Embrace tiger, return to mountain

IF: Twirl (Piroetta)

2012-01-27T12:23:00.005+01:00

"Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do." ( Jean de la Bruyere)

"I bambini non hanno passato né futuro; si godono il presente, cosa che pochi di noi fanno." (Jean de La Bruyère)

Let's throw out something old, let's bring in something new - Buttiamo via qualcosa di vecchio, facciamo spazio a qualcosa di nuovo

2012-01-03T12:47:00.013+01:00

Old me: "Oh, look at that advertisement: a drawing and painting course.... I'd like so much to take it... I always wanted to... But... I am still looking for a job... maybe I should save money and time... Who knows if the teacher is a good one? Is learning to paint really a priority right now? What if my children get sick and I can't go? Where shall I store all the paintings I'll paint? Anyway, I can always do it later... One day when all my problems are solved..."

New me: "Hallo? My name is Barbara. I would like to enroll in your drawing and painting course."

The course starts tomorrow.

Happy new year to you all!

***

Vecchia me stessa: "Oh, guarda quella pubblicità: un corso di disegno e pittura... Mi piacerebbe tanto seguirlo... E' sempre stato un mio desiderio... Ma.... Sto ancora cercando un lavoro... forse dovrei risparmiare tempo e denaro in questo momento... E poi chissà se l'insegnante è bravo... Imparare a dipingere è davvero una priorità in questo momento? E se i bambini si ammalano e non posso andare? E dove metterò tutti i quadri che dipingerò? E comunque posso sempre farlo dopo, in futuro... Un giorno, quando avrò risolto tutti i miei problemi....."

Nuova me stessa: "Pronto? Mi chiamo Barbara. Vorrei iscrivermi al corso di disegno e pittura."

Il corso inizia domani.

Buon anno a tutti voi!

One must have chaos in oneself to give birth to a dancing star - Bisogna avere il caos dentro di sé per generare una stella danzante (F. Nietzsche)

2011-12-21T21:56:00.007+01:00

Well, chaos rules here and I am trying to turn it into dancing stars.
A peaceful and happy Christmas to you all!

Il caos qui non manca ed io tento di trasformarlo in stelle danzanti.
Auguro un Natale felice e pieno di pace a tutti voi!

(Photos of my creations taken in the shop "Eu vivo" in Pescara, during the event "I Love Abruzzo", organized by Roberta Castiglione , with the participation of Barbara Vicari - that would be me - and Letizia De Antoniis).
(Foto delle mie creazioni nel negozio "Eu vivo" a Pescara, in occasione dell'evento "I Love Abruzzo", organizzato da Roberta Castiglione con la partecipazione della sottoscritta e di Letizia De Antoniis).

Me too...torial (Tutorial anch'io)

2011-12-14T00:24:00.009+01:00

A little Christmas origami tutorial, hoping you will forgive me for not posting these days. I am trying hard to stay on top of a lot of things, beautiful and not-so-beautiful. I must say I am learning a lot. I'll tell you :)
This Christmas tree was taught to me a long time ago. I like it very much for its simplicity and beauty, I hope you'll like it too. In my next post you'll see a couple ideas for using it.

Un piccolo tutorial origami natalizio, per farmi perdonare la mia assenza di questi giorni. Ce la sto mettendo tutta per gestire diverse cose, alcune belle, altre meno. Devo dire che sto imparando un sacco di cose... vi racconterò :)
Questo origami, che mi è stato insegnato tanto tempo fa e mi piace molto per la sua bellezza e semplicità, è stato anche ospite di una sessione di Social Crochet (andate a scoprire cos'è!). Spero che piaccia anche a voi. Nel prossimo post vedrete anche qualche idea per utilizzarlo.

IF: Round (rotondo)

2011-11-25T21:48:00.006+01:00

Sea stones decorated with round crochet patterns, painted with acrylic ink. Thanks to Geninne for the inspiration!

Ciottoli raccolti sulla riva del mare, decorati con motivi di pizzo all'uncinetto, dipinti con inchiostro acrilico. Grazie a Geninne per l'ispirazione!

