After some consideration I decided that my favorite Christmas stories are probably "The Night Before Christmas", or "The Christmas Orange". But, because there are so many versions of "The Christmas Orange" I'll just share the other one.
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
Henry Livingston
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Beer Barrel Polka
So last night I went to the Regional Dance for the very first time. It was a lot of fun and really enjoyed myself. Then I was dancing the last slow dance before I had to go home with one of my friends. After trying to find a way to make it more exciting, (spins, etc.), I found out a scary truth… he didn’t know how to waltz! I didn’t realize that people didn’t know how to dance. Especially a waltz! I know I've been on a ballroom team and done a lot of other partner dances, and the other types of dancing that I've done always help too. Then I was talking to my mom and we were laughing about how I really learned ballroom dancing for the first time.
When I was littler my Grandma Arlene would come over a lot, and she still loves to come over and it's so much fun when she does. Music has always been a big part of her life, she plays the accordion and the piano and she loves to sing. When she was little though they didn't have the sheet music for learning songs and so she learned to play the piano by ear and that's still how she plays songs today. Anyway, she would come over and play the piano; anything from rags, to waltzes and then came my personal favorite the polkas, the main song of choice- The Beer Barrel Polka. And so my dad would waltz me around the living room, and Ashley too, to The Yellow Rose of Texas for example, and Matt would dance with my mom (they were always the most entertaining). Then when dad was dancing with Ashley I'd get my big, floppy stuffed dog, Fluffy, who proved the most talented of my dance partners because he always let me lead, and we always had the same step size (he’d also give me just enough swinging momentum for the turns). Then the polka would start and with laughter ringing through the culdesac, we threw the front door open and trundled onto the lawn clumsily completing the polka. (Ashley and I also are amazing partners).
And so that is how I learned to dance. I learned it with my family dancing rags and waltzes, with my Grandma playing the accordion or piano, and singing the words to Bill Grogans Goat.
If someone was to ask me about the most special ballroom dance I’ve ever done, it happened about a year ago. I got to attend Moonlight Serenade, which is where the High School band puts on a huge dinner and the Jazz band plays big band music and the Dance Company does a few numbers, everyone dances and it’s really fun to watch the older couples who know how to Lindy, etc. But, it gets really boring after a while. Then something really special happened. Matt (my brother) who was in the jazz band rotated out and then came and asked me to dance. He had never asked me before, and had always refused to let me teach him some ballroom for when he went on dances. And so for one of the first times and the longest I got to dance with my big brother, and that’s the best dance I’ve ever had. (Yes, Ashley and I did attempt to do the swing together also, which probably provided endless amusement for those around us.)
When I was littler my Grandma Arlene would come over a lot, and she still loves to come over and it's so much fun when she does. Music has always been a big part of her life, she plays the accordion and the piano and she loves to sing. When she was little though they didn't have the sheet music for learning songs and so she learned to play the piano by ear and that's still how she plays songs today. Anyway, she would come over and play the piano; anything from rags, to waltzes and then came my personal favorite the polkas, the main song of choice- The Beer Barrel Polka. And so my dad would waltz me around the living room, and Ashley too, to The Yellow Rose of Texas for example, and Matt would dance with my mom (they were always the most entertaining). Then when dad was dancing with Ashley I'd get my big, floppy stuffed dog, Fluffy, who proved the most talented of my dance partners because he always let me lead, and we always had the same step size (he’d also give me just enough swinging momentum for the turns). Then the polka would start and with laughter ringing through the culdesac, we threw the front door open and trundled onto the lawn clumsily completing the polka. (Ashley and I also are amazing partners).
And so that is how I learned to dance. I learned it with my family dancing rags and waltzes, with my Grandma playing the accordion or piano, and singing the words to Bill Grogans Goat.
If someone was to ask me about the most special ballroom dance I’ve ever done, it happened about a year ago. I got to attend Moonlight Serenade, which is where the High School band puts on a huge dinner and the Jazz band plays big band music and the Dance Company does a few numbers, everyone dances and it’s really fun to watch the older couples who know how to Lindy, etc. But, it gets really boring after a while. Then something really special happened. Matt (my brother) who was in the jazz band rotated out and then came and asked me to dance. He had never asked me before, and had always refused to let me teach him some ballroom for when he went on dances. And so for one of the first times and the longest I got to dance with my big brother, and that’s the best dance I’ve ever had. (Yes, Ashley and I did attempt to do the swing together also, which probably provided endless amusement for those around us.)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A while ago...
I was going through some papers and found some old poems and such that I had wrote, so here is one poem I wrote last year about WWII and also a memoir that I did. I think it's amazing how much my writing style has changed in just one year!
Hidden
Within a blackened room the girls softly cried.
Outside stood a monster of madness that had forcefully broken loose.
Amongst them laid a puddle of tears with dreams dashed from side to side.
But beyond those golden puddles pried the hidden question.
Over time they were forcefully taken.
Around the Years forgotten.
Following like caged birds they were among other children,
who like them would surely die.
Atop their heads there was no hair.
Inside their eyes there was no hope, for beyond them now stood a harsh trail, on that spoke their death.
Behind them as they walked there hid the silent question.
Beside the wind they painfully marched, until one girl fell
Barring the way to her desperate sister stood a tall and hardened man.
Of hate and martyred blood his form silently spoke, as he shoved the girl away with force, away from her sleeping sister.
Behind him lurked the hidden question.
Since then much has fitfully passed.
To death both sisters finally gone,
Upon their hearts engraved forever is the hidden question.
Memoir
Knots clench my stomach. I’m lying on a crisp white bed with chairs surrounding me. I feel wedged and enclosed, even trapped in a cave of floor length curtains that surround me on three sides. My head bangs up and down on an oxygen filled pillow. Laughing nervously I mask my family from the gnawing monster deep inside of me. Then they get me. My cave opens and I’m wheeled out under blankets in a purple gown. The walls are white; the nurses face kind and compassionate as she wheels my silvery bed into yet another with room. Yet I notice that this room is different. There are instruments on all sides of me. A larger silver light above me then the last. The nurse gently pulls me to a halt. She softly and tenderly pulls a mask over my face and helps me to switch onto a harder table. There are gowned people everywhere, with masks. My stomach clenches once more as I see her wheel a non-electrical machine near me. She takes my arm and then puts a small needle in my arm. I feel the jab and the needle- like pain as she does so. Then there is darkness. I feel nothing, I see black, I don’t comprehend anything. I feel only sweet oblivion. Then there’s white again, my three enclosing curtains smiling at me. There is a gentle fog over my eyes and I feel as if I am not all there. I see a family, my family, my mom and dad. They are smiling nervously. I slowly regain consciousness, but the haze is still there. I am taken out and I see my feet. They are wrapped in a red, bumpy tape. I lean against the gigantic blue plastic of my wheelchair. Then comes what I know might end up being the most important moment. My feet feel clumsy and heavy in their new black homes as I try to move myself forward. I feel nothing, once more. There is no pain. Yet.
Hidden
Within a blackened room the girls softly cried.
Outside stood a monster of madness that had forcefully broken loose.
Amongst them laid a puddle of tears with dreams dashed from side to side.
But beyond those golden puddles pried the hidden question.
Over time they were forcefully taken.
Around the Years forgotten.
Following like caged birds they were among other children,
who like them would surely die.
Atop their heads there was no hair.
Inside their eyes there was no hope, for beyond them now stood a harsh trail, on that spoke their death.
Behind them as they walked there hid the silent question.
Beside the wind they painfully marched, until one girl fell
Barring the way to her desperate sister stood a tall and hardened man.
Of hate and martyred blood his form silently spoke, as he shoved the girl away with force, away from her sleeping sister.
Behind him lurked the hidden question.
Since then much has fitfully passed.
To death both sisters finally gone,
Upon their hearts engraved forever is the hidden question.
Memoir
Knots clench my stomach. I’m lying on a crisp white bed with chairs surrounding me. I feel wedged and enclosed, even trapped in a cave of floor length curtains that surround me on three sides. My head bangs up and down on an oxygen filled pillow. Laughing nervously I mask my family from the gnawing monster deep inside of me. Then they get me. My cave opens and I’m wheeled out under blankets in a purple gown. The walls are white; the nurses face kind and compassionate as she wheels my silvery bed into yet another with room. Yet I notice that this room is different. There are instruments on all sides of me. A larger silver light above me then the last. The nurse gently pulls me to a halt. She softly and tenderly pulls a mask over my face and helps me to switch onto a harder table. There are gowned people everywhere, with masks. My stomach clenches once more as I see her wheel a non-electrical machine near me. She takes my arm and then puts a small needle in my arm. I feel the jab and the needle- like pain as she does so. Then there is darkness. I feel nothing, I see black, I don’t comprehend anything. I feel only sweet oblivion. Then there’s white again, my three enclosing curtains smiling at me. There is a gentle fog over my eyes and I feel as if I am not all there. I see a family, my family, my mom and dad. They are smiling nervously. I slowly regain consciousness, but the haze is still there. I am taken out and I see my feet. They are wrapped in a red, bumpy tape. I lean against the gigantic blue plastic of my wheelchair. Then comes what I know might end up being the most important moment. My feet feel clumsy and heavy in their new black homes as I try to move myself forward. I feel nothing, once more. There is no pain. Yet.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The light goes on!!!...ish
So lately I've been trying to compose my own song and I am SO excited, but then there's always when you get to the point while composing that you hit a blank, like writing...and it really sucks! So as I sat there about to practice my flute, but still trying my song out on the piano it came to me! I am going to do a piano/flute accompaniment, and at on point in the song or maybe a couple, I'm actually going to be taking my flute apart and such to get different sounds out of it! My goal with this song is to make it sound like me... yes, that probably sounds weird, but it's true. It's really going to be based off of my favorite type of music, it'll be in more of a minor key then a major, and I'm going to try to make it tell a story. I'm SO excited, it might take me a really long time, but this time I am determined!!!Muahahaha! Ok, random...but I'm so happy due to a shortage of homework!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Letters about Literature
Dear Victor Hugo,
When asked to write about a book that has changed my life, I decided that your novel, Les Miserables, is the one that had truly succeeded. While there are many glorious parts to this adventure, there are three moments that I would like to elaborate on.
