My Monthly Journal
Hello, and welcome to a special edition, a travel edition, as I am once again on the road. Travel and stories from abroad.
This month’s journal is coming to you from Italy. I am relaxing in a small town, Baronnisi, in the region of Campania. I am staying in a beautiful, ancient house that has been restored to a majestic state.
1. What are the chances that you wander into a supermarket in a small town, Pisticci, in the province of Basilicata, and you encounter someone who has your original family name? As proof that the world is a small place, this very thing happened to me. I was speaking with the owner of the store and I told him I was visiting from Canada and that my grandfather originally came from this town. He asked the name I told him. He spread his arms wide in shock and said, “I’m a Iannuzziello!”
The purpose of this trip was one of discovery—the discovery of roots, history, culture, traditions, and connections. My family originated in the Basilicata region of Italy, and my wife Ninetta’s family originated in the Calabria region.
2. After our visit to Basilicata, we headed south towards Cosenza and the region of Calabria. My wife’s cousin was getting married and we were invited to the wedding. Italian weddings in Canada are great. Italian weddings in Italy are phenomenal.
Our host put us up at a BnB for the night. The ceremony and reception were held at a former nobleman’s vineyard estate. The reception moved through the estate: appetizers in one spot, dinner in another, dessert in another, and wine tasting in the wine cellar—where else?
The band had three sets of equipment set up so they could serenade the guests from each spot. A truly magical ceremony and a reception experience that will stay with me forever.
3. After all that, it was time to visit the beach and one of the jewels of the Tyrrhenian Sea coast, Tropea. Exploring the area, we located an isolated section of the beach and enjoyed the sun, sand, and sea for two glorious days.
Arrangements were made to have lunch in the old part of Cosenza. After a tour of Ninetta’s (original) family home, church, and surrounding area, we made a day of it. It was great connecting with family and eating like a local at a family-run restaurant.
Did I mention driving in Italy? The driving has been intense. Italian drivers seem to be in training for Formula One racing. I have my rental car for one more day. Slow and steady wins the race.
4. While I’ve been in Italy, I have been working on my new children’s book, Life on the Beaver River. It is available for pre-order through Amazon, Apple, Kobo/ Indigo, and other fine booksellers.
A brief synopsis follows:
Life on the Beaver River is a must-read for fans of animal adventure. Explore the rugged wilderness of the Beaver River and discover the adventures of Reddy, a brave red squirrel determined to find his place among the diverse creatures who call the river home. From facing fierce birds of prey and a trio of enemies who want Reddy gone to befriending a duck who thinks he is a goose, Reddy’s journey is full of fun, excitement and danger. This exhilarating tale, brought to life with stunning illustrations by Joshua Miller, will capture the hearts of readers of all ages.
5. My return to Toronto is scheduled for October 2nd. I have a few in-person events lined up in October and a promo for the new ebook, a newsletter builder coming up on October 15th, Books To Spark Young Imaginations. My picture book Samba in Switzerland is also part of the upcoming promo.
Collingword is a literary event taking place at the Collingwood Library on October 19th. It will feature local authors, readings, workshops, and panels. I am on one of the panels, “The Writer’s Life,” which is something I have been in tune with. Many authors, including me, will be selling their books. I will have all my books on sale. I hope to see you there.
Well, thank you for reading. If you know of someone who may be interested in this Monthly Journal, please share. Be sure to check out my newest books: a children’s picture book, Samba in Switzerland, and a middle-grade reader, Dojo in the Woods. All my books are readily available online through your favorite bookstores.
Be well, stay safe, and keep reading and writing.
Copyright © 2024 Paul Yanuziello, PNJ Services, All rights reserved.