Rome is where the heart is

Quiescent

2008-10-23T20:34:00.004-04:00

This blog will remain quiet for a while as I launch my new book site for Behind the Bedroom Door or until the next time I travel. Meanwhile, follow my transformation to a sexpert
on my newest virtual adventure.
Ciao amici!
Paola

The First Reading of Behind the Bedroom Door

2008-10-02T22:56:00.005-04:00

will be at my neighborhood Barnes and Noble on Broadway and 82nd St. on January 15th. WOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOO! Rachel Resnick gave me very good advice today, which was to come up with a more G-rated reading (one my nephews could attend) and one that's more racy and raw. Curious? Read more about Bedroom Door...

Come one, come all. (Hey, that's a double entendre!)
Ciao amici--
Paola

Vice Presidential Debate Rating

2008-10-02T22:42:00.003-04:00

Wow. This was a good debate (at least comparatively). I was extremely impressed with Biden, but my favorite moment was Sarah Palin's Freudian slip: When she said "McCain should leave" instead of "McCain should lead..."

Palin was decent. There is a definite sharpness to her--she was clearly able to keep a lot of recently tutored facts in her head. Which makes her all the more scary.

Biden was terrific--I like him 100 percent better than I did before--and his voice breaking when he talked about his kids and the car accident was both poignant and actually a great way to quash Palin's "I'm a hardworking mom!" schtick!

But it was refreshing to watch a debate in which issues were actually addressed, questions answered, important causes talked about, like Darfour.
Ciao bambini--
Paola

Apples and honey and a sweet New Year

2008-10-01T23:28:00.008-04:00

What could be more renewing than autumn in the Berkshires with my two favorite boys in the whole wide world?
Ciao--
Paola

A wild and wooly Woodstock weekend

2008-09-29T08:52:00.006-04:00

I should have been a hippie. Peace out.
Baci--
Paola

The reservoir, 6:20 PM

2008-09-17T20:41:00.002-04:00

Is it my imagination?

2008-09-04T22:52:00.004-04:00

Or is McCain less than inspiring? I'm listening to and watching his speech and thinking that he seems like a carefully modulated automaton delivering memorized lines and many redundancies: "I will fix problems that need to be fixed" instead of simply "I will fix problems."

I don't understand why this would even be a contest? Truly: a contest between good and evil, as primal as muslim fundamentalism in its way.

Ciao, belli--
Isn't my nephew Jordan so handsome? He's my little heartbreaker!

A political rant

2008-09-03T21:20:00.003-04:00

It's impossible for me to watch the Republican National Convention without screaming and cursing at the television set. They are ignorant, name-calling, fright-mongering closed minded, selfish rabble rousers, appealing to the worst in human nature: greed, prejudice and fear. I just heard Mitt Romney speak. He sneeringly said the L word (for liberal) throughout the speech, making it an us versus them argument as opposed to one based on what the world needs now.
Grrr.
Ciao--buona notte amici...
Paola

P.S. I posted this decidedly unflattering photo of myself because my expression rather accurately reflects my irritated frame of mind at the moment. Blame the Republicans! Grrr, again.

No-Labor Days in Montauk

2008-09-01T23:05:00.007-04:00

Beaching, biking, lobster, ice cream...who could ask for anything more?
Ciao belli--
Paola

Happy last week of summer!

2008-08-27T19:29:00.010-04:00

Ever since I've been working on Behind the Bedroom Door (which, incidentally is now up on Amazon complete with cover!) people have been telling me their sexual secrets--spilling amazing confessions at odd and random moments. Is it because people are simply waiting for the opportunity to talk about the stuff they've been wondering and worrying about?

Got the galleys of the book yesterday. Very, very exciting, to see people grabbing copies and reading and responding (at least at SELF, where my colleagues have been so unbelievably supportive.

Up above, snaps from a blissful weekend at Block Island, from one of my favorite porches--the one at the Atlantic Inn.
Ciao, amici. Molto baci!
Paola
P.S.
Contrary to what the images above suggest, Millicent and I did actually leave the hallowed hill of the Atlantic. We hiked to Black Rock beach and biked and beached, too. And ate lots of lobster.

serious sexpertise needed

2008-08-16T13:41:00.006-04:00

So, I had an extremely positive meeting with Bantam's ace publicity team, who many have told me are the "best in the business." I'm excited, scared, and trying to stay realistic, practical and as always, keep my expectations very low. (I'm Jewish, what can I say?) All of which is to say I have to get my butt in gear (among other body parts) and step up my Become a Sexpert project. That entails: A) losing at least 10 pounds, ideally 20. B) Toning up all over (I ran for a half hour today--my iphone rocks out when it comes to helping me exercise and even looking forward to it. Every run is a chance to listen to the latest new songs I've downloaded. I'm making my way through the 1960s, happily, from the Yardbirds to the Stones to Janice to Petula Clark! With a bit of Kanye West thrown in, to get me really moving.) C) Getting comfortable talking about my book, and what it taught me about women and sex D) Getting comfortable being on TV, preferably without the help of sedating drugs (kidding!), and enjoying my life as a happy single woman in New York City, who is wide open to love.

Above, sunsets from this summer, thus far. Block Island and Montauk are still TK.

Baci, amici--
Paola

P.S. I'm reading the galleys of my book right now and it feels so wonderful to see the stories in print--I really like the type they used. Maybe it's Garamond, which I've always liked. Anyway, is it a good sign that despite reading each of these essays upward of, oh, 30 times, I still get involved and deeply engaged with all of them, still laugh or cringe or sigh? Or am I just prejudiced on my own book's behalf? I guess it's my baby after all, and parents are always biased when it comes to their children.

Hot Rocks

2008-08-10T12:56:00.002-04:00

That's what I listen to on my iphoneG3 during my run today. So much fun, to jog along to Mick. My iphone is reawakening my interesting in music--I'm downloading lots of old stuff (Janis, The Who, The Stones, Bruce)and even some new (gotta love Amy Winehouse!)
Ciao, amici!
Paola

BrOOOOOOOOce, Bayhead, babies and other summer iPhone highlights

2008-08-07T20:37:00.010-04:00

Birthday week!

2008-08-01T23:22:00.009-04:00

So far, 45 is divine, even if it IS half-way to 90. Saw Bruce Springsteen last night (I was 16 when I saw him last), and if this most recent concert didn't quite reach the transcendent level I experienced in high school, it was amazing seeing a performer who so clearly loves what he does and puts his absolute all into it. Amazing, amazing energy--I sang and danced and clapped pretty much the whole time, and you KNOW it's got to be good if it gets me dancing. Singing yes, dancing, no.
But Bruce makes me move.

Making progress on the book. Hired a web team to come up with a site for me; reviewing a proposal from a publicist. All exciting, new stuff. Just got to stay disciplined to get it all done.

Above, scenes from Wednesday night's Off Road Girls' meeting--our semi-regular martini-drinking, career-strategizing, man-and-magazine gossiping gatherings that are as close to a real-life Sex and the City as you can get (without all that sex). And an annual SELF summer gathering, at an undisclosed posh location.

Wish I knew how to migrate photos from my iPhone onto my computer or I'd share my Bruce snaps with you! Party in the Meadowlands!

Ciao amici--
Paola

The cover

2008-07-28T21:41:00.003-04:00

This is it, the one and only, approved by the powers that be.

Ciao, belli...
Paola

Half-way to ninety

2008-07-27T23:32:00.021-04:00

That's how I've been oh-so-optimistcally referring to my upcoming 45th birthday. The good news is that I had an amazingly relaxing, restorative weekend in one of my favorite places in the world, on one of my favorite beaches in the world, on one of my favorite porches in the world--namely, the porch of the Sunrise Guesthouse where I spent hours drinking coffee, gossiping, reading and looking at the ocean this past weekend in celebration of said upcoming day-of-birth. Mine.

Had much lobster, in many forms (on hot dog buns, nestled in hard shells and soft), lots of ice cream, got sandy, freckled and even went for a run. What could be better, especially when accompanied by such good friends?

Ciao, amici! I'm looking forward to launching into birthday week.
Paola

Purples skies and fireflies

2008-07-22T20:45:00.003-04:00

That's what happens at 7:30 pm, the perfect time to run around the Central Park Reservoir this time of year. I did it last night and felt grateful that I get to live in the cool and beautiful place that I do.

I am the proud owner of an iPhoneG3. I am in love. I am addicted. I have downloaded more than 100 songs--I am spending an inordinate amount of time playing with my computer, but I feel as if I'm suddenly catching up to what everyone has been so jazzed about--I've become a 'pod person, only the phone is so much cooler and better than the mere 'pod. Tomorrow, I plan to go over to the Apple Store in Rock Center and take a free tutorial, buy earphones that fit me and a better case, and generally groove on the Apple vibe. I've used Macs at work for the past decade, but I've never become a junkie, but this device is like a little person--I've taken to calling it "Little buddy," in my head, a nickname my dear friend Pam sometimes bestows on me. You interact with it, it does things for you like locate you in time and space (which is extremely helpful to someone as directionally challenged as I am, it can suggest restaurants based on where you are standing within 20 blocks. I'm not allowing myself to download yet--I need to get a better grasp on the basics first. But I think I'm becoming more tech savvy--maybe not a bad thing given the imminent arrival of my book!

Speaking of my book buy book!), we are now on cover version 4, and the conversation has kicked up to the associate publisher. It's a nail biter for me, that's for sure. When it's all over, I'll post 'em for all to see and admire or deride at will.

Ciao belli--
Paola

P.S.
Yes, I've had a few iPhone mishaps, as well. There was the unfixable bubble that appeared on my pristine iPhone screen after I diligently tried to apply the screen saver (screwed that up), then crashed my computer while trying to download iTunes (I had too many applications open), and when I rebooted, everything on the screen was sideways. Turns out if you press control/alt/option/delete, or some such, which I did, trying to force quit, you can turn your screen sideways. It was quite puzzling and annoying (I was already looking up the Geek Squad number. There went another $200 toward a computer worth only $1200. At what point do you just get a new one?

PPS...The iPhone earplugs don't fit inside my ears. Do I have abnormally small ear openings? They won't stay in.

Summer in the city snaps

2008-07-13T19:14:00.010-04:00

Beth Orton in Prospect Park, babies in Battery Park City and Lady Liberty.
Amo Juglio!
Ciao, amici--
Paola

P.S. Saw a very cool memorial in Battery Park City today--to the millions of Irish who were driven to New York City during the potato famine--it incorporates a reconstruction of an irish peasant hut, plantings and wildflowers that you'd find in Ireland, and a tunnel with snippets about the famine and state of life at the time. That's a picture of the meadow section, up top.

