On my way hommmeeee

Hey guys!! I am currently sitting at Edinburgh Airport on the computer writing my final blog - in Scotland. I am going to load the plane shortly and I can NOT WAIT to see my family and everyone!!!! Love you guys!!! Thanks for following and I will write again when I am sitting in my room back in good ol' Pixburgggggghh!!! =]

- Natalie

I Have A Lot Of Catching Up To Do..... AAyyyeee!!

Wow. So I have a lot of writing to do. Let's see, where do I start?? Thursday I believe.... so we woke up and headed to Scone Palace - the castle where they crown the kings and queens. I absolutely loved it! It was seriously so beautiful! You could pay for a tour of the outside or a tour of both outside and inside. Jill, Emily, Aly, Deanna and I figured "what the heck" and bought the outdoor and indoor one. It was extremely breath-taking. The artwork beyond the front doors was beautifully crafted. I wanted to take pictures more than anything but we were not allowed. =[ So then I attempted to find a pamphlet with pictures on it but nothing was found. Ughh! I guess I will always just have to remember what it looked like. There were peacocks just roaming about the "car park" - aka parking lot. Very beautiful.

We then went to the studio to finish up the artwork and get the gallery ready for Friday's exhibition. Christiana and Joe took us to a pub to eat dinner, and then we headed to The Loft again. So much fun!!! =]

Friday was exhibition day. I woke up sooooo nervous. We changed out display last minute and I ended up loving it!!! One of the ladies that works at the college talked to me for about 10 minutes explaining how much she liked it. At one point she made me feel really good because she was speechless. Haha. She was very cute! Deanna and I also met this girl who told us her interpretation of our artwork. It was very lovely. She had told us that the foam background had looked like a cement wall, and the nails read as all the hurt they had gone through in their life, the mirrors were there to reflect on the experiences, the melted wax had given a feel of blood, and the zip ties that held the face together had given her the impression that they were held together now, but with one snap it could all fall apart. How deep is that?? We got chills and made her tell like everyone haha.

All in all yesterday went very well and it was very rewarding. =] We went to Paco's for dinner and it was delicious!!!

- Sorry everyone for slacking on my blogging... today is a free day and we are going to the waterfall behind our house. =] We also have to pack.. ughh! Then Edinburgh for Sunday and I fly back home Monday. I don't know if I will write another blog between now and then, but if I do... don't expect anything great. Thanks for following and I miss you all!!

- have a great day in HOT HOT Pittsburgh!

Natalie

P.s. We say goodbye to Christiana and Joe today.... =[ I will cry. They are some of the best people I have ever met.

Finished!

Soooo... Deanna and I finished our project today!!! Our theme fell through and we had a very challenging artistic day. I reflected a lot on my artistic style. I tend to want everything to look real and be very understandable. This may be partly because I want the people I love to be able to love and respect my art too. Although, I realize even more on this trip how much I would love to stray away from my safe side and make crazy, yet interesting art.

After realizing how much we had strayed from the "trashing the earth" theme, Deanna and I sat in front of the project, completely wiped out, trying to think of ways to make it work again. I, of course, wanted to find meaning and safeness in the project. After talking to Steve and others, we realized that a theme really isn't needed. When you have such a broad subject, such as our neutral looking face, anyone can put a theme to your own artwork. We then decided, what the heck, and melted wax and dripped it down the left side of the face. We played around with displaying it and found that it is still creepy and interesting, it just doesn't have a theme. I am so scared that when people come from the public on Friday, that no one will either understand it or like it. I really hope that people will be able to respect our piece for what it is and be able to see the use of the plastic to create something totally different from everything else displayed.

Yesterday I didn't feel like blogging so here it is. The group went to Arbroath to go canyoneering. It is a beach activity where you wear wetsuits and swim and walk about the canyons of the shore. I woke up not feeling too great though, and considering the water temperatures, I decided to sit out on the activity. I somewhat regret that decision because it looked like a lot of fun, but I got to walk along the cliffs above everybody with Joe, Deanna, and Andrew. Since we were not in the water, it was a perfect opportunity to get awesome pictures and videos of the beautiful beaches. Pictures can not even help show you just how beautiful it really was. Just picture climbing about the cliffs, bright blue-green grasses around you, sounds of the beach, beautiful flowers, and crashing waves surrounding you. It was truly serene, breath-taking, and a photographers dream.

