What a Difference a Year Makes!

I am sure you have heard the Dinah Washington song... "What a Difference a Day Makes..." It has been used on several commercials and is pretty much a classic. If you haven't heard it before, because maybe you live under a ROCK... check it out when you have a chance. But I digress.... I need more then a day to take in all the differences I have dealt with, in the last 10 years!!

As I reflect and wrap up 2009, and another decade of life, I am blown by the choices I have made and the changes that have occurred as well. Some days I am still in awe that I actually quit my job and moved to Europe; still seems like a dream. Of course I have memories that make me sad, like being so far from friends and my sweet grandfather passing away. The fact I was able to survive 2 of the hardest years of my life, but that is now a testimony! I am also laughing thinking back to all the Y2K drama and BEAMING, because I became strong enough to compete in my first sprint triathlon and have been hooked on a healthy lifestyle ever since.

So what will the next decade or better yet lets start with the first year have in store for little Laci? I want to continue to show and sell my art...Walk in love with those around me... Maintain my strong and healthy lifestyle... Travel! In the end, only God knows for sure, but I promise to keep you posted. Happy New Year everyone! 2010 ready or not... here we come!!

Texas Two Step

This is literallly a post of frustation!

Do you ever feel like you take one step forward only to take two steps back? Well, I kind of feel like that about now. I am working hard pursuing my dream and even have a show opening TOMORROW!! But Lord knows I am still trying to figure this thing out. I have been back in the States now starting on 6months, October 1st. And still havn't quite landed. I tell my friends Marcia and Coby that I often feel like I am floating... Remember that 1970's song, by The Floaters, *singing* "Float, Float on, Float on, Float on..." Believe it or not I am STILL in Milwaukee! (insert vomit face here) Still debating on NYC and just to make things interesting... looking for my ruby slippers, 'cause if you know me well, you know Nashville will ALWAYS be home.

*sigh*

Country Cookin'

Well, I am back from Nashville, it's actually been about a week and I am preparing to head out of town again. But before we go there can I just say... Nashville was totally awesome!

I am so thankful to my other parents, Joan and Jerry, for housing and feeding me!!! Can I just say, I love country cookin', so good you have to leave off the /g/. I had a great time catching up with everyone, but the story of the 10 day visit was my camping experience with my girl Stephanie.

Some may not be aware of this, but I was a Girl Scout and to earn one the badges we had to camp. BUT... we camped in the back yard of the troop leader's house and another time in tents at GS camp. So, I thought.... surely I could do this. Joan and Jerry, big camping folks, hooked me up with equipment and Steph had the tent, but... I will leave the mini-videos to describe the rest... but let me add my disclaimer. Rain, Thunder and LIGHTING ladies and gentleman is NOT your friend!!

Finally, my girls of the BTC celebrated our 3 Year Anniversary with a traditional tea party... HATS and all! It was so great to catch up and see what all have been doing during my season in Italy.

What else is going on...

1. I am heading to Jacksonville for 3 days, with my ed consulting group.

2. The week after my mom and I are going to Chicago for a few days, I know there will be a post about this trip!

3. I finally made a decision, but you have to stay tuned!

Nashville Star

Hello Family...

The time has come for me to reconnect with old friends! I am so excited! I will be spending 10 great days in Nashville. Time has gone by so quickly and I can't wait to see my friends, who are definitely like family! While there, I plan to eat some good food, catch a movie or two and of course take several pictures. In addition, my dinner club will be celebrating 3 years of coming together, and I am glad I will be there to FINALLY join in the fun.

So, what have I been up to.... Well, besides missing Florence DESPERATELY EVERY DAY, I have been working. This is what Mike (R.I.P.) meant (working, working day and night). I am working at a portrait studio during the day and in event services from time to time. But most importantly... I have been working as a photographer! I have had a chance to shoot several events, portraits, and even weddings! I am back in the decision mode believe it or not... on the next steps, so I will keep you posted. But until then, let's just have a good time in the 'Ville!

