FIRST POST: Path Choices, Passions & Pasta

I was raised by Italian immigrants in a small neighborhood in Toronto. My childhood was filled with love, meatballs, drawing, fresh bread, accordion music, lasagna and as many books from my library that I could carry in my little arms. 

After earning a degree I spent over 15 years being really practical, working in sales and marketing. It was challenging and rewarding often, but it didn’t fuel me. Secretly, I was drawing and writing.

I longed to create.

But I only allowed myself permission to call it a hobby. So when life got in the way, I packed up my writing and art supplies, in tears. I never spoke about my dream to be a children’s book author but it was always there, over my shoulder behind my left ear.

I have three incredible daughters who have heard me say many times:

Girls, pay attention to what makes
you feel alive, and honour it.

They’ve also heard feminism, add chia seeds, don’t leave the house without a book, be kind, take your vitamins, choose love and acceptance, and where’s your hat. 

When I discovered yoga a few years ago it sparked something in me. In two words? Life-changing. But that will fill another post. (Ooh, marking that down.) Working on my craft of writing with greater focus and intensity has been thrilling and terrifying. (Yes! I’ve got another future post.) It has felt like my new yoga.

I will be bold and say, I am so excited to be a part of the writing community. I am in the ARENA, as Brene Brown says and it feels good. Life is too short, as I’ve learned many painful times and so …

Spend part of your days creating,
and doing something that draws you in.

Readers, I mean, who wants to read this but my goodness, if you’re here? THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for reading! Please comment and share your thoughts – I’d love to hear from you.

And if only my daughters read these words I am still happy. Now girls, go add some chia seeds to your salad, please. 

Wishing you peace, passions and delicious pasta.

Rosanna Montanaro