At the start of your piece, I thought: a prose poem from Dan O’Donnell? I don't know if that's what you intended, but it works. You pushed through and made it! I love it, Dan!
I had no clue what this was when I started writing. The words just took me where they wanted to go. And, in the end, I’m still not sure if it’s an extract from something longer or just enough to stand on its own. Either way I’ll make sure and try and write it neater next time 😁
Sometimes, some pieces need a little breathing room. I’ve been going back over some of the pieces I wrote three or more years ago. Fresh eyes, and all that. One in particular, I’ve rewritten, but now think it’s the basis for a story that’s much bigger. You just never know.
"..The babbling of the sweating, glutinous mob is dim and distant."
Holy Cannoli! What a great line, Daniel. I think anyone who has spent time in Venice and who has any sensibility at all, understands the gravity of this work. The weight of the tourists feet are this city's doom. And yet, I have joined the throng so many times in my life. I would love to know more about the council of ten and the house of spirits - from your point of view.
Yes, that part was very much me considering myself as part of the problem. This was our 4th visit and I can’t wait to return. It is that dichotomy of knowing I am contributing to its downfall
However, on our first night, we went to the opera and then walked back through the city at dusk. The tourists had gone, the heat had evaporated and everything seemed at peace. It was perfect. We got in the water taxi to go back to the hotel and I noticed the dolphin that lives in the lagoon was swimming next to our boat. That was the moment when I knew I could never stay away for too long
We’re thinking of going in the winter. Have you ever gone around that time?
I lived in Milan Jan-june one year and spent many rainy, blustery weekends in Venice. Gorgeous. Fewer tourists at that time of year, but it was in the 1990s, so now I only know what I read about the overwhelming tourism... sigh. Such a magical place. After my first time there, I threw away the map and just wandered. You might like this very short set of impressions, since your trip was so recent..
“Do you ever just get little tears in your eyes when you are on the road? I mean, at moments when some old sentimental fantasy is somehow realized? Do you ever just say to yourself, “I am not going home. I am never going home,” and then try to figure out what you could sell or who could send you money?”
That is it. That was last week. In a nutshell 👍🏼
I think we would enjoy Venice in the winter. Maybe it’s mysterious past would bubble to the surface and inspire me all over again. But this time so I never stopped writing and I found where I was always trying to get to.
Without the tourists it sounds a different place. And, as for the rain, it was sideways in Scotland today. On June 1st 😁
Where are you in Scotland, Daniel? Scotland is my home away from home, the home that lies deep in my genetic memory... sigh. I have stayed there 14 times - a total of 56 weeks.... That was when I had energy...
Hi Sharron, I’m on the west coast, in North Ayrshire. Have lived here for 20 years but we’re moving back to Glasgow in the next few weeks. Another place where I always feel at home.
What was the favourite place you stayed when you were over here?
I’ve stayed from Galloway to Wick, Ardnamurchan to Holy Island, Hebrides to Orkney! I loved it all! Favorites, I guess, are Lochaber area or East Neuk of Fife area. I guess the closest I have been to you are Ayr, Doonfoot, and Culzean. Scotland is the only other place I would like to live besides here in Santa Cruz. Thanks for asking!
I love this, Daniel! Beautiful and evocative. Seems like the break was well worth it. Your muse just needed a rest and maybe a little of that perfect Venetian light. Also loved the bit of backstory we got with this one and the glimpses of the building and your journal. Bravo!
At the start of your piece, I thought: a prose poem from Dan O’Donnell? I don't know if that's what you intended, but it works. You pushed through and made it! I love it, Dan!
Thanks very much Caro 🙏
I had no clue what this was when I started writing. The words just took me where they wanted to go. And, in the end, I’m still not sure if it’s an extract from something longer or just enough to stand on its own. Either way I’ll make sure and try and write it neater next time 😁
Sometimes, some pieces need a little breathing room. I’ve been going back over some of the pieces I wrote three or more years ago. Fresh eyes, and all that. One in particular, I’ve rewritten, but now think it’s the basis for a story that’s much bigger. You just never know.
That sounds intriguing Caro. Hopefully we get to read it 👍🏼
My story for next week is based on one of your prompts from a wee while ago. Again, took me a few weeks, but I got there in the end 😁
Very interesting read Dan. Thank you for sharing 👍🤗
Thanks very much Andrew 🙏
"..The babbling of the sweating, glutinous mob is dim and distant."
Holy Cannoli! What a great line, Daniel. I think anyone who has spent time in Venice and who has any sensibility at all, understands the gravity of this work. The weight of the tourists feet are this city's doom. And yet, I have joined the throng so many times in my life. I would love to know more about the council of ten and the house of spirits - from your point of view.
Thanks very much Sharron 🙏
Yes, that part was very much me considering myself as part of the problem. This was our 4th visit and I can’t wait to return. It is that dichotomy of knowing I am contributing to its downfall
However, on our first night, we went to the opera and then walked back through the city at dusk. The tourists had gone, the heat had evaporated and everything seemed at peace. It was perfect. We got in the water taxi to go back to the hotel and I noticed the dolphin that lives in the lagoon was swimming next to our boat. That was the moment when I knew I could never stay away for too long
We’re thinking of going in the winter. Have you ever gone around that time?
I lived in Milan Jan-june one year and spent many rainy, blustery weekends in Venice. Gorgeous. Fewer tourists at that time of year, but it was in the 1990s, so now I only know what I read about the overwhelming tourism... sigh. Such a magical place. After my first time there, I threw away the map and just wandered. You might like this very short set of impressions, since your trip was so recent..
sharronbassano.substack.com/p/venice-the-last-verse
I loved these lines Sharron :-
“Do you ever just get little tears in your eyes when you are on the road? I mean, at moments when some old sentimental fantasy is somehow realized? Do you ever just say to yourself, “I am not going home. I am never going home,” and then try to figure out what you could sell or who could send you money?”
That is it. That was last week. In a nutshell 👍🏼
I think we would enjoy Venice in the winter. Maybe it’s mysterious past would bubble to the surface and inspire me all over again. But this time so I never stopped writing and I found where I was always trying to get to.
Without the tourists it sounds a different place. And, as for the rain, it was sideways in Scotland today. On June 1st 😁
Thanks for sharing Sharron 🙏
Where are you in Scotland, Daniel? Scotland is my home away from home, the home that lies deep in my genetic memory... sigh. I have stayed there 14 times - a total of 56 weeks.... That was when I had energy...
Hi Sharron, I’m on the west coast, in North Ayrshire. Have lived here for 20 years but we’re moving back to Glasgow in the next few weeks. Another place where I always feel at home.
What was the favourite place you stayed when you were over here?
I’ve stayed from Galloway to Wick, Ardnamurchan to Holy Island, Hebrides to Orkney! I loved it all! Favorites, I guess, are Lochaber area or East Neuk of Fife area. I guess the closest I have been to you are Ayr, Doonfoot, and Culzean. Scotland is the only other place I would like to live besides here in Santa Cruz. Thanks for asking!
Welcome back mate.
Thanks very much Jason 🙏
I love this, Daniel! Beautiful and evocative. Seems like the break was well worth it. Your muse just needed a rest and maybe a little of that perfect Venetian light. Also loved the bit of backstory we got with this one and the glimpses of the building and your journal. Bravo!
Thanks very much Garen 🙏
Yeah, I think I need to go back as often as possible to stay inspired! Might need to sell a kidney to do that though 😁