Threading through life

Helen Tilston by the Arno River Firenze

Returning to Florence two weeks ago and meandering through her familiar streets, I am reminded of my last visit.

Helen Tilston and Violetta Chandler in Firenze on way to Medici Apartment

Plein Aire Cottage Artists:  Mary Rose Holmes, Helen Tilston and Violetta Chandler

In 2007, my art partners Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta and me represented the USA at the
invitational juried Florence Biennale.   800 artists from 73 nations assembled for one week at the Fortezza da Bassa in Firenze.     A party was organized among some twenty recently met American friends and Aida volunteered her apartment which still had the bake oven used by the notorious family at  the Medici Apartment

Always leave the door open for opportunity

Aida, an avid traveller informed me she used Villa Renters and had success.   On our next trip to Ireland I found The Old Monastery" in Youghal, Co Cork.

View from The Old Monastery In Youghal 

We loved this place so much we vacationed each year for the past five years and have many beautiful memories of joyful times.  A special thank you to owners William and Brenda Hughes.

The Blackwater River feeds into the Irish Sea at Youghal.

We love Youghal so much, and by now you have probably guessed, we have purchased a home here.
We very recently took possession of our 130 year old home.  

Aida I want to thank you for being the seed or needle that started this whole tapestry.


(I have received no compensation from Villa Renters, Italy Perfect nor the Irish Tourist Board)

Beach Walkers/Runners at Indian Rocks Beach

My day begins with a four mile run/walk along the beach.   For two decades I have been a regular on this beach.  I am rarely alone.  The same faces whiz past me and Good Morning's are exchanged and many regulars I know by first name.   Bill who has a larger than life personality and represented a  famous American singer is a regular and his humour and smile lights up the coastline.

 This day he stops me and I am invited to join the beachwalkers for  lunch in a local restaurant.
I enquire if there is a purpose to the luncheon.  In his booming tone he responds:  "Helen, we have absolutely no purpose other than to have a good time"

My art partner Mary Rose, also a beach walker, and I have a delightful lunch and enjoy hearing more about our fellow runners/walkers.

A cardinal has nested, again this year, at my door, in a ficus tree,  and has two extremely fat babies who seem reluctant to leave the nest.  The brazen, law breaking father keeps a watchful eye as we enter and exit.

My 'COMMENT'  button is working again.  Yeah!