In 1998, I was introduced to an Italian cardiologist, Alessandro Distante, who loved photography and offered to introduce me to people who lived in historic homes in northern and southern Italy. Since my earlier books were about the artifacts of history, this was a natural progression. It was thrilling to discover so much beauty in the midst of life, but it was challenging to create original work. This portfolio became my third book as well as a traveling exhibition titled "Italy: In the Shadow of Time."