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.