersey.

"Leave the gun, take the conoli." Yes, I was also red from excitement over seeing all "The Godfather," "The Sopranos," even the Asbury Park exit made me feel proud. Not that I'm a huge Bruce Springstein fan, but his message, his raw humanity, and working class persona, that touched ever middle-American's life... yes, I felt truly honored to be amonst his childhood upbringing.

We did hit up NYC though, don't get me wrong. It was interesting too. My girlfrined and I could NOT pick a restaurant for the life of us. So many options in NYC. I actually read recently the dilemma facing New Yorkers. A study was researched about the most unhappy Americans, and where they are from, etc. Would you believe it was NYC? Where Carrie Bradshaw once quoted in "Sex and the City"- "only if your really lucky do you deserve to live in New York." Hmmm what's going on, too much to do, so many choices. It's like that book I've been reading "The Omnivor's Dillema" all these diverse extenuated options. I'm just glad I booked my trip, we picked an amazing Chinese restaurant on Amterdamn, and saw a live band. Even if it's not the most detailed ridiculous plan, we had a ball. Travel, grow, and be yourself, and yourself will grow through each beautiful experience. Thanks New Jersey, for not being what I predicted. When you travel, whether it's Moscow, or Tibet, or Tahiti, never calculate too much, not where to go, what to wear, what route to take on the map, what to read, and at what coffee shop, what to say, and to whom, just be yourself, and be "mad to live"- "On the Road."

Caprese salads Can Capture and Catapult you to Capri!!!

Yes folks... it is true. If you want to be whisked away from a stuffy boring hazy summer day... I've got something for you!

Ok, this is not your ordinary bbq dish, and I know we're all "o-ding" from the same ol' backyard, blockparty greenbean casarol...

SO EASY recipe:

-fresh mozzarella di buffalo (try you local grocier, it's not too exotic)
-fresh basil
-plump heirloom tomatoes
-extra virgin olive oil
-garlic
-salt

I dice and rub the garlic over an oiled dish then I slice all the colors real pretty on the plate.
The Italian flag colors will surley open your palate and lift your spirits!
Don't forget a fresh crisp glass of Pinot Grigio :-)

Buon Appetito!

Why are there only two seasons in Chicago?

I am from Chicago. Yes, born and raised, and our weather, like our politicians, is quite "Windy." Every year, the same ol' griping- 6 ft. of snow, and we're shoviling our driveways... in March. Now it's June, and I've got a cold because it changed from 50- 88 degrees in 2 days. But I do love the spontinaity of our weather. It keeps us on our toes. Maybe us true Chicagoans feel more thick skinned because our weather keeps us from certain climate control "certainties."

I was reading a bit from "The New York Times" today, and there were a few eye-catching articles in the "Dining In" section. One segment was about a poetic short story author from Russia. Lara Vanyra's stories add humor and the nostaglisms of food, she divideds a space between cultures, and in the end gives us cute relatable stories.

The other article which captured a bit of my inner "wino" and weather observer, was one on a new wave of winerys "branching" out in India. I love India, always have been inspired and enthrolled by it's culture and beauty. My favorite friends when I was little were Indian. I was mesmorized by the small shrines they made room for in their modest Chicago-suburban bungalows. Anyways, Even until now, my best friend, and fellow world-jet-setter, Roshni, has a graceful, yet humbling way of incorporating her traditions into her overly-new-wave-modern-fly by your seat, corporate life-style.

What I mean is she can get down with her hip-hop groves, and fold them into an orgami-like budding Indian flower dance. It blows me away. That's how I want to live my life, gracefully tieing the two worlds together, a new up-beat techno, richly morphed into the "Tarantella." But, back to this story written on the new Winerys in India. It was fascinating to me to think of going to my local Binny's and buying a nice shiraz-cabernet blend... from India. That would be the most delighful compliment to any worldly dish. The idea that their seasons are oposite, could bring a new market, a new demographic of buyers and tasters. The region Nasik was mentioned as having a reputation as the Napa of India. I just found that to be beautiful. As so many of us can realte to that one fabulous movie, "Sideways" we can actually see and feel that California breeze. And, we've seen it before, whether it's in the rolling Tuscan Hills, or the darting slopes of the vineyards in the Bordeaux, it's all relative, and relatable, and possible.

But, that leaves us to believing, there is no other region like in Chicago. This city was plucked in the Mid-west and sought after for it's brave and lustrius "Lake." The connecting Chicago River that made all trades and movment possible to the mighty Mississippi, are just a few of the many amazing pioneering moments, in our nation's great history. Being from Chicago helps me see in all the little ways our nation came togther, how it can't be copied, and how it will perservere... forever. And us true Chicagoans will continue to complain about the weather, but we'll never really leave, and we'll wait for others to come. Whether it's for the Olympics, or a certain President's address...we know for sure the weather will be unpredictable.

Eating a bunch at brunch...

