"Life has different stories."—Alfred J. Brunini, "Babbo," age 92
"Tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything." —"As You Like It," Act II Scene I, Shakespeare
I write, and paint in oils. A love of the natural world influences my work. I have a BS in Education from the University of Vermont, and have taught briefly here in Vermont, and in Rome, Italy. Across my youth, I had lessons in ballet, and fine art. Beyond that I am self-taught. Literature and art figure extensively in my life. My mother had an MA in Art History which she lovingly wove into the world of my sister and me. My father is a storyteller. My debut novel, Never a Cloud, a literary work set in the Highlands of Scotland, published November 2022.
—Compassion, peace, and love!
Giovanna (Jo) Brunini Congdon
When not painting, or writing—family fills the corners of my life. Charlotte, Vermont / 2012: Johns, (RISD), Holly Menguc, (Middlebury College), Ming Fen, (Salve Regina), Joseph, (St Andrews University), and in my arms, my granddaughter, Eve Ela Menguc.
Jonathan Tabakin, a life-long learner, true bibliophile, poet, and wit. His poetry, and an occasional book review appear, alongside his unsung help as my "editor." Jon attended Cornell, the University of Vermont, and the University of Nevada/ Reno. We grew up together here in Vermont, our mothers were best friends, and together, Jon and I laugh as much as we fondly remember they did.