IF: Stripes (Strisce)

2011-11-11T12:04:00.008+01:00

At night, in dark areas, you can see the Milky Way as a bright stripe across the sky...

Di notte, se vi trovate in luogo veramente buio, la Via Lattea appare come una striscia luminosa che attraversa il cielo...

The Kung Bushmen of the Kalahari desert in the Republic of Botswana call it "The Backbone of Night".

I boscimani della tribù Kung, che vive nel deserto del Kalahari, la chiamano “la spina dorsale della notte”.

With a little help from my friends

2011-11-04T15:21:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, I received this present.

Ieri ho ricevuto questo regalo.

Grazie, Tiziana! E grazie a chi verrà a trovarmi :)

IF: Contraption (Congegno)

2011-10-11T03:01:00.002+02:00

IF: Ferocious (Feroce)

2011-09-29T22:01:00.013+02:00

I am currently following this online course.
During week 2 we were invited to find out our totem animal, a symbolic guide and source of power and protection on our journey.
Unexpectedly (or perhaps not), I discovered that my totem is the tiger. Quite interesting discovery, because until now I considered the tiger a symbol for the problems, difficulties and trials I am currently going through.
But what is even more interesting is what I found on the Internet about the tiger totem. This is long, but I want to post it because it is an almost perfect description of myself, right now.
"The Tiger is the symbol of darkness and the new Moon. When a Tiger totem enters your life, expect new adventures. It will awaken new passion and power.
Tigers are associated with water and have all the properties of the element of Water – healing, power through gentle flow, feminine energies.
The tiger is a solitary spirit, protecting its territory. In this aspect, you are a person who needs plenty of "space". You can feel suffocated easily by one who does not understand this. You are very loyal, loving and sensual, but must be with someone who really understands you.
The tiger is a nocturnal animal and gives those with the "spirit of the tiger" a special power during the night hours. Your creativity is enhanced during those hours.
Unlike most of the cat family, the tiger loves swimming and will often just lay in the water and enjoy it. The tiger spirit person has an affinity for water and often lives near the water or would like to. The water element is one of psychic ability and emotional elements. You can be overly sensitive and emotional, but if you call upon the power and knowledge of the tiger, you can control your life.
The tiger spirit is adventurous and loves to travel and experience new cultures, learn new philosophies, meet new people and yet can still maintain that "solitary" image and feeling. And yet the tiger has very strong ties to its young. The tiger spirit has great motherly devotion and raises and teaches their children all that they can while the children are within their territory.
Tigers hunt silently and slowly and this can be a very beneficial trait to learn in the tiger spirit life. Weigh things carefully, don't be in too much of a hurry. At the time in your life when the tiger spirit speaks, slow down and become deliberate in your choices. If you feel you are being selfish, that is probably for your own good. Everyone must learn to "do for themselves" before they can help others. The tiger can give you the strength and courage to do what is necessary and teach you not to cringe from actions that may cause pain, but must be done. Follow your instincts. The tiger is a great leader."

