Bella Rustica

The Empty Nest - one more give-a-way

2012-01-18T18:17:00.000-08:00

Meet my friend, Janet (whom I have not actually met) at The Empty Nest. We "met" a couple years ago when my article came out in Better Homes and Gardens.

I love this quality in the women I have in my inner circle - "meeting", knowing....
They are defined by utmost integrity, commitment to self & others, and an ability to continue to learn about themselves and to help me to do the same.
I celebrate them.
Cordelia, Mary Beth, Tamerie, Patsy, Edry, Sandy, Michele, Margo, Sheila, Billie, Carol Ann, Mary Helen, Patrice, Patty, Jenna, Karen, Dore, Roxanne, Linda, Jenifer, Davene & Christiana

I am entering and fully embracing a new time in my life that is exciting, stimulating &

all the more honest and real.

Despite being fairly non-traditional in the very traditional man's world of federal law enforcement I have made my own way & created a great life.

With dogs,

I have lived in Italy on three occasions, worked in Guantanamo Bay, traveled across the entire United States (San Diego to Georgia where I am now) another three times,

stretching my wings further advocating on behalf of dogs, taking greater risks in love &
further defining integrity to self & others (very simple actually - play by the rules and treat others as you would like to be treated),

and have come out

better, stronger, wiser...

& very content.

In celebration of my 50th year, here's one more give-a-way -

- one Semplificare burlap pillow over fleur di lis-

(to Simplify in Italian).

Tell me about how you have committed/re-commited to living fully....

in integrity, honesty & wisdom to self.
Leave a COMMENT and become a FOLLOWER.

I celebrate you.

XOXO

P.S. This month's BellaRustica proceeds go towards the Wellness and heart worm exam for the "petite" Dalmatian mentioned in previous post (returned to very loving family) and Beau's slow (successful)

9-month heart worm treatment. Contact me for details on alternative treatments.

BellaRusticaMarket will be closing at the end of January in order to pursue other dreams.

Mobile Spay and Neuter Bus coming to South Georgia and New Years Day Rescue Story

2012-01-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

As you know, I am an advocate for adopting dogs.

Labrador Retrievers, America's favorite dog, are the most relinquished pure bred so consider adopting from a breed specific rescue group if you have your heart set on one.

Pit Bulls are the most destroyed and perhaps the most misunderstood.

Each year 5 million healthy animals are euthanized in the U.S.

The only answer is to spay & neuter our pets.

Last week I was contacted by a lovely woman who has offered to donate many of the needed medical supplies for a Spay and Neuter bus. If will be the first in SouthEast Georgia. A bus was donated to

Max's Animal Rescue
a local group I support.
Another good friend of mine has offered to assist in the fabrication of the bus itself.
_________________

New Year's Day Rescue 2012

It was the best way to start the New Year here on Saint Simons Island, Georgia.
I found this very sweet, senior "petite" dalmation wandering on a busy road on New Years Day morning. I learned days later that she had been picked up the evening before and then - sit down for this - put back outside at 2 a.m. when the girlfriend of the person who had her objected to the dog being in the home. I found her five hours later at 7 a.m. It took her awhile to come to me but eventually I got her - cold, tired, & hungry.

Despite the frantic owner's daily efforts there was a disconnection in communication at our local Animal Control whom I also contacted. I had fliers up at our local vet (whom Animal Control contacted too), pet supply market, dog beach, & the area I found her but it took five days to put owner and dog together. Last Friday evening, I got a phone call from my favorite vet tech, Mary (our hero), who was reading the Humane Society website when she saw this:

A woman by the name of Susan came by looking for her family dog, Maggie, who has gone missing FROM REYNOSO AVE. ON ST. SIMONS ISLAND over the last 5 days due to neighborhood fireworks (fear of loud noises). She is about 10 years old and may limp due to pain in her rear right leg (arthritis). She will email me a photo so that we can post it on here soon, but physical descriptions are: she is a medium size dog, droopy ears, long tail, short coat, white with black spots, dalmation mix. She is up to date on rabies. She may cry in the cold because of arthritis pain. She is very sweet, old, and will respond to "Maggie". Thank you everyone for your help and passions for helping familes reunite with their pets. Call Glynn County Humane Society.

Two phone calls later, Maggie was re-united with her owner.
It takes a village sometimes....

____________________
The winner of the La Vita e Bella pillow is the stunningly lovely & talented
Dore from Burlap Luxe

Authentic with a touch of soul...

La Vita e Bella final give-a-way

2012-01-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

In celebration

of what promises to be a great new year, here is one more give-a-way to say

bring it on!

Life is Beautiful

(La Vita e Bella)

Script on lighter burlap over faded floral & crown image or script on natural burlap with fleur di lis image below

To Enter:

Comment

Follow

How to leave a comment: Go to the bottom of this post and click on Comments. You'll need to have a gmail address for this part and to Follow. Go ahead, stretch yourself,

you'll love it.

How to become a Follower: Click on Join This Site to the right (under

LETTERE DI AMICI)

_______________________

Winner chosen January 10th.

Winner of the fleur di lis ceiling tin is the very talented Rosemary Barnes

Villa Barnes

Take a look at what she's done with these vintage items.

Click here to see what they are - Rosemary Barnes

Bookmark Rosemary for re-designs, finds, tutorials and more.

December Give-A-Way No.3 - fleur di lis ceiling tin with fleur magnets

2011-12-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

14 x 9 inch "fleur di lis" ceiling tin and three fleur di lis magnets

I found these authentic ceiling tins in Little Italy when I lived in San Diego, bought them all up, drilled holes into the top, added red gingham (more "French" than "Country") and included three bronze colored fleur di lis magnets. One of a kind.

To enter, leave a Comment and become a Follower

One left after give-a-way... $32.00

___________________________________

Winner of Choose-Your-Own burlap pillow give-a-way
Congratulations to Sandy Foster
Semplificare "Italian verb: to simplify" pillow

If you want to be inspired visit Sandy's blog and see her interview with Nate Berkus.

My Shabby Stream Studio interview

My Shabby Stream Studio

_______________________________________
also...getting ready for this -

Very impromptu....

Please join me tomorrow (Saturday) from 2 - 5 p.m. for wine and food and the opportunity to Shop Bella Rustica Market at 219 Kings Way (between Delegal & Bartow). I bought this home last Fall and completely re-modeled it. Take a look here for where it all started:

Re-model of The Pink House

Eats

Various red & white wines (but mostly red - hint)

San Pelegrino mineral water

Artisan breads

Blues and brie cheeses

Savannah Bee honey(comb)

Walnuts

Golden delicious apples

Olives stuffed with blue cheese

Olive tapenade

Pesto

Baked garlic

You are welcome to bring your own yummy item and stay awhile....

Shop

Burlap pillows with Italian phrases and/or images - limited to quantity on hand

Rustic crosses with faded Italian words made from Saint Simons Island re-claimed wood - only five left

Rustic & reclaimed architectural elements

Handmade, rustic furniture crafted locally by Hondo (he created my counter-tops)

Give-a-way

Burlap and natural linen pillow embellished with a fleur-di-lis and "Saint Simons Island";

see attached photo

Piccolo (very small) Gift Exchange

Participation not mandatory -

Cannot loose on this one!

Bring an unwrapped small, creative gift from $10 - $15 dollars and exchange it with another one of your liking

December Give-A-Way No.2 - "You choose" pillow give-a-way

2011-12-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

You choose pillow give-a-way

Winner chosen Friday, December 16th

Life is Beautiful

To Simplify

Pillows measure 18 x 18 inches and are hand finished (by me) with a feather/down insert.

To Enter:

Comment & Follow

How to leave a comment: Go to the bottom of this post and click on Comments. You'll need to have a gmail address for this part and to Follow. Go ahead, you'll love it.

How to become a Follower: Click on Join This Site to the right.

_________________

Two burlap pillows for the price of one sale is extended

- 80 dollars for two -

At this time, quantities are limited to those on hand.

See BellaRustica Market for styles & quantities left

_____________

Winner of the Ramsign Classic Enamel Sign is Cordelia Mendoza

Cordelia's Antique Cottage

December give-a-ways and BellaRusticaMarket burlap pillows - Two for One

2011-11-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

Bella Rustica announces weekly Christmas give-a-ways and a chance to own two burlap pillows for the price of one

- 80 dollars for two -

At this time, quantities are limited to those on hand as I am focusing on my next Better Homes and Gardens photo-shoot, new re-model & design business. Follow the re-model of The Pink House to BellaRusticaCottage

Remember, ALL proceeds from BellaRusticaMarket support animals.

See prior post for latest rescue and other dogs being helped.

If the pillows are a gift, please remind the person receiving your gift of the assistance being provided. I will include an extra card in your package.

Additional offerings - Rustic, hand-made crosses with Italian words

BellaRusticaMarket

__________

The first give-a-way begins with this classic porcelain enamel sign. The winner can select up to five letters or numbers from five designs. I purchased Metropolitan for Bella Rustica Cottage. Retail cost for five letters/numbers is over 100 dollars. See Ramsign Classic Enamel Signs for selection options.

This give-a-way ends on Friday, December 9th (so another one can begin....)

How to play:

For one entry - Leave a comment and become a Follower. I will contact the winner and arrange the details.

To additionally win BellaTags, post the give-a-way on your blog & let me know in your comments and I'll enter you to win a set of twelve Bella Tags as well: (3) each of Amore (Love); La Vita e Bella (Life is Beautiful); Baci (Kiss), and Mille Grazie (A Million Thanks)....

These tags are distressed and text is brown ink.

________

How to leave a comment: Go to the bottom of this post and click on Comments. You'll need to have a gmail address for this part and to Follow. Go ahead, you'll love it.

How to become a Follower: Click on Join This Site to the right.

Hope, happiness, and a warm home for these dogs

2011-11-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

Under the picnic table: The home of a female 14 year old Golden Retriever who lived isolated in this backyard around the corner from me twenty four hours a day.

The water container was filled with algae.

Although this was provided, it was not insulated and the Golden preferred to live under the picnic table. She was fed but otherwise received no protection from fleas and had developed a miserable skin condition. Fortunately, the owner's friend talked him into giving her to me, and I give both individuals enormous credit for that. After a bath, and a visit to the vet she was given a clean bill of health all things considered and placed in a loving, attentive, warm home with another Golden Retriever who follows her around like she is his mother. The owner paid for her medical treatment.

Here she is, content and safe and loved and beautiful.

Unfortunately, I have another neighbor nearby who for the most part, until I intervened, kept this young boy in this cage for the better part of 23 hours a day.

He lived outside in this open carport with this beautiful Yellow Lab, also 14 years old, also for the better part of 24 hours a day. She has lived like this for years. Her only additional shelter was the open, uninsulated laundry room behind her.

I originally offered temporary help in the form of a 10 by 10 foot kennel for the younger, male dog and this was accepted but after seeing the long-term lack of medical care of the Yellow Lab due to severe flea allergies I offered to both pay for her medical care and to take her into my home but all efforts were refused. The owner claims to love both animals despite the obvious neglect of medical care and basic attention. Over time I have come to know other neighbors have complained to the owner through out the years of their concerns as well. In the end, the owner was forced to provide one-time medical attention due to Animal Control intervention. Sadly, she had not received any medical care since 2006. The younger dog originally belonged to the owner's adult son, a business owner here on Saint Simons Island, who, by omission, is as guilty of animal neglect as his mother. He has been shown these photographs.

The profits from Bella Rustica Market have provided this Yellow Lab with additional shelter in the form of an insulated kennel/pad and fresh cedar. I have made subsequent offers to take both dogs and keep them until I could place them in homes equal to mine, if not mine, but the owner has refused. After sharing these photographs with her, she has simply moved the Yellow Lab out of the open carport to an even less sheltered side yard. She at least has the kennel I provided.

Please leave a polite comment here for the owner asking her to re-consider allowing both dogs the care and dignity they deserve as I will guarantee their care.

Please forward.

Thank you.

Elegant Island Living article

2011-10-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Elegant Island Living photo-shoot

2011-09-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Elegant Island Living Magazine

Saint Simons Island, Georgia

photo-shoot

This is where it all started.

"The Pink House"...

as it was so fondly referred to, became something altogether different. I bought in late last year, re-modeled over the next five months and moved in in April of this year. The original structure sat empty for the better part of eight years and in this heat developed quite the mold problem which I had professionally removed. Don't want to flirt with mold. Everything was "As Is" and "original" when I purchased it which is just the way I like it. I hired Scott Beveridge of Beveridge Construction and we created a budget which we both honored. Can you imagine a contractor that not only keeps you on budget but creates a monthly spreadsheet outlining all expenditures and where we were over and where we were under cost. Simply lovely.

