9/26 Journal
Today, the sky is so blue it makes me want to cry. The weather is just too cool for school. I was early to rise, awoken from another Perugian sunrise. Last nights rain had left a fruitful refreshment to all lfe including us, because today I feel great! I slept well, and ate well today as always. Today's breakfast was Cocoa Puffs and coffee. Lunch was an cultural meal of beans and thick but stout noodles into a broth; tasting as delicious as I could've asked for. It's been an easy day, with nothing but art history, food and sunshine the whole day. We were about to have class outside today too because Mark is cool like that! Too bad the sun was just too bright for us to be able to depict anything on the projector outside. Alas we resumed the lecture inside the classroom, but the lights were out and the soothing breeze from the big bay windows was a pleasant compromise.
This is still the best semester I think I've ever had, or will ever get. This experience is everything I needed, and more. I had a great conversation with Mark today about life, and what life's fruits should mean to us, and how we should use them. Whether that luxury is abused, or not can be a thin line in perspective. Conversation about life is a thin sheet to wrap around such a big structural topic in of itself. Though, it's nice to contemplate life in good company from time to time, and what better place to do so than in the sunshine of the Italian countryside? Between classes today, I've been blogging and jamming out to the great American hero Stevie Ray Vaughn and I don't know how the Italians would take to that if they heard it? Talking about all these monuments today in art history makes me think how happy I would be if there was a temple erected dedicated to the blues gods, and a statue for the one and only Stevie Ray. At any rate, I'm glad to be here and I'm learning lots. Not only about photography, watercolor, and art history; I'm learning about who I am and what I value, what I need in my life, and how I get there. I've learned that it's not about how big you live, but what you keep in your life that makes life a big deal; that's what's worth while. You can see a million pictures, but until you take some of your own a memory will never evolve from a dream.
Go out there, live your life big.
LS
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
That Sky Today, Talk About Blue!
9/25 Journal
Today the skies had cleared once more, and such a warm welcoming I walked out to as I rose this morning. I slept in today, which was nice because after our action packed movie night, sleep was much needed. I was not late to Italian class this morning, so that was definitely good too! As per usual, we received a delicious coffee break at half time. In accordance to my assumptions, the coffee here in Italy is absolutely fantastic, and blows every other cup I've ever had out of the water. I drink Italian coffee black, because it's just that delicious. Biscotti was a great touch and compliment to the coffee, because guess who didn't get breakfast this morning? This guy! Lunch was quite delicious too! A spaghetti with thick slice bacon bits, in a butter sauce. Italian salad, of fresh mixed greens and home made vinaigrette. Like always, I drink plenty of water during lunch as it is easy to get dehydrated. The Mediterranean is not a cold place, nor a dry place but still its good to keep up on water intake.
Those adorable kittens still seem to have the times of their lives, and definitely seem to enjoy our company. The mother of the litter is rather skinny though and that is concerning because those kitties gotta eat something, and they can't get milk if the mom can't get food. :( It has been brought to my attention how amusing it is that myself and the other two guys are the ones that hung out with the cats most often, and that's manly as hell! Every super cool villain in any super cool fiction, had a cat on his lap when thinking up his evil plan; am I right? How many of them held little terriers while they thought up how to kill James Bond? I didn't think so! Today has been a good day to be in Italy, the views and weather are wonderful as always. I am definitely happy to be here, and feel blessed to have such privileges. I'm starting to really get the hang of Adobe Light Room, and that's a very good thing to have down, because I feel like my picture taking ability is my strength in the art department.
That's all for now, though maybe there will be more to come later today, and who knows what will happen with tonight's pool game, or kitten adventures?
Keep it classy,
LS
Today the skies had cleared once more, and such a warm welcoming I walked out to as I rose this morning. I slept in today, which was nice because after our action packed movie night, sleep was much needed. I was not late to Italian class this morning, so that was definitely good too! As per usual, we received a delicious coffee break at half time. In accordance to my assumptions, the coffee here in Italy is absolutely fantastic, and blows every other cup I've ever had out of the water. I drink Italian coffee black, because it's just that delicious. Biscotti was a great touch and compliment to the coffee, because guess who didn't get breakfast this morning? This guy! Lunch was quite delicious too! A spaghetti with thick slice bacon bits, in a butter sauce. Italian salad, of fresh mixed greens and home made vinaigrette. Like always, I drink plenty of water during lunch as it is easy to get dehydrated. The Mediterranean is not a cold place, nor a dry place but still its good to keep up on water intake.
