Grazia (Grace) e Auguri per 2010

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

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

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

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)

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...

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

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

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

"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

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

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!

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

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 -

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

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

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)

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...

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.

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...

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