EMPIRES FADE AWAY BUT CAFE CULTURE SURVIVES.
I’ve been an American gypsy for a long time, I’m getting old. But I’ve seen so many countries from various ports, their personalities spread before me, that’s why I write about cities as personalities. The angels of history are looking forward. As empires fade, and they always do - ancient civilizations masquerading as countries are about to have their say. Thankfully, cafe culture survives. As the world turns.
Read moreGRATITUDE
With war creating surround sound - gratitude is proving to be a powerful anchor in such turbulent times. We need to keep creating independent thought and cultivating personal, quiet spaces to help us find peace and perspective. Connection with others, cooking for our beloved and breathing-completely. Therefore but for the grace of god go I.
Read more"LEGENDS" GETTING SOME GREAT REVIEWS ON AMAZON - READERS ARE GETTING IT, INDEED.
“Bailey does it again, with another captivating book of place, people and changing times. This is a series of interviews with people whom the author got to know whilst living in this, somewhat less visited, region of Italy. We learn of a region that lost its industry and had to reshape itself. One where local identity has become increasingly important, but where interdependence is a way of life. Creative people, making cheese, fixing cars, living life, express their hopes and fears for the future both individually and as a region.
Read moreSHORT STORY SUMMER
If you’re looking for hedonistic tales about living in Paris, bizarre stories about living in Malta, funky stories about living in Bohemia and Venice - if scary trips across the Atlantic are your style - then A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace if for you. Reviews on Amazon are great and it’s an interesting twist on the travelogue. Forget about travel drama, waiting for planes, dealing with trains and automobiles -
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DINNER WITH ITALY
Why read my latest, “Personal Legends of Piemonte”? Because you’ll feel like you’re having dinner with a bunch of Italians. Cool, quirky and colorful characters, all from northern Italy. Intimate interviews and stories, all for you - in English and Italian. So if you’re heading to Italy you can brush up on your Italian.
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FALLING IN LOVE WITH A CITY.
Falling in love with a city can feel powerful. Like a person, it carries its own personality. Along with its own rhythm, culture and quirks. And what about all those memories. In my first book, “A European odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace” I wrote about living in many cities. During a nomadic portion of my life they each became home - for one year, or several. I wrote about them in a detailed fashion.
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TO MEDITATE ON THOSE WE'VE LOST -
when they’re still here - in spirit. Robin De Vick had a studio in Pioneer Square. I’d stop by on my lunch hour or a Saturday afternoon - she’d let me paint. She had rows and rows of these long tables. Not considered the belle of the ball - until she chose to paint her face- and suddenly Marilyn was right there. A mercurial character, an artist, successful, she left us too young.
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WAITING IN LINE FOR 12 HOURS TO SEE THE POPE
Excerpt from my first book, “A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace” Everyone felt the gravity of the announcement. The Pope was dying and I lived just minutes from the epicenter. History’s most well-traveled Pope and first non-Italian to hold the title of Bishop since the sixteenth century was allowing the Eternal City to unify the past and present. Italians won’t react unless they have to do it in a minute.
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Time to stop cycling, take a moment to wish everyone kindness, joy and happiness - on this Good Friday
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I went to Rome for a book reading at Almost Corner Bookshop; was grateful for the opportunity. Then afterward I went to Le Mani in Pasta. A classic Roman restaurant where reservations are impossible. You have to show up at the right time, the stars must align and if you are so blessed you can sit down and enjoy pasta in a very intense yet basic way. The environs are noisy, informal and the room is small and the pasta is fantastic.
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LEGENDS
Welcome to the secret that needs to be told. You’re invited into the lives of 12 Piemontesi - 12 interviews along with a short story to introduce each one. Wine and cheese makers, herbalists, a famous chef, a bar owner, bureaucrat, teacher and of a car mechanic Luigi; after all, we’re in Italy! After living in Piemonte for 7 years it began to feel like a pilgrimage. Not one in search of penance or a blessing, but so many life lessons learned!
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