tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52967518213771370842012-01-26T11:03:42.140+01:00“He aha te mea nui o tenei ao? Maku e kii atu, He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!.................... You ask what is the most important thing in this world? I will tell you: It is people, it is people, it is people!”..................... Maori proverbKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.comBlogger13261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-43593132278766802252012-01-25T23:00:00.007+01:002012-01-26T11:03:42.149+01:00

I watched the film "Dolphin Tale". Not important enough an event for a blog post perhaps, but for me it was important. You see, every time I see something like that I respond... like a teacher! I want to take that wonderful "feel good" family film and share it with classes of young people. I want to pull from it the issues, to look at it from the points of view of the English and Media Studies

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-37311646113786488732012-01-24T04:05:00.002+01:002012-01-24T04:11:51.035+01:00

Lately I have been eating differently. I have been trying to eat only what might be called healthy foods and to avoid sugar, flour and preservatives. It's great what wonderful food I can put in its place!This morning I had smoked salmon with melon and berry fruits for breakfast. Yummmmm... It might be a passing fad, but it's not a bad hobby to have when you live in a country that makes a feast

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-61144802191269856612012-01-22T23:10:00.005+01:002012-01-23T00:14:01.987+01:00

Morning tea with a friend, coffee with an interesting worker, a lesson for a new student, lunch with an adopted "sister", wise council from a wonderful woman, chat with a lovely neighbour, dinner with friends, good wine, good amaro, good conversation in three languages and then home to some interesting emails and a cuppa with another friend staying for a few days. Who needs Facebook?(OK, so I

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-14832333572293852902012-01-21T21:25:00.006+01:002012-01-21T21:51:36.363+01:00

Forget about mad dogs, Englishmen and the mid-day sun. Yesterday and today have been what my mother would have called "pea-soupers". The fog rolled in, and out, up, and down... and then came to stay for a bit. Yesterday I watched the fronds of fog licking their way up the village like whisps of smoke from a fire, and then they disappeared, returning in soft blankets from time to time. Mostly

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-8323388150194858302012-01-20T09:13:00.005+01:002012-01-20T12:13:46.333+01:00

A warm fire A comfortable chairA cup of teaA smile from a friendA wish for a happy futureA book to enjoyA project to work onA nourishing mealA welcome home from a petA memory to treasureA dream for mankind. When you enjoy the little things of life you are free to dream of the big ones. Unfettered by the need for always more, and the perils of consumerism, this is true freedom. Enough is enough,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-4579047626181152942012-01-19T23:23:00.011+01:002012-01-20T00:17:50.369+01:00

When Cancer Hits by Britta AragonPublished by Cinco Vidas Press, New York 2011 ISBN 978-0-9829175-0-3How does one begin a review of a book with a title that pulls no punches, the peaceful blue of the cover disrupted by the words "WHEN CANCER HITS" in bold red print? I was a little reluctant to open the large paperback volume. The subtitle is kinder, "your Complete Guide to taking Care of YOU

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-39102212650055339012012-01-19T09:49:00.016+01:002012-01-19T13:35:34.034+01:00

(or "When water is thicker than blood")Once again I have evidence of why I love Italy so much.Recently I met two elderly Americans who had wished to live here, but did not have the required documentation or accommodation. I was called (informally) to help sort out their problems and explain the intricacies of their unfortunate position to them. They didn't have a phone, nor did I give them my

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-21175091944070085522012-01-18T11:15:00.005+01:002012-01-18T21:36:45.272+01:00

Why is it human nature to always think the worst? Today my internet provider called, wanting to pop in and "discuss something". With my erratic residence here occasionally my bills are paid late, or paid via paypal by a friend if I am away for a longer time. I am not convinced that the records at the admin end are always accurate even when all is paid so occasionally pay what I think is an

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-4978439479887819772012-01-17T15:37:00.003+01:002012-01-17T15:40:25.590+01:00

I am teaching painting again. It's been a while, and I loved it as we explored colours and brushes in both languages. There is so much I want to pass on to my student.I thought that I was well and truly over teaching anything to do with art. But to help someone achieve their dreams is a whole different thing. Roll on the next lesson!Today I am grateful for learning and language.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-46928204064971124982012-01-16T23:11:00.003+01:002012-01-16T23:27:53.132+01:00

That's how I feel. I love where I live, and I love my life. Today, driving towards the sunset, the hills glowed. A peachy pink touched everything. Snug in my jacket and scarf I could appreciate the winter with its glorious days. The sky this morning was a wonderful cobalt, not a touch of cerulean anywhere, and not a cloud to be seen. But this evening, as though they knew they were needed,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-71510292488902747562012-01-16T09:36:00.005+01:002012-01-16T09:51:29.208+01:00

Sometimes I am simply not in the mood to blog! The sun is shining, there are things to be done, and anything I want to write about requires far too much of my time and energy. *****What have I been doing? Mostly, enjoying life! An English mid-day dinner with friends yesterday was so tasty that I couldn't resist "seconds". Sometimes I do miss the flavours of my own culture. But when I leave

