Around Our House Excitement Is Building
March 2nd, 2010
A week from today, my new memoir will be published. Kicking off the tour, I’ll read at the Regulator Bookstore in Durham. Once a manuscript is finished, it takes many months for the actual book to appear. The proofing is, for me, the hard part. Any mistake in the final book is SO painful. Next comes selecting the cover–a pleasure. Every Day in Tuscany’s cover is by my friend Al Hurley. He took the photograph from Cortona’s bell tower and when I saw it, I saw immediately that it IS the end of my book–the image was uncanny for me. Then there are dozens of little edits and queries.
Finally, a day is set, and now that day is near. 9 March. I’m excited about going on tour, meeting many new friends. I dread the flying. I hope I won’t have delays that put me in a hotel at midnight, facing a dinner out of the minibar. What to read? Will I get snowed in, like last time? What to say? Will someone water the seeds I’ve started while I’m gone? Will someone call out from the audience, “We used to date at U VA”? Can I keep up my exercise?
Please click on “Tour.” If I am coming near where you live, I would love to meet you.
This is my third memoir about living in Italy. As the title suggests, it is very much a book about the particulars and pleasures of every day life. There are no chases, no drug deals, nothing more torrid than the fire in the bread oven. There is one horrid scrape with an ugly threat–but otherwise, what I am in love with is rural Tuscany: the friends, daily passions, and celebrations of piazza life. We’ve had so much fun expanding our vegetable garden and restoring another house from the time of Saint Francis of Assisi. Although we did mind-bending labor on Bramasole, we did not work on the restoration of the “new” stone-roofed house, merely oversaw every detail for three years–and combed Tuscany for authentic old materials. Though I will lay a path or paint a room, I hope my drastic restoration days are over! I wrote one long chapter on Luca Signorelli, local boy, and profound renaissance artist. He and I have become friends, in spite of him being long dead. That hasn’t seemed to matter. I propose a Signorelli Trail to follow, like the Piero della Francesca trail so many travellers take. If you don’t share my adoration of him, the places where his work lives are all sublime. Everywhere in my book there’s food and wine. I think, 25 recipes–all guaranteed to be terrific. I only wish the aromas could rise off the page! Some were given to me by favorite Tuscan chefs. You can’t write about Italy without dwelling intensely on the table! I had an especially good time introducing Italian food to my little grandson. There’s an ode to friendship–both to our Italian friends and to the American expats who have taken to Italian life so beautifully. Underlying all the places and events, my question throughout concerns happiness–what is it, how to hold onto it.
In July, we are celebrating twenty years since we bought our house, Bramasole. We are planning a sparkle-plenty party, with music, great wine and food, and a gathering of friends who have been close over these years. I’m so happy that this new book coincides with this anniversary. If you read it, I hope that it’s a reminder of life-in-the-moment, wherever you are. Tuscany is a state of mind; you can have that state of mind anywhere.
Dear Frances….Today at work I stole a moment to go online and pre-order your new book. I love the cover photo as it reminds me of my week in Cortona last July. I walked past Bramasole on my 50th birthday and savored each moment I stood in front of your home. How ironic to find that when I got home from work, my case of Bramasole Olive Oil was waiting for me beside my front door! When I opened the box I found the little postcard announcing “Every Day In Tuscany”! It made my day! I was down to my last bottle of oil from last year’s harvest and was using it sparingly. Not to worry anymore! I can’t wait to open one of the new bottles and taste it….. Now, I am off to buy a nice loaf of bread!
I am sooo looking forward to getting your new book! Ciao!
Bobbi Miller
The oil is so delicious this year. I say that every year, of course. We’ve been making every bruschetta known to man! I know you’ll enjoy it!
Dear Mrs Frances,
I am not sure but since I read your first book Under the Tuscun Sun I have fallen in love with your writing.Something magical dreamy thing that you write make me enjoy every moment of life fully.I want you to keep on writing for readers like us..
