From My Blog
I've always been curious about the world around me, and that curiosity has taken me in many directions over the years. I have a deep appreciation for art, culture, literature, good food and wine, and the many ways people find meaning and pleasure in everyday life. Here, I share some of those interests, along with my personal experiences and discoveries. You'll find reflections on health, wellness and navigating life after 50, as well as my thoughts on books, films, travel, fashion, beauty and the places and products I enjoy. My Italian heritage also plays an important role in how I approach food, culture and the art of living well.
I believe there's always something new to learn, something beautiful to discover and something worthwhile to experience, regardless of our age. This blog is a place for me to explore those things and share them with you.
7 Reasons Why You Should Eat Olive Oil Every Day if You’re Over 40
Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Italian Mediterranean diet. Explore seven ways it can support heart health, healthy aging, digestion and overall wellness after 40.
Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup
“Ah. I smiled. I’m not really here to keep you from freaking out. I’m here to be with you while you freak out, or grieve or laugh or suffer or sing. It is a ministry of presence. It is showing up with a loving heart.” ~Kate Braestrup, Here if You Need Me
Is the Driskill Hotel Haunted? My True Ghost Encounter in Austin
I used to roll my eyes at ghost stories and thought most ghost television shows were money-making scams. Then, I saw my first ghost at The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas.
Low-Carb Ham, Swiss, Asparagus & Dill Egg Muffins
The flavor combination is one of my favorites. The ham and Swiss provide a classic savory foundation, while fresh dill adds brightness and freshness that complements the richness of the eggs and cheese. Finely diced onion enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients, and the asparagus and mushrooms add texture, color, and depth.
Cucina Povera Teaches Gratitude and Respect for Food
These are the circumstances that gave birth to Cucina Povera, often referred to — too simply — as the “food of the poor,” when really it should be called the food of the resourceful and inventive. It’s important to note that the Cucina Povera mindset was adopted by rural poor throughout Italy, but many Italian dishes you’ll find attributed to Cucina Povera, such as Ribollita and Panzanella, originated in Tuscany.
How The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan Will Change the Way You Think About Food
Michael Pollan, in his book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” asks us to imagine a food system that produces wholesome food, restores the land, and allows us to understand what we’re eating, where it came from, and its true cost. It’s a vision that many find challenging, but Pollan’s exploration into our food system aims to make this a reality.
The United Nations Has a Bold Agenda for 2030
The United Nations (UN) is determined to make a world without poverty a reality.. Though peacekeeping is a large part of their mission, their organization has declared war on poverty and issued a global call-to-arms asking every country and every individual to work towards a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will also eradicate poverty and provide safety and equity for women and girls. These goals were presented in a Resolution that was approved by the General Assembly of the UN in September 2015.
The Italian Mediterranean Diet Works Best for Me
It makes me think of the Italians I know who follow the Italian Mediterranean Diet. I’ve worked with many Italians in the Hospitality Industry and one thing that always came across loud and clear. They value pleasure and community. They actively seek out ways to enjoy life and to spend time with people they like and love.
This may explain why Italy was also named 2023’s World’s Healthiest Country. Italians are remarkably healthy. They eat high-quality food. They don’t eat the massive portions that people, generally, associate with Italian Americans and Italian American cuisine. They eat normal portions.
How I Found Out I Had Thyroid Cancer
When a person is diagnosed with thyroid cancer the most common course of action is to have a total thyroidectomy, which means the entire thyroid gland is removed, and that’s what happened for me. Since my diagnosis and treatment, new reports have been released that indicate this cancer is over-diagnosed. I mention it because you may have to make the decision to remove all, or part, of your thyroid gland. What you need to know if you’re faced with a total thyroidectomy — is that you may have other options. Many doctors now feel that thyroid cancer can be monitored so a patient can keep their thyroid gland. I’d suggest you consider that because the worst part of thyroid cancer for me was what happened after my thyroid gland was removed. My body was never the same.
The Beauty of Brunello di Montalcino
When you sip a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, you’re tasting the unique biodiversity of the earth from which the wine is derived. It’s considered one of Italy’s best wines precisely because of the unique geographical characteristics of Montalcino. The high altitude of about 1860 feet and a dry climate allow the Sangiovese grapes to ripen more fully there than in other regions, like Chianti, where they’re also grown. The grapes must be grown in the hills, but the altitude can’t exceed 1969 feet above sea level.
My Publications