To some my first scene of choice may seem odd, but it remains the scene of Javert’s Suicide. In this segment of the book Javert’s mind is in, seemly, internal conflict at the realization that Jean Valjean has saved his life. After all, this is the man he had hunted for years. This, I believe creates the shock of two fold. One, being that Jean Valjean was merciful and forgiving, and the second that convicts can be honest and loving men. This 2nd ideal seems the most undermining. Javert after all was born in a jail, he knew what it was like, and chose only to see the negative effects this parentage had cause him, and so blames convicts for his early misfortunes. There are so many ways that I stereotype, or blame people for awkward situations that I was put into. And while I may forgive, I tend to forget to forget. While, I will not say that Javert forgets his childhood, he moves on. What an amazing thing to do. Honestly, he takes the one ideal that he has accepted all his life and though he may not accept it, he looks past it. After reasonable torment he writes a letter to the head of the police naming things that should be changed about the way these convicts are treated. That is the changing moment. Have we not all blamed one for a pain another has caused, even if the original and foremost person of blame is yourself? Have we all not judged on because they had the same marks as someone who has inflicted us with seemable agony? How in some ways, could we not? While Javert may have committed suicide, which is a bit to the extreme, he had a change of heart. He was willing to change, and to me, stubborn as I am; he swallowed his pride and did something for the benefit to those who were his enemies.
Secondly, what of those who died in the revolution? By the blade of the guillotine, the barricades, fighting soldiers and citizens, Eponine who died for love or those imprisoned. Joan of Arc stated that every man will die for a cause, no matter how small. While there is considered a right and wrong to the revolution, do we fully realize the other side’s ideals? If raised in poverty what would be your ideals, if raised in aristocracy, what of yours? Every man is born to an idea, this is no sin. I will definitely agree that the ideals may have been a little overboard, but it simply proves that men should stand firmly for what they believe in. Most of us claim a religion, or a belief of some sort. We go to church and try to do what we think is correct. Do we fully realize that we may have to stand up for our beliefs or our values? Here I learn, that I should take care in what I believe, be fully informed, and learn for myself what I have been taught to believe, so when the time comes I know to what cause I will give myself for. We need to learn to place a higher value on things such as freedom, religion, education for example because the time may come when others want to take them away and we must know what we stand for.
What of my third ideal? To me this lesson taught by him is straight and forthcoming. It is a simple value and yet so hard. To love, and to forgive. I dare to say it would be almost impossible to forgive one who has taken safety, money and years away from me and yet Valjean does this with Javert. He has the chance for revenge and yet he saves the man from death. With Marius he is willing to sacrifice himself to get Marius safely to Cosette, the child he has raised as his own. He loves unconditionally when it comes to those who are close to him, and is willing to forgive those that hurt him the most.
And so in closing I leave with you the three points in which your book has changed my life. Leave your pride, be willing to stand up for your beliefs, and love unconditionally, never failing to forgive and give to those around you.
Thank you once more for inspiring a change.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Nightingale
When asked to write about a book that has changed my life, I decided that your novel, Les Miserables, is the one that had truly succeeded. While there are many glorious parts to this adventure, there are three moments that I would like to elaborate on.
To some my first scene of choice may seem odd, but it remains the scene of Javert’s Suicide. In this segment of the book Javert’s mind is in, seemly, internal conflict at the realization that Jean Valjean has saved his life. After all, this is the man he had hunted for years. This, I believe creates the shock of two fold. One, being that Jean Valjean was merciful and forgiving, and the second that convicts can be honest and loving men. This 2nd ideal seems the most undermining. Javert after all was born in a jail, he knew what it was like, and chose only to see the negative effects this parentage had cause him, and so blames convicts for his early misfortunes. There are so many ways that I stereotype, or blame people for awkward situations that I was put into. And while I may forgive, I tend to forget to forget. While, I will not say that Javert forgets his childhood, he moves on. What an amazing thing to do. Honestly, he takes the one ideal that he has accepted all his life and though he may not accept it, he looks past it. After reasonable torment he writes a letter to the head of the police naming things that should be changed about the way these convicts are treated. That is the changing moment. Have we not all blamed one for a pain another has caused, even if the original and foremost person of blame is yourself? Have we all not judged on because they had the same marks as someone who has inflicted us with seemable agony? How in some ways, could we not? While Javert may have committed suicide, which is a bit to the extreme, he had a change of heart. He was willing to change, and to me, stubborn as I am; he swallowed his pride and did something for the benefit to those who were his enemies.
Secondly, what of those who died in the revolution? By the blade of the guillotine, the barricades, fighting soldiers and citizens, Eponine who died for love or those imprisoned. Joan of Arc stated that every man will die for a cause, no matter how small. While there is considered a right and wrong to the revolution, do we fully realize the other side’s ideals? If raised in poverty what would be your ideals, if raised in aristocracy, what of yours? Every man is born to an idea, this is no sin. I will definitely agree that the ideals may have been a little overboard, but it simply proves that men should stand firmly for what they believe in. Most of us claim a religion, or a belief of some sort. We go to church and try to do what we think is correct. Do we fully realize that we may have to stand up for our beliefs or our values? Here I learn, that I should take care in what I believe, be fully informed, and learn for myself what I have been taught to believe, so when the time comes I know to what cause I will give myself for. We need to learn to place a higher value on things such as freedom, religion, education for example because the time may come when others want to take them away and we must know what we stand for.
What of my third ideal? To me this lesson taught by him is straight and forthcoming. It is a simple value and yet so hard. To love, and to forgive. I dare to say it would be almost impossible to forgive one who has taken safety, money and years away from me and yet Valjean does this with Javert. He has the chance for revenge and yet he saves the man from death. With Marius he is willing to sacrifice himself to get Marius safely to Cosette, the child he has raised as his own. He loves unconditionally when it comes to those who are close to him, and is willing to forgive those that hurt him the most.
And so in closing I leave with you the three points in which your book has changed my life. Leave your pride, be willing to stand up for your beliefs, and love unconditionally, never failing to forgive and give to those around you.
Thank you once more for inspiring a change.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Nightingale
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Book Reviews
The Chronicles of Narnia: In this second book of The Chronicles of Narnia acclaimed author C.S. Lewis manages to make yet another inspiring tale of a land through the wardrobe called Narnia.
After being sent away to an Great Uncles house during the war little Lucy happens upon the land of Narnia while exploring with her older siblings, Edmund, Susan and Peter. There she meets her dear little fawn, Mr. Tumnus and manages to have a wonderful time. When she goes back however no one believes her, that is until Edmund, while playing hide-and-seek, happens across it to. Only he encounters the White Witch and goes onto her side, making a promise with her to bring back the siblings. Eventually all the siblings make it into Narnia and there they must decide between the White Witch or Aslan. Come read this inspiring story to find out Narnia's and the Pevensie's to find out the fate of Narnia.
I really liked this book, I'd seen the movie and I think they followed it pretty closely. I felt a bit sill carrying such a small, little book around, but I really wanted to read this series. I never have before, and it was definitely worth it!
The Lost Hero: In this continuation of the Percy Jackson series, written by New York Times best-selling author Rick Riordan, Jason realizes that he has a problem. Why? Well when you wake up on a school bus holding hands with a gorgeous girl, and have a guy with black curly hair and slightly pointed ears talking to you (no not an elf) I'd say that's a bit of a hing. Piper also has a problem. Her boyfriend's got amnesia, her father's in danger and now she's the daughter of a God. But that's not all, Leo's got a problem too. He's been on the run for years now after his mother died and is finally at the Wilderness school; but he's always been a bit different and certainly has a way with tools. Together they go to Camp- Half blood to discover their true identities and go on a quest to save Hera. Together they face Cyclopes, Metal Dragons, and a nutty fawn with a bat. Come read The Lost Hero for an unforgettable experience, and a new twist on the Percy Jackson series!
I was a little worried when I heard that this book was a continuation or sequel to the Percy Jackson series, now I'm only worried that I have to wait until next summer to read the next one! I loved this book! The characters were absolutely amazing in every way! Yay! ( =
Keturah and Lord Death: When Keturah Reeve follows the hart into the forest she had no idea she'd end up be make deals with Lord Death, or get the chance to live for one more day to find the end to the story that holds his hand, and find her true love. She will race the clock with her friends, make dealings with others, and try to trick Lord Death. But when the time comes will she be able to save her small village of Tide-by-Rood? Find her true love? Foil Lord Death's plans? Slowly she learns how to deceive and in time must make her ultimate choice between her hearts two true loves.
Come read Keturah and Lord Death written by Martine Leavitt, and see if you can find the true answers.
This was a pretty good book. It was an easy read and you could tell what was going to happen, until the very end... which was a big suprise. It wasn't the best book I've read, but I'd still rate it a four because it was simply enjoyable.
After being sent away to an Great Uncles house during the war little Lucy happens upon the land of Narnia while exploring with her older siblings, Edmund, Susan and Peter. There she meets her dear little fawn, Mr. Tumnus and manages to have a wonderful time. When she goes back however no one believes her, that is until Edmund, while playing hide-and-seek, happens across it to. Only he encounters the White Witch and goes onto her side, making a promise with her to bring back the siblings. Eventually all the siblings make it into Narnia and there they must decide between the White Witch or Aslan. Come read this inspiring story to find out Narnia's and the Pevensie's to find out the fate of Narnia.
I really liked this book, I'd seen the movie and I think they followed it pretty closely. I felt a bit sill carrying such a small, little book around, but I really wanted to read this series. I never have before, and it was definitely worth it!
