Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the flood that devastated Florence in 1966. On November 3rd, after weeks of torrential rains, the Arno’s banks gave way and river water gushed into the city. Florence was caught, virtually unaware that night and was ill-equipped to deal with the aftermath of … [Read more...] about Tribute to the Mud Angels 50th Anniversary Florence’s Flood
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I Medici – the Masters of Florence
“I Medici - Masters of Florence” is the title of a new television series on Rai Uno (Italian TV). The protagonists of the series are Cosimo de’ Medici, played by Richard Madden and Giovanni de’ Medici played by Dustin Hoffman. The production was produced in English with an international cast, … [Read more...] about I Medici – the Masters of Florence
The legend of Donna Bianca
Dreaming with eyes open or “Sognare ad occhi aperti” as the Italians call it is something Sophia, the protagonist of "Dreaming Sophia" shares with her mother. From a very early age, Sophia's mother encourages her daughter to develop her imagination. Every night before bed she tells her daughter a … [Read more...] about The legend of Donna Bianca
Waking up to Italy
The protagonist Sophia in "Dreaming Sophia" at first rejects the idea of traveling to Italy and following in the footsteps of her mother. Gradually however, Sophia awakens to the idea after a series of encounters with muses that appear to her in her daydreams. Here is a little teaser from … [Read more...] about Waking up to Italy
Borgo a Mozzano—the place to find the Devil on All Saints Day in Italy
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
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
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!
