A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life

"Does the ever- evolving desire for beauty at home derive from a super sense of conviviality?" - Frances Mayes, A Place in the WorldWelcome to Episode #109:Some of the most delicious parts of this journey over the many years of loving Italy is the way it slowly became a part of my every day life.  At home I see the art, the ceramics, the candle holders, the table ware, the cookbooks, the coffee table and Italian design books and my favourite coffee mugs that I enjoy using daily (let's not forget the true force in my life - the 10 cup Bialetti Moka Pot) and everything else I have collected along the way have played a beautiful role on this Italian journey.  There is magic in the every day domestic and mundane details of our lives and the joy we feel when we see these beautiful momentos from the travels and the inspiration we have felt to acquire such an object. Today's share is a revel in how Italy has been just as important at home for me as it is as a place in the world.  Enjoy listening, Michelle xFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for  MichelleJohnston.life© 2025  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2025Support the show

"It's about the treasure beneath our feet, it's about the land..." - Bailey AlexanderWelcome to Episode #108:Bailey Alexander lived in the region of Piemonte Italy in the small village of Loazzolo for seven years with her husband Francis. Over time the place, the land, the people, the traditions, the lifestyle, and the wonderful campilismo began to shape her life in new and creative ways. After many years circumnavigating the globe, this time living in Piemonte searching for the “authentic life” ignited a curiosity that led Bailey to go on a journey of sorts, a personal pilgrimage to understand more. Bailey had so many questions and soon this curiosity became a collection of stories that evolved into her second book - ‘Personal Legends of Piemonte'.Bailey and I discuss the many life lessons and the beautiful meandering journey of this time in her life to later come out the other side with a book that shares these intimate and magical stories of twelve Piemontese. This is a grand conversation and one that illuminates the many cycles in life, the power of change and the resiliency we discover when we follow the call to live authentically and with grace.Personal Legends of Piemonte by Bailey AlexanderInstagram: Bailey AlexanderFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life© 2025  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2025Support the show

"The only joy in the world is to begin" - Cesare Pavese, This Business of LivingWelcome to Episode #107:The writing life is full of possibilities and paradoxes, yet some times you need some tips and tricks on how to move forward, how to make time, how to get past the resistance and the limitations, and just write. Living a creative life takes a little audacity, a dose of commitment and a tonne of self care, it's about nurturing your creativity and your projects until they are ready to bloom.  Today I share some of the tools, the tricks, some tips and the books on writing and creativity that have helped me complete my books, or more so, just get started. It is all about beginners mind and the art of small compounding victories that lead you to build momentum and structure over time. Anyway, this is what I have discovered over thirty years of being curious and absolutely determined to keep creating and making things along the way!Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life© 2025  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2025Music Available on Spotify & Apple Music, today I featured Richard's 'The Ghan' on the Show!! Enjoy xoSupport the show

"It was always in my heart" - Pinch Me, Waking up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse by Barbara BoyleWelcome to Episode #106,Barbara shares her book ‘Pinch Me - Waking up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse' and the tale of traveling from France to Piemonte to discover the region of the Langhe, the place she would fall in love with, buy an old farmhouse and begin a grand restoration process. Barbara and her husband Kim made a life in Italy, following the pull, the irrational desire to create something special for them to enjoy in their retirement and live for an extended time in Italy.  I love these stories about people making the leap into new territory, buying a home, learning the language, living another kind of life. It is very possible to do that and it speaks to living the Italian dream and giving it a go. Pinch Me - Waking up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse by Barbara BoyleVisit Barbara's Substack - Letters from a 300 year old farmhouseBarbara's Website for More!Barbara's InstagramFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life© 2025  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2025Support the show

"You actually have permission to orient your life according to your nature rather than according to your culture and what you were taught was expected of you" - Elizabeth Gilbert, Living an Imperfectly Perfect Life - In Conversation with Sarah Grynberg Welcome to Episode #105:After three days in Sydney pondering a workshop with Elizabeth Gilbert I come away with this share. It was a gift to myself to just get away for a few days, number one there was that. Number two, I could have just gone there to see the tsunami of women of all ages ready, pens and journals in hand waiting. There were people of all ages, including some men, one beside me scrawling notes, trying to catch what poet she quoted, all listening, waiting, watching, talking and mostly just feeling her words ricocheting off the podium where she stood. In such an experience there is before, there is then and then there is after. …. it's the holy trinity… And so it has been many years of knowing her work from afar, reading her books, loving her books and Liz sharing the art of creative living. For most of us it did start with the iconic ‘Eat Pray Love' - for some it was the love story, for some the epic travel journey, for some the long pasta lunches in Italy, for some it was the spiritual seeking and the searching for herself. For me, it was everything. Livy was in my belly when I first read ‘Eat Pray Love', and she is now sixteen years old. I have had three kids, and managed to live a creative life and stay married, in my mind it is quite the endurance test. It is lovely to see her and listen to her to talk, but it is bigger than that, Liz Gilbert does the work. She questions and she calls it out, and she is willing to ride the wave and get dumped a few times. And if you see her live, you are with her walking into the fire, you are warmed and you are transformed, rising from the flames, anew and alive to whatever you are calling in next!This share I go all the way in the deep end of living my own personal journey and feeling the rumble of change and growth and my own potential hovering in the wings as I share this podcast. It is creative living and I wouldn't change any of it - it's a grand adventure and a joy to share along the way…..Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life© 2025  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2025Support the show

