While revising my rough draft essay paper, I focused on a few areas that needed enhancement. After reading “The Maker’s Eye,” I started to notice the errors in my paper that I needed to fix. There were a-lot of typographical errors. Since I type fast there were a handful of words that I needed to fix, to make it make sense. I reread my introduction paragraph, which I chose to not reconstruct and kept it as it was. The reading “The Maker’s Eye,” helped me tremendously, after reading the Seven Elements paragraphs. I made sure my story had an audience, any Portuguese grandmother would smile at story as well as, granddaughter’s who have had similar experiences with their Avo. I formed what started as a little girl coming from a big Portuguese family, to bonding with my Avo, the big preparation on Saturdays to the anticipating Sunday morning memories have had, surrounded by delicious food. I think my short story is built with a solid framework and my paragraphs formed perfectly to hold my story together. I think I added just enough detail, action, documentation and dialogue for my readers to understand the meaning behind my story. I’ve re-read and read my writing out loud to make sure it sounds right. I believe I set a tone for each paragraph I wrote, and my words have meaning behind them. Even though I could write pages about growing up surrounding delicious Portuguese food and family, I think I wrapped it up nicely in my summary paragraph. Even though, from the reading “The Maker’s Eye,” second to last paragraph “A piece of writing is never finished.” That statement couldn’t be more true, as I could’ve went on and on!

“Growing up Portuguese”

I was born into a very large Portuguese family, though 30 years have passed, we’ve lost some people, and gained more. Though our recipes and traditions have always remained the same and will be passed on from generation to generation. My Portuguese grandmother, Avo was always in the kitchen, the aroma of smells we’re always the same, every event, occasion, or Sunday breakfast, it smelled the same, delicious. She would have to drag me in the kitchen with her because of course as a kid I felt as it was more like a chore, and she would always say, “you will thank me for this one day.” She sure was right about that! 

Every Saturday, I would go with my grandmother to Seabra the grocery store, to gather all the ingredients we needed for our Sunday Brunch. I loved riding in the shopping cart as she pushed me. She would point out what we needed, and id grab it off the shelf and put in the cart with me. I would only dislike when we got back to her house, and loading everything out of her minivan, up the steps into her house, now that was a chore! She would have me help cut peppers and chop onions, as we then mixed in a large bowl to put in the fridge for the next day. I loved rolling the dough, for our delicious croissants watching them rise while they baked was interesting to me, id sit by the stove, not to mention they smelled so good. After everything was prepared for tomorrow, we would watch “The Price is Right” that was her favorite show, and I always said, “I would love to be on that show one day,” of course because of the prizes! I was always upset when my mom came to pick me up, id beg to sleepover. But Avo would say “Mom missed you; I will see you bright and early.” We hugged and kissed goodbye, I would lay in my bed at home and wish it would be tomorrow already.

Sunday morning came fast, and I couldn’t dress myself fast enough. My mother and I would then drive from Fallriver to Swansea to my grandmothers, she lived in a big, beautiful farmhouse style house. About two miles down the road from her house there was the best bakery called “The Continental Bakery.” As soon as we arrived my grandmother would be outside already, waiting for me. She’d grab my hand and we would walk to that bakery, rain or shine. The smell of the fresh bread was what kept us going even if it was snowing! We would buy the last of what we needed for our annual Sunday brunch, stick bread, Portuguese rolls, and deserts. I would sneak and pick parts of the stick bread to eat, that’s what made the walk home more enjoyable. We laughed together when we got home, because she noticed she never got mad at me, she would say “don’t tell anyone, it’s our little secret,” and of course I never did! I loved that quality time and bond we shared together.

