The Hidden Code. They Couldn't Write It Down, So They Painted It

 Historical detective: a silent record left by women who had no other voice.

Stand on the hill of Castellengo Castle and look down. The plain spreads out endlessly before you, flat and quiet.

But look closer, just below the castle hill: there is a church. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul sits there as it has for centuries, and even from a distance, something about it feels odd. Its back faces the road. It turns away from you, as if keeping a secret.

That oddness is, in fact, a very precise statement.

Churches were built for people who could not read. Every stone, every orientation, every image was a lesson written in a language older than words. This one follows the ancient rule: the altar faces east, toward the rising sun at dawn. Because Christ was imagined as the sun, the light that conquers darkness. So the faithful entered from the west, from shadow, from what the builders called death, and walked forward toward the light. The door was never meant to face the road. It was meant to face the dark.

Continue reading https://exegi.substack.com/p/the-hidden-code-they-couldnt-write

A Rough Week

I’m currently swamped creating content and ads for my classes and courses. This is prime time—when people come back from the holidays, settle into their work routines, and start looking for something to fill their winter evenings.

They’re browsing courses, searching for a distraction from life’s daily grind. So right now, you’ve got to pull out all the stops to make them choose you over the competition. But freelancing isn’t easy. Students are flaky. One day they’re all in, the next day they’ve ghosted you... Today they show up, tomorrow they forget, or suddenly something “more important” comes up. It’s a stressful time for a teacher. On top of that, everyone’s getting sick. And I’m also juggling a lot of volunteer commitments... So yeah... It’s a stressful period.

Where I live in Italy, it has been cold over the past few months, with more rain than sun. So I’ve managed to squeeze in a few walks whenever those rare sunny hours appear.

Walking In A Forest: Discoveries And Encounters

Liudmila

·

16 novembre 2023

Read full story

Italians have coined a new term for early autumn walks: foliage. Sounds French, doesn’t it? I’d never heard it before—or maybe I just never noticed people saying it. It refers to that magical time when leaves start to fall, and the ones still clinging to the trees blaze with bright, warm, gorgeous colors. It’s absolutely stunning, but it only lasts until November. After that, they turn a murky brown.

Continue reading this article https://exegi.substack.com/p/a-rough-week

Key Reasons Why High-Dose Vitamins and Minerals Help Aging

 As I started to tell you yesterday, a friend convinced me to start taking high-dose vitamin and mineral complexes. She sent me a bunch of videos and websites with research results, and I decided to give it a try. The scientist my friend showed me is around 100 years old, and his head is clear like a young man.

I took the photo on purpose to show you %VNR - that's what we're interested in. Go to the supermarket and check these %. Normally % is around 20 maximum of 100%. I take these two pills in the morning, and then in the afternoon, I still have magnesium and B12 with D in the "normal" dosages. I had stopped taking them for a while, but then I saw that the head needs support and I went back to this "practice". Today, I just want to show you my research on the topic.

Why Do We Have Joint Pain

 Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States has arthritis or joint pain? This is a big number that shows how common it is.

Thinking about my life, I see how joint pain can get in the way. It affects how we move and feel every day.

It's important to know why arthritis happens. This helps us deal with it better.

What I discovered researching this question

Echoes of the Soul: A Romance Wrapped in Magic. The town’s magic that we normally ignore

 The City’s Secret Pulse

Every town has a heartbeat, but hers sang.
Clara had known it since she was six, when she’d pressed her ear to the alleyway behind the bakery and swore the bricks murmured back.

The Chilling True Story of a Royal Scandal, a Love Erased

Amalfi's Darkest Legend: The Duchess, Her Lover, and Her Brother. Could This Love Story Be More Tragic Than Romeo and Juliet?

Today, we return once again to the Amalfi Coast, and I will tell you about the terrible fate of a real, beautiful princess. I don't know; maybe she wasn't that beautiful, honestly. History has left us no portrait of her, but it doesn't matter. It's just the genre that obliges. Her name was Joanna.

A Scientific Perspective on Healing the Soul. Nature's Role in Emotional Resilience

 In the context of an increasingly tumultuous world, characterized by a plethora of sad and tragic events, the quest for emotional healing and resilience has garnered significant attention in psychological and environmental research. This article aims to explore the potential pathways to healing the soul, particularly through the lens of nature and its profound impact on human well-being.

The Range Of Benefits Of Educational Email Mini-Courses

As a copywriter, I decided to work in a niche similar to my primary profession: teacher. So, my niche is Educational Email Mini-Courses, Customer Success Stories, and Case Studies. Here I want to present to you the benefits of Educational Email Mini-Courses so that they will be listed in my presentation. 

I will be glad if you comment on your experiences with mini-courses. 

What do you think about them? 