After the water activity, we met this old Scottish couple who expressed how bored they were that day. They were on holiday and had nothing fun to do so they invited us all to their house for tea. Feeling somewhat strange, because no one back at home does that, we all joked around on the ride there telling everyone to look out for each other. Turns out though that they really were just very nice people looking for some company. They have 6 kids who are all on their own so having ten people over for company felt comforting to them.

After visiting them, we went into town for dinner. Arbroath is known for their smoked fish so of course we had to test it out. From someone who doesn't particularly favor fish, I loved it! MMmmmm! It was so good. Although I didn't buy any, thinking that the restaurant we were going to was going to taste just as good.... unfortunately, it did not. =/ Oh well.

An hour in the van and we were back home. Of course, Deanna and I were the first in bed as always. Traveling and taking class and everything else in between really wipes you out. Hahaha.

Well..... that was my last two days. We have a very exciting few days ahead of us to wrap up our trip. Tomorrow we are visiting Scone Palace, Friday is our exhibition, Saturday is our free day to roam about the woods behind us, Sunday we venture to Edinburgh to (hopefully do the underground tour that I'm dying to do) and then Monday we leave from Edinburgh Airport to come back hoommmmeeee. Time flew!!!!!!

Thanks for following and I still miss you all! =]

Cheers!

-Natalie

GREEN BEANS!

Ummm, I have no idea where to start today... I guess I will start with Saturday.

We woke up early to leave the house by 9 to travel to Inverness. It was only about a 2 hour drive but we stopped at a couple different places on the way which caused us to get to Inverness at about 5 pm. The first place we stopped was The Highland Folk Museum. It was very different from anything I have ever been to. It was an outdoor walkway that was about a mile long in all. Throughout the walk there were different things to look at such as old farm equipment, shops, and houses from during WWII. There was also a part showing houses and how they lived 300 years ago. The lady who gave the tour was funny and seemed a little bored with her job that day. Haha. We then traveled to Culloden Battlefield, where the last war was held. It began as Scotland vs. England but then turned into a civil war. We did not pay for the museum but we went out and walked the battlefield. After the battlefield, we drove to Inverness and stayed at the Highlander Hostel. When we walked in, there was a huge circular staircase painted blue and yellow. We then experienced being whistled at by a group of men. It was very creepy and I ran to our room. Hahaha.

The Hostel was actually very nice. The room was funny tho, it was very small and had 5 bunk beds in it. So there were 10 of us squished in a little tiny room with one toilet, one shower, and a ceiling fan.

http://www.highlanderhostel.com/gallery.html

After we all got situated, we all got ready and went out for the night. A group of the girls went to Bar 27 to eat dinner and get a few drinks. Dinner was superb! I also had a Raspberry Twist Cocktail that was delicious. Following dinner, we stopped in a pub that was far too uncomfortable for me. We were surrounded by drunken men who were going crazy. One man who I will never forget was a creepy Scottish man who proceeded to follow us and at one point he stopped in the middle of the floor and continually spanked himself. I was thoroughly disgusted and completely ready to leave. The place was getting more and more crowded by the second. We did not stay very long, due to the high levels of uncomfort. We continued to walk the streets of Inverness until we found a pub by the name of Gunsmith. There was two levels and karaoke on the top floor. Of course, we did do karaoke.

After spending time at the pub, we met these two local Scottish guys who helped us find places to go. Anxious to experience a dance club, I convinced the group to head to a place called Love To Love to dance. We waited outside in the line just to eventually get rejected. Everyone in front of me got in and of course I was the last in the group to get checked and they denied me for "wearing Nikes". I was so angry!!!! - For those who know me, you are probably wondering why I, of all people, was wearing tennis shoes out. I thought we were going to sight - see all weekend and not go out. Which is why I was wearing Nikes. Sorry group for getting us all denied!!!

