Some Sad News and Something That Inspired Me

When I began blogging, I thought I'd keep personal stuff out of my writing.  Well, that's a little hard to do when my blog has a category titled "All In The Family", which includes posts about my parents, grandparents, and brother, all of whom have inspired me with their various entrepreneurial efforts.  Besides that, my readers have become my friends and an unexpected support group, much to my delight.  I still haven't had one negative comment left after any of my blog posts, and I've met so many wonderful folks from all over the world!  I have a desire to share what's going on in my life with you, and care very much about the tidbits you share with me about your lives too.

So the line I drew between my personal life and blog life has been erased and moved way, way over.  That's why I'm sharing some sad news today about my dad, who I've written about before.  Tony Maran, six weeks shy of his 89th birthday, passed away March 5.  I just returned from Florida where we dealt with the necessary legal and financial tasks.    He was my biggest blog fan and cheerleader, dutifully visiting the library to read my blog every couple days because my parents don't have a home computer.  His encouragement will be missed, although I'm sure in some way it will still be felt.

 

While in Naples we had time to walk around town, and I took a few pictures of a new restaurant on Third Street that really inspired me and I thought you'd like to see.  The restaurant is called Barbatella, an Italian "trattoria", which serves traditional Italian dishes, pizza from a wood burning oven, gelato and Italian ices, and a large selection of wine:

 

Photo Credit:  Barbatella Naples

 

 

I just love the bright green painted plaster medallions and the chandeliers inside the birdcages!  Do you think you could replicate this in your home?

 

 

 

Here's someone that rarely pops up on my blog:  my husband Joe!  We were people-watching in Naples and the nicest couple offered to take our picture:

 

 

A while back I said there would be a "big announcement" coming soon.  Well, that's still coming!  I have a history of jumping the gun with such things, and real life has a way of interfering with my plans.  Rest assured, I still have something exciting up my sleeve, to be unveiled any day now....

Your Friend,

Mitzi

Comments

[barbara]

Hi, Mitzi - I thought you hadn't posted for a long time, but then I discovered (I think through a link on someone else's blog) that I must have lost my feed to your blog - maybe when you changed formats? I was so excited to find you again, and I'm just really, really sorry to hear about your dad. My heart goes out to you. He looks like a wonderful guy, and I hope your memories of him are a comfort to you.

[Tiffany]

Mitzi, I am very sorry to hear of your loss.

[Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity]

Mitzi, so sorry about the loss of your father. Sending you love, hugs and sympathy.

xo,
Danielle

[Wendy Piersall]

I'm so sorry Mitzi - what a heartbreaking loss! But on a happier note, you and your hubby couldn't be cuter if you were two Steiff teddy bears. :)

[Annette]

Dear, dear, Mitzi, I am so sorry about your dad. I love the picture of him that you have on the blog. I know you will miss him very much. I am sending you a big hug and putting you in my prayers.
Cute picture of you and hubby!! I'm still curious about what you have up your sleeve.

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Barbara,

Im so glad you found me! My dad was a really special fellow. Very well liked and well known around Naples, Florida and our hometown in Michigan. People have been so kind, sending condolences and sharing their memories with us. Just a few words mean so much!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Wendy, Im really thankful my dad had so many healthy and productive years. I almost feel it would be greedy to ask for more.

My husband is going to love being compared to a teddy bear!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Thanks so much, Annette. You are one of the dear friends I have met through blogging. Such an unexpected bonus! We sort of look out for each other, dont we?

Mitzi

[Ronny]

Mitzi, so sorry to hear of your loss. Handsome man and looks like maybe you resemble him. It is so hard to lose a parent. Loved your pictures and that good looking twosome!

I just love your blog and can't wait to hear your surprise.

