Reflections on 2011 and Hopes for 2012
Another new year has arrived, and although I don’t usually dwell on the past, I wanted to take a moment to look back at 2011 and share what the year meant to me. It was a year of highs and lows — full of memorable experiences, creative projects, family changes, and quiet moments that reminded me what matters most. I am hopeful that 2012 will bring renewed energy, better health for everyone, and more time to savor life.
On a joyful note, we spent a wonderfully productive season in Umbria at Il Casla di Mele, our Umbrian farmhouse rental. We welcomed many delightful guests over those six months and met so many kind, interesting people who stayed with us. Those months flew by, but we loved every minute of them and are already looking forward to returning this spring. The olive harvest that year exceeded our expectations — we gathered a record 19 cases of olives — a hands-on, satisfying reward for life in the countryside.
2011 was also an active year for my online work. In the spring I launched my new Umbrian Travel site, and in September I started Recipe Rebuild, a blog I share with my daughter. Just before the year ended I completed a thorough redesign of Italian Food Forever, a project that took many weeks of planning and work. I am pleased with the fresh, cleaner look and grateful to Lindsay @ Purr Design for understanding my vision and helping to bring it to life. These projects energized me and gave me new ways to share recipes, travel tips, and stories from Umbria.
At the same time, the year brought difficult personal losses and health challenges. In November my dear sister-in-law Rose-Anne passed away at the age of 52, and we learned that my aunt died on the very same day. Those moments of grief were compounded by several serious family illnesses this fall that required hospitalization, which made the season heavy and emotional for us. Adding to the small frustrations of life, the very week I received my newly redesigned blog and was eager to start uploading content, I accidentally slammed my right index finger in an antique farmhouse door and broke it. Wearing an awkward splint for a month reminded me to slow down and be gentler with myself.
Yet 2011 also brought new life and small joys. We welcomed three lively Umbrian hens — Henrietta, Rosie, and Ginger — who quickly made themselves at home in the garden. Best of all, in September our family was blessed with a fifth grandchild, a beautiful baby boy named Leonardo. His arrival brought light and happiness into a challenging season and reminded us of the continuity and love that bind our family together.
As I begin 2012, I am starting fresh with a cleaner look on the blog and renewed intentions. Italian Food Forever has now been online for almost ten years, and I want to thank every reader who has supported and encouraged me along the way. Your comments, recipes, and enthusiasm inspire me to keep exploring Italian cuisine, telling stories from Umbria, and sharing practical, delicious recipes for everyday life.
My goals for 2012 are simple and meaningful. I want to eat a little healthier, exercise more consistently, and take time each day to appreciate my blessings, especially my family. I plan to slow down, notice the small pleasures in life, and put less energy into stressing over unimportant things. I also want to expand my skills: improve my photography, take a few online courses to sharpen my computer skills, and finally make serious progress on speaking Italian better. And, of course, I hope for another productive season at our farmhouse rental in Umbria, meeting new guests and sharing our little piece of paradise.
I hope you all enjoyed a warm, family-filled holiday season. Thank you for reading, for your friendship, and for being part of this journey. Wishing you health, happiness, and a wonderful year ahead.
Deborah Mele