My Family Goes...

That's not a bad thing...

2010-04-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

So we have been spending time planning our approach to the industry. It is always a hard sell when "introducing" yourself and product, even more so in the entertainment industry. We are continually getting great feedback and certainly expect to be moving forward....it would just be great if things always moved at a quicker pace.

But as we wait, we continue to drive around on our Moto Guzzi finding fun spots to enjoy. It always happens, too, that when we are riding that so many people wave and take pictures of us. It's fun to see people do a trouble take when they see us for the first time. Whether it's a family, businessman, soccer mom or even a Harley rider, most people enjoy seeing us and want to acknowledge the connection in some way. This type of behaviour is why "My Family Goes..." will be a success: 'cause it puts smiles on people's faces and that's not a bad thing.

:)

2010-04-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on things. We finished a promotional package (power point presentation) today and that will be sent out to some of the companies and channels on our "list".

We are excited and I promise to update more frequently...even if it is just to smile. :)

Too much computer work!

2010-04-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

What a long day! After spending some time yesterday doing some voice over work for the teaser, I worked on completing the website today...actually three websites! I must say it's great to be working with so many professional people...almost makes me feel a bit smart, too.

To finalize the teaser reel, Amy, Delilah and I worked with our editor / Director of Photography Skye Borgman to perfect some of the odd bits of audio that didn't quite make it when we filmed live. And although we are 2000 miles away from Skye, we worked with modern technology and came through feeling good with our efforts.

For the websites, I worked mostly alone. (I can't wait to have other people do the website stuff as it makes me feel really old not knowing the lasted technology.) I felt my efforts paid off, even if it took me about 7 hours.

It's nice to be able to see the progress we have made in a couple of short months. It seems like yesterday when the crew arrived from Los Angeles to begin production week.

So, here we are! We can't look back now. I know it won't be an easy journey from this point, but when has life been easy for any of us, right? But this journey continues to be exciting. I feel confident and proud of our work, especially Amy and Delilah's efforts. It may have been my idea, but without them and their professionalism and enthusiasm, there would be no family to go anyplace.

Together, we look forward to our journey and hope you do, too. Thanks for your support!

www.myfamilygoes.com

2010-04-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I tried uploading the teaser reel here, but kept getting into snags. But don't worry, you can still see it at www.myfamilygoes.com We hope you enjoy it and feel free to send your comments to us: info@myfamilygoes.com.

2010-04-02T22:01:00.001-07:00

WE HAVE OUR REEL!!!!!! I WILL POST BY WEDNESDAY FOR ALL TO SEE!!!!! WE LOVE IT! HERE'S OUR NEW LOGO, TOO!

15 minutes down to 10 minutes...next to come is 6 minutes :)

2010-03-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

We are getting closer :)

WOW!

2010-03-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

We saw a 15 minute rough draft of the pilot! All I can say is, "WOW"! Of course I have great personal pride in this show, but I realised that the material I viewed tonight has true merit....which makes me even more proud.

Delilah comes across so sweet and lovable. She has many 1-liners, too! She's a kid, right?

Amy is beautiful and an excellent interviewer. I remember when I first told her about the idea, I believe her first words were..."What?! I can't do that!" Well, I saw her do it tonight and she looked great: A real natural!

And if I may say so, I believe I held my own, too!

The editing staff will be working this 15 minutes down to 2/3 minutes for our reel. Once we have that in place, I will post it on the site. After that is done, we will then go "shopping!" But it won't be the type of shopping Amy and Delilah love to do:)

Editing

2010-03-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

I received word today that the initial twenty hours of footage has been edited to two hours. So, now the editor must bring those two hours down to a couple of minutes to create the teaser reel. Should be fun, right?

Both Amy and I have decided not to partake in any part of the editing process. We both agree that a set of "new" eyes will bring the unique dynamics out of the shows' footage than our own. Plus, micro managing is never fun for anyone.

Just a couple of weeks until we have the reel!!!!

2010-03-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Inside The Brenham Fire Museum.

THE original early 1900's Brenham Fire Department

"engine". It was completely restored to it's original

working condition.

2010-03-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

The Brenham Fire Department Museum!

Notice the Dalmatians standing guard?

"Must Be Heaven" mural on the side of the restaurant.

