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...