Simone de Beauvoir

"Art, literature and philosophy are attempts to found the world anew on a human freedom".

Evening light

This evening soon after I got home, I got changed into my pj's, opened the side door to my beach abode and lit the "Amalfi Coast" candle Bruno and Christy bought me for Christmas. As I sit and write at my computer, the cool sea air gently mixes with with floral notes of Frescia, Lavender and a touch of Thyme. These armoatic and inspiring scents vivdly remind me of romantic Medeterrian whitewashed villages clinging to mountainous cosatlines.

Grace

This afternoon, I looked after a mature women who has a painful degenerative condition. Despite her circumstances, M was engaging and had a positive yet pragmatic attitude. I found her attitude towards her circumstances inspiring.

Just before discharging her I received the following comment: "Your very positive and more therapeutic than a Valium. You've made me feel wonderful. Thank you"

What a gracious woman.

New Celebrations

A new year,

like a new bloom,

brings new hope.

Maybe it is the brightness of Summers' sun

that blinds us
but something about January

makes things seem

white, clean and unearthed.

Over the rim of her wine glass,
I caught a glimpse of hope and stillness
not anticipation or angst.

Just as light
transiently etches through muslin curtains,

everything and nothing changes
when love and light

enters and leaves our lives.

Dreams for 2011

* Nurture loving and life sustaining relationships.
* Learn to sail, wind surf or kite surf.
* Enjoy being in-love and being loved.
* Read more novels.
* Participate in a Japanese cooking class.
* Undertake a silver jewellery making course.
* Publish "Hold me with your heart" poetry book.
* Study Art Management/Art Consultancy course in Florence.
* Hike French Italian Alps.
* Attend Venice Art Biennial and the Industrial Design Show in Milan.
* Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in Italy.
* Successfully complete visa requirements to nurse and teach nursing in Italy.
* Live in Italy.
* Purchase racing bike, Vespa, snakeskin shoes and bag.
* Meditate, pray, believe and give thanks - regularly.
* Trust myself and my dreams.

Theme for 2011 - Pursuit of beauty and love