In questo periodo sto seguendo questo corso online.
Nella seconda settimana siamo stati invitati ad individuare il nostro animale totem, una guida simbolica e fonte di potere e protezione nel viaggio intrapreso.
Inaspettatamente (o forse no), ho scoperto che il mio totem è la tigre. Una scoperta piuttosto interessante, dato che fino ad ora avevo sempre considerato la tigre un simbolo dei problemi e delle difficoltà che sto attraversando.
Ma ancora più interessante è quanto ho trovato sulla rete riguardo al totem della tigre. E' lungo, ma voglio copiarlo ugualmente qui perché è una descrizione quasi perfetta di me, ora.
"La Tigre è il simbolo dell'oscurità e della luna nuova. Quando una tigre totem entra nella vostra vita, aspettatevi nuove avventure. Risveglierà nuove passioni ed energie.
Le tigri sono associate all'acqua e di questo elemento hanno tutte le proprietà: guarigione, energia attraverso un flusso gentile, energie femminili.
La tigre è uno spirito solitario, che protegge il proprio territorio. Sotto questo aspetto, siete una persona che ha bisogno di molto "spazio". Potete facilmente sentirvi soffocate da una persona che non riesce a comprenderlo. Siete leali, affettuosi e sensuali, ma dovete accompagnarvi a qualcuno che vi capisca realmente.
La tigre è un animale notturno e dona ai suoi protetti un potere speciale durante le ore notturne. E' proprio di notte che la vostra creatività raggiunge i suoi livelli più alti.
A differenza della maggior parte dei felini, la tigre ama nuotare e ama l'acqua. I suoi protetti hanno un'affinità con questo elemento e spesso vivono o amerebbero vivere vicino all'acqua. Questo elemento può rendervi ipersensibili ed emotivi, ma se vi affidate al potere e alla sapienza della tigre riuscirete ad avere il controllo della vostra vita.
Lo spirito della tigre è avventuroso, ama viaggiare, sperimentare nuove culture, imparare nuove filosofie, incontrare nuove persone mantenendo allo stesso tempo il proprio carattere "solitario". Tuttavia la tigre è fortemente legata ai suoi cuccioli. Lo spirito della tigre ha un forte senso materno, cresce i suoi cuccioli e insegna loro tutto ciò che sa finché essi rimangono nel suo territorio.
Le tigri cacciano in silenzio e lentamente. Questa abilità può essere utile da apprendere. Riflettete sempre con attenzione, non abbiate troppa fretta. Quando nella vostra vita sentite la voce dello spirito della tigre, rallentate e ponete attenzione nel compiere le vostre scelte. Se vi sembra di essere egoisti, probabilmente è per il vostro bene. Tutti dovrebbero imparare a prendersi cura di se stessi prima di poter aiutare gli altri. La tigre può darvi la forza e il coraggio per fare ciò che è necessario, anche se può causare dolore.
Seguite il vostro istinto. La tigre è una grande guida."

Stone painting (Pittura su sassi)

2011-09-02T10:08:00.005+02:00

Stone painting is so relaxing...

Dipingere sassi è così rilassante...

IF: Swell (Flutto)

2011-08-18T16:48:00.000+02:00

"You cannot change the wind, but you can adjust the sails."

"Non puoi cambiare la direzione del vento, ma puoi regolare le vele."

IF: Imperfect (Imperfetto)

2011-08-09T18:53:00.003+02:00

Imperfection is inspiring

L'imperfezione ispira

IF: Perennial (Perenne)

2011-07-28T21:32:00.006+02:00

Rock, water, sky, yin, yang.
Last-minute submission for Illustration Friday topic "Perennial". Watercolor pencils + fingers (I had no brush at hand).
I've started practicing tai chi chuan again and maybe in September I'll start teaching classes. One more little step :)

Contributo dell'ultimo minuto per Illustration Friday sul tema "perenne". Matite acquerellabili e dita (non avevo un pennello a portata di mano). Ho ripreso a praticare il tai chi chuan e forse a settembre inizierò a insegnarlo. Un altro piccolo passo :)

IF: Remedy (Rimedio)

2011-07-07T00:38:00.005+02:00

Imagination is always a useful remedy in difficult times.
L'immaginazione è sempre un rimedio utile in tempi difficili.

Still here... Sono ancora qui...

2011-07-04T00:55:00.007+02:00

Sorry, friends!
Lots of things happening here, some good, some not so good.
I'll be back very soon.
Scusate, amici e amiche!
Stanno accadendo diverse cose, alcune belle, altre meno.
Tornerò molto presto.

"In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes" - "Ognuno in futuro avrà il suo quarto d'ora di celebrità" (Andy Warhol)

2011-06-02T20:28:00.014+02:00

Oggi è uscito in edicola il numero di giugno del trimestrale "Milleidee", con un contributo creativo della sottoscritta!
Un tutorial per una bomboniera origami fai-da-te, realizzato a 6 mani in collaborazione con Roberta e Annarita, rispettivamente esperte di feltro/lana e cucina. Lavorare insieme, unendo le nostre passioni e competenze in un progetto tenuto insieme dal filo rosso delle nostre radici (siamo tutte e tre abruzzesi) mi è piaciuto moltissimo, mi ha divertito e rilassato e regalato molta energia. Se c'è qualcosa che mi piace di più del creare, è il creare in compagnia.