[Nelly]

Darling MitZy one of lifes harderst things to bear is teh loss of someone you love.What wonderful memories you have of a wonderful man.I can see why he was so proud of you,Thinking of you in this sad time.I always read your posts even if I dont always comment xx The pic of you and hubby is just lovely too

[Bev C]

Hello Mitzi,

Love and prayers coming to you. May yu have many happy memories of yur Dad.

Bev.xoxo

[Judy]

Hi Mitzi,

I'm so sorry about your loss. I lost my sweet Daddy 6 years ago next month so I understand. There is something special about fathers and daughters.

Hugs,
Judy

[Kat]

My dear Mitzi- I am sorry for your loss, but it sounds like your wonderful memories will override this tearful time. Your connection to each other will live on and on.
Well, aren't you and hubby just the cutest couple?! And this surprise- can't wait to hear it! Maybe your own syndicated show? Think GRAND! And Happy First Day of Spring!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Kat,

Thanks so much for the kind words. My dad was really a great guy.

Oh my, I dont have a show in the works! But now that youve planted that idea in my brain, it might start growing....

Mitzi

[Beth]

Mitzi,

Sorry for the loss of your father -
I also wanted to let you know yours is by favorite blog I read it with my first cup of tea everyday! Your a great teacher!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Judy,

Yes, there is something special about fathers and daughters. I have to admit Ive been a bit spoiled!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I need to visit your blog too!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Nelly,

You are one of my friends from around the world that I refer to! I just find it fascinating that we know each other and have things in common but live so far away, and never would have connected without blogging!

Thanks for your comforting words, Nelly.

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Thanks so much, Bev. Im so fortunate to have supportive friends in the southern hemisphere. Im pretty well covered all over the world!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Beth,

Your condolences are very kind. I also appreciate compliments....and love to hear you are learning from my blog posts! Thanks so much!

Mitzi

[Marie]

Mitzi, I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved father. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Marie

[Upscale Downhome]

Dear Mitzi-
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I could feel the love between you even just in the little bit you said about him. I do think the medallion idea would be easy to replicate if you had a need for something that dramatic. It is gorgeous. Hoping some happy blessing come your way and I look forward to your announcement.

[sue]

Since our parents are in the same age bracket (89 & 87), I had an awful feeling that someone had passed away when I saw your title this morning. I was so sorry to read of your dad's death, you shared such wonderful stories about him. That picture is just marvelous; he looks as bright and cherry as a lovely Spring day. Not only have we gotten to know you and learned so much from you, we learned about your family and understood why you are such a sweetheart. Now, we all get to see another reason you exude such happiness and joy; Joe has a kind face too.
You sound as though you are bearing up well. My thoughts and sympathy go out to your dear family.
Take care, good friend.

[Mitzi Curi]

Sue,

What a lovely note! It exemplifies the reason why blogging has become my passion, and my readers have become dear friends. You are always so supportive and leave such thoughtful comments. I appreciate it beyond words!

Mitzi

[Suzette]

Mitzi, please accept my deep and sincere condolences re your dad's passing...I'm just catching up. I can truly understand where you are at and you are in my prayers. Writing and blogging always gets personal at some point--it reminds us that we are all traveling and making our journey in this life, and facing the good times and the challenges along the way...supporting each other makes it a little easier and at times, 'do-able. I love family posts and whenever I read yours, I feel comfort... Hugs, Suzette

[Susan Beaty]

dear mitzi, im so very sorry for your loss. i know exactly how you feel as i lost my dad will be 2 yrs april 10th which is also my sons birthday and my sisters is 13th.,its hard and some days are better than other, especially if youre a close family as we were, and still are.. for me even still. and now coming on anniversary it just is there in back of your head. anyway irregardless of our age, dont feel bad if you cry. doesnt matter where, when or otherwise. tears, my friend are liquid love. if you want to chat feel free. sipgirl3@gmail.com. your daddy's still gonna be reading your blog, and will carry you through every single day. things are really weird sometimes, as you will discover. anyway, enough..... cant wait for the surprise. looking forward to it.... take care my friend, susy