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Rocking and Rolling, Fabulous Friends, Two Birthdays, Wine, Wine and More Wine in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 30, 2015| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Me and Penny meet for the first time in fifty years! Foto P Finnigan

Me and Penny meet for the first time in fifty years!
Foto P Finnigan

Our new friend Rose joins Penny and Me foto P Finnigan

Our new friend Rose joins Penny and Me
foto P Finnigan

Wow, where does one start with this blog.  What a fabulous fortnight of Rocking, seeing lovely friends again and simply having the best possible time.  The food and wine flowed endlessly, and my man, who was the star of the whole period, calmly accepted that he had to share our little villa with five girlies for five days!  I was incredibly pleased to have my old Grammar School friend Penny from Australia staying.  We had not seen each other for fifty years, yes really!  I know you can’t believe I’m old enough, neither can I!

Thr Rock Chick Band Rocking with the sister-in-law joining in on backing vocals. photo P Finnigan

The Rock Chick Band Rocking with the sister-in-law joining in on backing vocals.
photo P Finnigan

You will notice that I have updated the banner at the top of the page with the band group hug taken on 20th June.  The guys were absolutely brilliant and we had a really good stand in drummer as Mario was involved with a family event.  Family events take presidence over anything else here in Italy, and my beautiful daughter and granddaughter quite naturally came to my bash.  This part of Tuscany is alive with music events this time of year, so I must say a big thank you to all those lovely people who supported my event despite the competition elsewhere.  I decided to go all Rock Chick black this year and at the last moment threw a scarf around my neck.  If anyone else mentions the Vicar of Dibley, I’ll throttle them!

Penny, Hilary and me at Certaldo Alto. Photo J Stobbs

Penny, Hilary and me at Certaldo Alto.
Photo J Stobbs

I took the girlies up to Certaldo Alto on the Monday and they spent a couple of hours ‘ahing and ooing’.  Certaldo Alto is the historic centre of Certaldo up on a hill, which is reached by a funiculare train and was packed with tourists!  We had a fantastic time, however, we ended up exhausted and flopped down at a table in the garden terrace of Il Castello http://www.albergoilcastello.it and were forced to eat the most delicious lunch.  I am taking my man there on Thursday and despite only living fifteen minutes away, we have never eaten there before!  It’s another one to add to our list of places to eat.

On 23rd June my lovely English friend Hilary and I had a joint birthday celebration, opening our presents at Bar Solferino in Certaldo over morning coffee.  Thank you to the adorable Hilary for your amazing ability to whisk the washing up away without our realising it and spoiling us rotten!  Also to our new friend Rose from Australia, who made the most delicious pear crumble, which my man is still waxing lyrical about.  Our house guests were the best we could ever hope for and not to forget my beautiful sister-in-law who did all the summer plant pots before the concert.  Thank you everyone and I will miss you terribly.

Well, it’s already Tuesday and I really must get this blog off to you.  I will update you on Silvio’s activities next weekend.

Have a great week, do drop me a line and don’t forget to visit my books on Amazon.

Salute June x

PS  We are attempting to get some videos sorted to go on YouTube, I’ll let you know when they are up there!

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

 

 

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

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A Snog, An Invitation to the Palace, Concert Rehearsals and Benedetta’s Bump in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 15, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

A sneaky photo of the lake in the Palace gardens. Photo P Finnigan

A sneaky photo of the lake in the Palace gardens.
Photo P Finnigan

"What! Move so that you can lay the table! No chance." Farty Barty. Photo P Finnigan

“What! Move so that you can lay the table! No chance.” Farty Barty.
Photo P Finnigan

“A snog a day, helps you blog away!”  My man is looking over my shoulder and nuzzling, whilst reading this blog.  “Hey, so now you are a poet!” I laugh.  “I have my moments,” he grins.  He is quite full of himself at the moment, having gone to Buckingham Palace for a garden party during the week, with ‘The Not Forgotten Association’ and in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal.  The society assists disabled and injured ex-service people and provides lots of entertainment venues.  Fortunately my man came out of his years as a Royal Marine Commando unscathed.   He thoroughly enjoyed himself and the afternoon tea in a grand marquee with traditional strawberries and cream.  Meanwhile I was stuck back here in the beautiful Chianti Hills, having to gaze at the fabulous view with a glass or three of Chianti, with grumpy Farty Barty for company.

