Mother Tan

Describe an event in which someone you knew spoke non-standard English or maybe you yourself have had such an experience. In any case, in what ways did the use of non-standard English affect the person or you? What lessons about language did the experience teach you?

When I was 14 until I was sixteen, I worked the summers away at my father's farm in the mint fields. I did a lot of hoeing and planting. This is really where I had an encounter with people who aren't really familiar with our culture. I got to work with women who had just crossed the Mexico borders, some who had been there for a few years, and some who had lived in America from the time they were young. At this time, I had been taking Spanish classes in high school. It was pretty fun for me and I thought I was learning a lot. I won't have a problem talking with these people, I thought. But I was in for a surprise. The first day I got there, the head women of the crew asked me if I knew Spanish. I said a little. She laughed and said in pretty good english that this would be a good time for me to really get it in me. I laughed nervously. The leader, Maria, was one of the only women who knew English. I made good friends with her and she and I came up with an agreement. We were going to have Spanish days, (where we would speak only Spanish) and English days, (where I would attempt to teach them some basic English). It was quite interesting. The first few days were hard, but after a few weeks it was getting easier. Granted, on Spanish days I wouldn't say much, but I would listen and after a while I was starting to pick out words I knew in their daily conversations, and I always asked what something meant when they would use the same word over and over. It even got to the point that when I wasn't working, I would dream in Spanish! I really began to love the women I worked with and could see their kind hearts in everything they did. Maria almost became like a second mom. 
During this experience, I really began to see the beauty of another people. My eyes were opened to the fact that God made all kinds of people, each with their own unique qualities and wonder. 
I know I'll remember those days as long as I live, even though I never really still have liked Spanish that much. However, I do appreciate it.

Where am I from? (1st Freewriting Assignment in Class)

Where am I from? This is a very interesting thought. One that I have to think about, but don't have to think about at the same time, if that makes sense. I feel like putting a laugh out loud right there, but its probably not that proper, even in a blog. For some reason, even though we're freewriting, I still feel the need for good punctuation and grammar rules ha.

Well I think its safe to say that my life started in Yakima, WA. My dad's family owns a farm up in Wapato, about 45 minutes away from there. It is a mint farm. Oh how I love mint! I feel so lucky just to even be involved in the indevere of it. The mystery of farming, and the charm of the scenery. Wow, okay so what next. Yup, we own a mint farm. My family lived there till I was seven, then we moved to New Mexico to start up another farm in our "empire". (We had two other locations at the time). It was very exciting to me. New Mexico in itself is so beautiful, it just captures you when you get there. They call it "The Land of Enchantment" and they aren't exageratting. I was enchanted from the beginning. I think I really relate a lot of my life to nature. I don't know why. I love being outside and I definitely feel God's presence and see His hand in more things outside. I just feel Him there. I do feel Him in other areas of my life too, but outside I truly feel free.

Okay so off subject a little, but that's expected with this sort of thing, right? I mean thoughts are random.

Anyway, so back to where did I come from. I think too that these moves, transitions definitely shaped my character and who I am today. I wouldn't take them back for anything. Ahh.. drawing a blank space in my mind, because I heard one more minute. I think too that my parents shaped me into who I am. They've always been encouraging and have seen potential in me, when I thought that I wasn't worth much. 

Amanda St. Hilaire's Blog for English Compostition I

I love writing! I am looking forward to this class and all the interesting things I am sure I will learn. I do have struggles with keeping myself focused when I am researching something and I hope to work through this and become a better writer. I hope that through this course I am able to come to a deeper understanding of writing and composition, and to become more competent in it.
One of my passions in life is music and poetry. To me, these go hand in hand. Poems are basically songs in a different format. Writing poems is one of my favorite ways to just relax, and let go sometimes. I love how when you put the pen to the page, the words and thoughts that come about flow on their own and you can either put how you really feel, or describe what your feeling through pictures.
My other favorite thing to do is Photography. I recently started up my own professional business in mid March. It has been slow at times, because advertising costs money. Money that I don't have sometimes. When I first was embarking on this, I didn't realize how hard it can be to start something from scratch. But God has been faithful, and slowly but surely I have gained more clients and places to advertise. Also my skills have improved tremendously the more I photograph. I noticed as well, that by reading photography books and taking a few online courses that my style has become one that is definitely my own.
I am also the Children's Worship leader at church. I love kids and I love worship and music, so it is a great fit. I actually help in the Children's Church every Sunday as part of my practicum for SUM.
Leading worship for children is very different from leading worship with adults. Children can be confused at times why we are worshiping or how we worship God. This process is sometimes frustrating, because the worship team and I are actually attempting to teach children how to worship! I definitely pray a lot about this, because it is something I can not do without Him, and sometimes I can't even fully explain worship to myself. It is a major learning on the job application. But it has been fun.
There is a LOT more about me, but too much to put on this blog. I love having fun with friends and family and basically I am just so happy to be alive! Thank you Jesus! :D