Google+ LISTENING TO THE SQUEAK INSIDE art by Kirstin McCulloch of LilliBean Designs: ☆ What's behind your Door? [inspiration avenue]

Friday, August 31, 2012

☆ What's behind your Door? [inspiration avenue]

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Thank you!

Behind the secret door.

When Mr Mac was a pimply teen, he was lucky enough to live in Rome. Which meant that on our 'mature age gap year' tour, I was the lucky one and had an insiders guide to off the tourist track Rome.

I loved meandering through the back alleys, scoffing down gelato for lunch (on our budget it was gelato or salami + bread - guess which I chose!) I found beauty in the smallest things, a door handle, a sewer cover, I would marvel that the buildings in Rome were centuries, (centuries!) older than Australia's oldest city.

And I often wondered what was behind the many huge doors that we walked past,  and what secrets they were hiding.

And then one day we walk past an open door, and I was stunned.

I never imagined that those doors could hide the beauty that was in that courtyard. 

There was a central fountain, lush greenery surrounding the sandstone walls and the staircase that went to the apartments upstairs. Hidden in amongst the greenery were wrought iron benches, and amazing mosaics covered the floor.

Behind me this little old italian woman murmured, 'bella eh?' as she walked past into the courtyard with her shopping.

Once I had seen behind the first open door, I began to see open doors everywhere. Each was a surprise waiting to explore, some were lavishly designed, some were dated and tired, but they all had their own beauty.

I would fantasise as I walked past, that I was living in one of those apartments, with my a coffee or wine, and I would be sitting in the tranquil courtyard, ignoring the city sounds, as I spent a few stolen moments day dreaming.

If you had a door that opened onto anywhere, what would be behind it?




Don't forget I need your help to decide the theme of Septembers give away. I will only take a few seconds to lend a hand. Just click here.
Thanks x

[Linking to Inspiration Avenue]
[It's my first time Linking to Paint Party Friday]

32 comments :

  1. I would love to be her sitting there in a courtyard. Rome was magical for me too when I visited there but I wasn't lucky enough to have an insider guide!

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    1. Thanks Carolyn. I loved Rome too. Its one of my favourite places in the world!

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  2. Hi and welcome to Paint Party Friday - your first time but hopefully not your last as your post managed to transport me to those alleyways and courtyards of Rome - beautifully described and making me long to be back there (we went once for a citybreak but didn't see any of the secret views that you managed to see!) Your art work is gorgeous - she's such a beautiful dreamer!

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    1. Thank you so much - I love that I was able to take you back there. I spent the rest of the day wishing I was back in Rome too! One day! x

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  3. Wonderful creation ~ love your big eye girls ~ very attractive ~ (A Creative Harbor)

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  4. Hello, I have been nosing around your blog and love your girls. I found your site by way of the Mixed Media site and love your work. I too paint big-eyed girls/angels. Your creations are beautiful and I have become a follower so that I can pop in often.

    Hope to chat again
    Faye

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    1. Faye thank you so much for your lovely comments - I am off to visit your angels! x

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  5. Her facial expression is classic! Beautifully done! Happy PPF

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  6. Oh boy, you have me dreaming alongside you... I love a mystery door with a courtyard behind! I want to go there NOW!!!

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  7. Terrific post full of magical enchantment. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  8. Love her big eyes, dark hair, and steaming cup of coffee!
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  9. I am your newest blog follower, too! :)

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  10. I loved being transported to Rome. It is a pretty amazing place.. YOur girl is great and so glad that you included a cuppa of that amazing coffee you find in Italy. Wondering if its a dopio :) Beautiful work. Happy PPF

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    1. Thanks Marji - I know the coffee! Every morning we would start in a little coffee bar with a fresh coffee and a bomba (no wonder I didn't loose weight over there, even with all the walking!) Thanks for stopping by. x

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  11. Hiya :) I just found your blog Through blog land. Great work. I'm your newest follower.

    I would appreciate if you follow me
    http://purelyenchanted.blogspot.com

    Take care
    XoXo

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  12. I would love to have a courtyard ... it kind of goes back to that whole Scret Garden thing... great post... very evocative...xx

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    1. Thanks Tracey - your posts always take me on a journey x

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  13. For me, it would be a wonderful garden with a creek, a faux ruined castle and some bench to sit and admire the day :o)
    I like your painting, she looks like she is thinking :o)

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    1. Oh, that sounds lovely too! I can totally put myself there.

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  14. I daydream about having a courtyard like that, I often wonder what is behind doors, and my imagination leads me down garden paths. I wonder what your girl is thinking about as well! :)

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    1. I would love a courtyard like that too - a little oasis... one day I guess! Thanks for popping in x

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  15. Lovely painting - makes me want to be there! I'm hoping to visit Rome later this year, you've definitely sold it to me!

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    1. I am so envious. I loved Rome. (my in-laws are there at the moment and I am seething with envy!) I hope you enjoy your trip. Thanks for stopping by x

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  16. Lovely story. And the painting goes so well with it!

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  17. As goes the saying " You never know what goes on behind closed doors!" Excellent post!! Your painting is adorable...

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Thanks Giggles, that is so true - you never know! (although sometimes everyone in my street knows whats going on behind our closed door because beans tantrums are that loud!). Thanks for popping in x

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  18. I've never seen the world and have always longed to. . . Europe is so far away, one day. . . . . Love the narration and the beautiful painting. Good Dreams. . . . Blessings, Janet PPF

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Thanks for taking a moment to leave me a comment. I love hearing your ideas and thoughts. I will often respond to your comments here, so please check back for a response. x

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