Introducing... the June issue of "Milleidee" magazine, featuring a creative project by yours truly!
A tutorial for a DIY origami wedding favour, created in collaboration with Roberta (creative volcano) and Annarita (food blogger). Working together, with our different passions and competencies and our common roots (we all come from Abruzzo), was fun, energizing and relaxing. There's only one thing better than creating, and that's creating together.

IF: Asleep (Addormentata)

2011-05-28T18:20:00.004+02:00

Hard times. Sleeping and dreaming may be a way of escaping from reality. Or they may be a way of recovering energy and envisioning a better future, without losing sight of the present moment and its battles.

E' un periodo difficile. Dormire e sognare possono essere un modo per evadere dalla realtà. Oppure possono essere un modo per recuperare energie e visualizzare un futuro migliore, senza perdere di vista il momento presente e le sue battaglie.

Seaside origami (origami da spiaggia)

2011-05-10T21:55:00.003+02:00

On a warm, calm Sunday afternoon, little paper creatures appear on the shoreline.
In un caldo e tranquillo pomeriggio domenicale, piccole creature di carta appaiono sulla battigia.

IF: Lesson (Lezione)

2011-05-04T21:58:00.002+02:00

Happy Easter! Buona Pasqua!

2011-04-23T11:41:00.005+02:00

A little, easy tutorial for you, to have fun with your children - or with your inner child :)
This was made with the help of Roberta, with whom there is a project going on, involving origami - I'll share with you in due time!
Happy Easter
Barbara

Un piccolo, facilissimo tutorial per divertirvi con i vostri bambini - o con il vostro bambino interiore :)
E' stato creato con l'indispensabile aiuto di Roberta, con la quale abbiamo in corso un progetto che coinvolge anche l'origami. A tempo debito vi farò sapere!
Buona Pasqua
Barbara

IF: Journey (Viaggio)

2011-04-15T20:49:00.002+02:00

Another card for iHanna DIY postcard swap.
Un'altra cartolina per lo swap organizzato da iHanna.

IF: (Not) Bottled - (Non) Imbottigliato

2011-04-11T12:12:00.006+02:00

This ship does not want to stay in a bottle - safe place, but so boring...
(Washi paper + watercolor, postcard made for iHanna DIY Postcard Swap).

Questo veliero non ha voglia di starsene in una bottiglia. Al sicuro, è vero, ma che noia...
(Cartolina realizzata con acquerello e carta washi per lo swap 2011 di iHanna).

Two years ago (Due anni fa)

2011-04-05T12:15:00.004+02:00

Two years ago, it was the day before.
Due anni fa, era il giorno prima.

IF: Cultivate (Coltivare)

2011-03-25T11:14:00.007+01:00

Finally, spring!

Finalmente, la primavera!

IF: Stir (Rimescolare, agitare, suscitare)

2011-03-16T13:06:00.004+01:00

The earthquake in Japan stirred memories.

Il terremoto in Giappone ha risvegliato ricordi.

Thank you to Butoh dancers for inspiration and to Cristina for the acrylic gesso tutorial.
Grazie ai danzatori Butoh per l'ispirazione e a Cristina per il suo tutorial sull'uso del gesso acrilico.

IF: Layer (Strato)

2011-02-25T02:42:00.004+01:00

"Those who give you a serpent when you ask for a fish, may have nothing but serpents to give. It is then generosity on their part." (Gibran Khalil Gibran)

Understanding life's different layers of meaning is not easy.

"Chi ti dà una serpe quando chiedi un pesce, può darsi non abbia che serpi da dare. La sua, in questo caso, è generosità." (Gibran Khalil Gibran)

Comprendere i diversi strati di significato della vita non è semplice.