Every Sunday around 10:00 am my aunts, uncles, many cousins, and the families’ friends would come gather at my grandmother’s house. We would all gather in the dining area, but always had to walk by the kitchen which smelled of garlic, onions, and herbs that have been simmering in tomato sauce. Almost all would say, “It smells amazing, is the food ready.” Laughter and chatter in Portuguese filled the room, everyone smiling and happy. Clinking glasses from the adults, children running around the tables as my mother and grandmother started filling the table with food. My uncles would be talking loud about politics or talking words of wisdom to everybody. My aunts would joke and tease how “annoying” their brothers were, sometimes would lead to heated arguments, but my gram would shut that down! She always sat at the head of the table, and of course me by her side. We prayed and laughed a whole lot as we all sat together eating. The food was made with love, and there was always plenty of it! From croissant, crepes, to steaming bowls of caldo verde soup, chourice and pepper sandwiches, and platters of bacalhau which is a salted cod and was to die for!

It was pure happiness having the family together every Sunday, because family means everything. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. After the loss of my grandmother this year, we still all get together, we’ve lost some members of the family, but have gained more. We gather now in a new location, still in Swansea. My mother’s house, where I live with my daughter. Every Saturday I bring my daughter with me to Chaves market in Fall River, for our ingredients, where she sits in the carriage and pulls what I point off the shelf and into the cart. She loves it, just as much as I did when I was with my grandmother. As for Sunday mornings, we don’t have to walk to far, not even a block away, to the same Bakery “The Continental Bakery.” My daughter thinks I don’t notice the holes in the stick bread, she rushes quickly in the house and flips it in the packaging, and that’s why I always buy 2, because she is her mothers’ daughter. This tradition is so important to me and my whole family, I’m grateful with even grieving my beloved grandmother we still all manage to be there for each other and get together. I understand now why my grandmother did this every Sunday, at thirty years old after her passing I can say that its so important to have a family tradition and if you’re reading this and also come from a large Portuguese family, you know it’s true! I know and have heard many other Portuguese families do the same. It’s a time we get to connect, cry, laugh, and remember what truly matters, and that is, Family, friends, even if not blood related. Its important to have people in your life that are there for you, enjoying the same things that you do, to have that support and sense of security. As I raise my daughter to love her family and spending time with the people who truly matter, makes life much more enjoyable to live. After my Avos passing I hear my aunts, uncles, and cousins comment on my Portuguese stuffing, “this tastes exactly like moms, Laura!” And “Avo is smiling down at you Laura, this is delicious, and taste just like she made it!” I’m forever grateful for the time spent with her and showing me how to cook. Sundays are my favorite, but Saturdays with my daughter doing the night before preparing makes my heart full. I’m proud of my Portuguese heritage and the delicious food we get to eat. I hope anyone reading my story, try’s or have tried the delicious food us Portuguese people make! Lastly, make memories and new traditions big or small with your family. Life is too short, make the most of your time and energy by spending it with the people or person you love.

I really enjoyed your story, I found it enjoyable to read. Parts of your writing I could relate to. Firstly you did a great job rhetorically writing. For paragraphs 1,3, and 4 I found really remarkable, having to go through such incredibly hard things at such a young and getting through it independently is amazing and inspiring.
The author talks about going through conceiving difficulties, but doesn’t state if she had both a son and daughter. So that was the only thing I was curious about. I hope you did!
I can relate to how you and your husband make Portuguese stuffing, certainly there’s no other way to make it! I make mine the same way, so delicious!
The author describes her life struggles that made her want to give her husband and future children a different life than what she had. And by reading this tells me she did just that! You’re incredibly strong , having parents that battled addiction, was absent, and that passed away when you were so young. Its amazing how even though, you having to be independent at such a young age gave you the strength to develop healthy, happy traditions for your family.
No child should have to carry such burden from their parents, but I can sympathize with you as my father was just like yours, my brothers as well always in trouble so they weren’t there for me growing up. The author shows resilience in her writing, as her journey hasn’t been easy I’m happy you found love, and married your high school sweetheart!
This author shows, your past doesn’t define you. You can still create a happy healthy lifestyle even having to go through such trauma in childhood. I’m sure the authors family is so thankful she didn’t give up, and created such happy memories despite how she grew up. Most would give up after having to go through the loss of their parents, even if they weren’t the best parents. You used your trauma, to help create this beautiful tradition of making Portuguese stuffing with your husband for your family.
With admiration and support, I truly wish you the best on your school journey and life journey, because you most definitely deserve it!

