Thanks for All!

It seems as though November snuck in the back door when I wasn't looking. As we are almost at the end of the month, I'd like to take a moment to talk about an All-American tradition that many of us will be celebrating in just a few short days.

Thanksgiving is truly a holiday for every American. Some think so because it is non-denominational but I disagree. I think Thanksgiving is for everyone because we are, as a country and people, of many different origins, ethnicities, histories, philosophies, and, most importantly for us at Rosanna, traditions. I see this holiday as an opportunity to honor all of these aforementioned ingredients that come together to make a family or a community. I encourage you to celebrate by incorporating any traditions- whether they are national, cultural, religious, or familial- into this year's Thanksgiving dinner.

In my family, this means preparing a meal that reflects our Italian origins. I season the turkey with garlic, rosemary, sage, and other herbs traditionally used in Italian cooking. And to retain the moisture and add extra flavor, I add a few pieces of good-quality prosciutto underneath the turkey's skin. We often invite extended family members and friends from Italy to join us. Their presence here is always an enriching experience for them and us. It's great for them because they become a part of a traditional "American" holiday and for us to be exposed to their culture, answer their questions, and hear about how they live their lives.

Speaking of guests brings me to my next point. For whatever reason, some of us may be unable to spend Thanksgiving with our family, those that we are related to by blood and/or that raised us. However, I think that the definition and conception of family is much more inclusive than that. Family can mean a group of people who love and support each other but may not actually be related. Groups like these can give amazing emotional support and are a great source of love. If you won't be "home" for Thanksgiving this year, find or create your own affectionate community. And if you will be home, do incorporate your heritage into your festivities in some way for an experience as rich and satisfying as your Thanksgiving meal.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!





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Thank you Niki Sullivan!

I wanted to say a quick thank you to Niki Sullivan at The News Tribune for her wonderful article on my plate signing appearance that I mentioned earlier this month.

This Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm, I'll be signing cake pedestals and plates at our Rosanna Destination store, Dwell. For more information on Dwell click here, the store is located at 2716 N 21 St., Tacoma, WA. This will be my only appearance south of Seattle, it would be lovely to meet you!

Thank you again Niki,





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Rosanna's Winter Warehouse Sale

It's that time of year again, so mark your calendars, for Rosanna's Winter Sale on December 1st.

We're closing out some of our most fabulous and collectible Rosanna pieces to date. Since the holidays are right around the corner, this is the best time to do all of your shopping for your friends, co-workers, parents, sisters, teachers, and hostesses. There are steals and deals to be had.

With all of our best selling collections reduced to wholesale prices, hand made Deruta ceramics discounted (less expensive than a flight to Italy to pick some out), and plenty of gorgeous antique European furniture to bid on- this is an event not to be missed!

Important information to note:

WHEN: December 1st from 8:30 am to 6 pm.
WHERE: Rosanna Inc. Warehouse
440 S. Holgate St.
Seattle, WA 98134
DETAILS: This is a cash and carry event. Credit cards will be accepted for purchases of $50 or more.

As I've mentioned before, it's best if you arrive early because it can get a little crazy and merchandise tends to disappear very quickly. If there's anything that you've had your eye on- whether it is online or from the last sale, this is a great time to get it.


Good luck!





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Pleasure

As I wrote earlier last month, in the beginning of October I found myself on a tour of a selection of amazing cities in Italy, France, and England including Milan, Verona, Paris, and London.

The trip was so eventful that it became a bit of a blur. But, there was one common thread the came through during our experiences in each country- engagement of the senses. Touch, taste, feel, see, smell- we were constantly being stimulated in one of these five ways.

In Paris, we stopped for tea at the famous Ladurre patisserie had a sampling of desserts that tasted like heaven in confectionery form. In Verona, we visited an exquisite cathedral with amazing visuals that indicated the countless eras it had weathered. There were layers and layers of history that gave the place a hallowed air totally separate from the ostensible religious function of the cathedral. I remember being struck by a display of small votives of all different colors. Lit up, they had a stunning effect that caused me to stop and stare in wonder.

Another unique part of our European tour was the emphasis placed on physical connection. Upon meeting, everyone kisses each other on the cheek, clasping arms or hands in a sign of welcome. In America, we have this concept of “personal space” that can't be invaded. When you venture outside of America, it’s clear that this idea is a cultural construct. So much of life revolves around touch and physical interaction in the cities we visited. There is an inexplicable satisfaction that comes from embrace. It dispels loneliness and creates meaningful connections between people.

Finally, I’d like to talk about music. Sometimes, when my 10 year-old Francesca has her music playing, I’ll walk into her room and we’ll just start to dance for no reason. We often forget about the immense release and unadulterated joy that comes from just letting go and dancing. The word “unadulterated” says it all! When we’re adults, we block things out or consider certain activities off limits to us.

But here’s the truth: one is never “too old” to enjoy life and through our eyes, ears, nose mouths, hands, and body.

Engage your senses!





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A Trip Across the Universe

Last Wednesday night, I had the most amazing experience. I saw Julie Taymor’s "Across the Universe," a film that revolves around the generationally transcendent music of The Beatles. I came out of the movie theater positively euphoric and profoundly moved. The reason that I was inclined to post about this film is because of how closely it corresponds with our philosophy at Rosanna and with the products we create.

Of course, the most immediately striking thing about the film is the delicious aesthetics. Julie Taymor's recreation of 1960’s America is an intricate visual banquet, equal parts beauty, wonder, and nostalgia. The color palettes are varied and rich as you are swept along on a journey starting in Small Town, USA to the swirling, revolutionary, painful, and chaotic atmosphere of New York City in the throes of the Vietnam War era.

However, Across The Universe is not solely gorgeous imagery. There is a real heart beneath the surface of the film, a presence that's felt right from the opening scene. This film has soul. There is an innate hopefulness for the salvation of the world that runs through it.

The marriage of the soul and the visual in this film reminded me so much of how we think at Rosanna. We create products that are lovely to look at, but there is always more than just the design to each of our collections.

Across the Universe also contains an important message. We must continue to be curious, questioning, and aware of what is happening in the world around us, even when it changes so quickly we feel that we cannot keep up. Human connection, compassion, creativity, self-expression, and protest of unjust, dishonest, and damaging actions are all vital components of a healthy and harmonious global community.

At Rosanna, we strive to do our part in the small ways we can to make the world a better place to live. Our Spring 2008 Collection encourages social awareness with a new line of recycled Mexican glass, as well as with several other collections whose proceeds will be donated to a selection of environmental and human relief projects.

If you haven’t yet seen Across the Universe, take an evening to see this remarkable piece of art. It will remind you that Jon, Paul, George, and Ringo had it right, “All you need is love.”

Click here to see the film’s trailer.






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