One is Silver and the Other Gold

As a Girl Scout we would often close each meeting singing the following: "Make new friends, but keep the old ones. One is silver and the other gold." Last week my friend Danielle hosted a Buon Viaggo for me (and birthday fun for Amanda too). It was crazy to see how many people I connected with in such a short time. I promise, like my grandfather, I know NO strangers!! That being said, I feel like my time in Italy has allowed me to make 3 special (new) friends. Jen, Amanda, and Danielle. Each one is so unique in their own right, have made great models/victims for me, and I am grateful to know them all.


Jen was my housemate when I first arrived. She is 1/2 Japanese and 1/2 American. Her parents are missionaries in Japan and this is where she was born and grew-up . The funny thing, Jen doesn't really "look" Japanese. When I first met her, I thought she was Latina and Amanda thought she was from the Philippines. In some sense, Jen has made a game of it, forcing folks as we meet them to guess when they ask her, De dove' sei? (Where are you from?) This guessing game has become the inspiration for one of her new art projects! Jen is going to be my interrupter when I head to Japan!!




Amanda is from Wisconsin, Lake Superior to be exact. She is so sweet, I promise she would give you diabetes! When I met Amanda, I said, "Great! We need a red head!" She loves life and is compassionate and on two separate occasions has literally given me the shirt and sweater off her back; when I failed to pack one! I have learned a lot from Amanda, she remains an inspiration to me with her simple comment, "I don't want to go back to selling insurance."

If you recall we had a show together at the end of February. I often tease the two and tell them I need to put them in my pocket when I go to New York!!

Finally Danielle. Where do I even begin!? We met because I surfed on her couch and started hanging out pretty much weekly from there. She has the funniest dog Rosalita, who you can't help but love! If it wasn't for Danielle, I am pretty sure I would not have gone to several concerts and events typical of Florence, my first Rugby game or ate most of the cheese and gelato I've consumed here lately. After five years in Florence, she is trying to decide if she is ready to return home to New York... It is a hard decision to make!

So now, as my trip is drawing to a close, I begin to think of my (old) friends (Marcia, Omeka, Lisa, Kechelle, April, Laresha, and Tashina (the BTC), Stephanie, LaShawn, Coby, Joan, and Monica (my cheerleaders), Lisa, Lisa, Lori, and Lashlee (former coworkers), and Milton (friend for life).

I wish there was a way for everyone to meet!! One is silver and the other gold...

365 Days in a Year

Almost 365 days ago I made the decision to choose the road less traveled. Well, to say that has made all the difference would almost be an understatement! In the next few posts, you will have the opportunity to peer into my mind of reflection. Folks that are close to me, know that I often refelct on previous experiences, in a manner to best prepare for the next.

Since I left my life as an educator, traveling/eating around Europe, studying art and Italian, I have discovered a new career. A good friend of mine once said, "If you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life." I feel as though I am on my way there! For several posts I shared my struggle between going to New York or coming back to work in Italy. Well, I have finally made a decison!!

In August I will be moving to New York City! I am going to continue and study documentary photography/photojournalism at the International Center of Photography. A prestigious school, known across the world, I am one of 18 countries represented! Can you "hear" my excitement or what? During my time in New York I will have the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with some of the top names in the business, have several shows of my work, and of course blossom from the seed that has already sprouted.

The current collection of photos will feature my final days in Florence, but also some samples of my work and the Easter celebration. I hope you enjoy.

Natural Disaster

This morning, about 4:57am I had a call. It was my mom asking, "Are you OK?" Now, at this point in the morning, seeing HER call ME, I'm thinking something has happened at home. But this was not the case, she goes on to tell me how there has been an earthquake, that it is in Southern Italy. After a very brief geography lesson and my mom settling her nerves I head off back to sleep.

When my day is really going, I soon realize that it was a MAJOR earthquake... Some people, who live close to the Arno River, report feeling vibrations... It is all anyone is talking about and my FB page and email are filled with questions of concern. At the time of this post already 150 people are dead and 15,000 injured. Most of the people are elderly, the quake struck so quickly and so early in the morning, there was no time to react.

Riding home today, on my bike, I began to just offer thankfulness in a state of reflection. Since I have been in Europe, I have missed the riots in Athens, Greece by about a month or two, the riots in London, by about three weeks and now this, by about 70 miles. All I can say, is God has truly kept his hand upon me as I have been living in "a strange land."