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-34220243316375308762012-01-13T17:35:00.002+01:002012-01-13T17:37:17.392+01:00

While in the States I tried Larabars for the first time. This link is here so I can find it quickly to make my own. Yum! Home made larabars. (Apologies to the distributors, but you are rather expensive and not available everywhere). Today I am grateful for energy and rest.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-42783993213495661972012-01-12T01:02:00.002+01:002012-01-12T01:17:43.525+01:00

I was about to write something deep and meaningful. It hasn't quite formed in my head, and is going to require a lot of thought. And then I looked at the time. Sleep calls, I have an early start tomorrow. Today I am grateful for family.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-10989721107431273192012-01-10T18:09:00.009+01:002012-01-11T16:46:58.869+01:00

I am so inspired by the sunset that I want to break into song. Yes, you can sing along too, you just wont know what words I am singing! I'm sitting by the heater... the warmth is quite delightful, there's lalalala la laaa, la la la, la la la,lalalaaaa. It is FFFFFRRRRREEEEzing outside, so much so that I cooked a warm dinner for two little dogs. They have to learn to stay outside because the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-59465030927692479612012-01-10T13:22:00.002+01:002012-01-10T13:23:06.070+01:00

the internet comes and goes tantalisingly all morning... Today I am grateful for lunch in a sunbeam.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-88359659470753137752012-01-09T21:51:00.004+01:002012-01-09T22:05:36.299+01:00

You know you are really home when you have to go to the post office... ...............nothing has changed in my absence. Gotta love it, I certainly do!Today I am grateful for interesting news..

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-41990010665974048712012-01-09T08:47:00.006+01:002012-01-09T09:13:25.706+01:00

It's only when you go to type a word that you haven't used or seen for many years that you realise that your memory is ummm... well, you get the picture. Anyway, it's home again, home again, jiggety jog. (Have you ever wondered, who was that prolific writer of rhyme and rhythm, Mother Goose?)It's great to come back to find your home has been well cared for, drastically needed maintenance has

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-67306138334483028672012-01-05T23:00:00.012+01:002012-01-06T02:18:38.465+01:00

A runner is born.It's a dedicated supporter who waits so patiently with Nonna on the sideline, knowing that the laps do come full circle. Soon he is running with mummy. This morning he was running around the kitchen. Ok, so that's the running taken care of.Oh Nonna, that's not right... Tomorrow I'll claim back my bike and think about triathlons, maybe. Today I am grateful for sunshine.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-57774516111612192552012-01-03T05:30:00.003+01:002012-01-03T05:44:33.195+01:00

Today I treated myself to a massage. I was given a gift certificate for a massage as a Christmas present, the appointment being a couple of days after I arrived here. It was so wonderful that I went back again today, sheer pampering. Yes, the sore spots needed some pressure, but the pain was well worth it. Oooh to find someone like this nearer to home! Today I am grateful for healing touch.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-29092715567002539592011-12-31T21:15:00.003+01:002011-12-31T21:25:50.485+01:00

This morning (Alabama time) I emailed to Berlin an article I had been asked to write for a peace publication. The editor had asked for it "by the end of the year". I made it on time, but not without difficulty. I wasn't happy with what I had written, but then I am my own biggest critic. Now, several hours later, I read it again. I like what I wrote. It's amazing what a little space can do

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-75284877217838044842011-12-31T03:12:00.009+01:002011-12-31T04:05:33.362+01:00

It's mid afternoon in New Zealand, new year's eve. Should I be making resolutions? Can I even remember the ones I made last year? Or am I right in thinking that I didn't make any last year? mmmm... looks back to check... 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. Is it just another day, as birthdays are, or is it really a new start? I suspect that the new start is every day, and big events like a new year or a

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-68556712408317995832011-12-28T17:24:00.007+01:002011-12-28T17:52:53.752+01:00

This little fellow (or was he a she?) was determined to get through the window to play this morning. Defeated, he left his calling card smeared widely by flapping wings just in case we wanted to get in touch with him later.Was it a crested finch or a female red cardinal? On Christmas Eve the most impressive male red cardinal called, prompting many wishes, and (of course) the female is far less

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-64671602838960125852011-12-28T07:17:00.003+01:002011-12-28T07:19:22.564+01:00

One of the more interesting photographs from the drive-through; click to enlarge, and let your imagination dance away...

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-30742063836714001762011-12-28T07:10:00.003+01:002011-12-28T07:16:33.661+01:00

if you are into Christmas lights, that is. The photos above give a hint of what one family had put together for Christmas lights. The display covered three or four houses, and had a road running through it and along one side so there was good access without getting too cold. Apparently this is an annual contribution to the spirit of Christmas, with messages to santa from the children of the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-73239627181643547072011-12-27T01:45:00.003+01:002011-12-27T01:51:35.108+01:00

Ready, set...GO!!!Today I am grateful for photographs..

