"Melting Pot"

Sharps and flats, majors and minors, suspended and opens

tossed gently into a bowl;

to be creatively mixed.

Some are discordant, like the bashing and banging of pots and

pans.

Some are melodious, like angelic creatures sweetly singing "Ave Maria."

The unique combination can create diverse sounds--

like Mozart juxtaposed with "Rappers Delight."

Some are tranquil and soothing, while others are

bombastic and annoying.

They can come in many different languages

and

They are melted together in the hustling, bustling cities;

creating the eclecticism of America.

And,

are often misunderstood by the ignorant.

But,

when together,

MUSIC is created.

If we listen, sweet melodies can move us to do great things.

It has been far too long since my last post, and I greatly apologize. I haven't been a very good correspondent, and I've slacked relating pertinent information, so those who wish can live my experiences vicariously through my words.

This past semester taught me many things about my life: areas where I need to improve, areas where I shine, and how life is about finding the balance between the two.

I have been presented with such a great opportunity and I cannot begin to thank everyone responsible for helping me in this journey. Without your dedication, love, commitment to my excellence, and overall believing in me, I would not be here today. Thank you Rob, Emily, Mom and Dad, Reinhardt Profs, friends and family, and Rotary; each of you have played a vital role in my life and for that I am, and I will be, forever grateful.

I had plans to travel far for Christmas holidays and see many old faces, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I was stuck in Edinburgh. With the majority of people gone and the overall activity of the city quietened, I wanted, and I tried, to be sad for this lonely feeling. But, as I wondered through the beautiful city of Edinburgh-watching the snowflakes dance their way to the ground below-I was filled with a joyous hope. I had an epiphany that I have no reason to be sad. Life has presented me with such a tremendous opportunity to enjoy everyday, the seasons, the people, and everything else that comes with it in a vibrant and different city. As I walked down the Royal Mile, I heard the familiar sounds of Anglican bells ringing out and I began to smile. It is incredible to me how instantaneously music can positively move one. I looked around and I noticed that I was on a cloud of reverie happily drifting over a city I've come to love so dearly.

As I made my way back to my residence, I had a wonderful dinner with a woman from Kosovo, a Chilean, and a Canadian; the smile stretched further across my face. I thought how lucky I am to be in this situation. Four completely different people, from four completely different regions of the world sharing a meal in a city that has brought us all together. I laughed and thought this is what life is about, the diversity of peoples breaking bread together. Simultaneously, I thought of four diverse instruments that are brought together to perform and make a beautiful song: that is life. The eclecticness and diversity we find in each other helps us to make our own song more harmonious and more in accordance with the human family.

For Christmas, my friend Rafael and I were treated to a wonderful Christmas dinner by two tremendous Rotarians and there families. Though I missed my family, it was like I had been adopted, and become a part of a new family. Plus, I was accompanied by new friends and also another Rotary scholar from Japan. There was laughter, serious discussions about each person's home and unique Christmas tradition, an incredible meal and then the lazy time around a television. I'm so thankful for all I've been presented. I thank Rotary for welcoming everyone with open arms, and treating every person they meet as if they were family. I hope one day I am able to give back as Rotary has so openly given to me.

For New Years, my good buddy Marcus from Sweden gave me a visit. Edinburgh's New Year's celebration is one of the wildest in the world. Actually, it was 80,000 people of organized chaos. There were so many people that I lost two friends in the calamity of people, but we all had a good night, nonetheless. Before the street party commenced, however, there was a great international party in my residence. My friend, Jess, had suggested we do a potluck meal, and share dinner and drinks before heading out. It was a flawless plan. My friend Marcus studied culinary arts for several years and he made this beautiful fresh Salmon, Halibut, and Mussel soup. My friend Andy made an incredible curry, Jess prepared savoury bread and desserts, my Canadian friend, Mini Becs, made a great pasta expressing her Italian roots. Rafael made a delicious paella, and I grilled up some fish using an assortment of spices; everything was divine. We brought the 2010 in style. It was so nice having the dinner and reflecting, with new friends, on the previous year and what could possibly be in store with new year. What would we gain from this experience? From pursuing a masters in an international city? Well if you don't take time to enjoy and truly experience, perhaps you earn a degree. But, if you find the balance then you can add many different notes to enhance your song, which in turn will help to influence others' songs you come in contact with. Life is a powerful movement of measures and syncopations, and if we listen and act upon the opportunities presented to us we can use our music to do great things. I'm excited to listen and learn my own song. I think when it's all said and done, I'm going to compose a tremendous piece of music that will greatly help this human family. I hope you're all ready.

