The Coming of Mr. Pemberton

Everyone wondered, and no one knew. Knew who Mr. Pemberton was, that is. Oh, they all knew of the Pemberton family. At least the older ones. The cranky old man who used to throw things at them when they were kids. And just because they passed his house! Not because they’d stolen his apples orContinueContinue reading “The Coming of Mr. Pemberton”

Thanksgiving for the Future

Happy Thanksgiving from Italy!! Although it always amazes me how many people don’t know that Italy doesn’t celebrate this holiday. And it saddens me too, because it means that many (even in North America) don’t seem to know the history of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a distinctly North American holiday, inspired by the celebrations of theContinueContinue reading “Thanksgiving for the Future”

Roman Summers, Anniversaries, and Going Places

Life is so changeable. Time never stands still. What exists today may not be there tomorrow, and one day it will certainly pass away. And that’s good. The good things – we’d like them to last forever. But imagine if the bad and negative things went on forever. What a nightmare! Time goes on. ThingsContinueContinue reading “Roman Summers, Anniversaries, and Going Places”

All Things End

Most of us do not like endings. Beginnings are fun and exciting, with new things on the horizon. But endings mark the conclusion of something, with words like cessation, separation, mourning, goodbye, and farewell. They often carry with them a sense of loss. We experienced this sense of loss during our recent stay in Hubby’sContinueContinue reading “All Things End”

Celebrate Mother’s Day Italian Style! [Audio]

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day Italian-style? Well, nowhere are mothers celebrated more than they are in Italy. In fact, Mother’s Day seems made for Italian mammas! Many Italians idolize their mothers, and she’s never far from their lips. From the simple phrase Mamma Mia (oh my goodness) to songs that honor and revere her, like theContinueContinue reading “Celebrate Mother’s Day Italian Style! [Audio]”

The Wedding of the Trees (Video)

Springtime! A time of new life, abundance, and joy! And what better way to celebrate than with a wedding! So, you are cordially invited to The Wedding of the Trees, or the Spozalizio degli Alberi! A full medieval festival in every sense, complete with costumes, bands, and flags. Participants: two big oak trees Date: MayContinueContinue reading “The Wedding of the Trees (Video)”