Blog 12 - A Personal Reflection

It’s hard to believe the fall semester is coming to an end, English 1080 taught me so much and I thoroughly enjoyed this course! The structure of this class gave me a great deal of freedom to express my thoughts and I am genuinely appreciative for all the things that I have learned.

I really enjoyed the essay writing workshops as I learned many new techniques and writing skills. I have gained a lot of insight in how to write effective essays with a strong thesis statement. Also, creating outlines for essays was very helpful so that I could organize my ideas and be able to write in an effective manner. The online blog posts was an excellent component of the course! Getting to write about a different topic each week, I was able to express my thoughts and opinions creatively. Therefore it has made me grow and build my confidence as well as taught me where my weaknesses and strengths are.

Overall, I feel I accomplished a lot in this course and I’m a lot more confident in my reading and writing skills. I would like to thank professor Parsons for providing a great classroom environment, and teaching us so much during this semester. I really enjoyed learning in your class and will be a class that I will remember. As a person who finds it challenging when writing essays, I was able to learn from my mistakes.  I will miss the weekly blogs and would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my blog. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Blog 11 - How to Make Crepes

My Mom’s Famous Crepe Recipe

Here is a simple but delicious crepe recipe that can be made in minutes which your family friends will love! It’s made from ingredients that you will always have on hand.

Ingredients:

3 eggs

¼ cup of sugar

1 ½ cups of milk

1 cup of flour

Teaspoon of butter (just melted not boiling)

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs and the flour. Gradually add in milk and sugar. Add the melting butter when all ingredients are mixed together. To make the crepes extra delicious add vanilla extract.

Step 2:

Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over a medium heat. Spray on nonstick cooking spray so the crepes will not stick to the pan.

Step 3:

Ladle about 1/3 cup of batter onto the center of the crepe pan. If using too much will result in thick crepes, and you want them to be thin.

Step 4:

Swirl the pan in a circular motion so the batter will fully coat the bottom of the pan. Can add a bit of extra batter if you need too.

Step 5:

Cook until underside of the crepe is golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Use a spatula to lift the crepe gently. It should have a fine lace pattern developing on the other side.

Step 6:

Once ready on the other side flip once more for about 20-30 seconds. Straighten out folds and wrinkles to ensure it will cook evenly. Slide the crepe out of the pan and repeat with remaining batter.

Step 7:

Serve the crepes with fresh fruit, syrup and whip cream.

Easier to make than you think, so give it a try!

Blog 10 - Meme

Blog 9 - My Favorite Quotes!

“Life isn’t about how many breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.” – Unknown

This is one of my favourite quotes in that it is very inspirational. The author is saying that life is not about how long you live, but cherishing those moments that "take your breath away.” Life should be full of excitement and lively rather than focusing on the dull moments. I feel this quote is a reminder that life is about making the memoires and experiences that leaves you speechless. It’s about those moments you have to remember. I decided to share this quote as I feel it is important we concentrate about what is happening and not all about what you plan on doing. Always highlight the moments in life that are extraordinary and make you feel proud.

“All that’s glitter is not gold.” – William Shakespeare

This famous quote originated in William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice. This quote is very motivational, as it is a statement of the fact that appearances can be deceiving.  Remarking the fact that what may seem perfect is not all it is hyped up to be. I felt this is a significant quote as it can apply to places, people and things that promise to be more than they really are. This is definitely a well known saying today, in that not everything precious is always what it seems. It is very effective in the fact that anything can be misleading and we should never make assumptions until you know the full story.

“Good things come to those who wait.” - Unknown

This quote has a powerful meaning about patience. I feel this quote is saying that good things come to those people who wait. I am convinced this is true as life is about testing our ability to see if we have the motivation to continue and not to give up. It is important to pursue your dreams, your ambitions, your passions, and work hard but, there must be patience in the progress. I wanted to share this quote, as generally people hate waiting for anything especially in society today. Many people wonder how come good things are happening everyday to people but why not me? Patience is not something that people enjoy but rather it can be very rewarding when you least expect it. These rewards of success will be worth the long wait and have a bigger impact of the feeling of accomplishment.

