I’m Back and the Kitchens are Open!

The Gift

My little hiatus lasted far longer than I had expected but it has finally ended. When last I wrote, I mentioned that I had 2 projects to complete, one a bit of remodeling and, the second a secret endeavor. Well, the secret project was far more involved than I had anticipated and a couple of physical mishaps caused further postponement of the remodeling. (I will get that done!)

Now that it’s complete, I can tell you all about the secret project. I’m very happy to announce that I’ve written a cookbook of our family recipes and stories. Zia has asked me repeatedly to write this book and, well, with almost all of the family recipes now recorded, I couldn’t refuse her any longer. With a great deal of cooperation from my family, this project has remained a secret and she only just learned about the book days ago, when I gave her the first copy.

*     *     *

Blog Cookbook Page

*     *     *

Paper Trail 3To say that I underestimated the task at hand is to put it quite mildly. It was through trial and error — with every trial ending in error and then another trial — that I finally settled upon a self-publishing company affiliated with Amazon. (Thank you, Eva!) Then, after a few rewrites, a couple reformats, and plenty of editing, the book is finally ready for release. Yay!

Much like this blog, the cookbook is a compilation of my family’s recipes and stories of life in that old two-flat. I’ve included a few recipes that have yet to be shared here, as well as some as-yet unpublished family photos. There’s even a little something just for you, my ever-faithful WordPress family. I’ve included a game “Dove è Garibaldi?”, “Where is Garibaldi?”, and I’ll make no further mention of it anywhere but right here in this post. Hidden within the book’s pages is an image of Giuseppe Garibaldi, “the George Washington of Italy”, and Grandpa’s personal hero. Can you find him? Now, don’t get discouraged if you can’t. Within the book, I’ve also included a clue pointing to Garibaldi’s whereabouts. When you do find him, however, please NO SPOILERS!

*     *     *

Garibaldi

No, not here. In the cookbook!

*     *     *

Affiliation with Amazon does come with advantages, mainly that it may be purchased on Amazon here in the US and in Europe. Shipping charges will be assessed at the time of purchase, just like any Amazon purchase. If you live in an area outside of Amazon’s reach, an eStore has been created where you can purchase directly from the company. You will need to create an account, however, in order to purchase anything from the eStore. Each book is made-to-order and should be shipped within days of being purchased. Its arrival will depend upon the shipping priority you select at time of purchase.

There’s no need to bookmark this post for future reference. I’ve created a page — look for “Cookbook” directly beneath the header photo — which includes everything presented here, as well as pricing information for each point of purchase.

Since I will have nothing personally to do with your orders or shipping, please accept my thanks now to those of you who purchase a copy.

*     *     *

Next Wednesday, as promised, I’ll be sharing a recipe for New York-style cheesecake. See you then!

*     *     *

NYC Cheesecake Preview

*     *     *

163 thoughts on “I’m Back and the Kitchens are Open!

  1. Well, John Amici, methinks like each and every one of us I am very happy you are back. Simply cannot wait to read the book the past half-year has produced!! Am so looking forwards to all the recipes – but more so to the family stories . . . God bless and all the best . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Debi. I tried taking photos of my own desk but I don’t think anyone would have believed them to be true captures. Now, with the book published, I can finally start throwing away all of the these “must keep” notes and scraps of paper.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. John, this is so wonderful! I’ve just purchased my copy through Amazon and it will apparently arrive somewhere between October 7th & 12th – such is the distance between our 2 fair countries! I can’t wait to see all your hard work in print and to enjoy more of the Bartolini family recipes. Congratulations to you (and also to Zia)! Cheers, Margot

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Margot. I wonder why Amazon hasn’t offered the book on Amazon.AU like they did for their European markets? Sorry for the long wait but I am glad you bought one. I hope you’ll find it worth the wait. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • Your book is fantastic John! I was so excited to open the parcel, knowing what was inside and taking my first glimpse of what you’ve been working so hard on recently. It’s a book that you should be very proud of, knowing that you’ve put your heart and soul into making it a joy to read and full of beautiful family recipes. I look forward to using it for many years to come. Margot.xx

        Liked by 1 person

        • That’s very kind of you to say, Margot. Once I hit the PUBLISH button, the wait began. Would people like it? Comments like yours answered that question and I’ve very thankful. It’s kind of nice knowing that our family recipes will not only be cooked in kitchens around the world but they’ll be on bookshelves, too.. I never thought that possible when I started the blog. It really is amazing.
          Again, thank you.

