From End to Beginning

CASEY is here!  She got in two Saturdays ago and since then we have been exploring Florence while I finished my classes and said my goodbyes to some good friends. 

Here we are on the top of Piazzale Michelangelo.  Finally!   We saw that it was finally sunny outside and had to go.  Little did we know that the rest of the week would be sunny!  Regardless, the sight of the city was still breathtaking.  Between sightseeing and museum visiting I had my final critiques and exams.  

And finally, here is my semester's painting body of work.  The idea I explored this semester (and hopefully beyond this semester) was the relationship between the individual and their secret and also the secrets relationship with its owner.  Hope you like it!  

All the pieces are acrylic and oil on canvas... and for sale. 

After my last final on Thursday, Casey and I went out for some drinks and a bite to eat with my friends.  
Gusta Pizza.  My first time there and their last.  These kids were a great group of friends and really made my semester what it was.  I can't wait to meet up with them again in North Carolina!

What's next?  Roma tomorrow!  Then Siena, Cinque Terre and Venice!  Happy holidays everyone!  

The Final Days of School

Not much to report.  I am in the process of finishing all of my final projects and am in finals stress-out mode.  I spent this past weekend in the studio and got two paintings in good shape.  It took a lot out of me and I was quite antisocial outside of studio, but it puts me in a good position for this upcoming week.  I still have to do a final piece for pastel and finish my sculpture (hopefully tomorrow!)  Then I get to study for a written and practical final for my cooking class (piece of cake ;) and my Italian final.  BUT, in the process of it all I get some company from ....CASEY!!!  She's coming up THIS Saturday.  Crazy.  I'm super stoked and am trying to get most of my work done before then because I know my motivation for school is going to nonexistent.  

On another note, today is December 8th.  It is the day Buddha reached enlightenment and ironically also Immaculata Concezione (immaculate conception) of Mary.  Immaculate because it is believed that Mary was born without original sin.  Anyway, it was a holiday today which means shopping for all!  The city center was packed today and all the piazzas were full of cool handmade crafts, foods and goods.  

Italian word of the day: stanco - tired