The Lost Hero: In this continuation of the Percy Jackson series, written by New York Times best-selling author Rick Riordan, Jason realizes that he has a problem. Why? Well when you wake up on a school bus holding hands with a gorgeous girl, and have a guy with black curly hair and slightly pointed ears talking to you (no not an elf) I'd say that's a bit of a hing. Piper also has a problem. Her boyfriend's got amnesia, her father's in danger and now she's the daughter of a God. But that's not all, Leo's got a problem too. He's been on the run for years now after his mother died and is finally at the Wilderness school; but he's always been a bit different and certainly has a way with tools. Together they go to Camp- Half blood to discover their true identities and go on a quest to save Hera. Together they face Cyclopes, Metal Dragons, and a nutty fawn with a bat. Come read The Lost Hero for an unforgettable experience, and a new twist on the Percy Jackson series!
I was a little worried when I heard that this book was a continuation or sequel to the Percy Jackson series, now I'm only worried that I have to wait until next summer to read the next one! I loved this book! The characters were absolutely amazing in every way! Yay! ( =
Keturah and Lord Death: When Keturah Reeve follows the hart into the forest she had no idea she'd end up be make deals with Lord Death, or get the chance to live for one more day to find the end to the story that holds his hand, and find her true love. She will race the clock with her friends, make dealings with others, and try to trick Lord Death. But when the time comes will she be able to save her small village of Tide-by-Rood? Find her true love? Foil Lord Death's plans? Slowly she learns how to deceive and in time must make her ultimate choice between her hearts two true loves.
Come read Keturah and Lord Death written by Martine Leavitt, and see if you can find the true answers.
This was a pretty good book. It was an easy read and you could tell what was going to happen, until the very end... which was a big suprise. It wasn't the best book I've read, but I'd still rate it a four because it was simply enjoyable.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sigh...
Well Nutcracker is finally over, and the question you always get asked has returned. Are you happy or sad? With Algebra 2 and other classes I will admit that it has been ruff to be at WSU so much in just one week! Also, mentally, this has been the hardest year for me to get through Nutcracker. And this whole entire time I've had to think what do I want the most? Nutcracker or Marching Band?
At the first of this week I was so great full that it would all be over and I would be able to return to normal life. But, I should have known better. Sure enough as my mom drove me up to go to WSU for the last performance on Saturday night I just started to cry, and also on the way home. There were multiple reasons. The biggest one was that I thought that my older sister wouldn't be able to come. She is the only reason that I started to dance, and the only way I was able to get through Nutcracker. In some ways she was my only life line. You see, Ashley performed in the Nutcracker for 10 years. I remember the last year she just sat downstairs, where they have most of the dancers, on a chair in shock. And she cried. When the curtain goes down on the Finale what you don’t get to see as an audience is all the seniors breaking out in tears. There is such an emotion tie to Nutcracker that I can honestly say that you won’t understand it unless you have danced in it or had a daughter that’s danced in it. I don’t even know if siblings (unless they’ve done it) can fully comprehend it.
I now have only three years more that I can be in the Nutcracker, because I have now done seven years. Luckily she was able to come, and along with my pretty roses (= that was the best part of Nutcracker.
The reason I was so glad that Nutcracker was ending was one, some of the mental and emotional issues of it, and two (the biggest reason) was the massive exhaustion that comes from being in a dance production for a full week.
So the next question I usually get is what parts have you been? In 3rd grade (the youngest you can try out) I was a cookie, 4th- Angel (oh the joys of hair curlers), 5th- Mouse (I loved the solos), 6th- Arabian (6th grade Arabians rarely happen, in fact there hasn't been one for a while I think) 7th- R. Soldier (Okedoky), 8th Clown (Bouncing of the walls with enthusiasm), 9th R. Soldier. One thing that helped me this year was that they came down and told us that in fifteen years they had never seen better soldiers, and while some may say, "They were just saying that" believe me, when I say they were telling the truth, seems as how members of the audience and others in the Nutcracker who had had the part already stated it too.
On a lighter note, one of the funnest (I don’t care if they funnest isn’t a word) parts about being a red soldier is my hair. Because of mass quantities of hair spray that are used, when I brush my hair out it is fluffy, extremely wavy, soft, long (past my hip), shiny, and very voluminous, in fact most people just stare at it...I kid you not. Also the girls all have so much fun it's a party (this is usual for any part though), even if you just sit down and read your book it’s fun.
When it comes to my feet and other things (read Octobers- Dancing in the rain, one step at a time) some people probably wonder, and I know at times I do, how something that is so painful, mentally and physically can bring you so much joy. The answer- I don't know. One thing that I have learned in all my years in Nutcrackers and recitals (and even plays/dramas) is that being on stage and performing is my favorite place to be, I love it soooooo much! It is an incredible sensation that I love. Also, my best friends generally come from dance; they are a gigantic support system. I also love the time that I get to spend with my mother, as she works back stage. It is a huge bond between my sister and I. And my brother and father are there to support me... FYI boys- Matt has been to the Nutcracker almost 12 times, and once took a date, so in the words of Mrs. Cobia- Cowboy up! ( =
So thank you to those who were so nice to me this week, despite my grouchiness. Those who have held me up when I wanted to fall down, and to those of you that have lifted me up when you could have more easily brought me down.
"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."
At the first of this week I was so great full that it would all be over and I would be able to return to normal life. But, I should have known better. Sure enough as my mom drove me up to go to WSU for the last performance on Saturday night I just started to cry, and also on the way home. There were multiple reasons. The biggest one was that I thought that my older sister wouldn't be able to come. She is the only reason that I started to dance, and the only way I was able to get through Nutcracker. In some ways she was my only life line. You see, Ashley performed in the Nutcracker for 10 years. I remember the last year she just sat downstairs, where they have most of the dancers, on a chair in shock. And she cried. When the curtain goes down on the Finale what you don’t get to see as an audience is all the seniors breaking out in tears. There is such an emotion tie to Nutcracker that I can honestly say that you won’t understand it unless you have danced in it or had a daughter that’s danced in it. I don’t even know if siblings (unless they’ve done it) can fully comprehend it.
I now have only three years more that I can be in the Nutcracker, because I have now done seven years. Luckily she was able to come, and along with my pretty roses (= that was the best part of Nutcracker.
The reason I was so glad that Nutcracker was ending was one, some of the mental and emotional issues of it, and two (the biggest reason) was the massive exhaustion that comes from being in a dance production for a full week.
So the next question I usually get is what parts have you been? In 3rd grade (the youngest you can try out) I was a cookie, 4th- Angel (oh the joys of hair curlers), 5th- Mouse (I loved the solos), 6th- Arabian (6th grade Arabians rarely happen, in fact there hasn't been one for a while I think) 7th- R. Soldier (Okedoky), 8th Clown (Bouncing of the walls with enthusiasm), 9th R. Soldier. One thing that helped me this year was that they came down and told us that in fifteen years they had never seen better soldiers, and while some may say, "They were just saying that" believe me, when I say they were telling the truth, seems as how members of the audience and others in the Nutcracker who had had the part already stated it too.
On a lighter note, one of the funnest (I don’t care if they funnest isn’t a word) parts about being a red soldier is my hair. Because of mass quantities of hair spray that are used, when I brush my hair out it is fluffy, extremely wavy, soft, long (past my hip), shiny, and very voluminous, in fact most people just stare at it...I kid you not. Also the girls all have so much fun it's a party (this is usual for any part though), even if you just sit down and read your book it’s fun.
When it comes to my feet and other things (read Octobers- Dancing in the rain, one step at a time) some people probably wonder, and I know at times I do, how something that is so painful, mentally and physically can bring you so much joy. The answer- I don't know. One thing that I have learned in all my years in Nutcrackers and recitals (and even plays/dramas) is that being on stage and performing is my favorite place to be, I love it soooooo much! It is an incredible sensation that I love. Also, my best friends generally come from dance; they are a gigantic support system. I also love the time that I get to spend with my mother, as she works back stage. It is a huge bond between my sister and I. And my brother and father are there to support me... FYI boys- Matt has been to the Nutcracker almost 12 times, and once took a date, so in the words of Mrs. Cobia- Cowboy up! ( =
So thank you to those who were so nice to me this week, despite my grouchiness. Those who have held me up when I wanted to fall down, and to those of you that have lifted me up when you could have more easily brought me down.
"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Hestia- Free verse Poem
This is something I wrote for the wiki. It may seem really weird because I'm attempting to write free verse poetry... So here it goes.
Rich chocolate locks, curled, and sleek fall over her kneeling frame.
She stares into the water to see the world of the hidden.
The effervescent wind beats against her as small strands carress such a fair face.
She stoops as she stands, with grace and power and slowly lifts her head from the translucent waters.
Her lashes show long and dark,
Her brow is raised and supernal
Her eyes are the color of the universe's end, going on past any true reality.
Her expression is harsh, determined and real.
Her gait is strait and fixed, she knows her way through the forrested maze.
The plants and animals follow as her guard.
A soft glow aurates from her skin. Gently as she passes the leaves they raise to try to greet her.
She smiles and brushes her porcelain hands up to touch their surfaces.
She continues on in her dedicated gait,
friends on either side,
her eyes are glowing.
She is power and pride,
She is Hestia.
Rich chocolate locks, curled, and sleek fall over her kneeling frame.
She stares into the water to see the world of the hidden.
The effervescent wind beats against her as small strands carress such a fair face.
She stoops as she stands, with grace and power and slowly lifts her head from the translucent waters.
Her lashes show long and dark,
Her brow is raised and supernal
Her eyes are the color of the universe's end, going on past any true reality.
Her expression is harsh, determined and real.
Her gait is strait and fixed, she knows her way through the forrested maze.
The plants and animals follow as her guard.
A soft glow aurates from her skin. Gently as she passes the leaves they raise to try to greet her.
She smiles and brushes her porcelain hands up to touch their surfaces.
She continues on in her dedicated gait,
friends on either side,
her eyes are glowing.
She is power and pride,
She is Hestia.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
A 5 paragraph essay
The Amazon Rainforests
Preserved ---- Developed
Every minute 75 acres of rainforests are destroyed, every day 108,000 acres are cleared, and every year around 34 million acres are gone in the continuous overexploiting lust for land development. This not also destroys the “lungs of the planets”, but tribes of Native Indians, plants, animals, and life saving medicinal species. The rainforests are the heartbeat of the world, so why should we destroy these nonrenewable resources.