          Liked by 1 person

  3. Lovely to hear from you again and I have been wondering what you’ve been up to. You have been very secretive. Congratulations on your cookbook; I always thought you had a good book in you as you write very well and your recipes always come with a very interesting history to them. The cover of the book is gorgeous and I look forward to purchasing my copy. Congrats again on all your hard work xx

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hi, Charlie! Good to hear from you. We – my family and I – kept it secret from Zia. I don’t think we all ever cooperated so well together. It all paid off because she was truly surprised. Thanks for your support but I’ve a question: When is your book coming out? I know you’ve at least one book dwelling within you. 🙂

      Like

  4. Hi John! What fantastic news! Congratulations, it must be a wonderful feeling. I was thinking about you just the other day, don’t remember why, a 6th sense maybe? I wish you the best of luck with the book, I’m sure it will be a hit – your recipes are wonderful and so are your stories. All the very best from Greece!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much, Eleni. The best part of the entire process was the look on Zia’s face as she unwrapped her copy. Perfect!
      One day I’d love top get back to Greece. I had such a wonderful time there.

      Like

  5. Congratulations! I know what an enormous project this was. I am elated that you’re back and that you’ve completed this daunting task (thank you for the mention❤️). I would have loved to see Zia’s reaction to this family legacy, I’m sure she was touched to tears (happy ones). I can’t wait to get a copy.
    I remember my first New York-style cheesecake, it was on a university trip to the Big Apple and one of our Must-See stops was Lindy’s! From the moment I returned to TO, I was on a mission to recreate that very treat; I must have made a hundred cheesecakes in search of that dry, but creamy recipe. Since then I have mastered my own version, but it gives me a chuckle that I was so determined about cooking, even back when I was 19!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much, Eva. You’re mentioning Amazon for help with self-publishing was god-sent. I’d still be fumbling around if it weren’t for CreateSpace. I must admit it’s nice not having a list of cookbook to-dos on my desk to start each day.
      This is one heavy cheesecake and it’s not something you just whip up in a half-hour. It’s a good one, though, perfect for the upcoming holidays. I’ll be interested to see how it stacks up against your creation. If we lived closer, we could have a bake-off. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Jen. I’ve been here, just lurking in the weeds. The book was all-consuming and I found little time for anything else. You cannot imagine how good it feels to have it completed and for sale. Whew!

      Like

    • Grazie, Maria. I didn’t want to take a chance that Zia would learn of it. My whole family — who helped me greatly — were all sworn to secrecy. It paid off because Zia was very proud and happy to see the book. Yes, it is good to be back. 🙂

      Like

          • Once on my leave on the trainstation in Bologna I saw lots of Italian cookbooks written in Italian. I was so excited. I bought several and took them happily home. I had the idea that they could sell them all in my own language to all that German tourists coming by and I so wanted to offer to the publisher my translating the books. But being not an official translator I lost my courage and I buried my idea once being home. But I still do like that little books. That came to mind, when reading your post. – BTW does Zia know Italian? I’m sure it was still spoken in her childhood, wasn’t it?

            Liked by 1 person

          • Sorry, Irmi. I “lost” your comment…
            All 4 of my grandparents were born in Italy and immigrated here. Mom and Zia were born here, though they spent a couple of years in France when they were very young. Dad’s parents left to return to Europe after Dad and his sister were born. Dad returned to the US when he as 16. Mom, Dad, Zia, and Uncle all spoke Italian. Mom and Zia, though, spoke conversational Italian and were/are not comfortable speaking the language with anyone other than friends or family. In fact, when Zia and I vacationed in Italy, she refused to speak Italian until our very last night when a lovely restaurant owner introduced herself and coaxed Zia into conversing with her in Italian. Considering how absolutely appalling my Italian is, it’s a wonder we did or saw anything on that trip. Every cab ride was an adventure! 🙂

            Like

          • Thank you so much for your kind reply, John, and telling me the story of the – yes, why not say pilgrimage of your Zia. I am kind of a language freak and always interested in how people knowing and/or using their mother language while living abroard. Maybe Zia does not want to be reminded at that time when she was a kid. It’s not easy visiting school abroard and it can happen that a child refuses to use the language being spoken at home in public – just for becoming part of the (school) community or for being treated well and not feeling as an outcast. There might be some special memories, too or even longings for the old lost homecountry that had been left by the parents. So it’s sometimes better to “forget” the mother tongue for not being hurt. And last but not least there might be a lack of bonding to that culture and society I am descending from so I do not dare using that language. Who knows. I myself like the Italian language very much, but have not often the opportunity anymore to use it. (Sorry, if my English does not fit sometimes very well). Have a nice time with your Zia. Buona fortuna e buon divertimento! –
            I’m looking forward to your next post….

