excited

So excited with my new book purchases.

No computer time, but a quick catch up here on the Legato blog will update you on some of it.

Today I am grateful for artists and writers who work for peace.

where did the days go?

Day two of Legato in the new gallery had 120 very interested evening visitors, the last ones leaving just after midnight. There are increasing numbers of requests for more private viewings of the works. The tee-shirts with peace messages on them were very popular, with people being astounded that they didn't even need to make a donation for them (thanks to the generosity of Beate Minderjahn, see Legato blog for her details).

The most recent visitor to the gallery was so moved by the works that tears flowed, and the next booking is by an Italian who has a small museum further south than Cassino and who wants to bring his Scottish guests to the gallery. Thankfully I have a conscripted docent who is hosting the show, lighting the candles, turning on the lights.

Today I am thankful for the messages of support for Legato.

fantastic night...

Tired, sore feet, but very happy :-)

There were 48 very interested visitors to Legato tonight, some returning tomorrow with friends, and some asking if they can come at other times with their children. A successful evening.

Happiness is... closing the gallery doors after the last guests leave at midnight!

Tomorrow is the "big night" and the weather is expected to be better also. For now it is "buona notte a tutti..."

Today I am grateful for new friends.

the gallery

Last week I decided that it would be best for Legato if the next exhibition were to be of longer duration. I have had several calls asking where people can see the works, so instead of having a short week-long exhibition in the available public space, open only during office hours, I have made temporary provision to host the exhibition here in my village in my as yet unfinished gallery. This means that visitors can have appointments to view the work at hours to suit them, and I can have a more normal life as well. Legato can stay "more or less" on display until it is time to move it to the next centre.

It has been a tiring couple of days but things are taking shape nicely.

Today I am grateful for willing helpers.

music in the air

Paintings to finish, lessons to teach, stucco to sand, letters to write and parcels to post...

but

...there's music in the air, there's music in the air! Spontaneous bursts of song, lots of laughter, and the occasional woof woof about the place.

Today I am grateful for a full and busy life.

finished apart from a few windows?

Time is up... a few details, stretch the canvas, and I think it is done. For now it is away with the brushes and off to the excitement of the game on a big screen, three Kiwis in the midst of the Italians!

Aotearoa or Italia... let's hope it is an exciting and even match. Let good sport be the winner :-)

Today I am also grateful for my two countries.

***
Monday morning post script: Well, yes... my mother did tell me that I should be very careful about what I wished for...

sunday morning soccer day

In the studio I mix my colours.
Today I am torn between white and blue. Best to settle it with a good game of football, soccer, calcio...

Today I am thankful for friends who are "good sports".