Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
Sunshine, smiling happy locals in Fiano and the smell of cut grass. Yes, the joys of Spring and the first of April, what a wonderful morning to start the day here in our little bit of Chianti. Even the Poison Dwarf stopped me to wish me a ‘buona giornata’; she usually glares at me!
And, in the garden, what a wonderful weekend! All the wintering pots came out of the cantina. They needed some TLC and thankfully we only lost two plants. The sun was hot yesterday, so much so that I eventually gave in and wore a hat as I tidied and pruned all the plants on the garden table. Still lots to do and we will be down to the market in Certaldo next Saturday to buy more plants. Really looking forward to that!
Meanwhile, back at La Dispensa, our local shop and bar in Fiano, I found a newspaper article about a female politician who has given up politics in favour of being an entertainer. Yes, I know. Well, I think the lovely Nunzia De Girolamo does have a certain something, but I’m not too sure about the outfit. The former Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has taken to the stage. She is a forty-three year old lawyer, but it just goes to show that ‘you can do anything, if you want to’! So, perhaps Theresa May should think about this as a new career. Theresa, if you are reading this and would like an introduction to Nunzia, do let me know. PS Song lyrics above from Thin Lizzy’s ‘Do anything you want to,’ which I will be performing at my next concert in June. Theresa, if you would like an invite email me at june.finnigan@virgin.net
Now here’s something to make you smile. An Italian handbag so beautiful it is being promoted by the stunning Penelope Cruz. Yet another excuse to visit Carpisa in Florence. Nothing else needs saying.
Now where was I? Oh, yes. I have been very conscious of all the 70+ actors and musicians popping their clogs of late, so I was pleased to read about one of my favourite actors who is celebrating his 80th. The gorgeous Terence Hill has always been a heart-throb of mine, having many years ago adopted Italy as his place to be, starring in films for both the big screen and TV.
You may have come across his ongoing TV series Don Matteo, where he plays a priest, who is friends with the hapless Carabiniere, in a remote Italian hill town. He goes about cycling madly from a. to b. on his bicycle, cassock flying and black beret hairgripped on, solving crimes and rescuing the helpless. I love the series, you can get it on DVD or stream it! Don Matteo
Anyway, I’m a little late with this blog so best get it off to you smartish.
Have a great week and do visit my website. Am planning a visit to the West Country, UK in May, let me know if you want to meet up! My site and contact details
Salute June x
PS Wishing Mick jagger good health and a happy return to the stage.
Fotos La Repubblica & J Finnigan
Anyway, to move on, in the same paper was this foto of some gorgeous jewelry and a handbag
And on the subject of love, apart from food, the Italians adore football, calcio. After Italy’s sad failure in the Rugby Six Nations, their national football team is doing well in the European Cup! Bravo to them. Calcio is what the Italians breath; the sports pages in the caffè bar are the most sought after for football results.
As regards Italian newspapers, I particularly like La Repubblica. Yes, OK, it is a little to the right and there is still a strong communist following here, but it features a lot of the things I am interested in. Saturday is for listings of all the latest published books, in Italian of course. Last weekend there was a superb article about children and books and today one about encouraging board games. A friend in Fiano suggested that I get my books translated to Italian and he would arrange for a grand book signing event in the village. The problem is, costing at least 3,000 euros a book, I’m not sure it will be worth it! I would need to sell around 600 copies of each book to come out even…..What do you think?
And what about the arrival of the Chinese President Xi Jinping! At least he left the Red Army behind, you know what I mean don’t you….. No, it seems that the Silk Road is the thing he is bringing and the hope that Italy will benefit from substantial investment and trade deals. I have to say that there are masses of Chinese tourists here every year, so the country already benefits. Mind you, there are also a few Chinese vineyards in the area…! PS I couldn’t help but notice his first lady Peng Liyuan has great styling, probably influenced by Italian designers.
Then I turned the page to find another brilliant piece of street art by Tvboy, which depicts the Prime Minister Conte as Pinocchio, you know the puppet whose nose kept growing every time he told a lie, and the two Deputies Di Maio & Salvini as a cat and a wolf! Don’t you just love it!
Now for all you lovely people who have never seen or eaten Wild Tuscan Asparagus, I thought I should take a foto before I madly start eating the stuff again! I love it! I spoke about it last week, so I won’t go on about it too much. But anyway, if you are in Tuscany and want to go on a hunt, this is what it looks like! Foto J Finnigan.
One such artist who might consider this is the hugely popular Claudio Baglioni, who is currently on a massive Italian tour, performing with hardly a break, right up until the end of April! The Italians love this home-grown artist who is celebrating 50 years in pop/rock music!
(A very unhappy film maker friend of my man, turned down the rights to this series before it went live!) I, for one, have read all the books, watched all the TV series including Young Montalbano and can’t wait to read or view more. The series has even been inspirational for my book The Italian Connection. 