So my family and I have just lazily awoken to a big brunch and the "Labirynth", starring Davis Bowie. Could there be any better way to start you Sunday? Yeah, I think not. I have been staying at my cousin's gi-normous, fun-filled house in the city, and spending time with her fascinating 3 boys. They love the "Labirynth", and gizmos and gadgets, and stretching their imagination, and so do I. I totally miss the mystical movies of the 80's. When little puppets took on our imagination, and we didn't need computer animation to curve our entertainment. But it's all good, I just like the unpolished, rougher copy better.

So all of this kiddy-time has been a real treat. I've been baby-sitting, and helping my cousin out at her store- Psychobaby. And, I've taken some time to really organize my thoughts, and next steps... and focus completley on travelling. Travelling for the 20 somethings, with out kids to tie them down, is quite a luxury. However I am quick to say I'll strap on a marsupiol, and preach with enthusiasm- "Meet me at the top of the mountain, let's go baby!" We'll see, I love the harmonius chaos that goes with having a big family.

I just thought I'd share a bit of these "fluffy" thoughts... it is Sunday after all, we're allowed to be uncensored and in the moment. After all the most important time is "the now!" Capture what you have around you, if it "doesn't fit"- as my Ma would say, go find something that does!

I hope even for those of you who are bouncing around, or far from the one's you love, you have sweet memories, a mystical movie, or an enchanting place to comfort you. Traveling is what it's all about, home is where your bed is, but it's your thoughts and dreams that can transport you to those favorite times together. Happy Sunday, have an awesome day, do it with passion!

Since I'm not going to NYC for another 2 weeks... I'm doing the next best thing...

Yes, I am jumping on the cosmopolitan filled band-wagon. My friend Lindsay got us tickets to see the mid-night screening of "Sex and the City." I don't think I need to explain my love for this show, everyone claims to be it's "BIG"gest fan. But, I do claim to be amongst those who can relate. Well, I actually have my best friend (not Lindsay) that can realte. See her and I met while studying/I was nesting, in Italy last year, and she, just like me, met this Italian guy, she totally fell for him. I had the same thing happen to me the year before, only in a much different way.

It's hard comparing relationships, especially being that there is a HUGE demographic of American girls, girlfriends, or now, wives, to these strapping Italian men. It's quite unique. It's like we have settled in a new colony. We are Pioneers from the West, bringing our free-once "Single-wmoen" Carrie like behaviors, and settling into a fairytale small town of Italy. It is a harmonizing mix though. It is one of the deepest, complimenting communities I've ever been to. That's why my friend was so eager to get in.

Not like you need a boyfriend to keep you in this town, on the contrary, all you need is your brain, and your laughter, and an open-sense of life and adventure. But she was convinced to get this guy. She moved all the way from Jersey, and like "Carrie" wanted to expand her life, and it's possibilities in Italy. In the 6th season of "Sex an the City," Carrie goes to Paris and instead of writing about her life goes and "lives her life." So what came first the chicken or the egg? Do we need to read inspiring books to help us suck it up and get on the plane? But what's waiting for us when we get there? I say get all you're chickens lined up first, and your friends, and then you can choose your next daring leap. But hey, for now, get lost in "Sex and the City."

I am sooooo excited for this movie!

Click bellow to see the trailer

http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/video/trailer-no-2/2081927

It's been a yummy afternoon..."Buon Appetito!"

So, my nephews have every DVD known to man kind, and I'm a sucker for Disney films. Having worked there as Princess Jasmine in 2003, it's a dear, corporate Fortune 100 company, to my heart.

Anyways, I stick in "Rartatuoille", I seriously LOVE this movie. If you've seen it, and are a respectable and cultured person, they totally "get it." I just love how they really captured the humility of this rat, and his relationship with a human. Also the realism of the kitchen, I know what the resturaunt industry is like, it's scary and intimidating, but you can be vulnerable. The movie is a real motivating, uplifting, fell good, feel like you own YOU. We own our thoughts, isn't it fricken magical how Disney can get you to the core?

The funny thing is the symphony of flavors that were captured through the tube while watching this rat stick cheese in his mouth. I mean, "Tom and Jerry" just couldn't do it for me that way, well Tex Avery is a genius. He opened my brain up in a lot of other ways at a tender age. Anyways, in "Ratatouille", I mean I have surround sound, but not surround palate, I was really absorbing the deliscious animation, amazing! So while I was on a role of vicariously living and sharing through the gift of multi-media, I opened a great book that would complimant my thoughts, and I sliced up a ripened mango.

I picked up a great book "The Omnivore's Dilemma" - Michael Pollan, www.michaelpollan.com It is so far genius, an incredible guide of an anthroplogical view on our culture, and other culture's perception of food. Now, I can have an objective opinion on the American culture's diet craze because I spend majority of my time living in Italy, and I can tell you that they "get it," we don't.

It's not our fault though, as this book captures, there's so many, infinate really, options... "What's for dinner tonight?" It's perannoying isn't it? I mean actually I remember this "Sex and the City" episode where Samantha is walking down the street with Smith, and thery're trying to decide where to eat, and there throwing around, Chinese or Thai, and then she responds... "No, I just had Tha-A-Aaiii..." then falls into a Hash pit. God, I love New York, I can't wait to go back and visit, 2 weeks... anyways, off subject.

