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.

Where Did the Community Go? A Reflection on Creativity and Connection

That's a great question I've been asking myself for the past six months. In February, I started feeling tired, lazy, and drained of the energy that used to fuel my creative days.

Looking for ideas on Pinterest or just observing my surroundings didn't spark the same fire as before. Suddenly, the pencil on the paper wouldn't draw like it used to, and a small detail was no longer enough to ignite the "sacred fire" of inspiration.

I thought maybe an online course or community could reactivate those same circuits as before, but online communities aren't what they used to be. There isn't a great exchange of ideas and sincere interest. Have we really all become so self-centered? I get the impression it's all "me, me, me" and just replying to comments with a "thanks" and an emoji. Where did the real exchanges go? What happened to reciprocity? Why do we want to put ourselves on a pedestal, believing the community that follows us is already one step below us?

So, even with all that, I couldn't find anything that truly made me say, "Okay, I'm signing up for this course." Have you noticed that more and more course platforms no longer offer a real space for the community to connect? Have you noticed that it seems incredibly difficult to interact with fellow students, and you can only praise the host?

The thing I remember most fondly is that 30 years ago, when I was teaching patchwork in person, I created communities. I brought groups of people together, and it was lovely to meet up from time to time. Genuine friendships and equal exchanges were born that still continue today. When you give from the bottom of your heart—even if you have a goal to earn money—what you get back in terms of feelings is priceless. And when you give something of yourself and do it for people like you, it's as if you're receiving it yourself. So, besides the course materials and the technique, you give so much more in sentimental terms.

This made me wonder: what do you think? How can we bring back that sense of real connection and reciprocity in today's online world? How can we create communities where everyone feels like a valuable part of the conversation, not just a follower?

What are your thoughts? I can't wait to read your comments and continue this conversation.

Ps: the above image is a fluffy dust I spot on my floor, it’s an heart shape fluffy dust, love is everywhere, just look for it.

Since next time, xoxo, Jdeebella @soulfulcrane - the creative nest in Italy