Going West

Eventually, Finnish summer came to an end.  

In late August I welcomed American friends to Helsinki.  

Caleigh, Garrett and I strolled the sunny, windy green streets of Helsinki and visited plenty of seaside cafes where we always picked patios with the best views of the archipelago.  Angry skies signaled the changing season.

2011: Where We've Been

After work one Friday, a few weeks ago, I literally collapsed.  I sat down on my living room couch around 6pm - for what seemed like the first time in ages - and within minutes had fallen asleep. At 9am the next day I finally awoke, figured out where I was, and was astonished to realize how tired I had become.

I started to piece two and two together when thinking about the past year in review, as I always tend to do when December 1st comes around.  I've covered so many thousands of miles this year, and I'm so thankful for all for your notes of encouragement and support through all the journeys.  Let's see where we've been!

1. Belgium...I was here with my beloved Belgian host family the entire, wonderful month of January. What an incredible time to rekindle old friendships and reminisce on the life-changing experiences I shared with them in 2006-2007.
2. Spain...Meeting up with old friends from my exchange year in Belgium was one of the highlights of my travels in western Europe this year.  Victoria, from Britain, was studying abroad in Zaragoza, Spain this spring and invited me to visit!

Fall Foto Frenzy

Autumn in Nashville always inspires me to pull out my camera that's been tucked away since my return from summer travels.  I feel compelled by the beauty around me to capture a snapshot of what feels like nature's annual celebration; the trees seem to put on their best outfits and even the sky steps up to the occasion with a deep blue, cloudless background that provides incredible contrasts with the reds and golds nearer the earth. 


During October and November my point-and-shoot never leaves my purse; I keep it at an arm's length so that opportunities to soak in the Tennessee magic are never missed.
Here are some highlights from this week...

Travel the World Without Ever Leaving Nashville

I've heard people over and over tell me how jealous they are of those who get to travel; they complain that they themselves could never afford such experiences.

Au contraire.  Let me remind you...
We are a nation of immigrants!  All over America you'll find pockets of first- and second-generation immigrants who are holding on to and cherishing the traditions of their forefathers, and would you believe...they are not only willing, they are ecstatic when individuals outside their community take an interest and come to learn about and share in their traditions. If you've never encountered a community of immigrants who have preserved the customs and traditions of their motherland, you might be surprised at how spending time with them will sweep you off your feet, transporting you millions of miles, to anywhere in the world.

You'll try foods you never knew existed; learn songs and dances whose names you might have read in a history book; hear stories that would blow your mind...

I'm incredibly fortunate in that I landed haphazardly in one of America's most international cities.

Taking a break, Predators style

I haven't posted in the last week or so, mostly because breathing and sleeping are a little higher on my priority list.  I've been under the gun every day to meet another just-announced deadline.  Fortunately, I've finished developing my thesis survey and submitted my research application to the Institutional Review Board on Wednesday.  I'm going to be piloting my survey very soon (probably next week), and I would really appreciate you taking it and giving me feedback on how it goes.  It's important that we minimize respondent fatigue and make sure the directions are adequate.  More details to come on this.

Sunnier times, a sunnier place

Nashville's gloomy weather and a conversation with one of my very favorite French language enthusiasts has left me dreaming of summer evenings in Cannes....

I've recently been looking at real estate in Provence; not much, just a little home to spend where I can escape the cold Nashville winters and enjoy the relaxing French countryside.  I've started a list of friends who've agreed to come for a visit to this eventual home of mine, so if this sounds like something you'd like to do, I'd be happy to add you!


I haven't yet signed a lease, so for now you'll have to settle for this seashore panorama. (Click the photo to enlarge.)

backstage at the Grand Ole Opry!

Last night was amazing! My friend Mathilde (an exchange student from France) is doing her masters thesis on how country music has shaped Nashville's economy. In addition to our buying tickets to attend a night at the Opry, she was able to get in touch with some of the head honchos and set up an appointment including a backstage tour before the show.

The show didn't start til 7, but we showed up at 5 for the tour. Steve Gibson, the director of Creative Services, spent an hour and a half giving us a tour, and then an additional 45 mins in his office supplying us with all the information Mathilde might ever need for her paper. I was so impressed with the kindness and eagerness of all the employees to share the legacy of the Opry with everyone who came through the doors. NOBODY was the least bit pretentious, and we were walking around the guys 2nd and 3rd in command in the whole company!

Steve gave us full access to green room, refreshment area, sound booth, video booth, light booth, advertising booth, even the stage itself (!) for the entire evening.

There were a few seats on stage behind the performers that we helped ourselves to, and even though the sound really wasn't that good...it was incredible just to be there. And to meet Marty Stewart, the Cherryholmes...some really big names.

Near the end of the show Steve came out on the stage and brought Mathilde a book he had purchased for her in the gift store; one he thought would give her some more good material. Then he arranged for her to meet with his boss, the CEO and Chairman, next week. I just can't say enough about his generosity! He went completely out of his way to make sure we were taken care of.

(And I might just have snagged myself a paid internship in the Marketing Department next year!) :)

spring break!

Well well, it's that time of year again. Spring has come sporadically to Nashville. January and February have been a meteorological roller coaster; we've had everything from 3 degree days of ice, sleet, and snow, to gorgeous 70 degree days!

I'm so excited about doing absolutely nothing over Spring Break this year. I'm going to stay at Belmont, get ahead in my classes, take a few day trips to nearby National Parks with my roommate....it's gonna be great.

I'll be sure to post some nature pictures!! :)