1. The temperature here is dropping! Right now I'm sitting at the computer with a cup of hot tea. Around me, the windows and the doors are all flung open. Cool air is winding its way through the room. Outside, the sky is a clear, thin blue. Birds are calling with their various whistles and trills, soft warbles punctuated by short staccato cries. Penelope just toddled over--a bathing suit strap pulled over her head, suit trailing out behind her like a cape--to peer curiously at the world through the screen. This is what I've been wanting. This is what I love.2. Along the same lines, last night it was legitimately chilly and Katherine wore her brand new jacket from Etsy. Have you ever shopped at Etsy? This was my first time, but I might be hooked. The truth is, I'm not particularly crafty. Still, I like for my things to feel unique. I bought Katherine's pretty jacket here, after getting to know Francesca on her fantastic blog, FuoriBorgo. Katherine's jacket is even more beautiful in person than it is on film and she treats it with the same sweet, special enthusiasm she usually reserves for princess gowns or costumes. I encourage you all to take a look.
3. Have I mentioned anything about the weather? It's lovely. This time of year makes me wish I were in Rome.
4. Where does one go from weather? Perhaps to arts and crafts? Or possibly food? Alright then, food. I hate to cook in the suumer, but there's something inspiring about fall. We're simmering apples in cinnamon, baking blueberry muffins for breakfast, experimenting wildly with beans. (I had my first Maltese Ftira recently and it was absolutely stuffed with beans. It was like a sandwich, but everything inside tasted pickled. Delicious.) This afternoon, if the weather holds, we'll be baking brownies. I'm in the mood to melt chocolate over a low flame.
5. Oh! Here's a surprise. A few days ago I discovered a website called Italy tutto, a great resource for all things Italian, only to find they'd already discovered me. What a shock! I'm listed!
6. Okay, back to arts and crafts. I mentioned earlier that I'm not very crafty, but I'm making an effort for Katherine. Does anyone have a good resource for preschool crafts? Also, where do you buy art supplies in Sicily? I'm a little out of my depth!
7. Well, the phone just rang and we've been invited out to the park. I'd better hurry and get dressed! Have a great weekend everybody!
And for more quick takes, click here!
Hi Emily, the most well stocked art supply store in Catania is called Artistica. You'll find everything there. But I also get a lot of the basic things (paper, tape, pens, crayons, glue etc) at supermarkets, more convenient for me than a trip into Catania. And then there is the do-it-yourself chain, called Brico. Do you have one near you? They have a craft section and all kinds of things, sort of like a home depot. it is great! Happy crafting :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, isn't this change of weather wonderful!
I love Etsy, glad you found good stuff there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the takes.
My gosh Katherine seems to have grown so much since the last time I saw her. Your trip to Malta, Katherine hanging out alone with a book, the inclement Fall weather ... so much going on with you guys! Hopefully I will have an internet connection soon and can keep up a bit easier.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty awesome your blog has been posted elsewhere and it certainly seems to have developed quite a following!! Of course, with your great writing, honesty and interesting experiences, I am not surprised.
Give K and P a big hug for me. Oh and for C, Go Navy! :)
Oh, she looks lovely! I must confess I got quite moved when I saw the image upload: it's so nice to actually get to see my work on its recipient:)! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet jacket! I'm so glad you're getting to enjoy cooler weather, too. Melted chocolate in homemade brownies? This sounds magical :)
ReplyDeleteLove Katherine's new jacket. I am also a fan of Francesca's handiwork. I am up for a trip to Catania for arts and crafts supplies. Lets plan one soon.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the U.S., Jeremy!
ReplyDeleteEm, I picked up a few crafty things at Target today, so I'll be working on a crafty surprise box.
Katherine's new jacket is beautiful and she looks precious in it. How lucky you are to have such talented internet friends! Aunt Donna loves Etsy, too.
Yes, Aunt Donna loves etsy, too. And Katherine's ilttle jacket is just darling. What a precious girl.
ReplyDeleteI buy lots of art supplies off the internet. It's just as hard to find them in Norman, OK as it is in Sicily I would wager. Well, we do have Michael's and Hobby Lobby for crafts so I guess should quit whining. But for real art supplies try Jerry's Artarama, Dick Blick, or Pearl Paint. (You'll have to get the urls yourself because I am sick of computers at this moment.)
Now you got me thinking about food! Apples in cinnamon sounds heavenly. Have a terrific weekend.
ReplyDeleteLost: Perfect! Thank you! Artistica sounds like a great store to explore.
ReplyDeleteTwoWays: Glad to hear you've found some one-of-a-kind treasures there too!
Jeremy! I miss you! How's NYC? For goodness sakes, send me an email or update your blog...something! Yes, I'm saying GO BACK TO STARBUCKS!
Francesca: I'm glad you saw the picture! I thought you might not be reading blogs since you're on holiday, but I wanted you to see how much Katherine loves her jacket. Thank you so much!
Sarah: Now maybe I can stop envying you all your lovely posts about fall.
Lucia: I'm up for a craft run anytime you want to go! Let's get the girls together sometime this week?
Mom: An arts and crafts surprise box sounds exciting. But at the rate Katherine's going with her creations, I think I'm going to have to clear out another drawer!
Aunt Donna: Thanks for the links! (Or near links anyway). Do you have an etsy store? Your crazy quilts are so beautiful I'd definitely buy one!
Tami: Apples in cinnamon is a 'must' in our house. Chop the apples, sprinkle them with cinnamon and then cook them, covered, in a pot (with butter) until they're nice and soft. It's a perfect treat!
My granddaughter sure makes that jacket look good!
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