The goal for the yard was Zero-scape. I had visions of a low maintenance, organic yard, with raised organic beds in the front surrounded by shredded cedar, river pebble walkways, and cord grass - the grass that grows in our beautiful marshes here. Little did I know about DollarWeed, an invasive weed that can only be naturally destroyed by pulling it by hand. I hate DollarWeed.

Elegant Island Living (EIL) Magazine is a local publication that promotes, well, elegant island living. Because The Pink House was such a Landmark, it's transformation makes for an interesting story so last month EIL photographer, Todd Baker, came over and and took most of the photos below. I added the Before shots because you have to appreciate the transformation to get the full effect. For more detail on the re-model, see photos before the MINI Cooper and Vespa posts.

Did I mention the house was "As Is?"

In order to accommodate my seven foot farm table between rooms, we removed the right side wall and both walls on either side of the original entrance then added three feet along the back.

I chose to arch this area for effect and then added a industrial pulley lamp over the farm table.

I found the cabinets at a local shop for half their original price. I painted them a grey-brown and "aged" them by sanding, scraping, adding worm holes (using a nail), and then rubbing paint into those areas until I got the look I wanted. I then washed the entire area with more paint and glaze. I finished with a couple layers of Briwax. The floors are tumbled travertine marble from Home Depot - $1.89 a square foot. I found the appliances at an estate sale, also for half their original price.

When we took down the false ceiling I almost turned a cartwheel when I saw that the beautiful vaulted ceiling extended into the kitchen. We were not sure. I was even more pleased when I saw that the original wood was not painted. I would have loved to have taken the paint off the rest of the ceiling but it was cost prohibitive so I decided to keep the kitchen ceiling naturale.

The alcove behind the range idea I swiped from a magazine and recreated it here. The street address sign I had made the last time I was in Italy and it depicts the address of my genitori italiani (parents), Alfonso e Carla Tomasi, 24 Via Monti, Sesto Fiorentino, Italia.

I had exactly 30 inches between the cabinet and the farm table and I wanted another piece of furniture there. I am not one for matching things so I was open to lots of solutions. This butcher block was a local find and when the measurements worked I decided on it. Again, I was open to color or natural wood and thought about painting the light blue but decided to let it sit for a couple months and then decide. Blue it is.

The house is actually made of cinder block with bricks mortared to it and as such, raw brick is beneath each wall. When we expanded the kitchen I wanted to open up the back wall to showcase the brick. The counter tops are Live Oak and were purchased from the Saint Simons Mill. Hondo, master carpenter and personal friend, made them for me. We used the edges for the back splash and then finished it all with layers of tung oil.

Live Oak being cut.

The farm sink is copper and was an eBay steal for $300.00. Initially, I did not like the seashells as my style is anything but coastal but for the price I decided to take a chance and it worked perfectly. Because I got the cabinets for a steal we had to re-configure a bathroom vanity for the farm sink. The doors had to come off to accommodate the deep sink so I simply whipped up a burlap skirt sink and decided it all worked perfectly.

My great and talented friend, Tamerie Shriver, made these burlap roman shades.

Because the farm table serves as my dining area, I made what would have logically been the dining area into my office. I've never liked going into a separate room to work anyway. The dog door to the right leads to the screened porch but I use the french doors.

Another view of the original kitchen and dining room spaces mid-construction.

Here is an example of the beauty of a wide angel lens. My couch, coveted by many, was a Restoration Hardware purchase I have never regretted. If you have dogs, leather is the only way to go and because I like the wear and tear that defines rustica their sojourn on that couch only enhances the patina.

And here is my "found" boy, Beauregard or Beau, Bo-Bo, Bodacious, Bozo, and Bodelicious resting comfortably on my bed. I kept him behind for the photo-shoot because I am still trying to find him a home and hope to match him with someone locally so I can still doggie-sit and have play dates. For more on Beau's story see Beau's story. Until then, he stays with us.

Here is a close-up of several crosses on the wall to the right of the bed.

One of the things I miss most about Southern California is being able to have your doors and windows open ten months out of the year. Not so here. A screened in porch is a "must have" if you have any hope of enjoying the outside away from the ravages of bugs. I am told you get used to them but I have yet to be convinced. I had the porch built 12 feet wide rather than the standard 10 feet so it really feels like a room. We I moved in I had the twin bed left there temporarily but it's staying put for afternoon naps, especially lovely when it's raining on that metal roof above.

I hope my "boy peeing" fountain does not offend anyone around here but I needed a fountain that would fit in a corner and it had to have a little European flair so like many things in this house, I set out without a complete vision and allowed for divine inspiration. The first time I tipped him to adjust the pump he fell forward and broke his neck clean off so I simply fixed the pump, propped him back up, and put his head back on. I love practical women.

The architectural urn is home to a magnolia topiary and wandering rosmarino. With this combination I honor both my Southern address and my love per Italia.

More magnolia topiaries, wandering rosmarino, thyme and my Labbies greet you at the front steps.

E finalmente, le melenzane (eggplant) nello mio giardino.

MINI Cooper - the newest member of our family

2011-07-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

I promised myself that one day I would own another car just for me less dog hair and with all features working. Yesterday I bought a silver 2006 MINI Cooper convertible similar to the one below. I pick it up domani (tomorrow).

Much like La Vespa, the MINI Cooper has lots of interesting history. In 1959, the classic Mini was launched. Small yet affordable, it soon became a favorite of The British Postal Service, police, and the military. By 1961, improvements are made by John Cooper and the Mini becomes the name in performance racing winning Monti Carlo three years in a row. In 1968, the Mini could not pass emission inspections in the United States so sales here are halted and not seen again on American shores until 2002. When production of the classic Mini ceased in 2000, BMW (the new owner of the brand since 1994) announced the successor to the Mini. The brand name for the new car is MINI (written in capital letters), and it is commonly called the "BMW MINI" or the "New MINI".

50th anniversary Mini stamp

In 2009, the British Royal Mail released a limited edition of stamps entitled ‘British Design Classics' that featured an original, Egg-Shell Blue Mini Cooper.

Vintage Mini, Italy.

Iconic photos to follow celebrating classic design.

Lovely drive in the country...

Convertible design.

Sporty elegance and style.

Mini classic.

Molto Italia (very Italy).

La Bella Vespa

2011-07-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

There are few things more traditionally and stunningly Italian than La Vespa (translation: The Wasp)...

Here is the history...

In Nebraska, it was the Cushman motor company, founded in 1903, who began diversifying from the production of engines for just farm equipment. So in 1936, this same company also produced the first motor scooter, even selling them as a product line in Sears. Cushman were so successful and their manufactured product so sturdy and reliable, that during the Second World War, not only were thousands of Cushman scooters furnished for the U.S. Army in general but many were produced solely for use by the airborne regiments. These robust airborne scooters were then dropped by parachute along with those flying soldiers, those screaming eagles, right into enemy territory, right into the heart of Europe.

Toward the end of the war, the fall of Italy and the destruction of its road and rail infrastructure, meant that the need for adequate post war transport was a severely pressing one for the nation. Renaldo Piaggio, his once booming fighter aircraft factory now destroyed, crippled by the severity of a post war economy and the severe restrictions placed on a defeated nation, had to take his manufacturing skills elsewhere. Piaggio then, turned his eyes on the obvious transportation needs of his post war country. He looked around and asked himself, “Just what was it that he could produce cheaply and in vast quantities, that would meet the needs of the day?"

At that time, the olive green machines of the Nebraskan, Cushman scooter company, were buzzing around post war Europe and no doubt, became the obvious stimulus for the design style of the new, and cheap, stylish Italian vehicle for the masses. It was Enrico Piaggio, who beholding the brand new mass produced Italian scooter design with both his eyes and ears for the first time said with delightful surprise, “Sembra una vespa!” or, “It reminds me of a wasp!”

1946 Vespa used by the US Marine WWII. Designed by Enrico Piaggio.

Post World War II Italy, in light of its agreement to cessation of war activities with the Allies, Italy had its aircraft industry severely restricted in both capability and capacity.

Piaggio emerged from the conflict with its Pontedera fighter plane plant demolished by bombing. Italy's crippled economy and the disastrous state of the roads did not assist in the re-development of the automobile markets. Enrico Piaggio, the son of Piaggio's founder Rinaldo Piaggio, decided to leave the aeronautical field in order to address Italy's urgent need for a modern and affordable mode of transportation for the masses.

Original proto-type

Inspirazione (inspiration)

These olive green scooters were in Italy in large numbers, ordered originally by Washington as field transport for the Paratroops and Marines. The US military had used them to get around Nazi defense tactics of destroying roads and bridges in the Dolomites (a section of the Alps) and the Austrian border areas.

Una Vespa foto rustica. Bellissima.

Vespa azzura

Vespa rossa

The ever-elegant Audrey Hepburn

Gina Lolabrigeda - una bella donna italiana

Louis "Satchmo"Armstrong - a Roma

Cucina Rustica

2011-07-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

This was the original galley kitchen in a home not lived in for eight years. My design was based around a "J" design. I had to remove the wall to the right to open the kitchen to the living room to just over 7 feet to allow for my 7 foot farm table. In order to accommodate the refrigerator, 30 inch farm sink, dishwasher, the range, one (36) inch cabinet and two lazy susan cabinets the back door wall had to be extended.

Here is the just over 7 foot opening I mentioned. I opted to have the upper portion of the wall arched for accent.

I was on a budget for this home so I ended up choosing cabinets from a display model at U-Save Cabinets. I would never have chosen the original style - Mission - but knew I was going to paint and shabby them up. It's amazing what paint can do. I paid less for these all-wood cabinets than I would have for the particle board unpainted cabinets available at Lowes or Home Depot. I primed them with a gray primer and then added layers of two brown-grey paints mixing them with glaze to extend the time I had to move the paint around until I found the perfect combination. For contrast, the original wood color in seen on the sides of the cabinets. In between, I sanded edges and created "worm holes" and then hand wiped burnt sienna acrylic oil paint onto and into the raw wood. I finished with layers of orange oil. I love the finished product.

I had already decided on Live Oak solid wood countertops so off to Saint Simons Mill I went.

The logs are milled thirty feet from where they lay and then moved into the warehouse.

If you have never had an appreciation for wood, you would have coming here.

I choose the thickest width of wood the cabinets would hold and then asked that the edge of the counter remain natural in form and that when the back pieces where cut straight to accommodate the walls, that natural edge be used for the backsplash.

I hoped that when the original false-ceiling in the kitchen was removed, the open beams used in the living and dining room were also originally used, and they were. Because they were covered right away with the ceiling they were never painted like the rest of the house. I chose to allow the kitchen ceiling to remain natural and would have wanted to sand-blast the other rooms to match but it was cost prohibitive. Because the kitchen was extended, there was not enough original flooring so instead of matching it I decided to lay rough hewn travertine marble.

In order to accommodate the copper farm sink the door to the cabinet had to be removed. Rather than having them cut down the doors and re-attach them, I opted to skirt that area in burlap. The copper farm sink was an eBay ~~purchase~~ steal at $300.00. I would normally not have chosen the embossed sea shells but that was where the savings came in and since I am less than a mile to the ocean, why not?

Apparently, the house was made of stucco over brick so when the kitchen wall and ceiling were removed the exposed brick was peeking through so I immediately knew I wanted to open the back wall up. This was the only area this could be done so it ended up making more of a statement.

I had the ever-talented Tamerie Shriver made my roman shade out of, what else, burlap.

I splurged here and saved there. The lighting over the sink is a galvanized barn lamp available at Loews for $20.00. You just have to have exposed galvanized metal over old brick so that made it easy for the electricians.

More photos to come...

Introducing Bella Rustica Cottage

2011-06-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

At Christmas, I purchased what is fondly referred to as "The Pink House" on Saint Simons Island, GA.

For those who don't know, a year prior I transferred to this area with my federal agency to be an instructor at The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Southeast Coastal Georgia. So, LABBIES California became LABBIES Georgia. Saint Simons Island is the land of second homes for wealthy Floridians and Georgians so in the struggling economy, the vacation home is the first to go. As a result, the market in general was soft but this particular house had been unoccupied for almost 8 years. It is located within 4 blocks of the Atlantic Ocean.

I bought it for 200K, filled with mold, open beam ceilings, lots of potential, and made it my own. I decided on a coastal look with Italian attitude - diverso (different) for this area. Most of the homes here are Coastal Cottage shingled or tabbied ( a concrete and oyster shell finish) but The Pink House was stucco, similar to my house in Coronado, CA. As I continue to learn about this part of the United States, I have come to understand that pink stucco is very "Florida".

