From Finland to Russia by Train

The train from Finland to Russia takes about 7 hours and is very unique. It truly feels as though you are stepping into the past, James Bond 's past. As you walk from one train car to the next, the halls are very narrow and there are security passport checks every hour. If you are sleeping, as I was during one of these checks, they actually wake you up to see your face, to make sure you are really you!

ARRIVING IN ST.PETERSBURG

St. Petersburg is also known as the Venise of the north, due to the many canals and waterways throughout the city.

The buildings are full of gold and the magnitude and size of the buildings are quite magnificent.

Above is the Church of the most well known churches, the Church of Spilt Blood.

Personal art creations from the last day in Finland.

Hello global community,

Please enjoy some images taken from the last day of the certificate course in Finland. Participants created their own individual piece for a group art piece. One of the steps in the TTAP Method is to first create a sculpture (step 4) and then go back and reflect on the artwork. Then ask the individual to write a reflection of what was created (step 6).

As seen in this last photograph, some individuals go further, they utilize all different materials such as photographs (step 9) drawing (step 3) clay (step 4) and even add materials such as pipe cleaners, butterflys, etc. The TTAP Method gives structure to what is done within creative arts program, and identifies the learning process along with exactly what region of the brain is being stimulated during the art process. The charts and graphs utilized along with this structure give the researcher, masters degree student or professional, to structure collect data, write observations and add to efficacy research on the arts, healing, processes and effects.

Samuli Jokinen, a young Finnish boy's music to leave you with!

Samuli is playing A. Diabelli, Allegretto zu vier handen above.

Samuli, as I promised you when you come to New York to play your music I will provide the Limousine for you to drive in!!! Linda

St.Thomas Aquinas College, back to the United States.

To all of you who have been following this educational journey; professionals, students, colleagues, friends and mostly family, your emails and supportive letters you have shared with me over the past 6 weeks have made it emotionally possible to complete this task knowing that you have all been with me in spirit. The deep feelings of love and support I have received from those of you whom have written to me after a presentation, have touched me more deeply than words can describe.

I truly feel blessed that I have been able to witness all of you share a special moment, realize and learn a new idea and /or shared a personal memory throughout my travels to Helsinki, Turku, Salo, Seinajoki University, Tampere University and HAMK University. Please keep coming to this blog as I move back from Finland to the United States and will continue posting all the new details that will unfold through the late summer into the autumn. Please go to www.levinemadoriphd.com to visit the many new presentations of the TTAP Method that are being scheduled and will be posted September, 2009.

Finally, to the Fulbright Organization who continues the pursuit of academic international teaching throughout the world, thank you for this amazing second opportunity to dynamically change peoples lives through teaching!

Final pictures from Villa Anio, my home away from home in Finland.

Here is a glimpse of the small one room that was home for 4 weeks.

Thank you Amanda, for the commitment as a professional as we complete all we had hoped for !!!

Above are photos taken throughout the past four weeks. Amanda has worked both day filming the TTAP method Training Course Tapes and evenings co-writing the Certificate Course manual. We completed everything we had hoped for and more, here's to the future and seeing our hard work come to fruition in our publications, our research and your Ph.D. Studies! Good Luck as you start a new phase of life in Florida and much thanks,

Linda

Thank You Professionals and Friends as I prepare to leave Finland!

I want to thank my "Sister Friends" Anita and Kirsi, for the special times we had together during my educational travels. Both Anita and Kirsi guided me, accommodate me in their homes and their work places. I was able to speak to Therapists in Helinski, Sala and Turko who are starting to research the TTAP Method in Septermber of this year. It is the goal of the three of us to complete a research study that will be published internationally on how the TTAP method can possibly delay or slow the deterioration process.