Everyday acres and acres of trees and plants are cleared to make lumber for houses, pulp for paper and spaces for homes and farms. This action can and should be likened to the effects of smoking on our lungs. But these are not our individual lungs; they are the lungs of our planet. Twenty percent of all the earths’ oxygen that is formulated through photosynthesis comes from the rainforest. In 2.97 acres of land 750 different types of trees and 1500 species of plants that make oxygen can be destroyed. Not only are the lungs of the planet destroyed but the lives forming the pulse.
A while ago scientist came across a plant that could cure AIDS, but by the time they returned to the Amazon the plant/ bush that held the cure had been destroyed and cleared. Scientists have found that there are 3,000 different types of plants that hold the keys to cancer treatment. 70% of these plants can be found in the rainforests in the Amazon basin, and 25% are only found in the rainforest. In another rainforest the Madagascar Periwinkle have changed the chances of a child surviving leukemia to 80 percent, however it no longer lives in the wild. What other treatments will be lost for selfish development? And how many people who know how to use these cures will be forced to leave.
Native Americans have patterned their lives around the Amazon River and the animals that live around and in the river. They know what lives in the Amazon, the characteristics and the uses of so many endemic species. Now 137 plant, animal and insect species are destroyed, and from the 10 million Indigenous Natives that used to live there only 200,000 still remain. The Amazon contains more species than all the other ecosystems in the world combined. In one pond in Brazil there could be more fish species than in all the rivers in Europe. Single reserves could contain more bird species then the whole of North America.
Some may state that if you come from a country that is not third world you do not understand the need for taking down this environment, but from this evidence it is apparent that the world can be benefited more from the oxygen, medicines, and species, that not only help us, but keep a healthy amount of biodiversity in climax communities across the world.
Preserved ---- Developed
Every minute 75 acres of rainforests are destroyed, every day 108,000 acres are cleared, and every year around 34 million acres are gone in the continuous overexploiting lust for land development. This not also destroys the “lungs of the planets”, but tribes of Native Indians, plants, animals, and life saving medicinal species. The rainforests are the heartbeat of the world, so why should we destroy these nonrenewable resources.
Everyday acres and acres of trees and plants are cleared to make lumber for houses, pulp for paper and spaces for homes and farms. This action can and should be likened to the effects of smoking on our lungs. But these are not our individual lungs; they are the lungs of our planet. Twenty percent of all the earths’ oxygen that is formulated through photosynthesis comes from the rainforest. In 2.97 acres of land 750 different types of trees and 1500 species of plants that make oxygen can be destroyed. Not only are the lungs of the planet destroyed but the lives forming the pulse.
A while ago scientist came across a plant that could cure AIDS, but by the time they returned to the Amazon the plant/ bush that held the cure had been destroyed and cleared. Scientists have found that there are 3,000 different types of plants that hold the keys to cancer treatment. 70% of these plants can be found in the rainforests in the Amazon basin, and 25% are only found in the rainforest. In another rainforest the Madagascar Periwinkle have changed the chances of a child surviving leukemia to 80 percent, however it no longer lives in the wild. What other treatments will be lost for selfish development? And how many people who know how to use these cures will be forced to leave.
Native Americans have patterned their lives around the Amazon River and the animals that live around and in the river. They know what lives in the Amazon, the characteristics and the uses of so many endemic species. Now 137 plant, animal and insect species are destroyed, and from the 10 million Indigenous Natives that used to live there only 200,000 still remain. The Amazon contains more species than all the other ecosystems in the world combined. In one pond in Brazil there could be more fish species than in all the rivers in Europe. Single reserves could contain more bird species then the whole of North America.
Some may state that if you come from a country that is not third world you do not understand the need for taking down this environment, but from this evidence it is apparent that the world can be benefited more from the oxygen, medicines, and species, that not only help us, but keep a healthy amount of biodiversity in climax communities across the world.
Pride and Prejudice
I finished! I loved Pride and Prejudice! It was really good. It was nice to have seen the movie before reading the book, and I was surprised how similar the book and the movie actually were. Some lines were identical. However one part that I wished that they had left the same was when Elizabeth is visiting Pemberly and Mr. Darcy comes out and walks with them. My question during reading this book was who is prideful and who is prejudiced? Then I realized that it's a little bit of both.
Elizabeth is prejudiced because Mr. Darcy seems so prideful. She's convinced that Mr. Wickham is right because it pleases her vanity to believe so and that is where her pride lays- in her vanity.
Mr. Darcy is prejudiced because it is how he has been raised, to believe that his family and rank is so highly superior to others, that no other station could possibly be as pleasing and that no other type of woman could be accomplished enough for him. This is also where his pride lays is in his station.
I love how when you read books, more than movies, how your senses of the characters are heightened. Mr. Wickham seemed much more despicable after his flight and his fear of Mr. Darcy was brought out so much more. Mr. Darcy was so much better in the book, and Elizabeth's character was more lively and spirited. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet were all the more annoying. Altogether I really enjoyed it!
Elizabeth is prejudiced because Mr. Darcy seems so prideful. She's convinced that Mr. Wickham is right because it pleases her vanity to believe so and that is where her pride lays- in her vanity.
Mr. Darcy is prejudiced because it is how he has been raised, to believe that his family and rank is so highly superior to others, that no other station could possibly be as pleasing and that no other type of woman could be accomplished enough for him. This is also where his pride lays is in his station.
I love how when you read books, more than movies, how your senses of the characters are heightened. Mr. Wickham seemed much more despicable after his flight and his fear of Mr. Darcy was brought out so much more. Mr. Darcy was so much better in the book, and Elizabeth's character was more lively and spirited. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet were all the more annoying. Altogether I really enjoyed it!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A poem...
Will You Ride With Me?
Will you ride,
ride with me
against a foreign sky?
And paint the trees a distant gold
and watch the leaves take flight.
Explore the edges of mankind
and caress the dreamers realm,
will you ride, can you ride,
dare you ride with me?
We'll touch the evening stars one by one,
and travel on the crying wind,
Say “adieu” to the waving prairie grass
which crying says, "Let me ride with you."
Oh how great your reward will be if you simply come with me.
The takers are few and the finishers nigh,
but oh what wonders will you see if you cast your fears aside.
We'll listen to the rustic cries of man and wolf alike
that take ones' heart caught with fright
captive to a distant land.
Together we can touch the sky, and kiss the waning moon
Cross the deserts sand and ice and never feel the bite.
The race is on, the distance far,
so, will you ride, can you ride, dare you ride with me?
Will you ride,
ride with me
against a foreign sky?
And paint the trees a distant gold
and watch the leaves take flight.
Explore the edges of mankind
and caress the dreamers realm,
will you ride, can you ride,
dare you ride with me?
We'll touch the evening stars one by one,
and travel on the crying wind,
Say “adieu” to the waving prairie grass
which crying says, "Let me ride with you."
Oh how great your reward will be if you simply come with me.
The takers are few and the finishers nigh,
but oh what wonders will you see if you cast your fears aside.
We'll listen to the rustic cries of man and wolf alike
that take ones' heart caught with fright
captive to a distant land.
Together we can touch the sky, and kiss the waning moon
Cross the deserts sand and ice and never feel the bite.
The race is on, the distance far,
so, will you ride, can you ride, dare you ride with me?
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Red Pyramid and Haddix
Best Selling author Rick Riordan brings to life another magical tale in The Red Pyramid, the dazzling story of two siblings. Sadie and Carter Kane have been living in two different worlds after being separated due to their mothers untimely death. They are brought together on a visiting day, one out of two given every year. But this one is different. Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane (their father) has been acting very strangely and Carter and Sadie can tell they're being followed on their way to a museum. And all to soon their lives take a sudden turn as they fight to survive by learning the ways of Egyptian Magicians and the Gods. Can they find their father again after his dangerous disappearance ? Is there a way to bring there mother back? Or will they even be able to save North America from the Gods? Come read The Red Pyramid and discover a world beyond our own.
I really liked this book. I wasn't to sure if this series could ever be as good as Percy Jackson is but they are definitely off in the right direction. I am so excited for the next one to come out!
Haddix, a book written by seasoned author Margaret Peterson- is a book that can take you both to the future and to the past as you find out the mystery behind two boys adoption and the secrets behind them.
Jonah Skidmore is just an average everyday 7th grader, the only difference is that he is adopted. But his overly cautious parents have taken every step they can to make him feel no different. That is until the letters start arriving, and not just to him but to his best friend Chip too. Determined to find their true identities Chip and Jonah open a world filled with time travel and mysterious disappearances, but they naturally couldn't have done this without the help of Jonah's little sister Katherine. So come join the three in an adventurous beginning of a tale, soon to continue.
I thought this book was really good. There was nothing phenomenal, but it was very pleasant to read, and I definitely wouldn't mind reading the other books in this series, or other books written by this author.
I really liked this book. I wasn't to sure if this series could ever be as good as Percy Jackson is but they are definitely off in the right direction. I am so excited for the next one to come out!
Haddix, a book written by seasoned author Margaret Peterson- is a book that can take you both to the future and to the past as you find out the mystery behind two boys adoption and the secrets behind them.
Jonah Skidmore is just an average everyday 7th grader, the only difference is that he is adopted. But his overly cautious parents have taken every step they can to make him feel no different. That is until the letters start arriving, and not just to him but to his best friend Chip too. Determined to find their true identities Chip and Jonah open a world filled with time travel and mysterious disappearances, but they naturally couldn't have done this without the help of Jonah's little sister Katherine. So come join the three in an adventurous beginning of a tale, soon to continue.
