Auguri August
From birthday candles to Sardinian sunsets
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned.
I had my original vacation plans all mapped out, when an invitation arrived that was simply too exciting to resist: a birthday celebration in Italy with some of my dearest friends.
And just like that, my plans changed.
I headed to Montesarchio, Italy, to celebrate the birthday of the extraordinary Rosy Ciotta.
What began as a birthday trip quickly became so much more: a journey filled with friendship, family, discovery, incredible food, unforgettable places, and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you've returned home.
A Birthday Worth Traveling For
Rosy is one of those rare people who seems to have it all: beautiful, brilliant, talented, warm and endlessly gracious. Family and friends had traveled from different parts of the world to celebrate Rosy and the remarkable life she created…
The birthday bash was a celebration held at the Piper Lounge, a spectacular venue architecturally designed years ago by my dear friend Gerardo. The love in that space was palpable.
The food was abundant and the drinks kept flowing. The entertainment was fabulous. But more than anything, there was an incredible sense of connection — generations, friendships and families coming together from near and far for one very special woman.
It was the kind of celebration that reminds you that the greatest luxury in life isn't what you own or where you go. It's who you get to share it with!
Italian Hospitality, Italian Hearts
A bit about Anna, Rosy's sister. Anna is an incredible host and brilliant academic. For those fortunate enough to know and love her, there’s another side of to this remarkable woman. She is, quite simply, the Italian Martha Stewart... gifted with a needle and thread, an embroidery hoop, a garden and a kitchen!
She can sew and embroider with artistry, coax the most beautiful bounty from her garden, preserve fruits and vegetables, and create gourmet meals and exquisite cakes from scratch. But I think her greatest gift is how she makes everyone around her feel special.
Anna has a rare talent for turning the ordinary into something memorable and making everyone feel truly cherished!
My chosen Italian family.
Their husbands, Johnny and Fausto, are the epitome of Italian gentlemen — sophisticated, charming, generous, and full of old-world class. Being welcomed into their homes doesn't simply feel like being a guest, it feels like being treated like royalty.
After the party, we stayed with Gerardo's sister-in-law, Patrizia Fantasia, and I quickly felt as though I had met a kindred spirit. Her warmth and hospitality touched my heart deeply.
Patrizia, Gerardo’s sister-in-law.
There is something uniquely beautiful about being welcomed into someone's home and made to feel that you belong there — even when you've only just arrived!
From there, our Italian adventure continued through Benevento, Naples, and the small rustic towns in between.
These places made me slow down and look around. The narrow streets, historic buildings, family tables, village life, and everyday moments felt amazing simply because they were so authentically Italian.
Then we headed to Sardinia...
A Festival Made of Wheat
After Sardinia, we returned to the countryside and stayed at Anna and Fausto's beautiful country home in Foglianise.
There, we attended the annual Festa del Grano - The Grain Festival. I had never seen anything quite like it.
Local artists and community members create incredibly intricate representations of churches, monuments and architectural masterpieces entirely from wheat!
It was truly a sight to behold and another reminder that some of the most meaningful traditions are passed from one generation to the next.
Grazie, From My Heart
What I thought would simply be a birthday celebration became a journey through friendship, family, culture, history, food, sunshine, and some of Italy's most beautiful corners.
Most importantly, it introduced me to people who opened their homes and their hearts to me.
Gerardo, Andrew, and your beautiful extended family: Thank you for embracing me like one of your own!
Your generosity, warmth, laughter, hospitality, and friendship made this journey unforgettable.
I left Italy with memories I will treasure, a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Italy, and an enormous amount of love, respect and gratitude for all of you!
With infinite love,
Lisa ♥️