            Like

          • Thank you so much for your kind reply, John, and telling me the story of the – yes, why not say pilgrimage of your Zia. I am kind of a language freak and always interested in how people knowing and/or using their mother language while living abroard. Maybe Zia does not want to be reminded at that time when she was a kid. It’s not easy visiting school abroard and it can happen that a child refuses to use the language being spoken at home in public – just for becoming part of the (school) community or for being treated well and not feeling as an outcast. There might be some special memories too or even longings for the old lost homecountry that had been left by the parents. So it’s sometimes better to “forget” the mother tongue for not being hurt. And last but not least there might be a lack of bonding to that culture and society I am descending from so I do not dare using that language. Who knows. I myself like the Italian language very much, but have not often the opportunity anymore to use it. (Sorry, if my English does not fit sometimes very well). Have a nice time with your Zia. Buona fortuna e buon divertimento! – I’m looking forward to your next post….

            Like

    • Thank you ever so much, Mandy. Now, you can enjoy the fruits of the Bartolini kitchens without traveling 14,000 km to do so. Although, you’re always welcome to come if you catch a traveling bug. 🙂

      Like

    • Thanks, Sally. I certainly didn’t mean to worry anyone and am sorry if I did. I had to keep things under wraps lest Zia get wind of my plans. It worked and she was very surprised and happy to see what I’d done. Her reaction made everything worthwhile.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Yay!!!!!!! I can’t wait to read this John. And I have plans for Christmas gifts now too!!!! Very excited! However, not as excited as Mr. N will be about your cheesecake! You know he loves this one. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Congrats, know this has been in your heart for a long time. you have worked hard to learn the family receipes and then to make them and share all that with others that have not the good fortune to have been born into a foodie family. Good luck and keep up the good work.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I’ve missed you soooooo much!! And I’m so excited about your PROJECT!! Sending you a big cyber hug and congratulations!! Your cookbook looks fabulous – but I expect nothing less than fabulous from you! As for me, I haven’t posted a thing since June… which was not what I had planned but the summer was full of travel and fun – plus working hard in my gardens. I’ll soon be back to posting now that summer’s over. And now I can ook forward to buying your wonderful cookbook and also to viewing posts from my dear friend John. ; o ) ++ Guess what – I’m going to return again Italy in November – I can NOT wait. I haven’t been back to Italy since we lived in Malta, where Italy was just a ‘hop, skip & a jump’ away!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • So much said in one comment! Thank you, Cecile, for your kind words. I had stopped by your blog a few times and wondered where you’d gone. So glad to hear that you had a fun-filled summer. Better still, that you’ll be going back to Italy in November. How wonderful! I hope to be returning to San Marino in April-May to visit my family again. I may bring a nephew with me. He’s in for an eye-opening experience, to be sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I just ordered one of you cookbooks – I’m excited like a kid before Christmas!! ++ Order Number: 110-0184908-0677019 ++ On another note, my father (born in 1906) used to have expression which included Garabaldi… but I can’t remember it right now.)

    Liked by 1 person

    • I delayed responding to this comment until I spoke with Zia. Neither of us can remember Grandpa ever using an expression using Garibaldi. We have plenty of memories of him telling us kids about his hero, though. In fact, I’ve got his prized painting of the Italian patriot. he’d sit us down in front of the picture and tell us all about the man and his actions to unite Italy. A cropped version is in the post.

      Thanks, Cecile, for placing your order. I hope you’ll enjoy learning a bit more about my family and the dishes we enjoyed.

      Like

      • I soo wish I could remember what my father used to say…. he was born in 1906, so he had some expressions that my friends’ parents didn’t use… I’m getting alerts from Amazon on my phone – I just got one today saying I should be receiving MY COOKBOOK !!!! ; o ) (When my father said, ‘Don’t get too big for your britches!” he honestly remembered the day when boys worn ‘breeches’… and when they ‘got too big’ to wear breeches’, they got to wear long pants!!)

