No longer Romin'
Yesterday I managed to throw down a quick drawing at the Trevi fountain before becoming overwhelmed by sun and jetlag. This morning, chipper and well-rested, I packed up my gear to head over to the Vatican. A block from my hotel, I stepped off the too-high curb and crumpled to the ground as tendons thwanged unnaturally in my ankle. Fortunately I had the self-control to get up, hobble back up the hill to the hotel and tell the desk clerk to send me up some ice.
My outer ankle had quickly developed a lump the size of a Mallomar but after three hours in bed, pack on, hoof on pillow pile (RICE- rest, ice, compression, elevation) the patient is still pink and healthy looking and my toes waggle freely so amputation can probably be postponed. I am going to be here for a couple
of more weeks so I think I'll curb my lust for the Sistine Chapel and take it easy.
Was it the Pope, cursing me? Michelangelo pegging me for an interloper? A frustrated cobble-stone-layer who, wishing he too could be watercoloring of a Monday, decided to thwart brush wielding tourists of the future?
The irony: I was crossing the road (or trying to) to check out a place that rents Vespas. Maybe it was just as well I took my spill in my sandals, rather than scraping off several layers of skin and a handful of teeth while zooming around the Coliseum on a two stroke bike.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
EYE CANDY. SCRUMPTOUS EYE CANDY.
THANK YOU.
J
Posted by: Jan | July 18, 2005 08:31 AM
If your ankle gives you problems, you might see if you can get an "Air Cast" (http://www.aircast.com/products/).
The Air-Stirrup would probably do the job. It gives you side-to-side support so you don't twist it again.
Posted by: rance | July 18, 2005 11:02 AM
Danny
So you were going to rent a Vespa, in Rome. Didn't you see what the traffic is like on the journey into the city. Last time I got a cab into Rome from the airport the driver was drinking a sprite, using his cellphone steering with his knees and my wife couln't bear to look.
On a vespa you would be extra vulnerable. As my Italian teacher said that in Italy driving instructors don't teach you to slow as you approach a set of traffic lights but to keep going and if it changes to red, well the rules are different.
Preserve the talent, take the bus or tram and just risk a twisted ankle.
Love the art.
Yrs KC
Posted by: KC | July 18, 2005 11:07 AM
Lovely drawings Danny, so good to have my daily fix of your sketchings.
If you can find it in Rome, homeopathic ARNICA MONTANA will speed your healing considerably. Also, suck down a bunch of Pineapple juice, the bromelain contained in it is a fantastic anti-inflammatory.
This all of course in addition to lots of Advil and R.I.C.E.
Sorry to hear of your spill, but glad it may have saved you from Vespa doom.
;)
Cheers.
--d.
Posted by: Donavan | July 18, 2005 01:29 PM
Hope you're leg gets better.
Great drawings of course.
Love the hooker too. I wish i could draw people that well.
Posted by: s | July 18, 2005 01:32 PM
I hear you're having power blackouts in Rome. Hope you can stay cool and safe in spite of that. Wet sheets! (Worked for us in Cairo in a no A/C flat in the middle of the Nile.)
Posted by: Karen Winters | July 18, 2005 07:03 PM
Ohhhhh what a pain (litterally)not only in your ankle but to be in Rome and not get around!!!!!!!
Hope you are keeping yourself amused and comfortable. Speedy healing!
Lindsay
Posted by: Lindsay | July 19, 2005 09:46 AM
The work you've been posting these days has been fabulous. I've been an often quiet visitor here for more than a year and the difference from earlier in your posts to now is becoming more clear. It's been subtle and gradual, but it's definitely there and I'm so impressed. It's as though I finally get it -- the notion that drawing every day is how one improves. Thanks for keeping at it and for being an example and inspiration to so many!
Posted by: Nina | July 19, 2005 11:52 AM
Uh-oh about your ankle but the drawings are fantastic. Especially love the one of the room you are staying in. Looks really nice! Hope your ankle heals in no time.
Posted by: Pat | July 19, 2005 05:35 PM
Your website has been an inspiration for several months particularly your habit of drawing in a sketch book which I do as well. Seeing what you do throws a log on my fire. Also, I just moved my family of eight (six kids, 1yr to 13yrs) to Brooklyn from Michigan so we could be more in the thick of it. My wife and I are both artists, painters among other things. We love being in NY and all the sacrafices it took to come here were worht it. The kids seem to be adjusting amazingly well so far. Thanks again for putting it out there and the inspiration it has been for us to keep creatively open.
Posted by: studiobeerhorst | July 19, 2005 07:27 PM
I also come here quietly, and agree with Nina that these last few posts are wonderful. I so enjoy your work and it likewise has inspired me to draw everyday. Thanks.
Posted by: Cin | July 20, 2005 01:05 AM
Oh, dear. What an awful way to start your trip! I sure wouldn't put it past Pope Ratzinger to have put the double whammy on you, said partly in jest. I love these sketches and do look forward to seeing and reading about your adventures. I have never been in Rome and I love getting travel spots through other people's eyes.
Posted by: Fran | July 20, 2005 01:35 AM
OK, did I miss something in the cocktail hub-bub? One minute you're in chicago and the next in rome? playing, working? enjoying your sketches and looking forward to doing some myself when I'm there next summer.
dana
Posted by: dana.jenkins | July 21, 2005 11:41 AM
Well, nobody else will have a drawing of that hotel room in THEIR sketchbook.... What a fabulous representation of blooming where you got planted. I'm glad to read your ankle got better.
If/when you have a chance, would you dfrop a hint about what sort of pen/watercolors/markers you are using? I've been sticking with uniball because it is ever present, but it does smudge some....
Posted by: Dana | July 24, 2005 09:30 PM