Once upon a time, there was a middle-aged man living in Sanremo, Italy, who turned off for the summer. He put down the burden of reacting to every news headline, every crisis, and every demand of a spinning world. Instead, he allowed himself the luxury of simply being, of stepping back, savoring the present without obligation or pressure.
I felt powerless and fearful for where things are heading. I decided I needed to really focus on the present and what I could do to make the most of today. So I did what the Italians do in the summer: take the summer off and head to the beach!
I don’t remember a time when people felt the need to react more than they do today. Like many of you, I’m confounded by the speed of change and the direction the world is moving. I wholeheartedly believe that there is always a Divine plan, but it sure feels like the wheels are off the bus. The destination is a cliff somewhere in the near future. I worry about the same things you do: the disaster of American politics, the war in Ukraine, and what’s happening between Israel and the people of Palestine. If the Divine is looking for a moment to intercede, it would seem now would be better than ever.
Blissful ignorance can be a beautiful thing. It’s not that I’m suggesting we seek to be ill-informed. I am suggesting that sometimes we need to unplug for a while from all of the catastrophes around us. In doing so, we allow ourselves space to return to what’s natural. For me, that means putting down the burden of trying to absorb, solve, and react. It’s finding that space when you can simply be without reacting, even when the whole world wants your reaction.
I haven’t been entirely unproductive
Despite my forced relaxation, this summer has proven to be very productive with regard to the book I am writing. I took a three-month hiatus from my blog to focus more on the book. In June, I began in earnest to piece together the real plan. I had worked a few years back with a journalist and author friend of mine, Christine, to sketch the outline. It was a good jumping-off point, but it was only the beginning. As a Virgo, I needed to see the plan, structure, and format before I could dive into the task.
I can now see the flow of the entire story. I have a map and a plan to finish the draft by year-end. The last two years of waiting now bring me more experience, more stories, and more clarity. I’m not giving myself too much grief. The only deadline I have is the one I put out there.
I’m in the emotional excavation period at this point, and I have drafted the first three of seven sections. Those three sections deal with the early days of my decision to live in Italy. They are full of grief, anticipation, self-discovery, and a lot of really painful memories. It gets a bit heavy at times, and I have to pull myself away from the keyboard.
I balanced writing, staying social, self-care, and doing just a little travel to keep summer moving along. It was a good way to avoid thinking about a world out of control and certainly well beyond my control.
Could this be THE place for me
While all of that writing was going on, and I was enjoying my first summer in Sanremo, I felt as if I had found home. There was no other place calling me to visit, no adventures that seemed more enticing. There was no desire to stop the momentum of living in the present.
I turned down invitations to travel, and I even stemmed the flow of visitors. I did not want the burden of entertaining or planning for someone else’s visit. It felt strange to say no to so many things and people. However, it felt wonderful taking in the spontaneity of life day by day and living a bit selfishly.
In Italy, summer isn’t a time for resting in your house and watching Netflix. It’s a time to be out filling the main streets and piazzas until late into the evening with friends and family. And in the daytime, you go to the beach.
After spending a good portion of my life in California, I can confidently say that Italians have a greater love affair with the sea. During the summer they are swimming and sunning themselves all day long, lunching away on focaccia from the local bakery. The beach is the summer destination, peaking the third week of August and the national holiday of Ferragosto, when most of Italy can be found swimming in the warm sea.
One of the reasons I chose Sanremo was that it’s a small city that thrives year-round. So many coastal towns close down after the summer season ends. Sanremo, with a year-round population of around 50,000 people, only gets better in the summer. You can walk down the streets and hear French, German, English, Swedish, Dutch, and a host of other languages. It feels as international as any place I have ever visited, and the wonderful mix of people is like nothing I have ever experienced in America.
So while I apologize for my deferred blog posts, I did enjoy a rather self-indulgent summer. It’s the first summer, after seven years of searching, where I found my right space in this seemingly crazy wrong world.
The importance of unplugging and replugging
As I mentioned earlier, it was a difficult thing to watch from afar as the world changed around me. I was unable to disconnect from the news cycle, the anger, and all of the resentment. I needed to take some time to refocus and, quite frankly, rethink my priorities.
Now that summer is behind me, I am replugging back into life. I have been looking for more reliable ways to gather information, make my own opinions based on the discussions of various thought leaders, and generally reenter gently without the anger and resentment.
I believe we are beginning to see change in a positive direction. The paralyzing state of disbelief is wearing off, and people are now taking action. Heroes are emerging who are trying to bridge the gap between the misinformation and the misunderstood.
