The View from My Swing

A view of 1950's Chicago through the eyes of 5 years old Belle, the granddaughter of Italian Immigrants. See the 'old neighborhoods' as Belle sees them from her flying seat in the sky. As she swings in her back yard each day she can see and hear all of the activity in her ethnic neighborhood. Enjoy her particiation and how she takes part in both the 'real' neighborhood and the many 'imaginary' places she frequents each day. Belle has a very special relationship with her Papa Paulo and his wonderful garden, she begrudingly goes to mass with her Grandma Doloratta during the week (isn't Sunday enough) and loves to play tricks on the 'girly twins' next door. She will however come down off of her favorite swing for family and neighborhood parties and trips to the local butcher shop, but mostly she loves spending hours taking off and flying into the wild blue yonder into all of the possible adventures that could unfold each day. This story is based on the author's life and growing up in a multigenerational household with roots in both Italy and the United States. Enjoy how Belle and her family live and work so closely together and how they would not have chosen to have it any other way.