Operation "Live More, Worry Less" is in effect.

I hope everyone had a great summer. The locals are starting to return to Rome.

I'm looking forward to fall. It's time for a fresh start and I must make some changes in my life.

I don't know if it's the business I work in, being the first born of Caribbean parents with high expectations, being a Virgo, a New Yorker/Jerseyite, an anal retentive American or what, but I have a bad habit of winding myself into a super tight ball of stress.

This year, I really went over the edge. And for what? It's not like anything changed. I have to let go of my control freak ways and get a grip.

This will be hard for me to do. It's so against my nature. I always have a plan. Only recently did I stop with the whole five, ten, fifteen year plans.

Last week I celebrated another birthday. I realized I have a big one coming up in a few years. Do I want to look back on this decade as the one where all I did was worry and stress the hell out?

I'm at the age where friends are starting to lose their parents, or are battling cancer. Instead of wallowing in self-pity about what is not in my life (a house, a man, a savings account, financial security, my next job, a Birkin, etc.) I am going to do my best to appreciate what is in it.

I had a long talk with my parents about my work/money situation. They are very understanding and supportive. Without them I would have to forget about Hollywood and call it a day. Many people assume that because JUMPING THE BROOM was a hit, I must be rolling in dough or have a billion jobs lined up. That is not the case. Not even close. Post JTB I had a big wake up call. I will get into that in few weeks. I need to let the rage subside a bit.

At first I wasn't going to go away for my birthday weekend. Instead I planned to hold on to the birthday gift from my parents for living expenses.

Then I thought about it. What is a living expense, only rent, food, bills? Of course I can't/won't go crazy spending money I don't have. I'm not irresponsible.

The other extreme I was following, budgeting every single euro wasn't healthy either. I have to find a middle ground. The only things that are certain in this world are death and taxes. What I feared and stressed out about the most happened and yet I'm still here.

As I sat on a TERRACE on a hill in Piemonte I made a vow to myself to live more, worry less.

I'm not sure how things will go. I feel I did take a major step in the right direction last weekend.

I will write about Piemonte next week. I have a bunch a photos to go through. Grazie mille to Diana & Micha for making my birthday weekend so special.

If you have some good advice or links about how to become less of a control freak, I'm all ears.


UPDATE: Several friends have sent me the link below.

http://zenhabits.net/

When in Rome...

Well, at least my blog will be on vacation for Ferragosto.

I have to finish my novel and work on a TV pitch. No vacation for me.

My neighborhood is very popular with tourists and drunk American exchange students so it won't be as quiet as other areas in Rome.

Most of my favorite places are closed until September and the majority of my friends are out of town as well.

This summer has been stressful, but I'm optimistic something great is going to happen soon.

Buon Ferragosto! See in you September.

Jumping The Broom Mondays - DVD & Blu-Ray drop tomorrow!

I still don't have information for European dates, but JTB's DVD & Blu-Ray are being released tomorrow, August 9th, in North America.

There is a featurette. I think I'm in it judging from a clip on the JTB Facebook page. I was crazy nervous during my interview and it shows, &@*%$*!!!

Also, there's commentary track provided by director Salim Akil and actress Paula Patton.

The film did well theatrically (A big thank you to everyone who went to see it) and our fingers are crossed for a successful DVD launch.

JTB is a perfect early Labor Day gift, suitably for the entire family!

Melissa Silverstein of WOMEN AND HOLLYWOOD was very kind to ask me to write a guest post about how our film made it to the big screen on her popular site.

The post is HERE. Thanks Melissa!!

Snapshot Rome - The GAP

Shot on Via del Corso. I'm very curious to see how the clothes in this store will differ from the clothes Stateside. The cuts will definitely have to be smaller. Baggy/loose clothes are not popular here. Even hip-hop loving teenagers don't do baggy.

The last few times I've been in the GAP (at the Grove or Century City in L.A.) were disappointing. The GAP used to be the place to get good, well made basics at decent prices. Now, it's maybe one step above Forever 21. The clothes look and feel cheap. What the heck happened? That said, GAP BODY is fantastic. They have the best cotton underwear, PJs, etc.


UPDATE:
A friend just Tweeted me to say, the GAP opened on Sunday. The cuts are smaller. She bought eleven shirts. Clothes were made in Turkey and Egypt instead of Vietnam.

Italian Driving School Diaries - Back behind the wheel

I'm going to sign up for Rome's Car Sharing program. Since I haven't been behind the wheel in Rome in over two years, I thought it would be a good idea to take two refresher lessons with my former instructor, Bruno.

The good news: I didn't forget how to drive a stick/manual transmission.

The bad news: I get very nervous driving in Rome.

The combination of driving stick (which is new to me) and not being used to scooters or the massive number of pedestrians freaks me out.

In L.A. we don't have to deal with pedestrians. Maybe a few downtown or near Hollywood/Highland, but nobody walks in L.A. You could be driving down Beverly Blvd in the middle of rush hour and count the number of people walking on the sidewalks with one hand.

In Rome, it's a different story.

Bruno said, "have no fear." I know he's right. I hope in time I will get used to driving in Rome.

One my friends who lived in L.A and N.Y.C. before moving to Rome a few years ago, drives like a native. She's going to let me practice driving with her car. I was told (warned) I must drive around Piazza Venezia.

Great.

Flashback Friday - Amy Winehouse - "Just Friends"

One of my favorites.



Buon Weekend.

"Are you married?"

The following conversation took place this morning at my local supermeracto. Translated as best I can from Italian:

Cold cuts counter man after he gave me my salami di Napoli order: "Are you married?"

Me: "No."

CCM: "No?! How is that possible?"

Me: "We talked about this last year."

CCM: "Well, I thought maybe things had changed. We should go out."

Me: "I have a boyfriend." (I don't)

CCM: Looks confused as if my reply is completely irrelevant to our conversation. After a beat he says, "Oh, okay, well then you let me know when you want to go out. Understand?"

Me: "Uhmmm" (He spoke so quickly. I wasn't sure what he said.)

CCM: "Yes, you say, 'Francesco (not his name) let's go out.' Okay? Understand?"

Me: "Oooh Okay, have a nice day."

CCM: "You too, beautiful."


Trust me, this NEVER happened to me at Gelsons, or Bristol Farms supermarkets in L.A. Last year Francesco gave his number, after I told him I had a boyfriend. He said we could still practice Italian. Bwahahah

I thought it would be awkward to go back to my favorite supermarket when I didn't call him. But, he was perfectly professional.

I was caught off guard this morning. A year later and Francesco is still trying to get his mack on? Living here cracks me up.

Day Trip: Amazing Spaghetti con Vongole in Santa Marinella

A few weeks ago I took a much needed break and went to Santa Marinella. I work up at 5:00 a.m. to make sure I wrote 2000 words before getting on the train.

