You’ve heard little from me over the past year or more.  Which may tickle your curiosity and spur you to read on or it may make you feel “oh not her again, doesn’t she ever quit?”

I make no apologies for my sporadic tenacious nature or my absence from these pages since life can get busy and hard and there is always binge-watching that needs to get done. How about that binge-watching? Has there ever been an easier way to escape from life than watching fake people live fake lives filled with devastating problems they solve in ingenious ways while looking amazing? All that and you never have to leave your living room or get dressed!

I’m noticing that binge-watching is not only a widely accepted, even cherished pastime,  it has become a central topic of conversation. We’ve taken it on as a part of who we are, what we do and what defines and unites us when we actually meet up with people in person. The next time you get together with a friend, another couple, a business associate or you just run into a neighbor and talk, keep a mental eye on how long it takes before you hear or utter the words “are you watching (fill in the blank)?”

Suddenly your mutual enthrallment with the royal doings of The Crown or the chaotic madness of Westworld unites you and whomever you are to talking with. You have something to discuss at length and with enthusiasm without ever really talking about or revealing anything personal, except perhaps your taste and tolerance for entertainment. (You actually like Cutthroat Kitchen? Ew.) A competition ensues in which you each rally around your favorite shows and insist that the others “have to watch it,” or “can’t miss it” or that you can’t believe they “haven’t seen it yet.” Perhaps in today’s political climate, where getting into real topics can feel overwhelming, hopeless and polarizing, this is the comfort zone.

I get it and often welcome it.  This is how we keep it light and safe. Nothing wrong with that, except that it is making me yearn for something a little more personal; riskier. What would happen if we sat around with friends and talked about what mattered to us, (besides TV), what moved us (off the couch) and what motivated us (away from our screens?) What would happen if we dared talk about what we still dream, hope and long for?

What happens is magical. At least that’s what it feels like when a small group of women gathers with me in Italy with little cell phone use, zero TV and dozens of opportunities to engage with each other, and the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, food, wine, and culture. Immersed in the immediacy of the senses, we see, taste, touch, savor, cook a little and sip. We roll food, wine and words around our tongues and have a unique opportunity to be in the glorious present. From here, with a little gentle stirring, we each start to get a taste for what we are truly hungry for, what may satisfy our souls, and what ingredients we can bring to the table to make our lives a delicious feast.

I’m not going to belabor the food metaphors or go on and on about the trip. It promises to be life-changing, the way beauty, great food, new friends, great conversations, new challenges, and travel can be.

Read more about it here. If it’s right for you, you will just know. (And then call me or email me immediately because we only have 4 spaces left.) If you are looking for a gorgeous, luxury get-away but want more than just sightseeing; if you are facing an imminent transition in your life and having the support and camaraderie that like-minded women and a chef exploring Tuscany can give you; if you want life-long memories you will cherish, and plans for your next reinvention, then I hope you will join us in October 2019!