The funky Brenham Flea Market sign and some

interior pictures!

A nice shot of the Moto Guzzi outside of the Brenham

Flea Market. This view of the building also help show

the building's old "saloon" style design.

Another beautiful piece at The Copper

Shade Tree Gallery in Round Top, TX.

The "eyes" have it!

Incredible piece...part of many at the

Copper Shade Tree Gallery.

2010-03-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

More beautiful artwork from The Copper Shade
Tree Gallery in Round Top, Texas.

Copper Shade Tree art.

Art In Fiber exhibit at the Copper Shade Tree
Gallery.

More beautiful artwork!

And more....

Delilah singing for an audience of 50 after our visit

to the Copper Sahde Tree Gallery. She's cold and

tired, but took the oppurtunity to entertain us.

More art at the Copper Shade Tree Gallery.

Yeah, we've got more pictures...

2010-03-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

The pictures from this series were taken at The Copper
Shade Tree Gallery Rot Top, Texas. Amy was able to
interview the gallery owner (and resident artist!), plus
three other artists who were part of the Art In Fiber Exhibit.

Copper Shade Tree art.

Copper Shade Tree art.

Copper Shade Treet art.

Copper Shade Tree art.

A four legged friend of My Family Goes...!

Some more fun pics taken at the Bellville Meat Market.

Poffenberger Sausage anyone?

Summer Sausage for our non vegan friends.

Amy talking about something she doesn't EAT:)

Picture This Too!

2010-03-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

Sausage, sausage, and sausage...and a bunch of
awards at the Bellville Meat Market.

Not sure if we were coming or going in this shot.

Some touch up work on Amy by Yelitza as Delilah
waits for her turn.

A neat shot of our exit.

What are they all looking at?

The Moto Guzzi looks good in this shot.

Jason and Caroline having fun at the Brenham Flea

Market.

The Pleasant Hill Winery Vineyards in Brenham.

Pleasant Hill Winery...a fun place. Amy and I enjoyed

meeting owners Bob and Jeanie...and their cat!

Outside the Brenham City Hall...waving to

YOU!

Picture This!

2010-03-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Delilah and friend at Yesterday and Today antiques.

That's Jason, our 2nd cameraman shopping.

More ice cream storytelling at Must Be Heaven.

Amy, Producer Caroline Young, and Hilary enjoying

a much needed break at Must Be Heaven.

A fun little stop at Bellville Meat Market....home of

the World Famous Poffenburger sausage!

Our Production Manager, Audrey Harder standing

inside Annie's Deli which is located at the former

Texas Theatre. A historic landmark in Sealy, Texas.

Inside the white doors is Amy's Unique Boutique...

remember those pictures?

Yes, that's SNOW. They say it NEVER snows in

Sealy, Texas....they LIE!!!

Outside the Texas Theatre.

Audrey at Newman's Bakery wearing her official

motorcycle crew jacket:)

Update and Request :)

2010-03-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

We are currently working on a sizzle reel from last week's footage. We should have it up by the end of March. We hope you like it:)

To our followers...please invite your family and friends to follow, too. And for the many who stop by...you know who you are...please register and become a follower.

Thanks for your support!!!!

Angelo, Amy, and Delilah

Another Sweet Repeat!

2010-03-05T12:45:00.003-08:00

If you look closely, you'll see the Happiest Dancing
Kid in Brenham getting her close up.

Some more pictures of Amy interviewing Leigh at
Sweet Repeats Children's Resale shop in Brenham.

More fun pics!

2010-03-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

World's Worst Prom Photo...but I still love it!

It's funny how quickly kids can become friends.

Kids and ice cream: A perfect match!

Always prepping for the next shot!

I never noticed those bears before...

What's really in this?

Amy, Delilah, crew, and the fashion show kids
from Sweet Repeats ordering Blue Bell Ice
Cream at Must Be Heaven...and it was!!!!

I like this photo of Skye and me. We were just
a few hours away from wrapping up, yet we are
still smiling and happily talking to each other :)

By the way, this is the ice cream parlour at
Must Be Heaven, a very unique place to visit!

At our wrap party! It's funny how only Delilah
seems to appear to have energy in this picture.

Skye and Patrick at the wrap party!