Divya
Our excitement is building, too! And I find it wonderful that a couple of your tour stops are at famous botanic gardens–as it should be, because it seems that you love gardens and gardening as much as you love cooking, writing, traveling, etc. I really must say that I just love the garden parts of all your books. I am currently designing a garden here for a man from Tuscany who is nostalgic for the gardens he grew up with. I have consulted your books several times for ideas and ways to translate the feeling of Tuscan/Italian gardens to his garden in this climate. What fun!
We were so lucky to be in Cortona in October, and were invited by Ed to visit the olives just before the harvest. The fruit of the harvest arrived today…dinner was amazing! The new oil is perfection. Your writing has inspired such joy, Ed’s oil inspired new journeys in cooking, and our memories of visits to Cortona get me through the cloudy, cold, snowy, winter days. Thank you for the joy and inspiration ….Best wishes, Marcie and Rick
I was poking around on the Internet this past weekend and was delighted to stumble upon your new web site. I was also thrilled to see you have a book about to be released! What great timing…I’m about to finish with my second reading of ‘A Year In the World’. Tonight I’ll be heading to Capri.
I’m such a fan of your writing and love your passion for life. Thank you for allowing your readers to journey with you. I’ve had a great time so far. Where are we going to go next?
Dear Frances,
I am a lover of Italy who has not yet been able to get there. In the mean time, I’ve taken to reading books about the country and watching movies that showcase all of its splendors. That said, I was delighted to find out that your new book, Every Day in Tuscany, was soon to be released. I have read all of your previous books about Tuscany. The words are so beautifully inspiring that I repeatedly go back and read through them.
The more I learn about Italy the more my desire to be there grows. It has now reached the stage where I don’t think I can be satisfied with a vacation there every year or two. I want to be able to spend a significant amount of time there each year. It’s strange, but a country I’ve never been to has completely captured my heart. It’s as though the sense of “place” is calling me.
Similar to what you have often mentioned about yourself, I have a strong feeling that once I get to Italy, I too will feel like I’m home. This is one of the many reasons that I love your writing. I love the way you describe your connection to the land and how you speak of being in Italy as if it’s a calling. I also love how you have stated repeatedly that no matter how often you go, it always brings you joy and Italy still feels new. I desire and hope to have this same experience. Your passion for Italy has inspired me to believe that I can also go there, and never cease to be amazed by its beauty and the way of life of its people.
Occasionally though, I have wondered if even you, (and Ed), would ever reach the point where your excitement for Tuscany would finally begin to wane. But how thrilled I was when I discovered you had written another book about your “continued” love of life in Tuscany… And so, the inspiration and model for the dream of my own endlessly alluring journey, remains in tact. I can’t begin to describe how anxious I am to read your book from cover to cover. I will be getting my copy as soon as I am able. And hopefully, starting my own first chapter of experiencing the joys of Italy, will not be too far off into the future.
My sincere thanks to you for the hours of “endless” delight your unique style of bringing Italy to life through words (and sometimes pictures) has brought me.
P.S.: I live in New York City and will definitely be at your book signing on the 17th.
Marcie–see you at Barnes & Noble! We’re glad we were able to get the olive oil earlier this year. Enjoy every drop!
I really like your idea of the Signorelli Trail, and will go down that one as you suggest. I spend a lot of time in Le Marche, so this will be un’buon divertimento. Grazie, Frances.
-Alfonso Cevola
http://www.alfonsocevola.com
Alfonso, would love to know your favorite places in the Marche. One of Signorelli’s greatest works is in Arcevia. And another in the big mother church at Loreto.
A wonderful area of Italy and still a bit of a discovery. I love Urbino! Ciao!
yummm….you’re making me hungry just thinking about the luscious tastes!
I loved “Under the Tuscan Sun” and can’t wait to read your latest memoir. I was transported by your words and entranced by the pictures you painted of your home, the culture, the people…I could go on. I have regularly daydreamed about living in Italy or France since I read “Under the Tuscan Sun” and long to visit Europe again. Your warm words about Tuscany made me believe I could also live with the sun of Italy as well. Congratulations on your latest publication. I trust it will be as lovely as the first!
