Exploring Our Connection to People and Place
Understanding Italy’s Liberation Day, particularly in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic.
Quarantine measures have been extended in Italy. In L.A. In many parts of the world. And for this, I am glad. We’re not ready for life to “return to normal.” We’re still in denial. Still making excuses. Still raging. We haven’t hit rock bottom… Continue Reading “Sacrifice. Addiction. Resurrection.”
I was stopped by the police a few days ago. Well, not stopped. Checked. As I was waiting to enter a grocery store. It was early, only twenty minutes since the store had opened, and already there was a small crowd of shoppers clinging… Continue Reading “Coronavirus in Italy, Part 3: Police, Shopping, and the Italian Response”
In my (unsuccessful) search for oatmeal yesterday, I walked to the other side of town. Maybe a mile away. Not exactly a hike but, remember, we’re instructed to stay as close to home as possible. Just like in Rome, it’s wonderful to take in… Continue Reading “Yesterday in Balestrate”
I’ve had a headache for 2 days. Maybe three. Time is a bit of a blur, marked only by the light outside. I can’t tell if it’s tension or sinus. Probably both. Ibuprofen doesn’t touch it. Yoga feels great but doesn’t bring relief. Nor… Continue Reading “Some things are the same”
In the wee hours of the morning, I had a dream that something had happened and the President was no longer in charge. I was in the middle of learning something – trying to learn something – when it was announced on TV that… Continue Reading “Who’s in Charge in This Crisis?”
Two recipes I learned years ago from my (then) Italian mother-in-law are a staples of my diet during Covid19 quarantine in Sicily.
My landlord told me high winds were coming. He told me to close and latch the shutters. I didn’t. Not until it was too late. This morning, out of eggs and running very low on cheese and produce, I made a quick run to… Continue Reading “Blustery Winds, Wet Floors, and a Very Fine Breakfast”
“These are our great elderly who are dying. That they should go like this, it’s deeply unjust.” [1] According to statista.com, as of last night there are now almost 60,000 reported cases of Covid-19 in Italy. 74% of those infected are over the age… Continue Reading “Coronavirus in Italy, Part 2: Death, Age, and Identity”
Another 793 people died in Italy yesterday. 627 the day before. A total of 53,578 cases nation-wide. Over 6,000 people have recovered and 2,857 are listed as critical. So many numbers. Numbers that equal lives. A week ago when Italy declared a lockdown on… Continue Reading “Coronavirus in Italy, Part 1: Understanding What’s Different About America”