The beach is north of Rome. The water is not as nice as Sperlonga's (which is a Blue Flag Beach), but it's much nicer than Ostia's.

It's closer than Sperlonga, just 40 minutes or so on the train. A round trip ticket from Trastevere station is only 7 euros.

My friend Erica had recommended eating lunch at La Piazzette, Piazza Trieste, 13a, (39) 392-891-5356.

Mamma Mia! Their Spaghetti con Vongole was some of the best I've had in my life. The pasta was perfectly al dente.

The town itself is pretty small. There is a cute boardwalk with shops and a few cafes. I went during a weekday. It was very quiet. I'm sure during a summer weekend, the place is packed.

It was good to get out and the smell fresh sea air. I hope someday I will be able to have a house not too far from the sea/ocean. In the meantime, I will try to go to the beach at least once a month. It's so close.


I was sitting under a red umbrella. That's why the pasta looks pinkish. The restaurant has outdoor seating on small piazza. They gave me too much wine.


Fried calamari. Mi piacciono!


Perhaps the owner of this boat is a STAR WARS fan.


There was a friendly older local gentleman standing next to me as I took pictures of this fruit stand. He was probably wonder why the heck I was taking photos of something so ordinary. I thought the fruit was beautiful.


The sea.


Maybe later next month I will return and rent a chair and an umbrella for the day.

RIP Amy Winehouse

I saw her once at the Soho Grand in NYC. She was so petite. A big voice and talent is gone at only 27. Sad.

I was watching CNN Int'l. They interrupted the program with breaking news. I thought it was going to be more news about Norway. When they announced Amy was dead, I couldn't believe it. I read she had been struggling lately. I was hoping she would make it.

Norway

I can't even begin to wrap my head around this tragedy.

Flashback Friday - Larry Hagman and Diana Ross - Yes, really

This has got to be one of the most random pairings of all times. I know it was done in the early '80s, but still.

Buon weekend!

The new trailer for Jersey Shore reminds me of the drunk idiots I see every night in Campo

Mamma mia. Drama.

I still don't know why MTV decided to go to Florence. There's no beach.

Judging from the trailer, Season 4 is going to be a big hit. I wonder what the Italian press will make of the show.

Will the phone hacking scandal spread to the US?

Everyday it seems there's another layer to this NEW OF THE WORLD phone hacking scandal.

Now the whistleblower, Sean Hoare, was found dead yesterday. At this point, his death is unexplained, but not suspicious. Strange timing.

The head of the Metropolitan Police just stepped down.

Meanwhile, there are rumblings about a phone hacking scandal regarding 9/11 victims in America. Murdoch's News Corp stock has hit a six month low.

It's incredible that at this late age Rupert Murdoch finds himself in this situation. What did he know? Did his son or Rebekah Brooks know about/encourage the hacking?

I have a deadline, so not sure how much I will be able to see of their testimony today in front of Parliament.

I want to know who was the reporter or reporters who hacked into Milly Dowler's phone. Why would they do such a thing? That's low, even for a tabloid.

Flashback Friday - Carmageddon - "Speed"

I wish my friends in Los Angeles a lot of luck this weekend dealing with Carmageddon.

The 405 is a nightmare even during the best of circumstances. I cannot imagine what the traffic on the Westside is going to be like this weekend when parts of the 405 are shut down in order to demolish the Mulholland Bridge.

I liked the movie SPEED (aka DIE HARD on a bus) when it came out in 1994. One thing that made me laugh was all my Los Angeles friends saying there was no way anyone would be able to drive about 50 mph in L.A. traffic.

The movie put Ms. Bullock on the map.

Have a great weekend!

This is why the Internet was invented - Cat videos

This remix of the infamous E Harmony "I Love Cats" video is beyond ridiculous and yet I laughed my ass off.

Bongos Cat might be my favorite part.

Jumping The Broom Mondays - DVD & Blu-Ray drop August 9th in North America.

Thanks again to everyone who went to see JUMPING THE BROOM. The box office total in America is 37 million. The film's budget was only 6.5 million.

Our movie will be out on DVD/Blu-ray next month in the United States and Canada.

The DVD market has completely imploded thanks to privacy. Hopefully, JTB's DVD sales will avoid this trend.

The movie will available for rental on Netflix, and other places. You can buy the DVD on Amazon.com, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Blockbuster, Target, Wal-Mart, any official retailer.

Please do not buy bootlegs. They are killing our market. One of the main reasons the studios are not making more films like JTB is because of the bootlegging.

I got into a big fight with a friend of a friend. He told another friend to not worry about downloading music for free because "those people" make a lot of money. When I disagreed with him, he couldn't understand why a screenwriter would take issue with his comments.

He said he was a writer too. This man works full time for a huge multi-national and make a very good salary. He writes short stories sometimes. Writing's a hobby for him. I assume that's the reason he felt he could be so dismissive about what I was saying.

Sure Lady Gaga and Beyonce are not crying over missed royalties. However, most writers, singers, and actors are not in the top 2%. The majority of people in my industry are unemployed. The reason you hear about big script sales and large book advances is because they are rare.

I'm not sure why people who would never shoplift from a store think it's okay to download first-run movies or those that are on DVD. I get watching certain American TV shows when you live aboard, as not all of them are available on iTunes.

I do think at some point how the studios release movies is going to open up and change. Of course movie theater owners are very resistant to the idea of releasing a film theatrically and on a platform like iTunes, or the studio's website on the same day. It won't happen tomorrow, but as technology improves, the window between the theatrical release and the DVD/Internet release is going to continue to shrink. We can't put our heads in the sand like the music industry did.

There will be special features on the JTB DVD, including commentary with director Salim Akil and actress Paula Patton.

Flashback Friday - TLC - "No Scrubs"

There were a bunch of videos in the early - mid 90's that had the same look as this video. Silver background, fish-eyed lens, etc.

It's a shame the members of TLC went through so much drama. Just as Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was getting her life back on track, she died in a car accident during a family retreat in Honduras.

I thought of this song the other day when some random dude sitting in the passenger seat of a car tried to holla at me. His lines were weak. No scrubs! heh

Have a great weekend.

Lo shopping: Saldi, Saldi, Saldi!

The big July sales started in Rome on Saturday.

Unfortunately, there will be no shopping for this ragazza.

What the heck is up with the dollar?!! You would think with the Greek financial crisis the American dollar would be able to gain against the euro. Come on Congress, get your act together and figure out this debt ceiling situation.

Despite the horrible exchange rate and lack of funds, I'm tempted to partake in some retail therapy. I must be strong. It will be difficult, but I think I can do it.

Flashback Friday - New Kids On The Block - "Please Don't Go Girl"

Am I the last person in America to know NKOTB is teaming up with BSB for an album and a tour?

It seems we don't have any boy bands out there now. Are the Jonas Brothers still recording? This is a sad situation.

