Isolation

Since the corona virus broke people have been self isolating. I have had many people call or email and 'check' on me and that's nice but I do tell them that my life hasn't really change that much.

I normally work from home, isolated in my studio, alone. That part of my day is the same. I have had no "adjustments" to make. I chose to work this way because for me sewing is meditative. I want to be by myself.

If these restrictions are new to you you are probably saying, "How does she do it??? I am going crazy and it's only been a week!"

The home has many distractions! Beware.

One thing is for sure. I am very disciplined. I wake up at the same time every weekday. I either run on my elliptical or go outside (could be a walk or a viewing of the garden) then I "Go to Work". That idea of "Arriving at the Studio" is a good one. I enter and start working. It helps you feel you are not still at home. I close the door and work. Note: never work in your PJ's :-)

I vary my activities. I work with fabric so I section off time for cutting, time for sewing a particular project for my artwork or my quilts, time for designing. Then I may write up class notes for a new idea. (I have so many ideas!! Too many for my lifetime, I fear!!) I also stand up often and do some stretching or movements so my body doesn't cramp up.

I am a big believer of timers! Especially when I have to do something I don't like. I give myself a time limit and a "prize' after the time is up even if the entire job isn't finished. The prize could be a tea or some knitting time, small stuff like that.

Normally, I squeeze in some teaching and I guess that is my way of connecting with people. I have so much experience and sharing my expertise and empowering people is something I love to do. It's exciting to me to see students, even beginner ones, soar after they have been given an opportunity to create their own quilt design! If you have taken a class from me you know there are no set patterns. You do not need a teacher to read you a pattern! You need a teacher to teach a technique and inspire you to create your own quilt and tell your own story.

The Spring classes I had booked at Artscape Youngplace in Toronto have been postponed. The landlord has given me a credit for the 2 rentals and I hope to reschedule the classes in the late Fall.

I have made so many new friends while teaching all those years.  That's such a nice part of teaching. Some of those friends have accompanied me to Italy and enjoyed a real (authentic) Italian experience, meeting quilters, socializing with my neighbours, having classes taught by Italian artists and immersing themselves in the culture. Those trips have been postponed as well.

DING!! My time to write to you is up. Got to get back to my sewing.

Think positively.

You are in charge of your day. Make it a great one.

Umbria, Italy

A few friends and I will be visiting Umbria next summer. We are all artists and we will be collecting ideas for future art works.

Garden where I stay

Walk from the villa to the town 

A few friends sketching on a hot afternoon

Being inspired in Italy! Can't think of anything better.

A collage I made one day after an earthquake!

I've collected ideas from Umbria before. My booklet, shown here, is full of sketches and comments and inspiration to translate into art work, stories, textile work or quilts.

Typical views

Medieval town of Trevi

These pictures were taken by me on a previous visit to Umbria.

Visiting Verona

Roman bridge, Ponte Pietra

Verona's Adige river and Ponte Pietra

Some of my favourite scenes in Verona. I took those one evening while walking home.

Knitting In Italy

I am really excited about my next visit to Italy!! Ten friends and I are going to Verona and we'll be knitting!

Arena, Verona's Amphitheatre

We'll be mainly in Verona but will visit the Lessinia region, the Valpolicella region and Lake Garda.

Looking forward to it!

Returning Home

Friday May 3rd our travellers headed back home.

The 10 days zoomed by. I know everyone will remember their experiences with good stories and smiles.

They were filled with new experiences, great food, inspiration and laughter. There were many "firsts" as well.

First time in Italy, first time traveling without a partner, first time sewing, first time eating horse! And many more.

New friendships were made. That's always nice.

(Kathleen I am missing you in the pictures! Are you still in Verona?)

Our Last Full Day

We spent last Thursday morning learning about some history. We had a tour of the Bastione Di San Giorgio, built by the Austrians.

Pizza Lunch.

We ended this 10 day trip with a celebratory dinner at a fancy place, Dodici Apostoli. Great food! Great ambiance. Very special!

Outside 12 Apostles for our last supper (LOL)

We had a tour of some
 Roman roads and Medieval structures downstairs!
A special surprise!

Wine Country

My friends and I went on a wine tour on Tuesday April 30.

Thank you to the 4 ladies from Ad Maiora for taking the time to accompany us in your cars and spend the entire day with us!! Much appreciated!

We drove up to the Valpolicella where Suzi had organized a fabulous day for us.

Visit to 2 villas. Gorgeous gardens at Villa Giona.

Wine tastings...at 11 am? Well ok!

Lunch at a small place in Fumane.

and then Suzi's house for dessert.

A surprise for the group! What a treat to go into such a special home. People loved her studio!!

She has been organizing this segment for me since 2011 and she is amazing!! I couldn't do it without her.

Entrance to Suzi's home.

We visited Masi. The president, Dott, Sandro Boscaini greeted us.

Notice the flags behind the ladies? What a welcome!
Our group was made up of 8 Canadians,
2 British and one American (living in Germany)

Look at the size of the barrel!!

The Serego-Alighieri homes.

Masimilla Serego-Alighieri (right)
direct descendant of Dante, 21st generation of Alighieri
gave us our tour. 

We ended the tour with another wine tasting.

We drove up to San Giovanni for a great view of the Valpolicella valleys and a visit to a roman church.

Thank you, Suzi!! It was a memorable day.

(Note: This post is a late addition because I had problems with my internet provider and wasn't able to post.)

Monday in Verona

Slow start this morning. We all needed that. It was raining so we cancelled our visit to Giardini Giusti and moved that to Thursday afternoon.

Lunch was in fabulous location in the hills around Verona, the Torricelle, with the most amazing view of the city!

Today's highlight was the cooking class at E Cucina.

A typical Veronese menu: Asparagus appetizer (of course because it is in season), hand- made pasta turned into ricotta-filled tortelli, rabbit alla mediterranean and for dessert, tiramisu!

Everyone participated. Everyone helped each other. There were a few firsts- first time using a pasta machine, first time eating rabbit, first time making pasta.

Chef Luca Fasoli was amazing as always!!! A true pleasure being in his class. He puts his students at ease. The recipes and ingredients were well explained. We all loved his little accent when speaking english.

Martina, the owner, was assisting.

 I am certain many of the group will be trying them out on their friends and family when they get home.

Buon appetito!

Day 5, Venice

An early start today. Train ride to Venice.

Preparing for the day.

Walked all day! IN THE POURING RAIN! Thanks Barb for your newspaper trick. Dries shoes perfectly!

photo by Flo 

Thanks Flo for your pictures!

I took this in the morning before the downpour!

Excellent almond paste treats in the Jewish Ghetto.
Thanks Julia for taking us there.

We did have a rainbow at the end of the day!

We had a nice dinner with Valpolicella Ripasso wine at home with the group.