"There's an immense amount of love in Italian food, and I believe this is the key ingredient that makes it stand out from the rest: a love of good food, love for those  at your table, and a love for your territory and its produce. In Italy, food is never just food. Nowadays in particular, it's so important to know what we eat and where it comes from. I found this communal passion in Italy" - Alison Ranwell, Appetito: The life, Soul and Tastes of Italian Home Cooking Welcome to Episode #104,Today I have Cookbook Author Alison Ranwell sharing her Italian journey, from moving from London to Italy on a whim, to making a life in the Veneto with her family, and discovering the essence and art of the Italian cuisine and culture. Alison shares her story of discovering the diverse regional heritage of Italian food, sharing her explorations and the wonderful stories behind the recipes in her new book Appetito: The Life, Soul and Tastes of Italian Home Cooking.These days Alison has one foot in Italy and one foot in the United Kingdom. You can her visit her website for travel advice, fabulous food adventures and her beautiful evocative cookbook that you must see if you love the visual beauty of Italy, the sublime ingredients and the magic of the Italian table.Book Share:  Appetito: The Life, Soul and Tastes of Italian Home Cooking by Alison RanwellOn Instagram:  Mangia Mangia  &  Alison Ranwell Visit Alison:  Blog - Mangia MangiaFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life© 2025  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2025Support the show

"My motive was simple and hedonistic: I was looking for beauty" - Alain de Botton, The Art of TravelWelcome to Episode #103I have mused over limoncello, Liguria, Milano and Roma, the streets of Genova and once wrote a love letter to Padova. I have revered Giotto and Botticelli and cried over Santa Chiara in Assisi. I have interviewed many beautiful women about their lives in Italy, their stories, their cookbooks and their passions for a bountiful table and the beauty of the artist's life. I have researched Sardegna and even had a good laugh with the one and only Luca Spaghetti. I went deep down the rabbit hole on the iconic Peggy Guggenheim and I dreamt about returning to Italy to do it all over again. I inspired women to go solo traveling in Italy and I insisted my husband take me again for my 50th birthday. And finally I published my travel memoir - In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure. And so over 103 episodes I have mused and I have definitely felt the call, that magnetic lure of Italy, it has been a beautiful life expanding journey and a wonderful daring chapter of my life - Enjoy my next share In Bocca al lupo - a few of the many stories that happened along the way ❤️The Italian affair continues through travel, books, art and lifestyle. In truth, there are many portals to enjoy Italy and many ways to connect the dots of living a beautiful life. They all make for a sumptuous connection to Italy and one that has given so much beauty and magic.  Thank you for joining me and making this journey what it is for without the beautiful listeners and you whom I have connected with along the way in conversation and in spirit, it has made it just so much fun!!Michelle xo"In bocca al lupo (pronounced [im ˈbokka al ˈlupo]; lit. "into the wolf's mouth") is an Italian Idiom originally used in opera and theatre to wish a performer good luck prior to a performance.The standard response is crepi il lupo!  - "may the wolf die" or, more commonly, simply crepi! ("may it die").Equivalent to the English actor's idiom "break a leg", the expression reflects a theatrical superstition in which wishing a person "good luck" is considered bad luck. The expression is commonly used in Italy off stage, as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use, and it can sometimes be heard outside of Italy".  (Wikipedia 2024)Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"Solitude, I reflected, is the one deep necessity of the human spirit to which adequate recognition is never given in our codes. It is looked upon as a discipline or penance, but hardly ever as indispensable, pleasant ingredient it is to ordinary life, and from this want of recognition come half of our domestic troubles" - Freya Stark, The Valleys of the Assassins and Other Persian TravelsWelcome to Episode #102:Today I share the story and personal journey behind my solo travel adventures, how I navigated my writing, creativity and family life to create the time and space to go on the adventure - to really listen to my heart, to trust the whispers, and to just do it anyway.  This share is an honest account of my journey as a woman navigating relationship and family life and my dream to travel and explore Italy. Ernest Hemingway once said “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know”, here today on the podcast I let that sentiment run through my words and my voice, and this account of this stage of my life.  The decision to travel solo made an immense ripple effect in my life (at the time I didn't know that) in my writing, in my creativity and in my choice to later create a podcast on Italy because I loved Italy…. It has been an incredible experience, a work in progress and a lot of fun connecting with every one along the way.Enjoy xxVisit the Shownotes for BOOK suggestions on Solo Travel and a few tips if contemplating such an adventure....Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.lifeGo in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!!  Email me to share your review and enter the draw!Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"The city is beautiful at night. There's a danger but also a freedom" - Erri de Luca, The Day Before HappinessWelcome to Episode #101: Today I go on another travel adventure and share some of the story of my Naples travel experience…. To say the least Italy is always an adventure, as it turns out so is my life. I reflect on our time in Naples and the magic of travel, friendship and serendipity, the Patron Saint of Naples - San Gennaro, and the books that call you without knowing why.  Enjoy and visit the Shownotes for lots of beautiful images of this trip in Campania, Italy.  Enjoy xFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.lifeGo in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!!  Email me to share your review and enter the draw!DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!Support the show

