The Venice Sketchbook

by Rhys Bowen

that a time of stress and tragedy takes away all but the will to survive.

But have no fear. This is Venice. We do not believe in war here.”

“So beautiful,” she said. “Maybe you will learn to accept the true faith after all.”

“Half close your eyes. Draw what you see.”

“You cannot live someone else’s life. Your life is what you make of it. You have to decide what you want.”

“It is imperative to know the past before one can be free to paint in the present.”

thought I had forgotten how to feel—until Leo had made me feel alive again and I had experienced love.

“Why should we bother the Lord with such small trifles?” she said. “That is what the saints are for.”