Today I ship off Don MacGlashen’s portrait and a little sketch I packed up as a gift for Luigi Mazzola, the artista matta with the B & B in Sant’Agnello. I finally finished my pastel of Ponte Pietra after twenty hours’ work. Yesterday, got an email from Patrizia, Zara’s mom, who says she dug my portrait. Also, I have some nice shots of Atto and Ollie, the two big floppy dogs down Bixio so I can get started on those musi ASAP. L. is slammed with graphics gigs and is at the computer for long stretches while I draw in the next room. A working vacation, for sure.

In another positive development, Mariella brings a flattering and clear photo of Erica to the park this AM so now I will be able to start the portrait. For the last time, I demand that she allow us to pay at least half the repair amount in cash but I am silenced by Mariella’s most charming smile and a grasping of my arm. I’m trepidatious, actually; this picture must be sweet. In the photo, Erica has a big smile and that’s never easy to draw!