Liankacreations

It’s most unlikely I could get a morning like this in Russia. Here, my husband cooks breakfast almost every weekend. Actually, we do it together: he fries eggs and bacon, I do toasts and set a table. So, this morning I had time to browse the Internet.  This is what I found.  An American couple Brian Keith and Beth Ellen Mattisse received temporary residence permits in Russia. They will live in the Tomsk region. The resource did not specify where exactly: in the city or in the village. How are they going to make a living, what job to do, if they don’t speak Russian? I hope to learn it later. The resource said that the family has joined the Orthodox Church. I would love to see how the Mass was conducted. Did Dionisy Melentyev, rector of the Resurrection Church in Tomsk, conduct the ceremony in English specially for them? I doubt it. Although, who knows.  …So many questions.  According to Irina Volk (Official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Rus...

  Meet my handmade gnome friend! ✨ Dressed in cozy burgundy with sparkly details and a snowy white beard, he’s ready to spread a little holiday cheer (and maybe guard the yarn stash 🧶😉). I had so much fun putting this little guy together—the striped hat, fluffy beard, and all the cozy details make him such a charming decoration. Would you welcome a gnome like this into your home? 🎄❤️

Another crafty Wednesday at the New Bedford Public Library Wilks Branch! This month’s project, Folded Book Vases , a super creative way to upcycle old books into stunning floral displays. It was so cool to see everyone get in touch with their artistic side and also give new life to books that might have otherwise been discarded. As always, the participants surprised me and themselves with their creativity. We've all agreed to meet again next month for our next crafty adventure.

  Check out this cozy, colorful crochet book stand—perfect for propping up your favorite read, tablet, or even a sketchpad! Soft yet sturdy, it's a unique blend of function and charm. Made with love (and lots of yarn ), it's ideal for hands-free reading anywhere. Whether you're curling up with a good book or following a recipe in the kitchen, this stand's got your back!

  Although it is common here to think that autumn begins on Autumn Equinox (which falls on September 22 this year), in Russia — at least in Tomsk — I have always considered September 1 to be the real start of autumn. That’s the day all students return to school. The weather is noticeably cooler, rainier, and re-fresher (is there such a word?). My sister's grandson started first grade this year. In Russia, children start school at the age of seven. The region has seen a decline in the number of schoolchildren due to the demographic situation. I suppose young people are in no hurry to have children. Times have changed, along with lifestyles. Some regional news caught my eye as well.  China recently announced a trial 30-day visa-free regime for Russian citizens, starting September 15. I wonder what currency Russian tourists will need to carry with them in China. Another article from the ria tomsk news talks about exporting Siberian goods.   Siberia is well known as a su...