I'm starting at the end of the day - the clapping. It is without a doubt our favourite part of the day. We race from front balcony to the back to see which people are giving their best. I've realised clapping requires a lot of upper arm strength so I'm exercising at the same time as being a part of a collective and giving gratitude to those at the front And that sounds like war and in a way we have a silent, manipulative and very clever killer in our midst that we can't see, hear, taste or smell. It has backed us into our homes, it has locked the door on the economy.
Today I got up determined (after having slept in because I wake around two and think of numbers and graphs and can't get back to sleep) to be productive. But before the day had properly begun with the coffee starter, I heard from my friend with the virus. He keeps thinking he's turned the corner and then it returns with nausea, fevers, sweating and weakness. Each morning when I wake I wonder if I should try and get back and then I hear from him. I hope he beats it soon. He's my barometer. I think I'll wait it out here.
I walked, I went to the supermarket even though it was only to buy the essentials - wine and...wine. Did I tell you yesterday we decided not to drink during the week (well I did)? That didn't work. On my walk there were signs of spring, the grape vines were starting to shoot. It is the city of wine after all.
I returned to do two drawings ready for painting, finished one and started another. I spoke of only positive things (well I tried). Italy's Covid cases are dropping and they've developed a blood test that could detect fifty types of cancers early on. I think the roots of my hair are pretty white but I can't see them with the light in this place so who cares and besides, when I go out people see me and cross the road. I'm safe.
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