First Florence Monday Morning

On this cloudy, cool morning, I’m sitting at the breakfast table enjoying a cup of milk and a banana. As I’m writing this, I can’t help but to stare out the window at all of my new Italian neighbors’ green shutters against yellow concrete, layered with rusty brown shingles on top. It’s an absolutely breathtaking view.

This is my first morning in Florence. I’ve braved the crowded streets of Rome for a week, where I saw things that I can’t even begin to wrap my head around, that in essence, was the beginning of civilization as we know it—the coliseum, the pantheon, the Roman Forum and old catholic churches (just a few of the things we saw.)

Florence is different, though. I’m living in an authentic Italian apartment with six other girls. Meaning…no air conditioning, lots of mosquitoes, open windows, new kitchen appliances to learn and a temperamental door. The list goes on of the new things I’m going to have to learn to do and adjust to.  That’s exciting, but admittedly scary. I’m no expert on how to live the Italian life, but I figured it out in Rome. Give me a couple days here, and hopefully I’ll be calling Florence home sweet home.

Today, we are having orientation and class. At the end of all the information sessions, we will have our welcome dinner with the entire Baylor group. Basically, there’s not much on the agenda today except adjusting and exploring. Well, I feel like that’s going to be a continuing process: adjusting and exploring. I’m learning that is part of the experience. 

I’m so excited to start seeing things and learning more about Italian history and culture here in Florence. It’s been such a world wind of an adventure, that I’ve barely had time to update this blog or my journal or send emails. Hopefully, Ill get the hang of it and do a better job in the future. Until next time, ciao!

A City Beneath Us

My breath stopped short when I heard Giovanna say that everywhere you walk you are standing on ruins. Most people know that Rome is historical, but what I discovered is that every little corner, wall, street, painting and building has significance—and we haven’t seen it all.

Today, our tour guide told us that churning dirt still leads to finds of precious artifacts. As the cool wind blew, and the raindrops hit, I could feel the sense of religious, cultural and political significance, while walking through the Roman forum ruins. Craning my neck, I stared at magnificent marble columns built for the glory of the city. Next to the columns, was the place where the Biblical apostle Paul once walked, the beloved leader Julius Cesar was killed and up on the hill was the Roman Senate, the building that the United States modeled its own Senate after.

The old and the new clashes in Rome everyday. The city continues to excavate the territory and cancel or delay construction because everywhere you step, an ancient, once vibrant city, lies beneath. Since 1909, Italian law has stated that antiquities are primarily state property.

Whether or not you’re an art dealer who disagrees with the Italian state’s efforts or a bitter landowner who found some ancient pottery in your back yard, the importance of the history buried under our feet in Italian soil is the same. Everyone can marvel at the rich heritage in Rome and across Italy. The people here can feel it as they hit the pavement with fast-paced steps on a daily basis to accomplish every day tasks.

So much history packed into one city will take your breath away. There's a difference between knowing Rome is historical and understanding that Rome is historical. To understand it is to feel the significance weigh on your mind while your feet crunch against the gravel where the Romans walked, or to touch a piece of marble just because you know someone else influential has likley touched the same piece many years ago.

Giovanna insists that we know ‘why’ rather than ‘what.’ Dates and times and other monotonous info won’t stick and don’t leave lasting impressions. The reason is what defines the past and leads us to explanations of the present. Rome truly is a two-part city—an ancient portal beneath us and one of the world’s metropolises from the pavement up.

Coming Up Next...

I just ended my junior year and have acquired the senior status....So what's next?


1) Little Rock time
2) The Italian life
3) Getting down to business

I'll be in Little Rock hanging out with family, getting out on the boat, swimming, eating home cooked meals and getting ready for Italia. In a couple of weeks, I'll be studying abroad in the beautiful country of Italy. I'm taking two classes: Magazine and Feature Writing and Media Photo II. That’s six hours worth of writing assignments and photo stories. I hope to keep family and friends updated via email and blog posts. With any luck or motivation, I’ll be posting every week. That’s the goal at least. I’m super excited and really nervous at the same time. This experience will be full of adventures, culture and learning. I can’t wait to see what I will learn and how I will grow.

When I get back from studying abroad, I’ll be getting down to business. Meaning, I’m excited to say I’ll be starting my own business—Capture Photography by Brooke. I’ve been taking pictures for a while now, it’s time to start getting paid for it…hopefully. The second half of the summer I’ll be planning logistics and getting things started in time for August. I’m excited to chase this dream. Getting paid to do what I love to do…that sounds amazing.

Here’s a glimpse of my work and watermark:

Hannah at The Old Mill

Junior Reflections

I'm a senior. Well, practically. After tomorrow's on-line writing and reporting presentation, at approximately 11 a.m., I will officially be a senior.  That is really hard to accept.  And that previous statement is an understatement.  I think it is only proper, well actually obligatory, to reflect on this past year as a junior.

My senior ring

First, fall brought new roommates...same apartment complex, different place, but two new roommates. I got my own room for the first time since being in college, and I'm never going back. My semester was filled with plenty of sorority obligations including songs practice and skit day meetings, and some other fun events like Traditions Rally, Girls Fight Back and Tug For Tots. I love the sorority perks.

Fall is also one of my favorite times of the year because it's football season. Rained out? Check. Evacuated for lightening? Check. Beat Texas, Oklahoma, and TCU? Check. HeIIIsman? Check. That pretty much sums up my football season.

Another great thing about fall is Baylor homecoming! This year, my mom, sister, and grandmother were able to come and experience this tradition. I can't explain the joy I felt while showing them around and watching them as they got to live out these events with me.