Stefano on Lead Guitar Photo Chiara Benelli

Stefano on Lead Guitar – Italy’s George Harrison
Photo Chiara Benelli

We are just six days away from the Rock Chick Band’s fifth annual concert and last Monday we did a lengthy rehearsal sorting out the keys for the five new songs in the repertoire.  We decided to drop that great glam rock song ‘Poison’ by Alice Cooper as we just could not find the right key for my voice.  Instead, we have added back in another favourite of mine ‘You took the words right out of my mouth’ by Meat Loaf, so my man will be back on stage doing the intro with me.  You remember “Will you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?”……….. yes, that talking bit. Great stuff.

By the weekend we will have a villa full of house guests and the first one arrives on Tuesday in the shape of my beautiful sister-in-law, whom I could not manage without this time of year.  She’ll be making sure the pots in the garden are all refreshed and that it is looking as gorgeous as last year.  Then Friday and Saturday morning three more friends will arrive, one of which I haven’t seen for fifty years.  It will be an amazing reunion.

The lovely Benedetta with baby Alessandro in her tummy. Photo J Finnigan

The lovely Benedetta with baby Alessandro in her tummy.
Photo J Finnigan

On Thursday morning I joined Benedetta at Laura’s bar in Fiano to drink my coffee, as she was sat doing some paperwork at one of the tables.  The bar was full of noisy Italian tourists wearing crazy t-shirts.  An argument was going on over calcio (football).  The locals all support Fiorentino (Florence) whilst two rogue members of the group favoured Juventus!  Then a handsome young male apparition cruised in, wearing an orange blazer, white mules without socks and cream chinos.  He was a stranger, so the local contadini (country folk) stopped talking and stared for precisely one minute then carried on arguing.  I stared too, but for rather more than a minute!  Meanwhile, the old boy who was reading the only non-sporty paper, was being pressurised to hand it over by a younger man who stood right behind him breathing down the poor man’s neck.  The old boy gave in, just like the slow driver moves to the side of the road to let the fast driver overtake to get him off his back bumper!  So Italian.

Come the weekend, back at the villa, we were dealing with heavy rain and thunderstorms that inevitably caused short electricity cuts.  When this happens, the pump that brings the gas into the villa, cuts out and we have to go and rev it up again out in the garden.  We know this has happened when one of us is naked and trying to run the hot water in the shower and the other is not dressed yet.  So the latter goes out to the garden, opens a little metal door in the wall and pumps away at a brass knob.  Meanwhile the naked one has climbed into the boiler room to check that the gas is flowing in again.  Then its a shouting session, “Is it OK now?” “No keep pumping, hang on yes its OK.”  “Sorry I can’t hear you!”  Naked person goes to the window, “I said its OK now”  Pumping person scurries back in having been caught in a shower of rain!

Now in light of the coming events, I hope you will forgive me if I do not send you a blog next weekend.  The following weekend, of course, will be very newsy indeed and I hope to post some great photos of the band.  I shall be all dressed in black this year, a little more rock chick than last time.  Look out for your invite reminder if you are on my guest list.  If you are not, will be in Tuscany and would like one, drop me an email at june.finnigan@virgin.net.

have a great fortnight and don’t forget to check out my books at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan  I’ll update you on the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi next time.

Salute June x

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

 

 

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A Quickie, the Man’s Legs, the New Vespa, Vasco Rossi and My Books and in beautiful Tuscany.

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2015| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

I must apologise as I am having to make this a quickie.  What?  You thought I meant something a bit naughty didn’t you?  Ha ha, I got your attention though didn’t I?  Or perhaps it was the mention of my man’s legs…… No, it’s just that I have had such a hectic week and weekend that I could not make sufficient time to organise my usual lengthy blog.  But I did want to make contact with you before we were too far into the working week.

Last night I spent several hours with the Rock Chick Band rehearsing our next concert.  We will get together next Monday too for a final burst.  Then it will be the real thing on Saturday the 20th June!  Can’t wait.  If you are in Tuscany and would like an invite, write to june.finnigan@virgin.net

So, I am sending you our week in pictures, with captions for you to enjoy.