The best Director of Photography and Director

out there...no, really!!!!!!!

Sweet Repeats..2

2010-03-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

Amy doesn't seem camera shy to
me.

Delilah is about to interview Leigh's daughter
by watching Director Matt Zettell's
moving hands...I take ownership of the hairy
one on the lower right side.

Delilah's first official interview. Her kid-to-kid
interview segment is an important part of My
Family Goes...!

The Happiest Dancing Kid in Brenham
found a dancing friend!

Sweet Repeats was FUN!

2010-03-04T12:06:00.001-08:00

Amy's happy dance stroll down
the runway.

We don't know her name, but she
she will always be the HAPPIEST
DANCING KID in Brenham to us!

Her beautiful, proud mom watching
her dance. Amy and I are her back
up dancers, even though she didn't
need us :)

A nice, LOUD My Family Goes was
being shouted by the cast and models
as this picture was taken.

Amy is interviewing Leigh, the owner of
Sweet Repeats Children's resale shop in Brenham.

A Devil Dog to die for!

2010-03-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what am I holding?

Yes, I do look this goofy when walking along.

Do you notice the nice vintage BMW motorcycle
outside the Devil Dog shop in this picture?

"Chase" sending us off.

Another exit from Devil Dogs. But should a 98%

vegan really look this sad after not eating a hot dog?

Devil Dogs!!!

2010-03-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful expression by Delilah as
our sound engineer, Chris, mics up a "Chase" at
Krzesinski's Devil Dogs.

wuv...true wuv.

She received a lot of comments on her pink
biker jacket.

An awesome shot of Bebe showing me a photo
album with a picture of the "red haired woman
ghost" that's been seen for years at her antique
store. You'd have to see the picture to make
your own decision :)

One last shot of us.

Picture this...

2010-03-04T11:10:00.001-08:00

Dance monkeys: Dance!

One of my favorite pictures!

The many facial expressions of Delilah!

The Rockettes we are not...just a happy family:)

A little make up here...a little make up there.; all

applied by the on set Make Up Artist, Hilary.

I love Delilah's expression in this picture.

I don't recall what she said here, but apparently

we were enjoying it!

A nice shot of the cast and some of the crew.

We are filming on the lawn of the original

high school in Brenham, Texas.

mo, mo, more...

2010-03-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Interviewing Bebe at Yesterday and Today
Antiques.

The "Hero" shot as director Matt Zettell would
say :)

Do you think Amy is having fun?

Another nice shot with Bebe.

Inside the castle courtyard...notice the ladders

in the foreground...apparently the upkeep of a

castle is a full time job!

This is the castle's chapel. Even the

bibles are perfectly aged and presented.

Amy looks stunning in this casual pic. Do you

agree?

Every castle needs a table for 24!

Delilah in the courtyard with the dogs.

...and some more.

2010-03-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Still trying...

Storming the castle!

The gerbil wheel is to the left...that's what
opens the drawbridge.

A close up of our nemesis.

Delilah and a new friend! One of

hundreds my family made filming

in Texas!

Amy and I are doing our best impersonation of

gerbils trying to open the draw bridge!

Every part of this castle was built by this guy...

unbelievable!

The happy reality of a reality show family ;)

'ello friend...care to show us inside?

Finishing the interview at Newman's Bakery.

And some more...

2010-02-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

Delilah is waiting for the dogs to return the
tennis ball at Newman's Castle.

One film crew, one bike, one family, one castle.

A great shot of Phenix Blacksmith.

Cowboy made this...and I used it to storm the

castle hours later!

A great picture of my family and crew with

Cowboy at Phenix Blacksmith.

Newman's Castle..A dream come true!

2010-02-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

Newman's Castle...what an extraordinary place!

Prepping for the right opening.

A man and his helmet and sword.

I like this picture. It shows how impressed I

was at the first site of Newman's Castle...loved

the dogs, too!

Audrey (Production Manager), Skye (DP), and

Yelitza (Hair Stylist)at Newman's Bakery.

More pics a coming...

2010-02-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

Interviewing Mike Newman of Newman's
Bakery in Bellville, Texas. He is also the man
that built his own castle!!!

Blacksmith "Cowboy" explaining the how to's
to Amy and Delilah.

