Cuccioli

What an amazing experience I had this morning...to watch our little English Pointer with her brood. She was so patient...it took her hours and hours, but in the end...six perfect puppies, cuccioli, born under the warming Tuscan sun. Let the fun begin!

Tribolo

I have been having a little trouble on the computer front. Looks like I will be up and running again as normal very soon...at least I hope and pray! On a good note, you cannot imagine how incredible it is here now...worth the wait I will say. Without the computer there has been plenty of time for play under crystal blue skies...trips to the rejuvenating terme (natural sulfur spa), shopping excursions, a drive through Le Marche, an American feast for just the girls. Makes me wonder...maybe this tribolo is really just a blessing in disguise?!

Routine

I have become somewhat of a country girl since living here in rural Tuscany. In my city girl former life, gauging time based on when my favorite tv program might be on, I was unaware of the nature surrounding me. I now base things on the sun, the wind, the birds, the clouds. I know spring is officially here and warmer weather on its way when the little storno returns to her routine. Do you remember when I told you about the starling, storno, that visits our house to nest every year? She is back...this time with friends. Like clockwork, she has returned to her rhythm here making her home in a little hole in the wall. Literally, as I have said before, she painstakingly builds her loving nest with sticks and hay and needles placed between the ancient stones. If it were not for her swooping in and out, we would never know it was there. That is until the tiny chirps can be heard...begging for a treat. I have fallen head first into this little routine...who needs reality tv when you can look out your window and witness life.

"There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story."
~ Linda Hogan

Surtex 2010

I really thought I might be able to pull off showing at Surtex in New York this year...I am sure I mentioned it last year, the annual market for art licensing and design. I mulled and mulled, and reluctantly decided it is a no for 2010. There is, of course, that little creative voice in the back of my head that reminds me...May is your most inspirational time of year...and with that reminder, the Italian landscape is calling me...and shortly following, into the studio I will run! After all, I have new work to produce for my July trip to the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings market!

(And I have not forgotten about my next Italian Culturetalk entry...it is coming...I had no idea I had so many food rules in my head...please stay tuned!)