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-38092112039561849762011-12-24T15:16:00.011+01:002011-12-24T16:08:33.728+01:00

This interesting history of Christmas tells it "Like it was". Now to remember the nativity... buried somewhere under the cash registers of the modern world. The Little Drummer Boy and Snoopy's Christmas have to be long time favourites!The original Silent Night was written in German. Here it is sung by Nana Mouskouri. Wishing you a blessed family time, Buon Natale, and Merry Christmas,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-16589528327970437822011-12-24T08:03:00.003+01:002011-12-24T08:21:56.643+01:00

I avoid the shops at Christmas time. I don't enjoy stress or crowds. I am anti-consumerism and hate to see people over-spending to purchase things they don't need and ultimately wont want.Give me some gentle Christmas music, the smell of home cooking, and peace on earth. Yesterday a neighbour called, bringing a gift for our little man. He remembered me, chatted a while, then walked across the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-64887218558449559932011-12-22T21:57:00.002+01:002011-12-23T00:17:37.082+01:00

It seems more like Noah's Arc weather than Christmas! Why is it that when there is so much to be done it is easier to do nothing? Resting is important, I say! My great discovery of the day is that the "far too sweet" chocolate fudge is the perfect foil for too many pieces of ginger (interspersed with cashew nuts).Take one cube of crystallised ginger and half a slice of soft fudge. Wrap the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-24833480904081143102011-12-21T06:01:00.009+01:002011-12-22T09:45:00.296+01:00

Christmas has a very different feel outdoors in the USA. And in one particular shop, if you were of a mind to go a huntin' or a fishin', this would be shopping paradise!(Welcome fishermen, hunters, and other liars)(And yes, I bought two Christmas decorations in there somewhere!)click to enlargeToday I am grateful for diversity.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-91734720381265860422011-12-20T00:16:00.008+01:002011-12-22T09:44:08.973+01:00

This blue star is outside my house, a beautiful and simple reminder of the meaning of Christmas. In the lead up to Christmas there is plenty of excitement. On the other side of the Atlantic Santa has just delivered an "Elf on the Shelf" so we are going to be extra good until Santa arrives... although as far as I can see we are very good anyway! In my in-box was the Christmas greeting from the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-85523318330851510912011-12-14T09:34:00.010+01:002011-12-15T09:21:19.345+01:00

Life in Italy is a constant contradiction, and I suspect that this paradox is part of the magic of Italy for me. For every potential frustration (see the renovation programmes) there is a positive delight! This year was supposed to be census year in New Zealand, but because of the Christchurch earthquake it was cancelled, despite the huge amount of money already thrown at it. That was only the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-35855901170411784772011-12-13T04:44:00.001+01:002011-12-13T05:26:39.970+01:00

Ok, so at 4.44am on a Tuesday morning I should be asleep, but I woke at 3am with things I wanted to do. One of my life changes is to go with sleeping when I feel the need, and meditating/writing/reading when that feels right too, no matter what the hour. This morning, just as the cooler air was beginning to register on my skin, I turned the electric blanket on, thinking of a few more hours rest.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-25797483968523115682011-12-12T16:37:00.000+01:002011-12-12T16:46:14.519+01:00

I have tried not to blog or use the computer much for a month. It was hard. My notebooks took on new meaning, and are full of ... notes!I locked my computer away and had very little email for a while. It was frustrating, then a kind of liberation. Then it was frustrating again. The best part was finding that my wrist problem is not related to the computer. Today I retrieved the key from the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-17931351536215230132011-12-05T13:17:00.000+01:002011-12-05T13:26:37.225+01:00

Ideas are filling my notebook. I am more than a little excited, although I am not sure that excited is the right word.I am sorting in my head what I intend doing, and how I want to go about doing it.Today I have had long conversations with someone who shares my values and understands my passion for making a difference. Life is exciting!Today I am grateful for clear thinking.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-66109814225162599472011-12-04T01:11:00.000+01:002011-12-04T07:48:36.457+01:00

I was trying to go without internet for three to four weeks. I guess you could say it has been a bit of a revelation for me. Things that I thought were important in my daily life are not, really. I will be cancelling some online subscriptions. After about three days of withdrawal I (almost) didn't even want to check my emails or know about the rest of the world. I now understand some of my

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-61709460460860869932011-11-27T01:54:00.000+01:002011-11-27T02:08:31.530+01:00

It has been interesting watching elections, or non elections, in my two countries. In Italy there is not a single elected politician in the actual governing body. Will there be any obvious changes in my daily life? Somehow I doubt it, but time alone will tell. In New Zealand the well established democracy provided some interesting scenarios. New Zealand First staged the "impossible" comeback,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-47869820807139415242011-11-22T22:36:00.000+01:002011-11-22T22:41:23.989+01:00

Imagine this: liquid green-gold pooling on a white plate, fresh, slightly peppery, rich and full in flavour, beautiful in colour, tantalising to the taste buds. Add a crusty slice of local bread, cooked in the wood-fired oven, and dipped into the new pressing of oil. Simple perfection! Optional extras? A slice of cheese, a glass of fine red from the enoteca, and some company. Life is good :-

