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.

When in FIRENZE....

We made it! We arrived in Rome at 7:45 this morning, 45 minutes ahead of schedule. We went through customs and boarded a bus for Florence where we all passed out. Once we arrived, we hiked a mile long hill up to the beautiful villa where we got our rooming assignments. I am in a room with three other awesome girls, and it is by far the best room in the place. It is my favorite yellow with antique looking dark wood furniture, we have our own bathroom, and just enough closet space to not have to live out of a suitcase:) I love it.
Despite loving it, until about an hour ago after I finally was able to get a shower and re-vamp I hardly spoke 5 words to anyone from sheer exhaustion. I was so relieved to get in touch with my family who's stranded in the middle of a ridiculous ice storm, but I think I was just still in overdrive mode. We've had two delicious meals today prepared by our fantastic Italian chef. My favorite part- a giant fruit bowl in the middle of every table 24/7!!! I've had more bananas and clementines today than I have in the last week. If only I could curb my sweet tooth and leave off the Nutella tomorrow....
Another villa tradition- tea time, every night at nine o'clock. Tonight I had a delicious, caffeine-free peach tea as I watched the end of a close game between the Florence and Naples professional soccer teams. Smith- I'm telling you, this is the life.
Don't assume that this blog is simply about facts, because I fully intend for it to be much more than that. However, at the beginning with a million new things to share I'm afraid it will be consumed with the details, till the details are said, and then the real stories will unfold!
Pictures tomorrow!

Study Abroad

I have one of the most creative moms in the world. Since I have recently become such a world traveler, she has decided to embark her first grade classes on a journey with me. After following me to China last Summer, they will be following me to Italy this Spring. Which means I will be getting up at the wee hours of the night/morning to talk to the most energetic group of 6 year old's I've ever seen and tell them all about my latest adventures & discoveries. Today, I went to their class, sat in the special chair, and answered their many questions at question time; always proving to be quite entertaining. What will you do there? What will the weather be like? Can you buy a puppy? What animals do they have there? They will no doubt make another appearance on the Brandon Thomas portion of the WPSD news for another of their interactive, collaborative, international learning experiences. Stay tuned for the times. They don't call her Nationally Board Certified for nothing.

Oh yes, I leave in approximately 28 hours for Atlanta, where I will be meeting up with the rest of the Harding clan. Pray for our safety on our flight to ROME!

In other news, I will be appearing in my first Harding musical production, SCROOGE! I haven't had a chance to be a part of a musical this far and I am so excited to finally get my feet wet in theater again. I am playing Helen, niece of Scrooge. Beck Martin will be my lovely husband. We have every intention of stealing the show- Halloween 2009- write it down.

Thirteen Days Out

Okay, never done the blog thing before. The initial idea has always weirded me out; the ability for anyone and everyone to know the thoughts running through your head without even speaking to you? Seems a cheapened version of life if you ask me. But oddly enough, I'm proving myself wrong as in the midst of the highest version of life - three months studying and living in Florence, Italy- I feel this 'blogging' will only prove irreplaceable, because speaking to me may not be a reality yet I most certainly want anyone and everyone to know what kind of INCREDIBLE things will be happening in the days to come. And come shortly. T-minus 13 days now. God is really taking care of me. Little things I procrastinated on, and other major things I was simply uninformed of are coming to my attention just in time for me to take care of them. Even when there was no way for me to realistically be able to take care of them, God took over for me. A brand new, just the right size, nice green colored, Coleman pack was waiting in the basement of our church for me when I thought I was going to have to resort to a 1990 addidas duffle bag. Come on, only God shops like that. 

So, that is where I am at the moment. Getting ready, getting packed, getting excited, getting confident day by day that God has so many things to show me and will take care of all our needs. It's going to be a journey! I can't wait!