Those adorable kittens still seem to have the times of their lives, and definitely seem to enjoy our company. The mother of the litter is rather skinny though and that is concerning because those kitties gotta eat something, and they can't get milk if the mom can't get food. :( It has been brought to my attention how amusing it is that myself and the other two guys are the ones that hung out with the cats most often, and that's manly as hell! Every super cool villain in any super cool fiction, had a cat on his lap when thinking up his evil plan; am I right? How many of them held little terriers while they thought up how to kill James Bond? I didn't think so! Today has been a good day to be in Italy, the views and weather are wonderful as always. I am definitely happy to be here, and feel blessed to have such privileges. I'm starting to really get the hang of Adobe Light Room, and that's a very good thing to have down, because I feel like my picture taking ability is my strength in the art department.
That's all for now, though maybe there will be more to come later today, and who knows what will happen with tonight's pool game, or kitten adventures?
Keep it classy,
LS
Time
9/24 Journal
Today was a rainier day than the others, with darker skies and colder temperatures. In some ways we felt the same, with an earlier start to the day of work ahead. Italian this morning was sort of a struggle, because some of us (including myself) were deprived of coffee. This is not a good thing, not a good place to be in mentally. Though prayers to the gods brought fertility to the day, and we were pleasantly surprised with a coffee break with chocolate cakes to go with. YUM! This made the class period from 0930 until 1230 much more bearable. Catia is a wonderful teacher though, as I have said; bless her heart she is very friendly, it's just a lot of information to sit through first thing in the morning without coffee.
After lunch, we were finishing up our conversations and preparing to leave for the rooms to prepare for ART 321 when we were pleasantly interrupted. Our generous hostess gave us a guided tour of the family's villa. What amazing artwork it has, with such passion and glum flavor in a dark phase attitude. I was impressed with the condition of the 19th century furniture and older, which lined the "Red Lodge" an upper floor room that stored much of the hostess' artwork from her childhood (which was also very good and inspired from Picasso, in her own words) still hanging today. The villa goes on and goes on and goes on. It seems like an eternity of rooms, trap doors and secret passage ways. The rooftop view is incredible, and the Stoicism of the vines that wrap their way up and around the light posts and walls brings me back in time. I feel almost like I should write music to describe this place, not only a blog or through words. A picture can tell 1000 words, but music paints pictures that cannot be seen with the eye. Through colors not seen but felt, inhaled and lived.
Time
We think we age, we think we tire we know that one day we will retire.
Though how can one just simply know how or when, to dust we'll go?
I see the vines wrap around the the walls, the sole life that remains.
Though how can one just simply know how or when, to dust we'll go?
I see the vines wrap around the the walls, the sole life that remains.
Though within these walls here I stand, I feel somehow I'm stained.
The halls, the shadows, your spirits weep in hollows.
I feel your pain, your darkness still, as my voice, it echoes.
I feel your pain, your darkness still, as my voice, it echoes.
I hear a song, this song of time softer still, it hums a tone that brings a chill.
The chill of age, a cycle unstoppable one that I have joined.
The chill of age, a cycle unstoppable one that I have joined.
Along with you my friend in wine, together with time we'll shine.
So why not sit and smile, while we have some time, and enjoy the wine?
As it ages so do we, and with that time we join hand with wisdom.
So why not sit and smile, while we have some time, and enjoy the wine?
As it ages so do we, and with that time we join hand with wisdom.
A wisdom we learn not from book nor nor legend, but a lesson we learn in time.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
A walk In Perugia
9/23 Journal
Today, a trip to Corciano made the tables turn in my mind. Not only was this town a complete change from every expectation I had in my mind of the term "small town", but it did so with such finesse and grace I could honestly not have been more impressed. The walls have a story behind them, with every pebble, fracture, and crevice. The doors look like they once housed Divinci himself. From narrow cobble streets, to the sliver like windows on the outer walls of the village where only arrows went through; the place has a living breathing history to say the least, and its still alive today. With the company of several adorable fuzzy cats, the town has a cozy atmosphere. The type of atmosphere that is only portrayed in sweet post cards from out of country relatives and fortunate coworkers enjoying that vacation that you always wanted to go on, but just couldn't get away. Though there's work involved in this semester in heaven on Earth, and that much is clear; this is the best "vacation" I've ever had.