Lunch Break at Newman's Bakery.

Cowboy demonstrating his talents!

Phenix Blacksmith...home of Cowboy.

Fun - Fun - Fun

2010-02-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

Outside of Newman's Castle in Bellville, Texas.

Preparing sound at Phenix Blacksmith.

Amy's intro outfit which she made in 10

minutes for her opening.

Delilah and Amy posing during takes.

Day 2 pics

2010-02-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

Filming my intro...notice the placements of the
chairs?

A I standing up or sitting down? You be the
judge.

A kiss is a kiss is a kiss is a kiss!

Walk through of my introduction.

We each have an opening segment to the show. This shows mine :)

Some Friday night thoughts...

We were able to take tons of pictures on three cameras, but we weren't able to capture every place we went...surprises me, too, since there were three cameras! But we will post any other pics we come by as soon as possible.

As editing begins, we'll also be able to snap stills from video. One place we visited and need snap shots of was a place called Copper Shade Tree in Red Top, Texas. It was an amazing space with important regional work. Amy interviewed some of the artists, too!

Our graphic designer Pamela is currently working on our website. We should be able to present it in a couple of weeks.

We didn't have to travel to Europe to see a castle? In fact, we just drove to Bellville, Texas, and met Mike Newman who built his own castle by himself...and every piece of furniture in it. It was an amazing place to see in person.

We also met a blacksmith named "Cowboy". He made Delilah a wonderful longhorn piece in less than 10 minutes! He was very enjoyable and informative.

I'll post updates as they come in (and back to mind) and keep everyone posted on the details of reaching for the stars.

More Day 1 Pics

2010-02-26T16:28:00.001-08:00

Filming at Amy's Unique Boutique in Sealy, Texas.

Delilah found a rainbow inside Phenix Blacksmith.

Smoke set-up at Phenix Blacksmith.

Prepping for my interview which Amy did

most of :).

Cowboy and Director Matt Zettell.

The life and times of a future reality show star.

Food was great at Newman's Bakery.

I have so many pictures to post. I will try and get them done by Monday. The shooting went GREAT!!! The crew were wonderful and very professional. Delilah was a charm and Amy stole the show. Luckily, I made a few people laugh. We expect to have a teaser reel in a few weeks or so, then off to the networks we go!

More Day One PICS!!!

2010-02-23T18:12:00.001-08:00

Patrick prepping lights.

That's our cowgirl, Amy at another

Amy's Unique Boutique in Sealy, Texas!

Amy in her opening segment. I love

this picture!!!

Skye Borgman, the Director of Photography with

Directer Matt Zettell and 1st A.D. Patrick Hoy.

Day One PICS!!!

2010-02-23T18:09:00.000-08:00

Amy learning her lines for her introduction.

Delilah in her introduction segment.

A little star is being born right at

this very moment.

At Amy's Unique Boutique in Sealy, Texas.

See you next week!

2010-02-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

We had our first full staff production telephone conference yesterday. It was exciting to hear each person bring their professional opinions to such a personal project. Along with the specifics of shooting a traveling show, the reality aspect was covered...more precisely, the down time! Hopefully, it will be a fast paced week for all of us.

By the way, Delilah working off a cold, but is very excited. It's great to see her ready to shine for more than just Amy and I to enjoy :)

So plans are official. The Los Angeles crew fly in town on Monday. Shooting with the local crew and talent begins on Tuesday, and by Friday we should have enough material for the next leg of this journey.

In the meantime, I will try and post some pictures from the locations, of the crew, of the hosts, and of the general happenings.

See you next week!

Better days are coming!

2010-02-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Just some quick notes:

We have a new graphic artist designing our website and logo! We should have something up in a few weeks.

One of our producers (Melanie) has been confirming the locations to be visited next week. Once she is done, then I will post them!

The Los Angeles crew fly in on Monday and we start shooting the pilot early Tuesday morning. We will be filming for three days. I will post pictures of the happenings, too!

The weather outlook calls for clear skies and in the mid 60's. Everything is on track, except Delilah and I are getting sick :( But as long as Amy remains healthy and Moto Guzzi remains shiny, then better days are coming! That has a nice ring to it: Better days are coming!

Now we film a pilot!

