If I don’t write down what I do every day, I forget. We have been really good about painting every day this month, and getting exercise and making a little inspirational outing each day. Sometimes the outings are memorable on their own, but other times, I need to write it down, so I can take painters there come spring.
I spent a huge amount of time this week putting my catalog, Madonnas, into sellable shape. I also worked with Mario to make an Italian translation. The Italian version should go to press mid-next week, along with a hard cover edition.
Madonna (after della Robbia style/Nonatola) Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/newspaper 25 x 17″ 41 x 63 cm
We got the electricity fixed in our bedroom. No outlets worked, and the overhead light was dicey. Like a miracle the contractor turned up and actually didn’t charge us anything (no pun there) for a ten minute repair. I am reading in bed again.
We drove up to Vacone on Friday. Named after a Sabina Goddess, Vacunae, it is an ancient town with a fountain and ruins from 1 BC. We walked around, something Harika seems to be enjoying, as well. It was so windy up there I could barely make it back to the car. One can see almost the entire region from what they call “terrazzo della Sabina”, a panoramic viewpoint. There are only 264 people in the town. Besides quite a lot to look at, there is a restaurant there called “Solo per Due”, and yes, it only has two seats. It’s a bit fancy-schmancy, but looked like fun if you had 500 euros not working for you.
We’ve started entertaining here in Stimi, and had guests to dinner last Saturday night, and last night. In Italian. Our guests must have the patience of Job, or be really hungry because my language leaves a lot to be desired. Last night I made oxtail – it is a perfect winter dish, and takes at least four hours in the oven, which imparts a remarkable warmth to the house.
There’s been much cold and rain here, but it seems to stop for a short time and then we go for a small walk or a ride in the car. The views have become shockingly drab-looking: no flowers.
20×16″ 50x40cm
To remedy that, we made a foray to the cemetery last Saturday to cadge some nearly-dead flowers from the dumpster. Lo and behold, the flower seller was open. We got a lovely bunch of carnations, and a lily that doesn’t seem to have scent (a disappointment). All for four euros.
No comments:
Post a Comment