I took this photo at Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome last year. I was delighted that I hadn't missed it, as I love the use of bees in decorating and also, the Fleur-de-lis. In this Wikipedia link I particularly like the mention of a noble woman's seal, depicting the lady with a fleur-de-lis - I wonder if anybody has a collection of Seals? Would intrigue me no end!
Last year I made some pelmets for a couple of windows and wondered what to cover them with. I had some calico handy, so embroidered a fleur-de-lis and added a braid border. I've since done something new but here is my handiwork.I have an affinity with anything French as my great-grandfather was French - have yet to do the genealogy on my Mother's side - that will be difficult!
Last year we spent a wonderful three weeks in Italy; four days in Rome to begin with, then up to the Arezzo province where we stayed at Sansepolcro, visiting many of the attractions about us. I fell in love with the fortressed town of Anghiari, with its narrow laneways, dark history and exquisite views of the Tiber and Sovara valleys.We travelled on to Florence but unfortunately only had two days there. This small statue of Venus I bought at a little market outside the Colosseum in Rome and she's in our ensuite with Chloe. The painting, The Birth of Venus, by Sandro Boticelli can be seen in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. We didn't have a ticket to enter but at least we passed by - maybe next time.We're hoping to travel back to Italy in 2010 and perhaps linger a little longer, living the italian life in either Anghiari or San Gimignano. Ahh, my heart aches!www.anghiari.it/new-english