2010-02-14T21:06:00.000-08:00

So how does one get a television show like My Family Goes... going?

Well, first, you must define your concept.

My Family Goes...

...takes viewers on fun short journeys to unique places!

...highlights people, one-of-a-kind stores and attractions to viewers who wouldn't normally come across them where they live!

...offers viewers a different perspective in traveling as a family!

...shows families a different way to have fun while traveling!

Second, you must present your topics with a unique perspective.

My Family Goes...

....co host Amy Bond La Pietra is an award winning Fashion Designer and Fashion Educator. Who better to present arts and fashion to viewers then a fashion designer?

...co host Delilah La Pietra is a young writer, performer and gifted and talented third grade student. Who better to understand and present the reality of traveling as a kid, than an
engaging kid!

...co host Angelo La Pietra is an accomplished writer, producer and entertainer. Who better to present the entertainment, historical and enjoyment perspective of locations, then a dork...I mean, me?

Plus, in today's world most families prefer to take shorter trips closer to home. And these trips often turn out to be educational while being fun. Our family is no different when it comes to this, except for two things: traveling on a motorcycle with a sidecar, and preferring to go to locations that are different and off the beaten path.

So we have our concept and our hosts. Now what? Now we film a pilot! (and not the airplane kind, either) The type of pilot we are about to film will be used to showcase our show as a "teaser" to industry, and provide us with enough material to have our first show. By the way, we start filming February 22, 2010. If you take a quick look on your computer calender, you'll know that's only eight days away. Eight days?!

And then it began.

2010-02-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I came up with an idea for a family travel show. A host family (mine, of course!) would take mini vacations on a budget. We would only visit places that were off the beaten path. Amy would talk to people about fashion and entertainment. Delilah would find fun kid activities to do. She would also meet up with local kids and chat about what makes their community a fun place to visit, even when time is limited. I would spend my time chatting with local "colorful" characters who'd be able to talk about the heritage of their community. We thought it would be fun to try a film the show with a hand held HD camera. This would give a feel of a home movie to viewers. I first named the show Go, Family, Go, then settled with My Family Goes...

Initially, we thought we had something here. Most people who meet us figure out very fast that we aren't your run-of-the-mill family. And that's either a good thing or bad thing for them. The ones who like us, stay close and the ones that don't like us run away screaming flailing their arms. Either way, we thought we would be good hosts, or least try to be to the one who might think we were loonies?

Traveling around would be great for us, too. Amy and I love to travel, but this part of the show would be especially fun for Delilah as she LOVES to take short trips anywhere that has a hotel and pool. And if your a parent traveling with a kid or kids, having them enjoy themselves during the the going to and coming from part of traveling is almost as good as the vacation spots themselves!

Although we felt we had something here, we had two very real stumbling blocks. The first was how Amy and I felt about ourselves, more specifically we had gained some extra weight and it was depressing to us. This fact had started to generally become a topic in our day-to-day lives. We thought it probably would come across on camera, too.

Now, we had been vegetarians for a couples of years, but we never really committed to educating ourselves on how to lose weight in a healthy manner. It's one thing to not eat meat, but what about all of the other foods that are a detriment to the body? A lot of vegetarian food is processed, so are most products we eat today.

The second real reason was the hook. We needed something special. Something that completed the "package." Never would I have thought it would be an Italian motorcycle and sidecar, either!

I reserved a website domain, but shelved the My Family Goes... idea until the time was ready.

One day, Amy decided that we needed to go vegan...or as close to it. After educating herself on the pro's and con's (what con's are there really to eating healthy everyday of your life?), and decided this was the right thing to do. So in early 2009, we became vegans...or as close to it!

When we began, I weighed about 250lbs. This was the maximum weight I had been in life, and it was a heavy mental burden too. I was 39 when we began and would be turning 40 that same year. I knew I could not reach the weight I wanted, so I thought if I got down to 220lbs, I would be satisfied. Amy weighed about 150lbs. She had decided that 130lbs would be her goal.

And then it began. The weight started to go. Taking out any processed foods, starting our day with a smoothie made up of spinach or other lettuce and fruits, getting rid of all types of breads and bread related products, no cheese or dairy products, and finally, no more snacking. Oh, and limited any alcohol to the bear minimum, too.

