As usual I have looked over the parapet but only a few times, this time being a little more pressing. I'm about to send off an application for funding towards my travel to Italy this coming October.

I am super excited because I've got confirmation that I have been successful in enrolling into the Scuola d'Arte Ceramica Romano Ranieri, in Deruta, Italy. This is a ceramics school that offers lessons in the traditional techniques of Majolica painting. it's going to add another level of work to my repertoire and in the longer term allow for my ideas to come into being for an exhibition in a year or so. I will be there in the first 2 weeks of October. The weather should be kind, as well as the cost of survival at that time of year, although there will be things going on like the Festival of Chocolate in Perugia, and St Frances Day, in Assisi which is 10 minutes away by bus from Deruta.

I started planning this trip a year ago, and I've been able to cobble together enough funds to eat and for accommodation. If I get the funding, then that's the air tickets taken care of.

When I get home I want to make a little booklet for teaching what I learn in Deruta, - something that documents the steps of discovery as I do the classes. It will be a more tangible result that can be used by other artists.

Anyway that's enough. I need to get the application off tonight and turn to other things. Thanks to my backers (Patrons and other supporters) and those who have helped me get support docs done.

Cheers, Marjorie.