La Vita e Bella

Every kid wants to be something absolutely great when they grow up. For me, I had 2 things in mind since I was about 5 years of age. A) A school teacher. (Of course, that fell through once my imaginary students disobeyed me for the last time.) and B) An actress. I may or may not used to sing and "play house" alone, in my room- thinking I was going to be the next star on Disney!
Well, most of you know I had been visiting my parents this last year on their mission in Milan, Italy. My mom had told me that the church is making a new movie, about the New Testament, and they're holding auditions in MILAN while I'LL be there. She told me that I should audition, just for fun! Of course, being myself, I said NO- I've never really done anything like that, and I've never really planned on it. Well, the day came. the auditions were held. Believe it or not, I was the last one to audition that night. I read the part of Mary, the mother of Christ. I felt like I bombed it, I was so nervous. Well, they wanted me to come back and audition for the director, producer, casting director (who casted for Quantum of Solace, pretty cool) etc. I auditioned for them a week later, and surprisingly, they loved me! I mean, really, I didn't expect anything to happen beyond that point, but it truly was a fun, good experience out of my comfort zone.

A couple of weeks go by, and I get an email. It's from the director of the film, whom I auditioned for. He invited me to go to a "special week of auditions" for the movie, in Rome, Italy. ROME! How could I say no? So, I went- with 7 other candidates, and it was a very special week. I was WAY out of my comfort zone, however- I am so glad that I did it. I had my own cute little cottage I stayed in.

I can't believe I did it.

I feel very blessed that I was chosen to attend this audition. Out of thousands of girls who tried out, they wanted me to come back.

It was a busy week full of early mornings and late evenings, Lots of line memorization, practicing over and over again, trying to feel how Mary really felt, making new friends, and eating LOTS of CIOBAR. (Best hot chocolate ever.) It was so fun, and such a great experience on getting to know such different people. Such beautiful and amazing people.

There were times where I was struggling immensely with the scenes, specifically when angel Gabriel appears to Mary. That is one of the most special and sacred moments in the history of the world- and there I was, having to re-enact it. The first time I was doing the scene, I just wasn't getting it. I was getting really frustrated with myself, and almost wanting to give up. I sat there, in scene, and prayed my little heart out to truly feel what Mary felt when she was going through this, and to really lose myself into the character. As I started the scene over, kneeling on the floor looking up at Gabriel, I was completely overcome with the spirit, and started to cry a little bit. I was able to forget myself, and think about what Mary was going through during that special time.

It was such an amazing, spiritual experience- where I was completely out of my comfort zone.

The place we were, is about 2 hours from the city of Rome, called Santo Stefano. It is such a beautiful, secluded little city that was hit by the big earthquake a couple of years ago. It is very remote, with no more than 80 people that live there. It is right up in the mountains, and so very beautiful. I would definitely recommend it :) It truly looks like the Holy Land.

It was such an amazing experience, and truly- no matter what happens from here, I am definitely satisfied. The other girls who tried out for Mary's part as well as I did, were absolutely incredible. I will be so happy for whoever gets the part, truly. Plus- I got to fulfill my little girl dream.. even though it wasn't for the Disney Channel. :)

NOW- we wait. . wait to hear the results. After the First Presidency makes their decision of who they want to cast, we will find out.

I wonder what Mary's thinking right now, as I could possibly be the one that will play her role, the most precious, intense, sacred, special and beautiful role that I could imagine.

I will never forget that special week in Santo Stefano.

I am so blessed to have had this incredible opportunity- with that being said, La Vita E Bella.

After living in Italy for 6 months, I can definitely say that the M I L A N is the fashion capital of the world. I have had such a fun time expanding my "fashion horizon" and seeing all of the incredible ways of fashion here. Everyone in Milan is always dressed to impress and looking top notch. You will see an old woman walking to the grocery store, in a beautiful dress, high heels and a fur coat.. sometimes even on her bike!

Milan is the headquarters for many brands such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and many more.

Men are always dressed their best, whether it be rockin' the Armani suit, or the corduroy's with a cashmere sweater and penny loafers. I think that one of my favorite things has been walking through the center of Milano, through all of the really nice streets, with the designer brand stores. Why? Well, I may not be able to drop 1 grand on a purse- but I LOVE window shopping through those streets. They always have the most amazing, beautiful, creative window scenes! It's fun to see all of the people that are actually shopping in these stores, and seeing what they are wearing.