my life as a story: June 2014

Sunday, June 15, 2014

my old black sun hat.

Since I last wrote on this blog I have been to Scotland and back- involving a lot of time spent on trains and buses and planes......
And now I am back to the reality of life in Pisticci.....and painting....and my new little house restoration.. and warm weather....and needing to sell some paintings.
So I have brought my old black sun hat down from the attic, washed it, ( not the best idea I ever had), and decided that it will be my symbol for the summer.
The first time I remember wearing it was when I went to Kos on holiday by myself. It was the first time I had ever been away on a holiday alone and I don't think I spoke to anyone the whole time other than in shops . But I was very proud of my self for being so brave. I had a bikini to match my hat and felt like the mysterious lady in black. (always had a good imagination)
This summer I have a lot of plans needing a certain amount of bravery and sometimes I find a symbol helps. Also its very hot, I want to paint outside and have 50 euros to last me to the end of the month.
I have managed eventually to get a photo of me wearing this - rather more floppy than it was before I washed it- hat.
I had a plan to paint my way round Pisticci and have been finding reasons not to begin but now that I am the artist with the black hat ......mmmm..... think that may just tip the balance.
Then I am the person setting up an artist's retreat (artists, writers,musicians, film makers, whatever..) I think a floppy black hat might lend a little credence to the role.
I have a strange kind of existence here where I am not really part of anything but on the fringe.Perhaps a mildly mysterious lady in black would suit ..... have a gorgeous long swirly black gypsy type dress.....no that would be a step too far.
And its hot - my hair colour is not exactly natural and am afraid of it turning green in the sun.
So now I have no excuse for not getting on with the summer in Pisticci.
Have included a few photos taken in the last two weeks when the weather has been great , been out for lots of walks, coffees, ice cream, a trip to Matera and been enjoying my flowers.