Photography: A Way of Life

Photography has recently become one of my passions. Don't get me wrong, I've always appreciated a beautiful photo. However, these past couple of years I've learned more about the art and technique behind a snapshot. But it's more than just getting the right settings and pressing the button. I've learned that photography is much more; it is a culture, a lifestyle, a way of life.

Mediterranean Sea, Israel. 2010.
Surfers enjoy the last minutes of daylight.
Photo taken by yours truly. 

Like most other things, my inspiration comes from other work, and most of the time, my peers' works.
Some of my classmates are showcasing their photography in their blogs: Kendall McCrory has beautiful photography in Click and Captured. I especially enjoyed the close-up of the cupcake, with perfect focus.

Also, Lee Ziesche has some gorgeous photos in her blog, Cooking College. Her blog shows us how to do a little more than just survive in college, and she also shows off some great videos she's made. And another fellow classmate, Heather Bureau, shares some fun experiences in The Mormon and the Gator. But in her charming And Everything Nice she exhibits striking photography around Gainesville, and the engaging presentation of her blog inspires me to keep Stories in Spanglish blooming.

Icapuí, Brazil. 2009.
Meet 5-year-old Eliseau, showing me a bug.
I took this with a Canon rebel. 

It's no wonder I'm so influenced by photography since most people around me love photography so much. My sister, Mariana, also has a terrific blog, and so does my friend Maria. You can't just read a manual and take a good photo, you need experience first and foremost. But sometimes you need good teachers.

Whether you're an amateur or professional, photography is something everyone should appreciate. It makes moments meaningful, feelings unforgettable, and memories memorable. It is a way of life.

Florida Home Sales

More people are selling their homes in Florida, but does this mean our notoriously miserable housing market is improving?

Florida Home Sales from Lucia Tolosa on Vimeo.

Olla Derretida

Lo lindo de vivir en los Estados Unidos es que podés conocer a mucha gente de distintas partes del mundo. En inglés se dice que este país es un "melting pot"... que se traduce literalmente al español a "olla derretida." Justito busque en Google "Que quiere decir melting pot?" y lo primero que me salió fue un articulo sobre el multiculturalismo publicado por El País en Uruguay.

"Olla derretida... o literalmente"melting pot."

El "melting pot" en los EEUU explica como somos una mezcla de montones de culturas. Y, en realidad, este entrevero de identidades crea a su vez una cultura singular.

A veces pienso como sería mi vida si no nos hubiéramos mudado para acá. No hubiera tenido amigos compañeros de la universidad de todas partes del mundo. Mis compañeros de clase también mantienen sus propios blogs como Lynne Guey que escribe de la revolución de la tecnología en su ingenioso All Hail The Digital Revolution. También está Daniela Perallon que habla de dos cosas muy diferentes: la política y la comida, en su Tasty Politics. Y también podés leer Where True Hip Hop Exists de Gabe Mander que escribe sobre su pasión por el hip-hop. Todas de diferentes procedencias (y todos unos blogs maravillosos).

Si no estuviera acá quizas tampoco estaría estudiando lo mismo o hasta interesada en lo mismo. Esta "olla derretida" ha cambiado mi vida completamente... este país diferente, estos compañeros diferentes, estos estudios diferentes...y no me lo puedo imaginar de ninguna otra forma.  

All About the Author

Who is the mastermind behind Stories in Spánglish, you ask? Well, my name is Lucía Tolosa, your everyday go-getter.

My interests are as varied as my roles: full-time double-major student, Live Vibe TV host  bilingual traveler, painter, WUFT reporter,  and caring friend.

As a journalist I've understood the power and influence of telling a good story, and as a political science scholar I've become fascinated in our ever-changing and diverse world. 

Soon, I will become an alumnus of the University of Florida, and I don't know even know where I'll be in the next couple of weeks. Anything can happen, opportunities may or may not arise. All I know is: whatever happens, I'll be ready to take on the world.  

Me. Petra, Jordan. June 2010.

Asadito Chiquitito

¿Quién dice que no se puede hacer un asado con sólo tres personas?

Un asado en la parrilla para tres.

Six Weeks Left and Counting...

Where as the time gone? It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorms, going to my first college class, and getting lost on campus. Now, with only five weeks left of classes and six til graduation, I am in shock.

First day in the dorms.
Amanda (my roommate and life-long friend) and I
pulling a High School Musical move.

Four years of academic and professional hard work can be expressed in a one-page resumé.  But nothing explains the memories I will forever carry with me of my college days.
Thinking back to how I was my first fall semester freshman year, I cannot believe how naïve I was. College is supposed to be the best four years of our lives, and even though I hope to continue studying by getting my masters, nothing compares to the personal growth you experience during undergrad.
I've learned so much about myself and about the world, and I'm so grateful for it.
So now, a couple weeks from the most final of final... graduation... I will cherish every lecture, homework, and paper... or at least try to.

Check out my resume: Lucia Tolosa

What Will You Do To Get Tan?

WUFT story on the risks and benefits of using tanning beds.

Tanning Beds from Lucia Tolosa on Vimeo.

Finally An App to Go Loco For

Birthday roses. (I turned 22 this weekend.)

I'm not crazy about iPhone apps. I know people who have 10-20 apps, and it just always seemed senseless to me. The three major reasons I use my iPhone for are: checking email (obsessed), texts/calls, and skype.

Needless to say, I think I have finally fallen in love... with an app of course. It's called Instagram. My friend, Amanda told me about it and now I'm hooked.

It filters photos and shares them super easily, it turns any drab picture into something beautiful. Here's some photos I just took on my iPhone... and now they look amazing.

I don't have a professional camera (yet) and neither would I be the kind of person to take it around everywhere with me. So this let's me be artistic and creative with my photos, and it's easier than (a very yummy) pie. Be on the lookout for better photos in upcoming posts!

Lights, music, and dancing.

Horses in a vineyard near Gainesville.

Swinging with the sunset in Punta Gorda, Fl.

The open road driving to Alachua.