A Traditional Sardinian Wedding Ring | Filigrana Sarda

The custom of wearing a ring on the third finger of the left hand dates back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians believed that the vein in the ring finger, flowed straight to the heart. And through this vein sentiments of love and prosperity are carried.

Filigrana is the Spanish word for this lace-like type of work, in English it’s Filigree.

The traditional Sardinian wedding ring is said to bring wealth and prosperity. The globules on the Sardinian wedding ring are inspired by corn ears and it’s typically flat, decorated with small drops. It’s an intricate work that dates back centuries. The ring is made from gold or silver; using fine wires or minute globules which are soldered together to form a lace-like pattern.

I’ve befriended the local orafa or goldsmith a few months ago as I was in search of a new wedding ring. We spoke often throughout the weeks, planning my new filigrana Sarda. We went through many traditional ancient jewellery books looking for the one which resembled me best.

Sailor’s Delight | Travel Photography

New Hampshire, United States of America

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailors warning.” - Ancient weather folklore.

A red sky at night signifies a dry day ahead.

I believe, do you?

Sardinian Summer Dreaming

Today I’m dreaming of the Sardinian Summer.

You?

Top 7 Shirtless Italian Soccer Players

My Top 7 Favourite Italian Soccer Players is based on performance, skill and overall ability to play their respected positions. The fact that they all look great shirtless helps this list, a lot. This Top 7 is a biased report and solely in my opinion.

Having played this sport as a youngster for over fourteen years, and watching countless international matches and World Cups (sometimes forgetting that summer even existed) I believe that I have the natural ability to comment on some of the worlds best soccer players. So without further ado …

My Sardinian Life’s Top 7 Italian Soccer Players

1. GIANLUIGI BUFFON – Born 28 January 1978 in Carrara, Italy. Goalkeeper for Juventus and the Italian National Team. He was born with natural athleticism, his mother was a discus thrower, his father was a weightlifter, both of his sisters played volleyball and his uncle was a basketball player. It’s been quoted that Buffon is the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s fantastic to watch play, this natural ability to protect what’s his makes him one of the highest paid players in Europe. He’s cute to boot!

2.  FRANCESCO TOTTI – Born 27 September 1976 in Rome, Italy. Is an attacking mid-fielder for Roma. Totti holds the most caps in Roma’s history and is regarded as one of the finest players of his generation. In 2002 he debuted for the first time in his career at the World Cup and in 2006 he was part of Italy’s International team to win the World Cup, finishing the 2006 World Cup with the most assists. He runs a soccer school called “Number Ten,” which is after his lucky jersey.

3.  MARCO MATERAZZI – Born 19 August 1973 in Lecce, Italy. He plays center-back and at times defender. He’s a force to be reckoned with and his aggressive style of play has resulted in more than 60 yellow cards and 25 red cards. He is renowned as a great goal scorer for a defender and was signed in 2001 for 10 million Euro by Internationale. The only reason that Marco made this list is because I’m two degrees to him (we all know the six degrees to Kevin Bacon idea, right?) My husband once spent time with Materazzi while recovering from knee surgery in hospital. And I believe that Marco’s mother is Sardinian born, giving me yet another reason to add him to this list.

4.  FABIO CANNAVARO – Born 13 September 1973 in Naples, Italy. Italian supporters have given him the nickname “The Berlin Wall,” in reference to his strong defending skills. In 2006 Italy won the World Cup in Berlin, Germany, Fabio’s moment of joy was lifting the trophy above his head in celebration. He was later named 2006 World Player of the Year by FIFA because during the 690 minutes he played, he did not receive one yellow or red card.  He retired in July 2011 due to knee problems but still remains one of the greatest defenders of all time.

5. ANTONIO CASSANO – Born 12 July 1982 in Bari, Italy. He began playing at a young age and was scouted by A.S Bari’s youth system to begin training in Serie A. He now plays for Silvio Belusconi’s team, Milan. Cassano is known on the pitch to have a short temper, the journalists have coined the phrase “Cassanata,” referring to anything on the pitch which is incompatible with team spirit. He has sixteen caps and four goals playing on Italy’s national team, he’s a strong-willed player who began his career in 1999.

 

 

6.  ANDREA COSSU – Born 3 May 1980 in Cagliari, Italy. Andrea Cossu currently plays for Cagliari in southern Sardinia.  Cossu is the second Sardinian in history to be called up to play on the national team. He played a friendly against Cameroon in 2010. He plays mid-field and is strong and fast. Cossu made this list because he is Sardinian and I need to support the Sards.