For me, it went like this: 30 days = 10 lbs. 60 days = 25lbs. 120 days = 40 lbs. 9 months = 55lbs. 1 year = 70lbs!

For Amy, it went like this: 30 days = 6lbs. 60 days = 14lbs. 120 days = 22lbs. 9 months = 28lbs. 1 year =31lbs!

If you are keeping score, I now weigh 180lbs and Amy weighs 119lbs! Not that shabby for two crumbums, eh? People always ask us if Delilah misses meat. I say why, she eats it whenever she wants. We have taken cheese and other processed items out of her diet, but she enjoys bacon with grampa too much to give up meat 100%. But even the small change in her diet, help her slim down about 10lbs :) Rumour has it, that an occasional daddy sized-bite of her steak or bacon goes missing from time to time. I know nothing about this...so don't ask. And stop looking at me like that! As Sgt. Schultz would say, "I know nothing: Nothing!"

Back to about a month ago. I had paid for the bike. It was being shipped to us. We were all happy about it. But there was still a little part of me that thought, "Why am I doing this? Do we really have the money?" I'm going to drive the bike everywhere I can, but will my family go?"

Those last three words brought everything together. The weight loss, the happiness in our family, the Moto Guzzi motorcycle, the turning 40 and wanting to live and not just survive.

We lost all of the weight and were feeling great! Plus, it made us feel more social now, too. We love and respect each other so much that it sometimes confuses people who know us. Because we live, work, play, do everything together as a family...and still want more time together.

The reality of the Moto Guzzi motorcycle coming to us completed the package for My Family Goes... Because of course my family would go with me everywhere on the bike!

How do I look baby?

2010-02-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in blogging, but so many exciting things are happening for the TV SHOW right now. But before I can write about that, this story continues...

As we waited for the Moto Guzzi to arrive, we began planning new adventures. And although the thought of the bike was extremely exciting, not having it actually with us did in fact diminish some of the excitement. But that changed when to made a visit to a local Cycle Gear shop. There, we all tried on as much motorcycle gear we could: gloves, jackets, helmets. By doing this, it helped us understand what we would need once the bike arrived. Safety First! Because having the right body clothing and head protection is paramount to enjoying motorcycling.

It took about a month for the our newest family addition to arrive. Amy and I went to the freight company to pick it up; probably within minutes of its arrival, too! The very first picture of having the motorcycle with us is of Amy sitting on it...looking as perfect as can be:)

"I didn't expect it to be so cool," Amy then asked with a curled lip and lowered eyes, "How do I look, baby?" I reminded her of how cute she looked in leather. Our Moto Guzzi seemed pretty happy, too. "Amy: Una bella ragazza!"

I was even more excited that the motorcycle had arrived, as it had been about one week since I realized why this was all happening. To do that, though, I need to go back almost a full year when Moto Guzzi wasn't even part of my lexicon or letting me get a motorcycle had even a 1% chance of happening with Amy or Delilah. Because the real My Family Goes... journey had begun at that time.

We would see each other soon.

2010-02-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

I stared at the bike as the garage door lowered. "Arrivedercaro amico. A presto!" I agreed: We would see each other soon.

There where no snotty kids on the return flight. If there where, I might have compared my own boogers with them, seeing I was feeling like a kid myself! All I could think about was driving the Moto Guzzi with Amy and Delilah.: Long trips in the country or short trips to the grocery store. It wouldn't matter because we'd be together doing something unique together! And even though buying the motorcycle was exciting, it was very scary to me. Because I hadn't really purchased a big item for myself in many years, especially something so radically different; even more so, something I WANTED SO MUCH!

When I arrived home, we decided to go out for a quick bite. During dinner, I talked about every minute detail of the bike: how clean it looked, stylish it was, unique it was, and how special it made me feel just knowing that in a couple of months, it would be with us. Amy and Delilah were very excited about the journeys to come, too. She and Delilah also talked about what they thought would be fun places for our family to visit. At the end of dinner, we all agreed: Our family was about to embark on a new and exciting journey!

Don't talk to strangers, honey.

