this book now resides on my bedside table during the hours it is not in my hands. marlena is such a brilliant, illustrative writer with a love for all things italian and a talent for communicating her passion. line after line, i am in awe at her choice of words, but the following quote might just be my favorite:

“there’s no great secret to joy. just divine what makes you happy. that’s the first thing you have to know about yourself. then set out to have or do or feel or be-according to the knowledge. guide yourself. keep your own counsel. trust yourself. more or less, that’s your job in life.”

one of my favorite female voices.

every word filled with pure emotion and unyielding passion.

(photo source unknown)

(author unknown)

this ravishing creation

just a few of my current obsessions.

illume roasted chestnut candle

coconut oil

candy-like jewels disguised as satsumas

gary allan's get off on the pain album

lilt me your lips, our lost breath intermingling.

synchronize our silence as lazy hours ease by.

waft cocoa, hazelnut, cinnamon scents around me.

tremble with me in paralyzing pauses.

i may no longer breathe without breathing you.

(judith pordon)

words by edmond rostand / photo via weheartit

(words by iris murdock)

(words by ray lamontagne/images via visualize)

i can’t get enough of this song.

quote by rumi

image via visualize