The man getting his legs out for a spot of bronzing the weekend before last. Photo J Finnigan

The man getting his legs out for a spot of bronzing the weekend before last.
Photo J Finnigan

My two novels for sale at Milko's Cartolibreria in Fiano. Photo J Finnigan

My two novels for sale at Milko’s Cartolibreria in Fiano.
Photo J Finnigan

The great Vasco Rossi returns to the heavy metal stage at 63. Rock on that man! Photo Il Terreno Newspaper

The great Vasco Rossi returns to the heavy metal stage at 63. Rock on that man!
Photo Il Terreno Newspaper

More lovely lilies in our garden. Photo P Finnigan

More lovely lilies in our garden.
Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty dreaming. Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty dreaming.
Photo P Finnigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our shady upper terrace Photo P Finnigan

Our shady upper terrace
Photo P Finnigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new Vespa is launched with everyone wearing Armani of course! La Nazione Newspaper

The new Vespa is launched with everyone wearing Armani of course!
La Nazione Newspaper

Allora, time to go, however, I wish you a great week and do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

PS  Very hot and muggy here!

 

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Surprise Blooms, Poppies, Fireflies, Cena with Martina and a Political Whoopsie in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The Madonna Lily and Poppies below our Terrace. Photo J Finnigan

The Madonna Lily and Poppies below our Terrace. Photo J Finnigan

“What do you think it is?”  My man is pointing to a lovely white lily type flower that has appeared out of nowhere in the bank below the upper terrace.  “Mmm,” I scratch my chin.  “It must have seeded itself, it looks like  some kind of lily…”  I am hopeless at plant names, but our daughter would come to the rescue the next day when she arrived for lunch with the family.  “It has more than one name” she says,

The 'Bottle Brush' shrub. Photo P Finnigan

The ‘Bottle Brush’ shrub.
Photo P Finnigan

“But the most popular one is Madonna Lily.  It’s normally planted on the grave of someone who got murdered by mistake; as a sort of apology!”   Our knowledgable girl has a first in horticulture, so she should know.  Popular plant in Mafiosi gardens then, I muse.  But the other plant we were curious about was a gorgeous red bloom on a shrub that had not flowered before.  “Well, I call it the Bottle Brush,” she said.  “but that’s not its real name.  I’ll send you an email when I remember it.”

The countryside is currently a sea of red poppies and the fireflies are flitting around in the evenings; I love this time of year.  The next three days will be all celebrations and our italian friends will be taking time out for eating al fresco in their allotments, on balconies, in fields and gardens.  Festa della Republica is on Tuesday, so is a public holiday.  However, the Italians always start preparations two or three days earlier and then extend it for a couple of days after that.  We have had to book our usual table for sunday pranzo (lunch) at C’era Una Volta well in advance, as the ristorante will most likely be heaving.

The lovely Martina. Photo J Finnigan

The lovely Martina.
Photo J Finnigan

My man returned from a dash to London last Friday, and we popped up the C’era Una Volta for Cena (dinner).  We were delighted to have Martina join us.  She is Gianluca’s longterm girlfriend, hugely intelligent and a linguist, so her English is really good.  To remind you, Gianluca is our favourite waiter and eternal student of history.  He has just been offered a PhD in Istanbul, but he has decided not to follow it through as it would mean leaving certain commitments behind, like the restaurant and, although he would not admit to it, the lovely Martina.  I gave her two copies of my books, signed of course, to share with Gianluca.

Sivio at the wrong rally! La Nazione newspaper.

Sivio at the wrong rally!
La Nazione newspaper.

This morning we are scouring the papers in Caffe Bar Solferino in Certaldo, and are highly amused to read that the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi turned up at the wrong rally on his hustings tour yesterday!  He was supposed to be joining the representative of his own party, Forza Italia, to give him support.  But whoops, he found himself appearing to support the opposition instead!  Still, he kept a brave smile on his face…

Well, time to go and make myself beautiful as we must get to the ristorante early before the crowds arrive.  We are used to the ‘slow food’ service in Italy, and actually quite like it, it allows time for conversation in between courses.  However, on Festa weekends when big extended families turn up, as well as the tourists, it pays to get one’s order in early.