The new semester has started and I am ecstatic about my new courses: War and Morality, American Foreign Policy, and Music, Technology, and Society. The first two are going to be very interesting and I'm sure beneficial in my future endeavors. The latter will also be very beneficial, but interesting as well. I have two hours of lecture, but then one-on-one with the professor where we sit and discuss music and society. This past Monday was my first session, and we sat for an hour discussing our musical interests, upbringing, influences, etc. I think it will be very useful, and hopefully I'll be able to tie into my dissertation. Life is good.

Thank you for reading. I'll try to be more up-to-date and to a better job of keeping you all posted and informed of my travels.

Finally,

Congrats to Sierra to being accepted and answering the call to the ordained ministry. You are truly inspiring, and I'm thankful to know such a tremendous human being.

The dream is becoming a reality.

Dear Loves,

I hope all is well and that today, tomorrow, and the rest of your lives you find something wonderful to smile about. Edinburgh, makes me smile constantly.

Today, I gave a talk at Edinburgh Breakfast Club, and it was remarkable. The club is a very intimate group of people, about 14, who sit, chat, and discuss Rotary duties while enjoying a nice Scottish breakfast. A unique community.

On this particular morning, there was a German Rotarian, and an American Rotarian who presented the Edinburgh Breakfast Club with a check to contribute to their philanthropic endeavors. Afterwards, the club made the American an honorary member of their club. Rotary in action is so extraordinary to watch.

As I began to chat with the members, I sat next to the president to have breakfast. We shook hands, and began talking about my ambassadorial duties. He then said a few words about himself, and he then randomly admitted how much he loved music. I grasped his hands in admiration; instantly, there was a connection. It's really cool to see esteemed individuals, who are extremely professional, express their love for the arts.

I got up and began my talk and I told my dream about Music and IR. After I was through the president said he was very moved by my idea, and he hopes, too, that it is able to come to fruition. I then sat down, and had a nice, intimate discussion with the Rotarians. They were all interested in my ideas and dreams. One of the Rotarians is a professional drummer, and he mentioned a service project that helps displaced children through music. I cannot believe the possibilities that are available in this city. How cool it would be to promote and create "pockets of peace" through music, while helping those less fortunate. Life is beautiful. Please, help me find the strength to carry out all my dreams. I know there is a reason I'm here to help this human family. I hope you're ready to experience me "Shake the World."

Before I left, another Rotarian gave me a piece of paper and her contact details. She's originally from D.C., but has been living in Edinburgh for years. Anyway, her work is closely related with the EU, and since that is part of my course she noted the possibilities of an internship, which could lead to a job opportunity. Life is wonderful.

On a side Note:

My buddy Jonathan and I began brewing our own beer. We found a nice shop that has all the supplies, and so yesterday we commenced the process. We started with a nice *80 dark ale. I'll keep you updated on how it goes, but the process was really interesting. In a few weeks, I'll be sipping on my own brew. In discussing names, we're thinking something like "Southern Brew" or something affiliated with the South. Because my buddy is from South Africa and y'all know where i'm from.

Life is good, but know I have to study.

I'll keep in touch. Stay classy.

Peace,

William G.A. Cody

Circle of Leaves!

