While studying at Accademia in Florence, Italy lately, I experienced one of those lifetime ah ha moments that will truly stay with me forever. First, I need to thank my loving and supportive husband. More than a year ago I expressed my thoughts on what it must be like to have lived in the Rennaissance period in Florence walking down the street seeing the great artists of the day strolling to their workplaces. Of course, at that time who knew, but still. In his casual way he supported my desire to at least for a short time experience what it must be like to be an artist in that atmosphere. Long story short I end up flying to Florence for an incredible experience. The academy was of course in an ancient building by our standards, and the studio was on the third floor. Much like any studio you can imagine it was covered with artworks being created and I was shown to my easel by enthusiastic instructors. From moment one I felt included. I say this because we Americans are sometimes just tolerated even more so now with the current government. I chose to take part in instruction of silverpoint, a favorite medium of Da Vinci, Michelangelo and others and also Trois Crayon. Now, just to be clear, I teach both of these subjects for the Smithsonian Associates program, yet I feel you can always learn more to hone your skill if nothing else. As imagined, I had a wonderful rapport with the instructors and giggled feely with every “Molto Bene” or “Perfecto”. I am pretty confident with my drawing skill but still to hear those words directed at me was music to my ego. As I worked, I noticed the other artists diligently working on their paintings, portraiture, etc. All from different countries (I was the only American) it just cemented in my heart that artists have a universal need to create no matter the political differences, etc. My husband took some leisurely time off which he so deserves and enjoyed running in the mornings and exploring while I was occupied from 10am to 5pm every day. He, always making sure I am staying in the best hotels, booked us into a former palace on the same street as the academy which gave us a wonderful morning walk to drop me off. As the days went on, I pinched myself egotistically as I was now one with the artists of this fantastic city. Imagine my surprise one day when my husband said to me, “You know Michelangelo’s family home is on this same street.” Guess where we went? It is now a museum and as you walk around the home you definitely feel how much his family loved him. Back home now, I still hear the tic tac tic of a sculptor working on his craft floors below me, advice being given in Italian or an Italian laced English. I’m proud of my work which I will upload when I have a chance and thankful for the opportunity and experience, I was given. Oh, and I’ve made one request of my husband to please on occasion tell me “Molto Bene! Perfecto!”