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Ladies' Night

22 November 2010
Last Friday night was epic. Ok it was just fun times with my ladies Alessandra, Fede and Gaia. I have been collaborating with these awesome ladies on weddings and photo shoots to promote their photography and wedding planning businesses here in Italy.

Friday we decided to do a girls night where I teach them how to do their own make-up and of course pamper them a little by giving them their own personal make over. Alessandra got her Marilyn look and the other two girls opted for smokey eyes. And you know me I was willing to oblige. Any opportunities I get for a photo-op I take it.

This Saturday, Ale will be teaching us how to bake and I will be studying for my exam in two weeks and researching my latest obsession Alessandro de Medici, Il Moro the first black (biracial) head of state in the western world. I am seriously obsessed with the Medici Clan. Like I said before Florence is my all time favorite city in Italy and I truly believe that I lived there in a past life because it makes no sense the connection I have for it. I am planning a trip there next week and I will make sure to post as many photos as possible.

Until then, enjoy the photos from Ladies' Night
[slideshow]

Ladies' Night

Last Friday night was epic. Ok it was just fun times with my ladies Alessandra, Fede and Gaia. I have been collaborating with these awesome ladies on weddings and photo shoots to promote their photography and wedding planning businesses here in Italy.

Friday we decided to do a girls night where I teach them how to do their own make-up and of course pamper them a little by giving them their own personal make over. Alessandra got her Marilyn look and the other two girls opted for smokey eyes. And you know me I was willing to oblige. Any opportunities I get for a photo-op I take it.

This Saturday, Ale will be teaching us how to bake and I will be studying for my exam in two weeks and researching my latest obsession Alessandro de Medici, Il Moro the first black (biracial) head of state in the western world. I am seriously obsessed with the Medici Clan. Like I said before Florence is my all time favorite city in Italy and I truly believe that I lived there in a past life because it makes no sense the connection I have for it. I am planning a trip there next week and I will make sure to post as many photos as possible.

Until then, enjoy the photos from Ladies' Night
[slideshow]

I's a graduate now!!

16 November 2010


Bad grammar and all, but yes, last night I found out that I passed my Comps Exams at the University of Houston and it is official that I am now a Master's Degree holder in Communication Studies. I am still screaming and jumping.. two degrees down, two more to go.

There will be a few changes to the blog. I will be posting twice a week. Monday and Friday. One of those days I will be posting info on places I frequent or that is hip around the town I live in since I have been receiving lots of emails about what I do for fun here and the second post of the week will be randomness about my life or my plans or just Italy. So much to talk about..

Anyhow, have a great week. Until next post.


I's a graduate now!!



Bad grammar and all, but yes, last night I found out that I passed my Comps Exams at the University of Houston and it is official that I am now a Master's Degree holder in Communication Studies. I am still screaming and jumping.. two degrees down, two more to go.

There will be a few changes to the blog. I will be posting twice a week. Monday and Friday. One of those days I will be posting info on places I frequent or that is hip around the town I live in since I have been receiving lots of emails about what I do for fun here and the second post of the week will be randomness about my life or my plans or just Italy. So much to talk about..

Anyhow, have a great week. Until next post.


New Beginnings

14 November 2010
"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."--Carrie Bradshaw

I have a had profound epiphany. "I am finally home." I have had such lovely encounters with individuals this past week, some that have left me speechless. Some that have filled me with hope and some that have healed parts of my wounded soul. But I knew that the latter would happen here in Italy. Italy is such a warm, welcoming and healing place. It is like the hot springs for the soul. A rejuvenating balm that sends sadness to the desert where it dies. A place that brings back laughter long forgotten.

I am happy, content even. I feel free. This does not mean that there aren't any hardships in my life. I still have not found a job. But what I have found is the most important thing in life--inner tranquility.

This blog is dedicated to all the relationships in my life, new and old. To the girls here in Italy that have been gracious and kind. To the men who have been flirtatious and sweet. And to my friends and family back home that have been supportive.