“Growing up Portuguese”

I was born into a very large Portuguese family, though 30 years have passed, we’ve lost some people, and gained more. Though our recipes and traditions have always remained the same and will be passed on from generation to generation. My Portuguese grandmother, Avo was always in the kitchen, the aroma of smells were always the same, every event, occasion, or Sunday breakfast, it smelled the same, delicious. She would have to drag me in the kitchen with her because of course as a kid I felt as it was more like a chore, and she would always say, “you will thank me for this one day.” She sure was right about that!

Every Saturday, I would go with my grandmother to Seabra the grocery store, to gather all the ingredients we needed for our Sunday Brunch. I loved riding in the shopping cart as she pushed me. She would point out what we needed, and id grab it off the shelf and put in the cart with me. I would only dislike when we got back to her house, and loading everything out of her minivan, up the steps into her house, now that was a chore! She would have me help cut peppers and chop onions, as we then mixed in a large bowl to put in the fridge for the next day. I loved rolling the dough, for our delicious croissants watching them rise while they baked was interesting to me, id sit by the stove, not to mention they smelled so good. After everything was prepared for tomorrow, we would watch “The Price is Right” that was her favorite show, and I always said “I would love to be on that show one day,” of course because of the prizes! I was always upset when my mom came to pick me up, id beg to sleepover. But Avo would say “ Mom missed you, I will see you bright and early.” We hugged and kissed goodbye, I would lay in my bed at home and wish it be tomorrow already.

Sunday morning came fast, and I couldn’t dress myself fast enough. My mother and I would then drive from Fallriver to Swansea to my grandmothers, she lived in a big beautiful farmhouse style house. About two miles down the road from her house there was the best bakery called “The Continental Bakery.” As soon as we arrived my grandmother would be outside already, waiting for me. She’d grab my hand and we would walk to that bakery, rain or shine. The smell of the fresh bread, was what kept us going even if it was snowing! We would buy the last of what we needed for our annual Sunday brunch, stick bread, Portuguese rolls, and deserts. I would sneak and pick parts of the stick bread to eat, that’s what made the walk home more enjoyable. We laughed together when we got home, because she noticed she never got mad at me, she would say “don’t tell anyone, it’s our little secret,” and of course I never did! I loved that quality time and bond we shared together.

Every Sunday around 10:00 am my aunts, uncles, many cousins, and the families friends would come gather at my grandmothers house. We would all gather in the dining area, but always had to walk by the kitchen which smelled of garlic, onions, and herbs that have been simmering in tomato sauce. Almost all would say, “It smells amazing, is the food ready.” Laughter and chatter in Portuguese filled the room, everyone smiling and happy. Clinking glasses from the adults, children running around the tables as my mother and grandmother started filling the table with food. My uncles would be talking loud about politics or talking words of wisdom to everybody. My aunts would joke and tease how “annoying” their brothers were, sometimes would lead to heated arguments, but my gram would shut that down! She always sat at the head of the table, and of course me by her side. We prayed and laughed a whole lot as we all sat together eating. The food was made with love, and there was always plenty of it! From croissant, crepes, to steaming bowls of caldo verde soup, chourice and pepper sandwiches, and platters of bacalhau which is a salted cod and was too die for!

It was pure happiness having the family together every Sunday, because family means everything. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. After the loss of my grandmother this year, we still all get together, we’ve lost some members of the family, but have gained more. We gather now in a new location, still in Swansea. My mother’s house, where I live with my daughter. Every Saturday I bring my daughter with me to Chaves market in Fallriver, for our ingredients, where She sits in the carriage and pulls what i point off the shelf into the cart. She loves it, as much as I did when I was with my grandmother. And Sunday mornings, we don’t have to walk to far, just not even a block away, to the same Bakery “The Continental Bakery.” My daughter thinks I don’t notice the holes in the stick bread, she rushes quick in the house and flips it in the packaging, and that’s why I always buy 2, because she is her mothers daughter. This tradition is so important to me and my whole family, im grateful with even grieving my beloved grandmother we still all manage to be there for each other. I understand now why my grandmother did this every Sunday, at thirty years old after her passing I can say that its so important to this tradition, if you come from a large Portuguese family you know! I know many other Portuguese families do the same. It’s a time we get to connect, cry, laugh, and remember what truly matters.

