You never know where life takes you. Take it one step at a time.
Wherever you are on your journey, you are exactly where you need to be. Trust the unfolding, even when it feels uncertain. Every step is a part of your unique path, and it is leading you home to your truth.
I lived in Milan from October 1990 to January 1993—years that truly shaped me. Sometimes, I wish I could rewind to those days and press pause, just for a little while.
Back then, I was completely immersed in my work at Livraghi, Ogilvy & Mather, managing Olivetti, an international account spanning 14 countries. Those were the days of faxes and word processors, and as a self-confessed workaholic, my world revolved around deadlines, campaigns, and strategy.
Milan was my backdrop, but in those moments, I was too absorbed in work to fully take it in.
Since then, I’ve returned many times, exploring other parts of Italy yet always finding my way back to Milan. Walking the familiar streets stirs vivid memories. The Piazza Duomo holds a particularly special place in my heart. I remember the day I went for my interview at L,O&M, located near the Piazza. Afterward, I walked out and stood facing the magnificent Duomo, its grandeur filling me with excitement. With a grin, I said aloud, “I’ll be back!”
And I was.
Growing up, I never once imagined that life would lead me to Italy. The U.S. was always in my sights, and London felt like the dream destination. But Italy? It never crossed my mind. Yet, through a series of unexpected twists and turns (too many to recount here), I found myself there—and it became one of the most transformative times of my life.
My Italian, even now, remains embarrassingly bad (apologies, Stefania!), but everything else I embraced wholeheartedly. The culture, the food, the rhythm of life—it all left an indelible mark on me.
I’ve brought Darcy back with me to revisit the places that once meant so much. Sharing those special spots with her feels like weaving new memories into the fabric of old ones. Walking along the Naviglio where I used to live, dining at my beloved Trattoria Milanese, and browsing the delights at Peck—it’s my way of bridging the past and present, keeping those moments alive in a new chapter of my life.
And now George and Lulu are making new memories for me.
Over the years I have tried several times to capture a photo of us in front of the great cathedral.
But this time, knowing Elena of @Pawtiqe was there, I took the opportunity to have it done properly.
And it was worth waking up early for and getting that shot.
Here are some reasons why we use professional photographers! LOL!
The last time I was in Milano with Darcy in April 2018 on our way to Venice.