"Perhaps in Italy, surrounded by beauty and history, we shed the layers of who we think we're supposed to be and rediscover the essence of who we truly are" - Erica SimoneWelcome to Episode #100:Today on the podcast we go on a personal journey, the story of what took me to Ischia recently and what exactly I discovered there. From the Gulf of Naples we ferried over to the green island of Ischia in the Tyrrhenian Sea to discover the volcanic and mineral rich thermal spas, the natural beauty of Negombo, the magic of the Castello Aragonese, a journey to nearby Procida and the picturesque island life that is Ischia. There were beautiful days traveling and exploring and wandering the streets of the island Ischia in Campania, sampling the local specialities and basking in the charm of Southern Italy.Enjoy and visit the Shownotes for lots of beautiful images of this trip in Campania, Italy.  Enjoy xFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeBuy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.lifeGo in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!!  Email me to share your review and enter the draw!DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"I adore the spirit of Rome" - In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Welcome to Episode #99:Today we go on an adventure in Rome… I share some travel adventures and a few details on staying in Monti, Roma.  I take a few beautiful tangents telling you all about my recent time in Italy with my family, some discoveries, some funny moments, some tricky train delays and most importantly some glorious days in the Eternal City - Rome…See my Shownotes for all Restaurants mentioned in this share - if you are visiting Rome and need some traditional & regional Roman fare!Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.lifeGo in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!!  Email me to share your review and enter the draw!DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"The travel journey is always an interesting paradox. To spend time navigating, being, seeing, collecting and contemplating. And haphazardly wondering about the next step. Yet, to not get carried away, or in front of yourself that you miss the opportunity that is right under your nose. I like sitting here observing the morning pursuits, the cars zooming in and out of the piazza, the deliveries being made. The locals in animated conversation, the tourist stalls being uncovered. It is good sitting with the hum of the place, no need to race anywhere. The breeze blows through the open door and I write a few more thoughts in my journal. I pack up my books and my water bottle and wander out to the street. A perfect morning in Siena, like no other"                         Michelle Johnston, In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Welcome to Episode #98:Today I reflect on the publishing journey and a few funny moments along the way, I have a few stories to tell about the creative process and this Italian Journey of mine. This  publishing business is lots of steps but the end goal is worth all of the work to make it real. In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure is available now. And if you enjoyed the book let me know! Stay Tuned for the book release on Audible coming soon!Enjoy....Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.lifeGo in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!!  Email me to share your review and enter the draw!DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"So this is it. I am thirty nine years old. I am sitting at a table in a medieval piazza with a black moleskine journal. I am sipping a glass of Chianti Classico. I stare at the menu with none other than Luca Signorelli on the cover. I like the words Gran Caffe Signorelli. Luca Signorelli was born in Cortona in 1441. He is still revered. Signorelli's art is in many of the museums and churches in Cortona and well, all around the world. I salute the artist, and the joy of making it this far, on this grand tour of mine. Alone and happy with a pen and journal, to just muse, people watch and write notes" - Michelle Johnston, In the Shadow of a CypressWelcome to Episode #97:After a small pause, I return to share Book release dates, an extract of my audio-book in the making and some exciting news.  I couldn't help but share the journey so far and what has been happening and what's to come next!!'In the Shadow of a Cypress: An Italian Adventure' is due out on the 13th September, 2024 - Stay Tuned for more soon!Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the Show.

"Time in Italy seemed less linear than it was at home, more of a space waiting to be filled with whatever delights the day might bring – exquisite miniature pastries behind the etched glass of an art nouveau window, a sliver of cantaloupe on a market-stall holder's knife, amber and pink spritzes on a waiter's tray, a flirty glance, a raised eyebrow, a tanned ankle in a tasselled loafer"  -  Ros Belford, Children of the VolcanoWelcome to Episode #96: Get ready for a wonderful adventure today with Ros Belford - Travel Writer, Journalist and Author of Children of the Volcano: Finding Freedom and Making a Home for Three in Sicily.  Enjoy this conversation and read her book - it's a wonderful account of making a life in Italy and following the call.Note: Ros Belford reads excerpts from her book, Children of the Volcano...*Arriving on the island of Salina 16:29*Discovering and falling in love with Italy  23:28*The path of miracles  33.25Children of the Volcano: Finding Freedom and Making a Home for Three in Sicily by Ros BelfordChildren of the Volcano tells the story of motherhood and childhood on the Sicilian island of Salina. Izzy and Juno grow up playing on the beach, learning to swim over volcanic bubbles, hearing tales of Aeolian witches, fighting battles armed with jellyfish and watching Stromboli erupt on the horizon. But nowhere is paradise. The school is atrocious, the teachers scary, and there are power cuts, storms and an earthquake. However, an eclectic community of islanders take them to their hearts, friendships are forged and Salina becomes home. Full of humanity, vitality, honesty and optimism, Children of the Volcano is for anyone unwilling to give up dreams of adventure and excitement simply because of parenthood, lack of money and not getting things right the first time.Visit Ros for travel guides, articles and more at Ros BelfordOn Instagram: Ros BelfordFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the Show.

"Perfection is static, and I am in full progress" - Anais NinWelcome to Episode #95:Today I go on a whimsical journey through my process! Reading and working on my book. The book is done!  Yet, I am most keen to record an audiobook first - so here I go. It's a journey of ruminating over recent books I have read and what is happening IRL and certainly what is on my mind! There are quotes and beautiful moments to capture along the way, nothing is lost and life is good. Enjoy xoFind all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.lifeIf interested in the list of beautiful books I have explored on Italy - Here is the List( 90% I have read, the rest are on the shelf! )P.s - Never under estimate a good bookshelf, nor the potential of it. I liken it, to planting bulbs at the end of summer - something to look forward to down the track when spring finally arrives!© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the Show.

"Be kind to yourself and just get going, because even if you are just writing a little bit, for a few hours a week - it adds up" - Kimberly SullivanWelcome to Episode #94:Today I have a conversation with fiction writer Kimberly Sullivan and her recent novel Rome's Last Noble Palace.  Kimberly loves to weave a story that includes a contemporary and a historical perspective, in this case dual timelines. It is quite an alchemical process and a wonderful story about two women from different centuries in Rome, with one place in common - the Palazzo Brancaccio. Kimberly and I have beautiful chat about the writing process. Kimberly shares great advice on fiction writing and how she approaches the craft and the creativity of bringing it all together on the page and into book form.  This is a lovely chat about her book Rome's Last Noble Palace and Kimberly's writing and traveling adventures in Italy - Enjoy….Rome's Last Noble Palace by Kimberly SullivanTwo women. Two different centuries. One attic roomVisit for books, news, blog and travel news:  Kimberly Sullivan &  Instagram @kimberlyinromeFeisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women at Net GalleyListen to our first conversation on the Podcast Series: Drink Wine and Be BeautifulNb: Women's Fiction Day is on June 8, 2024.... Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the Show.

