At the end of October Americans celebrate Halloween, but the Italians celebrate All Saints Day. Halloween is a relatively new “imported” holiday for the Italians, and traditional Italians thumb their noses at the “Trick or Treat” or “Dolcetto o Scherzetto” scene. They prefer to save dressing up for … [Read more...] about Borgo a Mozzano—the place to find the Devil on All Saints Day in Italy
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Etiquette of the Italian kiss
In Italy, it is a common practice to greet someone with a light kiss on both their cheeks. This is true even if you are just newly acquainted or if you have known someone for quite a long time. At an Italian social event, you can just imagine that half the time is spent kissing people, hello and the … [Read more...] about Etiquette of the Italian kiss
Garibaldi in love
One of the most famous and mythical stories in history is that between Giuseppe and Anita Garibaldi. The event that changed their lives took place July 21, 1839. While he was in South America to fight alongside the separatists of the Rio Grande, Garibaldi, during an inspection in the small town of … [Read more...] about Garibaldi in love
Fiera del Libro San Francisco Celebrates Italian Cultural week
It is my extreme pleasure to speak at the Fiera del Libro The Italian Book Fair – at the invitation of Libreria Pino & l’Istituto Italiano Cultura in San Francisco The book fair falls during Italian Culture Week and celebrates Italian language and culture through books. It seems appropriate, … [Read more...] about Fiera del Libro San Francisco Celebrates Italian Cultural week
Leonardo’s advice to Sophia – Sketch everything you see
“Now…let me see, where do I start? Yes, well…naturally an artist must begin by carefully studying all the inconsequential things around them—horses, gears, muscles, cats, dogs, noses, fingers, and toes. Look closely. Let nothing escape your inquisitive eye.” This is the advice Leonardo da … [Read more...] about Leonardo’s advice to Sophia – Sketch everything you see
Giorgio Vasari First Art Historian
Have you heard of Giorgio Vasari? Sophia has. She is well acquainted with Vasari who was an Italian painter, architect, writer and historian. But, he is most famous for one particular written work called “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects.” He is considered the “father” … [Read more...] about Giorgio Vasari First Art Historian
Sophia is making her debut! Chance to win a book and gift bag!
My first novel “Dreaming Sophia” is here! I am thrilled and happy to share Sophia’s journey with my readers. The book is now available in print and e-pub versions for Kindle and iBook. You can find the book on Amazon and through many other distributors as well. The e-pub version of the book has … [Read more...] about Sophia is making her debut! Chance to win a book and gift bag!
Ponte Vecchio Florence’s Historical Bridge
It seems the Ponte Vecchio in Florence is always in the news for one reason or another! Are you familiar with the famous landmark? Have you walked across one of the original Florentine bridges that connects the Oltrarno to the city center? At the foot of the bridge it is said Dante waited … [Read more...] about Ponte Vecchio Florence’s Historical Bridge
Meeting Sophia Loren! A dream comes true!
It is really quite remarkable! Last Saturday evening I had the pleasure of meeting Sophia Loren! Days later and I am still walking on air. After all, we are talking about one of Italy’s film icons! The leading lady of Italia! This crazy girl… ME…actually kissed Miss Loren on both cheeks, in the … [Read more...] about Meeting Sophia Loren! A dream comes true!
La Ciociara (Two Women) – A film starring Sophia Loren
To read this post in Italian, please visit the Matta Blog. Click here. La Ciociara (in English: Two Women) is a film starring Sophia Loren. I've been hosting film festival of Sophia Loren's film recently and I began with this one which is one of my all time favorites. The film is a revelatory … [Read more...] about La Ciociara (Two Women) – A film starring Sophia Loren
Eleonora de Medici & Her Fabulous Dress
Eleonora de' Medici the duchess of Florence and wife of Cosimo de Medici is one of Sophia's muses in the novel of Italy by Melissa Muldoon Dreaming Sophia. I have always had a secret fantasy to dress like Eleonora di Toledo. This desire is played out in a new book I have written called “Dreaming … [Read more...] about Eleonora de Medici & Her Fabulous Dress
A Novel is Born!
I am excited to announce my novel Dreaming Sophia has been born and is almost ready to be bundled up and made ready for her public debut. As with all new arrivals, new mamme are up until the wee morning hours taking care of their new borns. Now that labor and delivery are over, I am focusing on the … [Read more...] about A Novel is Born!
