A Folk soul in a windy city

Hello dear reader,

So, November is coming to an end.

This was a generous month and while I’m writing I’m eating a delicious carrot almond and coconut pie sipping my morning coffee to celebrate and sharing my thoughts with you.

And while the north wind called Bora is clarifying our ideas and path, family is settling down, I’d the time to play with brushes and get some work done.

I’ve always been fascinated by folk tales, especially those from the North, where magic has a central role. I have a predilection for Scotland and Highlands and November brings some new ideas inspired by those stories, by tv series as Outlander, and also from documentary as those host by Ben Fogle.

So yes, I can say I have a Folk Soul seeking for the magic, the quite, and the kindness in people and everywhere around. Spirituality is a fundamental part of those who knows how to live in the world, how to coop with elements, and how to pursue compassion and kindness could bring calm and joy to the self and the other around you.

Perhaps the reason why I love the Scottish islands is that sense of spirituality and community one can feel there, which reminds me of my homeland, Sicily. There is the same magical bond between the people, the land, the sea, and the trust in God’s will, whatever it may be. That spirit of collaboration and mutual help, knowing that one is never truly alone but part of a community and of something beyond oneself, is a spirit that must be preserved and that becomes one with the surrounding nature.

In the city where I live, it is difficult to find all of this; there is a lot of individualism, but I know I can still rely on a few close people who make me feel that same sense of belonging even here.

And finally, November also brought the magic of being recognized as a professional illustrator, and now one of my works has become a painting in the home of a friend, who shares the same gentle and slightly folk spirit.

So that’s all for this month, see you in December and remember to be kind to each other, giving is always the way to get the best for you too.

Since next time, xoxo, G. Aka Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane, the creative nest in Italy

November, the Month of Shadows — A Journey Through Ancestral Magic and Autumn Mysticism

November began with the awareness that this is a time for introspection. My mind returns to my origins, to a childhood where nature and humans completed each other. Where there wasn’t much, but that little was everything.

I had a happy childhood with my grandparents, who taught me the difference between good and evil, who protected me, cared for me, and helped me grow strong, confident, and with a critical mind. This November, when the veil between worlds becomes thin, I hold them in my thoughts with gratitude.

I fondly remember the chickens in our coop, the vegetables and fruits from the garden, the corn roasted over the fire, the slow passing of the seasons, the cycle of life with its rebirth and death — a life filled with slowness, joy, and love.

Sometimes I think my grandmother was a healer — one of those women admired and feared in ancient pagan rites. But there was nothing to fear with her. She was a living example of love, kindness, and compassion toward others, and she overflowed with affection for us grandchildren and all our relatives.

Anyway, enough with the nostalgia — back to reality: November greeted me with the warm embrace of a lovely flu. How thoughtful!

So, between sipping herbal tea and adding an extra blanket to the bed, I took some time to draw — inspired by these poetic images from my childhood and the allure of pagan worlds I'm rediscovering thanks to the TV series Outlander. I painted two illustrations that I truly love, and they feel deeply connected to my wild and free spirit.

As you know, I've always been fascinated by Scotland, and I finally have the chance to watch Outlander—I've been waiting so long for it here in Italy! At last, Prime is streaming it, and I'm absolutely loving this series with all my heart.

Now I want to knit some of those beautiful shawl Claire’s wear in the series too.

Well, that’s all for now, since next time, xoxo, Giusy aka Jdeebella @ Soulfulcrane - the creative nest in Italy

Octoberphile - An Autumn soul drawn to crisp air, amber leaves, and the quiet magic of October

Hello dear reader, how are you?

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you already know that my favorite season is Autumn.

For the new ones, here is why:

October is a symphony of change. The air turns crisp, the light softens, and the world wraps itself in amber and gold. It’s the month of quiet magic — of warm drinks, layered clothes, and long walks through rustling leaves. It’s when everything slows down just enough to let you breathe, reflect, and fall in love with the world again.

And…. Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) is also on the run - with pumpkins on porches, coffee cups, clutched in mittened hands, and the scent of cinnamon drifting through the air. It’s the season when even fictional towns feel more alive… and I’m fully immersed in a long rewatch of the series again!

