Mama, Papa and Ze Kids!

Photo credit: David Schmidt

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” ~ Saint Ambrose

This month I’m reflecting on how my travel experiences have expanded my perspective. In today’s blog I’m writing about how the five days I spent in Rome in 2017 with Mister, my son, and his partner impacted me. When I sit with the memories and allow them to rise to the surface, what stands out is the passion that coloured everything in Rome, bringing the architecture, art and history to life. I’d expected to be wowed by the sights but hadn’t anticipated to feel so alive.

The title I chose for this blog, “Mama, Papa and Ze Kids!” was the greeting we received at a restaurant one evening that illustrates this passion. But it was palpable everywhere. People were engaged in life, in conversation over food and wine, even amongst the chaos of horns honking, vendors shouting and music blaring. All of my senses were completely engaged in every moment and a new fire of passion I’d never felt before was ignited inside me.

I had Lyme’s disease when we were in Rome, yet I was so enthralled, so completely captivated by my surroundings, that my bowling ball legs hardly registered. Of course, when faced with the arduous task of climbing the one hundred and thirty-five stairs to see the Borghese Gardens, I couldn’t escape the challenges of Lyme led legs. But it didn’t stop me from climbing, with rest stops along the way, because I was so motivated. I knew you get from an experience what you give, and so I encouraged myself to push through, right to the top. And was it ever worth it!

From my perspective, the four of us packed in a ton, despite my limitations. Yet I imagine the two young and fit members of our group wouldn’t agree. While we managed to take in all the top attractions—the Vatican, Saint Peters, the Coliseum, and the Trevi Fountain— between each exhibit we stopped for refreshment, either out at a restaurant or back in our Airbnb. For me, even these transition times turned out to be unexpected gems in a city overflowing with treasures. These were the moments when we made connections with each other and the Roman people.

Which brings me back to the title of this blog. I don’t remember which night during our time in Rome it happened, or even the name of the restaurant. It was only a few blocks away from our accommodations and we literally stumbled upon it as we ambled through our neighbourhood looking for a place to eat. Tucked into an incongruently quiet corner of an otherwise busy piazza, we were drawn to investigate. The menu offered many temptations. But it was the friendly greeting by the host, an older man of at least seventy by my estimate, dressed immaculately in a suit a tie (and this was in July), that sealed the deal.

With a flourish of apparent joy in our choice to dine at his establishment, we were led to a table in the outside garden dressed in white linens, surrounded by twinkly lights and covered in candles. Water poured and wine menus delivered, we chose a bottle of red of which I can’t recall the name, but remember the smooth, bold swirl of silky yumminess that danced across my tongue like it was yesterday. When complimentary fresh, warm bread was served, our host seemed embarrassed that there was no gluten free option, but my son and I assured him we were not suffering from any lack of culinary experiences in Rome. He smiled and nodded his head, then went on to share the specials of the day with robust descriptions that had our heads spinning, hard-pressed to choose. Decadent, delicious, delightful dining ensued.

Over the course of several hours we conversed between nibbles and sips, sharing recaps of the day’s adventures and highlights, then dreams and anticipation of those still to come. There was so much beauty, everywhere. But what has stayed with me all these years later is the passion that permeated every aspect of my time spent in Rome.  Life is more beautiful when you do as the Romans do and live with passion. It might be easier surrounded by history, art and architecture, but really, it is an attitude of being emotionally engaged and present.

COMING UP…

Books & Projects:

·      All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.

·      I am pursuing representation from a traditional publisher for my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.

Reviews & Interviews:

·      You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.

Events:

·      There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.

YouTube Channel:

·      Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.

·      Watch The Holding trailer.

·      Watch The Healing trailer.