By Joanne Fisher
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. After college, my family and I began an exciting new chapter, immigrating to northern Italy near Lake Garda. Life there brought joy and challenges. We faced discrimination due to my parents’ southern Italian roots but built friendships that enriched our experience. I married a northern Italian, and we had 3 wonderful children, creating a life full of love and connection.
Lake Garda offered fascinating traditions, cuisine, and history. One memorable tradition was not wearing black at funerals, which surprised me given my southern background. I especially loved Casoncelli, made by my sister-in-law with pumpkin filling or ricotta and spinach. Lake Garda spans three regions—Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino—and is steeped in history. Sirmione boasts a Roman Villa and thermal waters attracting visitors yearly. Many Roman nobles built villas around the lake, with many still standing today. Its wines, like Valpolicella and Bardolino, are world-renowned. We visited most towns around the lake and those local dishes remain unforgettable.
In 1994, my father passed away, prompting a bittersweet decision to return to Canada in 1997. Adjusting was challenging for my ex-husband, and after nine years, he returned to Italy, leading to our divorce.
Happiness returned when I met Dan, my second husband and a police officer, which brought me to central Florida in 2006. Like Canada and Italy, Florida was life-changing and at times, testing but after almost 20 years, it has become my true home, providing warmth, inspiration, and a fresh start.
Today, I am proud to be an indie author, sharing stories with the world. Writing lets me embrace creativity and reflect on my journey. From Canada to Italy, and now to Florida, each chapter shaped who I am—resilient, passionate, and endlessly grateful.