Mrs. Mayes,
You have inspired me with your magnificently written memoirs. I was captured from the first word and could not put the books down until I have read to the end. So thank you for writing another. I can not wait to get my hands and eyes on this next piece of wonderful literature.
And congratulations on the twentieth anniversary of Bramasole!
I’m traveling with my husband to Tuscany this summer, and I’m excited to read both books in anticipation of the trip. This trip has special meaning for both of us, as we’re meeting his parents, his sister and her family, and his brother there. Since they live in Germany, we don’t get to see very much of one another. For me, the particular excitement is that I get to bring my grandfather. He traveled all over the world in the airforce during WWII, but he never got to go to Italy, the place his parents were born. I feel unbelievably priviledged to be able to share this experience with him.
Congratulations on your upcoming book release! I’m sure that it is old hat by now (this is the 3rd!) but I bet the excitement as you’ve described in your post brings back the butterflies as if starting over. You’ve captured the hearts and imaginations (not to mention jump started the travel bugs in many) of the masses and I’m certain that we are all on the edge of our seats to read this latest installment. Thank you for taking us (the readers) on a journey to Italy each time we open your amazing work. Happy reading! =0)
What beautiful books you write!
I was completely transformed physically (it inspired me to get fit so I would be able to one day walk the fine streets for miles), mentally (it inspired me to continue learning languages my Spanish is fluent and my italian is coming along) and emotionally (I too, like the lovely character in Tuscan Sun was devastated by the break up of my long time partnership and didn’t know where to begin life again) by your “Under the Tuscan Sun” Am looking forward to being revitalized by the new work Congratulations on your latest publication. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us.
I look forward to trying some of those wonderful recipes!
I first read “Under the Tuscan Sun” while on a business trip to San Diego (having come from a very frigid Minnesota). I was in a lovely little bookshop near the water and each time I passed by the shelf holding your book, the book fell off the shelf. I replaced it twice, but on the third recovery I decided the book really wanted me to read it. I devoured it during my off time at the conference and on the flight home, and after arriving home I stopped at the local bookstore to pick up your second book.
I so appreciate being able to travel and live in Italy vicariously through your books. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Best wishes!
I reviewed “Under the Tuscan Sun” for local publications here in New Zealand when it was first published. Among a slew of such books it stood out as being so real and honest. I look forward to reading “Every Day in Tuscany” with relish (Italian, of course!).
I have yet to finish reading your first book. If this book is anything like your first I am sure it will be a delight. I am not Italian but instead Greek and have never been to the Mediterranean and your book transports me there. Thank you!
I read your previous two books and am looking forward to devouring the third. Hope this one, like the other two, contains recipes!
We are still making and enjoying the recipes from your first book and look forward to hearing more about your enviable life in Italy.
I am 25 and hope to live in Italy for a little bit of my lifetime!
I have not read your work before, but have heard raves from a friend and the media! Hope to win your lovely book! Thanks so much.
Hello, I see that you enjoy gardening and visiting gardens as I. I love to read, garden, and write. I enjoy your writing as it is soothing to me. I would love to win your book and I know I will enjoy reading. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
I felt that winter was finally coming to an end when I heard you had a new book coming out. I am more than ready to soak up the warmth of the sun and enjoy the first shoots in my garden that your book has me dreaming of.
How to begin? I went to Tuscany on a tour at the end of August first week of Sept. We walked every day past your home. It was very dark out but just a beautiful walk. I fell in love with Tuscany, with Italy. I came back to Sahuarita, Arizona knowing I would return to Italy. I am now in the process of making arrangements for late October early November. I also came back wanting to write. I am in the midst of change in my life at 58. I want know how you have done all that you did. You have been so adventuresome. I am just starting to explore and find myself desperate to figure out how to make the first steps with these new found feelings from my stay in Italy. The tour I was on was done by Giovanni DiPonzio and Mick Plewman was the guide. It was fabulous. They made the tour a Fantasized Tour of Tuscany. Is there a way that you would suggest to start writing for someone who has been working as a Clinical Social Worker for 29 years but wants to write about life starting in Tuscany? Thank you for any thoughts you might have.
