after a letter (#658) Van Gogh wrote to his brother, Theo
Thank you, Theo, for the canvas and paints;
unfortunately I did not collect them
as I had no money to pay for the carriage.
I have plans for half a dozen subjects,
including a little cottage garden;
I sent a drawing of it to you yesterday.
I think of Gauguin a lot,
if I will visit him at Pont-Aven
or if he will visit me here.
My strength is returning; I eat well
at a local restaurant. It is a bit odd, though.
Inside, the floor is grey bitumen,
grey paper covers the walls,
and a big green curtain hangs open
at the front door.
Velasquez grey like in Women Spinning.
It has little tables, white cloths.
The old kitchen has a bright red floor.
Two women, in grey, wait.
Outside, four coffee-coloured cows
stand in a bluish-white stable.
The cows are clean and beautiful.
