Heads up-Italy

I am having a blast.

Italy is wonderful and not just with the sights. My moms whole side of the family is here! To see my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins is such a relief. They are so welcoming to their American family who they haven't seen in years.

When going to Italy make sure to fly to Milan because it is a lot calmer and cleaner than going to Rome. It is chaos in Rome, just a heads up. If you do end up going to Rome then make sure you have someone Italian with you or you will be lost and sorry. Now I am just talking about the airport and train station, I haven't seen the sights yet but I'll update on that part later.

When you greet people make sure to take their hand and shake it and then depending if you want to or not, to kiss them on both cheeks. If you have no idea who they are then don't just go up to them and kiss them....that's a little strange, but also that is common sense.

Girls, you will not be disappointed with the faces you see here. If you see an ugly face you have 2 hot faces to make up for it. :P No but seriously the people are beautiful in Italy, some are breathtaking and it is hard to imagine them being out in the open and like normal people. A couple of times I have had to force my mouth shut with my hand, no lie. Also most of the time it is difficult to break eye contact. (^_^)

The food is glorious in Italy. The bread, the pasta, the fruit, the sweets, the ice cream, the meat, the cheese, pretty much everything. The course goes like this: First plate- Usually a type of pasta. Second plate- ham, cheese, bread rolls, and then fruit. Afterward gelato. Meanwhile eating there is water and coke on the table. You feel like dying you are so full when you are done. But it is so worth it!! I recommend losing 10 pounds before going because you will gain it back and maybe a little bit more.

Well that is all for now, not a big post, just enough to give a vague idea about Italy. More is yet to come and in a lot more detail :)

<3 \ Nicole

The Miracle of Music

Music

(for the links, just right click and click open in new tab or window, whichever you prefer)

Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

It's amazing the effect music can have on us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The way we use it and express it shows a lot about who we are. Multiple ways we use it are in dancing, singing, celebrating, inspiring,  remembering, dedicating, and more. 

Music can be so emotional. I realize this most when I'm sad or there is a silly problem with a boy I like. (And I'm sure all of you can relate so stop judging ;))
You raise me up 

 Music can calm me down or enhance what I'm feeling. Usually the latter. When I get emotional, depending what time of the month it is, I will decide to put loud music so I can jump around and spin and dance around my kitchen while cleaning. Other days I will put music that brings back memories of my past so that I can just cry and get it over with. My favorite is when I sing songs that lift me up and make me happy.
A lot of music moves me and makes me emotional but in a great way. Like this video I saw on Youtube about this young man named Jonathan. 

Charlotte and Jonathan

 Music can be a great way to express yourself. A lot of people like to write their own music and show the talent that they have, like my younger brother, he plays saxophone and piano very well but decides to write music for piano. He is very talented and I love to hear him play when I'm just sitting on the computer writing a post for my blog. My littlest brother does covers for songs and he has a sweet voice to listen to. 

Alex singing to Lazy Song 

 Music can be used to grieve for a loved one and to remember them. It is difficult to let go of feelings for someone especially when they've gone. It is very peaceful to find songs that can help remember them in the best way. My favorite song for this type of mood is a beautiful song by Josh Groban called To Where You Are.

To Where You Are- Josh Groban 

My favorite use of music is to feel the Spirit. I cannot express how much I care about my Savior Jesus Christ and how grateful I am that I can feel the Holy Ghost in my life. My favorite music to listen to is by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I get chills every time I hear them sing. A song that is dear to my heart is one that my mom would sing to me at night as a lullaby with different lyrics but nonetheless still beautiful. If you were to watch one of these videos I would like you to watch and hear this one called Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

My Lullaby- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

May you keep music an important part in your life. It can be used for so much good to uplift others. 
Don't let bad music enter your life, it's not worth the pain it can cause, it's not worth the bad thoughts it can bring. Keep amazing music in your life so that it can one day help you also. ☺

Hugs and Kisses from where I am to where you are,

♥/Nicole