“ FAMILY IS NOT AN IMPORTANT THING. ITS EVERYTHING.” – Michael J. Fox

R. Kimmerer the Author is, A Scientist, Professor and A Member of Potawatomi Nation. Published in The Emergence Magazine. October 31, 2018 The Reading “Corn Tastes Better on the Honor System” by Robin Wall Kimmerer I found it beautifully written and illustrated. Kimmerer included audio, pictures and a very well written timeline of events about her views of the interconnections and contrast about plants of western views. This essay is about how colonialism has led to indigenous life ways and relationships with plants. I believe reading this essay drives an audience of like-minded individuals that are into learning about permaculture and sustainable living. Kimmerer talks about our relationship with corn over the years. I these three sentences in this article interesting and new to me, “ It’s sophisticated internal codes enable it to replicate itself ten thousandfold without need of a 3-D printer,” Maize is so central to life that it holds a powerful place in the creation stories of Maya,” “Biochemists confirm that we are indeed people made of corn.” These three sentences that were interesting to me because, in today’s world we have the newest most advanced technology which helps us greatly when it comes to food. Maize played a vital role in Mayan life which they viewed as a gift from god, since it was their primary food source. I agreed but also disagreed with the last sentence i quotes, The United States is a big producer of corn, we use a lot of it as animal feed, so not only are people made of corn but so are our animals. What was interesting to read was that “Archaeological and genetic analysis reveals that corn was likely first domesticated about 9,000 years ago from the ancestral wild grass teosinte.” I was surprised at the amount of years ago that corn was likely to be domesticated. The quote that I found to describe the rhetorical aspect of this easy perfectly to me was, “When harvest time rolls around, my neighbor and I are grateful for the warm, windy days that make dry corn rattle in the breeze.” And “My road is crunchy with spilled kernels, and the squirrels are delighted-and plump.” I found them rhetorical because, the writer Kimmerer used good words to make me the reader know what was being said. As a kid my father would bring me to his friends farm, the sound of dumping the dry corn in the feed bowls and the wind taking what fell off the ground is a sound i wont forget, and walking around the barns in the gravel corn kernels everywhere, and of course squirrels, bunnies etc eating! So those quotes to me, made me remember a part of my childhood, just by the writers words. I found this read to be a good one, what a wonderful story of corn!

Kimmerer, Robin. “Corn Tastes Better on the Honor System.” Emergence Magazine , https://emergencemagazine.org/feature/corn-tastes-better/.

Gail Woody, “Where Corn is King,” West Virginia Living, May-June 2013, 18-19.

“Maize Bringer of Life Corn Mother of All Things.”

Hi everyone, welcome to my blog! My first post is going to be about, my writing and reading style. Personally, I have always loved writing I found it rather therapeutic and keeps me feeling productive. I’ve always had a planner, ever since I can remember. I feel better after a day of writing / planning my life. Before, I was writing with a No.2 pencil and plain old writing paper. Now, I’m typing my words on a keyboard, honestly Its just not the same! I prefer to use A black ink pen on plain white blue lined paper. On the other hand, I grew up to actually love reading books today, in my childhood I struggled to retain what I was reading and found it my least favorite thing to do, but now I love a good book! Everyone has different interests but my advice for anyone struggling with getting your life together my advice for you is to invest in a planner write your life away. For anyone struggling with any mental illness, depression, grief etc. find a good book, whether it be on those topics or a fictional story, the joy reading can bring you never-mind the information you can learn is amazing and so beneficial!

Welcome to your brand new blog at Edublogs!

To get started, simply visit your blog’s dashboard, edit or delete this post and check out all the other options available to you.

Like more help?

We can walk you through step-by-step in our guide to getting started with your blog.

Happy blogging!