pastel light

So, it's been a while since I've posted on the blog. These days you can find me on instagram.
Hunting down any little hidden green in this medieval urban place I call home.

around the neighborhood

Via Garibaldi, Bologna, Italy

autumn

Autumn weekend visit in Milan. Cold, grey and rainy but cozy inside our sweet little home. Saturday afternoon was filled with snacks of roasted chestnuts, cheese, wine and a visit with good friends to meet our little bebe boy, Matteo. On Sunday, we attended a family lunch at nonno's house in the center of the city, then it was back to Bologna for us. It was our first little trip back to Milan since the bebe was born. Being there was bittersweet. I know we would like to be back there someday, especially back to our old neighborhood. All in all the trip was smooth and I think we're ready for the trip over the Atlantic back home to NYC for Christmas.

a birthday dinner

(Bologna) My parents have been visiting since the arrival of the bebe this past July and so we've been double lucky to all be together last week to celebrate my father's 71st birthday.
Birthdays are always special but this year, it's, super special, as he's celebrating for the very first time as a grandfather, or nonno (as they say in Italy). An evening filled with cheer and of course a menu of delishness. I ordered fresh fish from the market, vongole, cooked in a broth of olive oil, prosecco, garlic, pepperoncino rosso and flakes of parsley as our starter.  For the main course, fillet of sole, cooked in a lemon butter white wine sauce, topped with fresh salted capers, all the way from Sicily. We skipped the birthday cake, and instead, devoured an assortment of miniature pastries, including mini tiramisu's and cannoli's. Yum! And of course, the Bansh even joined in on the soiree.

the bebe is here

(Milan) I've been off the radar for a little while, been busy with our little magical miracle, who surprised us with an early arrival of July 30, instead of his August 20th due date. This little peanut arrived 3 weeks early due to some health complications on my part, which was apparently putting us both in a bit of danger. He somehow knew this and decided it be better if he broke my water and arrive early to keep us both safe. Such a smart bebe I tell ya! Nature is funny that way. But all is good and little, Matteo Fela, is thriving.  A. and I couldn't be happier.  Sleep deprived, yes. But over the moon in love with our little guy. After a summer on the outskirts of Milan, we've moved ourselves back to our home in Bologna. Looking forward to enjoying our first Autumn here and strolling around with the bebe. Posting may be a bit sporadic at this time but hopefully as we get the hang of being first time parents, I will be back to my regular posts.

light studies

(Milan) Snippets of light studies taken over the weekend in my new environment, where I will be spending the rest of the summer.  In a matter of a few short hours, the light created some interesting contrast, from minimalistic white light and shadows on our bedroom wall to the multicolored jewel tone afternoon light from inside out. Looking forward to discovering how the light comes and goes in this space at all hours of the day.

summer

Hot summer days and a daily bowl of cherries.

(photo via Deirdre Quinn)

illustrations

Created a paper doll gift tag for A.'s soon to be father's day present. Working on some more custom  illustrations for another future parent to be....will share soon over here.

getting ready for summer

(Milan) It's starting to look a lot like summertime around here. A. and I spent the weekend back in Milan, setting up our old\new home just on the outskirts of the city center. The property is a once upon a time functioning farm, where many family members now reside. Our weekend was full of work, lots of unpacking and organizing going on as we're getting ready to spend our summer there waiting for the arrival of our little bebe. It's refreshing to be completely surrounded by nature and kinda of nice having a community of family next door.  I'm looking forward to spending time with our two little nephews, dining al fresco on the loooong covered porch and cooling off in the pool. But my highlight of the weekend, little American me, was morning time pancakes! Couldn't believe we found this box of Vermont pancake batter at the local grocery store. Added some fresh slices of banana to the mix, and voilà! A perfect kind of Sunday morning drizzled in maple syrup. The best. Oh that and the summer thunderstorm from the night before.

on film

Revamping my website, busy editing old and new work and revisiting some film. Oh how I miss you so. 

(images via Deirdre Quinn)