And now, as I prepare to re-enter back into the land I know (and I use that term very loosely) I try to think what is ahead. I feel so out of loop!! I have 2 friends who have had babies, another who is due later this year, I try to read an article or two a day about our new president and what he is up to. And I ask my friends the latest. The good thing, I am all caught up on Desperate Housewives! Seriously, I am not sure what to expect once I return. I know I am at a point where I feel it is time. It is time for me to reconnect with my peeps!

Please keep these Italian families in your thoughts and prayers.

Prime Impressioni ~ First Impressions

Ciao Familia~

Ieri sera la mostra de arte, just kidding... Last night was the opening of the art show Prime Impressioni ~ First Impressions. Only the show I have been mentioning in my last few posts.

We had quite the house full, to say the least! Although we officially opened at 6, attendants started arriving at 5:45 and the last of the visitors at 9:30! We had friends, colleagues, the guys from the photo store I patron, strangers, and SACI staff to come by, which of course made it very special. We also worked very hard to insure translations of the brochures, artist statements, and title tags for each piece! When I say Italian is complicated, Family... IT IS COMPLICATED!! (and yes, I'm yelling!)

For me personally, I enjoyed when people would share their favorite image and tell me why it was a favorite. I also had several great conversations with viewers. Asking questions such as, "Why all men?, Why don't you show their faces? How do you come up with your ideas?" etc. etc. One visitor was a gallerist from Japan!! He will be writing an article for his art magazine back in Tokyo! Who knew... looks like we are truly international! (Question: When I go to Japan, does that mean my blog title should change? Hummmm...)

A conversation I will never forget from the evening was had with a woman whose former husband is dieing of cancer. She began the chat by telling me how John 3:3 (right) was her favorite image, and how it moved her. At this moment, tears began to flow from her eyes. She went on to say, this is how her ex-husband looks each day, because of his pain and slowing deteriorating. How she writes to him about the children, but he is unable to respond. I was so touched. I don't know why and can't really explain it, but I was struck, struck with as sense of honor and thankfulness, that something I created would have such a powerful effect on another person. I am grateful to have shared that moment with her.

I have included some random images I was able to take before hand, and when 3 of my 5 models were there! But I am also waiting for additional images to come, taken by a fellow photographer.

It was a huge hit, but just like Reading Rainbow, you don't have to take my word for it. Here is the review from the Florence Newspaper, (click the link and scroll down to the Lifestyle, Art & Entertainment section.)

So now what...
1. My birthday is on Tuesday! I'm going for a nice Greek dinner with friends (Yes, I realize I'm in Italy.)
2. I leave for London on Wednesday and will see TINA TURNER on Saturday!! (Don't worry, I've been practicing.)
3. Believe it or not, I was in the studio today!! Trying to clean up my space in prep to start my next narrative project.

xoxoxo

De Dove Laci?

So I am sure you are asking yourself... De Dove Laci? or Where is Laci? I realize I have totally fallen off the blog map and perhaps have slipped into Waldo mode, and for this I say... IT'S WITH GOOD REASON!!! My life, recently has been so amazing, I am truly thankful to the Father! Here is the reader's digest version, 'cause there is way to much going on to get the full details...

• Most people ask, so have you bumped into Mr. Right yet? No man of any sort to write home about. But I am enjoying myself and getting to know several people and just having a good time.
  
• I have a show with two other girls on FRIDAY in a local wine house. Jen does printmaking and Amanda painting. I am really excited (See postcard to the right!!) I will be showing my male nude study. They are silver gelatin prints on Fiber Based Paper, large (12x16)!
• Speaking of photography... I am learning about alternative techniques. Using liquid emulsion to print on wood, paper, glass, and fabric, Van Dyke Brown and Chyna Type Blue.
• I have been covering a documentary story for an animal rights group here, The league of anti-vivisection. They are going to use four of my images for their pet adoption campaign!
• STILL trying to decide if I want to stay here or go to New York. If I stay here, I will work as a photo assistant and keep shooting of course, building my portfolio and writing for the paper. If I go to NY, there is a documentary photo program there I am interested in and this would open more connections and I would keep shooting. Regardless, I just try to remind myself to live in the moment. But honestly, at this point, I can't imagine doing anything else besides taking pictures and writing.
  
