Home from Italia and Welcome new Friends...
Hello my dear Cucina community! My family and I are home safe after an amazing summer spent in gorgeous Sardegna with all of our familgia. If you are new here, WELCOME! If you would like to learn more about me read HERE. While visiting Italy I spent time soaking up my beloved people, culture, language, scenery, and authentic dishes! With all my inspirations I will fill your tummies with delicious, achievable, and wholesome Italian inspired recipes (& more) and fill your souls with memorable, relatable stories from my heart. If you love CucinabyElena please share with family and friends as I try to grow our community organically. NOW, ... please read and enjoy this Sunday Story from a dear memory of walking the streets of Carloforte, Sardegna and meeting Maria...
Maria's Story. Stepping back in time...
This snapshot taken in 2021 that takes us back hundreds of years in Italian culture. The slow and simple life that connects generations with rich ties to community and fosters lasting human relationships. The bare bones of joyful minimalist living…
Maria's Story. La dolce vita. The sweet life.
I meet Maria walking the streets of Carloforte, Sardegna this summer. She stood at her doorstep passionately chatting with her neighborhood women friends “donne del quartiere”. One sat on a chair knitting and the the other comfortably leaning on the banister. An appointment they’ve kept for many years. They agree to disagree, laugh, cry, gossip, pass time, share memories, and keep their brains alive and burning with the sentiment of human connection. Maria may live alone as a widow, but her days are filled with people and connections she makes by talking with her friends and also complete strangers, like me, everyday. La dolce vita. Life is sweet in the simple, uncluttered moments we share with one another.
Maria's Story. La vita è bella. Life is beautiful.
Maria told me to move to Carloforte! She said it’s the best place on earth! She’s a proud “Carlofortina” as many Italian’s are of their home city. Her pride and love for her community left an dramatic imprint on my heart. She stamped my mind with a memory I’ll never forget. Sitting on century old front steps with her tribe is one secret to a long and healthy life more of us need. Strip away all the other variables and bask in the sense of belonging, acceptance, and love that resonates from moments like this. La vita è bella. Life is beautiful in the moments that bring us together.Il segreto di Maria. Maria’s secret…I asked Maria her secret to a long and happy life. She said, “money is essential, but it’s not everything. People forget the purpose of existence. It IS living NOT doing.” What is your idea of living vs doing? Grazie Maria. Grazie di questo momento. Me lo ricorderò sempre. Thank you Maria. Thank you for this moment. I will remember it forever.
What do you think of Maria's Story? Is this way of thinking a lost art in our world today? Is the hope of connecting on intimate levels with other people a thing of the past?
SHARE your thoughts with us in comments…
Send this to a friend...
Do you love CucinabyElena? It's an honor to serve YOU here! Please feel free to email me or comment on posts to connect with me! I value all of you and I would love to hear from you.
READ More Sunday Stories
Recipes to Make this Week...
Easy “Crack” Lemon Bars (Winning Recipe)
Are You Ready for These ADDICTING LEMON BARS? These are the best lemon bars featuring an easy shortbread crust and thick layer…
Italian Crostata Recipe (Jam filled Tart)
Crostata (Italian Jam Tart) Nonna Laura’s Recipe Italian Crostata is a classic dessert made with a short bread cookie like…
Restaurant Style Italian Cacio e Pepe (Best Tips)
Easiest Pasta of All Time with Only 5 Ingredient … Cacio e Peppe A recipe every Italian keeps in their…
Ravioli Piccata with Mushroom Asparagus (Easy)
Vegetarian Piccata Recipe- Easy 20 Minute Meal All the flavors you love in a “piccata” recipe with a vegetarian twist!…
Fast Italian No Knead Ciabatta Bread (video)
Fast and Achievable No Knead Italian Ciabatta Bread! Have this bakery style Ciabatta bread ready in 4 hours from start…
Authentic Italian Amatriciana Sauce
Authentic Italian Sauce in less than 30 minutes. This is a recipe you don’t want to miss. Authentic Italian Amatriciana…
Jess says
So beautiful! ❤️ Thank you for sharing this story! I just stumbled onto your blog and can't wait to read more and try some recipes!
Elena says
I hope you enjoy it! Thank you.