Bailey Alexander

Falling in love with a city can feel powerful. Like a person, it carries its own personality. Along with its own rhythm, culture and quirks. And what about all those memories.

In my first book, “A European odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace” I wrote about living in many cities. During a nomadic portion of my life they each became home - for one year, or several. I wrote about them in a detailed fashion. I fell in love with some, or not, over and over again.

In my second book, “Personal Legends of Piemonte” the entire book could be construed as a love letter to Italy, in general, and the region of Piemonte, in particular. Powerful emotions, indeed.

Rome was my first love, then after 3 years, she became an unrequited love. After 25 years, the eternal city has become, understandably; my eternal love. The connections, the pull, even the heartbreak when you leave - not entirely different than the first crush. Your first love.

I wonder which city has had that effect on you.

• when they’re still here - in spirit.

Robin De Vick had a studio in Pioneer Square. I’d stop by on my lunch hour or a Saturday afternoon - she’d let me paint. She had rows and rows of these long tables.

Not considered the belle of the ball - until she chose to paint her face- and suddenly Marilyn was right there. A mercurial character, an artist, successful, she left us too young.

About my mother, “i just want to be able to talk like her” and loved how Muv talked about birds. So she made this tablecloth and napkins.

Her hand painted scarves were sold at the savviest stores in Seattle. LA and New York.

Whether on the table or the wall, as Muv said, “she understands color”.

Oh yes, she did, and is, dearly missed.

Excerpt from my first book, “A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace”

Everyone felt the gravity of the announcement. The Pope was dying and I lived just minutes from the epicenter. History’s most well-traveled Pope and first non-Italian to hold the title of Bishop since the sixteenth century was allowing the Eternal City to unify the past and present. Italians won’t react unless they have to do it in a minute. They prefer to turn on a dime after reducing one another to tears. That’s how her non-residents are made to feel; it’s a right of passage. The locals have to experience it so why shouldn’t we? Yet they have the edge, weighed down by history and now it was unfolding in real time. It felt epic. I had to get in on the performance.

Welcome to the secret that needs to be told. You’re invited into the lives of 12 Piemontesi - 12 interviews along with a short story to introduce each one. Wine and cheese makers, herbalists, a famous chef, a bar owner, bureaucrat, teacher and of a car mechanic Luigi; after all, we’re in Italy!

After living in Piemonte for 7 years it began to feel like a pilgrimage. Not one in search of penance or a blessing, but so many life lessons learned! Written in both English and Italian, first half in English, second in Italian.

Find out how they fulfilled their destiny. Find out why Piemonte is now the secret being told