• I have another article that is already out this month. An art review, believe it or not, on a photographer from the 60's Amalie R Rothschild.
  
• AND last but not least, for my birthday (March 3rd), I am going to London! I have wanted to visit there since I was in the 7th grade!! And while I am there, I will be attending the TINA TURNER concert!! I wonder if she'll ask me to join in for Proud Mary; I so have the legs for it!

So, see... I have been busy with good reason!! Look for an early post in March, when I return from London, along with photos from the show, the concert and around London town.

God Bless...

Non so...

Non so... Simply in English. I don't know.

Come February, I would have been in Italy for about six months. The time has gone by so quickly and with that time the need to make some decisions. Repeatedly friends and family alike ask me, 'When are you coming back to the states?' or 'How much longer are you going to stay in Italy?' and of course, 'Is the food really as good as they say it is?'

The last question I can answer a definite YES, it is actually better!! As for the first two, well... Non so. Life is good here and I am considering my options. Stay here another year, working in photography OR go to New York and continue studying photography. I really have fallen in love with this form of capturing the world around me. I can't imagine doing anything else or God having me walk any other path. I truly love this season in my life....

So now what?

• I have a show at the end of February, with two other artists (a painter and book artists). It is being held at a local wine house. Lovely location!
• Finished shooting my semi/nude male study and these are the images I plan to use. Still working with the contrast and sizing for printing. I literally just asked people off the street or friend of a friend of a friend.
• I hope to get a little more travel in soon, after all, my birthday is coming up!!
• The phone bill seems to be back under control. Thanks for the donations!

An American in Paris

HAPPY NEW YEAR! or Buone Anne as the Parisians say...

Carmelita and I bought in 2009 on the streets of the Champs Elysees. Paris tradition, includes individuals (mostly tourists) gathered in the streets to watch the fireworks glow and cast off from the Eiffel Tower at the stroke of midnight. Along with this, is a multitude of cultures celebrating in their own significant ways. I literally witnessed people from Mexico dance with the flag around them and folks from the Middle East do a circle of sort dance in celebration of the new year (looked like fun.) Of course, in the states we have our customs as well, and believe it or not, a farmer from Nebraska was my first kiss of 2009, on the cheek of course! In addition, Carmie and I danced at a hot spot in Paris until 6am!! And when I say dance, I mean everything from FRENCH hip hop, reggae, to heavy metal, R&B, pop, and even BALI music! Who knew...

Believe everything you hear, Paris is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!! I will definitely have to go back! While there, Carmie and I made a list of all of the hot spots we wanted to visit (what else would you expect from a former teacher, of course I had a list!) These included: Pere-Lachaise (cementary of several famous folks like Chopin and Jim Morrison *note, do you know they had a bottle of Hennessey on his grave site, now what is he suppose to do with that?!, Come on people!)

Notre Dame. I am happy to report I did not see ANY gargoyles or Quasimodo. But I did experience the most beautiful cathedral you have ever seen! My sister, who is Catholic, wiped tears from her eyes as she prayed and lite candles. In addition, the most lovely scent of incense burned during the mass. It is truly a miraculous place.

Studying Art in Italy, I have grown more found of the masters then ever before. That being said, of course no trip would be complete without a stop by the Louvre! And yes, we say Mona herself. I promise she winked at me. Seriously, seeing each of these works in person was amazing! Nothing compares.

And of course, no visit would be complete without a journey to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately we couldn't go ALL the way to the top because of the weather, but the view was still pretty good to me!

Our last spot of the final night in Paris, was a QUICK visit to Moulin Rouge. We had several bites, who am I kidding, MOUTH FULLS, of great food along the way; including Crepes and duck! I don't know what you may have heard about the French, but everyone WE encountered was extremely helpful and patient, as we tried to speak in French or responded in English! I couldn't have asked for a better time.

As always, updated pictures are to the right and I hope to include another post soon of the videos we made. Look for it, An American in Paris: The Sequel. The Sisters Coppins are already planning for 2012! London should be fun, we may even let the little one join us, since she will finally be legal! Let 2009 be a year of moving forward towards your destiny. Quick Question... "What would YOU attempt to do, if you KNEW you could NOT fail?"