While no boy band in history will EVER top the Jackson 5 or the Osmond Brothers, I thought NKOTB, New Edition, BSB and N'Sync had some great pop hits.

I haven't seen this video in years. I forgot Rebecca Romijn was in it.

Happy 4th of July to those of you Stateside. Buon weekend.

I must respectfully diasgree with Ms. Eva Mendes regarding the Cute vs Sexy debate

The last few weeks I've been working on my novel like crazy. I've neglected my apartment (which is a hot mess), my blog, etc. etc.

I have finally had an opportunity to come up for air the other day. I heard about this comment Ms. Mendes made to New York Magazine.

If I looked like Ms. Mendes perhaps I too would be sick of being called sexy. I don't.

I'm stuck on f-ing team cute. Guess what? Being called cute when you're over the age of thirty is not cute!!

I know being short has something to do with it. Eva claims being cute is more difficult than being sexy. What? Maybe for her. I don't know what she's talking about.

I'm not saying I need to be sexy 24/7. I'm sure sexy women get sick of it sometimes. That said, it would be nice to hear, "Wow, you look sexy" instead of, "Oh my God. You're so cute", or "That dress is too cute." Hello, I'm a grown ass woman. I don't want to be cute, dammit.

Okay, so that was my random post for today. There might be more randomness coming as my brain is completely fried from work.

Snapshot Rome - The dog days of summer

The heat is back.

We reached a high of 92 (f) degrees today and it's only June. Mamma mia, July and August are going to be molto caldo.

Last year I bumped into this dog taking a nap on a side street in Trastevere.

Nothing woke him up. Not the sound of people talking, cars going by or the scooters. Mr. Dog was determined to get his napping situation on.

Summer is here!

Ciao bloggisti,

Well, summer is upon us and the living is not quite easy. I will be close to home this year. I have to finish my novel. I wish I had a Medici as a patron so I could finish said novel in an environment with a cool breeze, like the Amalfi coast or perhaps Forte dei Marmi.

Instead I will take a few day trips out the beach.

What are your plans for the summer?

Here's a little old school freestyle music to get the summer started.

R.I.P. Clarence Clemons - Born To Run

Compared to my classmates at H.B. Whitehorne Middle School and then Verona High School in Verona, NJ, I was not the biggest Springsteen fan. I don't know all the lyrics to all his songs.

I did spend many an afternoon trying to learn Clarence Clemons's tenor sax solo in this song.

Back in the day some crazy Jersey politicians wanted to make "Born To Run" the office state song. Hello, did they not listen to the lyrics?

Every time I hear this song, I get chills. It's so f-king Jersey!

Good-bye Mr. Clemons. Some of the youngins may only know you as that guy who played sax with Lady Gaga. But for us folks who grew up in Jersey in the '80s, you will always be The Big Man.

My novel and Stephen King's great advice about writing.

Very funny. Apparently, TWILIGHT fans are very upset with Mr. King.

I've been working on my novel, aiming for 2000 words a day. I get up at 5:00 or 5:30 a.m. eat something light while I check e-mails from L.A., work out, shower, start writing.

Earlier I used to meet friends to work out in the morning. Until I'm done with my first draft I can't do that anymore. I need that quiet time in the park to work and think about the novel.

I wrote a very rough outline. I wasn't sure how to do one for a novel. I realized early on my outline wasn't long/detailed enough. I haven't looked at it since I hit the 30,000 word mark.

What I've been looking at are my characters. I spent a lot of time working on them before I wrote the outline.

It's interesting to work on a new novel after focusing on scripts the last four years. Screenwriting is very structured. Working on a novel is a completely different experience. I thought I knew what the ending would be when I wrote the outline. It's changed.

I also thought I knew what certain characters would do. I don't. It's fun to see what direction the story will take. However, to be honest, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. I didn't go to grad school for a MFA. I did take creative writing courses in college, but that was a while ago.

I've been re-reading Stephen King's book on writing. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interesting in writing. It's part memoir, part advice. All of it is inspiring.

It was rough going after I returned from L.A. for a variety of reasons. His book is helping me get back to basics. It's about reading and writing. Yes, it's true Snooki is a NYT bestseller "author" despite telling a reporter she has read only two books in her life. Her ghostwriter has probably read more than two.

There a lot of things I cannot control in my career. What I can control is how much I write and how much I read.

Every project I work on is an opportunity to improve and grow as a writer. That must be my focus, not getting upset that nothing has changed since I co-wrote a hit movie. In fact, at a later date I should write about some of the jacked up BS I heard while in L.A.

I can't think about anything negative right now. I have to finish my book. Money and career worries are on the back burner. Maybe that's putting my head in the sand, but the amount of energy I use stressing about those worries is not healthy.

I am feeling very optimistic these days. It might be straight up denial. heh. That said, I'm excited about a new idea I have for another novel.

It helps that the weather has been gorgeous lately. We're enjoying a real spring in Rome this year. This is something I do not take for granted! I hope the blazing hot weather takes a while to get here.

Snapshot Rome - Pecore/Sheep

Normally, I walk on the old stone road when I go to Via Appia Antica.

A few weeks back, I decided to follow the joggers and cyclists and go through the park off Via Caffarella.

It's a very pretty path passing various ruins and big open fields. At one point I started to hear (and smell) sheep.

Hard to believe I was only a few kilometers from the center of Rome.

Jumping The Broom Mondays - (Updated) JTB opens in the United Kingdom this Friday

Ciao Bloggisti,

Our film was scheduled to open in the UK this Friday, June 10th. It has been postponed. As soon as I have more info, will post it.

This UK SITE has some information.

My producers told me the dates for Italy are July 29th and Sweden, August 26th. I'm trying to find out which company will be distributing in Italy.

In America, JTB is still in the top ten and has just crossed the 35 million dollar mark. Thanks again to everyone who came to support our film!

Here's the TV spot that played the week after our big opening weekend.

I love the look on Loretta Devine's face. Mike Epps is hilarious.

My inteview with Diana Strinati Baur

I had the honor of being interviewed by the amazing Diana Baur for her series on "Nice Girls Who Thing Big."

I've written before about how she inspires me.

I wrote about my trip to her fantastic B&B in Piemonte HERE

My interview is HERE.

Grazie cara!!

Flashback Friday - A little High School Musical for Shelley, An American In Rome

I am very happy to report that the lovely Shelley is back!!

Many remember her blog reallyrome.com which then became Un Americana a Roma.

Three years ago Shelley returned to the United States of America.

I can't wait to read about her reentry to the Bel Paese. It's a big move from the country (in Washington State) back to a city of four million.

I first met Shelley in person back in March 2007. I cannot believe that was four years ago.

Shelley, along with a few other expat friends, really paved the way for my move. They were inspiring, but also realistic. By the time I arrived, I was prepared.