"One's destination is never a place but a new way of looking at things" - Henry MillerWelcome to Episode #93:Today a share a meander through the creative landscape of writing and my process and the discoveries on the creative journey....Shownotes include a list of books and memoirs that have inspired me along the creative journey plus extra details from the end of the share if you would like to know more!!Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.life© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

Join me for a conversation about the beauty of Ligurian cuisine and the unique terrain that is Liguria, Italy.  Enrica Monzani specialises in the rich and diverse cuisine of Liguria,  leading food tours, market and cooking classes in the city of Genova.  Enrica is a Food Writer and Author of Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria, where she shares her passion for preserving the traditional recipes and the stories of her region.We go on a beautiful journey through the many layers of Liguria, with expert tips on mastering your pesto sauce and what to do and see in Genoa if on the Italian Riviera.  I adore this part of the world and hope you enjoy this conversation with Enrica Monzani.Visit Enrica at A Small Kitchen in GenoaEnrica's Beautiful Cookbook - Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria, Ricotta della tradizione - traditional dishes….Follow Enrica on Instagram @asmallkitcheningenoaThe city of Genoa/Genova is not only a majestic port city on the Mediterranean Sea,  but the capital city of Liguria.  If you would like to listen to other Podcasts from the archive I have created on this journey of exploring Italian Culture and this fascinating city - you can find the links and resources here at michellejohnston.lifeFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"You have not a right, but a duty to be happy" -  Roberta MussatoWelcome to Episode #91:  What a privilege it is to talk to women and share their stories. Women lead such fascinating lives. I continually notice this, the fact they continue to expand themselves, push their limits and boundaries, to grow, and not except contraction as the norm, but lean into expansion rather, living and learning so much about themselves, and making things happen!! I love that.Today I talk with Roberta Mussato about her book - Universe I Trust You: One Month in Sri LankaI wanted to share that I listened to Roberta's book on Audible late last year, which I thoroughly enjoyed, she made me laugh a lot with her honesty and candid truth telling, and well everything else that was working or not working in her life. The big question is, can the worst of crisis be the turning point for a grand new chapter in your life? Yes, it appears, it definitely can.Roberta was born in Treviso in the north of Italy, in the Veneto region. With a background as an Interpreter and Translator from Italian to English, most of her adult life has been lived in London. Roberta describes herself as a global citizen and loves to travel the world seeking and learning about people and places.  When Roberta took this three month journey, she had one main provision - to let the universe do the work. Her theory was to let go and let it all unfold in a natural way without expectations or demands. It's a fun story and Roberta's second book is currently being written as Roberta goes on to reflect on what happened next in India and then Nepal. These days she is a Life Coach and avid traveler and currently lives in London, in the United Kingdom.Universe I Trust You, One Month in Sri Lanka on Audible Roberta Mussato on InstagramVisit Roberta for her book and Life Coaching Sessions at Roberta MussatoRoberta is happy to offer a 10% discount on her three months Coaching Package - Contact her on robertamussato@gmail.com and mention this offer…Also she offers a 60 minute Coaching Session if you leave a review of her book on Audible or Amazon - just send a screenshot of your review and send it to robertamussato@gmail.comFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"We travel, initially to lose ourselves, and we travel, next to find ourselves" - Pico IyerWelcome to Episode #90:Today I have a special conversation with Nadia Fragnito from The Vegan Italian Kitchen. Nadia is here to talk about her solo travel experience and the journey of returning to Italy to research her next cookbook due out later this year. We discuss the triumphs and the pain points of travelling alone, things we both discovered on our own personal journeys. I might add, I have recognised over the past few years that taking the reins and travelling solo is the ultimate journey of self care. It isn't the easiest of path, but speaks to liberation and going on an inner journey, just as much as an outer one.Enjoy this Conversation.....Visit Nadia: The Vegan Italian KitchenInstagram: The Vegan Italian KitchenFirst Conversation with Nadia Fragnito - Episode #55: Culinary Adventures in Southern Italy with Nadia FragnitoSome of the Inspiration behind Nadia's Solo Journey to Italy - Episode #57: Table for One - On Solo Travel, Artist Dates and Grand AdventuresRead the Solo Travel Essay - Table for OneHighlight Moment in this Episode - The jewels and triumph of the journey at 47.00 minutes!!  I love this conversation so much... Thank you Nadia x(  P.S If you hear a dog snoring, around 9 minutes in, that was Picasso!! )Find all Show Notes and Details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"Italy was more than a subject, it was a tool of resurrection and empowerment" - Michelle Johnston“Can a place be an archetype?  Or pertain mythical qualities?  Emily Dickinson never left her home in New England to travel, the Italy she wrote and dreamed of symbolised something else, joy, hope, freedom….  And ultimately, the most powerful of qualities, transformation.  Italy was more than a subject, it was a tool for resurrection and empowerment.  Hmmm, I recognise this…”Today I go deep into the many layers of my life and the inspiration that has led to this point on the journey, and share what it is to “follow the charm” in life and in the quiet and beautiful epiphanies that happen along the way.Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"You cannot lose what really belongs to you, even if you throw it away" -   I-ChingHere I talk about the bitter sweet few months that have been, reflecting on life, books and events, and the books and writing adventures that happen along the way.  Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show

