This past Christmas, a dream of mine came true! I spent Christmas in Rome.

I’ve been to Italy many times but in the warmer seasons. I’ve watched the holiday traditions on social media and television shows, and have desperately wanted to experience them for myself. For years, I’ve dropped big hints to family, all-out cajoled others into considering it, and finally gave up when it seemed fruitless to try anymore. Then out of the blue last fall, my son suggested we all go, and on Christmas morning, this is where we were!

#153 – Morning at the Pantheon

The city was more active than I imagined during the holidays, so some highlights for me were the quieter moments – having Piazza Navona all to ourselves on Christmas Eve and the soft morning light lushly illuminating Piazza della Rotonda the next morning. Being able to soak it all in without the crowds was such a luxury and a holiday blessing… and worth all those exasperating years of cajoling and hinting!

2.5″ x 3.5″ ink and watercolour

(Available now at my Etsy Shop, ArtWeWonderful and at local art events – although I am really tempted to keep it for myself!)