Megan's Journalism blog

  The sign for Laura Lane, a dead end street in my small neighborhood, mid-afternoon on a rainy day. This street is mainly used for cattle such as horses, goats and sheep. Throughout the day, cattle transport can be seen coming on and off of this street.  A view of the street from my parents’ house. There aren’t many houses or large buildings, as mainly what can be seen are just large empty fields and property used for animals and fertilizing. The heavy rain can be seen in the distance through the sky as well.  Christina Freitas, a senior home care worker, leaving for work in the morning. Living out of town means that nothing is necessarily within walking distance. Driving is needed and sometimes that means longer commutes. Although, there are upsides to that. Living out of town gives you perspective on the world and nature around everyone. 

  Halle Freitas, 17, is currently a student enrolled at Lebanon High school and taking a class at LBCC. She is currently taking Calculus at Linn-Benton and taking two college courses in high school: AP government and AP Literature. Because of COVID, all her classes have been online.  “School has been rough online, it’s harder to be in the mindset to learn and it’s been taking a toll on me mentally”, Freitas explains.  As far as her career path goes, she plans to possibly go into business. Her original plan was to go into chemical engineering, but she changed her mind because she decided that that’s not truly what she wants to do. After she finishes high school, she would like to go to Oregon State University for their band program. 

  A line of customers wait to get beverages at the Heritage mall Starbucks, mid afternoon. They can all be seen wearing masks in the line, keeping distance from each other. Places such as these are staying open in the mall by taking many precautions with one being wearing masks and keeping customers at a distance in lines. The play area at the food court of Albany Heritage mall  is seen to be closed, with other stores being seen as empty and closed up in the background. Not many people can be seen near or around as well. AT&T is seen to be closed while Bath and Body Works is booming with customers and people.  Caden Holler, a customer at the Albany Target store, is seen purchasing items at checkout. Both him and the cashier are seen in masks as he exchanges cash, paying for his items. 

  At downtown park in Albany with Sydnie Hale, someone who has been living in Albany for the past few years with her grandmother. She visits this park regularly when visiting her mom.  Under the bridge of downtown Albany park, Monteith Riverpark. It is known to be a great river during the summers. It has also been the host place to many local events and concerts.  Coffee at downtown Albany cafe, Martin Coffee. They offer dine-in with masks on and offer a small collection of things to eat along with their tasty menu of coffee drinks to try. 

  The outside of Serendipity Cafe, Friday afternoon. This old styled cafe offers a variety of things, from ice cream, shakes, drinks and tea. Due to COVID, going inside is not allowed but you can order food from the window and sit outdoors. Mural behind the building of Key Bank, Friday afternoon A man unloading equipment from his truck outside of the local Lebanon church on Friday in the afternoon. 

If you want to learn about the life of horror writer, Stephen King and get helpful tips for your own writing, his book "On Writing" is for you. The most important things I probably learned from his book are that with the right tools, you can grab the attention of readers even outside your typical audience. I learned that you also need to consider vocabulary for your topic and the audience you are speaking to. Lastly, I learned that paragraph length really matters in keeping the readers' attentions. I have used these tips in my own writing by keeping paragraphs shorter in my writing and forming the language I use to fit the topic and audience appropriately. One of my favorite two quotes that go together from the book is "The stuff that came from him was green. I have never forgotten it" "That makes two of us, mom"(9). This is one of my favorites because it captures the personality of King well and brings a sense of some humor into the serious tone o...

The Redwoods "Out N' About" treehouses I can remember the drive into Cave Junction through the Redwoods. We eventually reached the long driveway up to Out N’ About Treehouse Resort . When we entered the resort, tall trees surrounded the whole property with large treehouses and bridges connecting all the trees. I could see a few small, yet charming cabins on the property as well. The whole place was filled with a magical, childhood charm that brought out the kid in me, excited to explore all the treehouses and activities to do there. This place is special to me because it was one of the most unique and memorable trips I’ve ever had with my family. I have never seen a place quite like it and I definitely think it is a must-see for those visiting Oregon or more specifically, Cave Junction. Out N’ About Treehouse Resort is a getaway in the countryside of Cave Junction, in southwest Oregon. The resort is set on 36 acres, full of activities such as zip-lining and h...