"Painting is silent poetry..."

I don't pretend that I am an art connoisseur, but I do really appreciate a great work of art. I love to go to museums, look at art and see the beautiful pieces artist have produced. Some of my favorite artist are Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh and my favorite type of art is impressionism, though I like many others. Since I have been home, I haven't been able to visit a great art museum, because well, there aren't any. So instead of depriving myself of beautiful artwork here are just some of my favorite pieces of art. If I can't go to a museum, I might as well look online. I hope you like these pieces of art as much as I do. Enjoy!

The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Sunset in Venice by Claude Monet

The Artist's Garden at Giverny by Cluade Monet

Sunlight Under The Poplars by Claude Monet

Primavera by Sandro Botticelli

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

La Nuit Etoilee by Vincent van Gogh

Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

Blue Dancer by Edgar Degas

Dance At Bougival by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Boston Common at Twilight by Childe Hassam

The Kiss by Auguste Rodin

The Dancers by Romero Britto

Fun Passion by Romero Britto

10 Places I Want To Visit

My friend recently blogged about the 10 places she wants to visit before she dies (her travel bucket list), I thought it would be a great thing to write about. So here is my travel bucket list (the locations are in no particular order).

1. Italy: This has always been the one place I want to visit. I have always been fascinated with Italy. My obsession even goes as far as owning an Italian-English translation book, a small Italian flag on my desk, having pictures of Italy in my room, and taking Italian in high school as a language. The main cities I would want to visit are Rome, Florence, and Venice, but those aren't the only ones I would go to.

2. Greece: I've always been intrigued with visiting Greece. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, there is just so much history. I would probably go insane trying to see all the historical sites. Also, just being able to visit the same sites as the Greek myths would be amazing. The Greek myths are what made me fall in love with history to begin with, so it would be awesome to go see these places in person.

3. England: Normally I would just say London, but after reading Jane Austen and seeing the movies based on them, I would also love to visit the country to get the full Jane Austen affect. See the places she wrote about like Bath and see Steventon, where she grew up. England will definitely be another historic adventure.

4. Egypt: I want to visit Egypt for the historian in me. The Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest in the entire world, and has some of the most interesting characters to rule. From Ramesses III to Cleopatra, the last true Egyptian pharoah.

5. France: The main city I would want to visit in France is Paris; the city of lights, the city of love. Paris just has a certain feel to it, which is beauty and romanticism. I would also want to visit Cannes, the French Riviera, and many other cities.

6. Poland: Now begins my interest in visiting places I call "The Motherland." I'm part Polish on my dad's side of the family, so I've always wanted to visit the country where my family came from. I also thought it would be exciting to go to a country that most people do not have on their list.

7. Germany: Another stop in the history of my family. The other side of my dad's family is German, so to Germany I wish to go. Also, who doesn't want to drink German beer and wienerschnitzel with those who invented it? I would preferably like to go during Oktoberfest.

8. Spain: I want to visit Spain for the Spanish side of my family. My family originated from northern Spain, and I still have a bunch of family that lives there. Spain is just a stunning country that holds a lot of sentimental value for me.

9. Pennsylvania: For my Revolutionary America tour, my next stop is going to be Pennsylvania. I want to visit Philadelphia so that I can go to places such as Independence Hall, or the Franklin Institute. But I also want to visit more historical sites such as Gettysburg.

10. Disneyland: I have been to Disney World so many times, that I can't even count anymore. While I've heard Disney World is better, I have always wanted to go to Disneyland. I'll admit, one of the major reasons I want to go if for the Indiana Jones Adventure ride. I still can't believe it's not at Disney World, but that ride is probably my main reason for wanting to go.

Writer's Block

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Pride and The Last Crusade

A while back ago, I was talking with some friends and we began talking about our favorite characters in movies and books. I asked my friends, if they had the chance to switch places with any character in any movie or book who would it be?

After thinking, we all had different answers. I was drawn to two particular characters and I still don't know which I would chose. Those being Elizabeth Bennet and Indiana Jones.

The decision is quite difficult, because I love both so much. I have loved Indiana Jones longer, but Elizabeth is equally as great. Both characters relate to different aspects of my personality. Elizabeth is smart, witty, and confident. Elizabeth represents the girl in me that wishes that she had a sweeping romance with someone such as Mr. Darcy. She is a strong heroine that knows what she wants, and doesn't compromise her convictions.

Now, there's the other side of my personality. The one that doesn't like authority, who loves adventure, and seems to be restless in all living situations. The one that lives for history, the thrill of finding a new artifact, and traveling. All these things symbolize what Indiana Jones is. I've been a fanatic of the movies since I can remember, and I have always dreamed on going on Indy's quest for artifacts. Indy is arrogant (in a good way), intelligent, brave, and dashing. Everything a girl can ask for in a man.

I still don't know who I would pick to be. If I HAD to chose, I would say I would want to be Elizabeth Bennet, BUT I wish I could be Indiana Jones's side-kick or one of the leading ladies on an adventure with him. I think I am more attracted to Indiana Jones, then actually wanting to be him. Both characters are amazing, memorable, and hold special places in my heart.

If only I could really switch places with one of them, what an adventure that would be.

London Calling

Current Music: All My Loving - The Beatles

Blame it on all the Jane Austen I've been watching, or blame it on something completely different, but lately I've wanted to pack up my things and move to London. Why you ask? Well, for one thing, and most importantly, it will be a change. I've been feeling restless with my current living situation, and I want to move some place new. I've seen many cities in the United States, and I've loved some (Washington D.C.), and I've disliked others (NYC). But, London would be completely different, a new experience, a new country, a new continent. I've never crossed the Atlantic and I think it moving to London would be exciting.

(Tower Bridge)

(Buckingham Palace)

(London Eye)

Another reason I've been thinking London, is the language. Call me lazy, but I like the fact they speak English. It would be an easier transition for me. I wouldn't have to learn a new language, just some new words that are used there and not here. Such as, lift instead of elevator, knickers for underwear, and trainers for sneakers. It would be different, but I think I can manage.

(Westminster Palace)

(Westminster Abbey)

(Tower of London)

My final reason for wanting to move to London is, of course, the guys! Who doesn't love a man with a British accent? Maybe I can find my own Mr. Darcy?

(Colin Firth, the original Mr. Darcy)

(Clive Owen)

(Ben Barnes)

(Daniel Craig)

(Hugh Dancy)

(Henry Cavill)

So, these are just 3 reason why I would want to move to London. I would want to visit first, to see if it really is the place for me. I was thinking in the spring for spring break, or sometime around then. Do you think it's a good idea? Do you think I would be successful there? Would you do it?