Home & Family – Page 7 – Signora Sheila

Italian Newspapers: Thoughts of the Past

White cappuccino cup with heart-shaped latte art on a saucer and spoon, resting on a newspaper-covered café table; warm, cozy atmosphere.

As a child, I remember my father poring over the Daily News, our local newspaper. Every evening, since ours didn’t have a morning edition, he’d sit in his easy chair, newspaper in hand. Slippers on his feet. For some reason, red flannel plaid slippers come to mind. Although I’m sure he had other kinds over theContinueContinue reading “Italian Newspapers: Thoughts of the Past”

History Anyone? Absolutely! [Video]

Black-and-white photo of children and adults gathered around a man with a handcart, waiting for distribution of food supplies; somber mood.

If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll love Absolute History’s Youtube channel! They offer fun and informative videos that present history in an entertaining way. Not only do they cover British history, including the Tudor, Stuart, and Victorian eras, but much more. Including ancient world history, the Middle Ages, and even modern history. MyContinueContinue reading “History Anyone? Absolutely! [Video]”

You Can Do it Mom

Silhouetted mother and child walk hand in hand along a rural path between vineyards at sunset beneath a glowing pink-orange sky.

My children are grown and gone. I now have adult grandchildren. And yet, that voice that so many mothers know so well accuses me. It’s the voice that shouts, “You weren’t a good mom, and you still aren’t.” In my recent reading on parenting, one theme came through loud and clear. And for me, the followingContinueContinue reading “You Can Do it Mom”

Old and Abandoned: On Homes Forgotten

Old red stucco farmhouse with tiled roofs stands among vineyard rows and trees on a rugged hillside, conveying rustic serenity.

As we travel around the countryside, old abandoned houses like this one are a common sight. And they always fill my heart with sadness. A sort of longing for what must have been. I imagine cozy families gathered around the hearth, children playing in the garden. And whole families gathering produce from once-flourishing fields andContinueContinue reading “Old and Abandoned: On Homes Forgotten”

The Gift of Mamma’s China

As many of you know, I’m a minimalist, or at least a “minimalist wanna-be.” I strive for minimalism, although I find the Battle of Stuff to be a nonending war! I personally don’t feel the need to keep a lot of stuff around me. Mementos are fine, and they can be wonderful treasures. But evenContinueContinue reading “The Gift of Mamma’s China”

After Lockdown

Two masked adults lean toward a shared milkshake, sipping through striped straws, creating a playful, intimate scene against a yellow background.

We’ve been in and out of lockdowns here in Italy more times than I can count. And while they’ve varied in severity, they all have a few things in common. They’re inconvenient and unpleasant. But even worse, they’ve stolen our personal freedom and liberty. And from my observations, they haven’t worked. Thankfully, there were fewerContinueContinue reading “After Lockdown”