And for me, it holds something even deeper: it’s the month I gave birth. A moment that forever tied my heart to this season of transformation and tenderness.

Astra our cat, turned 6 months yesterday, she is a really good one, it’s sweet and cheerful, a tender cat we just love to cuddle in our harms.

So, it was very natural to bring all these feelings into an autumn postcard as you can see above.

Life is bittersweet, isn’t it?

When democracy is at risk, the only thing you can do is believe - and do what you can to raise awareness, support good causes, and offer your two kind cents to the world around you.

That’s all for now, xoxo from my creative nest to yours.

Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane - The creative nest in Italy

Beloved September - a month in art and connections

This month has been a treasure chest of lovely things and soul-nourishing connections.
It began with the arrival of Astra—our five-month-old Siberian kitten, a tiny queen with a fluffy crown and curious eyes.
In just three weeks, she claimed our hearts and our home. Now she’s my little shadow, tiptoeing behind me from room to room,
a gentle guardian of cuddles and purrs. She showers both me and my son with affection,
and welcoming her into our lives has felt like receiving a sprinkle of stardust.
We’re overjoyed and deeply honored to have her with us—our furry blessing wrapped in whiskers and wonder.

Lilla Rogers opened the doors to September with a fun new prompt challenge: #LILLASSTYLEPLAY2025 @makeartthatsells on Instagram.
I really enjoyed interpreting the daily assignments; however, over the past two weeks my time has been limited,
but I managed to add a few new drawings over the weekends.

Last week I had the honor of being invited to a retreat with other artists, in a truly special place.

A day in the countryside at La Beliconda,
where time forgot to tick,
and nature wrapped us in its quiet perfection.
Among kindred spirits—illustrators, artists, dreamers—
we feasted on homemade delights,
sweet cakes and laughter shared beneath open skies.
Sketches bloomed like wildflowers,
and words danced softly between us,
as if the breeze itself carried our joy.

This is the magic of places transformed—
corners of paradise born from the warmth of connection,
where the love of art and gentleness
finds its echo in every smile, every stroke of the pen.
Thank you, dear friends,
for weaving serenity, beauty, and grace
into the tapestry of this unforgettable day.

I really want to thank you my fellow companion:

• Raffaella Bolaffio - illustrator and host at La Belliconda

• Hannah Sanguinetti - illustrator

• Sara Not - illustrator

• Roberta Cibeu - artist and shop owner of GneGneGne design

• Monica Kirkmayr - visual artist

• Cristina Marsi - children’s book author

• Gaia - friend of arts

• Fulvia - musician, teacher with a passion for sketching en plein air.

September was a beautiful month. I picked up books I had long wanted to read, spent much less time on social media, and devoted much more attention to the things that truly matter to me: my son, my home, our new kitten arrival, culture, and art… and now, a promising autumn begins to unfold.

Finally, my gaze turns to what is happening in the world. The ongoing wars, the innocent blood being shed—there can be no such thing as a just war. Beyond political and religious beliefs, the only thing that truly makes sense is respect for life and for humanity.

That’s why I morally support The Global Sumud Flottilla and the sending of humanitarian aid to those who are suffering right now, and I look with deep gratitude to the brave souls who go beyond themselves to bring comfort. I welcome Greta Thunberg’s powerful words with an open heart: BE HUMAN. Let us remain human—that is what truly matters.

Well, that’s all for today, since next time, xoxo and stay creative and human.

Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane - the creative nest in Italy

Late Summer Break - looking for inspiration

This year I’m taking my summer break at the end of the month and the beginning of September. I’m not traveling this year, but I’m focusing on a deep decluttering at home to make space for a new family member: A beautiful Siberian kitten! It’s so exciting!

I’ve bought all the necessary supplies to get ready for her arrival, and we have so much love to give her, too!

This decluttering might also help me find new energy and inspiration.

Are you ready for Back to School? I am so ready and it looks like Fragolin@ is, too!

Well, that’s all for now from my Creative Nest in Italy. Talk to you soon in September! Since than, xoxo&love G. Aka Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane.