Impareggiabile, come sempre. Evviva il parmigiano! evviva le parole! evviva i vestiti che stanno stretti e i capelli che non sono a posto! Evviva Sheila, che continuo a leggere
Grazie mille, carissima Federica. Your words are always so encouraging! Ci mancate e il vostro biglietto di Natale e' un capolavoro -- lasciamo stare Mulino Bianco, you're The New Hollywood Family! Baci, S.
Great piece, Sheila, brought a dawn smile to my face. But for me November is way worse than January. There is little hope in November, with the prospect of weeks of shortening days, the obligation to be happy about Christmas consumerism, and an air filled with fug and bugs and coughs and colds. At least in January there is hope: it’s a start rather than an end, a little more Vitamin D in the atmosphere each day… and the chance you might see a snowdrop peeping out of the frozen earth.
Thanks so much, Paola. November is rough, too. But, as an American, Thanksgiving always cheers me up, and launches the holiday season in a lovely way. We will get through this bleak midwinter! Hope IS on the horizon!
Yep. January is a downer but I never could put a finger on why until I read your missive. It’s great hearing that I’m not the only one on this train. I laughed out loud about why you’re eating your kids’ cookies in the cupboard and the Christmas chocolates in danger of going stale. 🤣 Good one!! Happy January, Sheila!
Wonderful Sheila! Certainly felt like you were describing how I feel...3rd Monday in January - absolutely AWFUL. Luckily I have some fresh Parm in my frig and am going to use it freely this evening to start the January turn-around. Keep the missives coming XOXO
Sprinkle that Parm!! Glad to hear that my words resonate with you! Walk those TLV beaches for me and know that I wish I were there with you! Thanks so much for your support of my writing! xxS
January has always been my least favorite month - and by always I mean 60+ years! At least we had Epifania and grandkids young enough to still excitedly await the arrival of La Befana's treats. (Nonna shops in Italy on her annual trip ;-) In recent years we have been leaving the decorations up until Candlemas, which really, really helps in the dark mornings of Alaskan winter. Sunrise: 9:51 am and sunset currently 4:27. With the sun so incredibly low in the sky even on a "sunny" day it is pretty gray. I have created a walking path inside my house as the outside temps of -15C to -5C are not conducive to any type of outdoor activity. :-) The goal is Valentine's Day. If we can make it to then it is all downhill, albeit an icy and cold slide for at least another 2 months. LOVE your writing! Can't wait for the book!!
Wow, I can't IMAGINE the cold and darkness you are experiencing. Good for you for keeping a positive attitude about it, and staying active inside! Valentine's Day is definitely a good goal for celebrating the shift in weather and a change of heart! Thanks for being such a loyal reader!
Thank you, Trina! I love that books and Rome still unite us. How I hope you'll return here soon! I've just downloaded The Sentence from the library. Can't WAIT! xxS
Thank you, dear Amanda! Happy birthday, Sweet Shackleton! Zaby turns 5 in several weeks. Remember how much we laughed about the challenges of a new puppy?! And now they are old, wise souls?! xxS
SO SPOT ON!!! As I sit in my car overwhelmed by the day ahead of me and frustrated that I gained 3 lbs vs. losing them, I salute you and will sprinkle the parm… life’s too short to be skinny and unhappy. Love you!! Ps: I second the suggestion to read Oh William!
I LOVED "Oh, William," and love all of our other books. But her latest didn't engage me the way the others do. I LOVE her but I'm done with Covid so it's not pleasurable to read about it. I just gained those same 3 pounds you did -- what's a girl to do when surrounded by Roman fare daily?! Vabbe' -- I totally agree with you: skinny and unhappy is OUT. Love you!
I LOVED "Oh, William," and actually started with that one and THEN read all the others. She's one of my favorite writers but I'm just tired of Covid lit! Thanks for reading my work, and being in touch. Miss you! Go for a walk for me in Maine! xxS.
OMG I know exactly how you feel! Did you know that we just had 30 hours of rain and sleet here on the coast of Maine. Some snow but I was awaken this morning to Hank scraping the ice of the cars. There has been so little snow.... or sun here since - I don't know.... August?? I too have been doom scrolling Saks, Kate Spade, and Modern Citizen - nothing...
thank you for recommending some books - I am in the middle of Mrs. Dalloway - yeah I know, I'm putting it down. I was inspired after seeing the Met's production of The Hours. It was uplifting.
