Day 14 (Wed., Sept. 14)

I officially worked! Woohoo. Today I was sent out on my first assignment on my own. Last week was a lot of fun as I hung out and learned from the Sun-Sentinel staffers. Today I went out by myself. Nothing new to me. I have done assignments a number of times on my own. But I feel different since I was given all the foundation last week by learning how the pros do it.

Last night's practice worked out perfect. I think I did a good job as I took photos of Johnny Ventura's daughter. I had a tough time shooting the assignment as she was in her office and didn't have much of Mr. Ventura's element besides her wallpaper on the computer filled w/ photos of him. So, I used some of the teachings from the staffers that I learned last week and came back to the office w/ the above photo. It was fun trying new things. Mr. Ventura, by the way, is a famous Merengue singer from the Dominican Republic. His daughter is an executive for a broadcasting company that manages Spanish radio stations across the nation.

Boy! Her office had a great view of the beach.

It was fun doing this first assignment. I learned a new thing. The lighting was good. I succeeded today, my first day. Let's see how many times I can say that this fall.

Tonight was fun. I organized my closet at home while watching a PBS Master's Special on Ernest Hemingway. I thought this was totally fitting because I am in Florida. I have always wanted to come to Florida so that I can go to the place he lived in Key West. A lot of great stories were written at that house, which is now a museum. I have always loved his books, especially The Sun Also Rises. I relate a lot to him because he was always doing what he wanted. He traveled and did some amazing things like run w/ the bulls in Pamplona. That's something I want to do some day. In the PBS special he was described by his second wife as "a man w/ so many different sides, it would be hard to make a geometric shape out of him." Wow! I want to be just like him. I try to be like him. His books are great and I relate to them because he took a journalistic approach. I had fun watching the show. It inspired me. I can't wait to drive down the 150-plus miles from here to Key West to go see his home.

Yesterday - Main - Tomorrow