IF: Sweater (Maglione)

2011-02-11T22:58:00.006+01:00

Something a bit different, this time: a little Valentine project.
Marine pebbles wrapped in a warm, felted wool sweater.

The wool I used is "Lana d'Abruzzo". If you know Italian, you can read more about this wonderful project by Roberta Castiglione on her blog: http://robertafilavafilava.blogspot.com/

Qualcosa di un po' diverso, questa volta: un piccolo progetto di S. Valentino. Ciottoli marini avvolti in un caldo maglione di lana infeltrita.
La lana utilizzata è "Lana d'Abruzzo". Chi conosce l'italiano può trovare maggiori informazioni su questo bellissimo progetto di Roberta Castiglione sul suo blog: http://robertafilavafilava.blogspot.com/

IF: Surrender (Resa)

2011-02-04T02:15:00.007+01:00

Inspired by a photograph of Iben Nagel Rasmussen, the great Odin Teatret actor.
Ispirato da una foto di Iben Nagel Rasmussen, la grande attrice dell'Odin Teatret.

IF: Chicken (Pollo)

2011-01-21T00:55:00.003+01:00

"Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow"?

Maybe. Or maybe not.
Maybe sometimes we should be able to look beyond the egg, to wait patiently until we get the hen.

"Meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani"?
Forse.
O forse no.
Forse a volte dovremmo essere capaci di guardare oltre l'uovo, e aspettare pazientemente di riuscire ad ottenere la gallina.

IF: Resolutions (Propositi)

2011-01-05T02:35:00.005+01:00

Focalizzarmi sui miei obiettivi
Diventare impavida
Prendermi cura di me

IF: Winter (Inverno)

2010-12-31T02:37:00.003+01:00

A tempo debito
l'inverno
finirà.

IF: Mail (Posta)

2010-12-24T03:31:00.005+01:00

Dear Santa,
I would really like to have my town back.
Thank you.

Caro Babbo Natale,
mi piacerebbe molto riavere la mia città.
Grazie.

IF: Savour (Assaporare)

2010-12-02T23:27:00.007+01:00

Copying a masterpiece allows me to savour it to the fullest.

I savour each line and each stroke, while I try to look at the paper with someone else's eyes.
Looking at this old copy of Egon Schiele's "Freundschaft" ("Friendship") makes me think of old and new friends: of Summa, Lauretta and Ninetta, from my old life, of Giorgia and Roberta, whom I met here in Pescara where my second life started; of Cristina, Tiziana and Suzanna, kindred spirits whose words reach me across the web; of Letizia and Giuseppe, so much more than just a sister and a brother. I think of friendship and savour being surrounded by people I can count on.

Copiare un capolavoro mi permette di assaporarlo fino in fondo.
Assaporo ogni linea e ogni pennellata, mentre tento di guardare la carta con gli occhi di qualcun altro.
Guardare questa vecchia copia di "Freundschaft" ("Amicizia") di Egon Schiele mi fa pensare alle mie amiche, vecchie e nuove: Summa, Lauretta e Ninetta, della mia vecchia vita, Giorgia e Roberta, che ho conosciuto qui a Pescara, dove ha avuto inizio la mia seconda vita; Cristina, Tiziana e Suzanna, anime affini le cui parole mi raggiungono attraverso la Rete; Letizia e Giuseppe, che sono molto di più che semplicemente una sorella e un fratello. Penso all'amicizia e assaporo l'essere circondata da persone su cui posso contare.

Si può fare - It can be done

2010-11-18T23:42:00.003+01:00

It can be done, it can be done You can take it, you can leave it
It can be done, it can be done You can run and fly.
You can sing and you can shout You can sell and buy
You can steal and present You can cry and dance.
It can be done, it can be done You can take or leave
You can want and fight Stop and give up.
It can be done, it can be done You can take or leave
You can grow and change And continue to sail.
It can be done, it can be done You can take or leave
It can be done, it can be done Leave and return.
You can betray and conquer You can say and then deny
You can play and work Hate and then love.
It can be done, it can be done You can take or leave
It can be done, it can be done You can eat and fast.
You can sleep and suffer You can laugh and dream
You can fall and make mistakes And then start again.
It can be done, it can be done You can take or leave
It can be done, it can be done You can ask and find.
You can teach and tell You can pretend and lie
You can destroy and burn And then try again.
It can be done.