Warm smiles are found everywhere on the faces of visitors and citizens alike, and it's not that hard to accept nor believe; because honestly its one of the most... no it IS the most amazing place I have ever been to in my life. From ordering gelato in Italian, (my third language to learn) to the good hike up to the village gates past vineyards and the most green valleys, I feel happy and accomplished to say the least. I can order the food that fills every craving, and wipes away every strife, then go and burn it off by walking the racetrack like streets of Perugia. Though the language barrier is still present in those that work the villa, and us awesome students who currently occupy it, there is always a mutual expression: the smile. I have never met such great hospitality as a complete stranger in a very strange and very different country. Italy is strange, its true! It has flare in its strange ways, but strange none the less. Every semi-truck is an overcab style snub nose type rig. Nothing bearing the proud ruby symbol of "Peterbilt" rolls the countryside over here. In fact, I am yet to see an American car. Being 6'5" cars aren't my choice of travel here anyways, because most of them look like they came out of my matchbox collection from my childhood. Not that buss travel is any better: holy lack of legroom! I at first was largely concerned about what these poor people in these sub-compact sub-compacts did in the winter months, and how those shopping cart wheels would ever get them through the snow when it hit me... Mediterranean... Oh yeah! IM IN ITALY. I still want to think twice before I accept that fact. It can't be so, this is a dream. Especially after seeing Corciano today, and living the town and its beautiful architecture that looks like the first set from "Romeo and Juliet" kid you not. This place will be hard to leave that's no question. I miss those at
I started formal Italian language lessons today, and am more surprised than I thought I'd be. It's actually not as close to Spanish as I thought. The conjugation process is more complex than I initially assumed. A very wise, and wonderful woman told me today "The German language is intended to direct orders, the English language is for business. Now the French language, that's for love! But the Italians... the Italian language is for talking to the heavens." That woman was my very awesome Italian teacher. She is so considerate and caring, she feels like family though she's a complete stranger. I never saw one frown, nor heard one somber tone or expression. She's funny and knows it and that is an excellent quality in a professoressa. Tomorrow (Wednesday, the 24th of September) we have Italian almost the whole day, and I really look forward to it. To think that the first lesson was to get ice cream, and eat it too... literally says a lot about a professoressa, especially one with such great credentials. I really like this group I'm traveling with too. There sure are a lot of laughs going around, but none at each other only in good fun. The food is fantastic, the friends are new and food is fantastic. Did I mention the food? Oh and the meals here are really good, man I just know I'm going to need to walk those hills more and more often as my appetite grows for this amazing cuisine. It's late, and I have a big day tomorrow, filled with incredible learning opportunities and another realm of life, hidden waiting to be experienced. After today's tour though, I don't know if it can beat it.
Thank you for reading, it does my heart some bonus points to know that I can share this trip, and my feelings with the world wide web.
Keep it classy!
LS
Today, a trip to Corciano made the tables turn in my mind. Not only was this town a complete change from every expectation I had in my mind of the term "small town", but it did so with such finesse and grace I could honestly not have been more impressed. The walls have a story behind them, with every pebble, fracture, and crevice. The doors look like they once housed Divinci himself. From narrow cobble streets, to the sliver like windows on the outer walls of the village where only arrows went through; the place has a living breathing history to say the least, and its still alive today. With the company of several adorable fuzzy cats, the town has a cozy atmosphere. The type of atmosphere that is only portrayed in sweet post cards from out of country relatives and fortunate coworkers enjoying that vacation that you always wanted to go on, but just couldn't get away. Though there's work involved in this semester in heaven on Earth, and that much is clear; this is the best "vacation" I've ever had.