Most of my weekends were filled the usual, but one October weekend, I took a road trip with two of my sorority sisters. Destination: Quitaque (population 432). It was a country, convertable top down, don't approach the bison, picnic in the canyons kind of weekend. Later in the semester, we traveled to Dallas to window shop, get our nails done, and eat some cheesecake.

With spring came even more sorority fun. I graced the stage as a pirate, adopted a little into my family, went roller-blading, and participated in Sing as a specialty dancer. I took some really interesting classes, where I was able to work on my writing and photography skills. This semester I also started my position as public relations chair and historian in my sorority, where I have been able to design, take pictures, and write as well.  Oh and a congratulations to the national champions: Sic 'Em Lady Bears! Between Sing, my work load, and photo shoots, this semester has definitely been the busiest so far.(Why do I keep saying this every semester?)

That's the short version. I just condensed my year into a few paragraphs, and I know I left some things out. So what were some of the most memorable things that I will take away from this year?

• My passion for writing and photography has intensified, especially photography, and I am so excited to see where it will take me. I feel so lucky and blessed to have realized my passions and part of my calling in the adult world.
• I am extremely thankful and blessed to be a Baylor Bear.
• It's really incredible to be part of a sisterhood.
• Tim McGraw was right...You really do find out who your friends are.

I am constantly reminded that God's plan is the best plan, and that everything is made so stunningly beautiful and incredibly perfect through Him. I love life. Seriously. I look forward to the next minute, hour, day, month, and years to come.  

Photo Adventures--Part Six: "A Day with the Mammal Keepers at Cameron Park Zoo"

For my final photo project in this class, we were assigned to do a photo story, complete with a narrative paper and 20 good pictures.  I wanted to do something interesting that no one else would probably tackle.  I chose the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco...but I captured beyond what any spectator who paid a $10 admission fee would see—I went behind the scenes with the mammal keepers.

I went into it not really knowing what to expect, and I don't think the mammal keepers really knew what to do with me.  I ended up following three different keepers as they closed down their sections of the zoo.  I saw giraffes, lions, tigers, rhinos, and elephants. Oh my! (Couldn't resist.) It was very cool to say the least.  I observed the keepers cleaning the cages, transporting animals from one area to the next, and feeding the mammals their specified diets.

What did I take away from the experience? I'm pretty sure I was ravished by mosquitoes.  By the way he was growling, pressing up against the bars, and staring at me, I think the lion wanted to change up his diet that day. The feisty and playful tiger cubs were kept in a separate cage from their parents because the parents are a danger to their babies since disowning them. Rhinos are shy. Giraffes are curious. Elephants are sassy and playful.  And the mammal keepers of the Cameron Park Zoo are passionate about their jobs and do a lot to take care of the animals.

                                   

                         

                    

                    

Photo Adventures--Part Five: "Taqueria Time"

One of my most memorable photo experiences included language barriers and uncomfortable pleading for permission to take a picture.  Yes, I'm talking about taquerias on La Salle.  I chose taquerias for my 'sense of race' assignment.


On a hot, lazy Saturday afternoon, I decided to drive down La Salle and scope out the area for a photo opp.  I pulled over at the first taqueria I saw on my left: Taqueria Mobile.  It was about 2 p.m., and there were no customers.  I approached a woman hosing the parking lot down and asked her if I could take pictures for my class at Baylor.  She asked the owner in Espanol and apparently he said yes. I snapped some pictures, but realized I needed people to get a real sense of race and community.  I asked the owner if I could take his picture, and he hesitantly nodded.  He climbed up in his taco truck, put on his apron, picked up two sharp knives, and stared into the camera.  Perfect shot.  It made a great environmental portrait.

I asked the woman when I could come back to get some pictures of some customers.  She asked the owner and got back to me: 2 a.m.  A.M.?  I asked her.  I could have sworn we had some kind of miscommunication, but no. She repeated, yes, 2 a.m.  I asked if there was ANY other time they might have some customers, and she finally told me Sunday around noon.  I thought, okay perfect, I can do that.


I came back Sunday noon after church; there were only three people there: an old woman and two middle-aged men.  I asked them if I could take their picture for Baylor.  At first they laughed and said no. I tried to look sweet and innocent and asked politely again.  They flat out rejected me.  I was shocked by their severity.  I had a freak-out moment trying to figure out what I was going to do in order to complete this 'sense of race' assignment.  I got back in my Jeep and continued to drive down La Salle.  


A few minutes down the road, I saw a nice looking taqueria on my right, known to Baylor students as Taco Z.  I had never heard of this place.  Apparently it's where all the cool kids go.  Everyone let me know after hearing this story.  I pulled up to a crowded, modern-looking taqueria filled with people.  I asked the lady at the counter if I could take pictures for my class, and she didn't quite understand why, but she didn't see why not.  I then, of course, asked each individual table if I could take their picture. They all agreed. Victory!  I may have gotten some of my most precious pictures yet from this photo shoot; the kids were beautiful, and the joy and pride from their parents was so wonderfully evident.

Photo Adventures--Part Four: "Backstage Pass"

I took guitar lessons my freshman year from the only music store in Waco that I'm aware of:  Backstage Pass.  This is where I chose to complete my 'sense of place' assignment.  Although my old guitar teacher wasn't there, the owner remembered me and agreed to let me take pictures.

I took pictures of the instruments, of course, and of one of the employees playing guitar.  I think the most interesting picture I took was one of a man in a worn-down white t-shirt, cell-phone resting between his shoulder and chin, all while playing a piano with both hands, split between two different keyboards.  He didn't want me to take his picture, but luckily for me he was a good sport.