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-90821291876422378882011-11-21T09:56:00.000+01:002011-11-21T10:05:50.377+01:00

I have just read this post, The magic of the Yartsa Gumba, and a bit about Tibetan Tummo, by Tali, and had to share it! For those of you scared off by the more spiritual and reflective writing maybe you would prefer to scroll down to her description of the amazing caterpillar plant. But I think the writing about self and journeys is also well worth reading. Perhaps it reflects where I am

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-84878699946353178312011-11-21T00:42:00.000+01:002011-11-21T00:55:38.532+01:00

...and the grand total is 192 kilograms. Now to see how much oil that produces. The weather for picking was amazing! Unseasonal, glorious autumn days. The hillsides were alive with happy pickers, all at the same time. The true magic and romance of picking olives in Italy; as the truth is often very far from the romantic notion it was an absolute delight this year to hear such happy busy-ness

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-3409189376741708472011-11-15T00:57:00.006+01:002012-01-19T23:20:59.735+01:00

When Cancer Hits by Britta AragonHow does one begin a review of a book with a title that pulls no punches, the peaceful blue of the cover disrupted by the words in bold red print "WHEN CANCER HITS"? I was a little reluctant to open the book. The subtitle is kinder, "your complete guide to taking care of YOU through treatment". In smaller print I was pleased to read "Alleviate side effects*

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-70745780462444645212011-11-15T00:44:00.000+01:002011-11-15T01:25:21.299+01:00

Tonight instead of writing much I read another blog I like to follow. Artist Tali Landsman is also a traveller who makes wonderful comments about life as she observes it. In her "About me" on her website she writes: I live in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and part time in Kohukohu - a small beach town on the North Island of New Zealand.I am addicted to traveling, and I use my travels to

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-87746194226569364092011-11-11T09:12:00.000+01:002011-11-12T01:09:48.413+01:00

A pomegranate for breakfast today. They are a bit dry this year, but still beautiful. Pomegranates have lovely stories attached to them. Did Eve really eat a pomegranate? Quite likely, I would say! Here in Italy (and other countries) it is believed to have powers for fertility. My favourite story is that of Persephone and the seasons. there are much nicer versions than this one but for now

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-23753298918121498052011-11-10T15:11:00.000+01:002011-11-10T16:31:01.297+01:00

But it's olive picking time! Today I am grateful for warm temperatures and clear skies.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-46506275773003592282011-11-09T22:02:00.000+01:002011-11-09T22:18:30.342+01:00

Today's lesson was about what and when to eat; in particular, which foods should/should not be eaten together. I'm absolutely fine with the five meals a day thing, that is normal for me. I suspect that my portion sizes are a little generous though. However, key points were on what should and shouldn't be eaten together, and that GMO products should be avoided at all cost. That rules out

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-16899666727018485652011-11-08T23:37:00.001+01:002011-11-08T23:45:17.945+01:00

Often we forget to breathe well. I am as guilty as any one of you might be. But breathing is an essential exercise, not merely the thing that keeps us ticking along. I am learning about how much we can do to improve our wellbeing. This is the (umpteenth) start of a new, healthy me! I do a daily challenge which is proving quite useful, for example it might be as simple as "roll your shoulders

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-25426367124573016272011-11-07T22:56:00.001+01:002011-11-07T23:53:18.840+01:00

Tonight my evening meal was cooked by my young Polish guests. It was an Hungarian dish using eggs, peppers, onion and I'm not quite sure what else. It was both flavoursome and delicate, wholesome and light. But when it comes to flavour... the Polish ham that they shared with me at lunch time was a real delicacy! What a treat! (Apologies to the vegetarians out there, but... YUM!)I am enjoying

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-71409212651675461692011-11-06T18:46:00.000+01:002011-11-07T00:49:49.533+01:00

Today, contrary to expectations, it was fine, warm, and eventually sunny. The photo shows folks in jackets down in the shade, but up in our sunny heights we were soon peeling off layers of clothing. I didn't paint as well as I would have liked, but it was quite a social time which was nice. I am really lucky to be included in this group. I am the grandma of them all I think, there must be a good

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-24482525086640162602011-11-05T23:35:00.001+01:002011-11-06T00:26:15.017+01:00

It's not finished yet, but at least I can see some progress - and anyone who doesn't think there should be a butterfly there doesn't know the subject of the painting :-) I'll probably add two more. It's a quarter past midnight and the wind has come up. I think that the bad weather "they" promised us "è in arrivo" - I hope that the extra plastic verandah over the dog kennels stays in place, I

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-38169845617249250002011-11-05T09:31:00.000+01:002011-11-05T10:17:20.268+01:00

Resolved to get fit a few days ago, so I set out walking today and managed a good walk before the rain came.Bonus? Put my hand in my famous (infamous) rain jacket pocket and pulled out two paint brushes I had forgotten were there. I'd worn the jacket at an unexpectedly cold outdoor painting event. Almost as good as buying new brushes... score! Best part of that? Not everybody has paint brushes

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-76259225303234709952011-11-04T20:26:00.001+01:002011-11-04T20:32:02.444+01:00