Educational email mini-courses come with a range of benefits for both learners and educators:

Flexibility  

Mini-courses can be accessed at any time and from anywhere, allowing learners to engage with the material according to their schedule.

Structured Learning 

They break down complex topics into manageable segments, facilitating better understanding and retention through a structured approach.

Understanding The Science Behind Nature Sounds for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Nature is the ultimate spa, offering tranquility, beauty, and peace that can't be found elsewhere. Take a deep breath, feel the sun on your skin, and let nature work its magic on you.

Sally's Flight To Freedom

 In a world where control and oppression can often overshadow individual freedom, one woman's story stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Sally is a courageous individual facing a daunting challenge in her personal life. A chance encounter sparks a newfound sense of determination within Sally, driving her on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. 

Sally's got a real problem on her hands: her boyfriend expects her to be his personal servant, always stuck at home catering to his every need. Fed up with feeling trapped, she decides to take a walk outside to clear her head.

Inspiring Concept Of Regenerative Agriculture And Wine Production

I am sharing with you something truly fascinating that I recently learned about - the benefits observed in wine quality and nutrient density in produce grown under regenerative practices. As someone who appreciates good food and wine like you do, I thought you would find this as intriguing as I did.

How Sitting Can Literally Kill You: The Shocking Truth About Physical Inactivity

Do you often feel glued to your chair, binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through social media for hours? Well, it’s time to stand up and pay attention because your life might just depend on it.

Understanding Social Dynamics: Why Cultural Volunteering Is So Important In My Life

The days I spent this weekend volunteering with FAI, the Italian Environment Fund, led me to think about this phenomenon of cultural volunteering. Interestingly, not only was I very enthusiastic after participating in this initiative, but all the volunteers wrote in the group how happy they were to participate.

This morning, I read an article published in the USA that talked about the running trend, of meetings of people who run all dressed in the same brand's products and thus ultimately forming brand clubs throughout the country and not unions for interests (running, precisely). 

A Story About Everyday Stress Handling. With Wise Tips and Happy End :-)

 Once upon a time, in a bustling city filled with honking cars and busy pedestrians, there lived a woman named Emily. Emily was a hardworking professional who thrived in her career but found herself constantly battling the pressures of everyday stress. From deadlines at work to family obligations, Emily felt like she was always on the edge of burnout.

Rejuvenating Body, Mind, And Spirit At The Foot Of Mont Blanc

Meet Sofia, a hardworking woman in her mid-thirties who lives in a small town in Italy. Sofia works long hours at a local restaurant, and her days are often filled with the hustle and bustle of serving customers and managing the kitchen. Despite her love for her job, the stress and physical demands of her work often leave her feeling exhausted and drained.

One day, Sofia's friend tells her about the incredible natural hot springs in Pré-Saint-Didier at the foot of Mont Blanc and suggests that she take a day off to visit them. Intrigued by the idea of unwinding and rejuvenating in the soothing waters, Sofia decides to take her friend's advice and makes plans to visit the thermal baths.

Legends of the Devil's Bridge: A Tale of Cunning and Deception

 I was looking down from the bridge when a man passing by in his car turned back and approached me. “What are you doing here, my lady? Are you okay? Please don't jump off the bridge,” he asked me very seriously. I was surprised. I was in a public place and not doing anything wrong. Yet, this man stopped in a location where hardly anyone passes by just to talk to me… He understood my confusion. “Don't worry, I don't want to harm you. Don't be afraid. This place has a bad reputation: many people come here to commit suicide. I stopped because I was worried that you might be searching for the best spot to jump off, and I wanted to console you…”

I was taken aback by his concern and compassion. I assured him that I wasn't planning on jumping off the bridge, but I was just taking a moment to clear my head and enjoy the view. He seemed relieved and we ended up having a long conversation about life, struggles, and the importance of reaching out for help when feeling overwhelmed.

After our conversation, he offered to take me for a cup of coffee and we ended up spending the rest of the afternoon talking and getting to know each other. It was a random encounter that turned into a meaningful connection. I never expected that a stranger would show such genuine care and concern for me. It was a reminder that there are good people out there, willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the man who had stopped to check on me. It was a simple act of kindness that made a big impact on me. I promised myself that I would pay it forward and be more aware of those around me who might need a listening ear or a comforting presence. That chance encounter on the bridge taught me that sometimes, a small gesture of compassion can make all the difference.

⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎ The Real Story You Can Read Here: ⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎ 

https://exegi.substack.com/p/guardian-of-the-gorge-the-devils

Detective is my New Job

This expressway I've seen many and many times was not so as it was always before. It was different because I was driving and was alone in the car. Nothing bad - I became a very expert driver this year and, honestly, had to pass the "best" itineraries like Amalfitan Coast, Vesuvius, Naples...

