Quotes by Marlena de Blasi

They all know the truth, that there are only three subjects worth talking about. At least here in these parts, he says, The weather, which, as theyre farmers, affects everything else. Dying and birthing, of both people and animals. And what we eat - this last item comprising what we ate the day before and what were planning to eat tomorrow. And all three of these major subjects encompass, in one way or another, philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, the physical sciences, history, art, literature, and religion. We get around to sparring about all that counts in life but we usually do it while were talking about food, it being a subject inseparable from every other subject. Its the table and the bed that count in life. And everything else we do, we do so we can get back to the table, back to the bed.

We violate the innocence of things in the name of rationality so we can wander about, uninterrupted, in our search for passion and sentiment.

Shes a woman. Like a chameleon does, a woman quietly blends into all the parts of her life. Sometimes you can hardly tell shes there, shes so quiet going on about her business. Feed the baby. Muck the stables. Make soup from stones. Make a sheet into a dress. She doesnt count on destiny for anything. She knows its her own hands, her own arms, her own thighs and breasts that have to do the work. Destiny is bigger in mens lives. Destiny is a welcome guest in a mans house. She barely knocks and hes there to open the door. Yes, yes. You do it, he says to destiny and lumbers back to his chair.

It was Don Paolos birthday and all the people of the village were gathered in the piazza to celebrate him. The band played, the wine flowed, the children danced, and, as he stood for a moment alone under the pergola, a little girl approached the the beloved priest. But Don Paolo, are you not happy? she asked him. Of course I am happy, he assured the little girl. Why, then, arent you crying?

How strange it is, sometimes, which conversations or events stays with us while so much else melts as fast as April snow.