Masaccio, one of the most important Renaissance painters, lived on a street in the center of Florence that I am lucky enough to often walk by. I took photos this day when I noticed the sign that announced the location of Masaccio’s house, calling the artist “the poet of perspective.”

The city of Florence is extending the tram system in my neighborhood and in the diggings they recently accidentally discovered the skeleton of a young girl that is said to be more than 2000 years old!

Here’s the article in English.

And for some confirmation of the findings in natural English:

Marriage advice for young ladies from 1918 Suffragettes!

As often as I like I can take a walk planned for me in the 1860s here in Florence

After my enjoyable visit toSan Miniato al Monte recently (and despite the scaffolding inside and out), I took one of the best walks in the city. Starting at the top of the hill with the church, I wandered down to Piazzale Michelangelo and then down the monumental pathway, complete with grottos and fountains on several levels, all designed more than 100 years ago by Giuseppe Poggi.

But first, let’s look at what’s visible from way up here:

Before I start walking down the hill, I took a long look at one of my very favorite views in all of Italy, maybe in all of the world! In the distance you see a long tall brown stone wall: this is one of the few remaining sections of the Medieval wall that once surrounded the entire city.

I like to look at this wall and imagine Florence completely enclosed within it.

Now I begin my pretty descent, serenaded by the churring of cicadas. It’s heavenly.

Below some shots

My friend’s 3 year old daughter was captivated by a Picasso painting recently in Rome! She shared this great photo with me!

A picture is worth at least 1000 words!

Oh! The sunshine!

Spring is trying so hard to break out in Florence. In between days and days of rain.

Mimosa shrub, a clear sign of spring coming!

I joyfully scroll Facebook everyday. It does nourish my mind and mood often. Happily. And sometimes the images/sayings I see make me laugh. And feel better about American politics, which are in a sorry state.

And here is my handsome young friend who goes to art school in Singapore , teaching me something new: the Korean gesture for love. See the emoji below! Thanks Rudy! You keep me updated!🫰🫶🫰

I’ve known this Robert Barrett Browning quote for decades and I have always kept it in my own heart. It is as true for me today as the day I first heard and loved it.

As he wrote: “Open my heart and you will see, Graved inside of it, ‘Italy’.”