Moleskine stop-motion. crazy. 

by Rogier Wieland studio

pretty epic stop motion with a ton of yarn.  Peter Sluszka, Michelle Gondry, Lauri Faggioni and her yarn team

found this from hitrecord. mad crazy

I like that a quick shot of espresso while standing at the coffee bar fits my mental image of the little words “pick-me-up,” but I have definitely missed having a full cup of (American) coffee.  Today when I found myself a bit chilly and needing a little kick of energy, I walked into a coffeehouse.  Minutes later I walked out with a warm cup o’ joe cradled in my hands.  Nothing says comfort more to me than a cup of dark-roast on a rainy day.    

As the semester comes to a close, I have become more and more aware of how much I and my fellow peers have grown since being here.  Tonight, as almost everyone has now finished their final exam for the semester, there was a play production put on by several students and a professor here.  I knew that there were play practices that happened every Tuesday (+ some) and many times could hear them in the garden, but tonight I was thoroughly impressed by each member of the production and surprised at how comical the play was.  It was truly a delight to see.  Bravi tutti!  A wonderful close to a great semester.

I’m not one to go out…ever, but last night after having a sentimental dinner with all the students and their famiglie italiane, a bunch of us decided to go out to have a last hoorah together before people left for traveling or became too swamped with finals and essays.  We had a wonderful time because some of us were a little more than tipsy, good songs were playing, we’re young and in Italy, the venue was fun, but more importantly, we had a great time because we were enjoying each other insieme. 

Often times, it isn’t until the end that we can see what we’ve sewn, and as this semester comes to a close (though I still have several papers to write), I realize that I’ve learned and gained so much from this experience.  The people I’ve met and the things I’ve seen have truly opened my eyes and allowed me to see beyond myself, my little world inside my head, and even my own country.  I’ve discovered or rediscovered people that have changed my heart and taught me that my first perceptions of people, things, places are often incorrect.  As Shrek would say, it’s like an onion. There are layers. 

to accompany #83

For those of you who know me, you’ve probably heard me use this word.  I love this word “silly” because it is simple, funny, innocent, and a memory of childhood.