Chia and I have been busy shopping here for special requests: lotion, jewelry, boots and handbags. Everyone wants to know how things are here in Florence. It is a sad scene with very few tourists and all the artisans and shop owners hurting badly. There are desperate people doing desperate things. Italy has been faring well with regard to the Covid-19 virus. Everyone is wearing a mask and taking it very seriously.

We all are trying to stay positive, and my Tesori Italiani project has been well received. I have the wine stoppers in hand and they are great! They are hand painted by an artisan here in Florence with unique patterns. I am waiting now for the leather boxes and the salt and pepper sets to be finished.

I hope to have a catalogue and order form ready by mid October. When I was dancing, I always had to have my holiday shopping finished by Halloween. After that, there were endless rehearsals and no time to shop! This is a habit I have maintained. It makes the holiday season so much more relaxed.

Meanwhile, I am here and will shop for you!