Oh Venice. You’ve been so good to me creatively. How I will miss this awesome down time I’ve had. It’s nice to stay in a place where I can just kind of go at my own pace and if I want to spend a day doing nothing, it’s totally possible. No pressure of constantly having to go out and see the sights. Not that I didn’t, of course.

With the exception of a few days, it mostly rained here. But no complaints, the rain forced me to get some writing done. And hoo boy, not to brag but I did get a lot of writing done. Feels like my mind has come out of a year long coma. I haven’t been writing any masterpieces, mind you, but to just sit and write feels good. Feels like I have at least a slight idea of where I need to go next.

Tomorrow I say good bye to my quiet little paradise and travel to Rome where I imagine I’ll put my feet through as much work as I did in Paris.

If only I spoke Italian, I would consider moving here.

I suppose I should start getting used to this cold weather. Winter is just around the corner. Not sure how it is back home, but I can’t imagine it’s too pleasant.

Speaking of, has Toronto just gone completely down the shitter? Almost every news item I see come out of there involves a stabbing, shooting, fires, sinkholes, protesting going sour, and the ongoing rage against the mayor. Maybe I should rethink coming back…

Or maybe I could come back and do some good….

My step-father put me in contact with a writer he met while at a conference in Calgary. She emailed me basically saying she’s an author with a few projects on the go, and she has a couple ideas she’d like to develop with a co-writer. I hope something comes of it, sounds interesting and is definitely something I’m interested in doing.

Speaking of writing partners…Tom and I are nearing completion of our script. And while on the topic, I’d actually like to put an advert out to anyone willing to partner up with me (professionally! get your mind out of the gutter you dirty twats). I have several little short scripts that are stuck in the first draft stage, and I would like to have someone to send them to and get feedback, ideas or even for them to write and add to the stories. If you’re interested shoot me a message, email, etc.

I carry these weird little trinkets around with me wherever I go. It’s weird. I don’t know if I do it because I think they’re good luck or I just like the memory of what they represent. Like carrying a little piece of home every where I go. Or maybe I’m just a hoarder. Cause I believe in luck as much as I believe there’s a god.

One essential item that no traveler should ever be without: corkscrew/bottle opener

It must be extremely rare to come across screw-top bottles in Europe. Or at least, I have yet to see them. Paris, Madrid, Venice I’ve always had a corkscrew with me since leaving London. Just in case.

I also have three pairs of shoes. Three. I don’t know why but I have three fucking pairs of shoes with me. In all fairness I brought the sneakers so I could run, but since Italy is sinking it hasn’t been the best weather to go out for a jog unless I also have a pair of water wings with me.

Fuck. OK. See you in Rome.

Cheers,

- B.