Thank you

New Beginnings

"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."--Carrie Bradshaw

I have a had profound epiphany. "I am finally home." I have had such lovely encounters with individuals this past week, some that have left me speechless. Some that have filled me with hope and some that have healed parts of my wounded soul. But I knew that the latter would happen here in Italy. Italy is such a warm, welcoming and healing place. It is like the hot springs for the soul. A rejuvenating balm that sends sadness to the desert where it dies. A place that brings back laughter long forgotten.

I am happy, content even. I feel free. This does not mean that there aren't any hardships in my life. I still have not found a job. But what I have found is the most important thing in life--inner tranquility.

This blog is dedicated to all the relationships in my life, new and old. To the girls here in Italy that have been gracious and kind. To the men who have been flirtatious and sweet. And to my friends and family back home that have been supportive.

Thank you

The Sweetest Occasion

10 November 2010
In the last month I have collaborated with an excellent team of ladies and fellow bloggers here in Bologna on some projects. Most were related to weddings and all they entail. I am pleased to present some photos from the last collaboration. I have not been given the go ahead from the first shoot, but once it is approved, I will published those pics as well. If you know anyone wanting to get married in Italy, we have a whole team waiting for them here, including, wedding planner, photographers, set designer, invitation designer, caterer and even a place to host the wedding. Enjoy.

Planning and set design by: Alessandra
Photography by: Federicaand Gaia

Invitation Design by: Valentina

Make-up by moi...
[slideshow]

The Sweetest Occasion

In the last month I have collaborated with an excellent team of ladies and fellow bloggers here in Bologna on some projects. Most were related to weddings and all they entail. I am pleased to present some photos from the last collaboration. I have not been given the go ahead from the first shoot, but once it is approved, I will published those pics as well. If you know anyone wanting to get married in Italy, we have a whole team waiting for them here, including, wedding planner, photographers, set designer, invitation designer, caterer and even a place to host the wedding. Enjoy.

Planning and set design by: Alessandra
Photography by: Federicaand Gaia

Invitation Design by: Valentina

Make-up by moi...
[slideshow]

Non é ancora fluente

08 November 2010
I am rounding up my 3rd month in Italy and although my Italian has improved I am not yet fluent. I was expecting it to take at least six months to solidify and so far I am working towards that trajectory.

I have closed out two of my social accounts, taken my final exam for my Master's in America--still waiting for the results, forse la settimana prossima, I will know something. During this time I have taken on two pupils--teaching them the basic Italian that I know for their moves to Italy next year. A good friend of mine will be attending the University here to study Languages and the Arts and the other new friend, an Italian-American wanting to get in touch with his Italian roots contacted through FB and I am helping him as well. Yes, I find it ironic that a Black American is teaching an Italian American Italian but hey my life has been quite peculiar thus far. Anyhoo, he will be moving here for 6 months to research and perhaps study the culinary arts. They are both excited and willing pupils and I look forward to teaching them.

In the process I have decided that I too WILL be fluent in Italian in the 6 months time period that I allotted myself, seeing that I studied the language for the last 3 years in a class room and know how it works. Now I just need to practice and find new ways to express myself w/o translated.

During my quest to find study materials for my pupil I stumbled upon this blog. This fellow is a quest to become fluent in a new language every year and you know what I think its a good idea. One of the dreams on my bucket list was to become fluent in 5 languages in my life time and I have found the tools and inspiration to do so. So first, is Italian. I will keep you guys posted on that. And go over there and follow that blog.

I will soon be writing another post over @ BB & W. I will let you know when. I am still looking for work and hopefully the irons that I have thrown into the fire will begin to heat up.

Until next blog

Non é ancora fluente

I am rounding up my 3rd month in Italy and although my Italian has improved I am not yet fluent. I was expecting it to take at least six months to solidify and so far I am working towards that trajectory.

I have closed out two of my social accounts, taken my final exam for my Master's in America--still waiting for the results, forse la settimana prossima, I will know something. During this time I have taken on two pupils--teaching them the basic Italian that I know for their moves to Italy next year. A good friend of mine will be attending the University here to study Languages and the Arts and the other new friend, an Italian-American wanting to get in touch with his Italian roots contacted through FB and I am helping him as well. Yes, I find it ironic that a Black American is teaching an Italian American Italian but hey my life has been quite peculiar thus far. Anyhoo, he will be moving here for 6 months to research and perhaps study the culinary arts. They are both excited and willing pupils and I look forward to teaching them.