Have a great week and don’t forget to visit my author page on Amazon.  http:/www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

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Sunshine and flowers, Concert Preparations and writing in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 24, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Plants at the Saturday morning market in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

Plants at the Saturday morning market in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

“You didn’t see those two guys come in, did you?” My man looks at me with his deep blue eyes and I melt.  “Err, which two guys?” I say, trying to concentrate on something other than his handsome face.  “The two wearing camouflage outfits, you can’t see them can you? – ha ha!”  He roars.  I smile and shake my head.  He is in good fettle this Sunday morning at Laura’s Alimentare/Bar in Fiano, as we sip our delicious espresso and he enjoys a marmalade pastry.  This is a lot to do with the fact that the sun has finally come out after days of cold and rain.  Can you believe it, we actually lit a log fire last night!  “What would you like me to do in the garden today?”  He sighs like a contented cat, stretching back in his chair.  “Oh, you know, pruning the roses and dead flowers, planting those plants I got in the market yesterday, hoeing and weeding the rose beds….”  “OK, I get it, just about everything then?”  He grins and I smile back.

The Rock Chick Band Rocking. Photo P Finnigan

The Rock Chick Band Rocking.
Photo P Finnigan

Back in my studio I sit down to write this blog and reflect on the last few days.  I have been getting down to singing practice late morning every day this week, despite the lungs still being a bit raspy after the flu.  It’s now only twenty-seven days to the Fifth Annual Rock Concert which we hold every June in our Tuscan garden.  I must say, I am really looking forward to it and just love being behind the microphone.  I am also very excited to be seeing old friends again!   There will be a lot of celebrating, so we are stocking up the wine cellar!  If you are in Tuscany on 20th June and would like an invite to the concert party, send your email address to june.finnigan@virgin.net.  We would love to see you there.

I am well into writing my current novel ‘The Italian Connection’ and have been chuckling over a couple of the scenes I have just written.  Let me just say, that Joanna Wilde has a new role to play and is currently at ‘The Castello’, a beautiful historic castle in Tuscany.  Here is a little exert…..’I smiled and lifted out my favourite handgun. “It’s a Beretta 70, good little shooter, favoured by the James Bond girlies I believe,” Dominic’s voice echoed in my head.  Feeling the weight of it in my right hand, I checked the mechanism, which was as smooth as silk.  Then crouching, I held it with both hands in front of the long mirror. I felt a rush of pure adrenalin. Under the first layer of the box I found the thigh holster I favoured and a supply of ammunition. I loaded the gun and made sure the safety catch was on.  I placed it in the holster and strapped it to my inner thigh. It felt good.’

Silvio in Napoli. Photo La Nazione

Silvio in Napoli.
Photo La Nazione

Well, back in the real world, I read that our gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi has reached Napoli on his hustings tour.  Of course he will have plenty of friends there too, of a certain kind, and has met up with Alessandra Mussolini, yes descendant of you know who, and the Governatore uscente della Campania, Stefano Caldoro.  SB’s popularity remains undiminished and it will be an interesting time ahead.

An evening with VinSanto on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

An evening with Vin Santo on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Ah, whats this?  Farty Barty the cat has found his way up to the studio and is meowing at me.  Now, he is restricted to the kitchen when in the house, after a couple of whoopsee accidents, so there must be a door open somewhere.  I’d best go down with him and investigate.  So, I think I will love you and leave you at this point and wish you all a fantastic week.  I will think of you when we enjoy a little drink or three in the garden this evening.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to visit my books on Amazon and I would love it if you were to leave a review!

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

 

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

The Bolivian Connection.  Book two in the series.

 

 

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Bouncing Back, Fabulous Weather, Songwriting, Buratta and Silvio in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 18, 2015| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

I am so very relieved to have bounced back to good health after that diabolical bout of flu!  The minute I realised I wanted a glass of wine, and could taste it, I knew I was better!

The weather is now fantastic, hot but not too hot.  A slight breeze and the smell of cut grasses; wonderful.  So we are able to indulge in good wine and food out on the upper terrace and to soak up the mellow vibes that this gorgeous part of the Chianti Hills wafts around us.