After removing the carport, I painted it Universal Khaki (Sherwin Williams) and exposed the terra cotta brick over the carriage garage doors. I worked within a budget which is honestly more fun than having carte blanche. Because I have done it both ways I can say this. For those of you who don't know me, my Life Philosophy is that Life is mostly Plan B. Once you give in to this concept (a reality anyway, amici) Life becomes simply more fun and adventuress - like this re-model. For example, instead of marble countertops I did thick slabs of Live Oak from a local mill and I love it. When my contractor said we could not do something I asked what we could do and then we went from there. As a result, even I did not know what it would look like in the end.

To the left of the front door is an alcove (see below) where I leaned a hand-made chalkboard I'd made so people can leave messages for me.

Because the lot is so long, I wanted to plant my organic raised beds in the front yard, similar to the Victory Gardens of World War II. Aside from the herbs and vegetables in the raised beds, all additional plants are rosmarino (rosemary) and mexican sage. Initially, I wanted to plant rows of lavender but it does not thrive in this climate.

Herbs, heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and yellow, orange, & red bell peppers are the bounty. I used crepe myrtle branches for rustica tomato trellises and they work perfectly.

Melanzane (Eggplant) maturing.

Please come back for more photos of the cucina rustica replete with a 7-foot farm table, exposed brick, Live Oak slab counter tops, hand-painted cabinets, and travertine marble flooring ($1.88 a square foot on sale at Home Depot).

Operazione: Find Beau a Home II

2010-12-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

On November 15, I reported that I found Beau his "forever" home but it did not work out. Four days after taking him home he was left alone for the first time for a couple of hours. Apparently, Beau stood on his hind legs at the front door and chewed around the framing of the glass panels on the front door. Because he was never alone here with my other dogs I did not think to counsel on a degree of separation anxiety. He has never once damaged anything in my home in the months I have had him. The agreement was that if he did not work out, he comes back to me and he did so, quite happily I might add. He's a great dog but not a perfect one. Beau is a very bright 2-3 year old neutered male, house & manner trained, energetic but not hyper, loyal & protective, is good with other dogs and great with people.

Still waiting for his new home...

Love the ears!

Beau, with Kenyon and my beloved Paws, who died last month. Scout is taking the photo...

After: A visit to the vet the next day defined a treatment plan for the hook/heart worm and fleas. Within 30 days, assisted by an organic diet loaded with Omega 3 (Flax), Beau's fur quality and quantity improved dramatically. His appetite increased and as he settled in his big personality became more apparent. I have since learned he is part Border Collie. What a fascinating and loyal breed they are. I had a plumber in the other day and Beau herded him to the bathroom and then sat and waited. Every time the plumber left, Beau would follow him right at his side and then resume the watchful eye. When the plumber was walking through the house to leave, Beau again walked immediately beside him escorting him out.

Before: Within days of taking him in - underweight, lifeless and missing patches of fur, fleas, hook worm, & the curse of The South - heart worm. I had gone back to the beach that night to look for him after taking my 3 pups home and found him in the parking lot trying to get into cars with people who were leaving. I leashed him up and walked him home and gave him a good bath in the yard before he walked himself through the dog door and curled up on the couch. He made himself at home so quickly the other dogs did not entirely know how to react.

For the next 30 days we worked on manners (he was trained) and tried to either find him his original home (which I am not sure I would have returned him to) or to find him a new home.

Amazing Grace by Il Divo

2010-12-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

Grazia Straordinario

(Amazing Grace in Italian)

In honor of this holiday season please enjoy the stunning men of Il Divo (The Divine in Italian) and their performance of Amazing Grace from Live at the Coliseum.

Il Divo is a multi-national operatic pop vocal group whose members hail from Spain, Switzerland, the U.S., and France. They perform in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Latin.

Better Homes and Gardens article

2010-12-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

BH&G Kitchen and Bath Makeovers - Winter Edition 2010

My Coronado, CA, kitchen article.

Dining room area off the kitchen.

The copper faucet was one of my great investments and the black cabinetry one of my smartest choices with (at the time) three black Labs. The countertop is marble. I was cautioned against it because it is not as hard as granite but I figured people in Europe have been walking on it for hundreds of years so it was an easy choice. I had it honed to remove the shine and paid extra for the finish - a double ogee.

Somehow the editor has me living in Atlanta but that's not correct. I am in Georgia, however, but on the coast on Saint Simons Island (South of Savannah). I've never even been to Atlanta...

I opted for deep drawers instead of cabinets. I like the look and, frankly, think it's easier to find things in drawers than cabinets. Tamerie Shriver, my dear friend, made the roman shade. I think that's even how we met. Take a look at the standing room only class she just taught on Saturday on how to make a slipcover for a chair at

A Little of This, That, and the Other

"Cucina" translates to Kitchen in Italian.

My favorite photo (along with the dining room and broken twig chandelier photo). The concrete floors were original to the house. I acid washed them and painted them a deep red. I pulled up the flooring in the dining and kitchen so it would match when I opened the rooms in to one another by creating the expanded arch barely visible at the top of this photo. I enclosed an alley door and a back window to allow for maximum use of the corner and back wall area since I was opening one up - see below. The house is small - 900 square feet - so the kitchen is proportionate. I was not sure then about putting the large butcher block in the middle of the kitchen but it completely worked.

This makeover spared little expense quite unlike the current remodel I am doing here on Saint Simons Island. Beginning this week, I will post photos of that process with a sneak preview below. Stay tuned...

"Bella Cottage" remodel

Saint Simons Island, GA.

More to come... when pulling the plaster inside we discovered this gorgeous brink.

Operazione: Find Beau a Home - complete

2010-11-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

I mentioned Beau more than a month ago as the newest resident of Assisi Farms, my home. He came to us one Friday evening on East Beach here on Saint Simons Island, Georgia and played with my three Labs (and very nicely I might add). I noticed he did not have a collar on and no one was with him. He moved along but not before I also noticed he looked thin and was missing hair on his back in patches. I asked a couple locals and they said they had seen him for about a month wandering in the area.

I took my Labs home but I came back to the beach to look for him and did not see him immediately. After a mile I walked off the beach and was lamenting my best efforts when I saw him trying to get into a family's van in the parking lot at East Beach. I was carrying a leash and a collar and put it on him and walked him home and bathed him in the front yard long after dusk. Once toweled off he plopped right through the dog door and I found him curled on the couch as I entered behind him. He ate three bowls of food and settled in.

His story remains a mystery. He was clearly someone's dog but the visit to the vet the next day confirmed fleas, hook worm, and heart worm. We created a treatment plan and posted 150 flyers in the interim, kicking off Operation Find Beau His Home. I marketed this handsome boy by attending local Humane Society functions with him, passing out fliers when the moment allowed, and talking him up when the opportunity allowed, and just appreciating the personality of this lad. He was nicknamed, "Mr Personality" for all the talking and jumping and twirling he did- molto dramatic!

Well Friday, a week after saying goodbye to Paws, and two months after finding him, Beau has a new home with Judy and David Dempster of Brunswick, GA. Mille grazie (million thanks) to Judy and David for opening heart and home.

Operazione Find Beau a Home - complete. Special thanks to those who purchased from Bella Rustica this month. The proceeds from your purchases have paid for Beau's medical care.

Last photograph of Paws

2010-11-05T03:32:00.000-07:00

Photograph taken November 3, 2010 in her last hour.

Saint Simons Island Beach, Georgia

"Good dogs are with us for a while to teach us how to love like it's our job...

because it is."

In honor of Paws: July 1996 - today

2010-11-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

My Labbies

Paws and Bear

Coronado Beach, California 2008

Paws joined her sister, Bear, today. She was 14 1/2 years old and my dearest friend. Both the gifts and the loss are immeasurable.

I love this photo of my two old sisters taken on one of those perfect days. They sat and stood there for quite some time that morning, comfortable together.

Sempre Fidelis - Always Faithful

Winner of Buona Notte pillow and sneak preview of kitchen photos

2010-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Michelle Silva

Sweetpeas & Seashells

I will soon post the photos for my Coronado, California kitchen as seen in Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath Makeover Winter addition 2010. Here's a peek...

Announcing Changes with Two Fall Giveaways

2010-10-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

Bella Rustica

Buona Notte (Good Night) Line

Giveaway - Burlap lumbar Buona Notte pillow

Choose from either style - black ink with closed sides or brown ink with one open buttoned side. The lucky winner will be announced on November 1 from those who both post here. Double your chances of winning by adding your name to Lettere di Amici (Those who Follow). If you already follow, say so in your post and I will add a second opportunity for you to win.

(There's more).

Everything on Bella Rustica Market (except the Broken Twig Chandelier) will be available at 50% off beginning November 1 through December 1 but only to those who both post here (so you might win a pillow) and invite two friends to Follow me on the blog. Let me know your name (blog or otherwise so I can identify you....) along with the same information for your friends and your name will be added to the list and I will take your order at that time. Some items, like the flag of Florence, are in limited supply so get your order in as soon as you can.

Perque (why) you ask?

I am closing Bella Rustica Market to concentrate on enjoying my blog as I re-model my new home here on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. Join me here often from December on as I detail every creative project in this three month full-house re-model. The kitchen of my Coronado Island, California home is featured in the Winter edition of Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath Makeovers. It is entitled Italian Seasoning and will be featured here next week. I spared little expense on that project. My new home, Bella Rustica Cottage, will be completed on a budget which requires all my creative ingenuity & ability.

Take a look at my additional Buona Notte line. All but one item are one-of-a-kind.

Also available for sale on November 1 is one unique set of decorative pillow cases for a regular sized pillow...

- $65.00 for the set -

and one unique pale green colored regular sized ticking striped sham (shown) and one navy blue colored regular sized ticking striped sham (photo available) highlighting Buona Notte (Good Night) in black script. These are darling in children's rooms and will also be available on November 1.

- $40.00 each -

________________________________________________________

Decorus Vita Giveaway

Burlap with Latin Phrases Line

Giveaway - burlap doubled sided pillow

My dearest friend, Patsy DesChenes, of Decorus Vita Mercatus (Latin for My Decorated Life), has created a handsome line of burlap pillows with Latin Phrases. She uses each image only once so each pillow is literally one of a kind.

Her giveaway features a unique, one of a kind, 16" burlap pillow printed on both sides with Latin phrases. Side one is the image of a beautiful angel reaching towards the heavens. Imprinted with "Divinitus" which translates to "devine influence". Side two, the timless and familiar Latin phrase, "Carpe Diem" (Seize the Day) is imposed over an antique time piece. The pillow is made from two hues of natural burlap with a feather and down insert.

Enter to win by leaving her a comment. Double your chances of winning by adding your name to her followers. She will announce the lucky winner on November 1.

Take a look at her tre-chic French Line as well and watch her blog for offers similar to mine as she takes a soujourn to travel.

Southern Porch Swings - barn and burlap

2010-09-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the delay in between posts. The basic training course required for virtually all new federal agents at The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center here in our new home in South Coastal Georgia is called the Criminal Investigator Training Program and it is three months long. Once a student graduates from that course they proceed to their own agency's specific training and that is what I am in the middle of instructing right now. My agency's course is another three months for the students which makes for a long time away from home. The students graduate in two weeks to the well earned title of Special Agent and then my schedule will be a little more predictable. I will miss the classroom and instructor environment though.

In between after-hours surveillance courses and before dawn "Duty Call" practice, I picked up the latest copy of Garden and Gun magazine as both the title interested me as did the cover of Nashville, TN, designer Rachel Halvorson and the gorgeous porch swing she created. Both the swing (made of reclaimed barn wood) and the photography are bella and rustica. As you would imagine the gun portion focuses on hunting so the photos of the sporting dogs caught my eye. I researched more about Rachel and found her blog, The Nest Egg, which I have now added to my list of Places to Stay Awhile. Best of all, Rachel shows you how to build your very own swing which I fully intend to do for my new home which I will tell ya'll (part of learning Southern) about next week.....

Notice the burlap accent pillows - works everywhere...

Swinging Barn Bench (how to...)

