Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino

A New Chapter

2010-03-07T22:02:00Z

So begins a New Chapter in the story of Katie Greenaway. I have had some changed happening around me but all is well. I found a job in my city that suits me. I have learned more things about me and how I have grown in the the person I am today. I am grateful for the realization. I credit my dear friends here in Florence that have always wished good things for me and always tell ...

Doors Opening--Coming in like a Lion

2010-03-04T08:56:00Z

March has begun in Florence and the weather has been all over the place. One day it is close to 60 degrees, the next 40 degrees and raining. Like last night, I road home in the rain. I was soaked. I really hope by mid-March the weather has evened out.

I kind of feel like March as the saying goes: "March comes in like a lion and goes ...

What to say...

2010-03-03T12:09:00Z

I have been runningin giro (around) crazy from Livorno to Prato to Florence. I am enjoying the travel here and there, not always. But I feel that I am doing something each day. I see the beautiful Tuscan countryside every day on my ride to Livorno. I haven't been able to visit with many friends which ...

Montespertoli and Kelly's B-Day

2010-02-26T18:23:00Z

I am such a lucky person to have grand friends like Kelly and Iacopo. I enjoyed the evening we spent together last night celebrated my cara amica Kelly. I have known her for so long that I feel that we have known each other since birth. Iacopo became a close friend back in 2005, on my excursion to Florence for the summer. Basically I studied and ate everything in sight that summer. And most importantly, I found many grand friends, like Iacopo.

The night was planned perfectly since I take the train ...

Doors Opening--Secret Revealed

2010-02-18T11:12:00Z

I have kept you all waiting long enough. All I am going to say, is that I have settled living in Florence very nicely. And as much as you all know that I love challenges and love traveling, this secret will keep me stationed in Florence.

The sun was shining so bright yesterday into my kitchen. It made me realize how all my dreams are STILL coming true. Life is a ...

Doors Opening--More things fall into place

2010-02-11T22:18:00Z

I am a little late with this post but in Florence it is still Thursday. I have some LARGE news for you all. But before I tell you...

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My Guest Post over on My Bella Vita

2010-02-08T11:10:00Z

This past Saturday, I was featured on Cherrye's blog My Bella Vita. Check it out!

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about expats in Italy-about what motivates us to move to this country, what encourages us to stay and even more about what it takes to make a life in the bel paese.

And I plan to write more about this soon.

A Sunday in Florence

2010-02-07T19:27:00Z

Today was a glorious day. The sun was shining everywhere. I felt alive. I decided to take a walk with amore mio. I caught myself smiling as I strolled hand and hand with my love... Amore, you gave me a great bit of energy to start the week. Grazie tanto!!

Piazza Sant' Ambrogio
Two glasses of wine, all alone.
An evening with friends
...

Doors Opening--Pushing through

2010-02-04T08:16:00Z

On this, the second week of my new job, I am beginning to understand my challenge more. The nights I have arrived home around 11pm are rough, so I am going to shift my thinking to something more positive. Eating dinner at 11pm is new for me as well. So in true "Katie" fashion, I am looking for the positivity.

1. I am lucky to have a job in these difficult times.

2. It ...

Persey is back!

2010-02-01T08:59:00Z

Back when I first arrived in Florence, I was visited by a special friend from my garden. I was so happy to see her! It gave me the sign that I am on the right track. Persevering towards everything that is special and important in my life. I am not hiding or being someone I am not. I am doing what Katie would do in every situation. It ...

Doors Opening--Day 1

2010-01-28T08:53:00Z

My first day is over at my new school. I made it through. It was a little nerve-wrecking. I made it through. I am not a good teacher yet but I'm getting there. I enjoyed meeting the students and having fun with them. I think I am a fun teacher, I need to find my nitch with this school that's all. It will come. I really find that people are attracted to teachers that are animated. I try ...

A Trip to Volterra

2010-01-25T10:50:00Z

I was fortunate to visit a hill town that I have never been to. On Sunday I traveled with a friend up and down the winding roads of Tuscany to the town of Volterra. Now I have only heard great things of this place so I was excited to visit nonetheless. Volterra is known for its Teatro Romano, it's Etruscan artifacts and the most famous after all that is the local

Guest Post: Your Expat in Italy Questions Answered

2010-01-23T08:03:00Z

(Some) of Your Expat in Italy Questions Answered

For many people, living in Italy is a dream. Maybe they’ve visited the bel paese, enjoyed the trip-of-a-lifetime and always imagined what it would be like to live here … to wake up every morning to Florence’s Duomo, Rome’s Coliseum or Venice’s canals.

Maybe they ache to shop at local markets, hop on a train and explore new destinations or perfect one of the most romantic languages in the world.

...

Feet on the Ground

2010-01-19T17:36:00Z

Tomorrow I began another chapter in my life here in Italy. I will start un lavoro fisso( a stable job). I am ever so grateful for this opportunity and show off what a great teacher I am. How I enjoy seeing students pick up the English language, it brings a smile to my face. :)

I have felt more ...

New Year, New Direction

2010-01-06T16:55:00Z

The day is coming up soon to travel back to my second home. I have enjoyed being home and relaxing a bit with my family and my niece. I have also been offered the job I have been talking about for a month now!

YAY, I have an actual JOB in Italy!

I am completely grateful for this opportunity to make a living in the ...

Buon Natale Amici

2009-12-24T16:10:00Z

"I wanted to post this on Christmas Eve, as you can tell, I forgot. Thanks for reading!"I want to first say, I hope all my readers, friends and confidants around the world have a lovely Holiday season and a Merry Christmas!!Secondly, I usually on this day reflect on the past year. How I have changed, grown and move towards goals to conquer. I have been through a whirlwind of ups and downs this year. All in the end turning out for the best. I was battered and bruised by a relationship for most of ...

Door Opening: New Beginnings

2009-12-17T04:24:00Z

New things are happening to me lately. Brand New Things! Good things, Great things! More doors are opening for me.

Anyone else?? What is behind your door today?? Are you going to take the leap of faith?

Let me know! I'll be in touch!
a presto amici!!

...

My Dream Life

2009-12-16T07:00:00Z

Most would say I am already living my dream life. I would agree. What I have been dreaming of lately is my very own BODYFLOW/BODYBALANCE studio in Florence. Since working briefly with a gorgeous yoga studio in Florence, I have wanted to get my hands on my own studio. I know, I know I need money for that endeavor but it never hurts to dream.

This is what I see/hear/feel when I ... ...

Things I miss and don't miss about Chicago

2009-12-15T07:00:00Z

I noticed many things having to do with Culture shock when I arrived back to Chicago this time around. I had a odd feeling when I got off the plane and collected my bags and went through customs. I was excited to see my Dad on the other side of the doors and I also felt a bit out of place. The roads were HUGE, the cars were HUGE and there was so much English everywhere. All normal ...

I Feel It!

2009-12-14T16:17:00Z

As most of my friends know, I love to sing. In high school, I was obsessed with musicals. I always wondered what it would be like if there was music constantly playing around me. And then me, breaking out into song on the streets of Florence. This song is from one of my favorite musicals. I never got to be on stage singing these gorgeous and uplifting songs, however if I were to start singing now, this is the song I would sing to you all.