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