We ran back to the other pub to finish the night and were almost denied again. Saturday nights, they stop accepting people in the pubs at midnight because of the Sabbath. When we reached the door, it was 11:59. Coryn used her charm and got us all in. =] We had about 15 minutes to get another drink in and leave for the night. - Pubs in Scotland close by 12:15am and all of the locals continue to be loud and gather outside on the streets until late morning hours. We heard all of them from our room window. For all of those people who told me to stop being loud because that is "American".... YOU LIED! SCOTTISH PEOPLE ARE LOUD!!!! Hahaha.

* Side note * : I totally met this guy who was the Scottish man version on me. He laughed at everything and his laugh was not only contagious but also loud, obnoxious, and overdone. Hahahahaa!!!!

Sunday morning (4th of July), we were out of the Hostel by 10am and on the road again. It was rainy and very cold. We drove to Loch Ness and SAW NESSIE!! hahaha!!! Andrew brought a little toy Nessie and had us all laughing. We all got pictures with him! On the left is the infamous picture of Andrew and Nessie creeping on the right hand side. =]

Hahahaha how funny?!

We then continued to travel to Urquhart Castle. The first picture in this blog a view of the castle from inside on part. It was very rainy and verrryyy windy there. Very beautiful though. At one part, a bagpipe group played for everyone there. As soon as they stepped out on the grass the sun came out and it was beyond beautiful for about 10 minutes. It then started to down pour and everyone ran back inside. Haha.

We theennnnn drove to Glencoe to sight - see and eat dinner. Dinner was excellent and very cozy. It looked like a cozy little lodge inside. After dinner, we took pictures of all the beautiful scenery. There were huge mountains with a gorgeous river running through it. The wind was blowing the long grass around very peacefully and it was nice to look at such nice scenery after driving in the van for soooo lonnngggg.

I slept the whole ride home and went to bed by 11 that night. I got a nice, long sleep last night to be refreshed and ready to work hard on my project today.

Soooo to transition into today, Deanna and I finished the face today!!! YAY!! =] He/she looks very nice! I wish so bad that I could ship it back to the U.S. because it is extremely impressive to look at in person. When looked at face on, it doesn't look like much but when viewing at an angle or especially the profile, it is amazing. The different clear bottles work with each other in an amazing way. It is very clear to see the face portrayed when viewing the profile. The way that the jaw was created, gives it the impression that it is also the mouth and it is frowning. Which helps us with the theme of our project. Our piece's value is to help the viewers realize that how we treat the earth is directly reflected upon ourselves. Therefore our face is not meant to be happy or beautiful. If completed correctly, our piece should look hurt and not so much ugly, but unpleasing to the eye. We are going to sparingly scatter pieces of mirror throughout the background so that when viewing the piece, the audience can understand that they are part of the reflection and part of the reason for our earth being trashed.

I am not going to post any pictures of them today, because I would like to show you all when I get the time to really capture the essence of our piece. I took a video in HD today of the finished face. I did this because I'm afraid that just pictures are not going to give off the same feel as if you are viewing it in person. I'm thinking that maybe the video will help show you more than what you see in still photos.

Well..... that is a lot of blogging for today. Thanks for following and I miss you all!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

-Natalie

P.s. For those who did not see my status : I missed being home very much yesterday for fireworks and 4th of July activities. Cerrones and Kraemers: I missed downtown so much! I hope you guys all enjoyed the fireworks and I love you all. Petersons: I definitely missed seeing you all too! I missed the picnic and all the kids. I hope you all enjoyed the new swimming pool!

P.s.s HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT DEBBIE!!! =]

It's Still The Same Day, & My Allergies Are Still Bothering Me

Heyyy!! So I just wanted to write another blog to tell you that we are going on a trip this weekend to Inverness and I will not be able to blog. I want to wish you all a very happy and SAFE 4th of July. I am going to miss it soooooo much! Fireworks on the 4th are seriously one of my favorite things to do, especially with the whole family. Aunt Debbie & family... I am going to miss you guys a lot!! Say an extra " Ooohh and Ahhh" for me! hahaha. =[ I am seriously bummed I can't celebrate the 4th like a good old American. Pretty darn sure I won't see anything here.

