I’ve always loved the picture we used for the heading.  It is one Deanna took of my parent’s house after Hurricane Katrina.  It is a beautiful picture in and of itself.  It symbolizes our lives in the sense that we all have cracks and things cause us to break and shatter at times.  At first glance these cracks seem ugly – an imperfection among a sea of smooth, shiny, and perfect glass.  However, when viewed with the right lens and perspective they can become something of great beauty and power.  The cracks are what make us unique.  We put a couple of cracks together and make a family, then a community, then a society.  

The picture also symbolizes new life and new opportunities.  Through the cracks the sun shines referencing the old cliche that “there is light at the other end of the tunnel.”  There is always an opportunity to make something beautiful out of a perceived flaw.  

The Italian title is a tribute to Deanna’s Italian heritage and my years as a waiter in Italian restaurants.  It also reflects our passion to experience and learn about other cultures and languages.  

This will be a place where we share our thoughts and experiences with you.  You may see cracks and you may see sunlight – hopefully you will see beauty as we learn about life.