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Love Thursday: How a Jean Jacket and Some Wind Can Change Your Life
Let me confess that I have a bit of a jacket/coat fetish. I love them. All. If I could afford to have a different jacket/coat for every day of the year, for every kind of weather, I would. Hooded, traditional collar, zipper, button, cropped, ankle-length, sporty, any color, any time.
So imagine my excitement when, the last time I was in America, I found a spectacular jean jacket at the Gap–on sale! Jean jackets are particularly difficult for me–must be the exact right length, right color, right level of fittedness. You see the issues. Well this one was it. So it came back to Italy with me, and I treasured it.
But then one exceptionally windy day in May of 2005, I carelessly rested it on my shoulder bag as I walked from the piazza to my house, about a three minute walk. In my defense, I was also carrying my friend’s cat, who I’d be watching that weekend. When I got to my house, I set down the little guy and took the bag off my shoulder. No jacket.
Now, when I say that it was exceptionally windy, we’re talking hurricane force gusts. We get powerful winds from all directions, but this one was the scirocco from the Sahara (they tell me), and it was ridiculously fierce. We’re far enough away that we don’t get the sand too, but my friends in Sicilia often aren’t so lucky (they tell me). I actually had doubts that my jacket was even still in the village.
I went back up to the piazza and began walking around kind of aimlessly, looking for cornered spots where the jacket may have landed. I was interrupted by one of the guys from the village. We’ll call him #1. I had seen him around and we had exchanged “ciao” many times, but we had never actually met. Next thing I knew, he had rounded up a group of young boys and they were searching high and low for my jacket; he even sent one down into the vegetation just over the ledge of the lookout point of the square.
In the meantime, another young man from the village–let’s call him #2–began chatting me up. A bunch of smalltalk, nothing special, but noticeably not even a mention of the missing jacket. So I’m standing there, and I’m nodding to whatever it was he was blathering on about, and what I’m really thinking is how unbelievably nice it was of #1 to organize a makeshift search team and actually *do* something for me rather than just hit on me. And wasn’t he kind of cute after all?
The fruitless search ended soon thereafter. Dejected, I walked home on the main street. About halfway down, I heard “Signorina!” from a woman on her balcony. Turns out she saw my jacket fly away, and she was keeping it safe and sound in her house the whole time. Reunited!
That evening after dinner, I put on my beloved jacket and took a walk into the piazza. I noticed #1 in the doorway of the bar and thought I should at least tell him that I found the darn thing. So I walked up there and did just that. He asked if I wanted an amaro (a digestive liqueur). Here I should mention that #1 had asked me if I wanted a coffee or other beverage, oh, probably 20 times before–but that’s not an usual thing here as even the old geezers are always offering. Or maybe I just always look thirsty.
Anyway, usually I respond to such questions with a quick “No, no,” wind up the conversation, and skadoodle. But this time, before I had chance to think, I had already accepted the amaro. And I don’t even like amaro.
We spent that evening walking and talking, getting to know one another, and have been together ever since. Yes, clever readers, #1 is the infamous P, and this was our first official meeting. It was love at first flight! Sorry, couldn’t resist.
But now you know the story of how a jean jacket and some wind can change your life. Or at least mine.
But if you’re waiting for pic of P, or of P and me, sorry to disappoint. He’s still blog shy and despite the fact that he doesn’t read English, pictures are the universal language.
Please note that Chookooloonks, the founder of Love Thursday, has ended her written journal, but you can find her photography journal (with a fabulous Love Thursday photo) here.
Happy Love Thursday everyone!
100 Things About Me
The obligatory blogger list so you can get to know me better:
- I’m 30.
- And I’m OK with that.
- Really.
- I think I would be slightly less OK with that if I weren’t in a serious relationship.
- That’s admittedly pathetic, but it’s the truth.
- I hear a slight tick of the biological clock.
- But not enough to go ahead and get knocked up.
- I’d like to have 3 children if it’s in the stars.
- All of my high school girlfriends got married waaaaay before I had my first serious boyfriend.
- And I’m OK with that.
- Really.
- My parents’ divorce was final on my 3rd birthday.
- I grew up in a house with my father and his parents.
- But I have an extremely close relationship with my mother.
- Seriously, we have that weird thing where we literally feel each other’s pains even though we’re an ocean apart.
- It’s freaky.
- I have one older brother.
- I didn’t know at the time, but now I realize that he shielded me from a lot of the chaos happening at the time of our parents’ divorce.
- I’ve never thanked him.
- My brother has created a lovely family despite our relationship role models, and I hope that I will too.
- I miss my niece and nephew more than words could ever express.
- I wish my family would visit me.
- Oh, I live in southern Italy.
- In my ancestors’ village.