So tonight was so much fun. We finally got to go shopping! It was such a high. I got my family such nice gifts and I'm excited to give them out! Miss you guys. I am going to post pictures on Facebook b/c this picture uploader takes way too long. We went to a beautiful spot today and everyone got such nice nice pictures!

--- Quick rant: I MISS MY.....

Pillow

Shower

Washer

Dryer

Straightener

Hair Dryer

Clean water

..... etc....

seriously.... I NEVER feel clean here. I feel like the water is dirty so it does'nt cleanse your body or clothes. & my pet peeve is SMELLING BAD! I'm Dying!!!

Okay.... I'm done. Thank you

Thanks for following... miss you still

Night!

-Natalie

It's Nearing The End of The 2nd Week, & MY ALLERGIES ARE KILLING ME!

I don't know where to start today. I didn't have time to write a blog yesterday so I guess I have to make that up.

First of all, yesterday was my 4 year anniversary to my wonderful boyfriend. So Brad, I love you and miss you very much!!! <3

Anyway, we woke up yesterday and headed to the studio early and worked until about 5. It was pretty successful other than not having enough drills to get the face completely done. =/ It was my day to cook dinner so I took one of my favorite(easiest) recipe from home - breaded chicken, mac-n-cheese, and corn. Mom . . . everyone LOVED it! =] Having being in a different country, supplies here are different. I had to adjust the whole recipe and I think I pulled it off. hahaa. We mixed two different kind of bread crumbs and then mixed some sun dried tomato and basil to give it some flavor. We messed up the {already crappy} mac-n-cheese by putting too much milk in.... but I think it was a lost cause from the beginning. - NOTE: Scottish mac-n-cheese SUCKS! So mom, to answer your comment from yesterday... dinner was a huge success!

Last night we went to "That Bar" and then headed upstairs to the club, "The Loft" for student night. It was only £1.00 to get in and £1.50 for each drink. Quite the deal! It was so much fun! I really wish we had something like that at home. As lame as it sounds, I felt like really old being there because the drinking age is 18 here and it felt like I skipped the year and was 21. The inside of the club was reaaaallllyyy neat. Although, Aly described it as being a scene for a bad porno. haha. The had like bench seating everywhere with little red lamps in the middle of the tables and a couple bars, dance floor, and a fog machine. Although the interior and the people were really nice. . . the music was beyond lame! Hahaha. First of all, it was like old music from like the late 90's and not that those songs are bad, because seriously, who doesn't enjoy good 90's music??? But it was like the kind that are IMPOSSIBLE to dance to. So... ya. But I think we all had so much fun even tho we had a nerdy curfew of midnight. hahaha.

http://www.loftclub.co.uk/

So today, right now, I am sitting in the studio. Today is the art workshop day so Steve is teaching a lecture to some Scottish students who were interested in what we do. Some of us are avoiding listening to the lecture and getting our computer fix in. haha. I don't really know what is on the agenda for today but we are going to stay here until about 3 p.m. and then who knows. I think Christiana mentioned something about maybe going shopping today, but who knows. That would be veryyyyy nice, but I think a lot of us are pooped out and she has been such a help lately she probably needs time off from us for awhile. Hahaa.

Julie - I've been taste testing a lot and so far my favorite beer is Stella Artois. I'm not sure where it is from, but it is really good. We (Deanna, Emily, Jill, & I) also split a thing of TVX Blue that was reallyyyyy good. It almost tasted like a blue freeze pop that is melted. A+ from me. **** Mom..... I am being careful and only drinking small amounts at a time! I promise!

Well, I am going to wrap this up.... Thanks for following and I miss you all!!

Good morning (to you guys)

-Natalie

P.s. like my title says, my allergies are killliiinnngggg mmeeee!!!! I actually can not wait to get my shots when I get home & for those who really know me.... I HATE MY SHOTS! haha. gahhh.

.... and yes mom..... I AM taking my meds! lol

P.s.s. - the weather here is supposedly always rainy and really bad. NOTE: it has only rained here 1 day and 2 nights. We brought good luck and good weather I guess!! It really has been lovely everyday here so far.