I thought this book was really good. There was nothing phenomenal, but it was very pleasant to read, and I definitely wouldn't mind reading the other books in this series, or other books written by this author.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Post Note on Dancing in the Rain
So there was some stuff that I forgot mention in my first post about foot surgery. One thing was that throughout 7th grade I went to physical therapy. It was really nice...mostly. First they would fill up a little tub with warm water. I then stuck my feet in it, they plugged it in, and “voilia” a small hot tub for my feet. And while my feet soaked I got to sit there and read. That was one of the best parts. Among many things I had to stretch my foot using therabands tied to a bed. One of those broke on me one time... I had to stand on one foot and bounce a ball on a small trampoline and catch it when it bounced back to me. They’d put a cream on my foot and rub it in to do an ultrasound- which is a way to make your muscles relax. For sports and such you usually warm your feet up by moving them in circles, (this movement comes from your ankles) this is something I really had to work hard on because I couldn't do it. Before I'd leave they would wrap my feet in ice and put sticky things on me that would shock my feet. This hurt when it got really strong and it was like I lost control of the muscles in my feet (they twitched even if I was trying to make them stop). The machine is called an electrical muscle stimulation machine.
Then came ballroom and high heels, need I say more. It got to a point where we had to get arch supports because my ankles weren't strong enough to walk right (I would walk pigeon-toed or on the outside of my foot). We had to get new shoes eventually because I'd worn out the outside of the heel but not the inside. Long story short- I got corrected and was able to perform a lot and also got to be in the schools’ talent show. Yay!
Then came ballroom and high heels, need I say more. It got to a point where we had to get arch supports because my ankles weren't strong enough to walk right (I would walk pigeon-toed or on the outside of my foot). We had to get new shoes eventually because I'd worn out the outside of the heel but not the inside. Long story short- I got corrected and was able to perform a lot and also got to be in the schools’ talent show. Yay!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Dancing in the Rain- One step at a time
Dance has always been one of my biggest lifelines, perhaps even my biggest. I have been dancing around 8 years (ish) if not more. I quit gymnastics so I could do what my big sister was doing and I have been at Clytie Adams since. Dancing is a way for me to let go. I may start out angry and upset but by the end of class I'm so happy (Most of the time) and have forgotten what had gone wrong that day. I also became best friends Clytie Su because of ballet (and school), got my pen pal and have so many other friends because of it. I started learning line dances in 3rd grade and in 6th grade I was doing multiple partner dances, my favorite being the swing with full lifts and stunts. My partner and I were able to win the 6th grade swing competition that year…yay! (Hey, it’s a lot bigger than it sounds) We were also in all the auditioned coupled dances, and all this time I was still doing ballet and had started modern dance.
Then the boulder hit. I learned that I would need to get foot surgery for my flat feet. It was either that, wear arch supports 80% of the rest of my life, or be in a wheel chair by the time I was 50- 60. (Especially where I’m bull-legged) And so it happened. I got the surgery and for a month I could not run or jump. I couldn’t go swimming or to the beach because the water would get into my stitches. I remember the night of my surgery I had had enough medications I could walk up the stairs. The next morning I woke up before my mom got home from her walk (the medication made me wake up early). I put my boots on and took one step and fell down in agony. I couldn't even crawl without it hurting and I had to wait for my mother to get home to carry back into my bedroom. Time passed and fortunately I was told I was making more progress than any other patient that doctor had ever had. But then, I had to go get my first pair of point shoes. My feet were swollen and so they placed me in the wrong brand of shoe, making my life miserable for me and I’m sure my teacher. I hated dance, it was horrible, I couldn’t do anything. I wanted to quit. I was also sick of my feet hurting when the weather was bad, or by just walking. I was still walking pigeon-toed. Luckily my father had given me a blessing and my family was there to support me.
So in 7th grade I auditioned for the Davis County Ballroom Team and made it on to the 8th grade team. It was lots of fun and I even got to do an improved performance one night. I was able to make Nutcracker, even though from off stage my mother could see me dancing pigeon toed and on the outside of my foot. By 8th grade I got placed into the right brand of point shoe. I quit DCB team and went to a smaller one for half of the year. I was able to run, and slowly the pigeon toe went away. I got to perform on point shoes for my recital dance and did very well.
Welcome to 9th grade. I have ballet three times a week, modern and jazz once a week, and Nutcracker once a week. This is my seventh year in Nutcracker (the maximum that you can do at my age.)I love running and other sports and my feet rarely bother me. I am still bull-legged which makes life hard in the dance world…but it’s fun to be different I guess! My feet are strong and after a couple weeks, we finally found the perfect way for me to wear my point shoes. If you watch me walk I walk on the outside of my foot (come tell me if you see me doing it so I can fix it!) and I still stand pigeon toed some times (again if you see me doing this come tell me). I have a teacher who is helping my with any hip and turn-out problems I may have. One thing she said has helped me so much to conquer this challenge.
“She is strong. She has the mental capability to learn combination's so fast that I didn’t know it was humanly possible. She is able to do things others can’t and has such a gorgeous upper body and arms, and can feel the music. I love to watch her dance. She is gorgeous.”
Saturday, October 23, 2010
DHS Marching Band- How can I write so little about so much?!
This picture didn't work to wonderfully. I didn't want to use flash.
So, I know that when I talk about being in the Davis High Marching Band some of your eyes glaze over or you get really confused… so I’m going to try to clear some of that up.
I got the option to go into Davis’ marching band a year earlier than most people, so excitedly I took it. It was scary and confusing at first, but I grew to the point where it became the highlight of my summer.
The first thing you learn how to do is come to “set” or “attention”. So, to come to attention someone with authority claps 4 times and yells “Band A-ten-hut” then you put your hands clasped together in front of you, your eyes above them, heels together and toes apart. Then you yell back “DHS”
“Band Ten-hut”
“Pride”
“Band Ten-hut”
“Pride”
“Band A-ten-hut”
“DHS”
(The goal is to “feel the pride inside”, so you yell this as loud as possible.)
You learn how to march- glide step, and then you put in blocks, pods and lines. You learn to turn corners properly (my favorite!), how to march in a box (ex. Forward eight, right eight, back eight, left eight), slides- this is how you march to the sides- you twist so your body stays forwards and your other half goes to the side your going ;back march- Marching backwards on your toes; About face- turning, etc. Here you also learn Medusa (Most of this is learned in a gigantic “basics block”). This is when you’re in set and people come up to and try to get you to look at them or crack a smile, or lose your perfect position.
Going into the band I knew one thing already- “Celebrate”. When you celebrate you do push-ups for doing something wrong or off task. So, when we do practice parade routes in the mornings after we play a song you’ll see people come flying out to the sides, do push-ups or crunches and then charge back in. Occasionally you can see whole sections suddenly pop out.
During all this you learn this is not Mr. Hendricks’ band, Ricky’s, Becca’s or any of the leaders. It’s not James’or Travis'. It’s ours. And by choosing to poorly reflect it by not practicing or memorizing your music, or goofing off, you hurt everyone. The choice is yours.
Sectionals are a fun way and common way to spend the three hour practice time. They can get old doing it every day, but usually they are tons of fun. You work on your music, practice marching, dodge the trombone section that’s trying to kill you, etc. The best thing about marching band was they really didn’t about your outfit (you were wearing shorts, t-shirts, and sunglasses most of the time), and it wasn’t about who could play the instrument. Everyone was nice to everyone and anyone. It was like being in your favorite subject with 20 of your best friends.
Basically the first hour was spent on music. Then second on sectionals, pods, and passing music off. And the third hour was spent in basic blocks and
Parades are another fun thing. (I only marched parade season- summer band). We played “Dear Old Davis High”, “When the Darts”, “Joy to the World”- no not the Christmas song and “Anyway You Want It”. The thing that makes parades so great in my book is calls. Calls are things you do that spice things up. An example is called Hang Loose- the whole band does this one- you spell out Davis Darts, etc. and then the whole band gets to break formation and do whatever they want to do, run around, brush hair out of their face (this is the only time your allowed to touch your face, break set (while not playing your instrument, or trail position), whatever and then they all come back in and start marching at the exact same time. Other calls include- Sexy or Manly trail, Bust a Move- My favorite, Sprinkler, Smile and Wave and so on.
After parade season comes field show which I didn’t do because I’m only a ninth grader. It’s slightly insane to memorize around ten minutes of music and be able to march exactly where you were placed, stay in line, etc. One part of the show went 180 beats per measure too! I went to Davis Cup, and really enjoyed. Each of the schools’ bands represented them so well! The Drum Majors’ salute was incredible and the band was amazing! Mr. Hendricks’ face was glowing when they walked off.(I am sure the Hendrickses are glad that it is over, even though there are still many competitions to come). Davis High took second place! The band should be so proud of all of its accomplishments.
At the end of all rehearsals you go to parade rest. You step into a wider stance with your left foot and put your instruments in both hands with your arms in front of you. They then say “Feel the Pride inside.” And you make a snake like sound, and then they call you to attention (read above to find what you do) and then-
(Question) (Response)
Heels- Together
Toes- Apart
Stomachs- In
Chest- Out
Shoulders- Back
Head- Up
Eyes- With pride!!! Eyes- With Pride!!!
Who’s got the best band? - DHS
Do you believe it? - Yes sir! (Repeat)
Band dismissed- Davis!!!
I could still write so much more, that’s simply just a small sample of what it’s like to be able to be part of a legend.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hidalgo
I watched Hidalgo during UEA and I really enjoyed it. I loved the Native American and Arabic culture that flowed throughout the whole film. I loved the Mustang and its attitude, and I couldn't believe that the whole film was based on a true story! If you haven't watched it I would suggest it. It wasn't my favorite film and there are some iffy parts to it, but generally it was amazing! Also, the soundtrack was gorgeous! I loved it! My favorite song that I've listened to is called "Let 'er Buck".
The Yearling...
The tale of a young man and his fawn, The Yearling, creates an epic account of a child growing to manhood. Growing "as fast as an otter" the story surrounds Jody, the son of respected farmer Penny Baxter, and his wife Ory (better known as Ma Baxter). Jody faces with his family the hardships and sorrows that can only be expected growing up on Baxter's Island in Florida. Jody has many friends such as, Oliver, Grandma Hutto, and Fodder-wing, but none compares to and takes the loneliness of being an only child away from Jody as much as Flag, his fawn.