Several days later I went to my favorite Saint Simons Island shop, Viola's Market, and saw this stunning, burlap upholstered swinging porch swing replete with burnished nail heads and similar heavy rope. Now I am thinking of creating both for that extra wide screened in porch I am planning. That will be part of my new home which I will tell ya'll about more about next week. Please check back,,,

Our First Georgia Summer

2010-07-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

You know that saying about not knowing you were unhappy until you were happy? Well, I never realized how spoiled I was regarding weather until I moved to Southern Georgia from Southern California. Southern California has the most moderate and predictable weather in all of the United States. I kept my doors and windows open to the fresh air for much of the day, evenings, and many nights eight months out of the year. I never thought I would adjust my life for half a year based on black flag weather warnings associated with heat indexes over 100 degrees, thunderstorms and lightening, tides, insects, and alligators but yet here I am.

As I get ready to post new products I have to have flattering photographs. If you saw a video of me trying to get those photos you'd laugh out loud but not in front of me. If it's not the humidity which fogs my camera lens (see above) it's the bugs in the grass that seem to bother no one but me. The dogs lounge around in it quite lazily while I am slapping my legs, arms and back without mercy & am using language I am ashamed to admit to as I try and talk to myself about maintaining discipline and composure so I can get what I need and get back inside to my air conditioned fortress. Despite all this complaining, I like it here. The people are lovely, the pace is slower, and I have a raggazo (Italian for "boy" but is the word used to describe a boyfriend), Jim, who has a Southern accent but also a chocolate Lab named Dixie (how Southern).

What I've found interesting about extreme weather is the respect you begin to have in order to co-exist. In California, I never gave a thought to the tides, for example, but here I do. If I paddleboard in the marsh I must do so at high tide or I cannot get out or in as the case may be. Worse, I might get stuck out there with no way to get out (or in). Same in the ocean here but for different reasons. A paddleboarder can simply carry her board over a sandbar but the incoming tide has such a strong current that one would do well to respect it.

New Labbie for adoption (New pillow in honor of our faithful friends)

2010-06-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Her name is Spice and you first met her on the May 7th post here. Within a week she was placed in what became a temporary home. That family was unable to keep her so she'll stay with us until the right situation comes along. Today I bought her the requisite leopard print collar and her own leash. She is resting comfortably in front of Kenyon (see September 11, 2009 post). Lovely girl, don't you think? She is also very sweet natured, affectionate, and absolutely blossoms when around other dogs.

Today I was told she has tested positive for heart-worm. Heart-worm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart. This disease is transmitted by mosquitos but doesn't show up for almost 6 months which is the amount of time it takes the larvae to becomes adults. Spice is about a year old.

The heart-worm infects the heart and if allowed to multiply will kill the dog. There is no treatment for cats. There are three stages for treatment once diagnosed. She will begin an antibiotic series used in humans to prevent malaria and this will kill the young heart-worms. We are picking that up tonight. Next, she will receive a series of shots in order to kill the adult heart-worms. The following 1-3 months after that treatment is the most important as she must be kept quiet while the medication is killing the adult heart-worms. The goal is to cease all activity that will increase blood-flow to the heart. Finally, she will remain on a preventative medication for the rest of her life. Her prognosis is good.

Now, timing is surely everything, no? We've been in our new home for six months and it was only last week I got all new product made and photographed. It will be up on the website this weekend. All new proceeds from BellaRusticaMarket will cover the associated costs for her care and recovery.

In addition, I finally decided on a pillow design to honor our faithful friends. You cannot imagine how much thought goes into something like this! Over the last year I have had many inquires about such a pillow but I did not want it to be breed or animal specific. I finally chose the Italian phrase Sempre Fedele which translates "Always Faithful". I deliberately chose not to have an image with the phrase but instead to extend the phrase boldly across the the entire width of the pillow and to attach a small Saint Francis of Assisi (Italian Patron Saint for Animals) medal on the lower, right side. Another option is to attach the animal's tag or another personal symbol or simply nothing at all.

Bella Luna at Being Ruby & give-a-way from J. Beaudetart

2010-05-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

Do yourself a favor and stroll on over to la blog della mia bella amica Julie and see why I continually maintain her as my Featured Artist here. You will be treated to a series of bella fotografia (beautiful photograhy) of la luna Italia (the Italian moon). You have a few more hours to win her give-away of more lovely photography as well...

Bella Luna at Being Ruby

Il Colosseo di Roma (Coliseum of Rome)

Further stroll over and support Jennifer Beaudetart's first give-a-way of one of her original pieees of art - your choice. Two very talented women.

J. Beaudetart Studio

Give-a-way closes June 4, 2010

This is my choice.

Belle Give-A-Ways

2010-05-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

May 20th post. Give-a-way chosen on May 31st.

Sharon from My French Country Home is giving away this lovely handmade linen bag and lavender sachet hand-made by her neighbor, Patricia. Did I mention she lives in Normandy, France?

Entry to the giveaway is open to all who comment on this post.Please mention BellaRustica sent you!

(Closes May 30, 2010 heure de Paris)

May 15th post. Give-a-way chosen on May 31st.

Being Ruby Giveaway

Julie at Being Ruby is offering three photos you will see in her post...

Three variations of her rose image - Bloom. All professionally printed on 8x12" archive paper ready for framing.

Entry to the giveaway is open to all who comment on this post. Please mention BellaRustica sent you!

[closes midnight Monday 31st May Sydney time]

Layering with texture

2010-05-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

A broken twig chandelier, linen slipcovers, burlap, faded shutters, an aged map, a set of oars from my childhood Summer home, and a "found" (literally) object come together perfectly imperfectly to create the look and feel I define as rustica. This is my dining room in our new home on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. I am finally unpacked and am enjoying layering and texturing the same items in a new home that I had in our Coronado, California home. The fact the same items can look so differently in another home reminds me to always be willing to have fun and experiment. I encourage you to do the same.

When last in Italia I purchased an antique map of Firenze (Florence). The paper was aged in that lovely, imperfect way so I "floated" it over burlap and mounted both in a rustic frame.

I initially set a manzanita branch into a crock I found thrown away and I placed both items in front of a set of faded shutters. I walked away satisfied right past those darling oars when it occurred to me I had a new home for them. I scooted the linen slip-covered No.3 chair (for my three Labrador Retrievers) under a pine pedestal table that sits in the middle of the room atop a heavily knotted seagrass rug. You might already suspect the rest of the chairs don't match perfectly (different fabric on the seats). What fun would that be? The key to not creating a room that looks mis-matched is to keep your color palette subtle.

Here is another view of the corner and the wall with another set of faded shutters which I simply allow to lean on the wall.

Happy Birthday to me...

2010-04-08T04:48:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous birthday post from Julie at Being Ruby greeted me this morning. I'd sent her a photo of my pups and asked her to do her magic for me for my birthday and she did that for me and more. Take a look...

Mille grazie bella amica.

Here is the original photo.

Original photo plus Julie's ethereal quality. Incredibile.

Easter - Experiencing loss

2010-04-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

This Easter morning I walked my two youngest Labs, Scout and Kenyon, the 4-mile round trip to pick up my Starbucks. En-route I saw a truck hit a deer as he crossed the road. The driver's bumper sustained enough damage to cause it to fall off but he was able to drive away. Although I saw the deer skip into the nearby wood I was not convinced, as I wanted to be, he would fair as well so I watched him and he watched me.

I did not have my phone or my car so I walked the 30 minutes home and called the local police and agreed to meet them back where I saw the deer enter the wood. As I waited for the officer to arrive I saw the deer laying down now so I made my way towards him and found him dead. What a beautiful animal, I thought sadly. I suspect from his size and small antlers, he was a child. I had seen three dear, two adults and a child, in this area before. I left him there when I saw two other deer waiting nearby. As I waited by my car I saw other deer come to his body and remain there.

I was reminded of when Bear, sister to my 14 1/2 year old Paws, died last year and I arranged to have Paws and then Scout spend time with Bear's body. Kenyon was not part of our family then. It matters to let them know what happened to their mate or child - always their friend.

The police officer arrived and was genuinely relieved to know the deer was dead otherwise he would have to shoot it, per policy. I felt compassion for this officer in that moment as we both stood in silence with that emotion hanging between us. We ask a lot from those who are the guardians of our safety and our country.

Deer standing over the body of fallen child.

This day represents loss, love, and forgiveness in the most poignant, direct, and committed way possible.

The message today is to live deeply and with commitment if you have the courage to do so. If not, then please just stop complaining and move back into the shadows where you stay hidden. Or step up and make a difference where you can when you can. I entitled the side-bar, "Those Who Do" for a reason. Consider donating twenty-five dollars today in someone's name to honor them and then tell them you did so and why.

Today is in honor of those who do and for those we miss who did for us. I find solace in thinking of that beautiful deer greeted by my Bear in a warm, golden field not too far away.

In gratitude for this day,

Kim

Last Chance Friday Give-Away at La Petit Coterie

2010-04-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hurry and get your name in for one of Michelle's fabulous creations at La Petit Coterie. The give-away is over domani (tomorrow), Friday. She's brought a popular item back and I've thrown my name in the hat as well. Buona Fortuna amici..

La Petit Coterie

Spice (update): Lovely pink toes

2010-03-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Miss Spice in her new home; see March 7 posting. She was resting quite comfortably after her doggie-spa pedicure in her newly claimed chair overlooking a picture window into the backyard. I am happy to report both her new collar and tags match her toenail polish.

Pedicure courtesy of the Clack girls: Adair, Lauren, and Gracie.

In celebration of old dogs

2010-03-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Ever have those perfect days.

It started yesterday with a nice walk on the beach with someone I wanted to know better and ended up with the news that Spice (see below) was adopted. Then today was the most gorgeous day since our move to South Georgia in December.

We were on the beach on Saint Simon's Island, our new home, at sunrise. I already had my Starbuck's in hand, Kenyon was chasing birds on the sandbar which gave the illusion he was running on water and he passed perfectly in front of the sun as she lifted above the waterline. Wish I'd had my camera but then I might just have missed the moment. I could not help but think of him in September when he came to us through Lab Rescue, terribly mauled, but full of heart. Scout was off somewhere else creating her own entertainment and Paws stood with me and took it all in as old dogs so perfectly do. My favorite past time is to read a good book while she sleeps nearby so I can listen to her breathe. I also love the smell of her breath.

This is a photo of us taken last Fall when I really started to see her years and wanted to capture the beauty of her stunning grey face. She moves more slowly these days but makes every walk, eats every meal, and begs for more food from every person she passes on the beach - a Lab through and through. Because of the cold weather here I wrap her in a striped sweater and I would swear she uses that to her advantage when she begs. She is almost deaf, cannot see very well, but there is nothing wrong with her sense of smell or appetite. And she is happy. That's my girl.

Please take a moment to read one of the best articles about these special creatures. I would only add at the end, "We grieve for ourselves without them." I'd also love to share your photos of your old dog. You can e-mail them directly to me at BellaRustica@aol.com.

In honor of Paws - age 14 1/2 - Labrador Retriever

They can be eccentric, slow afoot, even grouchy. But dogs live out their final days with a humility and grace we all could learn from.

Not long before his death, Harry and I headed out for a walk that proved eventful. He was nearly 13, old for a big dog. Walks were no longer the slap-happy Iditarods of his youth, frenzies of purposeless pulling in which we would cast madly off in all directions, fighting for command. Nor were they the exuberant archaeological expeditions of his middle years, when every other tree or hydrant or blade of grass held tantalizing secrets about his neighbors. In his old age, Harry had transformed his walk into a simple process of elimination—a dutiful, utilitarian, head-down trudge. When finished, he would shuffle home to his ratty old bed, which graced our living room because Harry could no longer ascend the stairs. On these walks, Harry seemed oblivious to his surroundings, absorbed in the arduous responsibility of placing foot before foot before foot before foot. But this time, on the edge of a small urban park, he stopped to watch something. A man was throwing a Frisbee to his dog. The dog, about Harry’s size, was tracking the flight expertly, as Harry had once done, anticipating hooks and slices by watching the pitch and roll and yaw of the disc, as Harry had done, then catching it with a joyful, punctuating leap, as Harry had once done, too.

Harry sat. For 10 minutes, he watched the fling and catch, fling and catch, his face contented, his eyes alight, his tail a-twitch. Our walk home was almost … jaunty.

Some years ago, The Washington Post invited readers to come up with a midlife list of goals for an underachiever. The first-runner-up prize went to: “Win the admiration of my dog.”

It’s no big deal to love a dog; they make it so easy for you. They find you brilliant, even if you are a witling. You fascinate them, even if you are as dull as a butter knife. They are fond of you, even if you are a genocidal maniac. Hitler loved his dogs, and they loved him.

