October 31, 2026 — Alto Pass, Illinois

Today was a day of ozio—the Italian art of slowing down and simply being. After a wonderful night’s sleep and even a long afternoon nap, I felt something returning that I hadn’t experienced in a long time: the ability to rest, focus, read, and enjoy the moment without feeling the need to move on to the next thing.

Eventually, I took my bicycle to the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, a remarkable monument with a fascinating history of human generosity, ingenuity, conflict, and perseverance.

But the most meaningful discoveries were more personal. Despite being far from home, conversations and messages with family and dear friends made me feel more connected to them than ever. And an unexpected fascination with Sicilian folk singer Rosa Balistreri opened another door to my roots, inspiring me to explore my heritage through music. I watched her documentary last night, very inspiring, what a story.

Back at Peachbarn Winery, I enjoyed a glass of wine and the company of the people building a new life and business here: Sophie & Colin, in the picture below, together with the bar manager. 

A day when I seemingly did nothing, yet experienced so much. Perhaps that’s the beauty of slowing down: creating space to reconnect with ourselves, with the people we love, and with where we come from.