If you would like something to perhaps take your tension down a bit this weekend, check out Heather Cox Richardson’s Facebook page and video feeds. She is a political historian, who I find incredibly refreshing. She recaps current events and ties them to historical significance. After listening to a few of her podcasts, she gives you the sense that there are incredibly smart people out there working to prevent the worst.
I also found Robert Reich’s substack article, The Sleeping Giant is Awakening, an interesting read. It left me with hope after last week’s dizzying amount of chaos and outlandish political events.
I do believe the pendulum will swing back, and at some point return to a more balanced place, where people behave more like considerate humans and less like unleashed aggressors using the cover of religion to shield their hate.
In the meantime, I’m going to say good morning to strangers, give food and money to those who need it, and try to be the best audience member in this circus we find ourselves in at the moment. I don’t have to join the circus, just because I’m being asked to watch it.
I hope you can find your rightful place in the audience, and not become a performer in the circus. Advocate for the things that are important to you, but do so in a way that makes your heart full and allows you to rest easy at night. I do believe there is a change coming and the world is trying to find a way to right itself.
Thanks for following along, and I appreciate your patience as I took some time off to focus on my priorities and work on those things that were most important to me. If you aren’t following my blog, you can enter your email below and I’ll only send you updated blog posts, nothing else. If you want to recommend my blog to a friend, please know that I appreciate your shares on your social media pages.
Ciao, ciao Luca! I am so delighted you are working on the book. Yes, it will be richer and deeper for your new experiences, and after summer at home. I am always here to encourage you, though it sounds like you already have a terrific steam-up heading into the fall. Bravo, and happy writing! love and a big hug, Christine xx
Ciao gioia!! I owe you a big thank you, and about a dozen phone calls. Where in the world does one find you these days, you citizen of the world! I am on the right track, and I can’t thank you for enough for helping me pull things together during our long chats. We will catch up soon when we both come up for air from life’s adventures. Be well. XX back atcha! Luke
Glad you have had a restorative summer Luke. Heather Cox Richardson perspective and factual/historical information has been invaluable in creating improved understanding. Stay happy
Jayne! Thank you for the note and what a wonderful holiday you are having. It is so nice to follow on your adventures! Oktoberfest is on my list! Yes, Heather Cox Richardson is a breath of fresh air in a cloudy, smoggy, messy environment. I look forward to her daily updates just when my blood pressure starts to rise. I wish you and Neil an amazing finish to your holiday! Stay happy and well my friend.
Thank you. Such great counsel. Big hugs.
Thank you birthday girl! As you know, we see the world from a different point of view here. I know you are happily living your best life in France, and for that I know you are grateful! Big hugs to you!
I’m so glad you have found HOME and are embracing your Hometown. Thanks for your referrals for news and information. I honestly need to hear someone/something other than our CBS/NBC/FOX/CNN crap every time the TV is on. I do not have any resentment or anger because I choose to concentrate on helping others in need. Makes me feel accomplished and happy in my heart. I’ve always been that way and continue to do so. Congrats on your book and the progress you have made. It’s always a pleasure to read your blog. Love ya and keep on being the best you can be!
Thank you my sister from another mister! I am thoroughly enjoying life here in this little corner of Italy. Definitely listen to Heather Cox Richardson, she has a way of cutting through the bulls*#$. Keep focusing on you and then those that need you. It’s ok to be a little selfish so that you can keep being your best person. Miss you, and I hope to see you here one day…on the beach with a Campari spritz!! Love you and we will keep being our best selves!
Hello Luke! What a smart man you are. Taking a summer to clear your head. Taking a summer for you. I am so happy to hear you are doing well and continuing on your book. Reentry into the world of politics it’s not easy but I believe necessary. I also believe in the people you mentioned. I hope Sofia is doing well and keeping you company, as always. I wish you love. Warmest regards, Tisha
Tisha, how are you my wonderful friend! Your travels make me want to jump back on a plane and see the world! I am doing amazingly well and finally settling into something that feels like it could be an incredible life. I postponed my reentry until I knew I was ready :). Sofia is always doing well..she lives the life that we can only dream. She loves her new home, but she is not a big fan of the beach sand or the water. She sinks like a stone!! Warmest regards to you, and I cannot wait until our paths cross again! XOXO Luke
You really do write well Luke. Sanremo and all of us are so lucky to have you here with us🫶
Thank you my beautiful friend! And I am lucky to have you here in Sanremo!
