code: def create_layout(self, size = None):
          
          if not self.context:
              # TODO - this is rather sloppy as far as exception goes
              #        should explain better
              raise Exception("Can not create layout without existing context!")
  
          layout = pangocairo.create_layout(self.context)
          font_desc = pango.FontDescription(_font_desc)
          if size: font_desc.set_absolute_size(size * pango.SCALE)
  
          layout.set_font_description(font_desc)
          return layout
docs: utility function to create layout with the default font. Size and
          alignment parameters are shortcuts to according functions of the
          pango.Layout