(To read this in Italian, visit the Studentessa Matta website) Verona has long been considered “the” city of love based on several literary traditions. Verona has long been considered “the” city of love based on several literary traditions. It is, after all, the fabled setting of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. There you will find...

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To read this article in Italian Click here Watch the Youtube Video in Italian Dreaming with eyes open or “Sognare ad occhi aperti” as the Italians call it is something Sophia, the protagonist of “Dreaming Sophia” shares with her mother. From a very early age, Sophia’s mother encourages her daughter to develop her imagination. Every...

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‘Tis the season to be triumphant and jolly! It is also the season to embrace the spirit of hope and miracles of the human heart. When we do — miracles happen. There is no bigger miracle than the birth of a child. It is truly a mystery and wondrous thing, no matter what religion you...

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A year or so ago, as I was writing my first novel Dreaming Sophia, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Miss Sophia Loren in person. At the time, I was researching my book, and when I learned she was giving a one-woman show in Las Vegas, I knew I had to find a way...

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This afternoon, being particularly hungry, I thought it would be fun to talk about some pasta recipes I am dreaming of at the moment! Two dishes come readily to mind! The first is Pasta Carbonara. Hands down this is my favorite pasta to prepare. It is pure comfort food. This is traditionally considered to be a...

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I am pleased to feature Marilyn Ricci of “Take Me Home Italy” on the Dreaming Sophia Blog site! Marilyn is the first to share a dream she is turning into reality! If you would like to share your dream to write Melissa at: Melissa@DreamingSophiaBook.com Here is Marilyn’s story: Tanti anni fa, many years ago, in 1971,...

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The magic of Carnival has arrived! This year (2017) the holiday lasts from Saturday, February 11 until Saturday, February 25. It is the period that precedes Lent and concludes with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. At this time of year, all of Italy comes alive with costumes, masks, parades and allegorical floats, and...

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The month of January is slipping away. It is almost already over. Time is flying by but not the cold! Even if we are on the threshold of February, we are still in the middle of winter. There is a cold that just sinks into your bones and makes you wonder if summer will ever...

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Without a doubt, Florence is my favorite city and the inspiration for my story “Dreaming Sophia.” This iconic city set on the banks of the Arno River is a beautiful reminder of all that makes Italy special. It is full of art and history and represents Italian pride and independence. What is there not to love...

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Christmas has been celebrated and a new year has arrived with lots of pomp and circumstance. It seems like the holidays are finally winding down. Time to think about packing things away in boxes and clear the way for a brand new year. Christmas is over… or is it? The holiday season might be over...

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