Welcome and Benveuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
‘The Autumn Leaves, Drift by my Window, The Autumn Leaves, of Red and Gold’. This wonderful timeless song has always been one of my favourites. And, so appropriate for right now. Overnight storms and heavy rain have battered the trees and vineyards surrounding us, and any leaves that were still hanging on are now on the ground or will be shortly. The countryside and the toads in our pond will be glad to have had the rain and the fresh smells are heavenly.
It is currently difficult to take a foto of the Tuscan countryside, which isn’t beautiful. This is a picture taken by Monterosola, a stunning setting for this very popular venue for wine tastings and celebrations of all kinds. My clever daughter has been busy organising vineyard tours for journalists in readiness for the spring deluge of visitors and Monterosola is top of her list. You can, of course, go there now; and why not? http://www.monterosola.com
Meanwhile, what to wear? It’s a little cooler today after the storm so my thoughts go to my autumn/winter wardrobe. As many of you already know, I love Autumn colours as they really suit me. One of my favourite Italian designers is Luisa Spagnoli and she always has a good Autumn range. Now I have selected a lovely snuggly knitted dress, which is designed beautifully to flare from just below the hip. The colour is a deep maroon, which I believe qualifies as an excellent warm Autumn shade. http://www.luisaspagnoli.it
Now, this weekend is a great one for rugby fans, snuggled up in front of the telly. Yesterday we watched poor Italy get beaten once more, this time by Argentina. Then later it was England’s turn and they beat Australia. So at least it was a success for one of the teams we support! This afternoon we will indulge again, I can’t remember which teams are playing, but lets hope for some entertaining rugby!
What else? Well, some of you have asked when my next book will be published. Sadly, things were delayed by my falling and breaking my wrist and a knee. Now, I know, one can still write in these circumstances, but what did surprise me was how it affected my creative thought! So, I am now aiming to get ‘Assassin’s List’ published in the spring. Meanwhile, my first three books and a short story based in London’s theatre land, are available online. Do get buying now in time for Christmas presents. There’s nothing like unwrapping a real book! http://www.junefinnigan.website
Well, it’s been really good to be writing to you again and hopefully this will now be a weekly event! Do get in touch, I love to hear from my readers.
Salute June x
Well, last Sunday morning was busy at coffee time at La Dispensa, in our local village of Fiano, with lots of locals wearing their team Calambur T-shirts, in readiness for the exciting contest due to start at two-thirty. This was going to be a hard-fought contest for the coveted victor’s banner, which the team can keep displayed in their zone for the next twelve months. Our Fiano team is called La Fonte, and our colours are red and white. The village was festooned with flags as was Certaldo, where the big event was to be held. The event is a bit like the ‘It’s a Knockout’ contest we used to have in the UK and is very entertaining to watch, but taken very seriously indeed by the contestants.
At the end of the day it was La Canonica team from Certaldo who came out victors, despite our team putting in a superb effort. La Fonte did win two years ago and I remember the beautifully embroidered banner being displayed in La Dispensa. Oh well, there’s always next year!
Meanwhile, there has been a lot of busy preparation for the Truffle (tartufo) Hunting Season, which starts on 22nd September. Lots of tourists include this rather exciting event in their holiday itinerary and if you visit EnvyItaly on-line you will find an article all about it. Click on ‘Magazine’ then ‘Best Experiences in Italy’. There are also hunts available locally to us; I can put you in touch with the right people. Foto Envy Italy.
And, so to my other love, Italian Autumn Fashion. The papers and magazines here are filling up with gorgeous Autumn colours, my favourite time of the year. I noticed that Burberry in England has taken on a new look, but believe me, Italian designers do have the edge when it comes to style. I just adore this fringed coat, couldn’t you just snuggle up in it? MaxMara’a models are not the most cheerful lot, but I have let this fact pass for once.
The other advert I found, was for a pair of comfy shoes! Arrrgh, I hear you say, fashion and comfort just don’t go together! I have spent a lot of years trying to combine both, and yes it’s difficult. However, what do you think of these shoes? Are they stylish enough or too clumpy? I’m almost tempted to buy some, but I’m not sure…..
And back in the real world, yesterday, Monday, was back to school day. Lots of nervous children and students were starting the new term and some, like my 13 nearly 14-year-old granddaughter, a new senior school in Siena! The Italian school holidays, particularly the summer one, is very long, almost three months in fact, so parents and grandparents alike are sighing with relief.
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