"One will never forget the sudden transcendent quality of ordinary things, the glow of the fruit in its own leaves, the purple and green of artichokes with bushy tales, the delicacy of the sea creatures, silver, lilac - pale and coral red" - Winter in Venice, Pleasure and Landscapes by Sybille BedfordHere is some light musing over books I have loved this year and my favourite Audible listens too....Family Lexicon by Natalia GinzburgA Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home by Frances MayesSerendipity: From Truffles and Champagne to Corn Flakes and Coffee: Stories of Accidental Success by Oscar FarinettiFour Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World by Anthony DooerPleasures and Landscapes: A Travellers Tales from Europe by Sybille Bedford Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria by Enrica MonzaniFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"Some things are here for our souls, not our interests, and every land has its pockets of wild. Let us leave then there for the birds, for the night watch, for the person who needs and longs for a creeping into invisibility"Welcome to Episode #87:This year Allison published her third book,  'Allison Zurfluh and the Venice Lagoon'.  Here are pages of art and essays on her experiences living on the Venice lagoon.  The book is an intimate look at the place that captured her heart and soul, the place that would initiate a 1000 questions and responses. There is a part that Allison conserves for family and her Swiss life, and there is a part she lives quite on the fringe of everything… In Italy, on the Venetian lagoon… Searching, exploring, painting, writing, documenting, playing and sharing, yet really going to the edge of what is possible, in her boat, in her art and in herself.  Nothing is taken for granted.  Not her environment, not her choices, not the people, not the place. Zurfluh recognises the plight of the Venetian lagoon, the wild beauty, the breathtaking moments, the natural world and at times, the painful truth of the tourist dollar.We discuss so much.... Art and motherhood, the writing life, living on the island of Burano and protecting the fishing communities on the lagoon, going into the wilderness to be alone to find what matters, creativity and grit, and indeed many personal stories of our own reckoning with the parts of our lives that make us who we are as women and artists at this point in time.  We don't hold back and that is why I published this whole conversation in one beautiful thread.  Hopefully you are on one of those long walks you need over the festive season and you can enjoy this share ....Here is a wild and beautiful conversation from one wild and beautiful woman to another.  Allison is not only happy to rock the boat, but paints from it too, sharing her gifts, lighting the way, protecting the sacred and reminding us, that we all make a difference in this wild and beautiful world we live in.  Enjoy To buy Allison's Books and Fine Art Allison ZurfluhOn Instagram: Allison ZurfluhListen to my last conversation with Allison in 2022… Allison Zurfluh: Art and Conservation in the Venice LagoonMinutes and Moments in this Conversation:14.00 - Motherhood and the Artist31.40 - Women and Creativity41.45 - How Allison nurtures her Art and Creativity as a portal to becoming44.00 - The Venice Lagoon as a mirror51.00 - Nature for pain relief 58.00 - How Allison discovered Burano and moved to the Lagoon   1.07 - The Writers Journey   1.08  - La Mia Arte & the Fisherman   1.39  - Transcending the Mundane with Words  - "One true Sentence"Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

“Cucina Povera is not just a unique approach to cooking and ingredients; it's the highest expression of the Italian arte delle arrangiarsi - the art of making do with what you have got" - Giulia Scarpaleggia, Cucina PoveraWelcome to Episode #85,Today a wonderful conversation with Giulia Scarpaleggia about her recent cookbook Cucina Povera: The Italian Way of Transforming Humble Ingredients into Unforgettable Meals.We talk about the book journey of creating Cucina Povera and that lovely panforte story I couldn't resist asking about, and the food writers that have inspired Giulia on her path from Blogger to Author to Podcast Host and Cooking Teacher. Visit Giulia and Tommasso at  Jul's KitchenReceive Giulia's Stories and Recipes - Letters from TuscanyFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/julskitchen/Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"I travel and collect things that I love.  Memories, tastes, colours and stories. I bring them home and make the beautiful meals I had, so we can live them all over again" - Tessa Kiros, Now & Then:  A collection of recipes for alwaysWelcome to Episode #84:Tessa Kiros is here today, her most recent book is 'Now & Then:  A collection of recipes for always'.   This is Tessa's 11th cookbook.  This is a beautiful conversation about Tessa's writing, her creative life, food and styling, the travels, and how she sees the world and the things that inspire.  Make yourself a pot of tea and relax into this share.  Tessa was at home in Tuscany, when we spoke about 'Now & Then' and what inspired this book.  Thank you Tessa, so much, for this bountiful and generous conversation.  Enjoy…Visit Tessa Kiros on Instagram at Tessa's TravelsFind Tessa's books at Tessa Kiros:  Food and Travel BooksVisit Murdoch Books for More....Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"Much testing, much reflecting, much living must intervene before we can say 'My soul is my own'"  -  Madonna Kolbenschlag,  (from) The Spiritual Sampler by Sue Monk KiddWelcome to Episode #83,While in the middle of a big year, I reflect on what has filled my cup this year and why it all matters.On creating community, on inspired books, on writing, on keeping on with it, on the adventure, on gratitude, on the special conversations and holding the vision.Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"My grandmother always used to tell me your last name is going to bring you luck.  When people meet you it makes them happy and a little bit hungry too" - Luca Spaghetti, Un Amico Italiano -  Eat Pray Love in RomeWelcome to  Episode #82:Twenty years ago the writer Elizabeth Gilbert made the city of Rome her home for three months before visiting India and Bali.  While living in Rome one of Gilbert's new friends was Roman born Luca Spaghetti.  Soon the memoir “Eat Pray Love: One Woman's Search for Everything” became an International Best Seller.   Luca Spaghetti suddenly found himself as a character in the book and later in the film “Eat Pray Love”.  Today is a special guest - Luca Spaghetti telling his story about this beautiful chapter in his life and the treasured friendship that endures.  We talk about the two books he wrote “Un Amico Italiano - Eat Pray Love in Rome” and “Anything Is Possible”.  They are two of my favourite books, and a real delight to read and discover.  Enjoy this share, and thank you Luca for a beautiful conversation.Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"I just knew that I had to figure it out for myself, step by step" - Claire Hearn,  My Five Year Journey in Italy....Welcome to Episode #81,This week I share a conversation with Ms Britaly from Palermo in Sicily.  Five years ago, Claire Hearn made the decision to change her life and move in the direction of her dreams.  Claire landed in Salerno in Campania, on the Amalfi Coast and started a new life.  Here is her story and the journey of life in Italy, moving to vibrant Palermo and writing her two books, self publishing and her discoveries and life adventures….Enjoy,Claire's Links:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/MsBritaly Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/MsBritaly Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

