by Dianne Hales | Sep 22, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, coronavirus, history, Italian language, Italy, literature, Renaissance, Roman history, Rome, Travel, Venice, Web/Tech, Weblogs, women, worldwarII
This year, for the first time in decades, I didn’t go to Italy. But Italy came to me–in the form of wonderful books and programs inspired by a passion for Italy. I was happy to feature them in my summer blogs. The harvest season seems a perfect time to share a...
by Dianne Hales | Sep 15, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, culture, Dante, Florence, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, literature, Tuscany, Web/Tech, Weblogs
Celebrating Dante’s 755th Birthday Dante Alighieri was born in Florence in September, 1265. As a boy, he glimpsed a lovely girl named Beatrice in a local chapel. Despite Dante’s unrequited, undying crush, the two rarely met and barely spoke. Both wed others in...
by Dianne Hales | Jul 7, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, Italian language, Italy, Language, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
A guest post by Donna Keel Armer I wrote my autobiography in the second grade. It was the same year my mom bestowed upon me a wondrous red fake-leather diary with lock and key. Every day I filled its pages. But gradually I learned it was easier to perform to everyone...
by Dianne Hales | Jun 30, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, Italian language, Italy, Language, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
The editors at Outwit Trade recently asked an array of language learners and experts “What is the best way to learn a foreign language?” Among the creative suggestions: Watch an episode of a TV show like Friends in English and pick out the phrases...
by Dianne Hales | Jun 2, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, Health, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, literature, Renaissance, Social behavior, Travel, Tuscany, Web/Tech, Weblogs
The Medici, the dynasty that governed Renaissance Florence, blazed into the 21st century in a three-part series, now streaming on Netflix. While many dispute its historical accuracy, the lavish production captures the seize-the-day spirit of the age. Certainly...