2010-02-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

The flight to Raleigh-Durham was pretty uneventful, that is if ignore the major turbulence and the 5 year old kid who sat next to me, and cried most of the way. And when Junior wasn't crying he was picking his nose. When he wasn't crying or picking his nose, he was trying to show me his findings. "Look, mister! Look!." I looked: It was a booger. "It's a booger, kid." I thought my reply was obvious, but he continued. "Look, mister! Look!" I looked again, and it was still a booger. "It's still a booger, kid!" His mother pulled him close to her and cautioned him: "Don't talk to strangers, honey." I immediately started to miss the turbulence.

I had made my flight plans tight, as I hate being away from Amy and Delilah for an extended amount of time. So, I arrived around noon, then would leave about 2:00PM. I thought two hours would be enough.

The owner of the motorcycle was a perfect match for me. He was outgoing, considerate, and very informative of the bike. The drive to his house was about 30 minutes. When you consider the drive back to the airport, I would have about one hour to check the bike out.

When we arrived at his house, he immediately opened the garage door, and then started the bike. I gazed over it as she officially greeted me: "Ah, Angelo: Ho aspettato per voi." I had been waiting for it, too.

The sidecar wasn't attached to it, so I was able to just sit and relax on the bike. They say you'll know the right bike for you when you find it. I quickly knew I had found my bike. After a brief time talking and planning, I gave him a check. I officially bought the bike! Now all I had to do was tell my wife.

Has this wine soured?

2010-01-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

"Can you believe I found the perfect bike for us, Amy?!" I exclaimed as I showed her the picture. "When are you going to see it?" I looked at her oddly, "I'm seeing it right now." She walked into another room as she called back to me. "You're going to have to see it in person first, before you buy it, Angelo." I noted where the bike was being sold from before replying: North Carolina. "It's in North Carolina?!" She stepped back into the room, "A quick flight to North Carolina shouldn't be too bad, should it?"

As I've gotten older, my love for traveling on airplanes has faded. In fact, I have no love for it: no interest in it; no happiness in doing it; no longing to do it; no wanting to do it; no nothing! I just don't like flying anymore!

I solemnly looked back at the computer screen. I stared at the bike as it whispered to me, "Che Cosa dobiammo fare, Angelo?" I silently replied, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do, Moto Guzzi." For the record, we were drinking questionable wine when all of this was happening. I was definitely consuming something cheap because I could have swore its headlight flickered as if winking at me!

"Can we afford it?" I asked Amy while still staring at the bike. She was coy in her response. "I think we can more afford losing the price of an airline ticket than ponying up the cash for your new crush." I looked at her with surprise, "It's just a bike." She responded, "And it's just a flight: so book it." She sipped her glass of wine, then looked at me. "Has this wine soured?"

I quickly nodded my head in full agreement.

You know you look good in leather.

2010-01-29T17:08:00.001-08:00

My silent search to find the right motorcycle had been exposed, and therefore it would eventually become a daily topic of conversation for the three of us. I quickly knew Delilah would be an easy sell, though. I mean, what kid wouldn't want to ride in a sidecar? What kid wouldn't want to be the envy of her friends as she was dropped off at school everyday in a sidecar? I mean, what kid would not want their father to be happy?! I'm sure Delilah wanted me to be happy, but those other two examples clearly would seal the deal for her, which they immediately did! But I wasn't sure how much more work it would take to seal the deal with Amy. Surprisingly, not much. Instead of trying to explain the rudimentary difference between a tandem bicycle and a classic Italian motorcycle with a sidecar to my wife, I decided to take a different approach. "You know you look good in leather."

She walked into the kitchen, as I went back to surfing the web. Moments later, she called out to me. "I do?" Without turning away from my laptop, I smiled as I calmly responded to her. "Of course you look good in leather, honey."

The deal had been officially sealed with that reply.

I spent the next couple of months searching websites for the right bike and sidecar, but with no luck. So I decided to take a new approach. Instead of finding the right website selling a Moto Guzzi and sidecar, I decided to find people who enjoyed Moto Guzzi motorcycles. I instantly found them at MGNOC: Moto Guzzi National Owner's Club. And on my very first visit to their website's classified section, I found for sale a 2000 V11 Bassa Moto Guzzi with a black Ural Sidecar. As if walking into a large room of people standing around, talking in private conversations, I glanced over their heads to find the motorcycle looking directly at me.