        Liked by 1 person

        • Grandpa was born in 1898 and emigrated here when he as 16. Garibaldi had done much for Italy in the years preceding his birth. One day, I’ll tell you a story about Grandpa and Garibaldi. It didn’t make it into the book — nor will it ever.
          Yes, I, too, remember being too big for my breeches. I also remember that “little pitchers have big ears”, and being told in Italian, when Mom was at her wit’s end, to go and get blessed. 🙂

          Like

  10. I am SOOOOO happy for you – for everything! Sorry to hear about mishaps, hope they weren’t too awful. It’s great to have you back. We’ve just got back to Spain for about a month so as soon as we’re back in England, am going to place an order. Congratulations, you’re a published author…how fantastic is that?! Big hug x

    Liked by 1 person

    • Fantastic? How about so totally unexpected. This was never a part of the game plan and no one is more amazed than I that there’s a book and it’s for sale. I’ve gotten over the mishaps, Tanya, with no lasting effects. At the time, however, my activities were limited. The remodeling was merely postponed and not canceled. Thank you for you kind words and support, Tanya.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Hello, Diane. Thank you so much and I hope you do enjoy reading about my family and preparing our recipes. The mishaps are behind me now and I’ll get to work on that remodeling soon, probably during winter’s worst. I’ll have to do something other than watch the snow fall — as you are well aware.

      Like

  11. Dear John, (don’t write too many “dear John” letters these days..haha,

    Congratulations on your book, wishing you all the best with it. In a world so disconnected, we all need some nourishment made with love and laughter and handed down through times of hardship and abundance…and what could be better than yummy, soul and tummy satisfying Italian food….gracias for sharing the most basic and most divine of the necessities of life.

    ..and thank you for being such a good friend to my sweet baby brother, xo, Karen

    Liked by 1 person

    • Aw, Karen. Such a lovely comment to leave. Thank you ever so much. The two-flat was home to 3 remarkable cooks and I just couldn’t let their recipes fade away. Now, their recipes will be prepared and the women will be remembered.

      As for your “baby” brother, he’s been an incredibly good friend to me, as well. We saw the world together, laughing the entire way. You cannot beat that.

      When are you coming North again. It’s been too long.

      Like

  12. Wow, congratulations John!!! I bet it is wonderful!!
    I think a kindle version may be useful, but I would love love to have the actual book in my hands! Is it possible to get a signed copy? 😜
    So happy for you!! Congrats again 😘

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hello, Giovanna, and thanks for the well wishes. I’m not certain about creating a Kindle version as yet. Let’s see if there’s a demand for one.
      I have nothing to do with the shipping of the books. In fact, I never touch them. I am looking into having bookplates printed that would contain my signature. I could mail them to anyone who would like a signed copy.
      There is another way. Order the book using my address as the shipping address. Once received, I would sign it and ship it to you.

      What do you think?

      Liked by 1 person

      • Hi John, thanks a lot for your offer, I really appreciate it. But I don’t want for you to get in all that trouble for me (just imagine the magnitude of it all if you have to do it for all of us!!).
        Again, really sweet, but it’s ok. I’ll tell all my friends that I know the author and that, my friend, is more than enough!!😝😝
        Love, Giovanna 💕

        Liked by 1 person

  13. So glad you’re back, John! Happy to see that you weren’t idle during your time away. 🙂 what a wonderful accomplishment! I so wish that many of our family recipes had survived, though I have a few. Looking forward to your next post and the book!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Betsy. I am so glad I started the blog when I did for both Zia and I are aware that many family recipes were already lost. Together, we’ve been able to piece together many of the savory dishes but the sweets, the baked goods, are pretty much gone forever. Still, I did get quite a few recorded and I hope future generations will use the book and, in the process, learn a bit about their roots.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Welcome back John! And, CONGRATULATIONS on your great achievement! I can imagine how content Zia must be. Everybody has a story or two, but some have stories and stories. To compile the stories and foods which always brings people together, it must be shared with the world. For that, thank you! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Bonjourno John! Wow! Bravo and congratulations on such a huge feat! I can almost image Zia’s joy in her heart and face as you handed her the book and she began to thumb through the pages of your heartfelt words and family recipes and photos. I am trying to sort out now how to get a copy here to HK… Until then I will just gaze into the photo of the lovely cheesecake. I hope you are feeling well. Missed you dearly. Take care

    Liked by 1 person

    • Buona sera, BAM!!! I’ve missed you, too, and it’s good to be back. Zia was very pleased with the book and it’s a moment none of us will soon forget. I just spoke with her on the phone and she’s still thrilled. How rewarding is that?