Warm smiles are found everywhere on the faces of visitors and citizens alike, and it's not that hard to accept nor believe; because honestly its one of the most... no it IS the most amazing place I have ever been to in my life. From ordering gelato in Italian, (my third language to learn) to the good hike up to the village gates past vineyards and the most green valleys, I feel happy and accomplished to say the least. I can order the food that fills every craving, and wipes away every strife, then go and burn it off by walking the racetrack like streets of Perugia. Though the language barrier is still present in those that work the villa, and us awesome students who currently occupy it, there is always a mutual expression: the smile. I have never met such great hospitality as a complete stranger in a very strange and very different country. Italy is strange, its true! It has flare in its strange ways, but strange none the less. Every semi-truck is an overcab style snub nose type rig. Nothing bearing the proud ruby symbol of "Peterbilt" rolls the countryside over here. In fact, I am yet to see an American car. Being 6'5" cars aren't my choice of travel here anyways, because most of them look like they came out of my matchbox collection from my childhood. Not that buss travel is any better: holy lack of legroom! I at first was largely concerned about what these poor people in these sub-compact sub-compacts did in the winter months, and how those shopping cart wheels would ever get them through the snow when it hit me... Mediterranean... Oh yeah! IM IN ITALY. I still want to think twice before I accept that fact. It can't be so, this is a dream. Especially after seeing Corciano today, and living the town and its beautiful architecture that looks like the first set from "Romeo and Juliet" kid you not. This place will be hard to leave that's no question. I miss those at
I started formal Italian language lessons today, and am more surprised than I thought I'd be. It's actually not as close to Spanish as I thought. The conjugation process is more complex than I initially assumed. A very wise, and wonderful woman told me today "The German language is intended to direct orders, the English language is for business. Now the French language, that's for love! But the Italians... the Italian language is for talking to the heavens." That woman was my very awesome Italian teacher. She is so considerate and caring, she feels like family though she's a complete stranger. I never saw one frown, nor heard one somber tone or expression. She's funny and knows it and that is an excellent quality in a professoressa. Tomorrow (Wednesday, the 24th of September) we have Italian almost the whole day, and I really look forward to it. To think that the first lesson was to get ice cream, and eat it too... literally says a lot about a professoressa, especially one with such great credentials. I really like this group I'm traveling with too. There sure are a lot of laughs going around, but none at each other only in good fun. The food is fantastic, the friends are new and food is fantastic. Did I mention the food? Oh and the meals here are really good, man I just know I'm going to need to walk those hills more and more often as my appetite grows for this amazing cuisine. It's late, and I have a big day tomorrow, filled with incredible learning opportunities and another realm of life, hidden waiting to be experienced. After today's tour though, I don't know if it can beat it.
Thank you for reading, it does my heart some bonus points to know that I can share this trip, and my feelings with the world wide web.
Keep it classy!
LS
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Traveling from Denver to Rome
Sunday: Sept 21, 2014
The sunrise this morning was beautiful, a typical expectation for a Colorado native. Thoughts rushed through my head, the second it lifted from my pillow in a blur. Thoughts that slammed my consciousness with the heavy reality that I would be leaving the country today in only a matter of hours. Of course this realization sent more adrenaline through me than most 7:00 mornings, and I was quick to rise and shower for my new adventure. Europe, such an amazing place I would be blessed to visit. Art, such a wonderful study to enjoy in such a place, need I elaborate? A journey to where an amazing culture (probably the most influential) all began; could I really ask for more out of a college fall semester? Here I sit in the lounge of Chicago's O'Hare airport, at gate K 15 waiting for my transcontinental flight to Rome. The people around me, buzzing with their own agendas in their own complicated worlds. I wonder what their reasons for going to Rome are, what they're feeling. Could they be as excited as I am? Is that even possible? A gentleman directly behind me is very well dressed, sitting in pressed slacks with his fine luggage and golden jewelry. His rich cologne is slightly overwhelming, and his thick Italian accent sort of explains it all. The streaks of grey above his sideburns in that thick slicked back hair suggests a wisdom that has come with life experiences only my imagination could label. Who's to say this guy's actually a made man, but who's to say he isn't? I know my imagination is wild and creative, sometimes (more than often, let's be honest) goes a little higher in the clouds than that of the average twenty year old man, it keeps me entertained.
I have these fantasies of what Rome will be like. My curiosity and dangerously creative imagination have their own devious methods that I am rarely on track with. It seems like the cinematic aspects of an Italy portrayed on the silver screen for years, are dashing as thoughts through my mind like Ben Hur with his chariot of four horses. What of Troy? Of Sparta? When the sun rises in the Mediterranean is it as passionate, as musical and jaw dropping as it did when Brad Pitt as Achilles witnessed? Or how about the real Achilles, a guy like that must've enjoyed the little things in life once in a while, like the magenta cobalt sunrises with silver clouds and thick sea breeze air to breathe. I can't blame those ancient men for fighting for their own chunks of land in this mystical place. From what I've heard it's been more than worth fighting for. Now even though I will not be touring Greece or most of that region, I will indeed be traveling to Palermo and Sicily which definitely had Grecian influence and inhabitants for hundreds of years far back before my time. Their taste, and exquisite appetite for entertainment lives on through the Teatro Greco, which I will visit if I have to kill to get there. To see Andrea Bocelli sing "Besame Mucho" might just stop my heart or something worse... worth it? Is that even a question? I yearn to shoot pics, see the sights, EAT THE FOOD, and sleep under foreign stars. Soon, very soon this fantasy will be a reality. Though I too must remember this is school, as I will be required to do several assignments of which are very important.