A mitzvah in Central Park

2008-07-13T13:06:00.002-04:00

Today, I was run/walking my way around the Central Park Reservoir and a young woman (from Spain?) and her maybe 10 year old daughter stopped me. She asked me if I spoke Spanish, I said un poco, but she must have suspected the extent of my limitations because she conveyed to me, in her limited english, that they were lost and had gotten separated from her husband, then she cried a little bit. The daughter looked unfazed. I told her to go to the next stopping point at the reservoir (el primo lugar con mucho gente), then she said she'd wait there, then she described her husband to me (cream hat, yellow shirt), and I said I'd direct him there if I ran into him. Sure enough, I kept running for about 5 minutes and saw a guy with a yellow shirt and cream baseball hat walking quickly and looking perturbed, and I conveyed the situation to him in Spanish. Successfully I hope.
I didn't run very fast but see what I would have missed if I hadn't gotten out there?
Ciao amici--
Paola

How racist is this?!

2008-07-13T11:33:00.002-04:00

Fox news is evil. Check out this video of the attacks on Michelle Obama. Scary. Bill Reilly even used the term "lynching" in reference to M.O.
Ciao, amici--
Get out the vote for Obama.
Paola

Behind the Bedroom Door available on Amazon now!

2008-07-12T12:45:00.005-04:00

I know that as a blogger I have to get the linking to other web site thingie down. So, here's an experiment...curious about my forthcoming book, Behind the Bedroom Door: Getting it, giving it, loving it, missing it? If so, you can buy it now, on Amazon no less.
Ciao, amici!
Paola

I bought myself an i-phone

2008-07-11T18:41:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday, to me!
They're sold out so it's coming next week. (They need to make you wait. That's how they turn it into a fad.)
I hope to god I can learn how to use the thing.
Ciao amici--
Paola

A bad day turned into a good day

2008-07-10T23:14:00.006-04:00

I woke up this morning in the same foggy, grumpy mood I've been in since after 4th of July weekend, then grouched my way into the office, and almost immediately got an email from my editor asking for me to meet with the publicity team. Apparently, they have the head of publicity and 2 others on my book, so I think they're trying to do something with it. Maybe? Anyway, that made me shift from blue to neutral, then I had a nice lunch in Bryant Park and was able to enjoy the beautiful day (I have to do that more!!!), then I got an email announcing that SELF's "self expression" column, which I edit (it's the personal essays) won a Clarion journalism award. Then, finally, a nice phone conversation with my sister. Then I was able to leave work by 6:15 or so, pick up groceries at Gourmet garage, then go for a run at the time of day when the light around the reservoir is most beautiful (around 7:15 or so, these days), then come home and put together an Italian antipasto plate for dinner, followed by fresh watermelon for dessert, plus phone calls with friends. Now I'm about to get into bed with a new book: The galleys of An American Wife, the new novel by Curtis Sittenfeld that imagines what it would be like to be married to a man very much like George Bush. (Scary.)

All adds up to a very good day.
Buona notte amici--
Paola

Why are romantic relationships with men so challenging?

2008-07-08T21:33:00.001-04:00

Is it because the sexes view the world in fundamentally different ways? Or is it that I haven't yet found the person with whom I mesh?
That's all I have to say for now.
Ciao i baci--
Paola

Spa-ing in Vail

2008-06-28T19:42:00.012-04:00

By my latest calculation, I have had a total of 4 1/2 hours of spa treatments (a wine-therapy combo salt scrub, wrap, massage and mini facial; a 90 minute aboriginal-based massage and a deep anti-aging facial that apparently used real caviar. Not sure if I'll ever be this glow-y again. But what really got my glow going was taking the gondola up Vail mountain, seeing the snow capped peaks in the distance, going on a little hike (the altitude kills you!) and doing this bungee cord trampoline thing. (Yes, that's me, screaming my head off above.)

Very nice.
Ciao--
Paola

Public School Rocks!

2008-06-23T08:54:00.003-04:00

At least PS 87 does. Here, for your perusal, are a few, final photos from Jordan's graduation from elementary school. Poignant!
Ciao--
Paola

Little boys....and other fun family stuff

2008-06-22T21:36:00.007-04:00

The nice thing about being an aunt is that you can say stuff like: Aren't my nephews the cutest EVER? Aren't they the smartest and sweetest and best? If I was a parent saying that about my own kids, everyone would think I was an annoying nut job. But because I'm an aunt, I'm allowed to crow and kvell and brag. So, take a look at some cute photos of Jordan and Caleb, along with some nice family photos from last weekend's bar mitzvah fest. Yes, that is my parents and my cousins Nancy and Herb holding up a version of the cover of my book, looking proud and only a tiny bit embarrassed.
baci--
Paola

Blogging blip

2008-06-19T09:27:00.005-04:00

Blame the book, blame teaching, blame everything. I simply haven't felt like blogging lately. But got a few new snaps from the family gathering in Baltimore last weekend for my cousin Andrew's bar mitzvah--really nice to see everyone and get them accustomed to the fact that I am about to be the author of a book about....sex!
Ciao amici--
Paola

The book jacket photo, revealed, in all its retouched glory

2008-06-03T12:16:00.001-04:00

The sunniest my bedroom gets

2008-06-01T14:27:00.007-04:00

at around 2 pm, I get a bit of direct sun in the bedroom I'm so happy whenever I happen to be home for it. The better to show off the bit of redecorating I've been doing. I had a painting of a nude over my bed which my friend MP kept referring to as "Lonely Girl." She felt like the woman was bad sexual karma. I had never seen it that way. To me, the painting, which was of a girl lying in a field, evoked the memory of where I bought it (in Northhampton, Mass, with an old, old boyfriend), and I liked the curves of her body and colors. I never thought of it as lonely or anything else. In any case, she's been persisting, so I took it down and in its place, put a beautiful map of Naples and hung a new print over my desk--a watercolor of the church of Santa Maria d Trastevere, which is beautiful and was about one minute from where I lived in Rome last year.

Some milestones today:
149!
Ran around the reservoir 2 and 1/4 times. Which was EASY.
Ciao--
Paola
P.S.
Check out my poppy new shower curtain, from the hardware store for $13!

Book jacket favorites

2008-05-31T16:43:00.005-04:00

Here are my two favorite shots from yesterday's photo shoot for my book jacket? Comments? I think they're nice. I'm happy! Which is all that matters right? If anyone strongly disagrees, speak now or forever hold your piece.

Am I a sexpert yet?

2008-05-30T18:39:00.004-04:00

That's me, in full hair and makeup, after my photo shoot in Central Park this afternoon. I think it was really a success! She tweaked my outfit and found the best light and it was all over in under an hour.

Mi piacere!

Ciao--
Paola

P.S.
18 pounds down!

This is my 200th post!....

2008-05-29T18:31:00.003-04:00

in what amounts to a bit more than a year of blogging. Not a bad output, considering it was not only painless but creative as well as cathartic, eh? Unlike Emily Gould, I use certain guidelines to guage if I'm revealing too much: namely, how would I feel if my parents read it? My boss? If you can answer, "perfectly fine, no matter who reads it (excluding minors), then you are doing okay. I merely drop hints about my personal life, leaving it that much more mysterious and enticing. But I do have a date tonight I'm (very) excited about. But it's a first date. Seeing is believing.

On a more unreservedly optimistic note, I was playing around with date outfits tonight and put together what I want to wear for my book jacket cover shoot tomorrow (luckily, the photo editor is coming over to my place before the shoot so she can veto it if need be. Anyway, it's my heinously, ridiculously expensive Lofli black jeans with my Italian pointy black boots; a kind of silky, tastefully clingy turquoise top with my favorite tangerine sweater draped around my shoulders. I'll be wearing three favorite articles of clothing at once (the boots, the pants, the sweater!). If that's not good energy, I don't know what is!

Ciao--
Paola

I'll post the results (and rejects) of the photo shoot here!

A weekend in the country...

2008-05-26T19:55:00.020-04:00

and I mean THE COUNTRY! I spent a few days up in the Catskills in the new house of my wonderful friends MP, Mathew and their adorable, genius-baby Connor. At 20 months, he knows and says the names of a roomfull of strangers in only a few minutes or so (and I think I'm exaggerating only a bit, if at all). Anyway, we hiked to a burbling creek that was literally burbling, did some amazingly productive brainstorming about our next projects (MP and I are midwives to the other person's ideas), barbecued, drank martinis, played with the baby and did some mighty fine porch sitting gazing at hills and cows and silos in the distance. I felt as if I'd stepped back in time--we visited an old cemetary full of families who had been there for generations and still lived in the town. Where ordinary people still own 500 acres of land. Coming back to the city (specifically Port Authority) was a shock, so I retreated to my apartment and am doing some summer sprucing!!! New print from Italy over my bed, new, poppy shower curtain.
Okay amici. Il tiempo mangiare e subito.
Ciao-
Paola

Mo-ment-um

2008-05-21T22:28:00.005-04:00

So, the book is spinning along. I've finished the revision, am waiting for the copy edit, and am now concerned with things like sending out manuscripts to editors to consider for excerption (SELF and MORE have bought essays so far) and what photo to use for my jacket cover! I thought I had the one I wanted--a photo taken by a SELF photographer for the magazine--but when our photo editor called him and asked him if I could have the rights, he said he didn't think I should use that picture--that it was too old (two years) and that he should take a new photo of me. But if I were to hire him, it would cost at least $400 bucks (of my own money) so I'm not inclined to do that. Plus, I like the photo (the one of me in Central Park, above). If I had my preference, I'd pick the second photo, in which I look kind of sexy because I'm semi-reclining, and totally open and relaxed, but it has nothing to do with sex--I'm holding my friend Pam's baby, and there's nothing like the feeling of holding an infant. It feels goooooood! All the hormones and instincts kick in or something. (Kind of like sex!)

So, SELF's photo editor relayed this to me at our director's dinner this evening--when you reach the position of "director" at SELF, you get to go to periodic very nice dinners where they give you nice little gifts and we play games to see how well we know our colleagues (tonight's was If I could be any TV character, it would be....I said Lori Partridge!)--wherein I discovered that the photo editor was in fact also a photographer and she offered to shoot me for free--all I'd have to do is get my hair and makeup done. So, I may take her up on that. Meanwhile, do any of the photos above seem appropriate for an author's photo? Do I really have to go through this mishigas?! (That's Yiddish for trouble, for my Italian friends who read this blog).