      If you cannot get a copy sent your way, I can always order one and ship it to you. No matter how it’s done, it will be a bit of a wait for it to get to you. I sent one to my Zia in the Rep. of San Marino and it will take weeks to get there. I cannot even start tracking it for 10 days. Even so, we can work something out, I’m sure.

      I’ve got an in-box to clear out before I can resume blogging as I once did. There’s 10,000 emails in it. Yikes! Not to worry, The cheesecake is being posted Wednesday morning, as promised — I hope. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      • I am so happy for you Johan and for Zia… I wish I could see her smile… Don’t worry i have over 10,00 e-mails in my inbox now and I can’t catch up no what I seem to do. Take your time, get sorted and we can discuss shipping of your book by slow shrimp boat later… Take Car, BAM

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Wow. Congratulations. The odd mention from Miss C about her friend in Chicago assured me all was well with you but I had no idea you’d be busy with something this exciting. If the contents of the book is as enticing as the cover, I’m in trouble 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, EllaDee. Yes, those were my ravioli she enjoyed. I was taught never to arrive for a visit empty-handed. Well, ravioli always make a great gift. If you lived a wee bit closer, I’d be more than willing to demonstrate for you. 🙂

      Like

  17. Way-hey, John, you’re back – and a book under your belt to boot. Congratulations, and well done you. A labour of love in all senses. I’d been wondering where you were, and last night I cooked your harissa chicken thighs and here you are again. Brilliant. And good luck with the book.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hello, Trish. It is so good to be back. Believe me, there were times when I wondered if I would ever get the book completed. Blogging seemed like an impossibility. Thanks to the encouragement of a few friends, however, I did get it completed and my Zia could not be more thrilled. Thanks for your kind words and, more importantly, for reminding me about the harissa chicken thighs. I’ve just bought some thighs and was debating how to prepare them. Not anymore. Yum! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Yay! Welcome back, John. Congratulations. Wow! I guess that’s the reason behind your absence. Way to go! Good luck with the book. I will surely check it out in Amazon. Enjoy your day! And thanks for stopping by my blog. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, MD, was she ever! I just spoke with her and she’s still marveling about it. It was in no way an easy process but seeing her reaction as she unwrapped it made all of the troubles fade from my memory. This was such a worthwhile project.

      Like

  19. Ciao John benritrovato! sono stata per lungo tempo assente dal blog, anche se ogni tanto salutavo con qualche post, ora che ho ripreso la mia attività non mancherò di visitare gli amici che hanno blog belli e interessanti come il tuo, specialmente se, come sempre metti sempre qualche tocco a ricordare la mia bella Italia!
    Un amichevole abbraccio, buon fine settimana, ma soprattutto buon appetito con le tue splendide ricette di cucina!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ciao, Ventis. You’ve started your won business? How exciting. I am sure you will do well and your business will grow and grow. I visited my Zia last week and I showed her your blog. Like me, she thought your posts were lovely and your words beautiful.

      You now have 2 admirers in my family. Do take care and I wish you much success in your new business. 🙂

      Like

  20. Pingback: ‘The Summer of Cecile’ – Gardening, Traveling and Just Kicking Back !! | My Yellow Farmhouse

  21. MAMA MIA – What a Book !! John – it’s fabulous!! It’s big, beautiful and wonderfully done!! Believe me, I’m a tough critic. As you may remember, I was an English Lit. major, worked for a time in publishing in NYC and then got my masters in teaching…. how’s THAT for a critic?! And I am just so happy for you – and so amazed at all the work you had to have done to have come up with such a well-written and well-organized book. I just can’t say enough of about it!! And I’m so glad it arrived so soon – I’m going to sit on the couch and thumb through it now. (I wish I had a BIG glass of a good Italian wine to drink… heck, I might even go out and buy one just for this occasion.) Bravo my dear friend!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • I do remember your background, Cecile, and your comment means the world to me. Thank you ever so much for returning to write this. I guess I can stop worrying now. Whew! 🙂

      Did you hear that? It’s the sound of a bottle of wine being opened. I wouldn’t want you to drink alone.