My hugely talented friend and band member Lorenzo. Photo J Finnigan

For you girlies – My hugely talented friend and band member Lorenzo.
Photo J Finnigan

A couple of weeks ago, Lorenzo, a musician friend and member of our band, The Rock Chick Band, asked me if I would like to write some lyrics for a revamp of an old sixties number that was originally in Italian.  I have written numerous poems over the years, but never words to fit a song.  So it was a new and exciting thing for me to do, and I was given free reign to write my own words.  I have to say, I was really pleased to find it quite easy.  I have a natural ear for music, and can pick it up very quickly, so I was able to send the lyrics to Lorenzo a week later and he was over the moon!  This is not a casual thing.  The intention is to take the new song to a certain famous singer, whom we hope will want to record it.  Watch this space!

Dinner at C'era una Volta last Friday. My first Buratta of the year. Photo J Finnigan

Dinner at C’era una Volta last Friday. My first Buratta of the year.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at C’era una Volta Ristorante in Lucardo, I enjoyed my first Buratta and grilled vegetable salad of the year.  If you have not tried Buratta, you really must.  It is like an extra creamy soft mozzarella.  Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Farty Barty joins us for a pre-lunch drink. Photo J Finnigan

Farty Barty joins us for a pre-lunch drink.
Photo J Finnigan

This morning we managed to grab Farty Barty the cat and take him for his overdue vaccine.  The mosquitos (Zanzari) here can give dogs and cats a nasty disease if they are not innoculated.  As you may already know, Barty is a semi-wild cat and is very good at anticipating a vets visit.  He will sometimes disappear for five days or more!  Poor lad, he did not get away with it this time.

And what is happening out there in the Italian Hustings?  Well our Silvio is getting plenty of exposure in all regions (no I don’t mean that kind of exposure!) drumming up support for his Forza Italia party and it would not surprise me at all, to see him 2015-05-18 11.21.36back up there for one last throw of the dice.  At the weekend he was down south, were he has his biggest fan club and of the course the support of certain mafiosi clans, which he will deny of course.  Now this is only what I have read; do not take my word for it.  So, things are hotting up in the land of Italian politics, it will be an interesting time, well entertaining at least.

And so, time to think about lunch.  I might suggest popping back to C’era una Volta for more Buratta.  What do you think?

Have a great week and do check out my books on Amazon.

Grazie Mille.

Salute June x  PS I would love to hear from you.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

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An Ascension into Heaven in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on May 9, 2015| 1 Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Rose on the upper tarrace. Photo P Finnigan

Rose on the upper terrace.
Photo P Finnigan

There is no other way to explain it, I have finally clambered out of a deep dark ravine and reached Heaven.  I am telling you this, so you can understand just how bad the last ten days in bed with influenza has been, and how fantastic it was to emerge onto our fabulous terraces to find that everything had greened up, flowered and blossomed to resemble the garden of Eden.  Just about every single tree and shrub is in full colour, wafting out great clouds of perfume. Oh, thank god for the Chianti Hills.

But I am not rushing things.  Forgive me if I do not send you a lengthy blog as the virus has not been kind to my state of mind, and lucidity is essential for writing entertaining stories.  So instead, here is a lovely rose for you to enjoy until next weekend.

Salute June x

Do visit your Amazon site anywhere in the world to find my books.  Enjoy x

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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Guard Cat, Artistic Tourists, a Book Signing, Silvio and Flowers in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 21, 2015| 3 Comments »

Welcome to all my Loyal and New Followers

It is Tuesday morning and yes, I know, I am a little late sending you this blog.  But I am so glad I waited, because, I have just driven to Fiano for coffee and back in blazing sunshine!  This has given me a real lift and I am able to send you the best possible vibes from this little bit of the Chianti Hills.

Farty Barty on guard. "Did you hear that?" Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty on guard. “Did you hear that?”
Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty the cat, despite his wild status, has started guarding his patch particularly if we are in the garden at the time.  He sits facing outwards with us at his rear, just like a dog, ears pricking up at the slightest sound and talking a lot.  He speaks both English and Italian, because he came to us as a pot-bellied stick insect at only two months old, having been abandoned by his wild mother.  He is seven now and has just started settling down again after an amorous couple of months with the girlies, so things are a little calmer in that respect.  The Chianti countryside is awash with wild cats, but just like domestic ones, they know when they are on to a good thing.  The church cats get lots of visits, particularly by our good neighbour and friend next door who takes them daily titbits.

