Durandy

Then she gave me two posters, sending my heart spinning out into the stratosphere. The tender connection didn’t need language to communicate.

A closer look at my memorable meeting with Giuspy Taylor! She made this unique tapestry with buttons showing Italian Duranies, several of whom I recognized!

Yeahhh, I tried to resist… but there was this unsuspecting pole with an inviting little spot…. kinda looked like the perfect space for a sticker.

Sooo much more to share, but I should probably grab some sleep so I can be ready for the next big ride coming later today: the Milan fan gathering!

I also rejoiced in meeting Giuspy Taylor, an especially colorful, tremendously devoted John girl who was so happy to put two rare posters into my hands, and show me a beeeautifully-woven display she made a while back. She was a sheer joy and her thoughtfulness will stay with me.

Meeting Christian was the latest heart-swelling encounter, a deeply awaited culmination of a decade-spanning friendship.

From churches to metropolitan buildings, the beauty of Milan’s architecture frequently left us stunned into wide-eyed, open-mouthed silence. Utterly magnificent in scope, detail, and origin. Christian D’Antonio & Susanna Graupner gave us wonderful guidance through Milan’s riches.

A quick share before sleep… Yesterday delivered more visual and emotional stimulus than my senses could ever hope to handle. Milan is another world…

Five copies are now on their way to me back home, ready for signing and sending. This will leave 15 books left, and then they’re finally gone. If anyone wants one, please email me and we can make arrangements when I’m back.

I’ve been delivering copies of Beautiful Colors throughout this trip, and the reactions are wonderful - Alison White and Susanna Graupner were particularly smitten with their books!

First morning in Milan! Our air bnb is absolutely gorgeous, located in a high-rise building with a very stylish, spacious interior. Susan did a great job finding this lodging.

After a big delicious Italian dinner tonight, we’re laying down our weary heads for a good sleep. Something tells me, we’re gonna need it.

This adventure has unfolded in ways far beyond what my heart can comprehend. So now, our trajectory has taken us to Milan. There’s no preparation for what’s coming - the friends I’ll see, the sites I’ll visit, and the thrill of knowing so many of you are along for the ride.

Italy. I’m… in Italy. Been trying to process that since the plane touched down. At the airport, I saw my dear friend Susanna and the tears came fast - for all the years our friendship has lasted, for how tirelessly she’s worked as a long-distance advocate for the Archive…

Next stop: the warm, flavor-filled, style-steeped streets of Milan! Some very beloved faces I’ll be seeing soon…

Bring on Milan!

We commanded our spot in the restaurant with memorabilia that Chrissy brought, a rapid round of diverse topics, and a full menu of fabulous frivolity. It was truly great fun that will stay with us long after we leave Edinburgh’s beauty behind.

Eva and Chrissy really stole the show with effervescent, infectious passion and an insatiable appetite for deep DD discussion. The new Big Bang Generation gives me hope for the future!

I never tire of learning how ‘less can be more’ (says the guy with the ever-growing archive), and today’s gathering felt like a perfect size. Lorna Thomas joined us again, along with two young fans who proved they could stand toe-to-toe with any seasoned Duranie!

Our stay in Edinburgh has come to a close and the final day couldn’t have felt more perfect. After meeting an old friend and sampling the National Museum of Scotland, it was time for the third fan gathering!