Thoughts on Life

GettaSommaDis - Fun Stuff to Buy!• Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life

The Hand That Stirs the Pot, Wields the Power

November 20, 2014

I was on the phone with my sister-in-law yesterday talking about Thanksgiving and what keeps families together over the years. I think witchcraft might be involved. We were lured in like Italian Hansels and Gretels by wonderful ravioli and slow-cooked sauce on Sundays. My mom acted innocent,while enticing us to sit together with delicious meals every night, where the chuck roast or turkey was so tender it fell…

Extras• Holidays• Italian Mom Stories• Side Dishes• Thanksgiving• Thoughts on Life

Tang God for Patty- A Thanksgiving Story – Sort of

November 14, 2014

My brothers were smart, they knew not to bring girls they dated home. The few times they did, Mom would be nice, unless the girl happened to touch them. Holding hands, snuggling, or showing any kind of affection meant she was a puttana and would never do for her sons. She never remembered names, only referring to them as, “datta gal,” as in, “Tella datta gal to eatta…

Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life

Curse Words Never Sound As Bad In Italian

October 17, 2014

How sad that today’s kids will never know the thrill of waiting until the sixth time their mother screams their name to actually get moving, then blame it on not being able to hear her. Cell phones have taken the excitement away. Thank God batteries still die, so there’s hope for today’s youth. But nothing can replace the way parents used to have to muscle their kids into…

Cookies• Italian Cookies• Thoughts on Life

Lemon Ricotta Cookies – My New Love

October 7, 2014

Dating can be so difficult. Does he like me, or doesn’t he? Why doesn’t he call? Should I call him? Why isn’t he emotionally available? As my mom used to say, “Who loves you comes after you.” She was right — and that’s all you need to know about relationships. Unfortunately, this means I am in love with a cookie.…

Italian Dad Stories• Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life

Fixing Jesus

October 3, 2014

Jesus is in trouble. Ever since my father’s house sold last year, he’s been in limbo. I just found my mother’s treasured 8×10 of him in a corner of my bedroom buried under a pile of partnerless socks. When I moved the sock pile, I discovered my mom’s glow in the dark rosary beads and a St. Anthony plaque laying on top of him. I claimed them all…

Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life

A Pooty (Pretty) Butterfly

September 25, 2014

Ever experience something you don’t talk about much because you know people will look at you funny? For me, it was the night my mom visited — maybe 7 or 8 years ago. If you’ve been reading this blog for long, you’ll know that’s impossible because my mom died in 1992. However, when she was alive, she always said that after she died she was coming back as…

Baking• Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Italian Mom Stories• Pizza• Thoughts on Life

The Power of Pizza

September 18, 2014

My daughter just started college a few weeks ago. I hate to admit it, but it’s nice to be able to take a break from my indentured servitude with the PTA. I think I served for 12 years. PTA years are like dog years, so that’s close to an average life expectancy I put in. I did what I had time to do, but there were women and…

Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life

My Mom, Bob Barker, and the Enduring Power of Dreams

September 10, 2014

(September 23rd will be the 32nd anniversary of my mom’s big debut on national television. After this story, which was originally called, “Da Holy Hour.” I have an accompanying YouTube video of my mom in action. Watch it after you read the story. If you ever thought I was making any of this stuff up, this video will prove I’m not.) Some women love athletes, others love actors,…

Family Traditions• Italian Mom Stories• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Thoughts on Life

Six Simple Words That Can End Your Life

September 2, 2014

Last weekend I made sauce for the first time in months. It even had the power to draw my daughter downstairs before 11 a.m. Still in her pajamas, sleepy-eyed, she said, “I love waking up to the smell of spaghetti sauce.” The smell is heavenly. The garlic and olive oil mingle with the sausage, tomatoes and herbs, filling your kitchen with tomatoey love. You should start cooking it…

Thoughts on Life

Why My Obstetrician Meant So Much To Me

August 27, 2014

I just found out that the doctor who delivered my two children passed away this year and I’m unbelievably sad. I’ve been thinking a lot about Dr. Sanford Tisherman and why he meant so much to me. Yes, he had a couple of unfair advantages over everyone else; he definitely saw things other men haven’t, and he helped bring two of the most important people in my life…

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Instagram