Women Who Quarantine - Margherita's Story

​Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.

Welcome to our next interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Margherita Agostini!

Margherita is a pearl in the midst of the beauty of Florence, Italy. She has dedicated her time and talents to rediscovering the ancient Beauty, Truth, Art, and Holistic Healing of the Florentine people. It's her hope that one day, when Italy begins to awaken from this shocked state, she will be on the frontlines leading the way!

Margherita's Story:

Profession: Historian of Art, Italian Language, and Literature
Location: Florence, Italy

1. How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time? 
My heart is beating very well. I feel calm and safe where I am currently living. I rent a room inside a convent, right in the middle of Florence. Uncharted times can also be the best times!

2. What has been most challenging about being home?
For me, I am grateful as nothing has been particularly challenging. The only
things I really miss are my regular visits to museums, exhibitions, my long walks along the Arno river, and the gym at the fitness studio.

3. What are you doing to keep balanced and motivated?
I am currently doing a full immersion into the history of Florence - I read
a lot, work on cultural projects and take many pictures in the garden. I find great enjoyment in spring with all the flowers, butterflies, and bees…

4. How do you think this pandemic could be used to reshape Italy for the good?
Italy is suffering a lot right now. But through its immense pain, my country is finally remembering and appreciating its own beauty, along with its true spiritual and artistic richness.

In regards to reshaping, I am currently creating a project which combines: Art, History, and Health. It is my hope that it will be helpful in rebuilding our ancient culture following this pandemic. It's also quite interesting to discover the old and precious Health Care History of Florence, from the Middle Age till now.

Overall I believe that this crisis could bring with it a great awakening of humanity as a whole, while allowing for the opportunity to recreate the way we work and learn moving forward. 

5. Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time?
I go up....and down... the many stairs of the convent for about one hour
every evening. At the end, I feel quite tired and enjoy a good sleep.

6. What is your favorite book and podcast that you’ve listened to or read this week? 
I am reading “La splendida storia di Firenze” (Piero Bargellini) and listening to the conferences of the poet and philosopher Marco Guzzi on YouTube.

---

Favorite Recipe During Quarantine: 

Marinated raw salmon carpaccio with arugula salad and melon.


INGREDIENTS:

•  ½ lb. very fresh, sushi-grade salmon fillet
•  Juice of 2 lemons (and zest from one)
•  1 tsp sea salt
•  1 TBS finely chopped fresh parsley
•  1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
•  2 TBS olive oil, plus more for dressing salad
• Arugula greens for salad
  
• Melon, sliced 
  
  

DIRECTIONS:

• Rinse and dry the salmon. Wrap in cling wrap and freeze for 1 hr to make slicing easier. Meanwhile, finely grate the zest from one lemon and squeeze the juice from both. Mix in a bowl with the parsley, thyme, and 1 tsp sea salt. Add the olive oil and whisk to amalgamate.
• Unwrap the salmon. Cut wafer-thin slices on the diagonal, as you would smoked salmon. Arrange a layer of the salmon over a large shallow dish, then spoon over a little of the marinade – spread to evenly coat the fish. Continue slicing and layering, finishing with a layer of marinade. Cover with cling wrap and chill for at least 2 hrs... It's been eaten same day, but will keep overnight.
• Add sliced melon to salad of arugula drizzled with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.
• Serve salmon over salad and melon.
• Enjoy!

Finish the meal with refreshing: Ginger and Lemon Sorbet for dessert. Buon Appetito!

Contemplative Art...

Enjoy Laundry in the Sun

Sign up below for my newsletter to learn more about these heroic women from around the world, while becoming part of a rockstar community of dream builders who desire to live a healthy life!

​Sending you lots of love and joy,
Marie