“And we are of course, each one of us, the historians of our own lives” - Hisham Matar, A Month in Siena Welcome to Episode #80;In this episode I share pages from ‘Italian Hours' a travel journal I am in the middle of creating.  I share my feelings about creativity and my artistic process on making pages happen!  I also give tips on stationary, art paper and how to build the momentum one page at a time and not get stuck in feeling overwhelm at the beginning. I talk about art journals and travel journals and at the end read from my art book ‘Italian Hours”…Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"I thought I had the perfect life in New York, but fate had something different in mind for me.  I've fallen in love with this place and what it has to offer"  -   Casalvento: House of the Wind by Gudrun CuilloWelcome to Episode #79:About twenty five years ago, Bob and Gudrun Cuillo were looking for a place to buy in Capri Italy, not far from Benevento, near Naples where Bob had family ties to the region.   The Capri property fell through and next they found themselves in Tuscany talking to friends when they were introduced to an ancient Borgo in Radda, Chianti that might be up for sale.  A week later they were the owners of medieval Casalvento, a hamlet of land and historic buildings.  Bob And Gudrun didn't even realise there was a vineyard, and on the ground were vines of Chianti Classico.   Bob and Gudrun's fate was sealed and the next twenty years or so were spent restoring the vineyard, the olives and the Borgo, amongst other projects in their busy and creative lives. Later they purchased more land close by, a medieval hamlet called Livernano and onwards they went.  Today I introduce to Gudrun Cuillo and her book of fiction Casalvento - House of the Wind.  If you love a book set in Italy, and heart thudding, more palpitations set in the beautiful hills of Tuscany, but not just Tuscany that Italian Ideal, the Italian beauty Chianti, one of the oldest settlements ancient Radda, and if you love a little romance and travel, and Italian history and a story that makes you want to jump on a plane, well as soon as possible,  well then Casalvento: House of the Wind is a book to escape with, wherever you are in the world.Gudrun's estate these days makes award winning wines, Chianti Classico, Chianti Riserva, those gorgeous Super Tuscans and much more.  You can also stay and sip at your own leisure, do cooking classes, and wine tours, but mostly if you are intrigued you can visit her website Livernano Winery and Resort and follow Gudrun on Instagram at livernano_casalvento_ ….Or just listen along and enjoy Gudrun's story about the vines, the wine making and the writing journey.  And the surprising and wonderful process of becoming a fiction author, something she turned to at a time of grief and loss.  You can find her book Casalvento:  House of the Wind at all the usual places.  Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"We will cook together, you'll don an apron and get your hands dirty, learning about local traditions on the way.  We eat and drink together, tasting wines chosen by Marco. Afterwards, in the late afternoon and evenings, you are free to go and explore or rest or catch up with family....."Welcome to the Episode #78:In this bountiful share we talk about Emiko Davies and Marco Lami's new Adventure, Enoteca Marilu in the village of San Miniato in Tuscany.  We talk Slow Food and Slow Travel and why they wanted to create their own Natural Wine Shop and Cooking School close to home.  We discuss Emiko's cookbooks and the next publication,  ‘Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking Memories and Stories from My Family Kitchen' that is due out September 2023.   One cannot resist asking Emiko a 100 questions about her books and the food writing journey.  We discuss ‘food' and the journey to creating her beautiful cookbooks.Enjoy….If you want to spend time at Emiko and Marco's Tuscan Table visit:  Enoteca MariluFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"R is for Rome.  Roma is my Lupa, the She-Wolf.   She is mother and my muse" - Michelle Ciani, Letters from RomeWelcome to Episode #77:  Michelle Ciani lives in Rome, Italy.  Through her writing and journals, she explores place, home, identity and belonging.  Rome is the muse, the portal and the inspiration behind her words and letters.  Life is a quest.  Some of have a sense of belonging and some of us search for it.  Here we talk about living in Rome and searching for identity and place.  A place can mean many things, but what if a city takes you under their wing and points the way?  R is for Rome, Michelle Ciani writes letters to her city and she mails them all around the world to people who want to connect and feel that Roman magic.  We speak of Michelle's writing journey and daily journal writing as a tool for introspection and therapy.   We talk about writing memoir and her connection to the region of Basilicata.  This is a great chat if you are interested in the writing journey and living the creative life.  And yes, all roads lead to Rome. Visit Michelle Ciani:  Letters from Rome Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

“Far from a fleeting moment in history, or a stack of stones, the open museum of Sardinia recounted a story of foundations; a story of birth and rebirth, of endurance and resilience, and re-use, and a story of rituals and cross cultural ways that had made the island the staging ground of civilizations that not only shaped its own peoples, but the rest of the Mediterranean” - Jeff Biggers, In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey Welcome to Episode #76,Today, I have a wonderful conversation with Jeff Biggers - Historian, Journalist, Author and Travel Writer about his new book: In Sardinia An Unexpected Journey In Italy.  This is a rich and expensive conversation not only about the convoluted history of Sardinia and the culture, but illuminates a part of Italy that many are yet to discover…..Biggers excavates stone by stone, poet by poet and layer by layer and gives us a fresh perspective on the island and the Sardinian culture, and what's more he is a wonderful storyteller.  In the book and conversation you will discover:  The Nuragic Civilisation, Neolithic Sites, The Blue Zones, Sardinian Food and Wine, the Artists and Writers (described as an island of narration) and much more....Book Link:  In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in ItalyEnjoy,Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the showSupport the show

"What if you could somehow create an expansive enough life that you could synchronize seemingly incongruous opposites into a world view that excludes nothing?” - Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray LoveCan a book be mythical and kind of a life time journey.  Yes it can!  This a story about the book Eat Pray Love and the journey I have had with this book….Episode #75Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

 “And I do believe that Italy really purifies and ennobles all who visit her. She is the school as well as the playground of the world.” – E. M. ForsterWelcome to Episode #74Q..  Do you have a story you would like to share with me on Italy? I am open to a personal letter or a Voice Message that I will share or read on a special Podcast Episode or 2 on your Italy!!Possibilities…..*️⃣ Moving to Italy *️⃣ Starting a Business *️⃣ Starting Again, Second Life!*️⃣ Taking a Risk*️⃣ Food, wine, Seasonal Splendour *️⃣ Writing a Book*️⃣ Family Heritage *️⃣ Love Letter to Italy *️⃣ A Book that changed you!*️⃣ Inspired at home outside of Italy Send letter, MP3, or Voice Message (I can edit/enhance audio) to:⏩  23colours@gmail.comPlease give permission to use via email and add your Instagram or Business name or Website to Share with the Story Audio/MP3- 20 minutes max! Or send 2 separate emails (I will edit) Sent from my iPhoneOr join me on the Podcast - Submit your story to me via the Email!  Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

