6.15.2009

October 12, 2008



“Dear Mom, 

It’s Market day in Cortona. The Piazza is an ongoing party and everyone is invited. Cliches converge at this naval of the world. You almost want to laugh, but you can't help feeling these Italians know more about having fun than we do. I ate a hot grape from the market and the violet sweetness breaks open in my mouth, it even smells like purple. I wish I could stay here longer but the bell of the Campanelli reminds me of time. Ding dang dong the bell says instead of ding dong. I wish you were here.

Love, Rodney."


** In order to understand the quote above you need to watch the movie “Under The Tuscan Sun”.... its really good!! Cortona is where “Under The Tuscan Sun” was filmed. 


Cortona is such a charming and pretty little town that sits high on a hill top. It is the perfect destination for a day trip and is the location for some of the oldest houses in all of Italy. I spent the day exploring through the city trying to capture its unique characteristics with my camera. I was drawn to the side streets that looked like little secret passage ways. They made you believe somewhere beautiful and mysterious was waiting. These streets were everywhere and could easily be overlooked if you were not aware that they were there. 


As I looked out over one of the main squares in Cortona, I enjoyed a bowl of tomato basil soup and a glass of white wine with friends. We laughed and soaked in the warm Tuscan sun. One of my favorite parts of the day was when we came across this adorable little soap and jewelry store. It was just a hole in the wall, but they sell the best smelling soap I have ever smelled in my life.... I bought a bunch of it.. I am looking forward to the day when I am back home and can enjoy a hot bath with my new soap!

September 27, 2008



And then I fell in love with Venice.......


Venice... the most romantic place in Italy... well at least in my opinion. It is absolutely beautiful! I will say, that so far, Venice is the most inspiring city that I have seen in Italy. Every where I looked I saw a painting that I wanted to paint. I was jealous of the artists that were set up with their canvases and paint taking in the beauty of the city. The water streets and beautifully unique architecture is visually intoxicating and I could not get enough of it.

Oh and the gondola ride. What a trip! Angelo was quite the gondolier and entertainer. I thoroughly enjoyed sliding in between the buildings with beautiful exposed brick from where the plaster has fallen away. The bricks themselves looked like pieces of art. 

The precious cafes that lined the canal created colorful reflections that danced across the water. The candle lit tables for two were so romantic and inviting. The sight of Venice at night will for a moment, take your breath away. 

One of my favorite parts about Venice is Saint Marks Square at night... the crowds are gone and there is the “battle of the bands” which consist of three orchestras playing in different areas of the square all accompanied by cute little cafes. It is the perfect spot for you and your significant other to sit and share a romantic meal or enjoy a glass of vino and listen to the beautiful orchestra music. I felt like I was in a dream and I did not want to wake up. Given the chance, I will visit Venice again one day.

September 20, 2008


Ciao!


I am in Italy! I have been here for about 4 weeks now and I love it! Now that I am somewhat settled in, I plan on updating this more often. I have a lot of catching up to do! A lot has happened in 4 weeks! This picture is of the Ponte Vecchio that crosses the Arno River in Florence. I live only a few blocks away from this bridge! I hope that all is well wherever you are reading this. Have a beautiful day!

The Merge of 2 Blog Blobs!!!!

Alrighty.... I am making a few changes on my website.... and one of those changes is merging my old blog from my website with this blog!!!! 

So with that in mind... do not be confused when you see a bunch of blogs that are from all over the world... i am currently in the US! :) 

The title of my blogs will be the date of when i wrote them :)

that was confusing... but i trust you will figure it out... good luck and enjoy!!!!!!!

6.13.2009

.peapod love.

This one is for my pea!!

a verse that has been on my heart....

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."
- Romans 12:2

Meditate on that.... 

What does that mean to you?

.my colorful love.







2 weeks ago i returned from a month long journey through the beautiful country side of North Africa... it was amazing, to say the least. I am so blessed to say that it was my second trip to that part of the world. My occupation as an artist has really opened up a lot of opportunities to travel around the world and create art... i love my job.

North Africa is breathtakingly colorful.... I have been to a lot of countries but i have never seen color like i have seen over there. Words and pictures do not do it justice... if you ever have the chance to go to North Africa, i HIGHLY recommend it... go. just do it. you will not regret it.

Anyways, i wanted to share just a taste of the beauty that i so desperately tried to capture with my camera... 

Go ahead, fall in love..... i did.

chocolate peanut butter fudge.... mmmmm...


ok... last weekend i went down to Destin, FL and came across this little shop in Baytowne called The Candymaker. It was there that i was introduced to something magical......... Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. I mean, magical. And since i cant seem to find fudge in Birmingham, i guess i am going to have to resort to making it myself!  

This is where i need YOUR help...... does anyone have any secret Chocolate, Peanut Butter, or Chocolate Peanut Butter fudge recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation in your family??? or just a good one that you have found? If so, please, drop me a line in the comment box with the recipe! 

THANK YOU!!!! :)

a storm's a brewin'



I took a little vacay to the lake this weekend hoping to catch some rays but instead i have been watching the rains come down. There is nothing like watching a storm roll in.... It is such a powerful and majestic scene. I love that man cannot alter the weather or the sky or the clouds or the sunset or sunrise or the stars... it is all in God's control untouched by man <---- that is a breath of fresh air for me.... 

Ahhh.... the glory of it all!! 


6.12.2009

pick it up and dust it off!

SO....... i have decided to pick this blog back up, dust it off and use it again!

WELCOME TO LAURIE ANNE LAND!!! This land is full of random thoughts, inspirations, likes, dislikes, etc... you never know what will show up here... so beware.

This is me really happy about this new bloggin' lifestyle i am embarking on...