Karyl–I would try to join both a book group and a writing group. Getting started can be jump-started if you have a network. Another practice, identify “crux” marks in your life, that is, moments of change, and use those as starting points. Good luck! Frances
Your book, Under the Tuscan Sun, sent me back on a trip savoring every moment I spent in Italy soaking up the sites, filling the senses, and retasting the comfort foods. Nothing is as good as fresh food from the source. I love the treat of regional recipes accompanying your trail in Tuscany. The pleasure of inviting us into your home continues in your conversational writing and down-to-earth tone. We are privilieged as readers to share in your remodeling efforts. And as a writer, you do not let us down while exploring overseas adventures in settings rich with history and expand our world with native cultural exchange.
I look forward to your appearance in Newport Beach. I’ll definitely be trying some of your recipes in my kitchen.
I have sweet memories of reading your first book along with my mother, sharing our insights and impressions. I am looking forward to Every Day In Tuscany, and already plan to share it with some dear friends. Thank you for writing books that draw people closer together as we share in your experiences and the lovely part of the world you describe so well.
I am so happy that your book is being launched on my birthday. I have read all of your books and was really excited to get an email from Amazon saying that your latest one was on its way. I hope you will include Washington, DC on your tour. Best wishes for a successful tour.
With great joy and expectation, I look forward to reading ‘Every Day in Tuscany’. We have communicated in the past about my beautiful terrace furniture (just like yours) from Drexel Heritage, and I have truly enjoyed entertaining with it as a backdrop. My “mate” and I are now spending longer and longer in Italy, each year, and I do hope we are able to see you at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on March 16th where we will purchase another of your memoirs, thus holding us over ’til “torniamo”. Ciao y a presto, Judy
I am so excited to be coming to your reading and book signing tomorrow night in Durham. I read “Under the Tuscan Sun” last summer just as I was finishing up a Bramsole of my own, the renovation of a log cabin on wooded acreage on a private lake in VA. Your writing was inspiring and I felt transported to Italy while appreciating the moments, my own setting, and the fruits of my labor in VA. My sister, who also loves your writing,and I spent hours talking about you, your book and the life you’ve allowed us to share through your books. She’s going to be so jealous that I’m going to get a chance to meet you. There is a possibility I may be able to visit Italy this summer, Sansepolcro, and I’ve already checked the distance to Cortona and know I’ll visit there if I’m so fortunate. I’m new to the Raleigh area and look forward to continuing to travel with you through your vivid and lasting descriptions and sharing your love of gardening and cooking. You have become one of my favorite writers. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
I am so excited about your new book, six months ago I printed a copy of the press page with the cover and the words “in stores everywhere March 2010″. You have got me reading again which hasn’t happened in 20 years other than necessitie. I have read most your books and listened to them ontape in my car, the voice makes feel as if I am there since I don’t have to concentrate on reading the words. I am hoping to travel to portland to see it is 3-4 hours away. Happy Anniversary and many more to come.
Thank you for sharing your passion for life,
Rachael
Hi Frances. Don’t know where to begin. I have been looking for an author for years to help me or even write my life story.
I am full blooded Italian and live in AR (yes Little Rock AR) My mother was pregnant with me when leaving Italy and left our entire family behind. I didn’t go to Italy until I was 30 to meet my family and bio father and oh what a story I have written for my children thus far. Italy is amazing….I am anxious to read your books, but probably only to sadden and remind me what I am missing out on. I would love to talk with you or even email you what I have written and get your thoughts. This may all be premature, but I feel like I have such an inspirational story to tell and well I read through your comments of Italy and Italians and you cannot be more right!!
I will be ordering all your books.
Hope to hear from you if at all possible!
