The Sculpted Form

My island is when I stand on it with other English speakers. 


I have a lean toward death. I like tombs. Michlangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini-Barber of Seville, Dante, Marconi-radio, and Galileo in Santa Croce Church in Florence. The famed nave was hidden by scaffolding from top to bottom so focus was directed toward sarcophagi; 275 people buried in the floor. Another striking piece of history was a piece of St Francis of Assisi's tunic and braided rope belt. He lived 1182 to1226; a rebel of his day challenging authority and materialism. We may look upon him as eccentric but the thread of his foundation offers spiritual support and common sense. The same seeds we try to sow today.


I like the stories of the artists' lives. Filippo Lippi 1406 to1469. He was an orphan raised as a monk. Later lived with a nun and had children. Pretty girls were known to pass through his studio... Oh the tortured souls who concentrated paint on Madonna and Child...


Giambologna can sculpt a butt that can vibrate and pulse. The Oceano in the Palazzo Vecchio courtyard and the Rape of the Sabines under magnificent arches outside.


Last evening, the Arno River for lights, sky, and music with a friend from Japan. Asians like my more conservative self. She isn't here for hoopla and drink.