Getting colder

It looked warmer outside with the clear blue skies and sun shining down on the river this morning when I peeked out the window. I knew the temperatures were low (2°C/35°F), and they have been for some time, but I didn’t realize how cold it really was until I opened the front door to our building.

Even though I had put on my down jacket and wrapped a thick scarf around my neck, I was cold. With the tall buildings along the narrow street, I couldn’t find any sun to walk in. I walked to Piazza della Signoria and walked past the fountain so that I could take in some sun, which was rather weak and didn’t warm me up.

With every slight gust of wind, I could feel my entire body tense up. The air was so cold in the piazza that my eyes burned and were beginning to water. I wanted to put on my sunglasses, but there wasn’t enough sun to do so. With each step, I wished that I had put on a hat too. I saw a few people had hats on, and they looked warmer. My legs and feet were cold. I wished that I would’ve worn my boots. The cold air is as tedious as sand: it gets everywhere and is almost impossible to keep out.

I would’ve stayed home today, but I wanted to go to the Bronzino exhibit in Palazzo Strozzi since I had made some time for it today. I had been wanting to go ever since it opened, but hadn’t had much time earlier.

I was hoping that I would warm up in Palazzo Strozzi, but I only undid my scarf and left my jacket buttoned up. I strolled from room to room to peruse the paintings. I found the exhibit fascinating. I am always so appreciative to the many private collectors and museums that loan their pieces for exhibits. Since Bronzino’s pieces are scattered around the world, in the US, Canada, Germany, France, and Japan, it’s such a privilege to see so many of them together in his honor.

I left the museum feeling inspired, but couldn’t wait to get home to warm up. I always find it amazing that this city brought together so many artists whose work is still so important and magnificent. Even though I was chilled to the bone, it was worth it to see Bronzino’s work.

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