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Meg Roland
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Former English professor at Marylhurst University for 16 years, then Concordia University. I taught writing, medieval literature, humanities, maps and literature, and history of the book. After five years as a Dean of arts and humanities at Linn-Benton Community College, I am now a writer and an instructor at Willamette University – Pacific Northwest College of Art.
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Recent Posts
- “Redy on tho bankes” September 14, 2026
- The DIY Italy Prize! July 28, 2026
- Signs along the way: Via Francigena July 24, 2026
- To Lift the Spirit: Churches and Flowers of Latera July 14, 2026
- In an Italian newspaper (Lazio Courier, June 25, 2026): “USA Writer Captivated by Small Village” July 2, 2026
Author Archives: M. Roland
“Redy on tho bankes”
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The posts began in January 2026 but with an interlude from May til September 2026 when I was walking the Via Francigena. Now, I am picking … Continue reading
The DIY Italy Prize!
On a morning run in Latera, past vineyards and fields of hazelnuts and olive trees, I suddenly realized, I “won” my own DIY “Italy Prize.” Self-created and self-conferred! You may have heard of the prestigious Rome Prize. Each year, the American Academy … Continue reading
Signs along the way: Via Francigena
Walking country roads and forest paths meant that the usual phone map would not be suitable for our trek. With the relevant pages of a guide book torn out and tucked in my backpack and with the All Trails app … Continue reading
To Lift the Spirit: Churches and Flowers of Latera
What are the structures or practices that lift everyday life with a sense of spirituality, beauty, or hope? In Latera, there are both historic and contemporary options: churches and flowers. Latera is a town dedicated to public art but in terms … Continue reading
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Tagged La Casa Etruria, Latera, Le Morte Darthur, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena
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In an Italian newspaper (Lazio Courier, June 25, 2026): “USA Writer Captivated by Small Village”
And, indeed, I was! See the article below, in Italian. And below that, a rough translation from Google translate. What a pleasure to write about the town of Latera–and, in turn, be written about!–inspired by our journey on the Via … Continue reading
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Latera and Art: Transforming a 12th century village into a contemporary open-air art museum
With its origins as a 12th century medieval village (and a record of settlement far back into antiquity), Latera is embracing contemporary art to help define its identity for the 21st century. For a small community, it is remarkable how much creativity … Continue reading
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Tagged Art, King Arthur, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, passionate geography, Public Art, Roman War, the Art Farm, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena
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Latera: persone gentili (kind people)
Traveling often focuses on sights to see, restaurants to sample, and negotiating crowds. Staying in Latera for two weeks, however, gave us a chance to get to know a few of the 770 people who call the quiet town of … Continue reading
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Tagged Dante, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena
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Latera: bosco (woods)
Slate gray bedazzled by iridescent green. The boschi (forests) of Latera burst with spring color, softly surrounding the town as a breathing cloud, a magical green world. One minute you are in town and the next you are enveloped in … Continue reading
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Tagged arthurian-literature, Italy, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, trail of the Brigandi, Via Francigena
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Latera: Borgo Medievale
You might wonder: what is it like to live in a small medieval village? Well, thanks to La Casa Etruria Artist Residency, we had a chance to experience a little bit of what it might be like. Just ten miles from the official … Continue reading
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Tagged Italy, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, Via Francigena
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Via Francigena Day 5: La Storta to Rome (19.2 km, but about 15 km for us)
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] May 13, 2026 (Wednesday). Pilgrimage. Chaucer began his famed Canterbury Tales with the fictional, genial tavern keeper, Harry Bailly, announcing … Continue reading
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Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, roman-britain, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena, walking
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