Brooklyn Roots Thrive in My Garden

Growing up in Brooklyn, it was a common sight in most Italian neighborhoods to see statues of saints--usually the Virgin Mary (aka "Mary on the half-shell")--displayed in a spot of honor somewhere on the property.

This week, I finally paid tribute to my NYC roots and introduced this statue of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, into my backyard garden. A welcome and nostalgic sight, indeed.