This time the situation was different. I had to find an organization in a completely unknown town with only one-way directions. And the game was more interesting thanks to the forbidding weather conditions.

I found the place where to look for the organization I needed and imagined the direction - more or less. And - what a great fortune- I found it after not too much time. 

You would ask me: why, the hell, I go looking for who know which organizations in such places? You will never believe me, but I "play" a detective. God moves in a mysterious way, you know. I'm very VERY fare from any desire to become Sherlock Holmes or Nero Wolfe. It's my inability to say "No!" and the need to help sentient beings that takes me in all the disparate troubles.

So, what is it this time, you ask? A certain young man from Moscow contacted me by phone (where took he my number, I wanted to know????) and asked me to help him to find his fiance which fled in Italy from him, and he can't find her to say he is waiting for her and loves her...

Yes, a novel. He said, he has some bars and found this girl when she was 18 years old. A naive girl from an Ucrainian village near Chernobyl, she came in Moscow after she finished secondary school and wanted to work in one of his bars first, than they began to live together. And they lived in love and reciprocal respect for 7 years till -suddenly- she left him...

Yes, I understand now, too.

The problem was he sent me money and did not want to accept them back (I did not know where to send them since I knew only his name written in Russian). So, I said, I'll find this organization and it will be the last thing I do for you. 

Imagine that I had to listen to him every day for hours. He called me 2-3 times a day. I wanted to make him more calm and relaxed, trying to explain him that he is not right, first. But I'm not a psychologist. I'm not able to work this way every day for more than a week...

After hours I was making circles around this town (all the residents laughed and, I suspect, they indicated me the wrong ways especially), I finally found the expressway and a great commercial center near it. 

So, I decided to have a rest and to gift me something very beautiful (a warm woolen dress: I'm tired to wear always pants, I want to feel myself a woman). And, look, I found a clock I needed! So beautiful! And with Japanese clockwork!  

On my way home, in the dark and hard rain, I did not see a big truck entering the expressway.........
Well, fortunately, the driver had time and place to bypass me. That is why I can tell you this story personally.
But it was a very hard experience, you know.

I swear, I'll never do something like this more.

My Beautiful Dream

Many many years ago when I was a little (more or less) girl, an other girl lived i our house. She was 2 years older, I think. And she was the first to leave the house and to enter an university.

That girl had a dream to become ф geologist. She went in Leningrad and, when she turned home for vacations, she took her guitar and new and very romantic songs written by very popular bards that had their "capital" in Leningrad at that period.

 

It was a period of romanticism, I think. We all had our heads full of such dreams: taiga, backpacks, fire etc. But this girl fulfilled this dream. She became geologist and passed her life in trips.

Some days ago she contacted me in Facebook. We exchanged some messagges about those ...more than 30 years. Today, she pubblished some photos about her life. And I copy them here... with the deep breaths about that beautiful dream.

Mother's Love

This mail I received today and did not want to open it because this friend has the use to send me all kinds of "send it to all your friend and will receive $3000 tomorrow"-messages. I don't know why I opened this message. And don't know why I decided to open the photos (because it's unpossible to see them in the mail). But than...

I read and heard too many similar notices -in TV and other media- in the last period (I tell about the last photo, clear).
Than, I had to work with similar mothers when I was a teacher, many years ago. If you think that it's a rare case, you are wrong. It's monstruously often. And not only among the poor, illiterate part of the population of the towns.

Once, I had a mother from one of the most rich families of the city. Her son had a face of an angel. And he was a very good boy (10 years old in that period). Could you imagine that the mother, a director of a very important institution, treated that angel in the same way you can see on the last photo...

That is why I was touched when I've seen these photos. And... maybe this pubblication will help to make the life on the Earth some better... Who knows... I do not knkow who are the authors of the photos. If YOU are or you have the rights, write me.  

Mother's Love
 

Do You Have a Son? Look, This is MY Son...

Today is anniversary of my blog. Thanks to Teena, I remembered it. My blog is 5 years old now. I wanted to celebrate it's birthday with the translation of an appeal of A.L.F. Fronte Liberazione Animale Italia My translation is not perfect but I hope, you will join me. Maybe, you will have a wish to make a better translation and to pass it to all the world...

Do you have a son?
This is Mine...

Maybe, one day, when you will have a wish to wear him, to eat him, to shoot him
you will recognize him...

Do you love your son?
I love mine...
Look, this is my son
my life -and I would do anything for him...

Can you fight, cry, defend your son?
I can't...
I can only look...

I could shout but nobody would hear my cry of grief...
I could fight but my power will not be enough...
My tears would nobody nothce...

This is my son.
Now, you've seen him.

How much I love him?
How much I suffer for him?
Yoou are a mother... You know it just...