It's time I finished this one. I no longer have the photographs of the flowers that I was working from, and I can't remember what some of my lines were for. It will be interesting for me, if not for you, trying to figure out exactly what I am painting in the tangle of flowers and stalks. The figure, at least, is finished. I'll work a little on this between other serious painting efforts. It

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-70535640875542468762011-11-04T18:42:00.000+01:002011-11-04T18:45:49.087+01:00

Sorry, no real post today. I have some deadlines to meet. It's been a bit of a domestic day.Washed the dishes. Did some washing.Touched up a painting. Walked the dogs.Paid some bills.And now I have to do some work.That's life!Today I am grateful for exercise in beautiful temperatures.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-66282939182033206482011-11-03T22:04:00.000+01:002011-11-04T14:35:38.236+01:00

(and better still, so was the 80 year old who can barely walk unaided while she decides about an operation). Today was the 80th birthday of a good friend's mother. I wasn't sure I would make it to the festa, but in the end I decided that people are more important than other things, so abandoned all thought of work and set out for Cassino and beyond. I arrived in time to eat some great food at the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-17920519400306138422011-11-03T20:45:00.000+01:002011-11-03T21:58:40.556+01:00

You know you live in italy when you go to visit a friend in hospital and the only park you can find is near some roman ruins. This is the town side view of the amphitheatre at the foot of Monte Cassino. This one has a protective fence around it, but only because you have to pay to go in and see it properly! How old the culture of this country is, even if politically it is about the same age as

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-4673775331605242422011-11-02T22:35:00.000+01:002011-11-03T18:57:58.393+01:00

I posted this painting on Facebook last night. I value comments from artists and people who know this place, and also people who might just happen to like the painting although with a subject this particular I think it possibly has little relevance to many people. Occasionally I seek specific critiques from artists whose opinions I respect in case I have a blind spot in my own vision, or when I

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-83361411621616777942011-11-02T15:05:00.000+01:002011-11-02T21:28:43.695+01:00

yesterdaytodayGone are most of my stylised trees. I'll be back later, hoping to finish it completely tonight. Not easy, being this drastic, and I liked the playful version with the trees about to roll off the canvas. But this is a serious work... and I need to make the rest of the trees realistic too! Big big sigh... But...I am excited about where natural instinct is taking my painting when I

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-71446117177721947292011-11-01T21:11:00.000+01:002011-11-01T21:45:54.631+01:00

I've been a bit slack with exercise lately. I'm not too bad at running up and down the stairs, but along the road? The dogs would tell you that I am slipping up badly. I phoned my dad tonight. No reply. No worries, I thought, he'll be out running. I tried later. Yes, the chirpy 91 year old replied, I've been run-walking for two hours and ten minutes. You see, he has got some records to set.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-15172701696083039452011-11-01T14:22:00.000+01:002011-11-01T20:27:20.714+01:00

Today is All Saints Day, and tomorrow All Souls Day. I'm not too sure what I think about All Souls Day, it is outside my own education. But this morning I read about Steve Job's last words as he moved through into another world, saying "Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow" which gives food for thought even for sceptics. Then later in the day I was reluctant to leave the station at Cassino after saying

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-41527714705830435822011-11-01T08:36:00.000+01:002011-11-01T09:07:21.332+01:00

It's a busy time. Soon my volunteers will be picking the olives, but there are a few things to do first. One of them is book in with a press somewhere. I think closest is best this time. Last night was a very quiet night in Atina; I suspect that the festivities closer to home might have been more fun. Never mind, it's good to get out and about too. I was, of course, resplendent in witches

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-31266815593819016252011-10-30T16:55:00.000+01:002011-10-31T13:49:47.095+01:00

More photos from yesterday (and comments added to last night's post below) or, more correctly, the flavours of autumn and endless day (white night, when it doesn't get dark). This was a very large group, one of at least four providers of live music. A band was set up at either end of the street and itinerant groups and musicians wandered between them. Most were dressed in traditional costume

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-27807795740169430092011-10-30T01:35:00.000+02:002011-10-30T16:29:59.098+01:00

When is a railway station not a station? When it becomes party central, of course. Captions tomorrow, maybe. Buonanotte :-)  Apparently all the food was organically grown and prepared to traditional recipes, a real taste of the region (but I had eaten dinner before deciding to venture out).  Trains on one side of the station, a wood-fired oven on the other. Nothing unusual about that in this

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-57076602441627041192011-10-30T00:46:00.000+02:002011-10-30T22:28:04.971+01:00

I didn't paint today. It was one of those days where the weight of the world was closing in on me. The only thing to do then is to shift furniture. I'm good at that! But this house has stairs, so there is an up-ended couch in the passageway making it a little awkward for me to get to the bathroom... a good reminder to hold in those stomach muscles!Anyway, I now have my studio much closer to

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-75192908625427163172011-10-28T22:36:00.000+02:002011-10-29T08:43:36.661+02:00

