Your passport please

This picture was taken in Florence, Italy. Ahhhh Florence, now that is a dream come true for any art lover. Statues 1,000's of years old adorn every piazza, the Medici families influence is felt at every turn as you stroll through the narrow streets. It would take tremendous effort to not be creativity inspired in such an environment.

I purchased a sketch from this man. He was VERY talented and sold me a sketch of a statue he did from this stand point. This art which is framed in my living room set me back $30. I know, only $30!! I was humbled a bit as an artist. I don't know that I would be able to give that kind of life to a simple ink drawing. And I am sure that the time it would take me to accomplish it would cost much more than $30!

As we watched him work a gypsy woman and an Italian man erupted in a struggle. The gypsy had discreetly picked up the artist tip jar and was slithering away. I am sure just as she thought she was in the clear a man grabbed her from behind and wrestled the money away from her. The artist barely noticed. He was so engrossed in his image. When he realized what had happened he thanked his anonymous protector as the tip jar was returned to it's place and went right back to work. His mojo didn't even miss a beat.

We bought plane tickets today. We are headed out again for new adventure and new art. We will see Ireland and South Africa on this journey. I can't wait to be inspired by what awaits me. So much art, so little frequent flier miles.