Me signing Valerie's books Photo Jackie

Me signing Valerie’s books
Photo Jackie Grandchamps

Last Friday evening we enjoyed dinner at Trattoria C’era una Volta with new friends Jackie from Belgium and Valerie from France.  Jackie runs a tourist business called French Escapade.  Her customers are mainly Americans who want to go on painting, cookery or other courses in the less touristy parts of Europe.  We, that is my man and I, have agreed to host a group of artists in our beautiful garden in October.  They get to sketch and paint and meet a celebrity English author!  Visit http://www.frenchescapade.com I was very happy to sign my books for Valerie who speaks perfect English.  If you girls are reading this, I do hope you are enjoying a good read and a safe journey home.

Jackie and Valerie holding my book. Photo P Finnigan

Jackie and Valerie holding my book.
Photo P Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at Laura’s Bar/Alimentare in Fiano, Laura is on her own.  Benedetta, her daughter is expecting, so is not so active behind the counter at the moment.  The usual locals are in every morning and Signor Rotund seems to be better after an op, and is appearing more often than before, so we need to make sure we get there before he hogs the newspaper.  The news has been a bit depressing of late.  The thing is, there just isn’t enough about the Peter Pan of Politics Silvio Berlusconi.  He will either make you laugh, cry, rage, envy, ape, avoid, argue or at least feel entertained.  The current Prime Minister, Renzi, just doesn’t have the charisma of our Silvio and the Italians are getting fed up with him, as nothing has changed for the better since he took the helm.  However, we are reliably informed that, like the glowing Phoenix, SB is on the rise again.

Beautiful blossom and scented flowers on the upper terrace. Photo P Finnigan

Beautiful blossom and scented flowers on the upper terrace.
Photo P Finnigan

On a happier note, our garden has erupted with blossom and the perfume is intoxicating.  Wisteria, Jasmin, Evening scented Stock and much more.  Saturday evening we were able to sit outside and enjoy it all until quite late.  However, we have noticed that the deep canyon at the bottom of the olive grove below us, seems to have crept closer!  You may recall that this part of Chianti is full of crumbling inland cliffs and from time to time a little more falls away.  Not so far away from us, one little villa has recently lost half its garden!  But we don’t worry about that, life eeez good, life eeez now!

Well enough of that, I have a heavy workload this week and am hammering away at my book ‘The Italian Connection’ in between times.

Have a great week and do drop me a line, I would love to hear from you.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to check out my books below on Amazon.

My Father, The Assassin. Book on in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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The Dust Settles, Sunshine, Tourists, Dropped Trousers, and a Chinese Invasion in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 12, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers,

Yes, the dust has settled.  After my new book launch I have finally allowed myself a couple of days to relax, despite my being inspired to write another chapter of ‘The Italian Connection.’

Georgeous sunset last Friday evening. Photo J Finnigan

gorgeous sunset last Friday evening.
Photo J Finnigan

It is still a little chilly but finally we are having some lovely sunny weather.  This is important, not just for our own state of mind, but also for the tourists that have started to arrive in droves.  “The car in front is a hire car.”  My man announces as we follow a Sunday driver back from Certaldo this morning.  “I really don’t know how you can tell the difference between a hire car and a normal one!”  I say.  “Well its a combination of no local garage sticker on the back, the number plate and the way they are driving.”  Said the Wiseman.  “Oh, silly me” I mumble, “I should have realised.”  “Have you noticed how we have personally influenced the local Italians with our Honda CRV?” He continued.  “After we bought this car, lots of others started to appear on the local roads.  In fact, we have always been influencers.  When we lived in England we were the first people in the West Country to buy a Ford Escort Cabriolet and then the Limited Edition Wrangler Jeep.  In no time at all, other people were copying us and doing the same.”  Once again I am amazed at how observant my man was, and is, regarding cars.  “Do you know, it had never occurred to me!”  I smiled encouragingly.  Don’t you just love the man?  I do.

dropped trousers protest. La Nazione Newspaper

dropped trousers protest.
La Nazione Newspaper

Earlier, we had enjoyed coffee at Bar Solferino in Certaldo where the caffè Latte is so good, I had two.  Idling my way through the local Nazione  newspaper, my attention is quite naturally drawn to a picture of several Italian men standing in the street with their trousers dropped around their ankles.  Is this a brazen way of showing all the girlie tourists whats on offer?  No it is a protest by Bar Owners, against the high taxes they are having to pay for running their bars and caffes!  Well, this is sad news of course and I don’t want to belittle the cause, but I will be very happy to see many more protests of this nature!