It's true we have an Omnivore' Dilemma. Here's a great inserpt I found- "Our culture codifies the rules of wise eating in an elaborate stucture of taboos, rituals, recipes, manners, and culinary traditions that keep us from having to reenact the omnivore's dilemma at every meal." Pollan also compares our original ominovre habits with that of a rat. I love the coincidence of the context with my day, but it's true, and as our species evolved over time, we learned to stay away from what was poisones, ok mushrooms bad, well not if your in a smart shop in Amterdamn...haha. But seriously, he also mentions our common sense genes and how we've developed what tastes we enjoy, the color of berries triggers our sweet sense, etc. So, yes, we're programmed, good stuff, no-brainer, but somehow we've gone and complicated things.

I really liked how the author touched on the 2002 fad of the Atkin's diet, holy moly. I actually explained this fad, well let's call it an "eating disorder" to my soon to be mother-n-law, and she took it like any Napoletana, "Voi siete pazzi!" "You American's are crazy!" You know, I gotta be honest, every time I go to Italy, I come back skinnier, glowing, and everyone is like, how'd you do that? I tell them it's simple, I just eat everyday, 3 meals a day, but I don't stress on what kind of food, I sure as hell don't count my calories. But I eat unconsciosly, with a great glass of wine, and great conversation. My body just started to agree with me, and in return digest properly, how 'bout that.

Isn't it amazing to live more simplistically, and of course in good company. You remeber in "Under the Tuscan Sun?' Yes, I had to bring that book up, it does mirror a lot of coincidential experiences, but anyways, while she's building and restoring her home, and really restoring her dreams, her workers/friends remind her not to eat alone. I don't mean it's not good for you but, here's something to chew on, isn't it nice to have everyone sit together, look at the beautiful table that's been spead, and really acknowledge like, this is what it's all about. There are so many of you that, I know, agree with me, it could be half you're pay check, or half you're busy busy day, to plan to get all you're favorite and meaningful people together, and share the same dinner. Isn't it beautiful to actually cook for someone you love, and say "Buon appetito," take that first bite together, and literally be inside eachother's mouths, man, what an awesome thing to experience, hell we really "are what we eat."

Pura Vida

Yeah, it feels good to be home. Home, wherever my bed is, that is. Now, I'll set the mood for you guys, I've got Bob, on in the background "Redemption Song," but of course. And now my belly is full because I just shoveled a massive amount of Pad Thai, yes shoveled, it's too good and I was starving. But now, I gotta be honest, I also have a hand cramp because I used chop sticks. Well, first I rubbed them together neurotically so my tongue wouldn't be splintered. Anyways, to all you dainty finger kids, use chop sticks you lazy twirling fork scoopers. Keep it real man, I learned long ago that Buddhist monks used to explain why forks are for those who aren't truly hungry. To have hunger, be patient with the food, and be one, and in the moment. Well my thoughts, I know, are definitely in the moment, and quite random. But I am not traveling and am so excited to get back out there. So I'll just travel in my thoughts for now...

I discovered, over 2 years ago that I am a full blown, Sagitarian-Zingara. My astrology sign is the catalyst that threw me into my unconventional behavior. Zingara is the Italian word for gypsy, I am a creature of movement and passion and that's what it's all about. The only thing is my desire for traveling needs to be directly proportional to my income. It's not easy for us free birds that don't want to do the 9-5. I am quite convinced I can get around it, around the world it... you with me?

I have this vision of trains, and commotion, and beaches and fragrant wines, and smoke filled pillow fluffed rooms, groovy dudes, with groovy moves. We sway and swallow these energies, how can one stay still and "ant" it. Caress your passions and dive in. "Pura Vida." My favorite Tarzanish-triumphant yelp. I screamed it from the top of a canopy while zip-lining in Costa Rica. I felt it then, you with me? Good stuff. I highly recommend yelping it inside your cubicle. Just do it now- "PURA VIDA!" Yeah, feeling good, good stuff.

Hey Thanks for finding my site...

Hey Guys and Gals,

I mean, here I go, I just started this up, and have had to restart like 4 times because my computer is evil, but it's worth it. Unfortunately I don't have all the time I wanted to write a cool, inspiring, and uplifting blog, but we got time. Time is empty though, isn't it? I hope this blog thing finds you well.

We need to share travel stories, I got a lot up my sleeve. At the moment I'm off to be an "ant" in the busy streets of Chicago. But I did have an exciting discovery this morning for breakfast:

If you're the kind of person who has Fluff (named brand marsh mellow fluff) in your pantry, than you're the kind of person that would appreciate my new favorite snack:

Recipe: Fluff, bread; Spread the fluff gingerly on the bread and stick into the toaster oven...

Wait for it...

And yes, you have officially, nostalgically, made something to transport you into the woods of Colorado. So "Cumbaya my lord." Never loose you're inner child!