One of my eyes is crying, and the other is laughing as I write these few posts about Italy… The last time I was here was when I was very little, and this trip gave me so many impressions, experiences, and feelings that only the little one could have been the strong enough reason pulling us back from this northern Italian region. During the autumn break, Rú preferred to go home to visit family (which was expected after our move to Vienna), and Laci and I, left on our own, decided to wander a bit together to breathe some Italian air and indulge in some pasta, pizza, and bite-sized desserts.…

Dear Reader,who has been with me for almost ten years and maybe these diary pages brighten your day, make you think, make you laugh, or just chase away your boredom in a lonely moment.You, who know my struggles, my difficulties, have seen our beautiful days and the gloomy ones.You, who have tried my trusted recipes.You, who have empathized with me.You, for whom we are important. I would now like to introduce you to a new member of our life, whom we have waited for a long time, prayed for much, and who has now decided that the time has come to join us in this world.He in the picture is…

Several of you were curious about the recipe for the chocolate cookies I shared in a story the other day, and it’s been so long since I last posted a tried-and-true recipe here that I’m happy to share this delicious one with you all. For me, it’s a go-to treat when unexpected guests arrive, because if you’re practiced, you can make it from scratch to serving in about 20 minutes. You hardly need anything for it, and usually, a mom’s kitchen will always have these basic ingredients at home. Plus, guests will definitely want more, because it looks great and is the kind of dessert you just can’t stop eating.…

And yes, I found it! Although I was looking for a library while Ruben visits friends and family in Hungary and Laci is having a boys’ weekend in the mountains with his friends, most libraries in Vienna are closed on weekends. That was quite a sad surprise for me, but always, even in this bad, there was good: I found my happiness nook in the city, the Shakespeare & Company bookstore! A local bookseller gentleman recommended them when he couldn’t suggest English books in his garden district shop, and unfortunately, I don’t know German well enough yet for the books here to give me the reading pleasure. So, following the…

Dear Moments of Times Gone By!I will always remember you, the Good Times’ moments, whenever my fate turns a bit gloomy. I lived the feeling of completeness with you as Ruben was growing up. You stood by me while I shaped characters as a Krav Maga instructor, imparting knowledge, confidence, and purpose to my team. You accompanied me on the rocky path leading to my diploma, a journey I completed as a single mother, balancing work and studies, which gave my life meaning and vocation. You showed me direction when I felt trapped in a small town, when my situation seemed hopeless, when I was afraid to trust myself—yet every…