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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
- In an Italian newspaper (Lazio Courier, June 25, 2026): “USA Writer Captivated by Small Village” July 2, 2026
- Latera and Art: Transforming a 12th century village into a contemporary open-air art museum June 26, 2026
- Latera: persone gentili (kind people) June 16, 2026
- Latera: bosco (woods) June 13, 2026
- Latera: Borgo Medievale June 10, 2026
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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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Via Francigena: Day 4 Campagnano to La Storta (24 km)
May 12, 2026 (Tuesday). Primavera/ Regeneration Oh glorious new day and the regeneration of both sleep and springtime! Paul worked on my back and we have new energy for the day and walk ahead. Notice that the map of Campagnano … 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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Via Francigena, Day 3: Sutri to Campagnano di Roma Officially 28-31 km, but we walked about 18km (11 mi)
May 11, 2026 (Monday). Hubris. We woke from a night’s rest after our long, rainy walk yesterday stiff and achey. We both exercise daily, but we did little or nothing to prepare for this walk. And this morning–we feel it. … Continue reading
Via Francigena, Day 2: Vetralla to Sutri, 24 km + an additional and unplanned 6 additional km (18 miles)
May 10, 2026 (Sunday) Intention Before we began our Via Francigena pilgrimage, we reflected on our intentions and aspirations. Rome, as the Catholic center of the world, does not hold a religious force for either of us. I grew up … Continue reading
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Tagged King Arthur, Le Mort e Darthur, Malory, Roman War, roman-britain, Sutri, Thich Nhat Hanh, Vetralla, Via Francigena
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Via Francigena – Day 1: Viterbo to Vetralla, 23 km (14.5 miles)
May 9, 2026 (Saturday). We leave Viterbo under sunny skies and with high spirits! We start on the Viccolo dei Pelligrini, the traditional route out of Viterbo to Rome, and are outside the city walls in just a short time. … Continue reading
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Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena
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