>>- ask God to send me someone who turned out to be a gorgeous, smart, witty, stylish Italian-American girlfriend who is a fellow painter, loves good music, French food and wine, and good literature

You two ought to take a vacation down in Godzone next Summer (your Winter.) My kids' au pair Erica from 'Merica currently is touring the South Island with her mother and having a blast. Just remember to drive on the right/correct = left side of the road and you'll be fine! Plus it's not too far to a gigantic desert continent full of nasty critters and Australians if you're into that sort of thing. Plenty of space in our wee shack in Auckland if ever you're down this way.