Puppies are incomparably cute and incomparably entertaining, and, best of all, they smell exactly like puppies. At middle age, a dog has settled into the knuckleheaded matrix of behavior we find so appealing—his unquestioning loyalty, his irrepressible willingness to please, his infectious happiness. But it is not until a dog gets old that his most important virtues ripen and coalesce. Old dogs can be cloudy-eyed and grouchy, gray of muzzle, graceless of gait, odd of habit, hard of hearing, pimply, wheezy, lazy, and lumpy. But to anyone who has ever known an old dog, these flaws are of little consequence. Old dogs are vulnerable. They show exorbitant gratitude and limitless trust. They are without artifice. They are funny in new and unexpected ways. But, above all, they seem at peace.

Kafka wrote that the meaning of life is that it ends. He meant that our lives are shaped and shaded by the existential terror of knowing that all is finite. This anxiety informs poetry, literature, the monuments we build, the wars we wage—all of it. Kafka was talking, of course, about people. Among animals, only humans are said to be self-aware enough to comprehend the passage of time and the grim truth of mortality. How, then, to explain old Harry at the edge of that park, gray and lame, just days from the end, experiencing what can only be called wistfulness and nostalgia? I have lived with eight dogs, watched six of them grow old and infirm with grace and dignity, and die with what seemed to be acceptance. I have seen old dogs grieve at the loss of their friends. I have come to believe that as they age, dogs comprehend the passage of time, and, if not the inevitability of death, certainly the relentlessness of the onset of their frailties. They understand that what’s gone is gone.

What dogs do not have is an abstract sense of fear, or a feeling of injustice or entitlement. They do not see themselves, as we do, as tragic heroes, battling ceaselessly against the merciless onslaught of time. Unlike us, old dogs lack the audacity to mythologize their lives. You’ve got to love them for that.

The product of a Kansas puppy mill, Harry was sold to us as a yellow Labrador retriever. I suppose it was technically true, but only in the sense that Tic Tacs are technically “food.” Harry’s lineage was suspect. He wasn’t the square-headed, elegant type of Labrador you can envision in the wilds of Canada hunting for ducks. He was the shape of a baked potato, with the color and luster of an interoffice envelope. You could envision him in the wilds of suburban Toledo, hunting for nuggets of dried food in a carpet.

His full name was Harry S Truman, and once he’d reached middle age, he had indeed developed the unassuming soul of a haberdasher. We sometimes called him Tru, which fit his loyalty but was in other ways a misnomer: Harry was a bit of an eccentric, a few bubbles off plumb. Though he had never experienced an electrical shock, whenever he encountered a wire on the floor—say, a power cord leading from a laptop to a wall socket—Harry would stop and refuse to proceed. To him, this barrier was as impassable as the Himalayas. He’d stand there, waiting for someone to move it. Also, he was afraid of wind.

While Harry lacked the wiliness and cunning of some dogs, I did watch one day as he figured out a basic principle of physics. He was playing with a water bottle in our backyard—it was one of those 5-gallon cylindrical plastic jugs from the top of a water cooler. At one point, it rolled down a hill, which surprised and delighted him. He retrieved it, brought it back up and tried to make it go down again. It wouldn’t. I watched him nudge it around until he discovered that for the bottle to roll, its long axis had to be perpendicular to the slope of the hill. You could see the understanding dawn on his face; it was Archimedes in his bath, Helen Keller at the water spigot.

That was probably the intellectual achievement of Harry’s life, tarnished only slightly by the fact that he spent the next two hours insipidly entranced, rolling the bottle down and hauling it back up. He did not come inside until it grew too dark for him to see.

I believe I know exactly when Harry became an old dog. He was about 9 years old. It happened at 10:15 on the evening of June 21, 2001, the day my family moved from the suburbs to the city. The move took longer than we’d anticipated. Inexcusably, Harry had been left alone in the vacated house—eerie, echoing, empty of furniture and of all belongings except Harry and his bed—for eight hours. When I arrived to pick him up, he was beyond frantic.

He met me at the door and embraced me around the waist in a way that is not immediately reconcilable with the musculature and skeleton of a dog’s front legs. I could not extricate myself from his grasp. We walked out of that house like a slow-dancing couple, and Harry did not let go until I opened the car door.

He wasn’t barking at me in reprimand, as he once might have done. He hadn’t fouled the house in spite. That night, Harry was simply scared and vulnerable, impossibly sweet and needy and grateful. He had lost something of himself, but he had gained something more touching and more valuable. He had entered old age.

In the year after our move, Harry began to age visibly, and he did it the way most dogs do. First his muzzle began to whiten, and then the white slowly crept backward to swallow his entire head. As he became more sedentary, he thickened a bit, too.

On walks, he would no longer bother to scout and circle for a place to relieve himself. He would simply do it in mid-plod, like a horse, leaving the difficult logistics of drive-by cleanup to me. Sometimes, while crossing a busy street, with cars whizzing by, he would plop down to scratch his ear. Sometimes, he would forget where he was and why he was there. To the amusement of passersby, I would have to hunker down beside him and say, “Harry, we’re on a walk, and we’re going home now. Home is this way, okay?” On these dutiful walks, Harry ignored almost everything he passed. The most notable exception was an old, barrel-chested female pit bull named Honey, whom he loved. This was surprising, both because other dogs had long ago ceased to interest Harry at all, and because even back when they did, Harry’s tastes were for the guys.

Still, when we met Honey on walks, Harry perked up. Honey was younger by five years and heartier by a mile, but she liked Harry and slowed her gait when he was around. They waddled together for blocks, eyes forward, hardly interacting but content in each other’s company. I will forever be grateful to Honey for sweetening Harry’s last days.

Some people who seem unmoved by the deaths of tens of thousands through war or natural disaster will nonetheless grieve inconsolably over the loss of the family dog. People who find this behavior distasteful are often the ones without pets. It is hard to understand, in the abstract, the degree to which a companion animal, particularly after a long life, becomes a part of you. I believe I’ve figured out what this is all about. It is not as noble as I’d like it to be, but it is not anything of which to be ashamed, either.

In our dogs, we see ourselves. Dogs exhibit almost all of our emotions; if you think a dog cannot register envy or pity or pride or melancholia, you have never lived with one for any length of time. What dogs lack is our ability to dissimulate. They wear their emotions nakedly, and so, in watching them, we see ourselves as we would be if we were stripped of posture and pretense. Their innocence is enormously appealing. When we watch a dog progress from puppy hood to old age, we are watching our own lives in microcosm. Our dogs become old, frail, crotchety, and vulnerable, just as Grandma did, just as we surely will, come the day. When we grieve for them, we grieve for ourselves.

Gene Weingarten
Washington Post

Spice has a new home!

2010-03-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

E-mail I received from Spice:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH peace and paradise!!

Thanks for helping me find a home...Spice

Spice in her new home with Amy (mother), Adair (pictured), Lauren, and Grace (daughters) Clack after many walks yesterday with all the girls. I work with their father and he asked for assistance in looking for the perfect dog for his family.

Bella Rustica for Assisi Farms sponsors Spice

2010-03-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

Grazie a tutti (to everyone) who purchased from BellaRustica Market in February. The proceeds from your purchases sponsored Spice. Spice is a small, shy year old female yellow Labrador who lives safely now at a local animal shelter here in South Coastal Georgia. When I find a dog I think is very adoptable I get the word out through personal contacts. I think we have found her the perfect home with three little girls...

Friday give-a-ways

2010-02-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

Mamma Bella Arte giveaway ends February 28

Alabaster Rose Design jewelry giveaway ends March 7th

Love to All

2010-02-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Giorno di cuore (Valentine's Day 2010) - There is a scene in Under The Tuscan Sun where Diane Lane's dear friend arrives unannounced at Lane's Tuscan home only to interrupt possible amorous possibilities between Lane and her ragazzo (literally translated as "boy" but means boyfriend). Once the friend realizes her timing leaves un po' (a little) to be desired she apologizes profusely for ruining Lane's "love life" explaining she is in the middle of her own crisis of the heart. Lane tells her, "You are my love life" and I remember thinking, "Ain't that the truth!" So, today I wrote to everyone who means something to me to thank them for being my love life.

I also chose to honor both my mother and her sister, my Auntie Gayle, and Gayle's husband, my Uncle Rod. My father, who died when I was 19, was an only child so my mother's family, The Fergusons, are my only extended family. My aunt has just completed two cycles of very difficult heart and lung chemotherapy. This is her second round with cancer. Today her stem cells were harvested successfully.

She will have about 9 days to recover and then go back in the hospital for month or so of more chemo to destroy her bone marrow in order to replace the stem cells with those harvested and cleaned today (they will be frozen - cryogenics). She will then be isolated for three weeks or so while the bone marrow regenerates and her body heals.

Please take the time today to reach out to someone and simply tell them what they mean to you. I painted the words, "Love To All Who Enter Here" above the doorframe of my Coronado, CA, home to remind me and all those who pass by to remember to love because we forget sometimes, don't we? And please pray for my aunt in those quiet moments of your day and send her love. Much love to you - Kim, Paws, Scout, and Kenyon

My home, Coronado, CA.

Sunday thoughts - Learning Southern

2010-01-31T15:06:00.000-08:00

As I settle in to my new life here in The South I am paying close attention to the differences in cultures given that I am from Southern Coastal California. Last night I was at dinner at a local oyster bar with friends in town for training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). My very well-traveled friend ordered raw oysters from the bartender as we were sitting at the bar and had decided to stay there. The bartender, ever Southern gracious and friendly, repeated the order but I did not hear raw oysters. With his accent I heard fois gras. Now, fois gras (pronounced fwɑˈɡrɑ) is French for "fat liver" and obviously last night it sounded like raw oysters to me. Fois Gras is a food product made of the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened and is only served at high-end restaurants.

I called to the waiter that my friend wanted raw oysters and he looked sweetly at me like,"I know, darlin'. " He then nodded very politely to emphasize he understood. I am reminded of people who speak another language and are trying to get you to understand but instead of speaking slower they speak LOUDER. I said, "Raw Oysters" louder and the bartender looks at me politely and nods his head again. By now my very well traveled friend is looking at me like I am pazza (Italian for crazy) and says LOUDLY, "Why do you keep yelling Fois Gras at the him" and I explain to him in a very clipped, exasperated SO-CAL fashion as though it must be obvious. He looks at the bartender and explains I am from California and that seems to explain everything.

Here's what I love about being in The South, children and men have manners. Let me explain. I am called Miss Kelly or Darlin' or Hey girl or Ma'am in a way that feels and actually is respectful.

Last week I was walking the hallway at the gym aboard FLETC and there was a class of ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement Agents) standing together waiting for their instruction to begin. As I passed and made eye contact I heard, "Ma'am" down the line. I went back to my office and announced to my new co-workers that I wanted to be called Ma'am but they have not started doing that yet. Perhaps they forgot or did not hear me. Perhaps tomorrow I will repeat my request more LOUDLY but somehow I don't think that will change things. You know raggaze (girls) you have to let them think it was their idea. North or South, some things never change.

Crown & Carpe Diem mat - accessory lead

2010-01-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of inquiries about the Crown & Carpe Diem mat in front of my stove so here are the details.

It cost $39.95 and is available at The Attic (Coronado, CA). Just call the Attics Girls there at 619.435.5614 or e-mail Nancy Michaels at ShabNChic@cox.net and she will take care of you. They have a couple left but will happily order more and have it to you in less than two weeks.

Carpe Diem (Latin for Seize the Day)

Here is another "French" option - Bon Jour (Hello)

Operazione Cucina - Giorno III (end of Day 3)

2010-01-18T18:01:00.001-08:00

I stayed up until 0100 this morning talking to a friend as I cleaned, glazed walls, painted cabinets, arranged and re-arranged, hung clocks, photos, and other items I brought together to create what I think has successfully amounted to a farmhouse look. I am pleased.

I need to finish cleaning the linoleum floors before I decide what I am going to do for flooring. If the concrete under linoleum cleans up well I'll keep it and lay down area rugs. If not, I'll likely lay linoleum squares in black and khaki as they are about $1.00 a piece. For now, I unrolled a large seagrass rug to cover the unfinished flooring.
My La Vita e Bella sign, lovingly created by la mia bella amica, Rita Reade of MammaBellarte, will find a new home above the shelving this week. I will hang coffee cups from the lower part of the shelving to continue to maximize space. Today I conducted inventory of every pot, pan, and food item and gave away everything I had not used in the last year. How many pots and pans do you really need? I was committed to finding a home for everything in the space you see in these photos and that is what I did.

