Ragazzo – Venice

“Ragazo.” It was scrawled on the wall at the far end of the campo, the spelling off, but with an unmistakable sigh of hearts floating up like thought bubbles above the word. “Boys.”
I remember that swoony feeling and I feel it still. For boys? Yes, of course. How I do love men. So incredibly different than we are that I can never get over it. But what about for…Venice? 
 It fascinates me too. And I can’t stop thinking about it. I write its initials over and over in my mind. But as I am an adult now, or adult enough, I also want to take the lines of light and shadows in these photos and trace them like on a love’s skin until it prickles. 
You see? Not entirely innocent, my affections. But neither is the object of my interest. And that is what makes sense to me, someone who also owns their fair share of shadows and light.
They call her La Serenissima. The Serene One. And I understand the feminine imagery, the annual marriage to the sea, the canals slicing through the parcels of land. The architecture pink with delicate Ottoman openings as if of strings to be untied.
And yet to me, Venice is very masculine. Just the type of man that I like actually. One that is so well in his own skin that he doesn’t have to put on a show. Nor be feared, like the vagaries of the Council of Ten in the past. Face-forward present, yes. A mystery too.
You see, I don’t really know him at all. I don’t even speak his language. And yet I miss him. Que bello ragazzo. 
I wonder when I will see him again…

So what do you think? Should we launch a Kickstarter fund to send me back? Start researching grants and the like? I am such a dreamer. Do I chase this particular dream or stay still and let it chase me?

Passa un buon fine settimana…

19 comments

  1. Merci C. These are some of my favorite photos in this style that I have ever shared on the blog and yet it has had the fewest viewings since many a year! we both know how these things work but an extra thank you for getting it!

  3. There are dreams we pursue and some we long for.They like to linger a while.
    And there is regret.

  4. I love how you've captured the details as you always do. But in Venice, I am impressed! I've been to Venice just once a few years ago and it completely swept me off my feet. I felt it was practically impossible to perceive any details but you just had to allow yourself to surrender to its overwhelming beauty and uniqueness. What's more, I had learned about an ancestor of mine who was born in Venice in 1734 and who ended up in our remote northern corner of the world. It was absolutely thrilling to walk the streets knowing much of the place is still the same as during his time. There is no way I wouldn't return! I am sure you share the feeling. I believe, where there's a will there's a way, for both of us.

  5. Heather, are you familiar with the blog? Paris Breakfast by Carol Gillot? She supports her life in Paris mostly by her drawings and monthly newsletters to subscribers. Possibly you could do something similar with your photos??

  7. Oh, these pictures and accompanying thoughts are dream worthy for certain!
    Yes, fall into this dream. You will always wonder if you don't! T xx

  8. Truly beautiful. Small wonder you've fallen so hard. Hope springs eternal, dear Heather.

  12. Loving the light and dark in these beautiful photos! I don't remember such contrast before with shadow and light? But love it – yes, can be a metaphor for the light and dark in us! (I was just reading about our shadow sides…). Well, it does seem like a perfect time for making a crazy change – the universe will give you an answer, methinks!

  13. Heather … your words … your photos … seriously …
    Don't just follow your dreams, live them.
    Keep searching … there is a way!

  16. Interesting this Venice you bring here different from the one I knew before in books, television, and day dreams. I think there are places you will meet that will compete for your attention. For now, if the pull is strongest toward Venice, then I say Ciao! Go for it! You are such a great writer, I bet, no Believe you can write a novel in a month or less, put it on Kindle and make your way to Venice. I believe that.

  18. The personification is appropriate: Cities most certainly have personalities and character and are living with a beating heart. It's no wonder your heart fell for Venice. I love that you got such intimate photos despite it being such a tourist destination. It shows the value of looking past the pretty face and into the heart and mind.
    Your photos here are among your most exquisite yet. The ragazzo one warms my heart.

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