I was up in the night last night – couldn’t sleep so decided to write down some of the adventures of Mrs. P. After that cathartic interlude I was able to go back to sleep.
A few hours later I woke with a start to the sound of thunder and lightening and a torrential downpour! I hurried to the window to see if people were out as usual and although it wasn’t as crowded as normal, they were! Raincoats, umbrellas and life goes right on.
Then I remembered I had left my laundry out on the line. Only because I didn’t come back until after dark last night and it was too late to bring it in. So I quickly rescued the wash and laid it out indoors to dry.
I also took a few photos of the rain since Ellyn just loves grey and rainy weather. Maybe there will be a painting in it for her!
And what better time to get that sketchbook in shape!
I had a number of pages in one state of finish or another, so I sat down and wrapped them up. When everything was dry, I took the book out on the terrace and took some photos. I had to hold the corners of the pages down with clothespins, so that’s what you might be seeing there. Here’s the update…
The Carb Situation
View from Viareggio Room
Peskiest Birds Ever!
Caffe
Did I Mention My Feet??
Drawing While the Laundry Works
Hanging Out
Riding A Bike
Piazza Frediano
View from the Wall
So that’s it for now. I have some work to do and then will probably go for a walk and maybe even take the paints out. And you know, last night when I walked over to the wall, it was the first time my feet felt better. It was so nice, so maybe there’s hope if I keep at it.
This morning on the wet cobblestones was a different story – I’m terrified of slipping and falling so I walk like a retard on wet pavement. One advantage is that people look at me and keep their distance. Fine with me!
Buonagiornata!
Note: I just checked these photos and they do enlarge when you click on them. However, the sketch pages don’t seem to get big enough to read. I don’t know if you WANT to read them, but if you do I can set the camera to take larger photos. Not sure how that works on the blog, but I can experiment. Just let me know in the comments!
Oct 09, 2012 @ 09:24:33
Why do you think I act all crazy? Lotsa room and free space. Lovely sketches. I’ll need better glasses to read the words, or maybe my stinkin’ old yank coffee hasn’t kicked in yet.
Oct 09, 2012 @ 09:30:28
Well, J, just consider how we know each other. We’re both in the same boat, so to speak… And I don’t think better glasses would let you read these sketch pages – the pics were too small for that. So that’s why I asked if there is interest in reading them. I can take bigger pics, but no need if no one is interested. But if they are… well then, I can prolly make it work!
Love you J! Hang in there and be yourself – I always enjoy hearing from you and it has been nice to have you as a fan on my blog. And the whole idea of “crazy” is all relative, don’t you think? You’re a nurse – you should be the expert on that!
Oct 09, 2012 @ 18:40:54
Ah, I put on my reading glasses and can make out most of it. Now I know you use your MENU to swat the birds away. I couldn’t figure out what in the world you had written this morning. 🙂
Oct 09, 2012 @ 21:30:04
Oh how I love the sketches! You are amazing. I love the view from the wall. Can’t wait!
Oct 10, 2012 @ 20:42:24
Yes, I do love grey rainy days! I like the sketch of the view from the wall.
Oct 10, 2012 @ 20:54:45
Just wanted to let you know that I have been reading every day and really enjoying touring Italy through you! I will be trying to read your sketch book pages too. : ) You know I love hearing about the food. It all sounds so yummy! The market sounds so amazing – a place to only buy one stalk of celery and a few grapes. Who knew! Will you be moving on to a new city soon? It doesn’t sound like you have taken any day trips to nearby cities. Any plans to do so? What about taking your easel outside and painting (like you did during your art class)? I’m sure even the Italians will crowd around to see your fabulous work! : ) Enjoy!!
Oct 11, 2012 @ 00:39:45
Hey sister! Thanks for the comments. I will have to write more about food for you! And yes, I bought one egg the other day! My SIL arrives today and we will be scouting about some – Florence for sure. And yes again on the easel. It’s ready to go when my work is caught up! Stay tuned and tell the kids “ciao” from me!
Oct 11, 2012 @ 07:14:25
Another “View from the wall” fan here. You and MB are going to have a blast!
Oct 11, 2012 @ 07:49:11
Looks like this Italian sketch book will live up to the gold standard set by the Costa Rica version! Beautiful.
Cremona, where the Amatis, Guarneris, and good ol’ Stradivari whittled some fiddles, is only 2 hours north on the A15! That certainly merits a page in the book….hint hint!
Oct 16, 2012 @ 23:25:39
Hey Starr!
My Dad sent me the link to your blog about a week ago, but I just haven’t had time to read it. I was scrolling through some of your recent posts. It looks like you’re having a great time but that the weather has just not been cooperating. It sounds like too much rain for me. In one of your posts, you mentioned some issues about getting lost. I think you need a “Not so mappy Map Boy” with you! 🙂 I think I was about 13 when we went to Paris and I said that? It’s crazy to think that was 12 years ago!
I have to say, I absolutely LOVE your sketches! You’ve got a great gift for art and I desperately want to see more of it! I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip and I’ll try to keep up with your awesome adventures.
Love,
Jenn Belding
Oct 18, 2012 @ 04:11:30
Hey kiddo! I love hearing from you! I have such fond memories of our Europe trips. And yes, that not-so-mappy-map boy has never lived down that nickname you gave him. And I hope you know that the steps to the Sacre-Coure in Paris have been known to me and your dad as “the stupid steps” ever since you had the meltdown that day we walked 5 miles and didn’t find them. I told your dad the whole incident could have been avoided if he hadn’t cheaped out and refused to rent your rollerblades!
I hope you enjoy the blog and comment some more. I’m thrilled to hear from you and will have to catch up more sometime
Oct 18, 2012 @ 19:23:15
STARR, These sketches are absolutly beautiful. They’re sort of, well what are they? Whimsical isn’t exactly the word. Transporting! Maybe that’s it. I love to look at them. Would love them on my wall to look at an go to It ly!!. You know my grandpa was born in Palermo, 1880!! You’ve touched some of my roots. Keep sketching and writing. Can’t get enough! Love, P.J.