 

 

 

7.  ANDREA PIRLO – Born 19 May 1979 in Flero, Italy. Currently plays mid-field for Juventus. He is regarded as the best mid-fielder in history. Pirlo has an incredible passing ability which has coined him the nickname “The Architect.” He plays with high intensity and skill, with over eighteen years in the sport it’s no wonder he’s the best at setting up goals. He was a member of the national team at 2006′s World Cup and scored the opening goal against Ghana and was later named “Man of the Match.”

 

I did mention at the beginning of the post, how each player represented on this list had made it here due to their preformance on the pitch as well as, looking good shirtless. Now I wouldn’t leave you wondering now would I?

How to tell you’ve had a good time at Carnival | Tempio Pausania, Sardinia, Italy

How do you define a good time? Is it with music or dance? Is singing in your repertoire? What if we combine all those ingredients and throw a six-day festival in honour of a dead King?

The party starts here:

The festival parade of masks and floats generally occurs before Lent. People of all ages and walks of life come out to celebrate the King of Carnival – King George (or Giorgio if you’re in Italy). Many of the ancient traditions have disappeared over the centuries, but one thing clearly stays the same –  Carnevale Tempiese, The Carnival of Tempio Pausania.

Tempio Pausania is in the Gallura region of northern Sardinia and is the administrative capital (along with Olbia) making the province of Olbia-Tempio.

The 14,000 inhabitants know how to throw an impressive Carnival and have shown up by the thousands to pay homage (and party) in honour of the King.

In just a few weeks time people from all over Europe will take part in dance, costume and play, at one of Sardinia’s biggest celebrations, after brushing out the winter cobwebs and hailing in the new sun shine.

Top 11 Reasons Why Living in Sardinia Rocks

It’s been four years since I set foot on this rugged beautiful island, and I’m still in love with Sardinia. It wasn’t an easy transition, but I did it. I’m proud of the area I now call my home, and I’m proud of myself for learning two new languages.

I have complied a short Top 11 list on why I think Sardinia rocks.

1. The sun shines on average 300 days a year!
2. There are endless beautiful beaches on this island oasis.
3. The food is amazing. There are no other words.
4. Plenty of activities to choose from, year round: cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, nature walks, running, and so much more.
5. Summer lasts for six, sometimes eight months a year.
6. The people are happy and friendly.
7. The locally grown fresh produce is the best I’ve ever tasted.
8. Even in the winter the sun shines.
9. The rugged, red landscape leaves the poet in you without words.
10. Freshly caught dentice - snapper is the bees knees.
11. In a 2010 study done by International Living, states that Sardinia is one of the worlds healthiest places to live. Sardinia does boost at having the worlds highest concentration of centenarians.

Have you traveled to Sardinia? What did you think about this ancient island in the sun?

Click here for a list of annual events in Sardinia.

Morning Bacon | Photo Post

Look what I found on my early morning walk through the Sardinian mountains.

Three Little Angels | A Letter

“I never knew love so strong until I met you.” A.J 2012

It was two years before I could make it back to my home country. Two years of wishing, and needing your little hearts and hands around my body.

Surprises are meant to surprise. And I sure showed you.

The Illumination of Niagara Falls

One hundred and fifty-two years ago the Falls of Niagara became a chorus of coloured light. It would take another twenty-four years before permanent arrangements could be made to illuminate the Falls, nightly.

Fast forward one hundred and twenty-eight years for my turn to digitally alter Niagara’s colours with a single touch of my finger.

I lit up one of the worlds most popular attractions, Niagara Falls.

“This season the crowds of visitors were not confined to the daytime, but a most interesting feature of the mid-summer months was the illumination of the falls by searchlights on a scale never before attempted. The effect of all this lavish display of electrical light upon the falls each night was a new revelation of beauty which was very highly appreciated by citizens and visitors alike.” Niagara Parks Superintendent James Wilson, 1901.

The snow I left behind in Canada | Photo Post

Friday the 13th and the Niagara Region gets hit with its first major snow storm of 2012 and I found myself in a snowy paradise.

I prayed to the snow Gods for every night and day. On the twenty-third day she responded with blinding whiteness.

It was cold, bitter cold, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying natures white wrath of beauty.

The wind billowed its wicked strength though my ancient winter coat as the fat flakes fell gracefully from the grey snow filled sky.

How do you play in the snow, or do you prefer the comforts of a warm fireplace?