I've met expats who moved here with the idea of an Under The Tuscan Sun-type paradise. Then they get mad at Italy, because living here and being on vacation here are two very different things.

Shelley, this cheeserific song is for you!

I finally found the Flower Mart in Rome

I've been meaning to check this place out for a while. It not too far from the Trionfale farmers market in Prati.

On the first floor are plants/trees and on the second floor are cut flowers.

It's open to the public on Tuesdays after 10:00 a.m. Many of the cut flowers are gone by then, but the prices are incredible cheap.

Mercato dei Fiori
On the corner of Via Trionfale and Via Paolo Sarpi


Peonies are among my favorite flowers. They are not cheap. However, this bunch cost only five euros and opened up nicely.

Snapshot Rome - Two Nuns

In L.A. I didn't see any nuns. I return to Rome, different story.

There's a very good reason talented writers strongly suggest writing everyday.

Or at least, Monday - Friday.

The two weeks I spent in Los Angeles completely threw me off my writing groove. I said I was going to write while I was there. What was I thinking?

My schedule was so packed, I had to ask my manager's assistant to cancel two meetings. I was running all over town. One crazy day I had meetings in Santa Monica, Studio City and Beverly Hills. Anyone who has spent time in Los Angeles understands what a clusterf**k that day was.

Last week was not a good writing week. Part of it was jet lag, but a bigger part was my complete lack of motivation. I would open my laptop and just stare at a blank page. After a while, I would go online instead of writing (or unpacking) and next thing I knew, hours had gone by.

I started to get worried. What if I never get "it" back?

This week I forced myself to sit down and write. I wouldn't get online until after I had spent some time working on my novel. It was slow going at first.

After a few days of this, suddenly on Thursday I hit 1500 words without realizing it.

My goal is 2000 words a day. There will be days I exceed that, and others when I fall short. However, I finally feel like I'm back on track.

I'm also working on a new spec script. I writing with another screenwriter who is in the middle of staffing season (for American TV) so I we have to budget our time wisely.

The next time I go to L.A., I don't think my schedule will be as insane. The October trip was my first trip to the States after moving to Rome 2 1/2 years earlier and this last trip was for the JUMPING THE BROOM release. I get why my manager wanted to squeeze in as many meetings as possible.

If I had some money, I would go to a hotel somewhere nice and just write. It would have to be a place with a view and quiet like Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. Any place where there's a ton of sightseeing to do wouldn't work.

Or I would even check myself into a place in Rome. Several writer friends in L.A. do it all the time, especially for big deadlines. I completely understand why so many writers love working in hotels... no distractions.

In the meantime, I will be in my apartment trying my best to finish this novel.

Flashback Friday - The Isley Brothers - Between The Sheets

I realize people born in the '80s may only know the melody thanks to Biggie Smalls. I do remember when this slow jam dropped in 1983. Anyone remember the "Quiet Storm" on WBLS in NYC?

Older folks used to say songs like this were "baby making music." ha

The Isley Brothers' first hit was "Shout" in 1959. They go way back.

Have a great weekend.

Favorite Things: Cacio & Pepe at Roma Sparita

I've been hearing about this restaurant for years.

Anthony Bourdain recently raved about their Cacio & Pepe. He didn't name the restaurant, but several expat friends here figured it out.

A few weeks ago I went with my FRIEND to see what the hype was all about.

Roma Sparita's version of the classic Roman dish is perfection. It's not heavy and the pasta had the right amount of bite to it. The basket of parmesan cheese is a nice (and delicious) touch.

The restaurant is located on the quieter side of Trastevere. Reservations are suggested, especially for outdoor seating.

Roma Sparita
Piazza Santa Cecilia, 24
+(39) 06 580 0757

UPDATE: Interesting post from Katie Parla HERE regarding Roma Sparita and service charges for tourists.

Flashback Friday - Bil Withers - Lovely Day

It's a STUNNING sunny day in Rome.

I heard this song as I was running in the park this morning.

It's a timeless classic from '77. A little before my time, but it never fails to put me in a good mood.

Finally, my jet lag has eased up a bit. It's going to be a great weekend.

Song via YouTube is HERE

The Jersey Shore Cast Has Landed In Italy

Florentines must be so excited.

Jezebel.com has a nice write up HERE with a clip from the Today Show.

I still don't understand why the show is shooting in Florence and not a beach town like Rimini.

CBS' Early Morning Show ignores JUMPING THE BROOM

Really, how difficult is it to notice a film that was covered all over the mainstream press after its big opening weekend?

This is not about slamming SOMETHING BORROWED and I really enjoyed BRIDEMAIDS, but how can the producer of this segment ignore JTB during this segment? WTF?! I mean, is it because we didn't have any shoot out set pieces, or because it doesn't take place in the 'hood or there wasn't a black man dressed up as big, fat, sassy black woman?

Stuff like this drives me crazy. Note to CBS Early Morning Show producers, I know that make up of the cast might have thrown you for a loop, but the film is "crossing over". Even if it didn't, it's still a major studio release and should have been included.

They had so many clips/mentioned older films about weddings. You're telling me the producer never heard of THE BEST MAN, MONSOON WEDDING or Ang Lee's THE WEDDING BANQUET? Isn't that part of a research department's job?

I doubt Good Morning America would make the same mistake.

I'm glad the Los Angeles Times wrote about it.

Finally, a few pics from the Jumping The Broom premiere

My sister has been on my case to post some pics. Hello, I've been busy.

I haven't been to a premiere in a while and this was my first as a screenwriter. To say it was a surreal experience would be an understatement.

The entire night was a blur. I heard the food was amazing. I may have had two bites of the plate my friend Corrina fixed for me and only one and 1/2 cocktails. I barely sat down. I did have a bite of the wedding cake. It was excellent.

My friends are very camera happy. Here are a few pics.

On the way to the premiere in front of Robin and Jay's house. Robin would not let me get into the car without taking a photo. I told her it wasn't the prom... calm down. heh

The driver, Nadine, was super sweet. She took a photo of me with my friend, but Robin wasn't dressed yet so she refused to forward it to me.


Julie Bowen, who plays Amy the wedding planner, hits the red carpet.


This photo cracked us up. I was telling Robin (not to be confused with my friend Robin) the first time I met him (he came in to meet on a project years ago) he was still rocking the J.C. haircut. Paula started laughing. He sings the song that played during the ferry ride to the Vineyard. I need to get the soundtrack.


What was I smoking standing next to Paula? I look HUGE. When she started shooting JTB her son was only a few months old. Paula and her husband are two of the nicest and most down to earth people I've ever met in Hollywood.


Two of our leading men Laz Alonzo and DeRay Davis.


I think Brian Stokes Mitchell (his niece is also in the photo) should be in more movies. I know he's more of a Broadway actor, but I wish there were more film roles available for someone so talented. The cake pop was the bomb.