Eating - so I'm not much of a snacker but yes to holiday candy - I bought a bag of mini candy bars for Santa - and damn it, I ate the last Butterfinger last night...
Exercise - Yeah I'm getting up at 430 to erg with my rowing buddies at 530 - love it - but get grumpy that I not getting stronger or faster - did I mention that I have only done this like 6 times - I'm so impatient.. so keep walking, running whatever - it will get easier
Like you I am coping with all this by planning. I have a significant birthday coming up - and omg - 23 friends are going to come to Carrabassett Valley to celebrate. Very strong Italian influences will prevail- we will serve Negronis and Aperol Spritzs for apperitivos then Chianti with Egg Parmansean, Chicken Limone and an original Hugs speciality called the Schitz - spicy red sauce (jalepeneos) and sausage. This makes me happy. So I'm gonna focus on that. And yes there is tennis DownUnder, too - even though no Roger or Serena.
We will get through this... love you tons - you made my day!!!
Put down Mrs. Dalloway. Right. Now. Did you ever read Geek Love by Katherine Dunn? I don't know why that pops to mind right now but I remember loving it and laughing while reading it. Or how about some David Sedaris?! So....Butterfingers? I can top that with the numerous Reeses peanut butter cups that just slip into my mouth. I swear they crawl up my arm and the next thing I know they are lingering at my chin, and what's a girl to do but embrace life and welcome in the strangers! And bravissima that you are getting up at 4:30am...what?! I so admire you for erging and rowing, and getting faster and stronger. It will come! Keep at it! And happy almost big birthday! So exciting!! The Schitz sounds amazing. Can I try it next summer?! You made MY day with your confessions! Thank you, dear Marnie! Miss and love you!
How wonderful to read your January newsletter that, Boy, so many things you mentioned resonate with me! If I should ‘ run’ into you in Villa Borghese walking and not running our dogs, I hope we can have a cappucino with lots of foamy milk on top and share a few laughs! Lee
Impareggiabile, come sempre. Evviva il parmigiano! evviva le parole! evviva i vestiti che stanno stretti e i capelli che non sono a posto! Evviva Sheila, che continuo a leggere
Grazie mille, carissima Federica. Your words are always so encouraging! Ci mancate e il vostro biglietto di Natale e' un capolavoro -- lasciamo stare Mulino Bianco, you're The New Hollywood Family! Baci, S.
Great piece, Sheila, brought a dawn smile to my face. But for me November is way worse than January. There is little hope in November, with the prospect of weeks of shortening days, the obligation to be happy about Christmas consumerism, and an air filled with fug and bugs and coughs and colds. At least in January there is hope: it’s a start rather than an end, a little more Vitamin D in the atmosphere each day… and the chance you might see a snowdrop peeping out of the frozen earth.
Thanks so much, Paola. November is rough, too. But, as an American, Thanksgiving always cheers me up, and launches the holiday season in a lovely way. We will get through this bleak midwinter! Hope IS on the horizon!
Yep. January is a downer but I never could put a finger on why until I read your missive. It’s great hearing that I’m not the only one on this train. I laughed out loud about why you’re eating your kids’ cookies in the cupboard and the Christmas chocolates in danger of going stale. 🤣 Good one!! Happy January, Sheila!
Wonderful Sheila! Certainly felt like you were describing how I feel...3rd Monday in January - absolutely AWFUL. Luckily I have some fresh Parm in my frig and am going to use it freely this evening to start the January turn-around. Keep the missives coming XOXO
Sprinkle that Parm!! Glad to hear that my words resonate with you! Walk those TLV beaches for me and know that I wish I were there with you! Thanks so much for your support of my writing! xxS
January has always been my least favorite month - and by always I mean 60+ years! At least we had Epifania and grandkids young enough to still excitedly await the arrival of La Befana's treats. (Nonna shops in Italy on her annual trip ;-) In recent years we have been leaving the decorations up until Candlemas, which really, really helps in the dark mornings of Alaskan winter. Sunrise: 9:51 am and sunset currently 4:27. With the sun so incredibly low in the sky even on a "sunny" day it is pretty gray. I have created a walking path inside my house as the outside temps of -15C to -5C are not conducive to any type of outdoor activity. :-) The goal is Valentine's Day. If we can make it to then it is all downhill, albeit an icy and cold slide for at least another 2 months. LOVE your writing! Can't wait for the book!!
Wow, I can't IMAGINE the cold and darkness you are experiencing. Good for you for keeping a positive attitude about it, and staying active inside! Valentine's Day is definitely a good goal for celebrating the shift in weather and a change of heart! Thanks for being such a loyal reader!