Ciao--
Buona notte amici!
Paola

Good morning, Baltimore....

2008-05-19T00:11:00.008-04:00

I returned from my trip to Baltimore with my nephew Jordan and immediately slipped in the Hairspray sound track. John Waters, big Baltimore-ite. And Babe Ruth was born there. Truth be told, I was completely impressed with the city and plan to go back for a grown up trip to do some shopping, poking around neighborhoods, and blue crab sampling. It's a very compact city, very walkable--Jordan and I walked the the inner harbor area every day, we walked to an Orioles game, a highlight, did a lot of wandering around on foot and by sea...
It was so nice to hang with my nephew. He is so enthusiastic, singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame in his sweet little voice. People around him just notice and respond to him because he is so sincere and open and adorable. We had a great time and I loved pampering him--I got lots of cuddles and giggles in return--this morning we were wandering around laughing together and he started laughing so hard he got the hiccups. Very enjoyable.

Buona notte!
Ciao--
Paola

48 hours with Wesley Clark

2008-05-10T17:32:00.019-04:00

No, not THAT Wesley Clark. Wes burst onto the scene on April 29th, with a car and a lust for criss-crossing the country in a borrowed car. After 5 solid days of solitude it was great--we had an amazing first day, driving down the northwest coast of the island, stopping at Bosa, a sweet river town (photos above), then stopping at a small but beautiful beach for a swim and a picnic (a highlight of the day for me), then making our way south to Phoenician ruins at Tharros, on the sea. Some striking columns but otherwise, it was hard to get a sense of what I was seeing. Then took a train to Cagliari (pronounced kai-yar-ee, with the accent on the first syllable). Saw a very solemn saints festival, with costumed marching, rosary-praying, festooned horses and rose petals in the street. Then back to the village Cuglieri, which had a very picturesque cathedral on a hill surrounded by more hills, (see above) where we had dinner at a local restaurant with no menu; they simply brought out plates and plates of food, starting with boar salami, proscuitto, local cheese, lots of game, local pasta, etc., etc., etc. It was a real meal from the "interior" of the island--no seafood--so was interesting to experience. Then, the next morning, Wes kindly took me all the way back to Alghero so I could make my way to Rome. Wes was great company--he kind of knows everything about everything--and is a great traveler, so I just sat back and let myself be taken care of a bit, which was nice after taking care of myself for most of the last week.
Enjoy the snaps!
Baci--
Paola

A touch of Spain in Sardinia

2008-05-09T22:11:00.011-04:00

The second phase of my Sardinian trip was spent in Alghero, a town with a Spanish, Catalan influence (thought it seemed pretty Italian to me, I have to say). But it was quite pretty--on the water, near a natural site called Neptune's grotto, an 8 km series of caves filled with stalagtites and stalagmites, and with all the requisite windy streets and churches. It would have been more fun if the dollar had been stronger--the town is known for its beautiful gold filigreed jewelry, but even I, profligate spender that I can be, did not see the sense in buying jewelry in Euros. So I window shopped, ate nice seafood, and enjoyed the atmosphere. Though, truth to tell, I was a little lonely in Alghero--I'd been alone for about 5 days by the time I got there and I was feeling a little sorry for myself and wishing I had some company. Thank god for boooks, that's all I have to say. They can be really good dinner companions--I get very absorbed, which is nice when you are eating alone.

Part of the problem is that I was staying at this annoying resorty hotel with a gorgeous pool (and view out my terrace of a beach and palm trees (above), but with snotty people at the desk, who seemed to go out of their way to be unpleasant and slightly disdainful. Gradually, though, I saw its good points--it was in a pine forest but near the beach, it was only a few kilometers from a nuraghi, an ancient dwelling in a pre-Christian, pre Roman settlement. They only exist in Sardinia, and they were occupied by a population that was wiped out suddenly in a single fell swoop (or close to it). So it was interesting to learn some history I'd had no notion of. (Photos above--they basically look like huts made of stones.) I walked to one from my hotel along this pine-tree-shaded bike path. Extremely civilized.

And now, I'm ready to enjoy the atmosphere of my bedroom. I am TIRED after a full week of work, post vacation.
Buona notte!
Paola

A stint in...

2008-05-08T19:53:00.010-04:00

Stintino. Wanted to share my photos from my stay in Stintino, a fairly remote fishing village in the northwest part of Sardinia, near the famed beach La Pelosa (which is very small, so don't go there during high season. This was the most solitary part of my trip--I stayed in a wonderful family run hotel for 60 euros a night (you can see the photo above), and mornings, walked to the beach, which was about 3 kilometers away. Along the way, I passed other small beaches, fields of wild flowers, and was able to feast my eyes on views that got better and better (and water that got bluer and bluer) the closer I got to La Pelosa. I ate in the hotel restaurant, Il Silvestrino, every night. It was the best place in town and the food was outrageously good, from the flat bread drizzled with olive oil that began each meal to lobster marinated in spices, lime, lemon with a kick to it--but the sweetest lobster I've tasted. And of course, really nice wine: A sweet dessert or apertivo wine called Malavasia that I really loved, a port like red dessert wine the name of which I can't remember, and the reds, most commonly Cannanau. It's a good, solid red, but I like the Primitivos and Salice Salentino's of Puglia better.

Anyway, feast your eyes on the sensual snaps above.
Ciao--
Paola

P.S. Turned in "flap copy" for the book yesterday. Scary--it's the text that is going to help someone decide to either pick it up and buy it or pass on by. Waiting to hear what my editor thinks since I totally rewrote it, control freak (and professional editor) that I am.

Friends, Romans and countrymen...

2008-05-06T05:44:00.010-04:00

...lend me your ears. Or, at least, your eyes. Wanted to share my snaps in bits and chunks (otherwise, it's overwhelming). First, the reentry into Rome, which was painless, thanks to my lovely friends Gianni and Federica, who not only hosted me at the beginning, but made my bed every night and drove me around Rome on a motorbike, which was scary at first, then heaven. It felt amazing to explore old streets, favorite sites but mostly just to be back again and say hi to the local shopkeepers, cafe servers and the like. (Who remembered me! I wasn't just the invisible American tourist.) (My friend Sarah did the same at the end--it was so nice to feel as if there are people who care about me (and who I care about) in Rome.

A few thoughts on Romans:
1) When it comes to cappuccino making, they are efficiency experts. Even after all this time, I marvel each time I have a morning cappuccino and cornetto con marmalatta at the speed and grace skill of the people behind the counter. They whip up cappuccino instantly (no funny names for the coffee or inflated prices), slide freshly baked, heavenly pastries on to trays, and whisk it all away when you're finished eating (standing at the counter, the way Italians do). The perfect commuter breakfast. I guess it's not healthy, but it feels so...Italian. I haven't figured out why they're so good at the morning rush hour, so efficient, yet when it comes to doing things like mailing a letter or making a bank transaction, there seem to be a scary number of unnecessary bureaucratic and time wasting and Kafka-esque factors at play that make the experience anything but efficient. And in America, it's the opposite: Going to Starbucks is a Kafkaesque experience: Paying tons of money for bad coffee with funny names, served by people who usually don't quite know what they're doing, yet everything else is super efficient (compared to Italy). Why can't we have the same kind of primo cappuccino making here? Why does it taste so much better there? Thoughts?
Ciao--
Paola

The perfect mix...

2008-05-05T23:51:00.002-04:00

...of solitude and company, beach and city, culture and lounging, and of course, reading, reading, reading. That describes my two week stay in Rome and Sardinia in spring time, the perfect season to be in Italy. Things hit a bump early on when my traveling companion, whose place I was supposed to be staying in for much of the trip, had to leave suddenly because of a death in the family. I was leaving for Sardinia in the morning, and had to reinvent my plans. I took the unadventurous route, and extended my stays at a rather remote fishing village on the northwest tip of Sardinia near a beautiful, beautiful beach (La Pelosa is the name), as well as at a resorty place with a nice infinity pool and a snobby staff (Punta Negra) in Fertilia, a small town created by Mussilini, which was kind of creepy. I spent a few days in Rome with friends, then really slowed down the pace and took long walks to the beach once I was in Sardinia, feasting every night on local seafood, reading novels voraciously (thanks for the lending, Nancy!), and sailing with a bunch of Sardinians on a catamaran one day, enjoying trying to communicate. After the first Sardinian phase, it was on to Fertilia/Alghero, where I saw my first stalagtites/mites, wandered around a white, Spanish-flavored town with windy streets and semi-posh jewelry stores. Then met up with my friend for two days, who came back and was rearing to go, driving us all over the country, including spectacular winding roads atop cliffs with azure sea beneath. Also took a train to a saint festival in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, and way underrated, as far as I'm concerned. There were processions of people in traditional costume, men on horses, rose petals covering the streets. I expected raucous but got solemn--it celebrates St. Efesius saving the city from the Plague. Then, finally, a morning and night in the small village of Cuglieri, also underrated (it had a great little bar/coffee place open to the air and a terrific local restaurant that just kept bringing out plates and plates of food, from fava beans marinated with celery and onions and garlic to pheasant! And, at last, Rome for two more days, in Trastevere, which was in all its luminous glory, especially toward the end of the very long spring days. I took many, many snaps of the nabe and the unbelievably rich, lucid light.

More to come, including photos....plus descriptions of the wonderful friends I got to reconnect with. They took such good care of me and went out of their way to see me and that made me feel so good.

Ciao,
Paola

I made it home...

2008-05-04T22:08:00.002-04:00

...my bag, unfortunately, did not. But it's due to arrive tomorrow or the next day, and with it, the little thingamajig that allows you to download photos on to the computer. So many luscious trip details TK, as we editors say.

Sleepy and trying to get organized for the week ahead. A little stressed!!!! But the trip ended up being amazing, as always, and Rome is truly starting to feel like, well, home. It's so nice to go there and meet with friends and wave to people in the neighborhood and be embraced and greeted by shop owners and cafe servers...can you imagine that happening in NYC? Rome is like a small town, in many ways.

