A new adventure begins and Brothy Beans to get you through June gloom

Plus, a little This & That.

Arrivederci!

We're moving to Italy. Yes, you read that correctly....we are moving to Italy. Even as I write it out and try to find the words to share the news with you, I still don't fully believe it's true. Is this really happening? Are we capable of pulling off this kind of monumental move? Will I go completely gray by the time I arrive on Italian soil? Are we insane masochists?!?! A little over a year ago, Andre and I decided to explore the idea of living abroad honestly and thoroughly, putting all our energy and resources into figuring out a way to make a future dream a reality in our now. We've fantasized about retiring in Italy or one day buying a home in Puglia, where Andre still has a lot of family. But it was always that, something that might happen down the line, as a summer getaway or loose retirement plan. But for many reasons, which we will explore and share in the coming months, we began to entertain the possibility of doing it now rather than later. It's taken many long and longer conversations, weighing all the pros and cons; some days, one of us wants to go, and other days one of us feels like it's just too overwhelming. A weighty decision to make, uprooting three young children and dragging them across the globe to give them something else... intentionally, something more. There is constant swirling emotion inside us... excitement, anxiety, fear, joy, and absolute overwhelm. It’s surreal, already feeling like we've been on this journey for so long, yet knowing we haven't even begun.

A few have told us this is quite a foolish decision at our age, that it will be too hard, and proclaim it could be a devastating mistake. Not easy reactions to hear. And yet others have told us this is one of the most incredible things we can do for ourselves and our children. In one case, someone's eyes lit up and filled with tears when we told them, declaring that this bold choice inspires them, that we are brave, and that they wish they, too, could take such a profound leap of faith into the unknown. It's a bit of all these things... but indeed, the one thing we can count on is that it will surely be the adventure of our lives. Incredible, magical things happen when you put yourself outside your comfort zone. After all, there is always a case for crazy.

I love our house, the home we have built here, the backyard where Andre proposed over ten years ago, and the walls within which all our babies have been raised. The place where we have laughed and cried with the people we love and felt immense joy and gratitude for this life we've built. I know it will be hard to go. All of my memories, both the good and the bad, are wrapped up in this city, and up until recently, I never imagined I would live anywhere else again. After all, it certainly would be the easier choice to stay. Our time here has been good to us, and I know I will miss it so much. But the universe is calling us towards this adventure. It seems undeniable; too many doors have opened that it may be a crazier decision not to walk through them. I'm proud of us already for being doers, believing in ourselves enough to do something bold, and showing our kids the beauty of having a dream and seeing it through, even when it is the harder road to travel.

My biggest heartbreak is leaving our incredible friends, the community we have been raising our children with. The amazing dinners, beach playdates, and family trips have brought me so much joy in these years of motherhood. I don't know how I would have survived otherwise. And, even though I know we will see everyone when we come back and forth for work and to visit, it will be different...still great, but just different.

So, there you have it. In just under three months, we will be unpacking in Italy. We will dive deeper into this in the coming weeks, sharing so many things. This is just the tip of the iceberg. But first, I just needed to pull the bandaid off and say the words, WE ARE MOVING TO ITALY!

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Brothy Beans

There are no beans like the Rancho Gordo beans; once you eat them, you’ll understand what I mean. In addition to selling the most delicious and unique assortment of heirloom beans, they also have other interesting grains and spices that will elevate any dish you make. For the Brothy Beans Recipe below, I used their Royal Corona Bean, a big fat runner bean with a creamy, buttery texture, creating a hearty dish that warms your whole body and makes you feel cozy and happy.