Genoveffa Barbato Glass
Hi Frances, Hope I am not posting this twice. I blogged hit submit, but am not seeing my comment so I am typing again.
I have thought so often about finding someone to write my life story or guide me in someone that may assist. I am a full blooded Italian living in Little Rock AR (yes, LR AR) My mother left Italy while pregnant with me for many reasons (which I have documented in a book for my children). I was 30 in 2004 and took a 2 week trip to Italy to meet all of my family and my biological father. Wow, what an enlightening and emotional roller coaster that two weeks was. I have been back a total of 4 times since that visit and have documented so much. At this point, it has been documented to share with my children one day which have both been to Italy to meet our family.
I just feel I have such an inspirational story to tell and when I read your comments about Italy I have this feeling within me that just screams “She is the one” as if I already know you.
I am not sure if this is the appropriate way to reach out to you about something like this, but I feel compelled to.
Hope to hear from you and I have soft copies of a big piece of the story that I would love to forward to you.
Thanks for your time and I will be getting your books – probably only to make me miss what I already MISS SO MUCH!
Genoveffa Barbato Glass
Dear Ms. Mayes,
I will spend my 40th birthday in Italy in 2011. My first step to inspire the planning of my trip was to enroll in a Conversational Italian class. Now into my fourth week, I skip to my meetings with a group of people who are equally enthusiastic as I am about traveling to Italy. My maestra is Italian and exudes Italian enthusiasm of the regions you write about. Her favorite place, Montepulciano, is on my list of places to stay.
I also pulled my copy of Under the Tuscan Sun off of my shelf. This will be my spirit guide as I set forth the outline of my 2011 journey. Upon reading a chapter, I will complete a task that will get me to Italy.
Thank you for your uninhibited approach to life and for the writer role model you remain.
Finché incontriamo,
Ursula Riina
Dear Ms. Mayes,
I am deeply immersed in your new book Everyday in Tuscany. I am a resident of Boca Raton, Florida and I understand you will be in Coral Gables/Miami on April 1st. Sadly, I will not be able to attend your book signing by 6 pm. I am thrilled to be heading back to Tuscany for 2 weeks in June. This time a 17c farmhouse in Cortona, Villa La Certosa. My husband and I rented Casa Lucati in Mercatale di Cortona in the Niccone Valley this past October. Our views from the house on the hillside were magnificent and breathtaking to say the least – especially as we were enjoying wine in the garden each evening after our day trips. I am really looking forward to staying in Cortona this time around and having the opportunity of seeing the lovely Villa Bramasole. Brunello’s are our favorite wines! I LOVE to cook (I’m half Italian)and enjoy the pleasures of good food and wine as we entertain in our tuscan style home near the beach. Our home is the gathering place for family and friends. We surround ourselves with good people and they are all a very special part of our lives. We have all been thoroughly enjoying your recipes that my husband and I have been cooking from your book for them. Of course, like everyone else, I fell in love with Under the Tuscan Sun too when it first came out and since then have found and decorated our own Tuscan home and gardens. Like you said…Tuscany is a state of mind. Thank you for sharing your beautifully written memoir. Here’s to the comfort of home, wonderful friends and family, good food and wine and of course….authors who inspire us! Salute!
Be well.
Warmest regards,
Sandra
Buongiorno Francis,
I caught the last half of your Rick Steves broadcast yesterday (3/18/10). I wished you were more respected with questions of your life and writings…most callers gabbed about their time in italy without any questions directed to you. Maybe they just wanted to hear themselves??!!
I’m in love with your new book “Every Day in Tuscany”. Did you ever find Alain’s grave? After the granade throwing, do you feel more now that Americans should be seen and not heard? I’ve read most of your books and will use them as travel guides, especially “A Year In the World”…you’ve given us wonderful ideas! Our 2nd trip to Italy is in September, Rome, Amalfi and 1 more week. What would you suggest? We have not been to Sicily or Umbria. Thanks for bringing Italian life to the quiteness of Eagle River, WI. Tell Ed to continue publishing wonderful recipes.