"Benvenuti al partito, Angelo." It welcomed me to the party, and I was glad to be there.

How many Moto Guzzi's are out there?

2010-01-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

So the journey of finding a motorcycle had begun for me, and it seemed to end for Amy when said it could only be an Italian motorcycle. But Amy didn't realize what type of Italian motorcycle I would want. If she had thought about my endless pleading conversations with her of wanting a tandem bicycle for all three of us to enjoy, and her not wanting to be seen on such a calamity, then she would have figured out that I would want a bike for a family of three to safely enjoy. And since they don't make motorcycles long enough for a family of three people, then there would have to be an extension or addition to it. Did someone say sidecar? I think someone did.

Since my drool was inspired by Moto Guzzi, there would be no comparing to it - the motorcycle, not the drool. For me, it was just finding the right styled Moto Guzzi, which would have to have a backrest for the back passenger (for the safety of my lady), and a sidecar (for the enjoyment of my other lady) Did someone say Ebay? I think someone did.

Although I was not a seasoned Ebayer, I started checking in at every opportunity I had. And along with Ebay, I searched on Craigslist, Cycle Trader, and every search engine I could find. I went along at a (silent) pace for about two months, all the while knowing I might find the motorcycle I want, but not the money to pay for it. Did someone say fate? I think someone did.

At this point, someone also said, "Why are you looking at Ebay so much?" My pace was silent, but had not gone unnoticed.

"Well, since you said I could look for a motorcycle, I've decided to find the bike I want." I said with a smile.

"How many Moto Guzzi's are out there?" She asked.

"The one I want has to have a backrest...and a sidecar," I replied.

"Sort of like a tandem bike?" she asked.

Before I could get sucked into a conversation for finding measures of practicality in a co dependant family, I gazed at what seemed to be gazing back at me: A 1999 Moto Guzzi, with a sidecar AND a trailer. It was brown and tan and looked great. It was expensive, but it looked great.

"Look, Amy! Doesn't it look great?!" I rejoiced, as she looked at my computer screen.

"It looks sort of like a tandem bike" she replied.

Are you drooling?

2010-01-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

I thought the very first thing I should write about on here is why we chose a Motto Guzzi. But first, here's a very brief history of Moto Guzzi.

Moto Guzzi was founded in 1921 by two aircraft pilots and their mechanic. Their names were Carlo Guzzi, Giovanni Ravelli, and Giorgio Parodi. Even Giorgio's brother Angelo helped out. And that is called a very brief history of Moto Guzzi, which coincidentally connected nicely to me, another Angelo. Don't you agree?

In 2009, Amy, Delilah, and I attended an Italian festival in Houston. And, at this gathering of my brethren were displayed a few new Moto Guzzi motorcycles. Amy had known for the last 12 years that I'd like to own a motorcycle, but the knowledge of a few motorcycle accidents in my early 20's had kept her from agreeing to let me get one.

But on this magnificent day, high up in the cannelloni clouds of heaven, the Italian patron God - let's call him Guido - nudged Amy's chin slightly toward me to let her observe the slight drool that was dripping down my chin as I stared at the bikes. "Are you drooling?" I kept quiet as she continued. "Okay" she said, "You can get a bike, but it has to be an Italian bike." I looked back at her, trying to keep calm and act cool. "I don't think that will be a problem." I felt like a man, as she proceeded to wipe the drool off my chin.

We're here...are you?

2010-01-26T19:02:00.000-08:00

'ello,

So, it seems we are going to start on a family journey that has not been done quite like this before. How so? The journey will begin (actually started 30 days ago, in fact!) as my wife, daughter, and I travel around America on our classic Italian Moto Guzzi Motorcycle and sidecar, searching for fun and exciting places that are off the beaten path. We are all a bit quirky, and so, we are interested in finding exciting spots to showcase that are a bit quirky, too. Yes, showcase - because it's the beginning of a TV show. which is okay to mention since it's has a trademark and copyright! My wife Amy is a fashion designer and our daughter Delilah is a young writer. I've been in the music, entertainment, fashion and literary world for some time. Together we hope to bring enjoyment to many as "My Family Goes...to America" with you:) Here's a couple of pics:)