So come read the 1931 Pulitzer Prize book written by esteemed author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and join Join in the heart warming account of small boy and his fawn, soon to become yearlings.
I can't overly say I enjoyed this book, it was rather boring... I really enjoyed the ending where Jody makes the switch from a child to a young man, but I was obviously sad at that one part (which I will not mention because those who have read it know exactly what I'm talking about). One of the things that amazed me in this book was how people could just tame animals, like raccoons, touch bear cubs, and have wild animals as pets!
I'd rate it a 2-3 just because of how slow it was, but it was still in some ways really good.
A Book Review- This is a book review that I wrote after reading Catching Fire.
The book I chose to read is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. I chose to read this book because it is the second of the Hunger Games series.
The setting of the book is in many places. It takes place in the Districts one through twelve and even goes into the hidden secret of District 13. There is also the high society Capitol and the new “clock” arena.
The main character of this book is Katniss. She is the return champion of the Hunger Games. She went into the Hunger Games in the first book of this series to save her little sister from certain death. Her father died when she was little in a mine shaft and she has been taking care of her family ever since. That is where two more characters come in. Gale and Peeta. Gale found Katniss when she was hunting and they soon became hunting partners, teaching each other what they know. When Katniss came home he stated that he loved her, which creates a huge conflict inside of Katniss. Peeta is the son of a baker. He was beaten trying to sneak Katniss food when she was smaller, even though he didn’t know her. In the first book he gets sent into the arena with Katniss and does everything in his power to save her. In other words, he like Gale has stated that he loved Katniss. There is also Haymitch, Katniss and Peeta’s trainer.
The main conflict is that a huge uprising has started in the Districts because of Katniss. She must save her family and her friends, from an almost certain death if she goofs up.
Returning home from the Hunger Games Katniss wishes that everything could just be normal. She knows, however, that that will never happen. The Capitol will do anything to cover up for her stunt at the end of the Hunger Games. She is visited by President Snow, who tells her that she must cover the stunt up by acting like she was even more of a love struck teenager then she has ever been before. If she is not able to do this her family and friends will be in danger.
Then comes the victory tour, she must go around to the districts and show her undying love to Peeta. Unfortunately, the uprisings grow worse as Peeta and her tour the Districts. Now is the time that she must choose to fight or remain still. She chooses to fight and stay in District 12, but the Capitol has something else planned. The next Hunger Games and this time it’s the 75 anniversary, which means that something special is going to happen. The contestants will be chosen from past winners. Out of her mind Katniss gets drunk with Haymitch where they finally make the promise they have known needed to be made. Protect Peeta at all costs.
Inside the training grounds Peeta and Katniss try to make friends for the arena and allies. Then they are sent to the arena. Filled with many twists they fight to stay alive. Only something is weird. All of the contestants are keeping Peeta alive and not letting him get hurt. But why?
I loved this book! I think that about anyone who read it would like this book. It is filled with massive twists and turns that I left out of this report. I admit that it definitely had some very strange parts to it, but mostly it was incredible.
So come read the 1931 Pulitzer Prize book written by esteemed author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and join Join in the heart warming account of small boy and his fawn, soon to become yearlings.
I can't overly say I enjoyed this book, it was rather boring... I really enjoyed the ending where Jody makes the switch from a child to a young man, but I was obviously sad at that one part (which I will not mention because those who have read it know exactly what I'm talking about). One of the things that amazed me in this book was how people could just tame animals, like raccoons, touch bear cubs, and have wild animals as pets!
I'd rate it a 2-3 just because of how slow it was, but it was still in some ways really good.
A Book Review- This is a book review that I wrote after reading Catching Fire.
The book I chose to read is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. I chose to read this book because it is the second of the Hunger Games series.
The setting of the book is in many places. It takes place in the Districts one through twelve and even goes into the hidden secret of District 13. There is also the high society Capitol and the new “clock” arena.
The main character of this book is Katniss. She is the return champion of the Hunger Games. She went into the Hunger Games in the first book of this series to save her little sister from certain death. Her father died when she was little in a mine shaft and she has been taking care of her family ever since. That is where two more characters come in. Gale and Peeta. Gale found Katniss when she was hunting and they soon became hunting partners, teaching each other what they know. When Katniss came home he stated that he loved her, which creates a huge conflict inside of Katniss. Peeta is the son of a baker. He was beaten trying to sneak Katniss food when she was smaller, even though he didn’t know her. In the first book he gets sent into the arena with Katniss and does everything in his power to save her. In other words, he like Gale has stated that he loved Katniss. There is also Haymitch, Katniss and Peeta’s trainer.
The main conflict is that a huge uprising has started in the Districts because of Katniss. She must save her family and her friends, from an almost certain death if she goofs up.
Returning home from the Hunger Games Katniss wishes that everything could just be normal. She knows, however, that that will never happen. The Capitol will do anything to cover up for her stunt at the end of the Hunger Games. She is visited by President Snow, who tells her that she must cover the stunt up by acting like she was even more of a love struck teenager then she has ever been before. If she is not able to do this her family and friends will be in danger.
Then comes the victory tour, she must go around to the districts and show her undying love to Peeta. Unfortunately, the uprisings grow worse as Peeta and her tour the Districts. Now is the time that she must choose to fight or remain still. She chooses to fight and stay in District 12, but the Capitol has something else planned. The next Hunger Games and this time it’s the 75 anniversary, which means that something special is going to happen. The contestants will be chosen from past winners. Out of her mind Katniss gets drunk with Haymitch where they finally make the promise they have known needed to be made. Protect Peeta at all costs.
Inside the training grounds Peeta and Katniss try to make friends for the arena and allies. Then they are sent to the arena. Filled with many twists they fight to stay alive. Only something is weird. All of the contestants are keeping Peeta alive and not letting him get hurt. But why?
I loved this book! I think that about anyone who read it would like this book. It is filled with massive twists and turns that I left out of this report. I admit that it definitely had some very strange parts to it, but mostly it was incredible.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Nationals #1
So for the past two years I’ve been able to go to National Science Olympiad. The first one I attended was in Atlanta, Georgia and the second one was in Champaign- Urbana, Illinois.
A little background…
My brother joined Fairfield’s Science Olympiad in its prime. Almost the whole school would come to try out. Like a good little sister, I went and watched the awards assembly and attended the ice cream party afterwards. Even in third grade I knew this was something I wanted to do.
In seventh grade I tried out for Science Olympiad. I showed up on Halloween and took the hardest test of my life. The test consisted of part of the science ACT practice test I think, and a 9th grade end of level test. The best analogy I’ve heard to explain the test is-
“You see how well you’ve learned to guess.”
A few months after this when I’m at my grandparents house, Matt called me and told me that Mr. Erickson needed me to compete at Nationals for a few events. It was a very lucky thing that there was no hole in the roof.
So I got to compete in Nationals in Georgia. But due to a prior conflict, I didn’t get to fly out with the team. We stayed at one of the team members Aunt and Uncle’s house for the first night (they had the cutest dogs!). The houses in Georgia are so cool!!! If you have ever seen Gone with the Wind, they really are that big and magnificent. In fact my mother sat and talked to the aunt (who was so nice to us) about Gone with the Wind. I had always thought my mom was nuts because she liked the book and the movie so much, but now that I’ve read and seen the movie, I share the madness. The next morning we got up around what would be 3:00 A.M here and started out to meet the team at a Science Museum. Something I thought was interesting was that the roads in Georgia hardly have any billboards because there are huge trees, and thick bushes that grow along the side of the road.
Science museums are my favorite part about Nationals. Every year we get to go to the most incredible museums! We had TONS of fun at this one! Then came the dreaded competition, I had the first event because Bottle Rockets was on Friday instead of Saturday. (That was probably my favorite event.) Basically for a National Competition they stick you on a college campus give you a home room, and amongst your events you can wander about and explore the campus. My second event was Wright Stuff. It wasn’t very wonderful. Wright Stuff is when you fly a plane that is made out of balsa wood and has an elastic motor (there are more details than just that though). Because it is a “building event” you are allowed time to test fly your plane, only ours wasn’t working. Melanie, my partner couldn’t come to the test flight with me because she had an event running right through the time. So Kyle came to save the day and helped me until he had to go work on his event called “Scrambler”. (All through this time no coaches are allowed in the gym) Finally, in a state of panic I left and told my mom what was going on, then we told Mr. Erickson and for an hour we went into a lobby and flew the plane until it was working better. Yay! (It didn’t fly to well when we were competing, but we had put the whole thing together in a month, which makes it a miracle it could even fly…) Next came Science Crime Busters- solve a crime and clean up all in 50 minutes! Melanie was my partner again and we had some very serious goggle lines by the end of the competition, which resulted in some very cute pictures. My goggles kept fogging up during the competition due to the humidity though, and though that was annoying the day ended up fairly positive. We partied, had the awards assembly, had a lovely meal, and I got to go home and have my birthday! It was a great week!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Small Handed Pianists
For all of you pianists that have small hands, you should appreciate this. (That definitely includes me!!) For those who don't play the piano or have large hands you should still enjoy this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifKKlhYF53w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifKKlhYF53w&feature=related
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Final Scores
My piano team got all superiors at our competition, and we got honored at the Honors Recital.
And....Utah State won BYU in football!!! Yay!!!
And....Utah State won BYU in football!!! Yay!!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Pictures again...
"The journey is the reward."
Chinese Proverb
The pictures look cooler if you click on them.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
DAR- Gettysburg Address
When I was in 7th grade I entered the Daughters of the American Revolution Essay contest. The theme was "The Ideals of the Gettysburg Address". I was able to win 3 out of the 4 levels of this competition. I couldn't find the final draft, but I think this copy is practically identical. Enjoy, and feel free to comment...hint, hint.
Four and a half months after the Gettysburg Battle was fought, on November 19th, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln stood and delivered what is one of the most quoted speeches in American History, known as the Gettysburg Address. This two and a half minute speech changed the meaning of the Civil War for the Union.
