Calabrisella Mia

It all started with a “Hello There” 6 years ago when I posted my first ever blog post. I didn’t have any particular plans or goals. All I wanted was a place that would allow me to express myself and do something I enjoy doing: write! I remember wondering if anyone would even take an interest and read my blog. So much has happened in these past 6 years.

Starting in 2008, I blogged about my journey to getting my Italian citizenship and my struggles with learning the Italian language. I also allowed myself to use the blog as a means to cope with the loss of my father.

In 2009, I began my “5 Questions With..” series with Jessica Stewart of Rome Photo Blog and started to focus more on Calabria, Cosenza and Calabrian traditions.

A dream became reality when I started blogging from Italy in 2010. From the moment I started blogging, I was on a path that I had hoped would lead me to a life in Italy. In 2010, I made the move and began blogging about my new life.

In 2011, I shared my thoughts and personal experiences about homesickness. Something I still struggle with from time to time

One of the highlights for me in 2011 was during the summer when I was involved in a series of events that helped reunite a family that had been “lost” after part of the family immigrated to America many years ago.

2012 was a year of reflection.  I looked back on life in Italy and how far I’d come.

Photo Credit:  JoshArdle Photography

2013 was a difficult year for me. I couldn’t seem to find inspiration to write and the longer I was away from it the harder it was to get back into it. I decided that I needed to reflect on what it was about blogging that I loved.

Now in 2014 I am starting to rekindle that spark I had for writing at the beginning of all this. This year will mark 4 years of living in Italy, which is quite unbelievable. I never could have imagined any of this and as I look back on it all, I am quite impressed and amazed at how much I’ve accomplished.

I still have no idea where this blog will take me, but it has been a wonderful and perfect companion for me throughout this journey we call life.