Hi Lou. So glad you were able to have such a peaceful summer. Have to admit I’m envious. We have this in our face everyday. Not only the big, splashy news, but small everyday things no one thought about. It’s so very sad. We’re seriously considering going home to Canada. Not sure yet, but definitely talking about it.
I hope Sofia is ok. Give her a hug for me. Love you.
Thank you my birthday month mamma! Yes, it was a forced slow-down because I could no longer digest everything that was happening. I know that you are seeing it play out in real time, and that must be very hard. We see the aftereffects on the world stage, and the entire European community is questioning the current state in America. As far as Canada, I think whenever adventure calls – you go! Canada is an amazing place, and who knows what’s in store for you there! We may only get one ride on the carousel of life…take every opportunity that presents itself. That’s my advice. Sofia is always blissfully ignorant – she spends her day sniffing, scratching, sleeping and eating. What a life! Sending love to you and the entire family! Luke
I should probably do a better job and heed your advice regarding unplugging. Although living on the coast of Maine keeps us mostly sane, it’s still so difficult to watch our country knuckle under the whims/revenge of a total madman. We just keep wondering HOW this could happen here in the US??? Gawwwwwwd, it’s embarrassing…and sick.
Carolyn, thnank you for following along. I so understand. It really is impossible to fathom how things could change so swiftly and so decisively. But as you said, you are living on the coast of Maine..one of the most beautiful places in America. Autumn is arriving and it’s time to find all of that beautiful solace in the crisp air, changing leaves, and comfort of your friends and family. I do think America is waking up and I don’t believe it will continue to sustain the damage that we are seeing. When you are called to be the best person you can be…I know you will show up 100%. Just know you are not alone and there are millions who feel as you do. Things will right themselves. They always do…in their time. Until then my friend, stay tough in that soft and loving way. My best to you! Luke
Lucca,
Perfectly timed blog. The world is spinning out of control and good for you to unplug and plug back in after a much needed respite! Sanremo looks lovely and I bet you “kicked up ur heels” all summer long! How many hearts did you break???
I am with you, I unplugged after the election and just a few weeks ago I started to lightly engage again. Makes my blood boil which is the cost of engagement!
Glad the book is coming along and can’t wait to read it!
Love you my friend and hi to Sophiaaaaa❤️🥂🐾
Thank you, Lisa!! Il mondo è pazzo! Yes, I took the summer to disconnect, kick up my heels a bit, and tried to limit the damage of broken hearts. 🙂 It was a great summer and now I’m ready to face autumn and whatever else is going to come flying at us in the future. I’m glad you are engaging again, piano piano. Sending you, Ms. Gina and the puppies a big hug from Sanremo to Napa Valley! Love ya my friend!
Nice read, Luke! I certainly think life would be fine if you decide Sanremo is THE place, and I’m certain it was a terrific spot to refresh, regenerate, and step back from reality. Made possible by the easily accessible beach club across the street, the fabulous food (ah, the focaccia!), and your great collection of fun friends.
Yes! There are a lots of options and this one feels good right now. I think I’ll be here for a while, at least for now 🙂 And the food!! The seafood options are incredible, the focaccia just amazing, and of course, the pasta and pizza aren’t too bad either. I’m very fortunate to have you and the new friends in my life. Be well my friend..here’s to your next visit!
Glad to hear you’re working on your book. I look forward to reading it someday! xo – Shane
Thank you Shane! Wishing you a beautiful autumn and when the book is out…I will be happy to send you a signed copy. ☺️
Hi Luke! From your post, it seems that you have been living ‘la dolce vita’. Maybe you didn’t ‘unplug’, but instead you ‘plugged into’ living your best life. I do have a question – how did the renovation turn out? I don’t remember reading about the outcome. I hope you are happy with it and I am glad that you feel like you are finally home!
Hey there! Yes..I indulged fully in “la dolce vita” this summer..and enjoyed it immensely! The renovation turned out great. Check out this posting from January:
https://thespaghettidiaries.com/2025/01/13/here-is-here-and-how-to-make-the-most-of-it/
Where I updated the latest and greatest on the renovation.
I hope all is well and you are living your “la dolce vita”!
As always brother, you have the uncanny talent of nailing the temperature out there in the cosmos. I am always impressed with your ability to cut through the rhetoric and write from the heart. Miss you terribly. Sis
Thank you, Sis. The temperatures seem to finally be cooling off a bit and rationale thinking is on the rise. I think we are seeing a shift back to clearer thinking and hopefully less division. Maybe it’s the holiday spirit, but I hope it continues. Love you to the moon and back and I miss you too! Ci rivedremo presto! ❤️❤️