With my friend Samantha.


Toward the end of the night. I was exhausted, but Corrina wanted to see Prince so we went back inside.

Flashback Friday - Two Ari Gold Classics

I've been eating a lot of sushi on this trip. Pivenian levels.

Ari Gold is one of the funniest characters on TV. Based on a real Hollywood agent, at times I couldn't watch ENTOURAGE as it hit too close to home.

This clip is NSFW. I crack up at Lloyd's hand gesture and the look on Ari's face.



When Ari got his anger back. Also NSFW.



Have a great weekend.

A big fat THANK YOU!! Jumping The Broom has a great opening weekend

Ciao bloggisti.

JTB far exceeded industry expectations opening weekend. Our movie's budget was 6.5 million and we grossed 15.3 million.

We came in number 3 ahead of SOMETHING BORROWED which was a surprise. SB was on almost 1000 more screens and had a budget of 35 million.

I don't know why some news reports have headlines saying THOR hammered the box office. Hello, counter programming?! We were not competing with a 100 + million budgeted super hero three/four quadrant movie.

We had an unprecedented jump from Saturday to Sunday. This explains why the early box office estimates were off. Usually films drop from Saturday to Sunday.

A huge grazie mille to everyone who wrote about and supported JTB. So many of my fellow expats helped spread the word Stateside.

The last few days have been bananas. I will try to post some pics from the premiere later today or early this week.

Some Aretha Franklin for Mother's Day.

I heard this song during JUMPING THE BROOM and thought of my mom.

She may not really get all my wackado life choices.

"Hi, Mom. I'm going to quit a job I like and move to Rome, Italy and write screenplays."

"Please stop asking me when I'm going to get married. It's not going to happen." It so funny how my dad never asks me about getting married.

My mom and I had two completely upbringings. I'm an American and she was raised in a tiny village on a tiny Caribbean island. My teenage years were not fun. We couldn't relate to each other at all.

I never had that "bestie" relationship with my mom. However, once I got older, spent more time in the Caribbean and especially moving overseas myself, I have a much better understanding of what it was like for her to move to America.

My mom is a f-ing bad ass. Really. I moved from one big city to another other. My mom moved from an island of less than 30,000 to New York freaking City. She made that move in the early 60s. Think about what was going on in America back then.

We may not do the whole hang out all day like girlfriends thing, but I appreciate how much my mom believes in me and supports me despite my unconventional career path.

Thanks Mom and Happy Mother's Day!!

Jumping The Broom Mondays - Sony Ups The Number Of Screens

Ciao bloggisti from a very jet lagged ragazza.

Our director Salim Akil gave a great interview to the Boston Globe. You can read it HERE.

Sony has done an incredible job marketing JTB. Originally our film was going to have a small release, to go with our small budget, around 700 screens.

However, after the positive feedback from the advance screenings, Sony more than doubled the amount of screens. That's quite a vote of confidence.

I cannot stress enough how important opening weekend is in our business. By Friday afternoon PST the studios can predict the box office, and 95% of the time they are dead on.

Hollywood's obsession with the opening weekend is one reason why the majority of movies made are targeted to teen boys. They have time to go opening weekend. Adults might read reviews, have other things to do and care more about word of mouth.

The buzz on JTB is very good. However, we must get butts in the seats.

Bootlegging is a major problem. Please tell your friends who are going to see JTB to see the film in the theater. Do not buy the bootleg DVD from Pookie and 'em at the barbershop/street corner. Also check the tickets to make sure they are for the right film.

THOR is opening this weekend and the FAST FIVE will have a strong holdover. Our little film is counter programming along with SOMETHING BORROWED which is also being released this weekend. SB is based on two very popular books, has a much larger budget and will be in more theaters.

I saw Elizabeth (producer/writer) and Glendon (producer) yesterday. It's been a long road. Over seven years ago the two of them came into my office (I was an exec at a production company) and pitched the idea for a family wedding movie called JUMPING THE BROOM.

Two years ago I started working with them on the script and now JTB is coming out in a few days. Everyone keeps asking me how I feel. I'm super anxious. If I think about this weekend too much, I freak out.

Elizabeth and Glendon said to me, it's out of our hands at this point. We've done everything we possible can. We'll have to wait and see what happens this weekend.

I might need some Valium.

Osama Bin Laden has been killed.

I'm in shock. I gave up hope that he would ever be found.

The man was chilling in a mansion in the middle of Islamabad? WTF?

It took almost ten long years and many people lost their lives.

Osama Bin Laden's death will not bring back my friend, Nigel, but I'm relieved he was captured.

Pope John Paul II Beatification

Today is the beatification for Pope John Paul II.

As I ran errands last week in the Center, I definitely noticed there were a lot more tourists than usual.

Erica Firpo at the Rome Nile Guide has an excellent POST on the Beatification, what is it, what will be going on in Rome, etc.

Flashback Friday -I Say A Little Prayer For You - My Best Friend's Wedding

Continuing with the wedding theme... here's one of my favorite wedding movie scenes. Rupert Evert and Cameron Diaz were great in My Best Friend's Wedding.

This also happens to be one my favorite Aretha Franklin songs.

I did watch the Royal Wedding and I am surprised how much I teared up. I loved everything about it. The pomp and circumstance, Catherine's beautiful House of McQueen dress (Sarah Burton is crazy talented), the handsome princes in their uniforms, the gorgeous Westminster Abbey.

I lost it when Prince William said, "You look beautiful" to Catherine.

Have a great weekend.

Jumping The Broom Mondays - What's Your Favorite Wedding Movie?

On Friday, Prince William and Catherine Middleton are getting married. The global TV audience for the royal wedding will be massive... more than the Superbowl, the Olympics or the World Cup.

Do you plan to watch the wedding? What are some of your favorite wedding movies?

Here are some of mine:

The Philadelphia Story
The Best Man
Four Weddings And A Funeral
The Wedding Crashers
The Princess Bride
The Wedding Singer
The Wedding Date
My Best Friend's Wedding

Thanks to Yvonne's comment, I'm adding Monsoon Wedding and Muriel's Wedding to my list. Can't believe I forgot them.

Flashback Friday -Maroon 5 - This Love

Adam Levine is a native Angeleno and his dad owns the M. Fredric stores. This song was played to death when it came out.

Every time I hear it now, it reminds me of driving on The 10 to Santa Monica early on a Saturday or Sunday morning to meet friends for hiking in Temescal Canyon.

Buona pasqua/Happy Easter!

Jumping The Broom Mondays - Paula Patton And Laz Alzono Interview

I'm trying to find out what the international release schedule will be. I heard JTB might be in the UK in June. Once I know more, I will post.

I do know that JUMPING THE BROOM will be opening in St. Maarten on May 12th!! I can't believe tiny SXM is getting the movie.

My mom had quite the scare when a neighbor called her.