This so good, Sheila! Read The Sentence if you haven’t—all about books. Love to you from Seattle in the Big Dark and Wet.
Thank you, Trina! I love that books and Rome still unite us. How I hope you'll return here soon! I've just downloaded The Sentence from the library. Can't WAIT! xxS
I loved this, Sheila. I feel seen this morning (this dreaded month!). Hugs to Zaby. Shackleton just turned 5 last week. xox Amanda
Thank you, dear Amanda! Happy birthday, Sweet Shackleton! Zaby turns 5 in several weeks. Remember how much we laughed about the challenges of a new puppy?! And now they are old, wise souls?! xxS
SO SPOT ON!!! As I sit in my car overwhelmed by the day ahead of me and frustrated that I gained 3 lbs vs. losing them, I salute you and will sprinkle the parm… life’s too short to be skinny and unhappy. Love you!! Ps: I second the suggestion to read Oh William!
I LOVED "Oh, William," and love all of our other books. But her latest didn't engage me the way the others do. I LOVE her but I'm done with Covid so it's not pleasurable to read about it. I just gained those same 3 pounds you did -- what's a girl to do when surrounded by Roman fare daily?! Vabbe' -- I totally agree with you: skinny and unhappy is OUT. Love you!
Wonderful
You are amazing and amusing with thoughts and words
Perfect
Thank you for reading, dear Margy!
Good one, Sheila. I enjoyed it. I agree about Lucy be the Sea but try Oh William…it’s better.
Snow today in Maine for the first time this year…beautiful by the sea.
Love to you all, Helen
I LOVED "Oh, William," and actually started with that one and THEN read all the others. She's one of my favorite writers but I'm just tired of Covid lit! Thanks for reading my work, and being in touch. Miss you! Go for a walk for me in Maine! xxS.
OMG I know exactly how you feel! Did you know that we just had 30 hours of rain and sleet here on the coast of Maine. Some snow but I was awaken this morning to Hank scraping the ice of the cars. There has been so little snow.... or sun here since - I don't know.... August?? I too have been doom scrolling Saks, Kate Spade, and Modern Citizen - nothing...
thank you for recommending some books - I am in the middle of Mrs. Dalloway - yeah I know, I'm putting it down. I was inspired after seeing the Met's production of The Hours. It was uplifting.
Eating - so I'm not much of a snacker but yes to holiday candy - I bought a bag of mini candy bars for Santa - and damn it, I ate the last Butterfinger last night...
Exercise - Yeah I'm getting up at 430 to erg with my rowing buddies at 530 - love it - but get grumpy that I not getting stronger or faster - did I mention that I have only done this like 6 times - I'm so impatient.. so keep walking, running whatever - it will get easier
Like you I am coping with all this by planning. I have a significant birthday coming up - and omg - 23 friends are going to come to Carrabassett Valley to celebrate. Very strong Italian influences will prevail- we will serve Negronis and Aperol Spritzs for apperitivos then Chianti with Egg Parmansean, Chicken Limone and an original Hugs speciality called the Schitz - spicy red sauce (jalepeneos) and sausage. This makes me happy. So I'm gonna focus on that. And yes there is tennis DownUnder, too - even though no Roger or Serena.
We will get through this... love you tons - you made my day!!!
Put down Mrs. Dalloway. Right. Now. Did you ever read Geek Love by Katherine Dunn? I don't know why that pops to mind right now but I remember loving it and laughing while reading it. Or how about some David Sedaris?! So....Butterfingers? I can top that with the numerous Reeses peanut butter cups that just slip into my mouth. I swear they crawl up my arm and the next thing I know they are lingering at my chin, and what's a girl to do but embrace life and welcome in the strangers! And bravissima that you are getting up at 4:30am...what?! I so admire you for erging and rowing, and getting faster and stronger. It will come! Keep at it! And happy almost big birthday! So exciting!! The Schitz sounds amazing. Can I try it next summer?! You made MY day with your confessions! Thank you, dear Marnie! Miss and love you!
How wonderful to read your January newsletter that, Boy, so many things you mentioned resonate with me! If I should ‘ run’ into you in Villa Borghese walking and not running our dogs, I hope we can have a cappucino with lots of foamy milk on top and share a few laughs! Lee
So happy you liked it, Lee! Would love to see you at the VB one day! I'm there almost daily so one day let's meet at the chiosk for a cappucino! xxS