People don’t actually fall off the face of the earth.
For one thing, there’s gravity. For another, we’re always somewhere, doing something (until we’re not).
But you’re forgiven for wondering just where the heck I went. (Thanks for caring!)
Did I end up in some strange desert?
Or get lost in the woods?
Am I in a land where art is larger than humans?
Or houses look like they’re made of bone?
Well friends, I’m still in Barcelona – and all those photos above are from Barca, too. Which is just one more reason in a list of many that I can’t tire of this place. I’m constantly discovering something new.
Well, actually this *is* a love song to the city
I’ve been here nearly 5 weeks now, and those photos were all taken in just the last few days. I’ve wandered through a cactus garden, past Miró’s constellations, across the mountain Montjuic, and inside (and around, and on top of) Gaudi’s amazing Casa Batlló all within the few days since the program where I taught ended.
And, oh the program!
I had incredible students this summer. I cannot even begin to tell you what a pleasure and a privilege it was to get to know them. Again I learned far more from them than they did me, but I’m pretty sure they had some fun along the way.
My goofy expressions sometimes come in handy
My incredible major class. 6 days a week and always interested, curious, and in good humor.
We visited ballrooms and Roman amphitheaters
Casa Castellarnau in Tarragona
Did Poetry Machine workshops and wrote about stunning photographs
Sarah at Chema Madoz exhibit (I was thrilled to discover this photographer this summer – incredible work!)
Both classes produced a literary journal and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
On the last day my major class surprised me with a gift. Delicious chocolate, and even more precious, a poem:
“Ode to Sion”
Eyes bright –
vivid and deep –
sparkling with youth and adventure
Smile wide and welcoming;
make her laugh and you’ll feel the warmth of summer
Kindness comes with her words,
poetry follows her pen:
delve into the depths of her notebook,
unfurl the web of ink
and lose yourself….
My amazing major class on the rooftop of La Pedrera
Yes, indeed. I cried. (Maya, Alexis, Sophia, Kiarra – THANK YOU! I will never forget you all!)
Now, I’m taking some time to rest and recuperate, though you can’t stop the brain from churning when inspired, either.
Sitges
And I’ve found the perfect cafe, which I will now visit daily, Spice Cafe in Poble Sec.
Spice Cafe in Poble Sec
In other news, I’ve made my first film appearance.
You may remember back in September I visited London to see a dear friend and be interviewed for a documentary about him. Well, The Heart of Bruno Wizard premiered at The East End Film Festival in July to a sold-out crowd. I couldn’t be at the premiere because it was the first day of classes, but it was quite the event! I hope the film will be picked up for distribution everywhere…and soon.
And so that’s the quick summary. There’s more, of course – there always is! But for now, you know I have not fallen off the face of the earth. No, I am living rich, rewarding days – just off the screen.
How is your summer going? What’s the sunshine in your life?
paris (im)perfect 