“People only see what they are prepared to see.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't usually write on my blog, I usually leave it up to the words and wisdom of others, with carefully chosen and fittingly inspirational quotes. However, today I felt compelled.

I was sitting at my dining table, looking blankly out at the view, searching for inspiration. Then realised that inspiration was staring me in the face!

The view which I look out at every day as I paint, sketch or compile my blog is truly inspirational! So here it is:

From where i sit, I look straight out at the Ionian Sea.

Slightly to the left, if I shuffle forward, I can see the Calabrian Coast of mainland Italy. Directly in front (I can't see it but I'm told it's 14 hours by boat) is Greece! ..and 2 months ago, I watched wild dolphins playing in the sea outside my window!! 

It's very noisy outside, but it's actually the sound of cicadas and birds singing in the sunshine from the blooming oleander and pine trees. From my relatively cool and shady position it reminds me that it's over 40 degrees out there!

The lines through the centre of the view are the electric cables from the Sicilian railway. The noise and clatter from the trains can be deafening, but I'm aware that they are on their way to Rome, Milan and even Lourdes, France. It reminds me of my freedom and independence!


My little fiat cinqucento sits down on the right handcorner of my view, just waiting for me to jump in and head to the beach/ mountains/cities... wherever the inspiration takes me!


A friend recently said to me 'Life's all about re-framing and looking at things from different perspectives...'


It's easy to see the negatives in the things we have, see and do. It's so easy not to see the wood for the trees!


However, sometimes it's good to remind ourselves how lucky we are. The good things in life could, in fact, be just staring at us in the face and we just need to open our eyes and see them!