Tomorrow I will attack the trees. Some need to be removed completely as they are too distracting, others will be softened up. I have spent most of this evening touching up tiny details, straightening edges, and putting in a few highlights. In daylight I will look at it with fresh eyes and see what changes need to be made. It isn't far from finished. Another couple of days, maybe? Goodnight :-)

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-16266339481896455262011-10-28T15:02:00.001+02:002011-10-28T19:07:55.639+02:00

It's cuppa time, I'm struggling to keep on task. It's a glorious day outside the studio, lizards on the balcony, the sun streaming in, I've even stripped to one layer! I want to be up in the hills, hair blowing in the wind... oh, that's right, short hair these days. Ah well, at least it doesn't get into my paint any more...Later, and yet another cuppa... would rather it were a beer but... I am

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-38987914875879626392011-10-28T13:33:00.000+02:002011-10-28T15:20:53.140+02:00

I was happily back "into" my painting, having gone "through the pain barrier" and talked myself through the conflicting emotions I was having with this work. (More later on that maybe). But then, thanks to a zealous art lover on Facebook, over lunch I discovered the work of Steve Hanks. Aaaaargh... the suppressed watercolourist in me is screaming to get out again. WHY am I muddling around

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-46074832111204914872011-10-28T11:01:00.001+02:002011-10-28T11:06:30.288+02:00

Without a cd playing I keep popping back to the computer, putting on something from Youtube, and disrupting my work. With a CD on I hear the first few songs and then don't realise that the music has even finished until I emerge to wash my brushes or contemplate my work from a different part of the room. What effect is the music having on my brain? Is it like the "white noise" that is used to get

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-37730450244222827482011-10-28T09:05:00.000+02:002011-10-28T10:55:11.373+02:00

Sometimes I can go for several days without receiving an email other than blog posts from writers I have subscribed to. I have become invisible. "But do you write emails yourself?" you might ask. My blog is my collective email for family and friends, and yes, sometimes I do send individual emails. My NZ friends say "but there is nothing happening in my life to write about" ... and I ask, what

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-54787997144916719682011-10-27T09:58:00.000+02:002011-10-28T00:54:50.858+02:00

This is where I stopped last night after an interrupted afternoon. I want this one to be very much a day-time painting, but the problem that that gives me is the huge expanse of blue, not a colour that sits well in most homes. Clouds are the obvious answer, but I need enough sunlight to throw a light on the ruins and trees. I don't want the clouds to dominate, nor to be such that they demand

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-91746695320933549502011-10-26T11:05:00.001+02:002011-10-27T09:01:30.410+02:00

Preparation is a most important thing for successful painting, and possibly has been one of my weaknesses. (Who am I kidding? It is definitely one of my weaknesses!) I've always been too impatient, wanting to grab what little time was available and dive straight into the painting. I've probably developed some bad habits doing that. Today, however, I am focusing on being well prepared. This is

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-32588370369068039662011-10-26T08:43:00.000+02:002011-10-26T08:49:35.708+02:00

I have discovered a wonderful blog for lovers of Italy. I am posting this particular link to remind me to explore Napoli properly. Grazie, Francesca Maggi, for your delightful blog "Burnt by the Tuscan Sun". I'm looking forward to reading the book :-)Now, on with the (rainy) day, painting with the lights on (she said not quite believing that she can muster the energy). Lights, music, let the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-30329637582132007812011-10-25T19:35:00.000+02:002011-10-25T19:44:37.742+02:00

Called in at the supermarket to find:Grancereale on a grande specialeRitter Sport chocolate on specialPre-prepared rice risotto on specialand the fegato (liver) I had gone to buy was there as well. I'm allowing only one packet of Grancereale and one packet of Ritters into the studio at a time. The rest of them have to wait for me downstairs. They had better behave and not sneak up here when I

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-77662020950353511122011-10-24T18:57:00.001+02:002011-10-24T18:58:34.413+02:00

and the next one is underway, but slowly.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-77536095680416389682011-10-24T12:13:00.001+02:002011-10-24T19:09:07.179+02:00

Back to finish off the second of the series. It is a much more limited palette, and I am not sure that it is singing yet.From thisI've picked out some highlights and deepened some shadows. I think it's nearly there. I keep changing my mind about that though, so obviously there is room for improvement yet. Sigh......so I added back the tree I had removed in the tower and a bit more pre-fire

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-34619597343158004202011-10-23T20:59:00.000+02:002011-10-23T23:55:00.393+02:00

or "How I almost lost us the RWC".Sometimes you get premonitions. Call them what you will, intuition, superstition, premonition... I've learnt that it pays to listen to them. Well, I was invited up to Rome to watch (shhhh) THE game, in a pub, with Kiwis, Australians, Canadians, English, Italians and... French! To go, or not to go? You see, it was a very hard call for me to make. I had this

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-50862381183328734852011-10-22T00:00:00.000+02:002011-10-22T00:03:31.008+02:00

and now it's back to finish the other one, and on with the next one after a two day break... I'm having a weekend off. Go ABs!Today I am grateful for a critical eye and high standards.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-28201894805494123252011-10-21T11:47:00.000+02:002011-10-22T01:10:33.340+02:00