Her neighbor: Is your daughter Arlene Gibbs?
My mom: Yes.
Her neighbor: *gives a yell*
My mom: WHAT? Something happened?
Her neighbor: No, no, no, man. I just saw her name in the Daily Herald!!
My mom: WHAT?!
Her neighbor: Yes ma'am. They said she has a MOVIE coming out! Lord, you all must be so proud!

My dad said some of his friends are salty because he didn't tell them about the movie coming to St. Maarten. It's because he didn't know until a few days ago.

The local cable company gets a Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) feed along with French, Dutch and other channels. So St. Maartiners are seeing all the JTB ads that are running in America.

I bet Nestor, who works at the airport, will tell everyone and their mother about the film. He's seems to know all the folks on the island, including the many tourists who come back every year. Nestor recently turn 70 and has been working at the airport since 1966. I can't imagine flying into Princess Juliana International Airport and not seeing him.

JTB stars Laz Alonzo and Paula Patton were in Washington, DC for a special screening at Howard University. Laz is a DC native and graduated from Howard.

Below is their interview with Fox DC Morning show. They have a lot of chemistry and as Zoolander would say, they are really, really, ridiculously good looking.

Jumping The Broom stars on myfoxdc: MyFoxDC.com

Fendi, Kim Carnes, Lasagna And A Naked Man.

Yes, these things are connected.

Erica has a great POST about our evening, along with a cool slide show.

I was her date for the annual Fendi performance art show. The show is held in the Old Jewish Market by Circo Massimo. I've stepped into that building many times and never notice the Star of David in the ceiling until Erica pointed it out to me.

When Kim Carnes came out and sang "Bette Davis Eyes," I cracked up. It was so random! She sounded great.

The show was very interesting. I can't say that I understood everything that was going on. For example, I'm not sure what was the point of the extremely well-endowed naked man who stood onstage.

The crowded was eclectic... fashion forward young artists mixed with old money older crowd. I think Erica and I were the only Americans there.

There was small post party at the palazzo of Alda Fendi on Via Giulia. She personally greeted every guest, which was very Bella Figura.

The lasagna was delicious. I wasn't expecting food at the party but was very happy to see it.

It was a surreal evening. Despite the rain, it was one of those nights that reminded me of why I love living here.

Flashback Friday - Sidney Lumet - Network Trailer

RIP Mr. Lumet.

I Went To My First Italian Wedding Reception In Italy 11 Days Ago...I'm Still Full.

I was told about the lunch following the ceremony but I wasn't prepared to partake in a 6 1/2 hour (yes, you read that correctly, SIX and a half hours) meal.

Annie, of my closest friends in Rome, got married. She and Giovanni had a wedding in her hometown back in Minnesota during the Christmas holidays.

Giovanni is Italian and there was another ceremony in Italy for their family and friends. After all they met here. I remember their first date. One afternoon at Ciampini I told Annie they were going to get married soon. And they did.

Giovanni's grandparents live in Fondi, which is near the beautiful beach of Sperlonga. His nonno (grandfather) is 91! Not sure how old his nonna is.

I drove down with Mauro, a friend of the couple's and we arrived on time for the pre-church festivities. The grandparents had a few friends and family over to their home for pastries, coffee, juice etc.

We walked from their home to the church. It was a gorgeous, hot, sunny day and the Historic Center of the small town was very pretty. The couple looked beautiful. Annie had her dress custom made in Rome.

People on the street were clapping and saying congratulations to the couple. At one point, Giovanni and Annie asked his nonna to join them upfront (Nonno was given a ride to the church, he has a cane).

Giovanni's parents AND grandparents were married in the same church. At the end of the short Mass, Giovanni's nonna was speaking with Annie. I couldn't hear what was said but I could tell by Annie's emotional reaction, she was really moved.

I know some American women who complain (a LOT) about the closeness of Italian families. I don't think it's weird or claustrophobic. Most Caribbean families are the same way. It's a different culture. I know America is more about the couple as a separate unit but we're not living in America.

Lunch was held at a restaurant in the country called La Magnatora. All the pasta was made by hand. The food was AMAZING. Very fresh.

I was going to write out the outrageous menu but it would take too long. The antipasti alone would have been more than enough food.

Giovanni's brother came over to our table and told us he warned the Americans (Annie's family) to pace themselves. Mauro schooled me at the church. I did pace myself and yet I could barely finish my lunch. The wine was delicious too.

During a break in between courses, I was talking to Annie's uncle. He pointed out how during an almost 7 hour luncheon nobody was checking their Blackberrys constantly and the older people at the party were included. It was very thoughtful of my friends to hold a ceremony in Fondi so the grandparents could be a part of their celebration.

Annie choked up as she gave a toast, in Italian, thanking her family and her new family in Italy. It was obvious how much Giovanni's family adores her.

I love how Disco never died in Italy and had a blast dancing. As I was looking through the photos from that day, I started to get a little teary all over again.

Auguri Annie e Giovanni!

Jumping The Broom Mondays

Our movie is coming out (in the States) in four weeks. May 6th, Mother's Day weekend.

Earlier, I promised not to turn this blog into the JTB blog 24/7 so instead I will write movie related posts on Mondays (unless, there's some kind of breaking news).

That way, if you're more interested in reading about gelato or Bunga-Bunga politics, you know the next few Monday's will be Berlusconi free. Somehow I think my love for gelato will work itself into a post about Jumping The Broom.

As we get closer to the release date, there will be more publicity about the movie.

E! recently spoke to several members of the cast at the EBONY cover photo shoot. Our Stories Films (one of the producers) linked to it HERE on their Facebook page.

You can follow Jumping The Broom on TWITTER.

Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Loretta Devine and Laz Alonzo grace EBONY magazine's May cover. It's so Springy. The exclusive interview gives readers some inside scoop about the movie.

Flashback Friday - Hugh Jackman - Oklahoma! Ok!

Hugh Jackman + musical theater = a very happy ragazza.

Stars like Jackman are rare these days. He can act, dance, sing, has charisma and is the hotness. Trust, I met him at the KATE AND LEOPOLD premiere years ago and tried not to stare. It was difficult.

The clip is from the 1998 Royal National Theater Production. He's probably best known for playing superhero Wolverine but I would love to see him on stage. So talented.

Buon weekend.

Staying in my apartment, time for some major spring cleaning

I decided to stay in the Center after my amazing landlord (at a great cost to her) installed new custom-made windows.

While I miss the charm of the old windows with their wooden indoor shutters, being able to get a good nights sleep is more important.

Originally, I wanted to move because of the noise and for more space. The noise issue in the summer will still be there (as I will want to open my windows ) but I can wear ear plugs like I have in the past. My landlord's architect came by to measure for a shelving unit in the kitchen area. That will help a lot with storage issues.