- It’s on a hilltop that is charming, quaint, and all those typical “small Italian village” adjectives.
- It can also be annoying as all hell because nearly everyone is related.
- And up in your business.
- But I love it.
- And I love my life with my P and doggie Luna.
- Luna was a gift from P and is also called Luna Balloona.
- Or Sboopers.
- Or Luna Balloona Sboopiter Boppiter Boopiter.
- I love nicknames.
- I once had a dog named Maverick.
- A.k.a. Mavericka-Rony-Ravy-Doodle-Noodle-Bug.
- I never said I was normal.
- P plays along with the silly names, which is smart of him.
- We don’t call each other by our names.
- But they’re disgustingly sweet or anything.
- No, I’m not going to tell you what they are.
- Well, except for “Amò,” short for “Amore.”
- Which is quite common among couples here.
- I do use his proper name when I’m annoyed.
- So far in making this list, I’ve only cried once, but smiled many times.
- I’ve become a drop-of-the-hat crier.
- I don’t know when it happened.
- I used to make fun of my mother because she cried so easily watching movies.
- Now I’m my mother.
- And I’m OK with that.
- Really.
- I’m writing this list before I even have a blog.
- But I promise it will appear in its original format (with edits for age references) when I finally do take the plunge into the blogosphere.
- I have a law degree.
- But I don’t practice law.
- I did pass 2 state bar exams on the first try, though.
- So there.
- I’ve never wanted to practice law.
- I’ve always wanted to be a writer.
- I wish I would’ve had the courage to pursue it from the moment I arrived at Duke.
- Ah yes, I graduated from Duke University.
- If you went to UNC, you know where you can go.
- I still won’t wear crybaby blue.
- Even though I don’t really follow what happens at my alma mater very much.
- Except for the lacrosse rape scandal.
- I can’t believe that made it into my 100 things about me.
- I wish the Duke Gardens were still a walk away.
- But the Ionian Sea ain’t half-bad either.
- Before Duke, I was valedictorian of my high school class.
- Which is cool to say and all, but it means precisely nothing.
- Especially when your high school is in Podunk, PA.
- Not that I don’t love The Region.
- If you’re from there, you know what I’m talking about.
- If you’re not, you’ll never get it.
- Sorry der butt.
- I lived in Philadelphia for five years.
- I love the Phillies, the Eagles, cheesesteaks, the Art Museum, and the Italian Market.
- The rest I could probably do without.
- If I eat salty chips, I crave a Hershey bar.
- If I eat popcorn, I crave red licorice.
- I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches, but I’ve never tried peanut butter and pickle.
- I’m saving that for when/if I’m pregnant.
- I’m a pretty good cook.
- I have a knack for knowing what a dish “needs.”
- I’m also a pretty good baker.
- Neither of those things are suprising as both my mother and paternal grandmother are/were excellent cooks and bakers.
- I read a real, real lot.
- This is an odd hobby in Italy because it’s considered anti-social.
- Reading has helped me learn Italian, as has watching crappy Italian television.
- Italian television often simultaneously annoys, entertains, and offends me.
- I came here knowing how to say only “ciao” and “buon giorno.”
- P speaks no English (except for “how are you?” and “wow”).
- This was a big incentive to learn Italian.
- I can now even speak the local dialect when pressed.
- But I feel kinda silly doing so.
- It’d be like a foreigner coming into The Region and asking if “Dey got dem dere haluski at da Ack-a-me.”
- It’d just be weird.
- I know I’ll never be considered a true paesana here.
- And I’m OK with that.
- Really.
- Because I’ll always be a Coal Cracker.
What’s Cooking Wednesday: Potatoes and Peppers
And onions too, if you want to be particular.
P’s mom brought me some gorgeous peppers, so today we’re doing a side dish that’s good enough to eat as a whole meal–and it’s easy as all get out. Six ingredients. Olive oil, potatoes, green and red peppers, onions, salt, and peperoncino. That’s it. You can also use yellow peppers, by the way; you’ll have a sweeter overall taste.
But before we get to the recipe, a note on the peperoncino (chili pepper) for the uninitiated. As I was cooking, I realized that I put peperoncino in everything–I’m fairly certain this is the law in Calabria.
Those who don’t like spicy food might be afraid of this lil’ devil , but don’t be! If you add just a dash, it will heighten all of the other flavors. Add too much and you might be calling the Vigili del Fuoco, but just take it slowly at first, and you’ll be fine.
Potatoes, Peppers & Onions
(serves 4)
- 6 medium sized potatoes
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 2 large green peppers
- 1 medium onion
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- peperoncino to taste
1. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Keep them in a bowl of fresh water until you are ready to cook them.