Welcome to Episode #73:Italy seems to find its way into many people's hearts whether it be through the world of books or the joy of a holiday experience.  It is always fun to have a conversation about favourite books and discovering how Italy has played a significant role in a travel journey or a writing project.  Here is a fun chat with Laura Botten about her favourite books set in Italy and that special trip to Rome that led to her writing her first book!Visit:  Laura Botten    Follow Laura on Instragram:   @laura.bottenBook Quote shared in the Podcast: by Luca Spaghetti, Anything is PossibleFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"The Black Madonna represents a time of direct connection.  She is the spiritual connector.  She is the energy behind creation. We are to bring our thinking into our heart and have this influence our deeds" - Stephanie Georgieff,  The Black Madonna: Mysterious Soul CompanionStephanie Georgieff is the host of the Black Madonna Speaks Podcast.  We had a most marvellous and deep conversation about her work, books and her journey with the Black Madonna.   The questions and quotes from this episode are related to her book The Black Madonna: Mysterious Soul Companion if you are curious to know more.  Black Madonnas are scattered all over the globe, yet Italy is one of the places they seem to proliferate (France and Spain too).  You can visit places like Venice, Positano, Loreto, Rome, Tropea, Naples and Sicily to see the shrines and sacred sites, if of course you haven't already.  There are Marian trails and pilgrimage routes all over Italy and a vast history that has many people exploring Europe and beyond to know more.  Stephanie's devotion to uncovering the heart of the Black Madonna is quite a triumph.  She describes herself as a practical mystic and each week on her Podcast shares a unique story, of a unique Black Madonna, from a unique place at  The Black Madonna SpeaksYou are welcome to email me at 23colours@gmail.com if you would like to share your story or experience of The Black Madonna….Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeSupport Stephanie Georgieff via the Patreon CommunityListen to Stephanie's Podcast:  The Black Madonna SpeaksSupport the show

"It was only decades later, in my little house here in the shadow of the Apennines, that I was completely free to forge my own path"  Shadow of the Apennines, Kimberly SullivanWelcome to Episode 71:Kimberly Sullivan works in International Development by day and moonlights as a fiction writer by night.  Kimberly has written three books that she has Independently Published, and her fourth book is due out very soon Drink Wine and Be Beautiful.   Kimberly lives in Rome Italy, and is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association and the Historical Novel Society.  Her books trace themes of identity and women's lives.  This is a fun chat about Italy, books, self publishing, writing resources and of course the writing process (the fun part!) And any time great authors like Jane Austen, Edith Wharton, EM Forster, Lord Byron and Henry James come up in a conversation well, all is well in my world.  Enjoy.Visit for books, news, blog and travel news:     Kimberly Sullivan   &  @kimberlyinrome Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"In writing about Peggy, it's important to listen to one's own instincts. Don't listen to critics.  What do they know? What one should say about Peggy is, simply, that she did it. That no matter what her motivations were, she did it"  - Lee KrasnerWelcome to Part 2 of my epic share on the 20th Century Art Collector and Art Patron Peggy Guggenheim...Here is the story of Peggy's life in Venice..... and what happened next!EnjoyFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023* Note: The Picasso art mentioned in the podcast in the gallery detail (18.30min)  is - On the Beach, 1937....Support the show

“I have never been in a city that gave me the same sense of freedom” - Peggy Guggenheim, Out of this Century: Confessions of an Art AddictWelcome to Episode #69:Are you dreaming of visiting Venice and one of the iconic galleries  on the Grand Canal - The Peggy Guggenheim Collection?If you would like to know more about Peggy Guggenheim (1898-1979) listen to the story of her life and how she found herself searching for a palazzo and a place to share her art collection with the world. Here is the kaleidoscope of Peggy's life and how she became a 20th Century icon in the art world. Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2023  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show

"The old cypress trees along the ancient noble roads stand tall as if to welcome you into their home"  -  Sheryl Ness, Love in a Tuscan KitchenWelcome to Episode #68,This week I share Part 2 of my conversation with Author Sheryl Ness about life in Tuscany and the writing of her book Love in a Tuscan Kitchen: Savouring Life Through the Romance, Recipes and Traditions of Italy.Today we talk about the traditions at the Italian table, book authors, writing, the writing process, language studies and more.  I must add this book is for someone who enjoys the sensual pleasures of life.  It is a tale that talks to the heart of taking risks, weighing up the possibilities and then leaping into the great unknown.  I love that not only is this a memoir, but a cookbook too.  I think these days this is one of my favourite genres in writing where both parts weave seamlessly as the journey evolves.Visit Sheryl Ness Love in a Tuscan KitchenFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

"Everything around me gave me a feeling that I was at home, from the foods to the people and the unique landscape.  I was falling in love"  -  Sheryl Ness, Love in a Tuscan KitchenWelcome to Episode #67,Today I share a wonderful conversation with Sheryl Ness about her time in Tuscany and her memoir, Love in a Tuscan Kitchen: Savouring Life Through the Romance, Recipes and Traditions of Italy.  I think Sheryl's story is very special because she had a connection to Italy without understanding exactly why.  But she followed the thread and the inkling, and something very interesting happened.  She found the one.  And it didn't just happen in a linear or obvious way.  Her path lead her from one thing to the next, then it happened rather last minute, quite randomly, over a piece of chocolate cake!  There is so much I love about this book…Taking risks and following the heart's needle, and really trusting the bigger picture, that something very beautiful wants to be revealed.  In this case, it turned into a great Tuscan adventure and one that continues to delight and surprise you.Visit Sheryl Ness Love in a Tuscan KitchenFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