I want to thank all of my family and professors who made this trip possible for me today. I couldn't make it without you, and I owe you the appreciation and wonderful experiences that will come with this life changing adventure. To my family at home, I love you and will stay in touch as much as possible. Words on a blog cannot explain the colors that fill the mind which enlighten memories that go with such an experience, but I promise I will try.
Thank you, talk to you soon!
LS
The sunrise this morning was beautiful, a typical expectation for a Colorado native. Thoughts rushed through my head, the second it lifted from my pillow in a blur. Thoughts that slammed my consciousness with the heavy reality that I would be leaving the country today in only a matter of hours. Of course this realization sent more adrenaline through me than most 7:00 mornings, and I was quick to rise and shower for my new adventure. Europe, such an amazing place I would be blessed to visit. Art, such a wonderful study to enjoy in such a place, need I elaborate? A journey to where an amazing culture (probably the most influential) all began; could I really ask for more out of a college fall semester? Here I sit in the lounge of Chicago's O'Hare airport, at gate K 15 waiting for my transcontinental flight to Rome. The people around me, buzzing with their own agendas in their own complicated worlds. I wonder what their reasons for going to Rome are, what they're feeling. Could they be as excited as I am? Is that even possible? A gentleman directly behind me is very well dressed, sitting in pressed slacks with his fine luggage and golden jewelry. His rich cologne is slightly overwhelming, and his thick Italian accent sort of explains it all. The streaks of grey above his sideburns in that thick slicked back hair suggests a wisdom that has come with life experiences only my imagination could label. Who's to say this guy's actually a made man, but who's to say he isn't? I know my imagination is wild and creative, sometimes (more than often, let's be honest) goes a little higher in the clouds than that of the average twenty year old man, it keeps me entertained.
I have these fantasies of what Rome will be like. My curiosity and dangerously creative imagination have their own devious methods that I am rarely on track with. It seems like the cinematic aspects of an Italy portrayed on the silver screen for years, are dashing as thoughts through my mind like Ben Hur with his chariot of four horses. What of Troy? Of Sparta? When the sun rises in the Mediterranean is it as passionate, as musical and jaw dropping as it did when Brad Pitt as Achilles witnessed? Or how about the real Achilles, a guy like that must've enjoyed the little things in life once in a while, like the magenta cobalt sunrises with silver clouds and thick sea breeze air to breathe. I can't blame those ancient men for fighting for their own chunks of land in this mystical place. From what I've heard it's been more than worth fighting for. Now even though I will not be touring Greece or most of that region, I will indeed be traveling to Palermo and Sicily which definitely had Grecian influence and inhabitants for hundreds of years far back before my time. Their taste, and exquisite appetite for entertainment lives on through the Teatro Greco, which I will visit if I have to kill to get there. To see Andrea Bocelli sing "Besame Mucho" might just stop my heart or something worse... worth it? Is that even a question? I yearn to shoot pics, see the sights, EAT THE FOOD, and sleep under foreign stars. Soon, very soon this fantasy will be a reality. Though I too must remember this is school, as I will be required to do several assignments of which are very important.
I want to thank all of my family and professors who made this trip possible for me today. I couldn't make it without you, and I owe you the appreciation and wonderful experiences that will come with this life changing adventure. To my family at home, I love you and will stay in touch as much as possible. Words on a blog cannot explain the colors that fill the mind which enlighten memories that go with such an experience, but I promise I will try.
Thank you, talk to you soon!
LS
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Anticipation
With great anticipation, I sit and wait. What I realize is that waiting is useless. The adventures that lie before me are not waiting for me, but rather approaching me incognito disguised as time. Soon I will see these adventures first hand, and as I accept the gifts they bring they will surely change me forever. This anticipation I have is killing me, though there's nothing to do about it. Patience is a curtain before me lifting slowly to reveal the grand crowds of the stage of life. Behind the scenes I haven't seen them yet, I don't know how I'll react, what it all will look like; but as the curtain rises I know the emotions that flow through me will lead me to the performance I need to share with the life around me. With great anticipation, I sit and wait. What I realize is that waiting makes all the difference.
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