Now, what else? Oh yes, very important. A friend of mine who loves the Hunk of the Month series, nominated the gorgeous son of Andrea Boccelli. Have you seen him performing with his dad? Well you really should get hold of their recording release, Fall on Me, it’s absolutely beautiful. 
Anyway, on a much lighter note and what with all the fashion parades going on, I did spot this rather lovely outfit in La Repubblica. But, as I was about to take this foto at La Dispensa this morning, I was approached by a very sweet local Signora who loves to talk about her one and only visit to London a quarter of a century ago. So, I’m trying to take the foto for you, and she is pulling up a chair and kissing me on the cheek. She is about four-foot-ten so she did not think much of the outfit I was photographing. Anyway, I listened for at least ten minutes and understood about eighty percent, which is a way of helping with my language skills I guess. Eventually, she must have seen my eyes glass over, as she finally stood and went about her shopping. Bless her. Anyway, I finally got the foto!
Where was I? Ah, Sock Shoes. Now these seem to be the latest thing here in Italy. They look very comfortable, but methinks you need slim ankles or long legs and preferably both to set them off. But then I also feel the same way about the fad for trainers with everything. If you are short or dumpy, they are so unflattering! What do you think?
Back out there in the world of politics, which I have not talked about recently due to the confusing nature of everything, we are about to have the European elections. Now my man and I are allowed to vote, but what or whom do we vote for? Look at these two Joint Deputy Prime Ministers that make up the head of the coalition government. They are like a couple of cry baby siblings, with completely opposing views, no wonder things are all over the place! Listening to the rumblings over coffee at Fiano, there is a big desire to return to the Lira, which to me also smacks of wanting out of Europe. At least by watching the way the Brits are cocking things up, there will be a lesson learnt on how not to do it! Watch this space.
But enough of that, I saw this interview in the paper and whilst you may not recall her name, Giovanna Ralli, you will remember her beautiful face. This Italian actress was hugely popular in the 60’s and at the age of eighty-four, still looks stunning. There have been many Italian actresses who graced the cinematic screens over the years, more than you may realise. Giovanna made her first film in 1942 at the age of seven and her last one in 2013. She was nominated for numerous awards and was awarded the Golden Globe for her career in 1975. Recently asked if she would be making any more films she retorted I’m eighty, why not?
And, here is another thing of beauty and made in Italy, the new Ferrari F8! But what’s this, I here you say, they’ve painted it blue! Now I always thought Ferrari were traditionally red, but my man who knows about these things, says not. Anyway, methinks that whilst I need a new car it is too low slung for our dirt track roads, so perhaps not.
Yes, Spring has sprung early this year, hopefully we won’t get another nasty cold snap and kill things off. Bees have been buzzing for the last couple of weeks and I learnt recently that they take nectar from dandelions if there is nothing else available, so don’t dead head those weeds yet! Other insects are appearing as are small creatures like lizards, which is a little worrying as animals are starting to come out of hibernation a tad too early. Our resident Viper will no doubt appear soon; she had a big nest of swirling babys last spring. Our resident pheasant Phil, is sending out mating calls from various perches around the garden so we look forward to seeing one or more hens arriving.
This is also the time of year for finding Wild Asparagus. These are not the big thick stems you find in the supermarkets, oh no. They are lovely thin stems often missed growing amongst grasses that resemble them and under brambles. Well, you know me, I let other people hunt them down and then I buy and cook them. I was delighted to find a big fat bunch in a pot of water, just waiting to be grabbed by me at La dispensa in Fiano. There was enough for me to eat them three days running. Now, most of you know I am not the greatest of cooks; I like to do things the easy way. I snapped off the tough bits, then steamed for about five minutes, dropped them on to some baking paper, drizzled with olive oil, topped with pecorino cheese & pine nuts and baked in a hot oven until the cheese had browned. And, hey presto! I know you are out there clapping, which I appreciate. I just hope my friend and neighbour the celebrity cook 
Today is Sunday and the forecast is for temperatures up to 17 degrees centigrade! Well, I braved it this morning, popped on some thin tights and flats, so glad to have my feet out of boots. Meanwhile, I have been thinking about spring jackets and coats. Why is it that on every change of season, I find myself with nothing to wear? My man is horrified when I say this, he says I have a wardrobe full of stuff, how can I have nothing to wear? But you girls understand, don’t you? Then I saw this rather lovely coat in a magazine at Sandra’s hairdressers, perfect for the cool to warm weather, what do you think? I love it. And, the bag too! But I could only find the bag on the website, which is a rather nice one, 
OK, enough of my fashion indulgences and time to go off for lunch at my daughter’s home between San Gimignano and Volterra. Meanwhile, here is another sunset picture; it’s the time of year for fabulous skies every night. Enjoy.
