As “the Muse” it is almost impossible for me to see “me” objectively!
I have decided to begin with an excerpt from a beautiful poem by Jenny, our daughter, which I found whilst looking through some of ‘my papers’, for inspiration as to how to begin this page. . .
A PORTRAIT of ELFRIDA|
Elfrida is like a clear
blue sky Dazzling Dreamy And always spry Her soul is like a silver cloud Shining alone among the crowd |
Elfrida is like a spring
kissed breeze Caring Caressing And always a tease Her heart is like a beautiful flower Forever in bloom whatever the hour |
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She is like a carnival
dance Spicy Vivacious And full of romance Her voice is like a heavenly sigh Never too low and never too high |
She is like the moon above Graceful Tender And always in love Her eyes are like two sparkling stars Ever aglow with the fires of Mars |
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Elfrida is like the summer sun Warm Exciting And full of fun Her smile is like a lucky charm Protecting me from every harm She is like a precious jewel Rare Resplendent And passion’s fuel Her skin is like a cultured pearl Blushing she throws my head in a whirl |
Excerpt from a poem by
©Jennifer SIMBARI 
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Though I believe that my ‘influence’ in Nicola’s life has been as important, as his has been in mine, I have said next to nothing about WHO I was, when I first met him, and what my experiences had been, up to that time - - - and those ‘experiences’ made me the “rebel” my family seemed to think I was!
Excerpts from: «Palm Beach
Daily
News,
Thursday, January 25, 1968»
« BEHIND EVERY REALLY GREAT MAN . . .
In this case she’s Elfrida Simbari »
« In the world of art, the wife of a successful painter is often lost
in the shuffle, a shadow completely unnoticed. Not so in the case of
Elfrida Simbari. »
« she prefers by choice to let the spotlight fall on her husband. »
« Yet, despite her modesty, Elfrida Simbari is a success in her own
right. Friendly, with sandy tousled hair, she speaks with the natural
charm of a world traveller, which is what she is. »
« Born in England, she spent her childhood in Japan and later, during
the World War II, she lived in Canada and the West Indies.
After a brief career in British musical comedy and films, she left
London to continue voice lessons in Rome. “I was there for two years,”
she recalled, “and just as I was about to return to London, I met
Nicola. We were married shortly after.” That was ten years ago. »
« The first thing you notice about Elfrida Simbari is her definite
fashion sense, though she seems to throw it away with a natural
abandon. You could call it chic in the very sense of the word. »
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Nicola and Elfrida New York. 1969 |
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From “an old guard English family” (as one article in a Palm Beach paper put it!), many events changed the course of my life, not the least being World War 2, and the fact that my father was stationed, in Japan, by the company for which he worked, up until the bombing of Pearl Harbour. He was then sent to Port of Spain, Trinidad (West Indies), where he lived and worked for many years.
I have never had “a Home” . . .
one place, a room, which spoke of a home and a family . . .
to where I could always return . . . where I belonged - - -
I am a nomad . . .
where I AM
. . . is my ‘home’ !
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My body holds a Wanderer’s Soul, Fast in its Human mould; This drifting Dreamer, In waywardness, Strains at the tightening chains. In Quiet Moments of each day, I fain would break free . . . Then I return, to don my Mask And ‘fit in’ to my Role ! And yet, One day, On Eagle’s Wings I shall reach my greatest Wish - - Expressing all my hidden Gifts . . . Fulfilment will be my Prize, Then Freedom will be within my Reach And my Heart will fly away . . .! |
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| ©Elfrida 2008 |
Detail of “The Falcon”
©SIMBARI |
 |
This humble verse
expresses so much
of how Nicola’s
Genius . . . expressing the world about him . . . and my love words and music, “woven” together as if by ‘magic’ - - - “Dans le jardin” acrylic on canvas ©SIMBARI |
I hear music, feel the wind in my face, the sun caress my skin - - - - I am in another “place” . . . a “different” ME . . . free to Dream . . .
THIS - - IS the MAGIC of SIMBARI !|
The SUN . . . the JOY of being alive . . . laughter . . . Chatter . . . just ‘being’ . . . “Capri . . . Marina Piccola” acrylic on canvas ©SIMBARI |
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The excitement of being in HIS world was like being in the Circus . . .
|
“Circus Family” acrylic on canvas ©SIMBARI |
 |
Racing
a Formula One sports car . . .
Driving across Africa
in an AUDI Rallye Car . . .
 |
“Piquet” Formula Once Racing Collection acrylic on canvas ©SIMBARI |
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Standing on the edge
of the Grand Canyon . . .
“Grand Canyon” acrylic on canvas ©SIMBARI Southwest Collection |
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“Winning Post” acrylic on paper ©SIMBARI |
Watching a great star perform
on the Stage . . .
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This was our LIFE . .
. never a
dull moment!
Always . . . COLOUR of LIFE . . .
The brilliance . . .
His magnificent works became ”MY CHILDREN” . . . [more later!]
To be in the life of one so gifted has been a Dream - - - COME TRUE !!
© Elfrida 2010
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