2. Wash and slice the peppers into thin strips.
3. Peel and slice onion into strips as well.
4. Put 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan and turn heat on to medium. Sauté the onions until they are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Remove them, leaving behind as much oil as possible, and put potatoes in pan. Coat the potatoes in the remaining oil and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and slightly brown. Be sure to move the taters around a bit or they’ll burn and or/stick on the bottom.
6. Remove the potatoes.
7. Add another 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Put in the peppers, stirring to coat them in the olive oil, and sauté for about 10 minutes or until they are almost fully cooked to the consistency you like. They won’t cook all that much more once you throw everything in together.
8. Put the potatoes and onions back into the pan, add salt and peperoncino/pepper, and mix well. Lower the heat and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until everything is cooked to your satisfaction. Be sure to stir occasionally..
9. Serve hot with fresh Italian bread and/or as a side dish with sausage, chicken, and more.
Buon appetito!
Finding Holiday Cheer in Southern Italy
In the past week of posts, I’ve mentioned buying Christmas gifts, putting up my mini-tree, and having visions of sugarplums…but I have a confession to make.
Despite the occasional clementine orange leisurely strolling through my thoughts (there’s simply no dancing), I’m not feeling it this year. After my one morning of Christmas songs a few days ago, I haven’t heard a bell jingle let alone rock.
I’ll admit it. I’m putting up a Christmas Cheer front.
What’s the problem? Is it because the weather has been so mild (sweater, no jacket days)? Is it because in Italy we’re not bombarded with carols and decorations for months? Should I be turning to Jimmy Stewart and “It’s a Wonderful Life” for a heartwarming holiday story?
Hmm…there may something to that. With all the tales of woe in the world–the fact that our troops will be spending another holiday season in Iraq comes to mind–I need some good news for a change. I don’t have the It’s a Wonderful Life DVD, but I do have the Internet. So I went a-searching for some contemporary warm fuzzies.
My favorites:
- Naughty Christmas “Pornaments” are not nice, say Florida prosecutors: A chain of novelty stores in Florida is selling sexually explicit tree ornaments, but one Miami lawyer wants to play Scrooge. Ho ho ho!
- Holiday Shoppers Keep Buying During Fire: Thick smoke billowing through an Ohio department store didn’t stop these bargain hunters. Firefighters even had to block the doors to prevent more shoppers from entering. Now that’s the spirit!
- Get your reindeer hotdogs for $8!: As an apparent lesson to all the reindeer on Santa’s “Bad” list, a suburban Chicago hotdog vendor is selling these treats. Yes, grilled onion and mustard *are* included in the reasonable holiday price. Think of the touching memory:
Mother: What would you like for dinner tonight, Johnny? Johnny: Hmm…how about Dasher?!
Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Italians
It’s dark at 4.30 p.m., I have an insatiable craving for candy canes, and visions of sugarplums are dancing in my head. All of this can mean just one thing–the holidays are quickly approaching.
How are you doing on that list? Are you a bit behind? Stuck on what to get your favorite Italian? I just may be able to help you out. If a Vespa is in your budget, by all means, go for it. But for my loyal readers (one week today!), I’ve set up my own Amazon.com store with Italian gift suggestions. Books, movies, and music for now, and more items will be added periodically. Buying directly from my site earns me a small referral fee (as does buying a gift certificate from the above link), so please have a look.
Today’s feature pick is a book that a dear Italian amica gave me before I left for Italy three years ago: Sprezzatura: 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D’Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish. The word “sprezzatura” is defined by the authors as “the art of effortless mastery,” and as something that no one has demonstrated quite like the Italians.
The volume is comprised of fifty fact-filled and entertaining essays that celebrate Italian contributions to the world. Subjects include well-known Italians such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli, Columbus, and Palladio, and also some lesser-known Italian feats including the establishment of the world’s first university in Bologna, the first medical school in Salerno, and the inventions of both the piano and violin. Catherine de’Medici, the godmother of French cuisine, and Cesare Beccaria, the founder of modern penology, are also featured.
Other essay topics include Ovid, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine of Siena, Petrarch, Monteverdi, Bernini, Garabaldi, Marconi, and, of course, the Ferrari and Italian fashion.
There’s a little bit of something for all interests within these 50 essays, and it’s especially convenient because you can read one at a time and let the information resonate or skip around to where your interests lead you. Sprezzatura is also an excellent resource book–it can decide many “who was the first to” arguments in your house for years to come. The gift that keeps on giving, if you will.
Please take a tour around my store and let me know what you think. Suggestions are welcome, especially if you have a favorite Italian-themed item you’d like to see there. I’ve written some reviews, and more will be added as time permits; in the meantime, if you have specific questions about something I’ve listed, please feel free to email me at the address in my Blogger profile.
Happy shopping!
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.
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