My Fairy-Tale Life, by Steven Boone

MONDAY, APRIL 30 Venice is a gilded dream, an exotic floating city attracting vessels from every port across the globe. People arrive in dro...

MONDAY, APRIL 23 It is impossible to imagine Italy without olive trees. The two have woven inextricably together over the centuries. Orchard...

Polignano, Italy He appeared with two friends and stood nearby, watching me paint. His friends interest soon waned and they caroused off, ...

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Sometimes while I am outdoors painting, my activity arouses people’s curiosity. In the old quarter of Rutigliano, in a...

This morning before dawn a rooster crowed, setting off a cacophony of barks, howls, chirps and more crowing. Usually I fall back asleep, bu...

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 This morning I walked along the sea wall to the coffee bar by the tiny harbor. Cappucino is served in a little ceramic c...

SUNDAY, APRIL 1 At unexpected times, I am struck with awe by the sublime beauty of people. At the Villa Del Casale, several times I was swep...

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 The moments when I am conscious of the presence of grace are mysterious and powerful. Before it happens, ego control must b...

MARCH 27 Sometimes my plans collapse as conditions dictate, then other forces come to play and bring possibilities. Today, I anticipated pai...

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 The weather has been blustery, tempestuous at times. Nonetheless, I venture out, seeking adventure. The Riserva dello Zi...

MONDAY, MARCH 19 I almost cried when I found the temple at Segesta after being lost, despairing it was not easier to find. After driving o...