Flowering Pots on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Flowering Pots on the upper terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back in our lovely garden we are enjoying the smell of cut grass and the first blooms of Wisteria and Jasmin.  It gives one such a lift, after a rather drawn out winter.  You may remember that my lovely sister-in-law came to stay a couple of weeks ago and did all the Spring potting.  The pots are now overflowing with flowers and the bees are buzzing; it all looks amazing.  Oh yes, not to forget the arrival of the first Cuckoo, Hoopies, Swallows, Swallowtail Butterflies and Pippestrello Bats!

I am realising that my Rock Concert is now only a couple of months away, so its important to do the voice exercises every day.  Yesterday, I was once again brainwashing myself with the lyrics to ‘RadioActive’ and singing along to it.  “You need to go longer on the ‘died’ and the ‘bones.” My man said helpfully. “This is a new song in my repertoire” I say, “so I have a lot more practising to do.”    “Ah.” He says.  As I write this blog, I can hear David Bowie blasting out from the speakers in the kitchen.   I am itching to get back behind the microphone.

Silvio's difficult goodbye to AC Milan. Nazione Newspaper

Silvio’s difficult goodbye to AC Milan.
Nazione Newspaper

Back in the land of the filthy rich, I can see that Italy is about to be overrun by wealthy Chinese.  Well, if the likely purchase of Silvio Berlusconi’s football club, AC Milan, is anything to go by.  The candidates for the acquisition are currently three Chinese, a Thailandia and a Swiss/Austrian.  Every time I see TV cameras at a football match, concert or other gathering of people, up pops several Chinese faces!  Now, I don’t think I am imagining things, but I am sure that there is a clever invasion going on, which is arriving on flying carpets made of Yuan Renminbi notes.

Well, enough of that.  Time to make myself beautiful and go off to Montespertoli for a passeggiata with my man and a cocktail, before lunch at ‘C’era una Volta’ Trattoria in Lucardo.

Have a great week and see you next time.

Amore June x

Here are the direct links for my novels.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=june+finnigan&rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Ajune+finnigan

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=june+finnigan

PS  For any other part of the world, just visit Amazon books and insert June Finnigan in the box.  Happy reading.

My Father, The Assassin. Book on in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

 

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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My New Book is now Live!

Posted in Books, Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 4, 2015| 3 Comments »

Book cover for 'The Bolivian Connection' Available now!

Book cover for ‘The Bolivian Connection’
Available now!

My new book ‘The Bolivian Connection’ has gone live!  You can now order the paperback or download the e-book!  Thank you to all those who have been waiting patiently to read this second book in the series ‘The Continuing Adventures of Joanna Wilde.’ 

In addition to the new book I have updated ‘My Father, The Assassin’ and you can now buy the second edition, which has been tweaked to reflect the ongoing series and re-edited to make it an even easier read!  If you have not read this book, I must mention that it is book one in the series, and The Bolivian Connection is book two.  However, they can both be read as stand alone novels if you prefer.

Important note:  Both the new books have a transparent banner across the front with JUNE FINNIGAN written inside it.  I am telling you this because the old version of ‘My Father, The Assassin’ is still available on Amazon and does not have this banner on the front!  For some technical reason, Amazon is unable to take it off my Author Page!

So, here you go.  Below are the direct links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=june+finnigan&rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Ajune+finnigan

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=june+finnigan

For Amazon.eu visit the site and type June Finnigan in the search box of your chosen country.  You can also go to any other Amazon site around the world and do the same.

Important request:  Once you have read either or both of these books please do return to Amazon and leave a review.  This is incredibly important for my ratings and for publicising the novels.

Finally, I am pleased to tell you that I am well into book three in the series, entitled ‘The Italian Connection.’  Joanna Wilde is continuing her thrilling adventures in Italy with yet more scary encounters, intrigue, good wine and of course amore.  Watch this space!

I hope you really enjoy reading about Joanna’s adventures, and don’t forget to share this!

Molto Amore June xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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