A.C. Moore is a specialty store that focuses on the arts and crafts. On the left hand side of the outside of the store, there are displays of seasonal items. In those displays I see scarecrows, willow baskets, giant plastic grocery bags, and plain pine wreaths. On the right hand side of the outside of store, there are shopping carriages. Upon enter the store, I noticed that it seems to be a vestibule with doors on either end. To left I see the registers and the exit door and to the right I see the entrance. Inside the vestibule. there is a wall of merchandise as well as stand-alone displays. The displays seemed to be all over the place. There were calendars and then hand soap. Not the impression of an arts and crafts store. I proceeded to enter the store and noticed a display of jar candles as well as tables filled with what I believe is fall floral. I decided to walk the main isles first in order to gain an insight on the whole store. On the ceiling there are signs distinguishing the different departments.

To me the atmosphere of the store seems to inspire creativity. The store is filled with color and many samples of how to use the product. As I walked up down the isles I couldn’t help but stop and look at the products. I stopped a passing employee and asked them a few questions about a product. The employee told that they were not familiar with the products of from that department but they were going to find someone who did and send them right over. A little over a minute another employee came by and was able to answer my questions. I liked how the staff seemed to be very educated on the products and made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions.

From my observations the customer that shop at A.C. Moore seem to range in age. I saw older woman in the yarn and sewing departments. In the art department I saw younger customers in the art department. I saw couples in the wedding and floral departments. Some of the customers seemed to focused. While others seemed to be just wondering through the store.

I decided to purchase a paint by numbers in order to observe how the sale staff interacted with the customers. Every customer that approached the cashier would ask if they had a rewards card. Some of the customers didn’t seem to have the card on them so the cashier said that it was not a problem and that they could look up the account. When it was my turn to cash out, the cashier asked me if I had a rewards card. I said I did not. The cashier took the time to explain all the benefits of the free program. I signed up for rewards card.

My experience at A.C. Moore was a positive one. I found the store inspiring and offering products to its demographics. The customers seemed pleasant and the sales staff seemed to be friendly and willing to help answer any questions one may have.

Cancer. A lot of us are afraid of the word. It is a word that most associate with death. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines cancer as a serious disease caused by cells that are not normal and that can spread to one or many parts of the body. Cancer doesn’t have to be bad. We are getting closer each and every day to ending cancer. I am a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. I participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Relay for Life is non-profit, driven by local communities to fight back against cancer. Together we celebrate the ones who have survived, remember the ones that we lost, and fight alongside the ones who are still fighting.

 

In 1994 my father lost his battle to cancer. I was only five and my family was distraught. Cancer had taken claim to another father, son, brother, uncle and a husband. Back in 1994 cancer treatment and screening were still at their early stages of development and many people where misdiagnosed. By the time the doctors figured out what it was, it was too late.

 

My parents migrated here from Portugal in 1987 in hopes of raising a child and being able to offer them a better life. After my father lost his battle, my mother was left alone to raise a child without knowing how to drive and how to speak the language. As I got older I saw the struggle my mother had to support herself and me. She had done everything she could to raise me. Cancer took more than father; it took my childhood.

 

My first Relay for Life was two years ago. I did not know what to expect. My friends mother had posted a donation link of her Facebook and I had commented what a great cause this was. She suggested that I join her team. So I did. The first time I met the team was at a fundraiser they were holding. When I arrived they all welcomed me with open arms. Hearing stories of why they volunteered, and sharing my own, solidified that people from all backgrounds can come together to make a difference.

 

Relay was all new to me. I didn’t know what to expect the day of the big event. Held on a football field, with each team having a campsite, it surely was overwhelming. Every team had theme. Ours that year was 80’s retro diner. The event is open to the public all day long, allowing teams to finish raising funds for the current relay year. 97% of all money raised is poured back into the community.

Keep Austin Weird. That’s what all the locals say. The days are filled with golden radiant sun. The moment you step outside, warmth just envelopes you like a hug. The city is amazing. From the skyline to the art murals you feel the connectedness that is Austin. Home is where the heart is. Although I do not live here year round, my sister Christine does. This is where my heart is.

The streets are filled color and passion. The shops are filled with kindness and love. It is so hard to pick a specific place to describe. It truly is mind blowing.

Lake Travis boasts clear vibrant turquoise waters. Atop of the hill is Oasis. This restaurant is outdoors and over looks and the Lake. The sunset is with rainbow of fading colors just draws you in and makes you forget about life for a moment. In fact, this post is being written at Oasis. Overlooking the green land and beautiful turquoise waters while the sun blankets you in its warmth is something special. Just one of the many treasures you can in such a city.

A short drive from Austin you will find Hamilton Pool Preserve. A natural swimming pool and grotto that was created when an underwater river collapsed thousands of years ago. There is 232 acres of protected natural habitats and is the home of the endangered golden-checked warbler. Features large slabs of lime stone with jade green water and a 50ft waterfall that flows into the pool.

If you are ever in the city check out Book People. This three story book store offers a hometown feel and has a vast collection of books. A place where famous authors hold readings and book signings. From the blue washed hardwood floors, to the floor to ceiling book cases stacked with books you are sure to find what you’re looking for, or maybe something you never thought you would. This is a place that dreams really come to life.

As I said earlier, the locals say keep Austin Weird. Weird doesn’t even begin to explain what you will find. It is a slogan adopted here for small businesses. The Hope Outdoor Gallery has 1100 blocks of artist sharing their passion and love of Austin.

Thank You for the opportunity to explain a little bit about the place I find home.

Hi, I’m Jamie. If you ever need to find me, I am most likely laying in my hammock with a book or my MacBook. I don’t have a preference of what I like to read but I find myself drawn to the young adult section of Barnes & Noble. Something about a different world and unordinary circumstances really draws me in. Oh did I mention sometimes there is magic. But I am not a fan of e-readers. Nothing beats the feel of a book and real pages turning.

As for writing I am not a fan of paper. I always preferred to write on my Mac. Something about hearing the clicks of the keyboard brings back nostalgic memories of hearing my father type on his typewriter. Ommwriter is my favorite writing app. No distractions, customizable background, and you can add music.

I usually write every day. Whether it’s a synapsis about my day or a thought that came that just pops into my head. I find myself visiting writings frequently to add to or amend because I know that writing can always be improved upon and that with age comes wisdom.

My inspiration for writing came from my 5^th grade teacher, Ms. O’Neil. My grade was selected for a pilot program that was to encourage new methods of teaching while expanding the creativity as a child. With her help I was able to harness my crazy imagination and bring it to life with words.

Later in life I found that I was diagnosed with OCD. Reading and writing practically saved my life. It is the only space that I feel I can truly be myself. It is great to look back and analyze yourself through your writing or what your reading at the moment. You can learn so much about yourself.

I wasn’t sure what I signed up when I enrolled into an online English class. But so far, I must say that I am really excited. I didn’t think that I would have a really cool Professor. Setting up a blog, now that’s, how to start a class.