Living in such a small space I really have to keep clutter to a minimum. It's time for a spring cleaning marathon.

One of my favorite websites, Apartment Therapy, has some great spring cleaning TIPS for busy people.

I'm relieved I don't have to deal with the stress and expense of moving right now. My landlord is fantastic, which is something I don't take for granted. My landlord in L.A. was a nightmare. She was a horrible, cheap, dishonest women.

Also, the infamous G lives near by and one of my closest friends is moving to the area. I'm very excited about that.

Do you spring clean?

Flashback Friday - Celebrating My 3 Year Anniversay in Rome With Seu Jorge

Crunchy alert: level - high

I cannot believe it's been three years since my friend Robyn dropped me off at LAX with five bags of luggage.

While I had spent time in Rome, did extensive research and prepared myself for outrageous red tape, I had never lived outside America.

I was not in my early 20s or 30s. I was moving to a new country, had to learn a new language and moving thousands of miles away from my family and friends.

I didn't know what would become of me in Italy. I did know I didn't like who I was becoming as I hit my ten year anniversary in Los Angeles. Going to Toronto to work on our film TRAITOR made it clear to me I had to make a very drastic change in my life.

Once the film wrapped in Toronto, I decided to take the leap without a safety net.

During the last three years, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. I wouldn't have written the JUMPING THE BROOM spec if I didn't move. I wouldn't have this sense of being home, of peace, of feeling like I'm no longer observing my life but actually in it, had I not moved here.

I wouldn't have met my incredible friends, who I get see regardless of our hectic work schedules. My married friends and/or friends with children still have time for me here. Single woman without children are not cast out to sea in Italy.

Nobody here schedules dinner or drinks three weeks in advance like we had to in L.A. I tried to do that when I first arrived. That habit died quickly.

When you ask people how are they are, they tell you. They don't say, "busy", then run through a list of all their work projects to prove they are busier than you because they are a more important producer, exec, whatever.

Rome took me by surprise. I never expected to fall in love with this crazy city. When I was a teenager, I thought I would live in London or Paris one day.

During that first trip to Rome, six years ago this month, I assumed the effect the city was having on me was because of what was going on (or not going on) in my life back in L.A. I went to Rome after the production company I worked for shut down. I had been to European cities before, London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc. I wasn't an Italofile.

The next year I returned for a longer stay, renting an apartment in Trastevere. I had to see what this Rome thing was all about. This time I had a job.

Didn't matter. I had an even stronger reaction to Rome and Italy in general. On that trip I also traveled outside of Rome.

"Rome was a poem pressed into service as a city." Anatole Broyard.

I think about the Broyard quote often.

Us expats may complain about the random strikes (of course, there's a big transit one today), the bizarro Bunga-Bunga politics and the bureaucracy. But like Broyard said Rome was "pressed" into being a city.

Of course things are not as organized as they are in America. If they were, Italy would be perfect and no place is. The key is to find a place that is right for your priorities.

During that second trip to Rome I listened to Seu Jorge's CRU CD constantly. He's a Brazilian actor/singer. If you saw CITY OF GOD he played Knockout Ned and in LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZIZZOU (which was shot in Rome) he was the sailor who sang all the David Bowie covers in Portuguese.

It wasn't until a few months after my trip, that I saw the video for the song "Tive Razao". This is one of favorite tracks off the CD.

Where was the video filmed? In Rome, in Piazza delle Chiesa Nuova, near where I live now. Nice cameos by Willem Dafoe and Bill Murray.

This song (VIDEO HERE) always reminds of that trip. During those weeks I said to my friend, another producer who was in Rome at the same, I was going to move to Rome. I planned to do it when I was older, maybe in my 50s. I'm glad I didn't wait.

The apartment I rented belong to an actor friend of a friend. The owner was on set in Naples so his girlfriend, Valentina, showed me the apartment.

Four years later I moved to Rome. My first week here, my friend G. invited me to come with him and his girlfriend to a party thrown by a production company celebrating the release of their movie NON PENSARCI.

A few minutes after we arrive, who do I see? Valentina. She said, "Welcome back." G. was incredulous. Not sure how she remembered me after only a short meeting four years earlier.

Buon weekend.

Karl Lagerfeld Photography Exhibit in Rome

If you love photography and/or fashion, I highly recommend this show. The exhibit ends April 10th.

I went with two friends last week.

I knew Sir Karl was a talented photographer but it was the first time I've seen a collection of his work. Amazing.

The first section is dedicated to portraits, fashion, landscapes, architecture and nudes (including his muse Jean Baptiste Giabiconi). The second section showcases Lagerfeld more experimental work.

The Bramante gallery (Chiostro del Bramante) is one of my favorite spaces in Rome. It's worth a trip for the building alone.

Chiostro del Bramante
Arco della Pace, 5
00186 Roma
+(39)066 8809036

Flashback Friday (on Thursday) - Elizabeth Taylor Tribute By Paul Newman

I'm in shock. Which is strange because nobody lives forever.

However, Elizabeth Taylor seemed so larger than life, to hear of her death surprises me.

Many people are called "Legends" or "Movie Stars". Few deserve these titles. Elizabeth Taylor does and was one of a kind. With her passing, another member of the Golden Age of Hollywood is gone.

Elizabeth has always been one of my favorite names. My paternal grandmother was named Elizabeth and if I ever had a daughter that is what I would've named her. Don't tell my mom. I do like the name Martha, my maternal grandmother's name but Elizabeth has been number one on my list since I was a child.

People who have met Dame Taylor have told me she really was luminous, funny and kind. She will be missed.

This short tribute by Paul Newman is lovely.

Help! I'm addicted to The Rachel Zoe Project.

The show has recently started airing in Italy on E! Italia. I cannot stop watching it.

Ms. Zoe grew up in the same area as me (I've already discussed how much I love Short Hills Mall) and I totally hear her slight, suburban Northern New Jersey accent.

I'm pretty sure Zoe (like myself) has been saying "bananas" before Gwen Stefani's "Holla Back" song. Once that song came out I had to make an effort to drop "bananas" from my vocabulary. It made me salty as bananas was one of my favorite words. It's so useful. Living in L.A. and now Rome, I constantly find myself in situations that can only be described as "BA-NAN-AS". As in, getting a driver's license in Italy is bananas.

Zoe gets a lot of flack, even from her husband sometimes, about how serious she takes her career. It's dismissed as "only" fashion. Sorry, but I respect people who have a passion for what they do. I hate that the creative arts/crafts are not respected in America unless you make a lot of money.

There are many very talented and smart people who work in fashion. Clothing is the one thing that touches almost every single person's life, unless they walk around naked.

Yes, some people are over the top but so freaking what? Fashion should be fun. With all the horrific things going on the world, it's great to get excited about something that speaks to you, whether it's a photograph, a painting, a film, a song or a beautiful dress.

