What is pruning if not the act of making room for something beautiful? The removal of unwanted parts so new growth can happen? In this season of life, the physicality of this task is something I can trust.

When my partner and I are ready to make our home together, my Nona and Grandma’s formal dishes will be in our cabinets. My bonus Grandma’s silverware will be in our silverware drawer. What better way to honor the memories of these amazing women than by sharing meals on pieces they had picked out and had used to feed their own family and guests?

There are no perfect families. There’s always something, right? That one weird relative who just doesn’t fit in, that other family member who always tries to stir the pot, and a host of underlying disagreements, disappointments, and betrayals—major and minor.

Prior to moving to Italy, I would not have described myself as adventure seeking. A high achieving rule follower with a desire to please was more my gig. Until it wasn’t. When my hard work went unacknowledged or my love unreturned, my mind, heart, and body grew restless. I broke every rule in the name of love, making irreparable mistakes at the expense of others.