Sunday, December 28, 2014

la dolce vita


The last time I was in Italy was October 2011. 
If you go back in the archives you'll find some posts about it.
I had a store then and every weekend (almost) 
drove four hours to the Catskills to run it.
 I was still practicing law, representing mentally ill people in court.

I've closed the store and stopped practicing law, except for some pro bono work.
I'm painting, almost full-time, and writing a book,
blogging (occasionally) and instagramming (a lot).

I've become a crazy cat lady.


Tomorrow I return to Italy. 
It will be cold, but it's cold here too.

There will be New Years in Bologna
known as La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa 
(the learned, the fat one, and the red)

and wandering through Venice without crowds.



It will be good to see new things, and 
it will be good to come home.
See you then. Be good. Have fun!

xo, Jen

29 comments:

  1. Wow, that's a lot of info to process. But living for details as I do, you have just satisfied my need for information.

    Why did I not know any of this....well the painting and the crazy cat lady stuff obviously.

    Enjoy your food and time in Italy. I'll be haunting IG
    .

    Xo J

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    1. It's all in the details, isn't it?
      I'll be checking on my daily Gus and Lucy. x0

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  2. You'd go to Italy when it's cold -- are you nuts, or what? But have a wonderful time. Looking forward to the photos.

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    1. Well, yeah, nuts. But you knew that. (I added a couple of reasons why Italy in winter, above.)

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  3. Hello Jen, Your writing and artwork shows that you have led an interesting and productive life. After all, we are an amalgam of everything we have done before.

    Have a great trip away from the New England-style cold, and a Happy New Year.
    --Jim

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    1. Jim, someday I'll post a list of all the jobs I've had. It's pretty crazy.

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  4. that sounds wonderful. Italy will be great. take lots of pictures [and maybe show some of them over here too?]. have a good trip. and happy new year xoxo

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    1. I will try to post here Petra. I don't have my laptop but I got an iPad mini which I'm on right now during a layover at heathrow. I should be able to figure it out!

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  5. Buon Viaggion, Genniferra!

    Salute, Diane in Denver

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  6. Madonna, typos! "Viaggio," assolutamente! Diane

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  7. If winter in Italy means less crowds, then how wonderful. Yes, pictures would be great for those of us sitting about doing little. I didn't know you were an attorney Jen. Anyway, have fun!

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    1. Thanks Rubye Jack. The only time I went to Venice was in August and it was insanely crowded. I'm so excited that I will be able to see.

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  8. Winter is the only time to go, no crowds! My friend goes every year and constantly complains about the crowds, go someplace else then. Buon viaggio, buon anno!

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    1. October was great but we were mostly in the countryside. I think winter will be perfect for cities..hotels are cheaper too.

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  9. It sounds very nice to welcome a new year in Bologna, a historic city. Be careful not to catch a cold as it will be very cold.

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    1. Thank you. The temperatures will be about the same as in New England where I live, so I should be fine.

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  10. Jen, I wish you a Happy New Year !

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  11. Is Venice ever crowd-free? I do hope you're right! Have a wonderful trip, and eat ice cream, no matter how cold the weather.... HNY from another crazy cat lady. x

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    1. Well, relatively crowd-free… Happy New Year!

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  12. Buon anno, Jennifer!! I'm starting 2015 by returning to a bit of blogging, and getting caught up with blogging friends like you. I'm so happy for you being in Italy, so fun!! Look forward to seeing and reading about your trip. Congrats on "retirement!" Believe me, you'll love it!

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    1. Anne--good to see you. I've missed you. Let me know where to find your new blog.

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    2. will do, thanks! I'm fidding with it, so its not quite ready... loving your posts about Italy!

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  13. Dearest Jen,

    We are following with interest your travels in Italy, especially in Venice, that most magical of cities. How right you are that the crowds can be avoided if one chooses the less beaten tourist routes. Cannaregio is our favourite district and, clearly is dear to your own heart too.

    Your Instagram images are so wonderfully atmospheric. They do capture the very spirit of the place and we only wish that we were there to share the adventures with you. These experiences become precious memories to be stored for ever more.

    Wishing you and your family all joy, peace and success for 2015. Thank you for your kind messages. They are very much appreciated.

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    1. Dear Jane and Lance,

      Cannaregio really feels like a walk back in time. So atmospheric.

      My best wishes to you for a happy and healthy year in 2015.

      xoxo

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  14. Oh! I can´t wait to see your italian pictures!!!

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  15. it looks like you've returned home? i look forward to your travel pics and thoughts.

    (formerly Monica lol)

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