      Cin cin, my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

  22. It’s so nice to see that you’re back — I’ve missed your wonderful stories and recipes, and your kind words and humour. But, a cookbook! If ever there were a good reason to take a hiatus from blogging, that’s it! I’ll be looking up your book for sure. And just to let you know, I renamed and redesigned my blog while you were away … instead of Life Through the Kitchen Window it’s now Urban Cottage Life. A fitting change to mark (yet another) new start in life.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Mar. I started looking for software that would create a book from my blog and ended up writing a cookbook. Never in a 1000 years did I think I’d write a cookbook. Unbelievable! I just checked and I’m already subscribed to your new home. Looks like I did something right during my hiatus. I do like the look of your site and love your kitchen. I’d kill for that much cupboard space. Once I buy my yacht with the book royalties, maybe I’ll look into getting my kitchen remodeled. 🙂

      Like

  23. So great to see you back! I’ve missed you, your stories and your recipes. How wonderful to finally have a family cookbook. I’m sure you and all the family must be very excited. My mom made a cookbook from her side if the family back in the 80s. Back in the day of using an actual typewriter, photocopies and whole punches! I can only hope that someday my boys,will have as many memories of,our food as you do of your family’s meals together. Congratulations again John.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much, Gretchen.I cannot imagine how hard your Mother must have worked to get her cookbook written. What a gift! I bet your family loves it and your boys will one day, too. Family recipes are, IMO, priceless and we need to preserve them as we do other family keepsakes. With that in mind, let me say that I am incredibly happy to be done with it! 🙂

      Like

  24. Congratulations John!!! What a huge endeavor! Love the cover, the concept, look forward to reading the stories and play the game. Oh how fun!!! You’re forgiven to have disappeared for so long. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Whew! I’m forgiven. Thanks, MJ. I originally planned to use one of those software packages that read a blog and create a book. Easy peasy. I’d be back in a few weeks. Well, this blog is too large and none worked. A wiser man would have walked away but that’s not me. I kept trying different companies and, before I knew it, those software companies became self-publishing firms. And that’s when the real fun started. Now I cannot believe that it’s finished. Unbelievable!

      Like

  25. I’m reading out of order, but now I know “the rest of the story.” I’ll be curious to see what recipes you’ve included. I was out of town last week with an author friend of mine…I heard a lot about the work involved in bringing a book to print. Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Debra. Most, though not all, are my family’s recipes. Most importantly, all carry Zia’s seal of approval. I tried to give a good variety of recipes but, in retrospect, there are quite a few pasta dishes. Well, I do love my pasta. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, John, it’s good to be back, though I’ve yet to get out and visit everyone’s sites. There’s a lot going on around here of late. Now, what’s this about vacation? A one month vacation? I don’t care where you went — though I hope it was fantastic — taking a month off is the only way to go. I need to head over to your place and see what’s been going on. 🙂

      Like

  26. Great News by lifting your secret endeavor. – It must be a relief now having all that trials (and errors) done. Congratulations!!!! It’s great that it will be available in Europe too. I’m off to check Amazon or/and the “Cookbook”… 🙂 – Will there be an original signature of you in the first – lets say 1000 or so – copies? Would be glad and it would be so special then…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hello again, Irmi. One of the advantages of working with the company I chose is that I do not have anything to do with the orders or shipping. They make the books to order and ship them right out. There are no piles of books in my home waiting to be bought. A disadvantage is that I cannot sign the copies. FOr friends and family, I’ll sign them when I see them A few others have sent their copies to me for signature. All live here, Stateside, and the shipping costs are minimal. Sending books out of the country can prove to be expensive. I know. I sent a copy to my ZIa in San Marino. I am looking into getting bookplates that I will sign and send to any who would like one. Granted, it’s not a signed copy but it is the best I can do — unless someone wants to buy me First Class roundtrip airfare to their hometown. If so, I’m sure something can be arranged. 🙂

      Like

      • Oh, thanks John, for taking my wish so serious. I completely understand of course these difficulties and, again of course, it’s just natural that your signature/a signed book is reserved to relatives and close friends or maybe on the occasion of a personal meeting…
        Signed or unsigned – to order your book means to honour your work and to honour Zia and your Mom…

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment