A cliff dwelling nacimiento offering for the Holidays

 

   I have always  enjoyed  seeing varieties of nativity scenes .
But after seeing some amazingly elaborate nacimientos in
Cuenca, Ecuador, we began setting up our own nativity
scene in a more expanded way with an international flair.
It covers the top of our piano  in December. This year we
purchased a mini trullo when in Alberobello , Italy.
It can be seen above just behind our "three kings"
( from Peru) playing music  with a clay animals I made
when I was about 9 or 10.  For me, the birth of any
 child is something to be celebrated with song.

 
During our recent Italian adventure we were driving along the
Amalfi coast just about to go through a tunnel  when I caught a
glimpse of something  nestled into the limestone cliff. We parked
on the other side of the tunnel and I walked back through to see
what was there...and took some photos.  I wasn't able to discover
the story behind the person or people who lovingly created
this detailed miniature  nacimiento complete with a wood fired
pizza  oven, miniature trees, and a pond with fish.  There was no
sign or labels.  It was a visual gift offered to passers by.  I, in turn,
offer my images of the scene to you in honor of this holiday
Season and in honor of those who present anonomous gifts.

Enjoy!

 My best to everyone for wondrous holidays filled with music,
good food, family and story sharing!

Journey on!   Wendy

(Last post I promised some of my "stairs " photos...look for them
in my next post.!)

Doors, walls and stories - Italian images and reminder for auction for Terri Windling!

  As promised...it's time to share some images from our Italian
adventure.  Needless to say we returned home with hundreds and
hundreds of images and memories. During our travels, I  found myself
focusing on doors, walls, stairs, and walkways....and thinking about the
stories they held or might engender.  I've chosen a few favorites of my
doors and wall photos to share on this blog. The opening image is of
Orvieto (about 90 min. North of Rome) where we stayed our first night.
The window on the left is our room at Ripi di Medici:
http://ripamedici.it/

The next morn we drove over to Montepulciano and found these
doors in the city walls:

 

We wondered who lives
here and what the inside
might look like.

We found little doors in big doors:

We passed this door in the courtyard of the
Santa Croce church in Florence on our way to
the school of leather there: http://www.scuoladelcuoio.com
Orginally developed to provide a trade to orphans, it still teaches traditional techniques. 

Doors into the converted hay barn we stayed in for a week
outside of Florence: http://www.agriturismo.it/en/farmhouse/tuscany/florence/FattoriaVerdeOliva-8510132/index.html 
We definitely recommend it! Great price and hospitality.

Doors leading onto narrow walkways (Spello)

 Doors in cliffs (near Norcia)

Doors into grand buildings (Perugia )

 
 Doors into Trulli... Look for a post just on the trulli soon...

Doors to the sky?

Doors everywhere (Matera):  

 And finally doors leading your imagination down a lighted path where
a story awaits... 

I hope these images stir up some stories for you.
Words and characters are beginning to emerge for me.

Speaking of stories and story makers..don't miss the
opportunity to check out the awesome online auction
that is going on to support Terri Windling and her
family:http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/tag/artist%3A%20wendy%20ellertson
I'm offering one of my eye journals, but you'll be stunned by all the
mythic and fantasy celebs and just generous folks who have put up
items. Terri has offered the world so much in so many generous
ways that it's great to see so much love and support sent in return.
Auction ends on Dec. 15, so don't hesitate. Great place to do
holiday shopping.  


Next time....stairs.... Journey on!  Wendy