Lively Calimera

martignano  stop -  near by

Biked into Calimera ... a very busy morning navigating through the centro square. So many on bikes today, young and old.  Food shopping bags in everyone's basket.  In mine, one watermelon, cantaloupe,  a bunch of wild greens, apples and a bottle of vino bianco.  Heavy load for me on this hot day and stopped at Valentino's Cafe for cappuccino and a delicious sweet almond bun, a bag of chips just for the salt!!


Such great considerations paid to folks on their bikes here.. cars always yield to the cyclist.. and the elders on bikes RULE these roads.. great respect.. no road rage between cyclists and cars here.


A good number of flash cars both in Martignano and Calimera, navigating the narrow roads.  I do eye a smart car, wishing one with a sunroof. what a treat that would be!!!   I was told this evening many folks have now returned from their holidays.

like the idea a rounded stack of wood.  I will do this with my stack next winter

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This area is discovered.. lots of refurbished homes, and many in the process of renovations. Noting also the number of beautiful stonewalls going up...elegant entrances half way finished... the charm of authentic village life here... no pretensions.  Maybe an occasional pride shown by new car owners.

The close proximity to both Lecce and the coast makes this area very appealing, against the backdrop of a relaxed and casual peoples (no one in too much of a hurry here or looking too distracted) yet there lies a sense of simplistic style and flow.  


Studio Day: a surprise visit by a well known regional artist poet and teacher - couple to my studio today. I am exploring the possibility of a collaboration with his poetry and my painting.. ROSA EARTH.. TERRA ROSA.


 the first of many washes applied to my canvases today. The studio strong with turps..hope i am not putting the other artists off..   Applied lots of gold oil stick with turps /linseed  - painting installation continue to form .. it just too soon to be posting any of my paintings  at this stage.. not ready for a while!!

a few more drawings and oil on wood pieces 

ancestral