Today...

I start this "blog" primarily as a resource to family and friends who wish follow my ventures in Parma, Italy this fall. I'll be residing in Parma and attending Universita Di Parma from September 2nd 2009 through December 16th 2009. Since I have never been near this far from family or anything remotely resembling home, I feel it is only appropriate to maintain a chronicle of my experience abroad.

Beyond the practical motivation, however, I've always believed writing to be a key component of my expression. Further, to express and put forth my ideas in a forum such as this allows me to not only remember, but to understand the thoughts that all too often drift away. This being said, a forum open to public eye, opens the gate to other issues, privacy aside. I've learned in the past year that writing for oneself can be a tool used to heal, understand and cope. One of the greatest joys I have derived from writing is the ability to share my ideas and my work, be it prose, poetry or simple ramblings. There is a noted difference, however, between voluntarily sharing work with individuals and providing certain sets of thoughts to an unknown collective audience. Private and public writing has its advantages and disadvantages. I guess what it will come down to is what I choose to take from each.

So as I write, I expect a certain evolution (or devolution) in the manner with which I speak and the material that will cycle in and out. Although optimistic, I strive to write what I want, when I want and to vocalize my current state as accurately and as articulately as possible. So a note to the reader: read with an open mind, with no inhibitions and with your imagination turned on. My goal is to let you into my head for a few potent moments and hopefully let you feel what I feel.

Thanks, and happy reading.