I am sure I will have mentioned how exacting the Italian viewing public is. Accuracy in landscapes is more than expected, it is demanded; artistic licence is not an excuse to change what you see. Well, even though I was painting from my own photograph, and have been up and down those rocks often enough to know them well, I still managed to get this one wrong. I checked, and double checked. My

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-36406194025148322242011-10-20T17:41:00.001+02:002011-10-20T20:27:53.186+02:00

I have spent some of the afternoon on this and have called it finished with a mixture of relief and disappointment. It is not up to the standard I would like, and I haven't included some of the things I wanted to put in, but while this languishes unfinished in my studio little Michele is growing bigger and doesn't have it on his wall. It is based on varying numbers and patterns, hopefully

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-40456621476566616892011-10-20T14:13:00.001+02:002011-10-20T18:53:54.606+02:00

Now I need to go back to the photo to see what I have lost, exaggerated, or completely missed out in my painterly zeal!Later:I have darkened the rocks under the foreground building (the first church in the world to be dedicated to Thomas Aquinas who was born in this village) to stop the eye from going into that corner too much. I liked the rocks but it works better as a composition now. The eye

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-20191001256412402132011-10-20T13:24:00.000+02:002011-10-20T13:28:17.262+02:00

Break open the champagne, call in the ducks... it's raining REAL rain! The valley is blotted out. May it last a good few hours please! Surely this will reach my poor citrus trees better than my hose did. Reach for the winter clothes, deck the faces with smiles. It should even mean the end of the fires in the mountains. It's raining, it's raining, it's raining...(NOW can I put romantic candles

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-41714706693534620252011-10-20T11:18:00.000+02:002011-10-20T12:13:30.048+02:00

Working on the sky a little, changing brush size as I work to or from the horizon. I think I might have to look more at the downward direction of the clouds, I want to follow the land, but not let the viewer's eye slide right out of the picture. Then it will be time to work on the wall around the castle ruins, and with a little luck will get it finished today, final check tomorrow, and take it

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-13799382570707169242011-10-20T09:38:00.000+02:002011-10-20T10:55:34.433+02:00

Today is overcast. Our promised rain is still to come I hope. At 3am we had some soft rain, and outside the terrace and ground is wet, but there hasn't been enough rain to soak in to our parched land. Under the trees, even the olives with their tiny leaves, it is dusty and dry. The citrus still cry out with furled leaves, hiding them from the sun. Today, at least, there shouldn't be any

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-23316716193923494312011-10-19T09:35:00.000+02:002011-10-19T19:34:05.734+02:00

Constantly people ask what living in Italy has done to my art. Usually my response is that it has taken me back a good twenty years. This morning, looking at this work with fresh eyes, I am remembering a work I painted almost 40 years ago. For a moment this was scary; dementia sufferers who are artists also revert to how they once painted, and their progress can be tracked retrospectively as

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-10719358047863962342011-10-18T17:31:00.001+02:002011-10-18T19:59:45.682+02:00

Because they keep promising us rain, I don't water my trees. But it doesn't come. Now "they" say it will rain on Thursday, with snow down to 800 metres. It's 21 degrees in my studio today. It's a three layer day... but Thursday, Giovedi, that's me right between the lower two thunderbolts!

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-67399623400069982302011-10-18T15:22:00.001+02:002011-10-18T16:49:15.293+02:00

I stopped for a break, and the church bells were striking three. I always assumed (stupidly) that the seemingly long but relatively fast tolling of the bells was to get everyone moving again after siesta, ready to head out to work after four. Wrong. Apparently they strike thirty three times to commemorate the thirty three years that Christ was on earth. One day I'll ask a local, but that is

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-79066573360646609732011-10-18T14:00:00.000+02:002011-10-18T19:20:26.606+02:00

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-14352477657942674392011-10-18T13:35:00.001+02:002011-10-18T18:07:26.878+02:00

The frustrating thing about painting huge, powerful, survived since the year dot buildings is having to capture them in tiny size, confined on a canvas, tamed. The more I paint them the more I am frustrated that my canvas is not a roll nailed to the wall, endless. It has set me thinking about what kind of painter I am. I have told myself and others that my passion is watercolour painting, and

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-12280504278981253612011-10-17T20:44:00.001+02:002011-10-17T20:47:51.686+02:00

No photograph can ever do justice to a sunset, but my reward tonight for plugging along with my work was the richest colours on the horizon. Let's just overlook the role of all the smoke in the atmosphere, and enjoy the glorious colours. Today I am grateful for ready-prepared cook in the pot meals.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-73138928794396326672011-10-17T16:14:00.001+02:002011-10-17T22:19:48.341+02:00

From this:to this:It's finished! Although I might rework the clouds tomorrow? And is it still missing the "wow" factor?

