Quando in Firenze!

I've discovered this store where a man and his daughter hand make every kind of mask you can possibly imagine! Picture this- I walked in this tiny whole in the wall store off a side street in Florence where the walls are literally disguised with the most striking, beautiful masks and puppets you've ever seen. In fact, I've never seen anything like it. And I suspect you haven't either as you're probably wondering what in the world could be so cool about a mask store. Well, let me tell you- apparently, "Carnivale" is a huge celebration here in Florence and most notably in Venice where people wear masks and celebrate their culture. Not to mention that in the capital of the world of art, each mask is just that- a brilliant work of art. We talked to the owner/artist in broken english and he told us that he and his daughter had been doing this for nearly twenty years. His masks have appeared in over 100 differnet exhibits and contest and have been used for nuemerous theater productions, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, just to name a few. I walked in the store and immediately fell in love with the mask in the picture. I would have taken it home with me right then and there...if only it weren't 50 Euro (about 68 US dollars)! So I took a million pictures instead. Although, there is certainly still a huge chance that I might not leave Italy without it.

This afternoon I played soccer with about 11 other people at a park overlooking the Arno River in Florence and had possibly the most fun I've had the entire time I've been here! I played in high school and it was okay but I played well and we won and it was awesome! More importantly, I just forgot how many good things come from a friendly, but competitive, game outdoors. My first instinct is definitely to go shopping or go into the city to get gelato or something, but I went on a whim and I can't wait to do it again! Tomorrow!

Another highlight...I've gotten to SKYPE with my mom's best first grade class in the world!! I enjoy so much answering thier questions and telling them all about the things I am seeing and the places I am experiencing while I am here. I hope that it inspires them to see the world & learn for themselves more about the diffent cultures and thier histories. Most importantly, that they will be able to see how the many pieces have fit together to impact who they are today. We study history everyday. Not only do I know the pieces of art and where they came from, but now I know why they were made and have seen them first hand. Why did Michellangelo paint the sistene chapel? Because he was forced to by the Roman Catholic Pope who ruled the world! A concept we can barely understand in itself, in an age where we are blessed to live under a democratic government with rule of the people by the people. Or allegedly so. By the way, I saw visited the Santa Croce where he is buried two days ago. It's unbelievable. History has never been more alive. This is what I hope the beautiful children of Hendron Lone Oak Elementary are getting a glimpse of through thier correspondance with me during my time here! Little do they know, they have a surprise on the way!!!

la citta bella

I'm overlooking the Arno River crossing the bridge to my new favorite city! Tonight I went with a handful of the awesome girls I live with into the city for some relaxed shopping and exploring. I didn't find anything this time, but I've learned from a very wise friend how to be a wise shopper- to look around for the best price and quality and wait until I find exactly what is my heart's set on. So, knowing what my heart is set on, I didn't find it yet, but I definitely have a few great leads!

One of the most unexpected blessings I've encountered is the unbelievable help that my background of singing classic Italian literature has been; from Paducah Symphony Children's Chorus to Chior at Tilghman with DeWeese to Chorus at Harding with Dr. G, along with the countless Italian Arias I had to learn for voice lessons over the years. What an enriched childhood and life I've been given. Not only can I pronouce and read Italian for class perfectly, but when we are touring Florence and Robbie (our Humanities professor and head of HUF) quotes the words of David in Italian that are inscribed on the beautiful statues or buildings, I know exactly what they mean and they along with a beautiful melody play in my head the rest of the day.
"Sicut Cervus deciderat ad fontes aquarum, ita desiderat anima mea ad te, Deus." - As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God, Psalms 41. This is my absolute favorite song Tilghman ever sang; we sang it many times and we sang it beautifully.
"Te lucis ante terminum, rerum Creator, poscimus ut pro tua clementia sis praesul et custodia."- To Thee, before the close of day Creator of the world, we pray that with Thy wonted favor, Thou wouldst be our Guard and Keeper now. All-State chorus Junior year, cried through the whole song. Please you-tube it...."Te Lucis Ante Terminum".
There are SO many more, but is the Italian not the most beautiful thing you've ever heard? Imagine sitting in an ancient cathedral. Look at the breathtaking sculptures and art. Read the Italian inscriptions. Hear the songs you've sung for years with those same Italian phrases. And finally, understand that it all comes from our God so great and holy that He wrote those words, He created those brilliant artists and composers in his own image, He gave me the blessing of such a rich musical childhood, and He has given me the opportunity to be here in the middle of it all for three months with some of the best people in the world and most importantly a mind capable of merely beginning to comprehend the significance of each element coming together at once. I really, really can never complain again.

We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow- we have on site classes all day long. We'll be learning at the Medici Chapel, San Lorenzo Cathedral, another museum...I can't wait to write all about it.