"Living well is the best revenge" (G. Herbert) (Vivere bene è la migliore vendetta)

2010-11-17T01:52:00.007+01:00

A war is going on here.
Not much time for creativity.
But I opened a Zazzle shop.

Qui è in corso una guerra.
Non c'è molto tempo per la creatività.
Ma ho aperto un negozio Zazzle.

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

IF: Spent (Speso)

2010-11-05T02:35:00.005+01:00

No need to be sad for an old pencil.

Una vita ben spesa. Ovvero: non c'è bisogno di essere tristi per una vecchia matita.

IF: Racing (Corsa)

2010-10-29T00:13:00.014+02:00

IF: Spooky (Sinistro)

2010-10-21T00:43:00.012+02:00

Playing with suminagashi, again.
These three spooky creatures emerged, from the floating ink whirls and from my mind.

Which one scares you the most (if any)?

Ancora esperimenti con il suminagashi.
Queste tre sinistre creature sono emerse dai vortici dell'inchiostro fluttuante, e dalla mia mente.
Quale vi sembra la più spaventosa (posto che le troviate tali)?

Happy birthday, dad (Buon compleanno, papi)

2010-10-19T11:26:00.012+02:00

We miss you.

Ci manchi.

IF: Transportation (Trasporto)

2010-10-15T01:25:00.004+02:00

Imagination and a paper boat will transport you wherever you want.

L'immaginazione e una barchetta di carta vi porteranno dovunque vorrete.

IF: Beneath

2010-10-04T02:38:00.003+02:00

Experimenting with suminagashi ("ink-floating"), an ancient Japanese technique of decorating paper. Ink is dropped carefully to float on a still water surface and then blown across to form delicate swirls, after which the ink is picked up by laying a sheet of rice paper atop the ink covered water.
The result is unpredictable and makes me think of geological strata beneath the earth surface.

IF: Acrobat

2010-09-24T03:31:00.013+02:00

Another quick, last minute submission, in the wee hours.

I've got A LOT to learn about watercolors and wet-in-wet technique but hey, this is what this blog is for (among many other things): practicing.

*** Update: I never redo the illustrations in this blog, for lack of time and because this blog is, as already said, for practicing. But I really didn't like the previous version, so this is an exception (still far from perfect, but better).

IF: Proverb

2010-09-17T01:55:00.002+02:00

Meditation for the weekend

2010-09-09T22:30:00.003+02:00

IF: Immovable

2010-09-02T04:42:00.004+02:00

"Immota manet" ("It remains immovable") is my hometown's motto.
L'Aquila has survived many earthquakes. I hope it will survive this one too.
But it will never be the same. It did not remain unmoved.

IF: Atmosphere

2010-08-20T22:29:00.012+02:00

Painted 12 years ago during a sailboat holiday, this little watercolour takes me back to an atmosphere of peacefulness and of feeling at one with nature.

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time - André Gide

IF: Star Gazing

2010-08-18T02:51:00.005+02:00

Inspired by a photograph of my beautiful daughter, taken by my talented brother.

When your mind's made up

2010-08-03T00:23:00.003+02:00

There are decisions that are particularly hard to make.
But after so much thinking, sleepless nights, aimless days, tears and hope and anger and fear, there comes a time when all that's left is a clear mind.
(Well, actually some tears and anger and fear remain. But no more doubts).