Buona notte!
Paola

A sunny afternoon in Stintino

2008-04-27T05:57:00.002-04:00

As often happens in Italy, things get a bit dicey on Sundays, and the bus I thought I was going to take this morning to Sassari en route to Alghero doesn't actually leave til 3:30. So the lovely Rita at Il Silvestrino said I could stay in my room all day (would NEVER happen in the states), so I'm enjoying a final leisurely few hours. Bought some provisions for a little picnic including fresh strawberries that look absolutely amazing, and will have lunch on my terrace, then maybe take a final walk to the beach before I head out.

Things are really waking up around here today. It's a national holiday on Monday so the Italians have descended and stores are opening up. Fortunately for my wallet, there isn't much to buy, though the gold and coral jewelry this island specializes in is beautiful. But I'm going to wait til I get to Alghero where there is more choice.

Okay, time to get away from the computer and enjoy the afternoon.
Ciao, ciao!
Paola

sailing away in sardegna

2008-04-26T12:19:00.002-04:00

Ciao, amici--
I'm ending my first week in Italia and have dutifully been recording experiences in an actual paper diary, so will post along with photos when I return. In case all of you were worried, my trip is turning out well despite my change in plans. I've been in the small village of Stintino for the past four days, hiking around and mostly spending time at an incredibly beautiful beach and having some of the best meals I've had in Italy--local lobster, which was sweet and wonderful, spaghetti with bottarga, which is tuna or mullet roe (like caviar) and may not sound appetizing, but was incredible, unbelievable desserts, most filled with ricotta cheese and topped with local honey and of course lots of the local red and white wines. I'm staying at a fantastic family run hotel, il Silvestrino, where they are treating me wonderfully and where I have a terrace that is much, much larger than my entire place in New York City. Yesterday, spent an amazing day at the beach and even got to go in the water, which is this amazingly clear, azure color that I have never seen anywhere else. Today, spent the day on a catamaran on a day trip to Assinara, a national park on an island that used to be the site of a maximum security prison. Now, the only things there are turtles, white burros, wild pigs and birds. I was the only english speaker on the boat; everyone else was sardinian and after they literally asked me about 20 times if I was alone, and why was I traveling alone (they repeated in shocked voices, sola?! sola?! in Italy, the women don't seem to travel or do much on their own, especially 44 year old women. But after they got over their shock, they adopted me and we had a great pasta lunch on the boat, went on a hike, and generally had a great time. Tomorrow, I'm off to the Catalan-influenced city of Alghero via Sassari, where I'll look around a bit before changing busses. Will troll around there for a while and take a day trip or two, then my friend Wes will come meet me and we will go to Cagliari for a festival where the locals dress in traditional costumes and parade in the streets. Then, one night in the small village of Cuglieri where my friend Wes has gotten a place, then back to Rome for two final days.

So far, so good. Lots of solitude, but broken up nicely with company. And I'm tearing through all my novels! And studying Italian.

Ciao belli!
Paola
Stay tuned for photos when I return!

A slight change in plans...

2008-04-22T18:20:00.003-04:00

Well, life works in unpredictable ways, I guess. Sadly, the friend I was meeting up with in Sardinia (and staying in a house in a little village with) has to return to the states suddenly because his step mother died. Sad for him, for his family, and a bummer for me, expenses wise and mostly, companionship wise. I wasn't counting on this much time at the beach in Sardinia alone, sans transportation. So I extended my hotel stays (luckily, both were fairly inexpensive) and am planning to do a lot of reading. I'm bummed, but will make the best of it. How bad can a 10 day stay at two hotels on the beach in Sardinia be? So, this afternoon was a bit difficult, learning the news, trying to make some new plans. My friends have been a huge help to me, making reservations and being incredibly sweet.

Had dinner in Testaccio tonight at an old-fashioned Roman trattoria with good food and a very grumpy waitress. Saw old friends--I wish we'd had a bit more time together to get to know one another again, but it felt very nice seeing everyone. And I've been loving zipping all over Rome on the back of Federica's motorbike. What a way to see Rome! They took me by Renzo Piano's new performance center, which was interesting looking--not a particularly dignified or graceful looking building, but interesting to see.

Okay amici--not sure when I'll have easy access to a computer again...wish me luck in Sardinia.
Ciao!
Paola

A motorino ride in the rain

2008-04-21T17:12:00.003-04:00

Tonight, Gianni, Federica and I had dinner at Gusto, a New York-y kind of restaurant with lots of good wines by the glass and of course, good pizza. We went by scooter, which I'm sure was way more exciting for me than it was for my friends, but I love zipping around the streets of Rome by night, as long as I'm not the one doing the driving.

Had a wonderful day walking to all my favorite roman sites: the forum, the ghetto, Campo Di Fiore, Piazza Navona, Trastevere (where I got a nice wave and a Salve! from the guy who owns the store across from where I used to live on Via della Scalla. He's still there, sitting out front, kibbutzing, or whatever the Italian word for that is. And of course, made my way to the Spanish steps, did a teeny bit of shopping, had pizza, gelato at Giolitti and am now back home safe and sound as the rain pounds outside.

When I return to NYC, I will post all the accompanying photos. But for now, to bed!

Buona notte!

I'm in Rome!

2008-04-20T17:36:00.002-04:00

So nice to be here, staying with my friends Gianni and Federica in their lovely apartment near the Borghese Gardens. I'm jet lagged, bed is calling, and I'm having trouble with this Italian keyboard, so I'll keep this short, but had a very easy trip over the ocean, had some good gelato (my first of the trip) and had a pizza dinner out nearby with another friend who joined us. It was nice to listen to Italian swirling all around me. One of these days it will just sink into my skin and I'll know how to speak it. But for the moment, bed is calling.

Tomorrow, an all day walk, stopping at all my favorite haunts.

Ciao!
Paola

Last blog before Sardinia...maybe!

2008-04-19T17:34:00.002-04:00

These are all the things I am NOT bringing on this trip:
1) My computer
2) Make up
3) A bag I have to check (yes, people, I am going to Italy for 2 weeks with just a carry on bag--the best bag EVER, a rolling backpack that really functions like a small carry-on suitcase and holds an enormous amount--plus a tote into which I'll stuff everything else to meet the two bag limit.

Here's what I am bringing:
1) My cashmere throw
2) Ear plugs and an eye mask
3) Too many magazines and books (I won't have a computer! I need to entertain myself)

I am traveling kind of lightly (for me) and plan to live kind of lightly (for me). We'll see what this will bring.

Ciao amici--
baci!
Paola

A radical proposal

2008-04-18T23:29:00.003-04:00

I am not bringing my computer to Italy. The decision was made for me, after much indecision then a decisive tipping today toward bringing it. I'm trying to fly with only a small carry on and a tote (for two weeks!) and I absolutely cannot lug it--it's just too much stuff. (Is this what they mean by getting old?

I'm going to pack lightly, live lightly (or try, anyway), read, and write the old fashioned way, in a notebook.

(This isn't as radical as it sounds; my friend is bringing his computer and my sense is that somewhere, in the land of gadget obsessed Italy, I will be able to find an Internet cafe.) But my apologies to my 10s of fans for promising to blog and now, perhaps, retracting that promise. (I will if I can; if not, I will make notes in my diary and record it later. Almost like real writing!

Do you ever just look around your apartment....

2008-04-18T00:04:00.002-04:00

...and think: I have to get rid of 90 percent of this crap! I have so many magazines, so many New Yorkers that I've never even cracked open, that I know contain things I'd be glad I read. But at a certain point, I have to throw all these baskets of magazines away. I don't look at them and they pile up and I think the dust is making me sneeze!!!! Maybe, on Saturday, as I pack for my trip, I'll throw out a ton of stuff and put even more in storage. I'm craving SPACE. Good thing I'm going to Sardinia. Bet there's space there.
Ciao bambini--
Paola

Babies and cherry blossoms

2008-04-15T14:40:00.005-04:00

Two of my favorite things. That's my friend Diana's boy, Sebastian, who is 10 months. Diana is my friend who introduced me to the pleasures of Italian life; she lived in Rome for 10 years and along the way, after years of visiting her, I fell in love with Rome and with Italy. Now she is in L.A., too far away, but is visiting her home town of Park Slope for a week.

The other photos show me in a very unusual state: out of bed and ready to run around the cherry-blossom dotted Central Park Reservoir before 8 AM in the morning. I've been meeting my friend Allan who comes over from the east side, and we make our way around the reservoir while I listen to his dating foibles (hopefully, I'll have a few of my own to write about one day soon). Anyway, that's me, looking surprisingly awake and happy. It must be spring!

Ciao--4 more days until Roma!!!!
Paola

spring time in sardegna

2008-04-12T21:44:00.003-04:00

...it has a certain ring, doesn't it? My TWO WEEK trip to Rome and Sardinia is shaping up nicely. I am getting unbelievably excited, with little of my usual pre-trip I-don't-wanna-go-how-will-work-survive-without-me-angst. I WANT to go.

Here's my itinerary thus far:
April 20: land in Amsterdam, transfer to Rome, stay with Gianni and Federica
April 23: Fly to Alghero, Sardinia, a town with a strong Catalan influence--apparently, street signs are in Spanish, food has a Spanish influence. Transfer to Stintino, a fishing village in Northwest Sardinia, near what is supposed to be one of the nicest beaches on the Island, La Pelosa. I'll be staying at a hotel on the beach, Il Silvestrino, for a few nights, my friend Wes is comming to meet me and we will drive down the coast, stopping at some ruins at Tharros, a few beaches perhaps, then ending up in Cuglieri, a village where Wes landed an apartment by swapping his own in Brooklyn. (My new favorite way to travel--apartment swapping. So cheap. Free, actually. Much less complicated (I imagine) than couple swapping.

Anyway, the plan is to hang in Cuglieri, read, (D.H. Lawrence's The Sea and Sardinia, Henry James's Italian Days and I'm trying to choose between two novels--one by Francine Prose, one by Rachel Cusk, lent to me by my well-read friend, Nancy. The beach, of course, hiking, biking along teh coast, day trips (isola di San Pietro?), then to Alghero to stay at La Punta Negra
on the beach for two more days in luxury. I fly back to Rome to spend two nights in Trastevere with my friend Sara, so I get a day in my old 'hood, then back to NYC, hopefully more rested, more fit and well fed--I need to get back into the healthy Mediterranean way of living.

Worked out with my trainer in Central Park, doing some running, jumping jacks, lunges, etc., etc. It was great, but I'm bummed because after I did laundry, I put on a clean pair of jeans and they were...a little tight. I've been snacking a little more this week. I've got to reign it on in. Losing weight is TOUGH. (For me, at least.)

