Cake

 And now for a little something very different... I baked a Norwegian Wedding Cake for a friends birthday! Baking is good therapy. I was thinking that if I did this and constructed it upside down, it could be a vase or a flower pot. So many ideas!!!

Italy #7

 This trip to Italy was to attend a week long art workshop at Hotel Leone in Montelparo. I did alot of art!

Italy #6

 One of the excursions we enjoyed was to a sheep farm where we did an eco-dyeing project.

Italy 5

 A few more church pictures.

I am very interested in symbolism and the use of symbols in my art. Many of the photos I take are specifically geared towards future projects. The art in this church may be very simple, but I find it a treasure trove of inspiration.

Italy #4

 Off to Montelparo! We were picked up by the van from Hotel Leone by Tim, the co-owner of the hotel. As we moved down the highway, he acted as tour guide, driver, and comedian. His British humor quickly put us at ease and gave us a foreshadowing of the week to come.

The view from Montelparo was breathtaking. Sitting up high on a "mountain", the city was well protected thru the ages. 

After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we joined our local guide for a tour of the village. It was good to stretch our legs and walk to the top of the hill, where the church sat. I love a good church tour! 

There is currently a restoration project. Our guide explained that when some frescos were discovered under layer of plaster and paint, government officials came to inspect. They were not done by anyone famous, so the funding for the project was ended. Sounds pretty typical, right?  Just the same, I enjoyed what I saw and plan to incorporate inspiration into my next series of fiber art.

Italy #3

Just a little more from Ancona. We took a nice walk in the morning before taking a cab to the meeting place to head to Hotel Leone in Montelparo. Doorways, windows, elements... So old and charming!

 

What I saw in Italy #2

 Random pics in Ancona, Italy. Or... things I saw on my first walk around Ancona.

My daughter's name begins with an A. I usually find at least one Anarchy graffiti in Europe

Pizza at a small deli with mushrooms or balsamic. This is my reminder to try a new recipe!

Yes, Easter is right around the corner!

Very cute paper shop. I bought a small diary with the intent to fill it with daily flowers.

Who doesn't love little monsters!

Gail was so excited! Her last name is Click!

What can I say? Street art always gets me!

I saw this little sticker on a sign. It made me wonder how my sweet Momma Kitty was holding up without me to give her loves.