Archive for 2010
A Fresco Painter’s Love Letter to Calabria
The other day I got a wonderful comment on an old post about my village, Badolato, and was introduced to what is sure to be a new friend.
Liana Sofia Tumino is an Italian-Canadian fresco painter who not only has amazing southern Italian scenes in her repertoire, she also has the video below, which I’m calling “A Fresco Painter’s Love Letter to Calabria.”
Because it very much is.
You see Liana Sofia also has deep roots in Calabria, and she has been painting scenes from this gorgeous land for nearly 20 years.
As Liana Sofia wrote in her comment:
My mother and grandmother are from Ferruzzano…I think it must be close in proximity to Badolato and so beautiful as all of Calabria is! I look forward to following this blog and admire your ability to move back…perhaps reversing in a small way the exodus you spoke about that has left so many villages in various stages of abandonment. For this reason I have been painting Calabria for over 17 years in fresco with love and passion for a place that I hold very dear…this summer I created a short video called “My Italy” . . . that showcases the beauty of this place so many love but as you mentioned, perhaps they only return to once a year in August…please watch it as I know you will enjoy it and share it with those that would like another “taste” of Calabria and its beauty!
I will warn you, the beauty of this video made me cry, and I live here and see very similar sights every day. Just a gorgeous work of art, this film . . . I know you will enjoy.
Please do visit Liana Sofia at her website, LianaSofia.com, check out her frescoes, and say hello (she also has a blog there).
Happy Love Thursday everyone!
Contest for Bleeding Espresso Facebook Fans
Hey are you a fan of Bleeding Espresso on Facebook yet? We’re over 800 strong, so grazie mille to all of you who have followed the blog over there!
But if you’re still not convinced as to why you should become a fan on Facebook, let me assure you that things go on over there that never hit the blog.
For instance, in addition to seeing whenever new blog posts are up, you’ll also find:
- Links to contests around the Internet that I think BE readers would like
- Links to blogs, articles, and other websites you might find useful
- Comments, recommendations, and other chit chat among fellow BE readers
And, starting today:
Special contests, offers, and promotions available *only* to Facebook fans!
So let’s kick this off with a rather generous giveaway…
Here’s a hint before you click over.
*Something* to do with Dianne Hales, author of La Bella Lingua…hmm…..
Can Bleeding Espresso reach 1,000 FB fans by the end of the month?!
Feel free to spread the word, of course!
Love Thursday: Hearts in Venice and Bellagio
I recently learned of another heartspotter when I got this email from faithful reader and friend Dana:
Just got back from Italy. Thought I’d share a few things. The first 3 are looking out the window of my hotel in Venice. The last I found on a walk in a Bellagio neighborhood.
BTW, I’ve long loved hearts . . . and stars (though not Lucky Charms), so I’m happy to find them.
But . . .
I didn’t notice it here . . .
Or here . . .
And then I saw it . . . and zoomed in.
And this, on a driveway in Bellagio. Intentional, but sweet nonetheless.
Thanks so much for sharing Dana, and
Happy Love Thursday to all!
Photos of Holy Week in Calabria
As I’ve written before, Holy Week is a huge deal here in Calabria. Here are some photos from the 2010 Sabato Santo (Holy Saturday) procession in Badolato:
I’m telling you, you really should come and see this in person.
The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
Last weekend I finished a great, light YA (young adult) book; I thought I’d share my review of The Espressologist by Kristina Springer early Saturday morning so you can pick it up to enjoy it this weekend if you have some free time — there’s even a Kindle version now!
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Jane Turner is a 17-year-old barista at Wired Joe’s who keeps track of people’s favorite drinks along with notes about the personality traits that match those preferences. When Jane realizes that a regular customer and a newcomer, both single, would be perfect for one another — largely based on their drink orders — the Espressologist is born.
The Espressologist recounts Jane’s matchmaking skills as she pairs up friends and customers, even as she struggles to match up herself. Her manager loves her new-found talent and builds a marketing campaign around her. Can Jane handle the pressure, keep up her great track record, and even find herself a coffee match?
I don’t read much YA fiction, but I was drawn to this title for obvious coffee-related reasons. And you know what? It works. It’s light and warm and quite simply hits the spot. This book is super cute and a great, fast, easy read.
The premise of the story grabbed me from the get-go and kept my interest throughout. Springer did an excellent job in those respects . . . and no one can say she doesn’t know her coffee!
I could say there could have been more character development and smoother dialogue, but overall, those potential problems didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. When I shut the book, I was satisfied, and that means the author did a great job.
I give this book four espresso cups out of five and highly recommend it if you’re looking for a quick, fun read — especially if you love espresso.
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Special thanks to author Kristina Springer for the complimentary review copy!
Michelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived.
Calabria Guidebook
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