I tried a linking experiment in this post. For some reason, I can't get the linking thing right.

Ciao belillisimi!
Paola

How narcissistic is it...

2008-04-09T21:42:00.003-04:00

...to sip some wine and take photographs of yourself? Is it just, like, totally lame?
Ciao,
Paola

Book excitement!

2008-04-07T21:50:00.003-04:00

Can't believe I'm at this phase of the book, but SELF is currently considering some essays from BTBD--maybe even two essays! And other editors are clamoring! It's exciting but I'm walking around with a constant nervous/excited/slightly anxious knot in my stomach. It's as if the project is taking on a life of its own, which I guess means it has legs, but is scary too. This is going to be a real, public tangible thing! That I created! Out there in the world! It really is like a baby!
Ciao bambini--
Paola

The well-made bed

2008-04-06T16:17:00.003-04:00

I'm having a getting and spending weekend (but mostly spending). Starting with the getting, I've shifted my focus to the publicity of the book, and for the first time, actually getting excited about it. I'm starting to have some ideas--like making my quest for a sexpert body (and self) a part of the book's story.
For instance, I rented a place in Trastevere where I could look out over the Roman street life and the shopkeepers sitting in front of their shops gossiping every morning, worked on the book, had gelato every day, traveled, learned Italian, and (rather rapidly, given the circumstances, healed a broken heart. IF ONLY ELIZABETH GILBERT HADN'T DONE ALL THIS FIRST. I SWEAR I DIDN'T GET THE IDEA FROM HER!

Ahem. Anyway, I healed my heart in Rome, started a blog called Rome is Where the Heart Is, and immersed myself in other women's stories about sex, while not getting any literal sex at all, but feeding my body and soul and brain in the most sensual way possible. There's a story there, no? Then, she returns to NYC, starts dating up a storm, hires a young, cute, gay personal trainer and drops 20 pounds...only 15 more to go! It's amazing how much easier running is getting--I even pass a (very) few runners around the reservoir lately, as opposed to solely walkers.

Now, about the bed. I shopped and spent and shopped and spent this weekend, though in my defense, everything was something I vaguely needed. I bought two beautiful spring summer dresses in Varazioni, both easy, packable, hand washable and not extremely expensive ($100 each). Then I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren pillowcases in the perfect shade of melon/apricot and a certain deep, jewel-toned pink that I associate with India and Italy. Then, I went lower end today and bought a set of 1000 thread-count sheets (yes, you read that right) in Egyptian cotton in a somewhat rundown neighborhood store that sells no name brands, but you can sometimes find nice, much cheaper stuff in there.

The major splurges that I DIDN'T need, that I NEVER need, because I work at SELF magazine and I get free or $1 products regularly, but I am a product JUNKIE, were the following: An Acqua di Parma body cream in the scent of Sicilian oranges, an Aveda candle in the scent of Shampure (it's one of their shampoos, and smells amazing--I can't even describe it but it's the ultimate in clean and fresh; a Nars concealer and makeup brush from this cool new product store called blue mercury Actually, that could be a fun topic for me to write about in my new anthology: She's gotta have it: 21st century little addictions, a book about guilty pleasures and even guilty non pleasures. I could be honest and funny and it wouldn't embarrass anyone related to me.

Okay, enough blogging. Time to start living. (Actually, time to work on publicity for my book. I also want to study Italiano.

Ciao--
Paola

The Eighth Deadly Sin?

2008-04-06T10:28:00.002-04:00

Gossip.
It's not the new year, but I'm making a resolution. I will do my best to stop gossiping, whether spreading news good or bad (unless it's job related, which I believe is helpful in terms of getting a feel for how things are going in the magazine world).
You are all hearing me. Call me on it if you catch me doing it.

Above, my newly straightened, newly cut ultra chic sexpert hair!!!

Question: I have cherry blossoms in full flower in my apartment. Could they be making my allergies act up? I sneezed literally about 20 times in a row this morning. It was not pretty. Thank god for Allegra.

Ciao amici--
Paola

P.S. I now have Lori Partridge, Marcia Brady hair. Tastes are shaped and cemented early on people!

Spring has sprung

2008-04-04T23:19:00.003-04:00

...at least it has inside my apartment. If you can't bring the girl to the cherry blossoms, bring the cherry blossoms to the girl, I always say.
The only thing I miss about living in Connecticut is the changing of the seasons. It's just not the same in the city, even with Central Park. But I'm trying to feel the spirit!
Ciao--
Paola

Class of 1981 rocks

2008-04-04T23:12:00.003-04:00

That's the year I graduated from high school, and that's Robin, one of my best friend's from senior year in high school. She was in for the weekend a few weeks ago; we both went out to New Jersey to see the son of another high school friend have his bar mitzvah.
Thirty years. I still see the teenagers in us.
Ciao, belli--
Paola

Happy birthday, Caleb!

2008-04-04T22:54:00.009-04:00

Little boys, little boys everywhere, because Caleb is turning NINE! I can't believe it. Jordan is staying over at my house tonight while his younger brother Caleb gets to have some space with his friends for his birthday slumber party. He's already reminding me more of a teenager than a little boy. It's so amazing how you turn around one day and suddenly they're almost grown up. I know, I know, a very cliched thing to say, but that's what it feels like. But I'm always going to be the cool aunt (I hope). Though when Jordan was telling me earlier tonight that he wants to grow up to be a professional football player, I found myself thinking that football is one sport I wouldn't want him to play...too many concussions. And he weighs about 60 pounds! Lucky, there are very few Jewish, 4 foot tall, 60 pound professional football players.

Ciao amici--
I'll be in Roma and Sardegna soon--! And I don't remember any Italian!
Paola

Back to blogging, which means...

2008-04-01T18:19:00.002-04:00

...my computer is fixed! I called Geek Squad, someone came to my house the next day (within a four hour window), and fixed my Dell laptop in 5 minutes, after I'd spent hours and hours on the phone with Time Warner Cable and Dell and spiked my blood pressure and released all kinds of nasty stress hormones.

Long live geek squad.

Ciao belli--
Paola
P.S. Dell even gave my a refund of $250 for their On-call service. If you're thinking of ordering Dell On Call, DON'T.

Virtual silence

2008-03-28T16:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, my blog has been on hiatus lately, because I cannot get on the Internet at home. I spent $250 to sign up for Dell's on call service (you get a year and four problems), but after about 3 hours on the phone, in three or four separate calls, no dice. I actually had one woman (in India, of course) say, We've been on the phone for an hour and I have other customers to help. Um, okay. So what did I spent $250 for? Another woman said: Well, I don't have expertise on this but I can try a few things if you want me to..... Not confidence inspiring. My friend, who was on the phone at that point and frustrated (and SHE is a software engineer as opposed to a technophobe like me) said NO!! I don't want you to try a few things if you don't know what you are doing!
Other adventures in Dell Customer Service: We were transferred to another department (turns out it was the wrong department, but we didn't know that), and every time we tried to get them to address my internet problem, they said: Your hardware warranty has expired. They must have repeated this phrase 10 times. It was quite Kafka-esque, a real bureaucratic nightmare. The upshot is I still have no internet service at home, but more testing has revealed that it might be a Time Warner Cable problem, because another friend's lap top didn't seem to work in my place, either. My wonderful brother-in-law is going to come to my apartment on Sunday night and deal with Time Warner Cable and do all the plugging and unplugging. Because he has what I don't have: a Y chromosome!

Meanwhile, my trip to Sardinia and Rome is shaping up. Staying with friends on the outskirts of Rome for a few days when I arrive, then flying to Sardinia and staying at a hotel at a little fishing village for two days, then going on to Cuglieri to stay in a house with friends, then back to Rome for 2 days in Trastevere with another friend. HEAVEN.
Ciao--
Paola

Day off!

2008-03-14T17:13:00.002-04:00

1) slept til noon
2) did laundry, recycling, household chores
3) lounged on couch with coffee and talked on the phone
4) didn't really do much book-work other than for 5 minutes (whether that's a positive or negative, I'm not sure, but I have to start CRANKING again)
5) ran around the reservoir. it was soooo easy. it feels so good to be in shape again.
6) going on a first date tonight.....
Ciao--
Paola

Spitzer, man.....

2008-03-10T23:45:00.002-04:00

WHAT IS IT WITH THE MALE SPECIES, that's what I want to know! I can't understand this, no matter how I look at it. Why didn't he just have an ordinary affair? Why risk his career (because he now has to leave politics) to have sex with a $4600 prostitute--and pay for the transaction with a credit card!? A friend and I were talking about the concept of paying nearly 5K for a little less than 2 hours of sex and decided that the only possible way we'd pay something like that for sex is if it was with George Clooney and it took place on a beach in Tahiti--for a WEEK.

Does power make a man sexually voracious? Does sexual voracity make a man powerful? Are men just scum, deep down? (Not you, dad, and all the guys I know and love--I'm excluding you all.)
Ciao--
Paola

The winner!

2008-03-07T22:09:00.002-05:00

It's my favorite, too, only I'd have a crumpled piece of lingerie in place of the shoes. And the mirror would be on the back of a bedroom door, so you'd see edge of bed reflected. I'd go a little more obvious. But I love the color (it's the exact color of my bedroom--kind of a peachy apricot that makes everyone's skin look good) and I think there's something inherently compelling about a half open door, even if it is cliche. So, we'll see. My strategy is to start stark and elegant, even a bit severe, so that if they come up with something that's more of the chick lit ilk, we can meet more easily in the middle. Of course, I'm blowing my whole strategy by stating it on my blog!
Ciao, belli--
I'll be in Italy--Sardinia--in a bit more than a month. I haven't done ANYTHING to plan. Gotta look for flights!
Paola

Vote for your favorite image for my forthcoming book!

2008-03-06T20:36:00.004-05:00

Those aren't the real covers--my wonderfully generous friend Andrzej Jankerka, former art guru at SELF and now the design director at AARP magazine, listened to my vision for the cover, which is as follows: elegant, clean, simple and a little sexy; graphic, even a little stark. It can't look like porno or cheesy chick lit because of the title (Behind the Bedroom Door: 27 women on getting it, giving it, loving it, missing it), otherwise, women will feel embarrassed to read it on the subway. That's my standard: Women have to feel good reading it on the subway--therefore it has to be classy and slightly literary yet compelling and serious. I sent him a bunch of book jackets I love (check out rodrigocorral.com--amazing stuff, including cover for A Million Little Pieces), and he mocked these up for me so I can present them to Bantam. I know they won't do exactly what I'd like them to, but I do think I'm conveying my idea strongly and clearly.

