Trying to narrow down all that I love about Italy into an 18 minute talk is like me eating only one scoop of Rosy’s intoxicating tiramisu. Do I talk about the depth of these dozens of special friendships. Or would the listener love to experience every detail of a five course extravaganza we devoured al fresco? Perhaps they’d like to walk the cobblestone street of a 2000-year-old Tuscan village that …
Natale – Christmas
Over the past decade, in addition to the spiritual enrichment experienced on December 25th, I also hold special anticipation for a particular Christmas phone call. I remember when I was in the 6th Grade and a futuristic thought included being able to see the people you’d be talking to on the phone. Today, this face to face across the internet is how our global friendships stay intact. I’m still a little giddy when experiencing a …
180 Days of Magic
Photo by Young Reflections Photography Some 30 years ago, as I weighed a new set of options in life, my mom, Jean, made a statement that has stayed with me always. Although dementia is stealing her mind as we speak, much of what I’ve accomplished, especially in the past six months, I owe to her. She’s the first to admit our family is made of unique fabric. Coming from a …
Montanare – ON AIR!
In the studio at the Northwest Italian Radio Show (KKND) with publisher Ethan Yarbrough Sharing stories from Miracles in Montanare: Ten Years in Tuscany on the Northwest Italian Radio Show feels a bit like I’m reading the book to the world. As Publisher, Ethan, and I described vignette after vignette, co-hosts David Madrid and Tony La Stella (both with Italian heritage) became enthusiastic fans. They get it. They know there …
To the Aid of Others
Sunday, our house was louder than normal with an eclectic roundup of friends from about every corner of our social circle. What brought us together was a call to do something meaningful for a set of villagers we’ll most likely never meet. Although it’s fallen from the news cycle, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake nearly destroyed the entire historical center of Amatrice, the origin of Bucatini Amatriciana, the spicy pasta dish, …
Amatrice: a Spicy, Special Spot
Photo: Le Celle, Italy. Photographed by Larry Snyder. Some of you may not know it, but I get up really early. When my phone alarm rings at 3:30AM three days a weeks, it means I’m going to join three fellow Starbucks Partners at Civica Office Commons at 5AM sharp. My hours preparing espressos and connecting with community keep Italy alive in my mind, the skill sets I have learned to apply at …
Launch Plus 90 Days!
Young Reflections Photography Once I told publisher, Ethan, and book designer, Sonja, that I had a date for the book launch, the drive to the finish line required a bit more gas pedal. A book release without books would be rather anti-climactic. Phone calls to confirm details from months past became a priority. The twenty-nine details about how the book would be printed, bound, and packaged all became unintended obsessions. …
Vaticano Natale – Christmas at the Vatican
Recounting the emotions and tangible spirit I felt standing in Saint Peter’s Square on Christmas Eve 2004 while the late Pope John Paul said mass was one of my most favorite stories to include in Miracles in Montanare: Ten Years in Tuscany. To be present at that holy spot on that holiest of eves had been a faith-driven fantasy 10 years in the making. As Parkinson’s Disease continued it’s progression, the world …
Dividere–To Share
Dividere–“to share”–is the latest addition to the dictionary of Larriano. It’s a meaningful word that represents much of why I’m on this earth and very much describes my experiences of the previous 60 days. Friendships (new and well-established) have opened hearts, homes, and nations to such a rich level my soulful cup flows well beyond its rim. When Ivan and Victoria said they would take the lead on planning, promoting, …
Ultima Giorni in Montanare
The mood seems to change every year at this time. “Ultima Giorni” Rosy reminds us from the back seat as we exit the Outlet Mall. This shift isn’t foreign to me but it is my least favorite part of preparing to exit the spot which is responsible for much of who I am and will always will be. Every friend here (dear and not so) knows our departure is near. Each …