This post coincides with a previous post, where I discuss the beauty of Edinburgh and how the people are so interwoven. I found the old poem, and I've decided to share it with you.

"Circle of Leaves"

Down the path many hooves have stomped

before.

I glide down casually

in awe

of the nature that surrounds me.

The foliage, an eclectic mix,

Vibrantly illuminating the arms where they stand;

Sweet oranges, blood reds, tired withered browns

thickly intermingled with the ones full of

Life.

When the time comes, they let go of their mother's hand

and, drifting reverently,

spin in a lethargic twirl towards the ground below.

At the same time, new babies being formed;

To continue; to create the magnificent

quilt of the forest.

As I gaze intently on the leaves, so different

but

so connected,

I ponder when will we become so harmoniously tied?

With each falling leaf, there is a new life being shaped

and formed

until...

It is time to let go of their mother's hand

and

Drift

Towards the earth below.

I think it's possible.

Everywhere I go, I see signs that this 'music' project could become a reality. I went to a second-hand bookshop and found an assortment of rare books written on various subjects within music. I also went to Edinburgh's national library and stumbled upon a vast selection of documents, books, biographies, and scholarly work all on music.

I think I have found a basis, I just need to find the right angle, or the right note, to attack this work, and allow the melodies to unite us all.

Be good, and stay classy.

I'm gonna Walk!

Good afternoon people,

I think one of the most interesting aspects of this city, is that it is completely and totally a walking city. And, I mean everyone walks. It is cool going to class and to experience a sea of different cultures, races, and creeds all walking so proudly, so determined to make something of themselves. But, I think the coolest people I've seen walking are the elderly. There's one old man I see nearly every morning and he has two canes that he uses to brace himself as he crawls across the street. Watching the sheer determination is quite remarkable. It's also cool watching the elderly women down at Pricness Street with bags upon bags of their recent purchases. It's kind of a "I'll stop moving when i'm dead mentality," and I like that.

The foilage has begun to change and the eccletic mix of colors is quite peaceful. I often catch myself, while walking or trying to study, drifting off into a deep reverie while gazing at the colors so intertwined, so conneted. It reminds me of a poem I wrote while at Reinhardt. It was a Wordsworthian style depicting nature as I saw it. But, it was also a methaphor where I compared the beauty of nature to humanity. In the poem, I note how unique the relationship between plants are and I question when will humans be able to emulate the same respect and cooperation for each other. My poetry teacher thought it was brillant. I thought it would be a long time before I saw "all the peoples harmoniously mixed," but Edinburgh defies the odds. It is a vast melting pot placed upon a tiny dish, and everyone works together to create such a beautiful enviorment.

I just returned from a great walk. The last rays of the afternoon sun were beaming, so I headed to the park to soak it up. Some friends and I were chatting about how cool it is to sit in such a place and just watch the people. There is such range of activities, and so many unique groups juxtaposed to other unique individuals. For example, a group of guys walked up and made a large circle and began to pass the soccer ball around. At the end of the circle, a man was dancing. At first, we wondered if the man was with the group and he was just fooling around. However, we would soon learn that was not the case. The man pulled from his bag large headphones, like the ones from the 80s, and began to find his groove. The dancer was legit. He displayed various spins, twists, and turns; he showed his influences with Jackson like kicks and slides; and, he got with it with a funky break dance routine. When he was done, he put the headphones back in the bag, put on his jacket and hat, and strolled away. His stroll portrayed confidence. He knew he was bad.

This is an interesting place. I hope all is well, and your lives are filled with joy. Peace.

Link Weekend/ International Night at Rotary Club of Portobello

Hello Friends,

I apologize for being so random with my blogs, but nevertheless I'm going to do my best to catch you all up to speed.

