My writing is coming along; well at least I’m writing. One of the articles I’m working on is entitled ‘Seven Days Writing in Florence’. How can I write about writing if I don’t write? I write so I have something to write.
Yesterday was a day for inspiration and writing. The two go together. First stop, the Convent of San Marco, where Fra Angelico lived while decorating each cell with a fresco from the life of Christ. Cosimo de’Medici, who inspired the building of convent and established its library, retreated from bustling Florentine life to his private cell there to write. Stepping into his sparse cell was enough to keep me going. Examining the manuscripts in the library, reminded me of the hard work involved in any creative process.
From there I took a half hour ride on Bus 7 from Piazza San Marco to Fiesole. The road to the left of the church leads to a favorite writing spot of mine in the park below the Monastery of San Francesco overlooking the Tuscan countryside. Except for a few strollers, I was alone with my computer. The small monastery, with cells for only eight monks, always inspires me. All there was in one tiny room—a book, paper and pen, table, chair and pallet. No distractions.