Grazie, Suzanne
Dear Ms Mayes,
My family moved from Australia to Italy when I was 10 and I cried every day to return to my home, which we did 1 year later.I returned to see my paternal grandparents when I was 18 and fell in love with everything Italian,how we change as we grow up! On that trip I met my future husband but we decided to settle in Australia after living in Campania for a few years.We have returned as often as possible to see my husbands family and now I love to be able to show my children the beauty of their ancestral homeland. I even took them on an extensive tour by car through Tuscany and we visited Cortona,they know about my love of your writings and I was very sad when I was unable to locate Bramasole,if only to be able to say that I had seen it. But we did see many beautiful sights which my children still talk about today and for their memories I am thankful. I am going to buy “Every day in Tuscany” as a birthday gift to myself and look forward to
reading about your ongoing love of everything Italian too. With Thanks Tina.
Dear Frances Mayes,
thank you for your books and chronicles of Tuscan life. I’ve wanted to be an expat since about the age of five but didn’t get abroad (unless in a book) until I was 22. I landed in Tuscany, Firenze to be exact, as a nanny and tutor in a home near Bellosguardo. I grew up in Durham, went to UVA (one of the most beautiful places on the planet) and still your depictions of bella Toscana make my heart ache for that country, the food, the people, the art, the light. I want to be in Italy again and again and again. which is why your books remain always on my nightstand.
I will read a passage you wrote about food from your newest book on my blog (about eating disorders) and post a link on your comments. If my clients approached food with the same Italian gusto, savoring every bite, I don’t think I’d be in the same business.
and that would be a blessing.
cheers to you and your husband and darling Willie and Ashley.
best,
Lauren
What a great resource!
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, I bookmarked it.
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
Keep up the good work, I like your writing.
Dear Frances Mayes – Just after your DVD of the movie of the same title came out, I bought both your book and the DVD (how long ago was that?) but I refused to watch the DVD until I had read the book to the end. To my complete and utter surprise, your book chronicled my husband’s and my experiences exactly as we were restoring/remodeling OUR “family home” in Greece. My husband was born in the village of Kastoreion which is outside of Sparta, Greece in the Peloponnese. Our “restoration/remodeling” began in 1996. What we went through is EXACTLY what you wrote. The only plus we had is that he and I speak the language – BUT, we still had the same problems as you did with the carpenters, plumbers, masons, notary publics, etc., etc.! I LOVE your book so much, that I am on my 12th reading … I always find something new at every reading. (I finally gave in to watching the DVD after about the 9th reading.) Each year when we go to Greece, I try to take something from “Under the Tuscan Sun” and make it happen in our lives. One year, I found Zucchini flowers (the wonderful farmer gave them to me for free!) and I fried them per your recipe. They were yummy! Last year I built a brick flower garden – two feet high, three feet wide and 20 feet long. Of course, there’s a little bit of wave to the 20 feet long part; but, I have roses, mint, parsley, lavender – AND I BUILT IT MYSELF – thanks to you, Frances Mayes. I’ve read Bella Tuscany and love it, too. When we take road trips, we scout for bottles of wine to store in our Wine Cellar. We ship oil home from our “one” (count it) one olive tree. (We also buy oil from other growers.) But, our oil is wonderful. Thank you Frances Mayes for all your wonderful words. I’m looking forward to your newest books … but I’ll still keep reading “Under the Tuscan Sun”.
Dear Frances Mayes
One more note: you had written that one day you would like to visit Greece. Please do. Please visit us in Kastoreion, Sparta, Lakonia, Greece. 20 km northwest of Sparta. Kalos Oris’sette (Welcome).
Gale
Dear Frances Mayes
You had written that one day you would like to travel to Greece. Have you yet? Even if you have, return! Visit us in Kastoreion, Sparta, Lakonia, Greece. “Kalos Orriss’etteh”.
Gale
Gale–I’ve been twice now and long to return. I loved Mani–and also the book of the same name by Patrick Leigh Fermor. Grazie! Frances