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-27059814713319159822011-10-17T14:27:00.001+02:002011-10-17T16:21:57.141+02:00

Drat. I know if it was another's work I would cheerfully say "crop!" Ah well, I guess I have more canvas to put over this support, and will have a frame ready to fill. In the meantime I will spend the rest of the day felling sorry for myself but getting better, and tidying up a few "loose ends" on the painting. I think I will remove the tree that is poking out of the tower. I know it really

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-71580293813037231942011-10-17T12:28:00.001+02:002011-10-17T16:18:20.169+02:00

I feel that it calls for drastic measures (I tried to put it aside but I couldn't). I've added more of the rocky face exposed by the fires and toned down the area behind the main castle structure. I've quietened down the trees to a more olive colour. It feels like progress. Now for a lunch break and a think about it :-) I sent an SOS to artist Sheryl O'Gorman at Studio 46, whose critical eye

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-79646529846824481292011-10-16T21:34:00.000+02:002011-10-17T09:04:17.447+02:00

It's 9.34pm. The temperature in my studio is dropping. It has gone from 20° to 19°C. I am rugged up in long-sleeved skivvy, woollen vest, and polar fleece jacket. I have four blankets on my bed and I am wondering about going downstairs to get the electric blanket or an eiderdown. (I wont, I'm going to "tough it out". I'm sure much colder weather will come). I remember a time when I thought

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-44111044091710160792011-10-16T14:45:00.000+02:002011-10-16T21:58:47.549+02:00

I seem to be going around in circles, and risk messing up big time. I have been adjusting the tonal values, but then get a bit carried away with whatever is on my brush. It's time to put this aside and do a bit more on one of the others. Today I am grateful for a little light relief in NZ.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-50635707832499861852011-10-16T11:06:00.000+02:002011-10-16T22:10:40.628+02:00

The morning showed me just how many things I needed to adjust (see photo in previous blog). The good thing though is that I am "getting into" the subject and not just painting because I have to. (Minor distraction though - I'm following the rugby via one minute automatically refreshed updates and every time I come to check the photo of the ruins I have to check the score. I'm apparently more of

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-12012332868607503822011-10-15T21:19:00.001+02:002011-10-15T23:13:43.444+02:00

It's time to stop for the night. I want to continue but I think it's best for the painting to leave it for now, and start again feeling fresh in the morning. and this is the one the painting is supposed to replace, so you can see I have a long way to go still:End of day one, buonanotte!

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-41342534220273839312011-10-15T15:00:00.000+02:002011-10-15T17:35:22.374+02:00

Yesterday I left a friend using my computer, and went for a walk around the village while she completed some personal work. When I returned she was at the top of the stairs waiting for me, not in panic but close to it. She had managed to lose all she was doing, and the internet, and had created various things she had not wanted, with no idea of where they came from. No harm done, it seemed easy

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-41109012241682817862011-10-15T12:18:00.001+02:002011-10-15T19:06:26.322+02:00

I'm still feeling pretty awful with a virus or an allergy, but after a day off yesterday I am back on task. It took me a while to think myself back into this painting after spending so much time on the flowers and candles, so I have washed in an undercoat, then worked from there to take myself back into the space. I have had to move other paintings that I am finding distracting. If I were not

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-76298031849913695062011-10-13T22:30:00.000+02:002011-10-13T22:32:26.982+02:00

(The moon a couple of nights ago)

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-12733742943792793692011-10-13T19:43:00.000+02:002011-10-13T22:29:57.165+02:00

Despite a couple of short showers of rain we are still burning. The helicopters and plane are busy, the air is blue again, and tonight the smoke so strong that I had to close my studio windows. It seems incredible that from Sunday's short sharp drop in temperatures we are back up around 30 again. At 9pm last night it was still 23 in my studio with the windows open. Tonight, at 6pm, I was

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-82458671827203285632011-10-13T11:19:00.000+02:002011-10-13T11:37:38.153+02:00

It was well worth the effort :-) and the long hours over the time I had quoted for. I took the painting to it's new owner, mounted to the right size and with magnets on the back to adhere it to the fireplace. I kept it hidden as I entered, wanting the slightly revised composition to be a surprise until it was installed. Happy customer was so excited when she saw it that she gave me a hug and

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-76029038101314054042011-10-12T14:17:00.000+02:002011-10-12T19:55:37.930+02:00

Apparently the southern part of this pilgrimage is between Rome and Jerusalem, or Gerusalemme, and so is called the Francigena del sud. Pilgrimage, anyone? (And why are the signs on Via Latina when the pilgrimage follows Via Appia? Oh, that's right, ALL roads lead to...)Now if I hadn't been brave enough to ask, I would never have known! And did you know that Via Latina (which runs close by) is

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296751821377137084.post-24911044668161195852011-10-12T13:52:00.000+02:002011-10-12T14:16:29.045+02:00

When I cross the valley to visit the children (and hopefully improve their English) I pass a sign saying Via Francigena. I have also seen a similar sign near Cassino. The sign has pilgrims with their walking sticks on it, so I was thinking that it might be a good course to follow on my bicycle (Tui's advert here). Curious (for a change) I looked it up. Well, what do you know?It's the road from

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237406486736942911noreply@blogger.com1