Anyway, VOTE! Then I'll tell you my favorite! Lemme here your comments people!
Ciao, belli--
Paola

Cashmere socks

2008-03-03T23:13:00.003-05:00

..are a necessary luxury, as far as I'm concerned. I have about 10 or 12 pairs, in all different bright colors and patterns. They are so soft and warm and I feel happy whenever I put them on in the morning. Which is why they're worth $15 each.

Other ridiculously expensive yet relatively low-cost splurges:
1) Mrs. Meyers eco friendly cleaning products and candles, in geranium. I seem incapable of getting sick of them. Too bad the detergent costs $16.

2) 400 thread count sheets. We sleep for half our life, no?

3) $169 jeans, worth it if they make your butt look amazing. (The brand I like is Lofli and okay, I admit, these last two examples aren't exactly low-cost.

4) Charmin toilet paper & Kleenex tissues

5)good coffee

Can you tell I'm a sensualist?
Ciao, belli--
Paola

Blogging mood...

2008-02-27T21:46:00.003-05:00

I haven't been in much of one, in case you've noticed. I've been deep in the book revision process, all the politics and personalities, the negotatiating and cajoling--28 or so different essays about sex with all the twists and turns and unexpected vulnerabilities that entails.

This is the part of the book that feels like work--not quite like work-work, but not the absolute pure pleasure that defined most of the process. That's all I'll say at the moment, because I'm going to try and move forward and savor some of this, too. It's new, it's challenging, and kind of exciting, in that it's provoking high emotion. (I think that's good, anyway).

Tomorrow, off to West Palm Beach to spend time with my snowbird parents. Hoping for beach time, exercise time, sleeping time and some working time--I wouldn't say those are unrealistically high expecations, would you?

Ciao--No internet access in Florida, so I will be radio silent (virtually silent) for the next couple of days. Miss me?

Paola

Serious work ahead

2008-02-17T21:15:00.003-05:00

So, the next month is going to be devoted to revising (or asking writers to revise) various essays. Not the most fun process--as an editor, I'm not used to (nor do I love) being edited. But I'm plunging in with hope and faith that this will only make the book sharper. To make the process less onerous, and to create an environment that feels like a "work at home" environment, I spiffed up my desk/home office area. I've decluttered, added some greenery and flowers, cute little containers and all kinds of things that help disguise the fact that there is no light in here (including environmentally incorrect full spectrum bulbs. So, I worked on the book for several hours today and plan to put in about four more tomorrow--it now feels as if I have a home office that I'm happy to be sitting in and that's motivating.

Ciao, belli!
Paola

Healing up

2008-02-16T22:18:00.002-05:00

I've had a bump on the road to my continued bout of happiness--I fell down literally and figuratively. But I'm realizing that it's okay to go down for a bit so as to savor the ups. Life isn't all ups.
I worked out with my trainer today. He's a sweetie--I feel as if he's my teenaged son--I've been scolding him about doing indoor tanning (he has light blue eyes and pale skin).
I'm so happy to have a three-day-weekend. Soon I will begin planning my trip to Cuglieri, in Sardinia. I'm excited about it--it seems as if it's an off-the-beaten path place that is beautiful and has some history--castles and beaches and places to hike. Not a bad choice for two weeks in the spring!

Ciao belli--Gotta start studying italiano again.
Paola

the human body is an amazing thing

2008-02-12T21:16:00.001-05:00

It's only been 48 hours ago and my wounds are healing nicely. Now it just looks like I have a giant cold sore over my lip, instead of a big scab. But my lip is almost back to normal size and I'm feeling less shell-shocked after my fall. The big relief, though, was getting my taxes done--I've been stressing about it because of the book, but it didn't turn out to be that hard getting everything together--except I had to bring everything to the office to force myself to put it all together. There's something about sitting in my comfy, cozy, colorful apartment that just made me want to put off doing my taxes, and put it off, and put it off.

Above, photos of Bettina and Martin's cute kids, Lily and Asher. (Asher is wearing a knight costume--just cuz he wanted to.) He was very cute: He said, "Mommy, I'm going to go upstairs and come back down a different person!" Ah, to be 5 again.

Ciao--
Paola

Flat on my face

2008-02-10T20:35:00.000-05:00

I had a lovely weekend in Houston, until this morning, after a run around Rice University in 75 degree weather, I tripped over an uneven sidewalk and went down, smacking my face on the pavement. Luckily, I didn't break my nose or any teeth, but I do look a bit like someone smacked me in the face with a frying pan: My lip is swollen and cut, I have a big round cut between my nose and my mouth, I have cuts on my nose and some on my hands. Basically, I look a bit like a freak show (or a victim of domestic abuse). Somehow, I don't think I'll be going on any dates this week. I wish I could stay home from work, too. YUCK.
Now I'm at the airport, in Houston, waiting for my flight, which was delayed due to bad weather in NYC. Luckily, I can get online and am getting some good work done on book revisions, so that's a good thing.

So, the good stuff about Houston--my friends Bettina and Martin have a lovely, light-filled house on a tree-lined block; not only did I have my own room, I had my own section of the house, complete with bathroom and kitchen. It was great hanging out with them--we had terrific Mexican, innovative Indian, I got to spend lots of nice time with her adorable kids, and Bettina and I got lots of good conversation in, not to mention two 3 mile run/walks. Plus, I saw the DeMenile collection, which was amazing, especially the surrealist galleries. And the balmy weather didn't hurt things, either. Now, if I could just walk around with a paper bag over my head until I get all healed up. I feel very self conscious.

Ciao--
Paola

How come no one ever comments on my blog?

2008-02-08T00:16:00.000-05:00

According to Google Analytics, a whopping 11-25 of you visit this blog every single day. I want to hear your voices people!
Ciao--
Paola
P.S. Another good haircut shot. Don't I look like some kind of British mod/rocker chick?

The best hair cut ever?

2008-02-06T23:04:00.001-05:00

I would have to say so. Then again, I've suffered through some doozies, starting with my mother crookedly cutting my sister's and my bangs, then followed in short order by the pixie, the shag (both of those unfortunate stages resulted in my looking like a boy until I was 9, the Dorothy Hamill (or wedge, as it was also called), a bad perm so that I had tight little curls all over my head like Orphan Annie, then 12 years of a chic, extremely short cut, which was nice. But eventually, a girl likes to feel like she has hair again. And I do now. All part of the sexpert transformation in the making.
Ciao--
Paola

Subway serendipity

2008-02-01T23:29:00.001-05:00

A colleague at work installed a google analytics thingie that lets me monitor traffic to this blog--about 10 to 20 of you are reading it a day--around 300 a month. Kind of mind boggling. So...COMMENT DAMMIT! I want to know who is out there, people! (I'm asking this in the nicest possible way.) Does anyone have any great suggestions for publicizing my book? I'm afraid of this whole part of the book process, for some reason. But I'm starting to realize that maybe it's simply that I am afraid to jump in and enjoy it--that I don't think I deserve any positive publicity. And I'm realizing that I don't feel that way--that I think women will think this book is fun and (hopefully) speaks to them, and reassures them and surprises them. That would be nice, and it's possible it will happen!

Life is good.
Ciao--
Paola
P.S.
Talk about a serendipitous New York City moment: Yesterday, coming home from work on the 2/3 train from Times Square to 96th St., the train stops dead at 72nd St. It's an unpleasant, crowded ride (I had a bit of a run-in with a guy who was blocking the entrance), then, suddenly, I heard two little boys talking, and I thought, "those boys sound the same age as Jordan and Caleb." Then I dismissed the thought, then happened to turn around and found myself face-to-face with Caleb. He was like: PAULA! And I said, at the same time, CALEB! Then I spotted Jordan and Denise, their long-time baby sitter. Then the electrical grid went dead and we were all stuck in the train together for a half hour and we had a really nice, pleasant visit--it was the nicest subway delay I've ever had.

A sexpert body is emerging, slowly but surely...

2008-01-31T20:14:00.000-05:00

It's been four weeks since I've started exercising more seriously (working out with a trainer twice a week--the adorable cello-playing Paul Sanders--), upping my workouts from 3 times to 5 times a week, and, of course, going to a spa for four days and exercising my butt very enjoyably for five hours a day, hiking in these spectacular red canyons and over moon- and dessert-like terrain with geriatric but extremely fit leaders (I did the beginner hikes, I admit it). I also took Pilates, something called core conditioning which was amazing because it worked not just abs but shoulders and hips and chest, too; circuit training and my free weight workout. Do I sound like a stud or what?

I cannot say that the pounds are dropping off quickly. I lost only a pound or so, maybe a little more, but that plus all the exercise has kind of pushed me over the edge into emerging sexpert territory. I feel smaller, lighter, more energetic, stronger and more awake. It's all good from here, no matter how many pounds I still want to lose. Kind of a new way of looking at it--I'm getting closer to my goal and it feels attainable. Pretty cool feeling.
Ciao--
Paola

TWENTY man push-ups!

2008-01-30T15:49:00.001-05:00

I did 'em today at the gym, no prob! Progress!
Ciao--
Paola the powerful

Mormons, freak hail storms and other fun stuff

2008-01-28T22:11:00.001-05:00

Today was our last day at Red Mountain Spa and an eventful one it was. We started off with a gorgeous, otherworldy hike in nearby Snow Canyon, led by an intrepid guide in her seventies, a great grandmother, mother of 7 and a former Mormon. While we were hiking, I told her I was doing a book, and mentioned that one of my essayists, Jane Juska, wrote about having her first orgasm of 30-odd years in her 70s. And our guide blurted out, "Never had one of those!" This from a woman who was married six times--she had really fascinating things to say about the Mormon church, why she broke with it, and other fascinating stuff. That's why I love doing the book: People always come out with interesting things--women are just waiting for an opportunity to talk about these things.

When we returned from the hike, which was full of all kinds of incredible sandstone rock formations, the weather turned blustery and we wisely (as it turned out) decided to skip Zion, since within minutes, it began wildly hailing and snowing. So we spent the rest of the day doing Pilates, having a facial and hanging. The only downside: After all our spa-ing and pampering and exercising and healthy eating (I've eaten more vegetables in the past four days than I have in the last two months), both Julia and I are feeling a bit, well, sick. Oh well--at least it hit us on our last evening; I'm returning to a short work week, and am planning to dive into book revisions and other fun stuff. (New dates? Interesting men? Who knows what can happen with my new spa-ified self?)
Ciao--
Paola

I'm kicking my own butt!