On Friday, as we were removing the cabinets from over the sink, I found a long under-cabinet light that I was not aware was there. I had it removed and stood facing significant damage to the drywall in that area. I did not do a good job of fixing it so after I'd sanded and glazed the area I stood looking at it, disappointed, and then walked right into the dining room and removed the clock from that wall and hung it above the sink. It hides the damage perfectly. I had the electrical moved above where the clock sits and simply installed an outside barn light given to me by a friend. The combination of clock and barn light begged for more balance so I walked the house and re-located the mirror. I then hung both a metal wheat sheath I purchased here from a local cooperative boutique and a hand-drawn picture of a rooster created by a friend's son to complete the corner.

Because the color of the appliances do not match I am going to experiment with hiding the dishwasher by hanging a linen or burlap curtain. I almost never entertain with any formality so the dishwasher is used more for storage than anything else.

Operazione Cucina - Giorno II - pomeriggio (Day 2 midday)

2010-01-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Scout & Kenyon helping... "go play please". Dog hair and paint bring with them a challenge all their own. Paws just rests & watches all the action, deeply sighing at various moments as though to let me know she is well and approves. At 14 and half, she is my heart.

Kenyon not helping. Good boy.

I woke early and continued to scrape linoleum. I have come to the following conclusions as a result: Linoleum is hateful. That's all I have to say. Jimmy Butler showed up at 8:30 a.m. and finished the shelving, hung the shelf I found on sale yesterday for $90.00, & moved the lighting over the sink. I patched drywall damage & scraped more linoleum in between dog walks to the beach. Today was gloriously blustery and warm. I love having the front door and windows wide open and today allowed for that which was a welcome change to the freezing conditions several days ago. I opted to leave the bark on the countertops and not to plain them but to honor their natural shape. This evening I will glaze the walls with paint the color of oatmeal.

My Coronado, CA, kitchen, due to appear in Better Homes and Gardens sometime this year, cost me approximately $35,000.00 for a complete renovation. This cucina will cost, with hired labor (mine not included), a little less than $1500.00. Mr. Butler's expertise cost me $570.00 for 13 hours; wood for the shelving cost$162.00; Southern yellow pine countertops were $200.00 with delivery; cabinets were $200.00; $90.00 for the decorative shelf; and the rest is for baskets, paints, glaze, wood stain, and butcher block oil.

Left to to: flooring (yet to be determined) and to finish countertops - a process of sanding and applying thin layers of butcher block oil.

Operazione Cucina

2010-01-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

And so it begins...

In law enforcement, whenever we begin what will amount to be a big case we name it - sometimes officially, sometimes unofficially. Well, since I am re-modeling a rental I have decided this commitment amounts to no less than an official operation so I have have named it accordingly - Operazione Cucina (Operation Kitchen). I moved across the United States from lovely Coronado, California to the equally as lovely Saint Simon's Island, Georgia. Yes, I have a thing for islands - moving on.

My landlord didn't make a peep when I said I came with three dogs - Labradors Retrievers no less - so I am thankful for the great, old beach cottage (now called BellaRustica Cottage) blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and a gorgeous Dog Beach. The trade-off is that I have now installed $1500.00 in fencing and have initiated a kitchen remodel at my own expense. The rotted back deck is being repaired and paid for by the home owner.

My challenge was to re-model an otherwise poorly functional kitchen. There is only one drawer, and a total of seven cabinets only. Two of those cabinets are under the sink and the rest are oddly positioned around an ill thought-out island that sits right in the middle of the kitchen. In my professional life I am required to consider all angles, every reason a person might rationalize for their behavior, but this one remains a mystery to me. And so it begins, Operazione Cucina.

In order to remain in budget I priced unfinished cabinets from a variety of sources and settle on Lowes. I buy two only - one for under the sink and the other (15 inches) for one side of the stove - $200.00. Given the restrictions of kitchen dimensions, I am limited to off-the-shelf choices so I decide on open shelving to finish the cabinet area as I cannot find exact dimensions to cover the additional square footage. I have hired Jimmy Butler, a local contractor, who comes well recommended from a good friend. He is professional, darling, exceedingly bright, painfully shy, and more importantly, willing to work with me. He has to agree (did he?) to "being blogged" and I encourage him with the fact that perhaps he might meet an interesting gal out of this whole thing.

The kitchen "before". Although I am no cook, there was not enough room for basic pots and pans, dinnerware, and pantry items in this kitchen. The wall to the left had a washer/dryer hook up underneath and cabinets overhead that required ducking when you opened them. You can see how I had to stack my wire baskets with items that had no place to go.

I wanted to move the cabinetry to the floor and along the walls in an L-shape for maximum open space within the kitchen. Once I decided on the cabinets, I focused on counter tops. Lowes "no big deal" synthetic counter tops would cost me about $200.00 for a 12 foot and 6 foot piece. No thanks. I investigated other options. On my way in to work I noticed this sign for OLD STUFF and HEART PINE so I pulled in one day and met Hondo, master wood craftsman extraordinaire. Hondo manages a lumber mill and builds gorgeous tables in this old warehouse in his off-time. He also rescues dog and cats and was just beginning the relationship with a tiny, bob-tailed abandoned kitten when I met him. I knew I was in good hands when he showed me how he'd not only set out food and water but had a rather ingenious plan for the eventual winning over of this little one. It became immediately evident Hondo was an old-hand at this so I decided I was in the right place for my very secondary and material needs.

He set aside and kindly delivered two pieces of Southern Yellow Pine for my countertops. Cost to me with delivery - $200.00.

Of course it started to rain on the first day of Operazione Cucina but that did not deter me one bit. We simply brought our lovely Southern Yellow Pine inside for the night.

This morning Jimmy Butler arrived on time and began dismantling La Cucina. I call him Jimmy Butler like people tend to call me Kim Kelly. I have the hardest time getting him to smile for the camera though. He likely thinks me such a nuisance but tolerates me quietly.

Photos tomorrow of the two-cabinet install, custom shelving in between those cabinets, continued removal of the laminate flooring, and my very-lazy effort to "paint" (read: spray paint) and then wash the walls with a combination of glaze and raw umber. Since I only needed to even out the areas on the walls where the old upper cabinets were mounted I opted for spray painting using a standard white as the walls were white. Even though I know there are 100 WHITES I just needed to clean it up enough to create a "backdrop" for glazing. I love the natural look of glazing walls and furniture but I also like the practical aspects of it. I can glaze an entire room in an hour whereas painting might take me six hours. Results domani (tomorrow) - you judge.

Buona Notte - Kim

Cucina (Kitchen)

2010-01-04T17:50:00.001-08:00

I've decided. If the owner of the cottage I am renting here on Saint Simons Island, GA, will commit to a three-year lease, I am redesigning la cucina to make it more efficient e bellissima. Right now I have one drawer and an odd configuration of cabinets not easily accessible plus an entire wall, wasted, because it sports a washer/dryer hook-up. I thought to just run bead board on top of that but it's only a band-aide and does not address the serious lack of cabinet space or the fact this kitchen lacks everything else to include charm.

"It's a rental" you say and a month ago I would have agreed but before I left my darling cottage on Coronado, CA, I sunk $4,000.00 into it. It never looked better than the day I pulled away from the curb. So, I've decided, instead of complaining about this I am going to enjoy another creative endeavor and take you along with me. I am already off to a good start because there is concrete under the hideous linoleum so I am hoping that is in good shape and we can do something with that. I say we because I will be relying on you to weigh-in and keep me focused. I am thinking concrete, natural and painted woods, & rustic but elegant shelving to display tutti bellissimi cosi (many beautiful things). In order to be able to access a couple of pans I hung them on a old pot rack which I had mounted on a piece of fencing that is falling down beside the house. I loved the faded, chipped blue paint and the moss. Goes perfectly with my over-sized completely impracticale Cucina sign. Thinking of using salvageable back decking from the deck re-do for the counter-tops. Cosi, vieni con mi...

Gretchen Georges, international flight attendant, photographer, mother, and good friend to me has promised me a visit to CUCINA (Kitchen), a lovely shop a Roma next time we get a chance to travel together. I like the combination of the natural woods and a hint of industriale.

C.U.C.I.N.A

Via Mario de Fiori, 65

00187 Roma

www.cucinastore.com

Once I get my new kitchen here in order I am hanging Gretchen's great prints Vino e Olio prominently; see Travel with Symphorose Photography for your own set.

Grazia (Grace) e Auguri per 2010

2009-12-31T19:11:00.000-08:00

At the risk of waxing poetic as we begin our new year, I will simply point out that our canine friends have their priorities intact all year round. For Kenyan, it is chasing squirrels, deer and birds. For Scout, it is chasing Kenyon chasing squirrels, deer, and birds, and for Paws, at 14, it is watching Scout chase Kenyon chasing squirrels, deer, and birds.

Last Sunday, as we walked that glorious beach so close to our new home I looked up at the sand dune and saw two gorgeous deer and for a moment - and only a moment - I breathed that image in until Kenyon and then Scout took off after them. I called to Scout and she returned ("Good girl Scout!) but not our new boy. I had visions of my yellow Lab chasing behind the deer across the Salt Marsh which they crossed at low tide. About 15 minutes later he returned, chest out and tail wagging, very proud of himself. We're working on that...

The week prior I finally finished installing that fence. We cut around the Cypress tree on the right side of the house as it's trunk grew somewhat parallel to the ground and into the neighbor's yard. That last fence post was barely in the ground more when I saw Kenyon simply step up onto the old wood file sitting underneath it, onto the tree truck, and - you guessed it - right over that new fence. I spent the better part of last Sunday further securing that area to prevent any further flights of fancy. I removed most of the woodpile that day and will finish the rest tomorrow. Never a dull moment here in our new home in South Georgia.

Auguri per 2010!

Luna Azur (Blue Moon) - 2009

2009-12-31T18:58:00.001-08:00

Usually, we experience a full moon once a month because the monthly calendar was built on the lunar cycle (29.5 days). But once every 2-1/2 years, those extra half days add up to two full moons in a month.

In 1943, Sky and Telescope Magazine erroneously wrote that the second full moon in any calendar month was called a blue moon. The label stuck and is still used today. It’s relatively rare that a blue moon would fall on New Year’s Eve. The last time that happened was 1990. Even more rare – there were two blue moons in 1999, one in January and one in March. That happens only about four times a century.

Interestingly enough, this is not where the expression “once in a blue moon” comes from. According to NASA, that phrase is believed to have originated in 1883 after the eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Krakatoa. The volcano put so much dust in the atmosphere that the moon actually looked blue in color. The event was deemed so unusual the phrase “once in a blue moon” was coined.

Take a moment to go to the blog of my very talented friend Julie at Being Ruby for her gorgeous photographs of the Australian Blue Moon - one of which I swiped - and you'll see why I feature her blog.

Inspirazione

2009-12-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yountville, CA. I took this photo on a trip to the Napa Valley last Christmas because I liked the color combinations. Yesterday, my friend Cordelia Mendoza of Cottage Antiques , Ocean Beach, CA, coincidentally sent me a photo of the same bistro in response to my request for assistance in how to combine my style of rustic neutrals with my new yellow cottage. Cordelia, along with two other friends, recommended painting the orange shutters a faded green. Faded green shutters is Italy to me.

I was going to stick with white but when I put a pair of white shutters over the orange shutters even I could see I needed to chose differently. Using Bistro Jeanty as inspirazione I am now committing to colore, faded green and even red and somewhere some of that leftover Espresso used in my bedroom. I am even going to price a striped awning.

Almost forgot...the fence is almost done. Today I learned to work around the root systems of the gorgeous Live Oak on the right. Finish up work and the gate are tomorrow.

Color and fencing

2009-12-12T17:15:00.000-08:00

The yellow bedroom in the yellow house.

For those of you who don't know me, I am drawn to all natural colors and fabrics and only use a splash of deep garnet when I use any color at all. My move East to a beach cottage presents an opportunity to try something new but my challenge is to be creative in how I blend my style with what is already there. Since I am not going to paint the outside of the cottage I have decided I want to paint the orange shutters by the door. Suggestions? Have not decided on color yet. I changed the yellow paint in what will be my bedroom immediately. I was going to stay neutral - oatmeal or parchment - but decided to take a look at the OOPS paint at Home Depot. OOPS paint is the mistake paint that gets sold for $5.00 a gallon or $1.00 a pint. Can you believe I found two gallons of Espresso colored OOPS paint! The french doors which open onto a back deck, white ceiling and built-ins, and skylight in the bedroom offer the light needed to counterbalance dark walls. Stand-by for le fotografie.

My back deck is rotted to the joists. Watch your step.

I had to fence the front-yard as the backyard only consists of that lovely deck.

