Saying Hello and Good-bye

Lauren drove all the way up from Los Angeles to meet Clarke, Lisa, her Mom, Pat Rybovich and Evan for the first ime and to say good-bye to Chuck and me. We'd been planning this meeting forever. The weather cooperated and we had a marvelous sunset picnic by the pond at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco: sandwiches by Lucca's deli, little boxes filled with nougats, champagne and very little fog. However it froze the Davis-Floridians and so hot cocoa at Peets on Chestnut became the final destination spot. Pat has been working on a glorious book about her family's bookworks so we got a sneak preview of the book and documentary concept accompanied by a persistent manager who kicked us out five minutes before closing time. TOSCA on Columbus in North Beach it is NOT!

Promises to resume the reunion at to celebrate Ferragosto (August 15) and an Italian Summer Feast when we return.

Here is my mom

Stopped by to see Mom on Tuesday. Drew promises to take care of her while we're gone.

Keep your promise, Drew

Getting Ready for an Italian Summer

In just one week we leave for our second summer in Italy. Chuck will be teaching outdoor Plein Air Painting for the Academy of Art University's Summer Abroad Program. I'll be assisting in Print Making and Bookmaking with Carrie Ann Plank in a little hilltown in the Umbria, two hours north of Rome. Corciano has a population of 136 families who speak only Italian, a vibrant piazza, a friendly gelateria, some-time open hardware store, grocer, butcher, restaurant, 2 bars and 5 churches. We are staying in the Monastery up on the hill surrounded by olive trees.

Seems like getting ready to go this year is much more protracted: disengaging coupled with anticipation is slowing down the packing process...

Welcome to My New Blog!

There is a saying "One must master the art of travel" but here we are traveling to find masters of art.

From Rome to Montreal, Paris to Petaluma's Recycle Town, we've found art everywhere. So like a scuba diver might travel to find the best dive sites, we travel to find the world's best art.

Check in here to find out about our latest adventures! Please add your comments. We look forward to hearing what you have to say and seeing things through your eyes, too!