Today Erica and I had the great pleasure of attending a lunchtime talk given by renowned travel writer, Frances Mayes. Even if you haven’t read any of Frances’s seven books, you may be familiar with her story as she is portrayed by Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun nearly every weekend on Oxygen, WE, or a host of other cable channels. Today Frances shared with members of the Random House, Inc. family a few stories about fending off wild boars near her new (and second!) Tuscan home, introducing her grandson to the vast wonder that is Italian cuisine, and what changes about the way one views life after twenty years spent in a small Italian village.
While I can’t speak for Erica, I came from the delightful event knowing three things: 1) I MUST visit Tuscany, ASAP. 2) I MUST have pasta for dinner tonight. And 3) I’d be a bad blogger if I didn’t get a goodie to share with y’all. Ms. Mayes was kind enough to sign a copy of her new book, Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life and one lucky reader gets it! For your chance to win, leave a comment below.
-Marie
I love Italy! I’ve only been there once, but I made a point to visit all of the essential locations (Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan, Pisa). If I could go back tomorrow, I would. And thanks to this post, I’m definitely making some pasta tonight. Ha!
I’ve never been to Tuscany much less Italy but hope to go one day. I prefer the countryside to the big cities and this would be just the place to explore to experience the essence of the country.
I have also seen the movie, but not read the book(s) … yet! I’m headed to Ireland this fall, but someday, maybe, Italy too!
My dream is to some day eat my way across Italy. Yum. I have enjoyed Ms Mayes’ previous books and have been looking forward to this newest one.
Every time I read one of Mayes’ works I want to run away to Italy. So far, I’ve been four times and I’m plotting my return!
-Amy
Life by Candlelight
I’ve been to Italy 4 times but I haven’t had the luxury to stay in Tuscany. It is my graduation gift to go next year.
Love Tuscany. Italy is a wonderful combination of the exotic and the familiar.