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Dublin Castle. Stunning. Impressive. Disorienting?

On a sunny Thursday morning we entered through the enormous iron gates to the outer courtyard. The castle grounds were impressive with an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Apparent additions over the centuries resulted in a cluster of buildings boasting a massive medieval tower, grand Georgian wings, an incredible Gothic chapel, a remarkable modern library on world religions and a perfectly manicured garden the size of a football field. A graceful Celtic knot design was neatly embroidered into the lawn in brick. (more…)

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Maintenance is a good thing, right? Of course it is! Without good maintenance, we wouldn’t have anything in our lives for very long—especially relationships.

Taking good care of physical things in Italy is often something of a contradiction. Surprise, surprise! Stucco and stone really don’t need much care and feeding. They take care of themselves, and actually develop their own special patina as time marches on. You might say that in a way, they get better and more beautiful with time. (more…)

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Forty-one years ago we sat in a Miami University dorm room, where Emerson played and first sang a song for me called “Catch the Wind” by Donovan. Where were you?

It’s fascinating to look back at significant events and influences in our lives—those that made a difference. Though there are many, it’s possible to whittle that list down to just a few that really changed our lives. Donovan’s presence was one of those few. (more…)

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“Know thyself”

In case you have forgotten, that concise aphorism was inscribed in the forecourt of the Greek Temple of Apollo nearly 2700 years ago. Curiously enough, it recently found its way onto a plaque hanging over the Oracle’s door in the Matrix film series. With that impressive history, how could we say “no”  when a modern day sage showed up at our door on an autumn afternoon, offering insights into the truth behind our behavioral façades? (more…)

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So where is the London River?

Maybe they mean the Thames . . . then why wouldn’t they call it that? Supposedly, for years, those who use it for functional transport have commonly called it “the London River,” but that doesn’t say much in the context of this film. For us, the use of the impersonal name became a metaphor that makes this film even better—explanation in just a minute, but first, about the story. (more…)

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Nobody seemed to know where it was. “È un ristorante famoso per Slow Food! It’s a restaurant famous for Slow Food” for cryin’ out loud! How could it possibly be so illusive?

Wandering in circles around Piazza del Parlamento, Parliament Square in Rome, we were already 15 minutes late for our lunch prenotazione, reservation. If it weren’t for the fact that we had actually talked to them on the phone, we would have sworn the long-time favorite restaurant didn’t really exist. After asking two different poliziotti, policemen, and a woman organizing displays along with the owner of a small bookstore, we finally spied a curious sign and arrow, opening into what appeared to be nothing more than a back alley. Aha! It was in fact the illusive Vicolo Rosini, so we ventured in. (more…)

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Here is an all-too-real Italian story that may amuse you.

In 1999, we bought this old farmhouse in Italy along with 3 Italian families—one married couple with two young girls, and two other young-ish bachelors. They are all very nice people and we get along great together.

Everyone was excited about building a swimming pool to complete the landscaping around the house. We didn’t really care one way or another, because we rarely use a pool, but we agreed with the others to support their vision of Tuscan perfection. We all worked hard together to get through the local planning approval process so we could begin the project. Finally after much negotiation, the plan was approved. (more…)

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5 AM Saturday morning.

Wide-awake, I got out of bed as quietly as possible. Tiptoeing into the closet I collected some morning clothes by feeling around in the dark, and then stole away past the door into the moody stairway. I moved at a snail’s pace down the steps making sure not to stumble or awaken Cheryl, who was soundly sleeping, totally unaware of my plan. It was still dark as dawn had not yet broken, so I ventured out the front door with a flashlight in hand to find my way down the steps and out to the studio. Once around the corner, I breathed easy as my silent escape had proven successful. (more…)

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A large white envelope arrived in our mailbox yesterday. Our friend, Susan, sent Il Bollettino della Piccola Italia, The Little Italy Bulletin for us to check out and enjoy. We were expecting a flier or an announcement in the local newspaper, but no . . . instead we got the special supplement to The Daily Clintonian newspaper—a full 32-pages, recapping the events and festivities of the 45th annual celebrazione, celebration of the Italian heritage enjoyed and shared in that special mid-western town. (more…)