Contessa (countess) di Belfiore, Lombardy, Italy.

1100 CE

Dear diary,

Nothing really exciting happened today. I woke up this morning,

when the sun rose, and it was really cold. Is always cold inside of this
castle, I imagine that all this stone, doesnt help. The tapestries
really help with the echo and the cold and they are extremely
beautifully crafted- but still, I really prefer our summer palace. Just a
few more weeks and we will move there, need to start packing soon. I
think I will gather all furniture and textiles in the grand hall, so it will
be warmer near the big chimney.

I frequently dream of warm rooms and glass walls, can you

imagine? Being warm and having all the space filled with lightjust
daydreaming.

We went to church this morning, and its impossible not to love the
simplicity of its lines. The arcades in the cloister, the set of two
arched windows separated by a pillar set within a larger arch
regularly repeated through the faade. This repetition gives a sense
o symmetry and rhythm to the church. As I get closer to the central
portal I can appreciate the Norman motives and archivolts in the
tympanum. The side portals and the two towers, complete the
unembellished faade.
The regular crossing floor plan enhances the balance of the space.
The ocher and yellow colors in the interior help to soften the
austerity of the round arches in the triforium, clerestory and
ribbed vaults. Imagine a church with colors and windows? Again,
daydreaming.

Stone Merchant, Paris.1200CE

What a wonderful day! Our new government is bringing so much

stability. I cant believe we are not fighting anymore.

Business is going so well, that my oldest son is going to be able to go

to the university at Oxford. He was so excited when I told him! He
has never been outside France.

The construction of the cathedral is going well, the pointed arches

made it so much easy as they can support a lot more weight-. The
rose window in the center is like a dream with all this colors coming
from the stained glass windows. Of course this wouldnt have been
possible without the buttresses.

The sculptures above the tympanum are also a great success. They
are now starting the twin towers above the gallery of pointed arches.
Im pretty sure they will finish with pinnacles on the top.
I hope peace lasts forever!