“The appeal of this floating city built on stilts in a lagoon is real.  Venice remains a place always beckoning me to return.  Far from perfect, this island shaped like a fish entices me” -  Margie Miklas, Introduction, The Venice I KnowWelcome to Episode 66,Margie Miklas has a special connection to Italy as a second generation Italian/American.  Come along for a sweet conversation about Margie's Italy.  We discuss her book and travel guide “The Venice I Know”.  And lots more on travel writing, favourite places in Italy, solo adventures, films set in Venice and more… Enjoy, Book:  The Venice I Know by Margie MiklasVisit the website:   Margie in ItalyInstagram:                  Margie MiklasFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

"And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again - to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more"  -  Pico Iyer,  'Why We Travel'Welcome to Episode #65:The thing is Italy has so much to offer.  Twenty regions and each with something special and unique.  I wanted to share all of the beautiful things about the city of Padova or Padua (in English) in the Veneto and give you a dose of what is possible if visiting the Veneto.  I loved staying in this city as a base to explore the region, and then went back for more of the Northern Italy in April this year…. Here is a window into the many reasons you need to go, and some of the history and ambience on the historical and cultural gem of a place.Enjoy, and email or DM me if you get inspired to go. I would love to hear!!See show notes for every place/link/book detail shared.  And a photo montage if wanting a visual snapshot of Padova.....Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

Welcome to Episode #64:I couldn't resist but share a few books and artists that are truely inspiring me and feeding my spirit in the realm of Muse Italia.Enjoy,The Art of Excellent Products: Enchanting Customers with Premium Brand Experiences by Riccardo Illy A Place in the World:  Finding the Meaning of Home by Frances MayesVisit:  Frances Mayes for the Book Club Questions and Reading Guides….Discovering Vegan Italian, The Second Edition by Nadia Fragnito…. Visit:  The Vegan Italian KitchenThe Silver Spoon: Naples and the Amalfi Coast by PhaidonItalian Film Festival in Australia…. St Ali Italian Film FestivalLa Torta (2019) by Gabrielle Gregoire and Olivia LawsonVisit:  Gabrielle GregoireInstagram:   @gabrielle_gregoireVisit:  Film Residency in CalabriaThe Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel…Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware“ - Henry MillerWelcome to Episode #63This podcast share is a great window into my world…Have you ever wondered why a place is calling you, why you cannot stop thinking about it or more so, why you want to visit, or stay forever?  Well this share might shed some light on how a particular location is aligned for you.  Recently I shared some time with Astrologer and Podcaster Lynnette Wennerstrom who gave me a great insight into my cosmic map for astrology.  Basically it turns out that Italy was destiny and that is that.  But certainly I was curious about the placements of my astrology and how they look on the world map and potentially how they could effect my life.   Locational astrology is the kind of thing you can look into when you go beyond a natal chart.  It mirrors the same alignments but on the world stage you could say.  Enjoy this Episode and if you are new to astrology you can get a sense of what is possible. My AstroMap to check out!   https://www.michellejohnston.life/episodes/episode-63-1Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeVisit: Lynette.... Cosmic Moves: Holistic AstrologyYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

"Nature accompanies me, exalts me" - Henri MatisseA Serenade to a Sunday....  Reflections on a house and a garden."I buy another five cypress.  I work hard, water, pray, read them poetry.  I listen to books as I dig... A Field Guide to Getting Lost, Rebecca Solnet….A Paris year, John Baxter….and I dream of a day where they will drill their taproot down into the earth, deep, hardy specimens, that I never even water.  I go back to Italy and I look at the cypress, in gardens, next to villas, lined up on roads.  They seem to hold the measure of us, grand companions on the journey of life.  Guardians and mysterious knowing trees, always I feel better when I see them in the distance.  When I realised I could have a taste of Italy here in my back yard, well why not?  There was no turning back"Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

"I think that a writer should observe the real world before imagining a non-existent one" -Jhumpa Lahiri, In Other WordsIn a day and age where the universe is at our finger tips and we can meander the world with a smart phone in our pocket.  A device that has the ability to solve most of our problems, pay the bills, track your kids, read you a book, take you from A to B, or wander the streets with an incantation of Max Richter in your ears as you lose yourself in the city of Bologna , is it wise to bring a notebook to jot down ideas and thoughts when one could just as easily leave a voice message or make dot points on the Notes app on that back pocket ?  Yes, yes, I think it is wise.Here are a few excerpts from some of my travel diaries, from Italy, France, London..... The final instalment of journals, diaries and notebooks. Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

“Do you know the land where the lemon trees grow, in darkened leaves the gold-oranges glow,  a soft wind blows from the pure blue sky, the myrtle stands mute, and the bay-tree high?  Do you know it well?”   -   JW Goethe,  Author of Italian JourneyWelcome to Episode #60:When I think about Limoncello immediately I find myself in Italy.  In particular on the Amalfi coast wandering the side streets, following the fragrance of the beautiful sumptuous lemons that seem to be in baskets out the front of every door or shop front.  From memory there are two types of Limoncello, a sweet liquor in a small, thin bottle that is super sweet, or the turbo charged punch in the mouth digestivo that has you reciting poetry to a fellow tourist.  This recipe is like the later, but certainly can be diluted or sipped gently, but here you go.So here is a musing on lemons, life and Limoncello, Enjoy....Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show

"Now I know why I keep a diary. I am not at peace until I continue the thread into the present. I am interested in analyzing myself, in trying to discover the reasons why I do such & such. I cannot do this without dropping dried peas behind me to help me retrace my course, to point a straight line in the darkness".   Patricia Highsmith, Her Diaries and NotebooksSo many writers have taken to the page to transcribe their daily thoughts, to reflect and preserve, to vent, to articulate, to understand, to create.  Diaries and journals can be a way to write your life into being, and a place of comfort and joy.  Always the diary is a humble companion on a journey, whether you are traveling out there in the world or not.  Here are few of my own humble moments from my travel diaries in Camogli, Genova, Milan, Siena, London and France… Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2022 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2022Support the show