And so it begins...Thursday it was 80 degrees and those darling bugs were out in full force. Pray for my protection from these demon creatures. Friday it was 40 degrees and I was ripping open boxes looking for my wool socks and the jacket I bought for all-night duty calls processing crime scenes. So much rain today and tomorrow the fencing is on hold. Just another chance practicare patienza (to practice patience).

Fatto Limonata (Making Lemonade)

2009-12-06T11:10:00.001-08:00

Siamo arraviata! (We have arrived....). It was actually last Monday evening. First thing Tuesday morning I went to Bella Rustica Cottage and what I encountered gave new meaning to the word rustica. The cottage had not been cleaned; there was one broken window and two others were cracked; half the windows were not screened and of those that were most of the screens need to be replaced. One window does not open at all and another opens but does not stay opened. The kitchen sink leaks when you turn on the water and there is only one drawer in that entire kitchen. Fortunately there are two bathrooms because one toilet needs work and when I went to flush it as I was trying to make my own repair the handle came right off. Two days later 8500 pounds of my "household goods" (a polite phrase) arrived and was placed inside and around la mia bella casa so I am staying. Then is started to rain and only stopped this morning. Lezione (Lesson): Focus on the positive or ...... make lemonade so sono fatto limonata (I am making lemonade).

1/10 of a mile from my back door

After I made a few phone calls and got a cleaning crew started I went to Home Depot to order fencing and to pick up six 8 foot 4x4 fence posts. Although fit I just could not lift these and I began to feel the frustration and fatigue of a cross-country drive set in when I heard a young man ask if I needed help and I said, "I really do". He was not an employee but got what I needed lifted and loaded and then said he was glad to help and walked away. He had no ulterior motive except to assist me and I suspect he would have done so had I been male or female, black or white (he was black), young or old. I actually had to compose myself as he walked away because I could feel a flood of emotions already watering my eyes. "Thank you" I whispered within myself as I could not have managed the words. I walked by him and a friend later and I thanked him for helping me then as he passed. I heard his friend say, "Man, I would have helped her more".

I found the ceiling fan remote controls for my home in Coronado so will get those in the mail tomorrow. Still looking for my camera cable to share photos. Discovered a few things I had forgotten I had and, overall, have come to quickly to the conclusion I still have troppo tutti cosi (too many things).

Tomorrow is my first day at my new job. Buona Domenica (Good Sunday)!

Almost there...

2009-11-29T07:32:00.000-08:00

We are leaving New Orleans today and heading for the Gulf Coast before arriving on St. Simon's Island. First day was Tucson, AZ where I began my recovery from the move at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort followed by a brief stay in El Paso, TX. Was able to squeeze in a quick, successful visit to the Lucchese boot outlet store in El Paso where I was lucky enough to find THE $550.00 Italian made cowboy boot I admired in my size, on sale, for $150.00. I could not help but notice how polite people are outside of California. In addition, there seemed to be a group at the El Paso hotel that were "loaded for bear" in that they were dressed in what looked to me to be hunting garb and I noticed a lot of big trucks. Additionally, the men seemed more interested in my Labs than me! Just a hunch....

San Antonio was next with a day-visit to the lovely Texas Hill Country town of Fredericksburg and lunch at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm. We enjoyed many walks along the European (Spanish) influenced River Walk and now that I am in New Orleans I am more appreciative of that reprieve.

We arrived in New Orleans late yesterday and into the middle of the Bayou Classic, a two-day "event" loosely associated with football or that's the excuse anyway. I imagine the events brings almost as many people as Mardi Gras. Can you picture me walking three Labrador Retreivers through the throngs of people in town who were there to take part in what amounts to a free-for-all. I got two responses: "Oh, may I pet your dogs!" in an elegant and friendly Southern accent and then from the refined New Orleans clientele, "S $#@! those are some big mother-f^%$*@! dogs" in a Southern, urban street accent. We ended up having to stay off the beaten path and then enjoyed the relative quiet of the lovely Loews Hotel but not before Scout dived into the fountain at Harrahs as I was trying to work my way through the crowd. Just Scout being Scout...

At 3:30 a.m., I had to throw on my clothes for my Labbie, Paws (age 14), and race with her to and then down the elevator to the nearest grassy area, Bless Her Heart (said with a very practiced Southern Accent). Did you know, in the South, you can say practically anything about someone and it is considered socially acceptable as long as you say, "Bless Her Heart"?

I would say at 3:30 a.m. the population was still only reduced by 50%. I made two pre-dawn "grassy-area" runs. I was in my faded jeans with my hair in a pony tail with one or two Labs depending upon the time transiting the foyer of this gorgeous hotel among women (and men actually) dressed in furs and other garb that, in my opinion, suggested anything might go at that time of day/night. I was clearly in better company. The night was filled with police and ambulance sirens and I could not help but think of the New Orleans Police Department and all they were certainly dealing with. On one trip I shared the return elevator with a pizza delivery boy who confirmed for me this was not a favorite day for the locals. Last year, in fact, many shop owners closed their doors for business.

This morning was warm and clear as we walked along the New Orleans River Walk, my Starbucks in hand. We were up early enough that it was quiet as those who partook in the evenings events were likely still sleeping it off. Paws went as far as she could and then sat with my mom, Sally Kelly, as I walked Scout and Kenyon further. Scout, very loyal, attached to my mom as she had to Tamerie, our friend and Coronado neighbor. Made walking her the opposite direction it's own challenge. And this from a dog, when rescued, you could barely touch for the better part of a year without her moving away.

Pictures to follow as my camera cable was packed along with the controllers for all the fans in the Coronado house!

Counting down

2009-11-18T19:55:00.001-08:00

Mille grazie to my November customers. Each of your purchases contributed to paying off Kenyon's medical bills.

When I picked him up on September 11th to foster him I took photos of the injuries as I first saw them and shared them with you. When I adopted him I asked for his intake photos (below)

and I was left with only raw emotion at what I saw. But in that moment when that photograph was taken he was now safe. That is the temporary comfort you feel when you become involved in helping animals.

Dog rescue requires the initial removal of the dog to safety and then the transport to a vet willing to treat the animal at a reduced costs. Then there is a need to find safe shelter whether in a home or a kenneling facility. Please consider your home for temporary shelter. You can set the terms. We are all busy but I am single, a federal agent, run a small business where I do tutti (everything), manage a home and three Labrador retrievers. Make room. Trainers and other dedicated volunteers spend time with the dogs to work with them in an effort to place them. There are websites to maintain, fund-raisers to organize, "show" events to staff on a Saturday afternoon somewhere. It all takes time and it all takes money. Consider a donation in this holiday season.

We move in four days so I have closed down BellaRusticaMarket until mid-December. Tamerie Shriver, friend, neighbor, and talented professional seamstress assisted in the creation of several (well, six to be exact) slipscovers for our soon-to-be new Southern cottage. No.3 is a nod to Labrador No.3

Kenyon at his new home, safe and sound.

Intake photos of initial injuries to Kenyon's back after being attacked and then relinquished by owners who did not want to pay his vet bills.

Veteran's Day 2009 -We salute you

2009-11-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Therapy Dogs From America's VetDogs Officially Transferred to U.S. Army

SMITHTOWN, NY – Newly enlisted Sergeants First Class Boe and Budge are two black Labrador Retrievers about to embark on a historic mission.

For the first time in the history of the United States Army, skilled therapy dogs, provided by America’s VetDogs, will be deployed to Iraq to help relieve combat stress of soldiers in the field. These two specially trained dogs will work with a multidisciplinary team of Army professionals to address mental health issues as they arise in theater.

Says Major Stacie Caswell, commander of the 85th Medical Detachment, “Dogs have been the unsung heroes of our war efforts. Bringing therapy dogs into Iraq will take dogs to the next level on the battlefield. The therapy dogs will be another method that our Combat Stress teams can use to break down mental health stigma and assist soldiers.”

Anecdotal evidence has existed for years that pets provide positive health benefits such as blood pressure and stress reduction, but more recently, scientific studies have been conducted to determine the validity of pet therapy.

Staff Sergeants Jack Greene and Mike Calaway, certified occupational therapy assistants with the 85th Medical Detachment and currently deployed to Iraq, were given temporary duty assignments to the campus of America’s VetDogs in Smithtown, N.Y. in December 2007 to bond and learn how to work with their new charges.

After an intensive five-day training program, Budge and Boe were formally presented to the Army during the handover ceremony on December 13. According to Wells Jones, CEO of America’s VetDogs, “We are privileged and proud to have the opportunity to give something back to the men and women who dedicate themselves to our country. We’re honored to serve those who have served us.”

The dogs will accompany Greene and Calaway as they work with soldiers, whether in a one-to-one or group setting, to cope with homefront issues, sleep problems, or day-to-day operational stress. Budge and Boe can help provide emotional comfort through physical interactions such as playing fetch or simple petting.

Says Greene, “The dogs have a natural, uncanny way of reducing stress. It’s kind of magical.” Calaway concurs. “They will be great morale boosters as members of the team,” he adds.
America’s VetDogs is honored to make the gift of these special canines to the Army’s 85th Medical Detachment, and proud to be called to serve the valiant men and women who serve our country.

America’s VetDogs, a subsidiary of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, offers guide and service dogs to veterans of all eras. A major component of the program is to provide service dogs to members of the military recently wounded in combat.

From Assisi Farms - Name the Puppy

2009-10-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

"Rio" named by Paige

"Cocoa" named by Audrey

"Puggles" named by Sofia

"Natalie" named by Katelyn

Che bellissima e carina. My very own Assisi Farms which is supported entirely by BellaRustica has made a donation to Labradors and Friends Name The Puppy Program. A substantial portion of every sale from BellaRustica goes to sponsor the Humane Society of the United States, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Labs and Friends (see Those Who Do....)

Labs and Friends regularly rescue puppies and are requesting a $25.00 donation to help name these pups. You will receive a photo of the pup you choose and will be acknowledged on their website. I encourage everyone, when giving any gifts, to make small donations such as these in the name of the person you are buying a gift for along with the gift - especially i bambini (the children) as that gift will imprint upon their hearts. I am doing so in the names of my nieces - Sofia, Paige, Audrey, Kate, and Michelle.

"Ceci" named by Michelle.

Bella Rustica Seaside Cottage

2009-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Our new home (after Thanksgiving) has three bedrooms, two baths, open beam ceilings, a working fireplace, hardwoods floors, a small sun room and french doors leading to a deck off the back. The posts on the right allow for a hammock. I will fence in the rear and side yard to secure a lovely, tree canopied area for the Labbies. Commute time is twenty minutes.

I have already created a Bella Rustica Seaside Cottage decorating notebook. This move allows me the perfect excuse to expand my style further to incorporate more linens and burlap than cottons and velvet. I've purchased several jute rugs and will experiment with more painted items incorporated with the natural woods I tend to prefer. I am having several items slipcovered and embellished with my own designs used on my pillows - Italian phrases and images.

La Isola di Santa Simone - St. Simon's Island

2009-10-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Our new home will be on Saint Simon's Island which is an hour north of Jacksonville, Florida and one hour South of Savannah, Georgia. Saint Simon's Island is co-located with Sea Island and next to Jeckell Island for those of you familiar with the South Georgia Coast.

Similar marsh view from the front yard of what will be Bella Rustica Cottage, Ocean Road, St. Simon's Island. The Atlantic Ocean and Dog Beach are four blocks the other way...

One of many tree lined streets for our walks.

Mappa vecchia e bellissima.

Andiammo a Georgia - Ciao ya'll!

2009-10-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

I have accepted a position to be a lead-instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in South Coastal Georgia. I am renting my home in Coronado and renting a darling cottage on Ocean Road on Saint Simon's Island, Georgia. I will call it Bella Rustica Cottage - villino (little villa) or caseta in Italian - and am already decorating it from California. I will chronicle the trip and cottage transformation for you here.

Because I had been fostering Kenyon for only a month when this opportunity came along I decided to adopt him. When a fostering turns into an adoption you join una gruppa speziale ( a special group) - Foster Failures.

I am not required to attend classes but I have practiced the required introduction if I had to, "Hello, my name is Kim Kelly and I am a Foster Failure". I suspect I would be in good company. Scout, adopted at the South Georgia Coastal Humane Society during my last Temporary Duty at FLETC four years ago, will be going home.

If I were being entirely honest, however, I would have to admit that within the first week of fostering I had to buy Kenyon a collar as he did not come with one and was wearing an old leopard print collar from my beloved Bear, a girl, who left us last June. The day I bought the brown and green polka dot collar I also purchased two brown and pink polka dot collars for Paws and Scout.... just in case.