IF: Double

2010-07-26T01:06:00.012+02:00

TAI CHI CHUAN DOUBLE SWORD FORM

Above is an excerpt from the notes I used to take when I studied tai chi, to remember movements and sequences.
I have practiced tai chi chuan for ten years. It is a beautiful and deep martial art that requires a lifelong study and never becomes boring.
I loved it and it helped me in many ways. Of course, it also helped me manage stress during difficult times.
But the earthquake + my father's illness + the problems with my husband were a bit too much. Far from the dojo, from my master and my fellow practitioners I could/would not find the time, place, concentration, energy and will to continue practicing.
But I am confident that as I go further, step by step, towards regaining control of my life, tai chi will return to me.

IF: Diary

2010-07-15T23:48:00.003+02:00

A person's face is the diary of their life.

IF: Giant - La Fraise des Pyrénées

2010-07-09T03:36:00.009+02:00

Summer time... this is what comes to my mind.
(And a big thank you to René Magritte, of course)

Guest artist and parental concerns

2010-07-05T15:53:00.005+02:00

Every now and then I am worried that my daughter (Lucrezia, almost 10) is watching a bit too much TV and that she might lose her creative spirit.
Then, between two cartoon marathons, she says: "I want to make something with the pyrograph" and she makes this:

and I sigh with relief.

Just curious...

2010-06-30T00:49:00.007+02:00

...which flower portrait do you like best?

Meditation

2010-06-29T02:39:00.009+02:00

Nothing like
painting
wild flowers
while watching Richard Gere in "American Gigolo"
to forget all problems for a couple of hours.

Ciao, papi

2010-06-24T02:43:00.015+02:00

On June 15 my dad passed away, in a hospital in Padova, far from home.
He wanted to recover.
He wanted to visit Berlin, to buy a bicycle, to learn to play the guitar, to return to L'Aquila.
He loved books, Jorge Luis Borges, music,humor, teaching, his family, his hometown.
He was shy, gentle and very loved.
This was his library. This was him.

IF: Ripples

2010-06-15T01:26:00.009+02:00

Past, present, future

2010-06-06T15:50:00.009+02:00

I found this today while decluttering. Made more than a year ago using watercolor and an old letter from an old friend, it is very imperfect but I like it because this is how I feel my relationship with my past should look like.

IF: Slither

2010-05-29T00:07:00.007+02:00

The wise snail slithered from the 11 February post to this one because she wanted to be submitted to Illustration Friday and I couldn't say no.

Fridge magnets

2010-05-28T23:29:00.010+02:00

I had some magnetic strips from an old refrigerator (they were part of the door gasket sealing system).

Black and ugly, but useful.
So my daughter and I decorated them with metallic permanent markers and they now embellish the outside of our new refrigerator's door and hold notes, shopping lists, postcards etc.

My daughter's imagination is on a higher level than mine, of course, so she created a sort of magnetic puzzle.

These magnetic strips are full of potential, I think we are going to play again with them.

IF: Equipment

2010-05-21T02:55:00.015+02:00

I thought that in this journey towards (re)discovering my creativity, it could be good, every now and then, to recall to memory some of the many projects from the times when I was a little girl and was always making, building, crafting something, or trying to, or looking for someone who would teach me.
This is my first attempt, which also happens to be a last-minute submission to Illustration Friday.

IF: Cocoon

2010-05-07T02:25:00.005+02:00

My first submission for Illustration Friday. Topic: cocoon.

Rest

2010-04-14T02:22:00.011+02:00

We all need a break from our daily battles, from time to time.

(Inspired by a bas-relief on Freiburg Cathedral)

Received! Part 6 (The End)

2010-04-14T01:53:00.013+02:00

I waited before posting these, because I wanted to post the last 3 postcards all together. But the 10th never arrived. So here they are, the beautiful works by Sara (? can't read the name)

and Sally

Thank you!

DIY

2010-03-19T01:50:00.010+01:00

Almost one year has passed, and the earthquake debris still have not been removed.
The town center is still closed to the people who used to live or work there.
Many or us have not even seen it after the earthquake.
We have had enough of it.
Thus, the people of L'Aquila decided to remove the debris by themselves and have been doing it, with wheelbarrows and buckets, for three weeks now.
On 28th February I was there with my family (my husband and my eldest daughter are in the drawing above). I met so many of my fellow citizen whom I hadn't been seeing for months, I saw the main street full of life, smiling faces, voices, again. I felt part of a community, again.
We all were there to demonstrate, but also to work, in a very concrete way.
It was beautiful.
It felt like home. Almost.