2008-01-27T19:13:00.000-05:00

Julia and I started the day with the best of intentions--the alarm went off at 6:30, we got into our hiking gear and gamely made our way to the dining hall fully planning to hike. But the rain was coming down hard and it just seemed too unpleasant a way to spend a few hours of my vacation. So I went to the gym, did 40 minutes on the elliptical trainer, did a ton of free weights at the gym, then took a yoga class and, in the afternoon, a core conditioning class that was really challenging--a great workout. We did planks and sit ups where we sat up and threw/caught medicine balls and all kinds of wacky, strenuous stuff. Then, another massage, which was great, though I could barely have her press on my poor, sore-but-happy muscles. When it was all over the sun came out. Hoping it stays out so we can do some more hiking tomorrow, either at Zion or around here. I am SPENT but of course, in a good way.

Meanwhile, perhaps just because I'm on vacation pampering myself and away from my computer (mostly), I'm getting a flurry of internet dating activity. Hmmmm--wonder what it all means?

Ciao--
Your fitter and happier and healther blogger, Paola

Hiking, hot-tubbing and hammocking

2008-01-26T19:22:00.001-05:00

Had a lovely, lovely day and am set to return soothed, smoothed, toned, and rested. My friend Julia and I started the day with an invigorating hike led by two retirees (yes, we did the easy hike), I did a circuit training class and pumped some iron, got an UNBELIEVABLE massage (the best part is when I turned over on my back, he put a hot pillow under the nape of my neck, a pillow over my eyes and started rubbing and stretching my legs, which felt amazing after working them out all day.)
Afterward, a nap in the hammock. I can't complain.
Ciao belli--
Paola

Moments of truth

2008-01-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

I'm back online, dipping my toe into the world of J-Date and Match.com, emailing people, though so far haven't met anyone. Boy, is it easier to date now than it was when I was 25 and the only way you could hope to meet someone was to hang out at parties you didn't want to be at and talk to strangers at bars. Now, interaction is just a click of a mouse away and I get to be snug on my couch with my turquoise cashmere throw over me.

I babysat for my nephews tonight, who are SO, SO cute. I got lots of hugs and snuggles and we played Sorry and ate pizza and watched Sponge Bob and a show called Josh and Drake (about a thin brother and a fat brother) and then watched the stupidest yet most oddly compelling game show called Moment of truth. This is how it works: Contestants sit in a chair, hooked up to a lie detector test, and they win money whenever they answer personal questions truthfully. So they ask questions like: Have you ever dented a car and driven away without leaving a note? which gradually progress to extremely personal relationship questions designed to break up marriages. For instance, tonight, this hot, dumb personal trainer contestant was asked: "Is the reason you and your wife have delayed having children because you doubt that you will be together in 5 years time. And he answered YES! With his wife sitting there. I've got to believe that they've worked this all out beforehand. In any case, I was watching it with a 3 year old, my nephews (10 and 8) and their best friend Asher, who is also 10, plus the mommy next door. The three year old asks: Mommy? What's plastic surgery? We probably shouldn't have been letting him watch it but it was pretty cute, not to mention amusing.

In the process of doing a late night load of laundry before I head off to Utah on Friday. Whoopee!! First real vacation since Italy. I hope to come back having moved a bit closer to my goal of getting a sexpert body.

Ciao--
Paola

Exercising body and mind

2008-01-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

Is this blog becoming too earnest? I can't help it, as I'm in my get-a-sexpert-body quest. I worked out with my trainer today and on Saturday and it feels great. The positive part of becoming fairly sedentary is that when you start exercising again, you REALLY notice a difference.

Getting psyched for my trip to Red Mountain Spa--I bought a new translation of War & Peace and looking forward to hiking during the day and getting under the covers with a good book at night. Am I old or WHAT?
Ciao--
Buona serra--
Paola

A long, lazy weekend

2008-01-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

I slept until 11:30 today. It felt SOOOO good. I did some errands, took a long walk in the cold with my cozy new jacket that almost completely covers my face so is perfect for frigid weather; had dinner with a new friend in the West Village. Tomorrow--trainer time!

Next fitness goal. 149 by the time I get home from Red Mountain Spa, all hiked out and healthy-ed up!
Ciao--
Paola

Pumped!

2008-01-17T12:07:00.000-05:00

I'm loving my arms. They are getting toned after only 3 sessions. This morning, I got up and made it to my 8 am training appointment on TIME, only to find that my gym membership had expired. Still had a great workout. Who knew I could feel so energized in the morning. It's nice to have someone paying close attention to my body, even if I have to pay them to do it!
Ciao--
Paola

The life and times of a gym rat

2008-01-16T14:21:00.000-05:00

I've been CRANKING along with my get-a-sexpert-body project:
1) worked out after I saw my trainer on Sunday (and felt amazing afterward--I loved doing "dead lifts"; they felt great in my hamstrings)
2) rested on Monday
3) worked out on Tuesday night: 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer, a measly six push ups (could my arms still be tired from my workout two days before? They felt that way); 20 sit ups and some stretching
4) Worked out this afternoon--logged almost 3 miles and almost 300 calories on the elliptical, did 30 sit ups and 16 push ups. Felt much better. I'm ready for my 8 AM appointment with my trainer, but I'm going to try to do some shifting since getting up early is so PAINFUL for me.

I'm getting a taste of what all my writers have to go through, waiting for my editor at Bantam to get back to me about my book. Meanwhile, I need to start thinking about a cover--I want a beautiful, simple image (no chick lit illustrations) so I'm getting the name of some photo stock agencies from our art director and am going to do some searching.

Ciao--
Paola

Progress, shmogress

2008-01-13T22:58:00.000-05:00

I had my first official session with my trainer today--we worked out on Friday and basically set up a program but today is the first day I paid for a session (as opposed to the complimentary ones that Equinox offers) and the first time I felt like I got into a rhythm and worked hard. My arms are getting toned already, I swear!
Sexpert body, here I come.
Ciao--
Paola

Baby love...

2008-01-12T23:26:00.000-05:00

It's Pam's son--baby Alec, looking all alert and wide-eyed and newly cognizant of the fact that he is in a WORLD filled with all kinds of cool looking THINGS. It's so fun to be around babies who are discovering that basic but always awe inspiring fact.

So, I've figured out (with the help of a work colleague) how to track traffic to this blog--seems like I'm getting around 45 unique views a day, with 75 % coming from referring sites and 25% going directly to the site. Average time spent: A minute and a half. Who are those other people?

Speaking of stats, tomorrow is my first official training session with my trainer, Paul. I'm meeting him at 1 or 1:30 tomorrow (I can't remember exactly when), so I'm going to do cardio before, then we'll do weights for an hour. He kicked my butt (or rather, my upper body,) yesterday; I really feel my triceps, the sides of my torso and my abs. My arms look more toned already!

Ciao--buona sera.

Paola

secrets of happiness editors

2008-01-12T17:58:00.000-05:00

At work, we were asked to share a few of these. Here are some of mine.

Ever since I've been back from Italy (which is where I formed the habit), I've been buying lots of beautiful fruit--blood oranges, heirloom tomatoes, clementines and bananas (which I've always loved; they're the fruit most like ice cream, if that makes any sense. I eat them in the morning sliced on toasted cinamon bread with honey and chunky peanut butter (another happiness secret--give yourself something sweet, yet healthy and satisfying in the morning. No deprivation allowed.

Anyway, I arrange all this bounty in a beautiful bowl I got in Spain so I can see it and it also adds color and life to my apartment. I eat much more fruit this way, and it feels much more like a sensual pleasure as opposed to something I'm doing simply to be "healthy." And I don't beat myself up if I sometimes don't finish them all--guilt should have no place in the process of nourishing ourselves.

Ciao amici --
paola
above is the latest grandma via mother acquistion: It's a rose gold watch with diamonds and rubies; very delicate, very different. And they actually got it working. I love it.

The body of a sexpert

2008-01-10T21:53:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I start working with my new, very own personal trainer, a 21-year-old (if he is a day) classically trained cellist from Alabama--very unintimidating (which has its good and bad sides) but in general seems like he will be nice to work with. I bought 12 sessions for $800 but you get two free sessions and I figure hey, maybe it will help me take it more seriously. He did the Equifit workover on me and, as always, the stats it yielded were sobering. Heart rate, blood pressure were all fine, which is good, but my body-fat percentage? YIKES. Suffice it to say that I have to lose 6 percent of my body fat, which seems a doable if challenging goal in a year. Or, to put it another way, I want to lose 25 pounds. That way, besides being healthier, I'll be able to stand in front of clamoring crowds at bookstores and wear something cute and radiate sex appeal yet intelligence and mensch-ness (is there a word for a female mensch?) without feeling embarrassed or extremely self conscious. So, I'm going to blog about my efforts. Here, a few more stats:

As of January 09, 2006:
Weight: 153
Height: 5'3"
pushups (man style): 15
flexibility: average
body fat: 32%
CO2 capacity: low
resting heart rate: 62
b. pressure: 110/80

THIS, after working out fairly consistently for years. I need to start doing interval training and pushing myself harder if I want to see results--improvement requires at least a teeny bit of pain at the gym, and I've been feeling no pain--all the pain has been in getting myself there, but once I'm there, I work up the same light sweat for 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer, do the same 30-40 sit ups, the same 8-20 pushups, the same stretches. I'm sure it's better than nothing, but I'm not exactly seeing sexpert worthy RESULTS. So, here's hoping that committing some of my earnest efforts at self improvement to the blog-o-sphere will motivate me to work hard and follow through and get strong and healthy (and sexy wouldn't hurt either).
Ciao--
Paola

Unexpected gifts

2008-01-06T11:20:00.000-05:00

My friend Millie came over last night and gave me the nicest holiday gifts--one of those mini-Japanese rock gardens, complete with shells she had collected from our trip to Bayhead on the Jersey shore this past summer. So now I have a little creative corner in my apartment where I can rake sand and arrange rocks and shells. It's fun.

Millicent is about to start a job at the prestigious, 160-year-old Economist as their senior user experience archictect, to revamp their web site and make it as spiffy as the publication itself. Impressive.

