The namesake for this blog is my home, affectionately referred to as The Attic. It’s a play on words since in Spanish an Ático is an apartment on the top floor of the building, or a “Penthouse” (although that word sounds a bit too snooty for my liking). However in contrast, I absolutely love the word Ático. Ático also translates to “attic” in Spanish, although attics are not as common in Spain. But I see the duality of the word and its various meanings as an expression of the competing cultures in my life. A hard, proud concept born out of American exceptionalism is softened into a romantic, esconded notion in the Mediterranean sun. An Attic, a refuge far above the trees. A hidey-hole where from which one can observe the world passing by. A space where one collects treasures, keepsakes that are too precious to throw away. A perfect name for a home that is grown, not built.