Hello darlings,
As I write this I am sat on the most picturesque terrazzo in the middle of Sicily’s second city, Catania.
I actually used to live in Catania as an (extremely ungrateful) exchange student. Even though I was only 17 at the time it would be the year that would change my life - because how could it not?!
That was the first year I experienced true pleasure and learnt how to live. Yes I studied hard, learnt an entire language, yet equally learnt how to love and be loved, and how to indulge in la dolce fa niente (the sweetness in doing nothing).
Lately my life has been a grind and reconnecting with Italy’s essence has proven the perfect antidote. I feel like all I’ve spent the last 18 months doing is grieving whilst working from my tiny apartment, in the middle of grumpy old Melbourne. Yet, with the power of reflection, I now see that the last chapter was a much needed reset and letting go phase which has enabled the sunny magic I’m now experiencing.
Hard work also pays off, because now I find myself with a book deal and an encroaching deadline. Therefore I need to buckle down. Thus I’ll be taking a little break from Blonde not Beige for the foreseeable.
Doing my best Sicilian Goddess from my terrazzo.
Next week I move to Sardinia to complete a writers residency in the tiny town of Milis. There I’ll be banging out the majority of my book whilst also living and working amongst a group of fellow artists from around the world. I have a feeling it’s going to be brilliant, and I’ll be sure to share all on the other side.
Better go now, the bells are chiming and it’s time to go eat yet another plate of pasta (to boast even further I will also share that despite the constant indulgence I’ve become accustomed to here, I have managed to lose a kilo).
Allora ci vediamo a Decembre (see you all in December). And if you fancy updates from la dolce vita follow me on Instagram.
xx Charlotte