I'm off to the gym, in preparation for beginning a series of sessions with a personal trainer. My goal: to develop the body of a SEXPERT in preparation for my world-wide (or at least, bi-coastal!) book tour.

Ciao, amici--
Paola

Three crucial inches

2008-01-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

One of the many perks of my job at SELF is I get easy, sometimes free access to the best and newest beauty products. Right now, in preparation for our annual Best Beauty issue, I'm testing shower gels and skin lotions; 4 of the first, 6 of the second. I am in love with this stuff called Ted Gibson (I think); the gel smells like grapefruit with a hint of sweetness and I've gone through 3/4 of the bottle in about 10 days. I could eat it up--when it's on me, I feel like dessert! It's been one of the highlights during this bout with a cold I'm enduring.

Speaking of highlights, during the holidays, mine was a 2-minute interaction with my friend MP Dunleavey's genius baby Connor (that's him around Thanksgiving): We were in his parents' bedroom, MP getting ready for New Year's, and Connor was playing in front of the mirror, running at himself. And I said, "Connor, come here and let me give you kisses!" and he ran half way toward me, then laughed, turned around, and turned back again. Then he did it again, running toward me a little closer, and turning back, then the third time he ran straight into my arms and we tumbled back over onto the bed, his wonderful baby-laughter pealing. I was being teased and flirted with by a 15-month old. It was TOO cute.

Another hightlight: Christmas night. My friend came over and offered to fix something with my refrigerator. So, singlehandedly, he pulled out the refrigerator (full of stuff), countertop and stove, then shoved them back in so tightly against the wall that for the first time in two years, I CAN OPEN MY REFRIGERATOR ALL THE WAY. So yes, ladies, sometimes two or three inches does indeed matter.
Ciao--
Paola
P.S. That's the lovely view of my new-and-improved kitchen. I think I'm going to get it painted turquoise and the cabinets some kind of bright. Would that be weird? If you're going to take a decorating risk, painting seems as if you'd have the least to lose.

A new year, a new cold

2008-01-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have been trapped in my apartment for days on end...this is my fifth day ailing. Good thing I like my pad. I have managed to schlep myself off to work, but have cancelled all social plans for evenings sitting home in front of my lap top with dumpling soup from Ollie's and pea soup from Gourmet Garage. That, plus Sudafed, Robitussin and Tylenol and my body should soon start resembling a living chemistry set.

I was supposed to see the Pissarro exhibit at the Jewish museum today but I cancelled. Instead, I'll read essays for my writing workshop next week, maybe start organizing for my taxes, which is going to be complicated this year because of my book, (though that seems over ambitious), and, as always, do laundry, my favorite procrastination task. It enables me to inhales lots of Mrs. Meyers' geranium scented laundry detergent, my favorite. It's worth the $14--really!

I'm excited that one of the contributors to my anthology, Susanna Sonnenberg got a rave review for her new memoir, Her Last Death, in the New York Times. Good for her, good for me. It's an amazing, unflinching, beautifully written memoir. Read it and marvel at the craziness of mothers and the resilience of daughters.
Ciao--
Paola
P.S.
I'm trying to get the link thing straight. Then I can truly join the blog-o-sphere!

A snowy Catskills New Year

2008-01-01T22:47:00.000-05:00

You know you have a solid friendship with someone when you can hang out with them in the midst of their move to a new house (with a 15-month old) and everyone still enjoys one another--I guess that's what was confirmed for me this past weekend (though I always knew it). I ushered in 08 with my dear friends Mary-Patricia/Mary Pat/MP/Mia, Matthew and their genius baby Connor in their beautiful new home in New Kingston, New York, in the heart of the Catskills. I'm talking bucolic here. We did some organizing, went to a lovely New Year's gathering at a friend of theirs, in an incredibly beautiful and stylish house filled with art and my favorite kinds of warm colors, I read an excellent book (The Post-Birthday World, by Lionel Shriver), shoveled some snow (which was actually fun, since the snow was light and powdery and otherwise made a good start to 2008. This past year was one of my happiest, best ever, so I'm hoping for more of the same (though the skeptic in me worries there is nowhere to go from here but down....).
I guess my big resolution is to transform myself, physically, into an Oprah-worthy sexpert, whatever that means. (For one thing, I'm hiring a trainer.) Not to worry--you will see my efforts and the fruits thereof in these pages in the months to come.
Buon anno amici!
Paola

A more capacious apartment

2007-12-29T14:14:00.000-05:00

After two years on the waiting list, I am now the proud renter of a storage unit in the basement of my building (for $150 a year; shockingly cheap for NYC real estate). So I am spending a good part of the weekend staying in and moving all the boxes I haven't touched in two years in there. I also plan to go through files, store some and eke out more SPACE in my already relatively-roomy one bedroom. I like to think of it as freeing up space for someone to come into my life--rather than filling it, I am going to let it lie and see what ends up on the now-empty shelves. I'm getting New Age in my old age. I'm hoping that I can eventually coax someone who has better spatial relations skills than I to come and help me maximize the space; I'm hoping to fit my bike in there. But for now, feels good to have given a bunch of old stuff the old heave-ho.
Buona sera--
Paola
P.S. Those photos, above, are to document the extra space in my filing cabinet, walk-in closet and coat closet. Nice feeling.

Spending spree, part 2

2007-12-28T22:17:00.000-05:00

So, I'm still in reward myself mode. I hope this phase peters out soon, or it could be hazardous to my financial health. Latest treats to me: 12 personal training sessions for $850. If it's something I need to do to look good for my upcoming public speaking, can I tax deduct part of it? Seriously, any accountant types out there, please weigh in.
A new jacket with a hood made of an unidentifiable type of fur--incredibly warm and slim fitting and as sexy as a ski jacket can be.
Two pairs of black pants/jeans that fit like a glove.
So all things that are useful and that have staying power--it has been five years since I last bought a jacket, and 10 years since I've bought a coat. My cashmere coat was a giant splurge--$1000 at Filenes 10 years ago, but now I've had it for 10 years and it's going on strong as a reliable classic with style. My point: It pays to splurge on the stuff that you need and wear often and that is most visible--coats, shoes, bags. (Sorry--the woman's magazine editor part of me is getting a little carried away there!)
A spa day: $130 for a massage and $70 for two day passes to the gym at Reebok Sports Club L.A., an ultra luxurious health club that is almost worth the money--it feels as if you are going to a resort populated with beautiful yet kind people when you go to the gym.
A spa vacation for 4 days with an old friend.
$1000 toward my new ring.
Plus, various and sundry celebrations at nice restaurants. It has been quite fun but my bank account seems to be handling it. It's nice having 3 jobs--there's always a little extra money in the bank!

Buona notte amici--
Paola

My pal Al

2007-12-25T16:56:00.000-05:00

That's my dad's name, too. I'm showing him (Al, not my dad) how to blog.
Who knew a techno-phobe like me could actually instruct someone in something computer related?
Ciao--
Paola

The Ring

2007-12-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

This is where my limitations as a photographer become apparent: when trying to photograph a small object, indoors, without a flash. But, by popular demand, here is a photograph of the ring--or rather, the BLING--with which I rewarded myself for finishing my book. The diamond was in my grandma's engagement ring--I used that, chose two sapphires from Ceylon (hopefully they don't torture miners there the way they do in Africa), and designed it, from the band to the bevels. It's now the most expensive thing I own, other than my apartment, which I don't really own--the bank does.
I'm enjoying it. It feels warm and heavy on my finger. It's a nice reminder of my grandmother and of the great sense of achievement and happiness I feel about finishing this stage of the project.

Ciao, amici i buon anno!
Paola

Utter and complete slothfulness

2007-12-24T21:09:00.001-05:00

Just got back from three days lounging and reading and bonding with my nephews upstate--when I get there, something overtakes me and I just want to lie on the couch with a blanket over me and read and nap. I also took some very long walks. It was SUCH the book recovery plan that I needed. Also spent a day and night with my cousins Terri, her husband Marty and their two kids, Glenn and Charlotte. Was great to connect with relatives I really like and don't see enough! We all used to spend time together regularly at my grandparent's house in Chelsea, Massachusetts, hiding in closets and sneaking up to the attic and jumping on beds until we finally, inevitably broke one. My cousin Howie and I, used to hide in closets and pretend we were vampires and scare my younger sister. I was not always the nicest older sister in the world, I admit.
Ciao amici, and have good holidays and Christmas cheer if that's what you happen to be celebrating.
Paola

The next best thing to a working fireplace

2007-12-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

This is my week to enjoy heirlooms. This candelabra belonged to my father's parents, and for a while, it was sitting in a box on my book shelf, caked in black tarnish. So I sucked it up and brought it to a jeweler and had it professionally polished ($65!) and now I can enjoy it. It lends a little class to my humble pad.
I also picked up the ring I designed using the same grandmother's engagement ring. It is some SERIOUS bling and I have to get used to it on my finger. Sparkly. Shiny. BIG. (The diamond that is.) It feels a bit unseemly. But I think I'll get used to it (I hope).

Had a lovely, celebratory day yesterday, part of my two week post-book celebration. Went to Sports Club L.A. with my friend Millicent and we spent a good part of the day there, getting massages, sitting in the jacuzzi and working out. It was quite lovely and luxurious. Today, more lounging, some exercise, a bit of socializing, holiday card writing (which I never do, but I'm determined to get cards off to all of my writers--it's a professional duty!) and other assorted responsibilities with a dose of debauchery mixed in.

Ciao amici!
Paola

A new low

2007-12-14T10:49:00.000-05:00

SELF had it's annual holiday party the other night, at the bowling lanes at Chelsea Piers. Lots of flashing videos, computerized scoring, dance music and an open bar. Perhaps that's why I bowled one of my lowest scores ever: a 49! How embarrassing!

A poet is born

2007-12-14T10:45:00.001-05:00

My nephew, Jordan, (on the left) wrote this beautiful poem for an assignment at school on identity. All I can say is, it gave me chills. Then again, I'm the ultra prejudiced aunt.

I Am From the Stars
I am from staying up late and watching the stars dancing in my eyes. I am from the trout at the end of the fishing line. I am from the arrows thumping into the target.

I am from stepping outside and being in my own playground. I am from sitting in a hammock and going to sleep. I am from the rain coming down and stinging the grass. I am from my grandpa telling me that with 5 cents you could buy 2 comic books, one shake and two gum balls.

I am from those good fast food restaurants. I am from hearing the construction on the 20-story buildings. I am from hearing the subway cars go by.