A Chinese poet many centuries ago noticed that to re-create something in words is like being alive twice.
Although I am a person who expected to be rooted in one spot forever, as it has turned out I love having the memories of living in many places.
Five tender apricots in a blue bowl, a brief and exact promise of things to come.
Venice, the most touristy place in the world, is still just completely magic to me.
I had the urge to examine my life in another culture and move beyond what I knew.
The Italians have their priorities right: They're driven, they do their work, but they really enjoy the day-to-day and they don't put off the enjoyment of the everyday for some future goal.