Cosi, andiamo a Georgia. In about a month I will begin another adventure starting with a Road Trip across the Estati Uniti with my Labbies.

Ciao ya'll

Scout goes to Piccolo Italia, San Diego

2009-09-26T15:38:00.001-07:00

Scout and I went to Piccolo Italia (Little Italy) today to pick up a few of my favorite things - pasta e gelato.

It is still very warm here in San Diego, California so our first stop was at Cafe Italia per gelato espresso. Scout waited patiently. If you are wondering whether I looked silly taking pictures of my dog while standing in line here, I did, but really, who cares. The Italians have a saying, "No te preoccupare" (which literally translates to "Don't preoccupy you" or non-literally, "No worries") and is always accompanied by a shrug of the shoulders and a tsk sound as though to say, well, "Who cares. Life is short. Enjoy ...".

Next, Assenti's Pasta where I bought fatto a mano (hand-made), gluten-free linguini. This pasta is made from CeCe (chickpeas) which is pronounced che-che in Italian - another fun word to say. Take a look at their website for recipes like portobello ravioli con salsa di noci (mushroom ravioli with walnut sauce). This shop was started by Adriana e Umberto Assenti and is now managed by their handsome sons, Roberto e Luigi. It is always a pleasure to be assisted by a handsome Italian man.

Our last stop was the Chiesa Cattolica. We sat on the shady steps outside Our Lady of the Rosary so we could fully enjoy the last of the gelato which Scout finished up. On the first Sunday of every month at noon the entire mass is delivered in Italian. Even if you don't parla Italiano and you are not Catholic, it's lovely. The church is always full with at least three and sometimes four generations of Italian speaking families.

Ciparliamo presto

(We (informal) will speak to one another soon).

Winner of La Mappa di Italia Pillow -

2009-09-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Nancy Offerman of Live-Laugh-Love (or Vivere-Ridere-Amore) won La Mappa di Italia pillow. Nancy is represented here by her yellow Lab, Logan.

Disclaimer (I swear): The fact Nancy has a yellow Lab or any Lab at all did in no way effect my ability to apply sound judgment regarding the winner. Nancy researched and provided several great map websites and shared Grace. I case you don't believe me, here it is -

My husband's uncle recently lost his wife of 52 years. He stays with us for a couple of days each month when going to visit his children (we do the airport trip) and the visits are great for all of us! This week I made him his favorite dinners, and he came carrying red and white wine! Good food, company, conversation! Grace given, grace received!
Love the pillow with your pup wrapped around it!
~Nancy

Grace given, Gracie received...

Lab Rescue - Introducing Kenyon

I introduced the newest member of Assisi Farms fourteen days ago as "No Name Lab". He came to us on a Friday and by the end of Saturday he did not respond to the name I was told he came with, Kenyon. On Sunday, however, he did. Look at the difference in the photographs from the first few days and this evening. My responsibility is to evaluate him and assist in the regaining of confidence and manners. Tonight was the first time I allowed him off-leash at Coronado's Dog Beach. He has become attached to Scout, my youngest black Lab, but she remains ambivalent about him given her mood which is her way. As I watched them play together on the beach this evening I was overcome with the evidence of Grace Given and Grace Received. Although he remains close to me and looks to see where I am, I saw in him the beauty that defines his soul long before vicious dog attacks and irresponsible previous owners. As he ran into the Pacific Ocean and played with Scout and other dogs with no fear his scars were still physically noticeable but in those moments, only to me. As he played I experienced joy and was moved accordingly. Never forget the healing power of the giving of your time or the kindness of a gesture well timed nor of allowing in the experience of being present in the moment.

Grace given and grace received.

Amen to that.

Honoring Settembre 11

2009-09-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, September 11, this lad came home with us to learn to be safe again in a world that has been unkind to him. He is five years old and we do not know his name. He was brutally attacked by two other dogs, relinquished (left) at a veterinarian's office, and then rescued by Labradors and Friends. His wounds are extensive as evidenced in the photos below. I will work with him through through this adjustment period in an effort to ready him for the perfect home. Look at that face. Another example of Grace given and received.

Next time you are looking for the perfect gift for that person who has everything, consider a donation in their name to one of the charities listed under Those that "do"... The Humane Society of the United States is the legislative voice for animals. I wish their Chief Executive Officer Wayne Pacelle would just marry me and call it a good day. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the largest true No Kill shelter in the United States and is located in Kanab, Utah. They are also a very strong voice as animal advocates in this country. Between 1950, when they started, until today the euthanasia rate has been reduced from 17 MILLION a year to 5 MILLION a year. The remaining lesson is to please spay and neuter your pets. You can actually schedule a vacation at Best Friends to work with the staff and animals AND you can bring your pets!

We walked our Labbie guest to Starbucks this morning for our usual 5 a.m. cappuccino portare la via (to go or literally to take to the street) and then on to the Pacific Ocean for a stroll through the famous Hotel Del Coronado grounds. He is good on a leash and as well as with other animals and wants to please. He honors Paws by maintaining a respectful distance and is trying to befriend Scout who is convinced that I have made a terrible mistake and surely will come to my senses by the day's end. Like much in life, this too is a lesson in patience.

Give-a-way - Mappe di Italia pillow

2009-09-08T20:53:00.001-07:00

I am in search of a non-copyrighted map of Italy and will make this copyrighted map of Italy pillow a gift to you in exchange. This pillow e fatto a mano (is made by my hand) and measures 14 x 12, is down-stuffed and printed on burlap di espresso (darker burlap). Ma aspetta volgio piu (but wait, I want more). Because I adore the phrase, concept, practice of Grace, I want to hear how you offered or were given Grace in your life this week. The pillow is actually yours for the map ma Grazia (but Grace) "will lead you home". You can comment here or send an e-mail through the website if your share is too personal. I will share all the entries in some format next week and announce the winner at that time.

Credits: Photographic Assistant - Scout

Campagnia d'Assisi (Assisi Farms)

2009-08-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

Every month BellaRusticaMarket donates a portion of all proceeds to the Humane Society of United States and my very own Assisi Farms, named after Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Assisi Farms is a continued vision long in the making.

Yesterday I attended two Lab Rescue Fairs to search for the newest member of Assisi Farms. I brought Scout with me as she eventually will have the final say and we decided we would like to get to better know a three year-old male Chocolate Lab and have arranged a visit for this week .

This handsome boy is being sponsored by Labradors and Friends. This darling poster (and others like it highlighting different breeds) can be purchased at the same place.

Translation from Italian:

"Labtini"

"Very Sweet, Everyone loves them!"

"Flavors:

Yellow

Black

Chocolate"

Here is your sign...

2009-08-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

M a m m a b e l l a r t e c u s t o m s i g n g i v e a w ay

"Life is beautiful"

Mammabellarte

Rita Reade, la mia amica Siciliana, is running out of ideas for her lovely and truly handmade signs and needs your help. Leave her a comment with the word or phrase that you would like to see on a sign and you could be the winner. One of Rita's chickens will choose three winners upon the 100th post.

Rita made these two signs for me and there are other samples several posts down here and on her blog, Mammabellarte. Bella Rita is beautiful, talented, smart, & quick witted in a way that is all the more charming given her strong accento Italiano. She corrects my blog Italian which I appreciate but I hesitate to correct her blog English because it is absolutamente adorabile.

Buon fortuna, tutti!

New item... coming this week.

2009-08-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Broken Twig Chandelier

Fatto a mano in the United States, these gorgeous chandeliers are crafted of hickory branches. This particular one is hanging in my dining room and is one of those pieces I will never regret. I purchased it originally to see if I could, perhaps, make another one myself but it is more work than I realized and as such, it makes me appreciate its beauty all the more. I had a photograph of it from a magazine for years before I found it. I have ordered another for my bedroom and will soon be offering them to you. This is another example of BellaRustica - combining the natural with the elegant with the rustic.

Travel with Symphorose Photography giveaway...

2009-08-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

Gretchen Georges is just back from Paris again...but she is giving away un regalo di Italia -a gift from Italy.

Travel with Symphorose Photography

Fotografie bellissime

2009-07-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

These are "le fotografie" I just purchased from la mia amica Gretchen of Symphorose Photography. Gretchen is an international flight attendant with a talent for languages and photography. She was just in Paris on Saturday. Jealous? Me too. She started a new travel blog so bookmark it and jump on board for updates "in country" - Travel with Symphorose Photography.

Che bellezza (how wonderful....)

Insegne Italiane (Italian signs)

2009-07-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

Rita Reade, la mia bella amica, is a talented and hard working Sicilian woman who creates these lovely signs "fatto la mano" (by her own hand). She literally cuts the wood and transfers the scripted phrases herself.

Mamma Bella Arte

Thank you for supporting creative women whose products are made by us in the United States not in China or India by individuals who have never been to the places that inspire our creativity.

2009-07-19T11:01:00.001-07:00

BellaRustica

Dog dishes from wine crates....

As the owner at one time of three Labrador retrievers, I am always looking for lovely but practical items for our home. The dog dishes I have created are just that.

I make each item individually with the care and concern deserved by your dog. Each crate is treated with Briwax, a natural product made from beeswax, and then sealed with several applications of polyurethane to protect the wood. I recommend using the dishes for food unless you can maintain

the wood over time as a result of water exposure. Consider the pedestal cut crystal bowls which I regularly find at second hand shops for your dog’s water - a handsome combination. I only have a limited supply of these and will not be making more at this time.

Grazie,

Kim Kelly

Bear, Paws, & Scout\

Altre cose belle...

2009-07-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last week a new customer, Heather, asked me if I could make a bolster pillow for her so we decided on the phrase La Vita e Bella. She wanted a little something else as well so we discussed different design options and settled on the faded fleur di lis underneath the phrase, tall and wide enough to fill up the side of the pillow that would show. Since the ink is black I decided on the monostripe black and white ribbon to complete the look. I stayed up late last night pulling it all together and completely enjoyed myself despite the late hour. I then ended up liking the end product so much that I have decided to offer it at BellaRusticaMarket.

And that is how this happens. I often have people write and express their desire to be creative and my strongest suggestion is cominciare (to begin, to commence). I take Italian lessons to learn, yes, but learning Italian is really a by-product of stretching myself and initiating on something that interests me and then respecting myself enough to keep feeding that need. Bella Rustica has been another source. Reading great books is yet another way to stay interested and interesting. Cosi, la lezione e cominciare qualcosa ti piace (So, the lesson is to begin something you like). What is it for you?

Pulling it together....

Finished product. Ti piace?

Vigne di uve

2009-07-17T18:40:00.001-07:00

In questa fotografia, ci sono uve (plural for "uva - pronounced with a soft "a" ) per vino bianco (for white wine).

I started growing grapes two years ago. Much like Wisteria, it takes a two years to see the fruits of your efforts and in this case I mean that literally. This lovely cluster is hanging lazily over my fence made from, coincidentally, vigne di uve (grape vines).

Flying chubby cherubs "in love"...

2009-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Amore with bellissimi flying chubby cherubs pillow in natural burlap is now available. I had such a hard time deciding what image to pair with Amore (To Love) that I never made one. It is, after all, il verbo (the verb) in Italian! Interestingly, the Italians do not use the word Love as we so casually do. They use Piaciare (to like) or Desidere (to desire) but Love, no Love is used to describe "being in love" and "falling in love" - as it should be, mi penso (I think), no?

I did get several inquires about this image though as it did appear in the Better Homes & Garden photo so I decided to add it to le collezione. Let me know what you think. I have another image with "Love Birds" that might come next. You can never have enough Love.

(hand-painted at the entryway of my house)

Scout enjoying the warm bricks while I photographed this morning. I "love" the chipped and faded fleur di lis pot in the background along with her leopard print collar.

2009-07-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

New item -

The perfect set. Two natural (unbleached) flour sack kitchen towels measuring 28 x 28 inches square imprinted with two of the most well known Italian phrases. One towel has the phrase La Vita e Bella (Life is Beautiful) overlaying a fleur di lis. The second towel has the phrase La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) overlaying a crown. A chocolate brown ink is used to better compliment the natural fabric of the towel itself.

The images are imprinted with the direct to garment transfer, a non-toxic and permanent process, so they will withstand a lifetime of washings. These towels, although lovely, are made to be perfectly useful. They arrive ready to be given as a gift - bound together with natural jute twine and embellished with a small ticket that displays a similarly styled crown.

2009-07-03T19:07:00.001-07:00

A couple of my pillows (Pera - pear and Albero - tree) on Sara Duckett's newly remodeled porch alongside Sara's chocolate Lab, Hannah.