Blog 8 - Flash Fiction

The Fire!

Every day is the same in our house, or at least it used to be! The clock goes off at 7:00 a.m., out of bed, shower, hair styling, breakfast and prepare lunches (chicken fingers from the oven to a thermos) and out the door. Drop my brother at high school, mom at work and into the parking lot at MUN for a 9:00 class. But yesterday, that routine was shattered. I was at the University Centre (UC), just going on Google to search some information when my brother texted to ask why his thermos was empty. My Internet opened on VOCM News and I noticed the top story was a fire in the East End. It was so obvious … our house was on fire!  I raced to the parking lot, tore off, onto Prince Philip Drive and made my way toward home. I was pretty sure the smoke was from our neighborhood. Oh my god, our house was on fire!! The smoke was everywhere! As I turned onto our street I was amazed the fire trucks were nowhere to be seen. I was in such a state, I could hardly see the house with smoke but I couldn’t smell it. I burst through the door, at the risk of smothering.  The house was not as smoke filled as I expected, in fact it was not as smokey as outdoors. I was bewildered that the stove was off, the chicken fingers were sitting pretty on the tray.  I went out to take a breath and a neighbor walking his dog greeted me,  “It’s some foggy today”. 

I got off easy, the house was not burning, the oven wasn’t left on, and we are too rushed in the morning. Yes, the routine has changed. My brother can get his own lunch, and Mom will check the oven before we leave the house, and I will notice the difference in fog and smoke!

Blog 7 – Its that time again!

Dear Halloween,

I am so looking forward to your arrival next week. I must say I am a little bit wary of your scary side but love your fun side. Even though my trick or treating days are over, I have fond memories of doing so in my childhood. I did make one cute Snow White, even if I do say so myself. These days, I anxiously await the knock on the door and am delighted to open it to see all the excited witches, ghosts and goblins. Oh, to be that age again. This year I am expecting to be visited by many Sophia’s, Elsa’s and Anna’s. I really hope that Olaf the snowman comes knocking. I just love warm hugs!

One of my favorite things about you is looking at all the decorations and trying to decide which one I will add to my collection this year. I also like to drive around the neighbourhood looking at all the decorated houses and yards. As I do, I cannot help but think to myself that your popularity is growing in leaps and bounds. You will soon be as popular as Christmas. Personally, I much prefer you to Christmas.

I will say goodbye now as I have to finish preparing for your visit. I have to choose a costume, fill the treat bags and finish hanging the decorations.

Your ghostly friend,

Emily

Blog 6 - Breaking News

Newfoundland Alpacas “Knit”

Alpaca Farm
(Personal Photo: London, England)

Breaking News:  In Felix Cove, a couple has been running an alpaca farm in Newfoundland since 1995. The couple purchased the farm with their first alpacas and expanded it over the years to seventeen alpacas, one llama and two goats.  Starting as a hobby in 1995, it is now one of a kind in the province and has quickly become a petting zoo for tourists. During the years the couple added a craft shop with a large selection of alpaca wool knit wear and providing fibers that could be made into sweaters, scarves, blankets, socks and gloves. The alpacas are low maintenance and easy to take care.

Recently, the couple has decided they would put the farm up for sale. The reason solely being they don’t want to miss out on their grandchildren in Nova Scotia while they are still young. With that they have decided to sell the business stating, “It’s been a good go and if our kids and grandkids were still around us, we’d stay here, no second thoughts.” It has been very difficult for them to give the farm up as it was there dream but with heavy hearts they must sell the business. They hope “After running it all this time and it becoming a part of the experience of visiting the Port au Port Peninsula, we hope like heck to sell it as is.”

If selling the farm doesn’t happen the alpacas have decide amongst themselves to learn the craft of knitting and take over the farm. They feel this endeavor will be good for tourism.