In Lincoln’s speech he revealed three very important topics. The first is “all men are created equal”, the second, “It is rather for us here dedicated to the great task remaining before us…,” and the third key concept is “a new birth of freedom.”
When he said that “all men are created equal” the general meaning was slavery and discrimination towards the blacks. When President Lincoln was elected the South knew that it could be devastating for them. They were accustomed to using slaves to harvest the main crop of the South, cotton, and also for many tasks around the plantations. At this time 57% of U.S. exports, was cotton. If they lost the War they lost their slaves and their livelihood.
The second topic President Lincoln addressed was the fact that the people should be dedicated to the work which the dead soldiers had fought for as well as those still fighting. The country was separated into the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South). It was necessary for them to unite so they could succeed as a nation.
It is a common belief that slavery was the main cause of the Civil War, when in reality the big issue was state rights with the states wanting to create their own laws and not be subject to Federal Laws. In the Gettysburg Address President Lincoln presented the fact that to become a free nation they would have to join together.
In the closing of the Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln presented his hope that at the conclusion of the Civil War the United States would be able to proceed as George Washington and the founding fathers had meant for it to be: “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”That the country would be able to learn from this experience and become stronger.
Many years later the ideals presented in the Gettysburg Address still relate to our nation today. If the Gettysburg Address was recited now and those same three topics mentioned were addressed, how would our country change?
The first issue was “all men are created equal”. Even though slavery became illegal at the end of the Civil War, the oppression towards black did not end at that time. It took more than one hundred years for blacks to begin being treated as equals. In fact history was made in the last presidential election when the country elected its first African American President. However, stereotypes still exist and there are issues today on religious and non religious beliefs.
In the last presidential election one of the many topics of debate was the size and power of the federal government versus the size and power of each state. It seems that in all the years since President Lincoln gave his speech the correct balance for state rights versus federal rights is still trying to be determined.
When President Lincoln stated that he hoped “that this nation, under god, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”. One hundred forty six years later, the United States has been privileged enough to enjoy the blessings of freedom.
Through President Lincoln’s speech he showed the Union what the war was about. It took many years after the war for the country to start becoming united. It was after the Gettysburg Address, however, that the war turned in the North’s favor. The Gettysburg Address contained many important ideas about the country then and still relate today.
Four and a half months after the Gettysburg Battle was fought, on November 19th, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln stood and delivered what is one of the most quoted speeches in American History, known as the Gettysburg Address. This two and a half minute speech changed the meaning of the Civil War for the Union.
In Lincoln’s speech he revealed three very important topics. The first is “all men are created equal”, the second, “It is rather for us here dedicated to the great task remaining before us…,” and the third key concept is “a new birth of freedom.”
When he said that “all men are created equal” the general meaning was slavery and discrimination towards the blacks. When President Lincoln was elected the South knew that it could be devastating for them. They were accustomed to using slaves to harvest the main crop of the South, cotton, and also for many tasks around the plantations. At this time 57% of U.S. exports, was cotton. If they lost the War they lost their slaves and their livelihood.
The second topic President Lincoln addressed was the fact that the people should be dedicated to the work which the dead soldiers had fought for as well as those still fighting. The country was separated into the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South). It was necessary for them to unite so they could succeed as a nation.
It is a common belief that slavery was the main cause of the Civil War, when in reality the big issue was state rights with the states wanting to create their own laws and not be subject to Federal Laws. In the Gettysburg Address President Lincoln presented the fact that to become a free nation they would have to join together.
In the closing of the Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln presented his hope that at the conclusion of the Civil War the United States would be able to proceed as George Washington and the founding fathers had meant for it to be: “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”That the country would be able to learn from this experience and become stronger.
Many years later the ideals presented in the Gettysburg Address still relate to our nation today. If the Gettysburg Address was recited now and those same three topics mentioned were addressed, how would our country change?
The first issue was “all men are created equal”. Even though slavery became illegal at the end of the Civil War, the oppression towards black did not end at that time. It took more than one hundred years for blacks to begin being treated as equals. In fact history was made in the last presidential election when the country elected its first African American President. However, stereotypes still exist and there are issues today on religious and non religious beliefs.
In the last presidential election one of the many topics of debate was the size and power of the federal government versus the size and power of each state. It seems that in all the years since President Lincoln gave his speech the correct balance for state rights versus federal rights is still trying to be determined.
When President Lincoln stated that he hoped “that this nation, under god, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”. One hundred forty six years later, the United States has been privileged enough to enjoy the blessings of freedom.
Through President Lincoln’s speech he showed the Union what the war was about. It took many years after the war for the country to start becoming united. It was after the Gettysburg Address, however, that the war turned in the North’s favor. The Gettysburg Address contained many important ideas about the country then and still relate today.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Farmer's Market
I walk curiously through the jungle of venders, and entertainers. Home grown, fresh vegetables, lay out in baskets for wanderers to look at. Bakers lay out their sweets, their aroma enticing passer bys. The sound of guitars and drums feels my ears, and I turn to see a small band to the side of me, a music case open, trying to get money for their talents. We continue down the street. Soaps, flowers and other scents feel my nose, each trying to get me to go to where they come from. I follow the flow of the crowd. They are friendly and helpful to each other as they walk the cemented side walk. Dogs of all kinds follow their masters, trying to get a bite here and there, of the fresh fruit being passed out. A piano player sits on a stool playing the large piano he towed to the park on his old bike. A hat sits on stool near him. There are homemade skirts, and jewelry booths. Their crowds are small, their prices far too expensive for the average window shoppers pocket. Trees shade me as I walk through the veritable circus surrounding me. Chatter fills the air, my friend and I laughing along, adding to the raucous. A horridly peculiar scent tingles my nose hairs. Together we search the booths to find the cause of such a disturbance on this pleasant day, only to see some form of noxious weed smoking on a table of a woman with dried herbs and small sunflowers. The melodious sound of drums comes to me as I look at dangling, loose knitted scarves. A girl dances in the grass by the drummer with hoops circling her twisting body. Colors and fragrances run in heavy abundance here. Finally we go, and leave the maze behind us.
Piano Team
These were taken while my piano team was warming up for our competition this morning. They're not that wonderful, but I don't want to show any pictures with faces. We competed at Baldassin Piano store. We were able to compete on 5 grand pianos! We played The Entertainer,Argonaise and Sabre Dance.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
More of my quotes
These are so more of my favorite quotes...
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at your, then they fight you, then you win."
Ghandi
"What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail."
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflections. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death."
-Leonardo da Vinci
"The world can use these words. I know this now. Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, yet they giver their lives to that little or nothing. One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. Then it is gone. But to surrender what you are and live without belief, that's more terrible that dying. Even dying young."
-Joan of Arcs last words
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at your, then they fight you, then you win."
Ghandi
"What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail."
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflections. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death."
-Leonardo da Vinci
"The world can use these words. I know this now. Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, yet they giver their lives to that little or nothing. One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. Then it is gone. But to surrender what you are and live without belief, that's more terrible that dying. Even dying young."
-Joan of Arcs last words
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Story Prologue...Please Comment!!!
This is a beginning/ prologue of a story that I've written...It is just a Rough Draft, and will have SOOOOOOO much more editing! Anyway, I thought I'd post it and see what people thought. So as you critique and cringe just keep thinking rough draft! (:
"She has to go... if only for her own safety."
"But she's so young."
"Don't you dare try to protect her! She isn't so young anymore, she's a woman, if only because she's been forced to be one."
The man said with the slightest thread of affection stinging his voice.
He looked through the crack of the wooded door, to the small figure lying on an rough army cot that he had secretly watched for the past seventeen years. Her thick raven curls were strewn across her body framing her face like a porcelain doll. Her aristocratic face was gently inclined to the left, her hand gently touching her cheek. Her eyelids were still darkened and painted from her restless day. A stream of light flowing in from the door crack gently showed where the sun had kissed her face, bringing the look of blush to her paled complexion. Her other hand laid gently off to the side, laying on a colorful woven blanket that lifted up and down with each gentle and emollient breath.
"Where will she go?" The woman pleaded
"The America's."
"No!" The woman's voice suddenly went hoarse.
"There is no other choice, they'll find her if she goes anywhere else, at least to quickly anyways."A touch of humor came back into his black voice.
"How will you tell her?"
"Oh, no doubt she probably already knows."
The tall silhouettes left the door frame just as the dark green eyes opened.
"She has to go... if only for her own safety."
"But she's so young."
"Don't you dare try to protect her! She isn't so young anymore, she's a woman, if only because she's been forced to be one."
The man said with the slightest thread of affection stinging his voice.
He looked through the crack of the wooded door, to the small figure lying on an rough army cot that he had secretly watched for the past seventeen years. Her thick raven curls were strewn across her body framing her face like a porcelain doll. Her aristocratic face was gently inclined to the left, her hand gently touching her cheek. Her eyelids were still darkened and painted from her restless day. A stream of light flowing in from the door crack gently showed where the sun had kissed her face, bringing the look of blush to her paled complexion. Her other hand laid gently off to the side, laying on a colorful woven blanket that lifted up and down with each gentle and emollient breath.
"Where will she go?" The woman pleaded
"The America's."
"No!" The woman's voice suddenly went hoarse.
"There is no other choice, they'll find her if she goes anywhere else, at least to quickly anyways."A touch of humor came back into his black voice.
"How will you tell her?"
"Oh, no doubt she probably already knows."
The tall silhouettes left the door frame just as the dark green eyes opened.
Monday, September 20, 2010
My first true rant
Oh the limits of teenage language, was one of the first things that popped into my head as I walked out of school today. I had a class today where people around me were talking about inappropriate matters and swearing, then I walked out and people were constantly calling each other dude, etc. While I can see people saying, "Hi guys," or "Hi dude," once or twice, I don't believe that we need to start every sentence with it. I'm not saying that we need to speak like Shakespeare or Dumas, but we do not need to sound totally illiterate. Swearing in my opinion is the worse way to talk. Some may argue the need for colorful language to express our opinions. I truly doubt that. It sounds much more colorful to say something else then to put all your feelings in one word form that take's the Lord's name in vain... End of my first true rant.