Received! Part 5

2010-02-25T23:09:00.007+01:00

I received this postcard from Zarah. She also wrote kind words on the back. My daughter loves rain, so she immediately chose this one as her favourite.
Actually, I like all of them.

Received! Part 4

2010-02-23T23:58:00.009+01:00

Every day a new treat!
This one is by Jennifer .

I love how the postcards I am receiving are all different, but complementing each other.
They are currently being displayed on my fridge. I hope they will distract me from eating snacks and chocolate at night...

Received! Part 3

2010-02-22T19:14:00.004+01:00

The right encouragement at the right time!

from Monique

Received! Part 2

2010-02-19T14:51:00.006+01:00

Another one! So fun to check the mailbox every day!
Big thanks to Chris!

Received! Part 1

2010-02-18T19:19:00.009+01:00

Wow, today the first 3 postcards from my swap partners arrived into my mailbox. Enjoy!

Thank you so much to Tara, Amy and Brii!

Finished!

2010-02-11T01:58:00.019+01:00

It's 2 in the night, but the postcards for the swap are finished, at last!

(inspired by this photo by Maya)

Guest artist

2010-02-09T11:44:00.006+01:00

Francesco, age 2.

DIY Postcard Swap

2010-02-09T00:21:00.019+01:00

I joined my first DIY Postcard Swap, organized by Hanna. Each participant prepares 10 handmade (painted, collaged, altered etc.) postcards for as many creative people around the world. I just received the addresses of my 10 swap partners: from Malaysia to Great Britain, from New Zealand to Singapore.. I can't wait to see what will come into my mailbox!
In the meantime, I have prepared 6 out of my 10 postcards. Here they are.

There is also a flickr group if you are curious about what the other swappers have prepared.

New year's resolutions

2010-01-17T16:19:00.005+01:00

To fly high.
To show claws.

Watercolor.
L'Aquila (The Eagle) is also the name of my hometown.
Inspired by a photograph by Baldovino Midali.

Holidays are over

2010-01-07T00:06:00.001+01:00

La Befana arrived during the night and left little presents for the children.

Christmas holidays are over, tomorrow will be the actual start of the new year.

New year, new life, one step at a time.

I wish you a happy 2010!

Handmade (little) gifts

2009-12-18T10:23:00.003+01:00

Tree ornament...

Handmade stationery, in collaboration with my daughter, for my mom...

Recycled clothing label...

...a couple more decorations made with recycled materials

This is what I have been doing yesterday instead of cleaning my house (or sleeping, for that matter).
A very happy Christmas to all of you! Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

Barbara

Let's get rid of labels

2009-11-24T01:42:00.005+01:00

For Inspire Me Thursday: "Label"

Collaborative contribution...

2009-11-17T14:48:00.005+01:00

...from my daughter (9). She painted this tree, a little batik made with the colors my sister brought her from Malaysia.

We painted together a couple of weeks ago to decorate a little corner of our home with the colours of autumn. It was a perfect moment, one of those I will treasure forever. My children, the trees, the bright autumn colors give me the strength I need in this difficult period.

Spain

2009-11-09T00:02:00.002+01:00

Hi! Still experimenting with watercolor pencils. This drawing for Inspire Me Thursday ("Spain") was inspired by this portrait of Cristina Hoyos, the great flamenco dancer.

starting the journey

2009-11-04T20:55:00.004+01:00

Here I am, with my first post and my first contribution to Inspire me Thursday. This is a difficult time in my life, full of darkness. I'm trying to get through it. After much resistance, I decided to follow my best friend's advice, and to start a blog. I am not an artist, nor a writer. I hope that a regular (?) commitment to a bit of creativity will help me embrace my tiger and return to my mountain. Wish me luck.