When I began blogging, I thought I'd keep personal stuff out of my writing. Well, that's a little hard to do when my blog has a category titled "All In The Family", which includes posts about my parents, grandparents, and brother, all of whom have inspired me with their various entrepreneurial efforts. Besides that, my readers have become my friends and an unexpected support group, much to my delight. I still haven't had one negative comment left after any of my blog posts, and I've met so many wonderful folks from all over the world! I have a desire to share what's going on in my life with you, and care very much about the tidbits you share with me about your lives too.
So the line I drew between my personal life and blog life has been erased and moved way, way over. That's why I'm sharing some sad news today about my dad, who I've written about before. Tony Maran, six weeks shy of his 89th birthday, passed away March 5. I just returned from Florida where we dealt with the necessary legal and financial tasks. He was my biggest blog fan and cheerleader, dutifully visiting the library to read my blog every couple days because my parents don't have a home computer. His encouragement will be missed, although I'm sure in some way it will still be felt.
While in Naples we had time to walk around town, and I took a few pictures of a new restaurant on Third Street that really inspired me and I thought you'd like to see. The restaurant is called Barbatella, an Italian "trattoria", which serves traditional Italian dishes, pizza from a wood burning oven, gelato and Italian ices, and a large selection of wine:
Photo Credit: Barbatella Naples
I just love the bright green painted plaster medallions and the chandeliers inside the birdcages! Do you think you could replicate this in your home?
Here's someone that rarely pops up on my blog: my husband Joe! We were people-watching in Naples and the nicest couple offered to take our picture:
A while back I said there would be a "big announcement" coming soon. Well, that's still coming! I have a history of jumping the gun with such things, and real life has a way of interfering with my plans. Rest assured, I still have something exciting up my sleeve, to be unveiled any day now....
Your Friend,
Mitzi
