"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 Cypress

Welcome 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 life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

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"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 Volcano

Welcome 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 33.25

Children of the Volcano: Finding Freedom and Making a Home for Three in Sicily by Ros Belford

Children 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 Belford

On Instagram: Ros Belford

Find all Shownotes at michellejohnston.life

© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the Show.

"Perfection is static, and I am in full progress" - Anais Nin

Welcome 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 xo

Find all Shownotes at michellejohnston.life

If 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 life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the Show.