This is hard to say out loud. Hard to know quite how to say at all really. (I’ve had this post whirling around in my head for days.) But more and more this blog feels like the most creative work I’ve done. Maybe ever. Which is strange because working as a designer you’d think I’d be doing all sorts of creative things all the time. And I do. But not like this.
I’ve never been much good at making things with my hands. Always more of a planner, worse luck. But writing the blog I get the smallest hint some days of how a craftsman must feel when he puts his heart and soul into his work. When he does what he does because he has to. Because to not do it would mean keeping a huge, important part of himself just to himself. The best part.
Destination Umbria 
Debra Kolkka March 19, 2012
I had never done anything like writing a blog before and I am surprised how much I like it. I was a designer too, but hands on, I designed and made clothes to sell in my shop for 20 years. I don’t miss it, although I still make things all the time. Now it is linen curtains for the new house.
Keep on blogging!
janinevasta March 19, 2012
Thanks Debra. You are a natural blogger. And a brilliant one. I can see where your fantastic eye for colour and design comes from now….Those curtains will be sublime I just know it.
Debra Kolkka March 19, 2012
I love your blog. It is fun to read someone who lives Italy as much as I do,
janinevasta March 20, 2012
Thanks so much for reading Debra!!
Shelagh March 22, 2012
I understand! There’s something very personal about this kind of blog activity, and it’s very gratifying as a result. I feel the same way about the villa and my own blog; I’ve designed gardens for people for years, but this project, and writing about it, comes from some different, deeper place.
Your love of the place shines through – that’s what makes your posts compelling.
janinevasta March 22, 2012
Such sweet words Shelagh. Thank you. That blogging has that potential to draw a response like yours, to find people you who see what you see, is another huge reason to keep writing.
Helen March 22, 2012
It’s absolutely true. I never imagined I would enjoy blogging quite so much as I do. I think because it’s something pure and comes right from the heart – and it’s good to share! So thanks for all your musings and meandering Janine, it reminds me how and why I love that country so much!
janinevasta March 22, 2012
Exactly Helen. You know I’ve been ruminating even further 😉 since doing this post and it’s that cutting out the middle man I like so much. That direct, right from the heart feeling you talk about. The more you share and stop worrying about what everyone else thinks the better it goes, don’t you think? Just like real life I guess! 😉 Thanks for reading and I always love getting your comments. Jx
lisa | renovating italy March 24, 2012
I feel like I’ve found a missing part of myself, I so love blogging and the process of putting thoughts down and then sending them off into the world. What incredible friendships are made, and the knowledge that you are not alone in your musings. I so love that you “see” what I see and vice versa!
ciao lisa
janinevasta March 24, 2012
Grazie cara Lisa. I feel so honoured, blessed really, to have found such a family of kindred spirits as we are! I am delighted you love blogging as I do. It ‘completes’ you, you are absolutely right. I feel like I’m being true to myself at last – and it’s been a long time coming! Jxx
mltucker April 8, 2012
D’accordo. Mi piace blogging!
janinevasta April 9, 2012
Anche a me Maria Luisa. E sempre di piu’, non trovi? Writing a blog is such an adventure. It’s lovely to see you again!