This past weekend, was LINK UK 2009. The Link Weekend is a time for all Rotary International Scholars, studying in the UK, to join together and spread and create "pockets of peace." It was a great weekend. After landing in Leicester, England (pronounced Lester) I was picked up by two extraordinarily nice Rotarians, Ian and Pam Inglis. Mrs. Inglis was from Leicester, while Ian was originally from Glasgow. Though it was way past their bed time, I was served a nice meal upon arriving to their home. They had a beautiful home in the English countryside in a small village known as Quorn. I felt instantly at home. After the meal, they both said, "if there is anything you need, this is now your house, so just help yourself." Such amazing people.

As I began to drift off into a deep sleep, I couldn't help but to smile. I was staying in complete strangers' house, but they felt like they could be family. Life is such a wonderful thing.

The following day, we travelled to the highest point in Leicester, known as Beacon Hill. The hill is covered with dozens of docile, sterile English bulls. Check the pictures to see. This time also gave me the opportunity to chat with Ian and I learned that he had lived and travelled all over the world, studying. You see, Ian earned his doctorate in Geology many years ago, and he had had the great opportunity of studying different sediments in remote and exotic regions of the world. I hope my life will turn out like Ian's. I hope that my work takes me all over. The power of travel opens so many doors.

After the hill adventure, I met up with the other scholars and toured Leicester. We were taken to the Town Hall, and the Lord Mayor gave a formal address to all the scholars. It was a very interesting experience. We got to sit in the council chambers, see an original Victorian courtroom, and have a cup of tea with the Lord Mayor in his fancy regalia. I know, Rotary Scholars are important people. Soon, we will be the movers and shakers of the world, so I hope you are all ready for a revolution.

The night at Link consisted of a traditional English dance, yes I partook, and Rotary socializing.

The next morning the Inglis' drove me to the final link event and drove down the main street in Leicester, and interestingly enough the majority of shops were Indian, Asian, Thai, Middle Eastern, and of course English. What is significant is that Leicester has a population of approximately 500,000 people, but it is one of the only cities in the world that doesn't have a distinct ethnic majority. One can see this truth driving down the street. A melting pot of races, cultures, creeds, and backgrounds all living and working side by side in this small English city.

I went to the last Link event, then it was time to say good bye. Ian said that I am more than welcome anytime in Quorn. He also mentioned that his Rotary club throws an annual fundraising Beer Festival in the spring, so I may have to make an adventure back to Quorn to create "Pockets of Peace," and sample some excellent beer. I then walked around Leicester with some other scholars slowly making our way back to the airport. Back to my new home, Edinburgh.

Portobello Night:

So tonight, all the Rotary Scholars in Edinburgh attended the Rotary Club of Portobello's International Night. A very formal, but very relaxed event. Each scholar had to stand in front of the crowd of 80 or so people and introduce themselves, and when I went there was a slight giggle in the crowd. I soon found out that Portobello has a link with Georgia, USA. And, the one's that giggled were Scottish students that studied in Atlanta, Athens, Carrollton, and Savannah. They were so happy to hear the famous Georgian accent, again, and eager to hear about my Georgia.

The most exciting part of the night, however, was when the Scottish-Georgia coordinator was called up to the podium to receive the "Paul Harris Fellowship." For those of you who don't know, Paul Harris founded Rotary, and thus an award in his name is the highest honor that Rotary International presents to the most selfless actors. Before they presented the award, many old Rotarians said they have never witnessed a "Paul Harris Fellowship" award take place. So, I guess you can say I have witnessed Rotary history. Damn.

To surprise the sweet winner, they had the District Gov. from Savannah on the phone to congratulate her for her achievement. I wanted to grab the phone and talk to him, but I think i'll just plan to look him up when, I mean If, I return to the states.

My studies are going great. The large amount of course work is helping the realization that I'm in graduate school.

I hope all is well with y'all. Take time to do something nice for yourselves today, and to relax. Remember, we live but once so let us embrace everyday to the fullest, and never look back.

Peace and Love.

Truly,

William