Just a short distance away and closer to us, Dominic Miller’s concert tour hit Empoli last night. Now Dominic has been around for years, a lesser known but brilliant guitarist who is best known for supporting Sting (our neighbour) on many world tours. I have only just spotted this in the paper, so too late for me to go, I am a little annoyed with ‘Bands in Town’ who are supposed to notify me of these events! But anyway, look out for Dominic’s new album being released on the 1st March called ‘Absinthe’. Visit 
And what else is happening in Tuscany? I hear you ask. Well, whilst enjoying coffee in Fiano this morning, I discovered an article about The Orient Express. Now I never travelled on this rather intoxicating sounding train, I would have loved to mind. But this reminded me of a much more local steam train excursion which takes you through gorgeous Tuscan countryside stopping at towns and villages along the way. You can take a whole day out just indulging in the ride and stopping for events, festas and wine tastings. The train company is based in Siena and is called 
Also in the newspaper, as in most papers around the world, it was addio to that unique fashion designer and celebrity, Karl Lagerfield. As you know, I follow Italian fashion closely, and whilst Karl was based in Paris and associated with Chanel, since the sixties he worked closely with Fendi and became a director of the company, which is based in Rome. Fendi dedicated it’s show in Milan last week to the great man. Well I had best get my orange handbag out again as it is obviously back in vogue!
And staying with the subject of fashion I couldn’t help but fall in love with another 
In February, It is possible to fill one’s diary with events, particularly Art Exhibitions. I love galleries, they have a sense of calm away from the madding crowds, unless you go on the opening day, which I avoid. Whilst drinking my morning coffee in Fiano and reading La Republica, I noticed an article about finding Italy, that is historically, in Art form. Just look at these fabulous pictures by Italian greats that include Umberto Boccioni, Giacomo Balla, Francesco Hayez and Federico Zandomeneghi painted between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They really bring the era alive. This Grand Exhibition is open now through to June. Visit 
Then I saw another article and a completely different medium; the modern work of Maurizio Monti. What draws me to his paintings is the intense colour and the combining of the beauty found in the female form and flower petals. A sort of fairy like fantasy that reminds me of book illustrations done in the 1930’s. His exhibition is at Florence Art Gallery now until 23rd February. Do try and go!
Meanwhile, this past week has been all about the Sanremo Music Festival. Yes, it happens every February, a ‘so very Italian’ music contest to find the best singer of the year. You either love it or hate it. However, this year it was co-hosted by Claudio Baglioni who is celebrating 50 years crooning at the microphone. I have to say, he has aged rather well, despite the white hair he is looking and sounding rather good. If you hang on a minute, I’ll pop onto his website to get you some more info. OK, I’m back. Now to be honest, whilst he is hugely popular here in Italy, his music is not quite up my street. Despite that, I think we can award him the longevity medal and nominate him aging Italian Hunk of the Month! Google Sanremo 2019.
Anyway, this time of year in Tuscany is great for sunsets. Also the air is cold, but clean and fresh. And, when the sun shines it’s possible to sit outside in direct sunshine, as long as you are in a sheltered spot protected from the wind. So life eeez good, life eeez now! Foto J Finnigan
But otherwise, it being the season of fashion, last week was the mens’ time for strutting their stuff, this week has had the newspapers full of Bimbi Pitti (children’s) fashion. Now I am a little out of touch with children’s fashion outside of Italy, but here the kids are very fashion conscious and from an early age. Black is very vogue and apparently styles are currently being influenced by the Rock Music scene! Well, at least the Bimbi will be growing up with a taste for good rock music; I hope. Addio to the pastel shades we kids were adorned in, and that’s not a bad thing methinks. What do you think?
So what else is going on? I hear you ask. Well a great news magazine to follow, particularly for Florence and surroundings is The Florentine. I’ve mentioned this publication before and I follow it regularly, it’s also in English and can be subscribed to online if preferred. Events include HOPS/Brewer of the year, (there is and increasing number of micro-breweries popping up in Italy) A shop Vintage event and International Ice skating Awards. Busy, busy. 
OK, what next? Oh yes. The children returned to school last week and much is being talked about regarding the state of the buildings. Some students went out on strike as the temperature in the classrooms were as low as 10 degrees centigrade! Of course, we are now formerly in recession here (again) so spending on the essentials is not always happening. In today’s paper was an article about a survey of the under 18’s. The new young people (Giovani) mostly love school and their teachers. They have had enough of disputes and want to get on with preparing for the future. My man and I arrived here nearly fifteen years ago and so a whole new generation has grown up during that time. Fifteen years ago, society seemed thirty years behind us Brits, but the new Giovani seem to have caught up and cut the time difference down by at least half.
And moving to the much older generation, which includes the Peter Pan of politics Silvio Berlusconi. Yes, Silvio is back! At the age of 82, and as leader of Forza Italia, he is campaigning for the March elections for the European parliament. This assumes it hasn’t fallen apart by then, the parliament that is! Anyway, Silvio has a way of putting a bit of colour back into the world of politics. You either love him or hate him, either way, it makes for an interesting time.
So creative writing is out I’m afraid, and I can only send you my/our Warmest & Fond Greetings for the Festive Season.
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