A clip from the show. Everything is so DRAMATIC! I do remember seeing Cameron's Chanel dress and Eva's Dior dress on the red carpet and thinking they were gorgeous. It's interesting to see how the outfits came together.



An interview with Harper's Bazaar.


This spoof cracked me up. The two have met and did a video together. It's good to see Zoe has a sense of humor. Too many people in Hollywood do not.

Snapshot Rome: Spring Has Sprung

I'm not sure what type of tree this is.

I saw several of them at the top of Gianicolo Hill. The blossoms smell amazing.

I'm so glad Spring is here. I bought some Sudifed when I was in L.A. last October. This time I'm ready for allergy season.

Buon Compleanno (Happy Birthday) Italia!

The sun broke through for a few minutes this morning. I used to opportunity to get in a work out and took my camera. I ran up to Gianicolo Hill, one of the highest hills in the city.

Nile Guide's Erica Firpo has written a great POST about the activities taking place in Rome to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Italy's unification.

Men in uniform getting ready.


Giuseppe Garibaldi keeping watch.


The cannons are ready.


Earlier this year, restorers were cleaning and repairing these statues.


Before the unveiling.


In Europe people don't really fly their flags all the time like we do in the States. It is unusual to see so many Tri-colore flags in the city.

Salotto Locarno - Get Your Cocktail On

Isn't this champagne cocktail pretty?


Each cocktail comes with a plate of food to nibble on (after 6:30).

I have been on serious lockdown finishing a script and working on my novel. Plus, I've been in a surly mood, thanks to my dwindling bank account. Several good friends told me I have to leave my house. It's not healthy to stay indoors working all day.

Friday morning I hit the wall. I had to make some changes.

This weekend was the most social I've been in a while.

I met a friend at Salotto Locarno (pics on left). I stayed at this hotel during my first trip to Rome. I always thought the art deco bar was pretty and they have a nice courtyard.

I'm not sure when it happened but now the bar is quite the scene. Friends have told me in the afternoon they do a lovely spread for tea.

At night it's packed. The drinks are not cheap. It's less pricey than Hotel de Russie but not by much. As the weather gets warmer, I suggest making reservations if you plan to go on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. Not sure if it's less crowded earlier in the week. Service is sloooooooow. The little bar gets overwhelmed by all the drink orders.

Salotte Locarno totally reminds of L.A.'s hippy/chic Chateau Marmont. When I met my friend, someone was being interviewed by a camera crew. Very L.A. The man who runs the Salotto (I think he does) was very nice. I can't wait until Spring when we can sit outside in the courtyard.

Salotto Lorcano
Hotel Locarno
Via della Penna, 22
+(39) 06-361=0841

Flashback Friday - Sheila E. - "The Glamorous Life"

Sheila Escovedo is one of the baddest drummers on the planet.

I played this song to DEATH back in the day (1984). I had the 12' extended Club Mix on vinyl.

Written by Prince, "Glamorous Life" was a massive hit in the '80s.

Random fact: Nicole Richie is her niece.

Have a great weekend.

Il futuro anteriore indicativo/future perfect - non mi piace

Okay. What the heck is this verb tense about?

My Italian class is truly kicking my butt. Our professor was telling us which verb tense is best to convey irony. What?! Irony? I can't worry about being ironic in Italian when I'm still trying to lock down the congiuntivo (subjunctive) tense. The subjunctive is rarely used in English but it's an important tense for correct Italian.

That said, I really like her method of teaching. She told us a story about her parents in Sicily getting ready to go to a baptism. Her father wasn't crazy about her mother's dress. We had to construct a likely conversation using the correct tenses and idioms.

One day in class we were listening to some audio and then had fill in the correct tense of the verbs. In one sentence we thought it was the imperfect. No. The present perfect? No.

Finally, I guessed it was passato remoto (preterit). I was offended, yes offended, to see this tense in a basic conversation. The professor laughed and told me to get over it.

All jokes aside, I'm glad she is pushing us. It's very frustrating not being able to communicate fully in Italian. I can keep up with simple conversations but I'm not close to being fluent. Also, given what I do for a living, I'm bummed that it takes me forever to write even an email in Italian.

Our class is small, only four of us, and our professor zeros in on things that would be missed in a larger class, like pronunciation.

One exercise that is brilliant (and sometimes painful), is when she has us "interview" each other with a microphone. In the next class there's a printout of the conversation and we listen to the tape. You can clearly hear your mistakes when you listen to a recording of yourself. I was putting the accent in the wrong place for the word "abito" (I live) for the longest time. I won't make that mistake again.

Another day she gave us a print out of a Carmen Consoli song with certain words missing. We had to listen to the song and fill in the blanks. She then gave us the complete lyrics.

Here's the song. Mi piace.

Design Inspiration: Annette Joseph's Cinque Terre Apartment

I first became aware of interior designer/photo stylist Annette Joseph when I saw the film location apartment she created for Gwenyth Paltow on GOOP.

Then one of my favorite design blogs, Design Sponge, profiled her APARTMENT in the Cinque Terre area. STUNNING!!

Later, I saw her work in RUE and realized I had seen her work before in my beloved DOMINO magazine (RIP).

Annette has been coming to Italy since she was a child. Six years ago she and her husband decided to buy a place on the coast.

I love Annette's use of color in her apartment. Grey is having a moment but I don't think it will ever go out of style. It's a classic neutral.

The bathroom is amazing (that sink!!). I like that she used a lot of local materials.

Annette's apartment is light and airy. Perfect for a place near the sea.

I highly recommend Annette's BLOG. She has great posts on not only design/decorating but entertaining, cooking, etc. Very inspiring.

Snapshot Rome: Fish - Trionfale Market

I need to learn how to cook fish.

Once in a while I would buy shrimp or salmon at the Gelson fish counter when I lived in L.A. Not sure why I didn't buy/cook fish more often.

I grew up eating fish every single Friday. My dad went to Catholic schools but my mom was/is Methodist. I'm not sure where the fish every Friday tradition came from. One dish I had no love for was fish head soup. Pass.

Of course having Caribbean parents, we had to eat what they ate. There was no "kids menu" at our house. When we got older, like in high school, sometimes my mom would say she was thinking about making either one dish or the other and would ask our opinion. Other than that, nope. My mom was not running a restaurant. If you didn't like what she made, guess you weren't eating that night.

Growing up in the islands, fish was a big part of my parents' diet. My dad was Mr. Breakfast on weekends and sometimes we would have fish then as well.

I happened to buy sardines the other week and eating them reminded me of Sunday breakfasts in Jersey.

Now that I'm surrounded by excellent fishmongers, I need to step up my fish game. heh

To be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed by all the choices. I'm slowly learning the Italian names for different types of fish and my goal is to try a "new" fish every month. I have never cooked a whole fish. This is one of my personal Top Chef Challenges for 2011.