Nick, the Sicilian Druid - 2 Kids & a Dog

Do you want to laugh?

I had other plans but they're grim compared to 2 Kids and a Dog's latest episode. Watch as Nick & his father-in-law have a misunderstanding (perhaps abetted (?) by Alexia) about, let's call it provenance. I've not asked Alexia yet if I can embed the video, so please do click. They are a funny, funny family. On further thought, this is more on the fly than usual, start with May's first web episode (all very short), so you can follow this hybrid Highlander-Sicilian-Roman family in their quest to honor Alexia's heritage. (Her father wrote a book about his family history from Scotland to Virginia. Alexia grew up near where I live now.)

Now I have to go get ready for a Frenchie & fils visit.

Update early evening: Farewell, Lena.

[I've no time to be clever about photographs. It's Fred Astaire's birthday & for possible post on Funny Face I had this in a folder. Therefore, via Audrey1.org: Fred & Audrey feeling silly.]

Week's End - Sicilian Veil

I was in a thrift store, huge place called Value Village, probably looking for vintage coats several years ago. I was taken aback, many yards away, at a stack of National Geographic back issues. It was because of this cover photograph. by the extraordinary William Albert Allard. I've written about it & scanned it ages ago. While I'm trying to help with matters Haitian, feast on this link to a photo gallery.

She's an actress, waiting for her cue. A Greek tragedy. Perfect for Sicily. Check out Andrea Camillieri's detective books (that's so inadequate, he's a genius) about Inspector Montalbano, gourmet/gourmand. Considering the racially-motivated (partially anyway) riots in southern Italy last week, Camillieri has much to say about this subject. (As does author Roberto Saviano, who has been in hiding & under 24-hour police protection since 2006.) Many Italians take offense. This last week they are in shock & dismay at the barbaric behavior. People like to think of Italy as the land of sun & pasta. Not always. To me that's like reducing Frenchwomen to their accessories & scarf-tying techniques. You can't love or know a place or a person without acknowledging the darker side. Period.

I'm really upset & bothered by the lack of mention of Haiti by so many bloggers. There's a phrase I use all the time: worlds collide. It won't kill you to put in a button or a link. I've seen several design blogs do it & it didn't mess up their precious template.

BTW, the long weekend in America is not just for sleeping in & loafing. It's Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday remembrance. "Oh Susan, don't you have any fun or sense of humor?" Yes I do, yes I have. In fact some people think I'm (one of) the funniest personnes they know in real life. No kidding, really. And if you think I'm just a self-righteous pain in the neck, I'm not, but you are welcome to think whatever you like. Now, I must go lie down. I have a case of the vapors or worse. Seriously.

[photograph via personal scan/William Albert Allard/National Geographic]

Malèna

I've been thinking about Sicily a lot lately. Some people have seen a version of this in the GG blog (some pix are different). Here's the post in Giulia Geranium. By the way, the reason I'm not soliciting comments by asking questions is because it seems an imposition. I don't know why because I don't feel that way about other blogs. Perhaps someone can explain it to me. At a loss.

Last night I rewatched Roman Holiday...all cleaned, restored, & impeccably groomed. But of course:) Many new pix of Rome are also cheering me up...& those will be later today & during the week. ciao belle...

[Malèna credits; Alone in the Sea & Alone with the Sea by Giampaolo Macorig; LIFE archive, uncredited Sicilian scene]

Sicilian Sunbrella

The stripes & umbrellas continue...this time from Giampaolo Macorig's Water & Sky flickr set. I've used a lot of his shots on the Giulia Geranium blog. He's a terrific & generous guy with a painterly eye & imagination. He lives in Rome now, but lived in Palermo (where this was shot) for some years.

Back tomorrow with Fourth of July & other summery stuff. Right now, I'd like to be in Sicily...so off to make some Sicilian food. That's as close as it gets tonight. (Oh, & with an Andrea Camilleri mystery.) ciao, belle.