The Best of 2018

Did the last 12 months feel like 10 years to anyone else? I have always been an information and news fanatic but one of my 2019 goals is to spend less time clicking and scrolling and more time on thoughtful journalism and the stack of books on my nightstand. 

This year we will spend a quiet New Years here in Rome and then we will head north to Venice to spend a few days in my favorite winter destination drinking spritz's, seeing friends and exploring the lagoon islands. 

Here is the 2018 edition of my favorite way of looking back on the year borrowed from my pal Smitten Italy.
I would love to hear what is on your reading list and what you have planned for 2019.

Best Trip

In May we got to spend a luxuriously slow and unscheduled week in New Orleans showing Noah all of our favorite things there.  We all decided there needs to be much more New Orleans in all of our lives.

Best Meal

There is never just one, but the standout was BBQ and sweet tea (with a splash of Bullit bourbon) in my now sister in laws backyard with all of my brothers on the night before my brother Harrison’s wedding. 

An early lunch at Compere Lapin on our last day in New Orleans is also high on the list. 

Best Thing I Saw or Did

La Vendemmia, the annual wine harvest on the island of Ponza. It was also the hardest thing I did all year. 

High/Low Point

The high was seeing my boy graduate from the Berklee College of Music. Even better was him signing a contract for an amazing job just a few days later. 

Mark's job has been difficult this year and the 9 hour time difference between Rome and Los Angeles makes it a challenge to keep in touch with Noah but all that really means is that we have work and homes and for that, we are just plain lucky and grateful.

Thank you for being here and over on Instagram. I have a few ideas for some new endeavors next year so stay tuned. 

Wishing you all good things for 2019.