In the process I have decided that I too WILL be fluent in Italian in the 6 months time period that I allotted myself, seeing that I studied the language for the last 3 years in a class room and know how it works. Now I just need to practice and find new ways to express myself w/o translated.

During my quest to find study materials for my pupil I stumbled upon this blog. This fellow is a quest to become fluent in a new language every year and you know what I think its a good idea. One of the dreams on my bucket list was to become fluent in 5 languages in my life time and I have found the tools and inspiration to do so. So first, is Italian. I will keep you guys posted on that. And go over there and follow that blog.

I will soon be writing another post over @ BB & W. I will let you know when. I am still looking for work and hopefully the irons that I have thrown into the fire will begin to heat up.

Until next blog

Ending my addiction…

04 November 2010
Hey Bleeps,

Its been a while since I have posted. My aunt came into town last week and subsequently made me ill for the last week. I have also been working on some 'gratis' projects to get my name out there as a make-up artist in Italy. I finally got listed @ Make-up Directory
I have also been studying for my exam while simultaneously being distracted by social networking sites. As well as helping an Italian American learn basic Italian via gmail--he is very determined to connect with his heritage. I recently decided to do away with all of my accounts except my blogs. This was my post to my friends and family. I hope it inspires some of you.

-------------------------------

Hey friends and fam,

I have decided to do away with my social networking sites. Yesterday I saw so much on Twitter that just grieved my heart and I realized I moved to Italy to finally live and not be inundated by images and languages that are completely devoid of meaning. Instead I have been spending way too much time on FB and Twitter, when I should be living life, dating, writing, cooking, learning, working out, traveling, and actually practicing my Italian. Truth is I feel uncomfortable in my skin at the moment--unusual for me--so i avoid human contact..

But I have realized I have to break the cycle and stop being a spectacle of myself and practicing modern day voyeurism and get off the net. These social networking sites keep us distracted and detached from the real world. That is what they are set up to do.

If you wish to keep in touch with me you can by email at xxxxxxxxxx, skype @ xxxxxxxxx or by following my blog @ http://odisseaitaliana.com/ ---which by the way is the best thing and it will build my viewership.

I have a couple of projects that I will be working on and once they are on their way I will post info on my blog.

I will miss reading everyone's crazy statuses and posts but I must do this for me. My FB accounts will be up for another 4 weeks so everyone can get this note but I am starting the new year, technology 'free'

I love you guys for all of your support. You are the bestest.

Truly yours,

Ending my addiction…

Hey Bleeps,

Its been a while since I have posted. My aunt came into town last week and subsequently made me ill for the last week. I have also been working on some 'gratis' projects to get my name out there as a make-up artist in Italy. I finally got listed @ Make-up Directory
I have also been studying for my exam while simultaneously being distracted by social networking sites. As well as helping an Italian American learn basic Italian via gmail--he is very determined to connect with his heritage. I recently decided to do away with all of my accounts except my blogs. This was my post to my friends and family. I hope it inspires some of you.

-------------------------------

Hey friends and fam,

I have decided to do away with my social networking sites. Yesterday I saw so much on Twitter that just grieved my heart and I realized I moved to Italy to finally live and not be inundated by images and languages that are completely devoid of meaning. Instead I have been spending way too much time on FB and Twitter, when I should be living life, dating, writing, cooking, learning, working out, traveling, and actually practicing my Italian. Truth is I feel uncomfortable in my skin at the moment--unusual for me--so i avoid human contact..

But I have realized I have to break the cycle and stop being a spectacle of myself and practicing modern day voyeurism and get off the net. These social networking sites keep us distracted and detached from the real world. That is what they are set up to do.

If you wish to keep in touch with me you can by email at xxxxxxxxxx, skype @ xxxxxxxxx or by following my blog @ http://odisseaitaliana.com/ ---which by the way is the best thing and it will build my viewership.

I have a couple of projects that I will be working on and once they are on their way I will post info on my blog.

I will miss reading everyone's crazy statuses and posts but I must do this for me. My FB accounts will be up for another 4 weeks so everyone can get this note but I am starting the new year, technology 'free'

I love you guys for all of your support. You are the bestest.

Truly yours,