I am on line reading the unfolding news of the tragedy in Italy. Sleep seems unimportant right now. (Earthquake date in Italy 6 April). Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by this earthquake.
Growing up with
earthquakes in the shakey isles I have never been afraid when they strike. People I knew had survived the
1931 earthquake. Pieces of china in my home held the story of this quake. As a child I marvelled that the land we drove over or landed on at the airport was once under the sea. As an adult I enjoy the
art decor buildings that the make the new Napier famous worldwide. In 1966 the Gisborne quake left a lasting impression on me, but no lives were lost. in 1968 the Inangahua quake shocked the country, as did the 1987 Edgecombe earthquake which was shallow and destructive and also rocked most of the country. Gisborne suffered again in 2007.
Now, picturing my own little village with its ancient stone houses and its own earthquake history, and remembering the day the local school was closed because of a mild tremor, I view earthquakes differently. The tragedy of
2002 is not so far away. These are not lightly framed wooden schools and houses built to earthquake specifications as our New Zealand buildings are. Italy too lives with the
earthquake threats, with higher risk factors with the population and ancient buildings. The history is a long one: the
Abbey on Montecassino was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1349. The worst tragedy was as recent as
1980, with a terrible loss of life.
At times like this we are powerless to help those who have been lost. We can only support those who suffer, and take lessons from such tragedies, as nations and as individuals.
We often take life too lightly. Each day it would be great if we woke with the intention to enjoy every moment, to look on the bright side, to leave those we meet feeling better than we found them. Happiness can be contagious, positive energy can inspire.
It is sad that it often takes tragedy to remind us of the good; life is short and not to be wasted. Smile, when you look into the mirror. Dare to do something different. Live a little on the edge, but with excitement, not fear.
This photo doesn't capture the magic of the sun catching the edge of the cloud, but will remind me of how special it was. 
No matter how you look at them, these fragile creations are always wonderful works of art!
Today I am grateful for being able to see such delicate structures in the mist.
When I arrived a little early I thought that the auditorium was far too grand and big for a book launch. Two hours later it was full!
In true Italian style the towns were represented by their mayors, the banners, and the inevitable band. The rendition of the Italian anthem was spirited, while the rather slower pace of the New Zealand anthem had me wanting to stand up and conduct to a faster beat.
The mayor of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa was the main driving force in the project. He shares some laughter with the New Zealand ambassador partway through the presentation.
New Zealand veteran soldiers and authors share the front row of the auditorium.
Dr Monty Soutar, along with Jeff Plowman, Sindaco Stefano Fusi and veteran soldiers, signs countless copies of the book. 
Life is changing in our little village. It's time Zacchi and I went walking, looking for cats to chase, trees to mark, making sure that some things stay the same!
This afternoon was spent trialling colours and different mediums to see what will hold best. Acrylic is easiest to use on the various different surfaces, but shouldn't really be used over rabbit-skin glue. Decisions, decisions! Tempera wasn't holding on the beautiful original surface because there was no intonico, and where it did hold it needed to be re-sealed despite using the rabbitskin glue to mix it. 
This (unfinished) has dried too dark; I need a more delicate touch and possibly a lighter base colour. 
Yesterday I treated the mouldy area below the plaster; it seems to be OK now. I left the part above the plaster as a "control". 
Today I am grateful for a natural sense of caution as I walk with increasing confidence on the scaffolding.
(Yes, there are watchful eyes under there somewhere!)
If Italy's continuing earthquake news has reached you and you have any worries for me you can relax, all is well. The earthquake in our valley at approximately 6.30pm yesterday was a small one, centred between my village and Cassino. No damage has been reported and so far there have been no further quakes. I was driving and didn't feel it, although the epicentre was only 9.3 kilometres away! 
(Part-way progress photo)
Today cats are grateful for... visiting Nonnas!