Quote of the day- "The limits of our language are the limits of our world."
Quote of the day- "The limits of our language are the limits of our world."
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Random...
We all know that practicing an instrument can get kind of boring. That is until you get the camera out...
So yes, this picture is definitely not incredible - it is slightly interesting.
Just so you know- You can click on the pictures and they come up bigger. You probably already knew this, but if your like me, it could be a novel idea.
Campout
To put it simply, 9th grade is far more stressful than any other junior high school grade yet. And even for people who thrive off of that stress, like me, it's been way too much! So luckily I was able to attend a Young Woman's camp out. It is amazing how much fun you can have with girls your own age (also the leaders), and that have the same beliefs as you. Each and every one of them is incredible! It was also really nice, because none of the people in my ward go to my school, and as much as that could seem a downer (and sometimes it really is) it takes off even more pressure. Where we went is owned by about 8 stakes and is up around Pine View Reservoir. The trees were all turning their different colors. It's slightly amazing how things are the most beautiful just before they die. (Yes, that's a slightly strange last line, but it really is true... most of the time)
Quote of the day: "If the grass is greener on the other side, maybe it's time to water your own."
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Quotes
I absolutely love quotes! So here are just a few. (There will be so many more throughout the year) If you have any quotes that you like, please feel free to post them to me or something!
"I believe in the sun even when it is not there, in love when I am alone, in God even when he is silent."
- Prisoner at a concentration camp
----Random note: A really good book is called "The Silence of God" by Gale Sears.-----
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
- George Bernard Shaw
"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."
- Maya Angelou
"It's always darkest just before dawn."
-"Pursued"- Maggie McKenzie Mystery
"I believe in the sun even when it is not there, in love when I am alone, in God even when he is silent."
- Prisoner at a concentration camp
----Random note: A really good book is called "The Silence of God" by Gale Sears.-----
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
- George Bernard Shaw
"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."
- Maya Angelou
"It's always darkest just before dawn."
-"Pursued"- Maggie McKenzie Mystery
Rain- A Short Story
I love to write short stories. This is one that I wrote when I was in 8th grade. Feel free to post comments on it.
It felt as if someone had put smoldering coals into the already muggy Georgian air. Even the cream painted wood seemed to be sweating under my hands. The dirt on the porch had puddle with the inhuman humidity. The orange- gold sun started descending under the green, lush trees.
“How could it be?” I asked myself.
“How come we never got caught?” I stood there, just myself and the small trickling of an unexpected shower. I looked up realizing I must have been standing in my polished new raven colored boots for hours. It had been exactly like this, sixty years before, on this very day, when it had all started.
The moon light climbed over the statue of a small slave carrying a burning lamp. Rain fell like tears as if heaven was crying for some reason and we could only pray it wasn’t for what we were doing.
I sat on a swing in the black night listening to the gentle creaking of the new oak wood rocking chair next to me were my mother sat. I was a basic imitation of her with her curly auburn locks. The only difference between my mother and I was I had the bluest eyes in the state and my mother had the darkest. The tension between the 2 of us could not have been destroyed even if lighting had struck the almost visible rays of it.
My father should have been here. He was the richest most well-known, outspoken man with salted hair around. Surely, they wouldn’t have stopped him at the checkpoint. Then it came. The sound of dis-planted mud being pitched back at the earth, the drumming of the ground and a small lantern light, that to us we were sure was as obvious and bright as the burning sun.
The carriage pulled into the narrow trail leading past us and into the brown mahogany shed that stood by our Victorian mansion. I quietly rushed into the house; pass the burning fire that warmed the freezing wood under my feet, past the 3 bowls of inviting Boston clam chowder to the back door. Outside I heard the startling call of a willow- warbler, once, twice, three times. I pushed the back door open and 2 dark figures came through the door. I quickly ushered them past the closed curtains, to the fire box. I opened its tiny doors and pulled them in with me. We went rushing down the cemented stairway into a tiny drab room. Room was an overstatement. I t was more like a tiny black box. I stumbled around in the darkness till I found the oil lamp, which I quickly lit.
There they were. Their black eyes met my blue and conveyed the messages “I’m lost”, “I’m hungry”, “I’m cold”, but most of all “I’m scared.
“I’m Alexandria” I offered
“I’m Sinda said the taller of the 2, and this is Oney.” Their clothes were ragged and bloodied. I smiled wider attempting to not cry. After we fed them and got them to lie down and sleep, I went to my elaborate room and quickly changed to my lace nightgown. I looked out the window, past the falling sky, and the dripping old trees and saw a light, coming closer and closer towards us. I tried to stay calm, but I knew then and there, the heavens were crying for our reason.
Within minutes they knocked on our door. The pounding was like thunder against the illustrious Georgian, almost aristocratic room.
“In the name of the confederate army, we command that you open your door at once.”
I rushed down the stairs only to see my father placidly open the door. Five young men rushed into our home, guns shining in the candle light.
“Excuse me Mr. York, we have had multiple accusations against you being a part of the so called Underground Railroad and would like to relieve ourselves of the burden of getting more complaints. May we please check your house?” The voice was familiar and then I realized it was Bobby Lund, my best friends’ brother.
“Of course” I dreamed my father said, and suddenly came to the brief realization that he had. Luckily none of the soldiers had seen my terrified face.
As we sat in my parlor, me reading Dickens, Mother doing a needle point and father reading the newspaper, I heard the sound of 2 oak doors being opened and the sound of footsteps going down cool cement steps.
Eons later the soldiers entered the room, again Bobby was the spokesman.
“Sir, we apologize for this intrusion.”
I couldn’t believe it, but as I escorted them to the door Bobby turned and winked. My heart raced, my stomach felt as if it had burst, and my breath caught in my chest.
“Good night Miss. York”
I stood there door open with my family. Wind pushing at my braided hair, and my long blue candle extinguished.
Sixty years later I stood in the same door way. My name had changed, my face, my dress. Only 4 things hadn’t changed at all over the years. My hair, my eyes, my shock, and the rain.
It felt as if someone had put smoldering coals into the already muggy Georgian air. Even the cream painted wood seemed to be sweating under my hands. The dirt on the porch had puddle with the inhuman humidity. The orange- gold sun started descending under the green, lush trees.
“How could it be?” I asked myself.
“How come we never got caught?” I stood there, just myself and the small trickling of an unexpected shower. I looked up realizing I must have been standing in my polished new raven colored boots for hours. It had been exactly like this, sixty years before, on this very day, when it had all started.
The moon light climbed over the statue of a small slave carrying a burning lamp. Rain fell like tears as if heaven was crying for some reason and we could only pray it wasn’t for what we were doing.
I sat on a swing in the black night listening to the gentle creaking of the new oak wood rocking chair next to me were my mother sat. I was a basic imitation of her with her curly auburn locks. The only difference between my mother and I was I had the bluest eyes in the state and my mother had the darkest. The tension between the 2 of us could not have been destroyed even if lighting had struck the almost visible rays of it.
My father should have been here. He was the richest most well-known, outspoken man with salted hair around. Surely, they wouldn’t have stopped him at the checkpoint. Then it came. The sound of dis-planted mud being pitched back at the earth, the drumming of the ground and a small lantern light, that to us we were sure was as obvious and bright as the burning sun.
The carriage pulled into the narrow trail leading past us and into the brown mahogany shed that stood by our Victorian mansion. I quietly rushed into the house; pass the burning fire that warmed the freezing wood under my feet, past the 3 bowls of inviting Boston clam chowder to the back door. Outside I heard the startling call of a willow- warbler, once, twice, three times. I pushed the back door open and 2 dark figures came through the door. I quickly ushered them past the closed curtains, to the fire box. I opened its tiny doors and pulled them in with me. We went rushing down the cemented stairway into a tiny drab room. Room was an overstatement. I t was more like a tiny black box. I stumbled around in the darkness till I found the oil lamp, which I quickly lit.
There they were. Their black eyes met my blue and conveyed the messages “I’m lost”, “I’m hungry”, “I’m cold”, but most of all “I’m scared.
“I’m Alexandria” I offered
“I’m Sinda said the taller of the 2, and this is Oney.” Their clothes were ragged and bloodied. I smiled wider attempting to not cry. After we fed them and got them to lie down and sleep, I went to my elaborate room and quickly changed to my lace nightgown. I looked out the window, past the falling sky, and the dripping old trees and saw a light, coming closer and closer towards us. I tried to stay calm, but I knew then and there, the heavens were crying for our reason.
Within minutes they knocked on our door. The pounding was like thunder against the illustrious Georgian, almost aristocratic room.
“In the name of the confederate army, we command that you open your door at once.”
I rushed down the stairs only to see my father placidly open the door. Five young men rushed into our home, guns shining in the candle light.
“Excuse me Mr. York, we have had multiple accusations against you being a part of the so called Underground Railroad and would like to relieve ourselves of the burden of getting more complaints. May we please check your house?” The voice was familiar and then I realized it was Bobby Lund, my best friends’ brother.
“Of course” I dreamed my father said, and suddenly came to the brief realization that he had. Luckily none of the soldiers had seen my terrified face.
As we sat in my parlor, me reading Dickens, Mother doing a needle point and father reading the newspaper, I heard the sound of 2 oak doors being opened and the sound of footsteps going down cool cement steps.
Eons later the soldiers entered the room, again Bobby was the spokesman.
“Sir, we apologize for this intrusion.”
I couldn’t believe it, but as I escorted them to the door Bobby turned and winked. My heart raced, my stomach felt as if it had burst, and my breath caught in my chest.
“Good night Miss. York”
I stood there door open with my family. Wind pushing at my braided hair, and my long blue candle extinguished.
Sixty years later I stood in the same door way. My name had changed, my face, my dress. Only 4 things hadn’t changed at all over the years. My hair, my eyes, my shock, and the rain.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Fermata's Note
There may be some of you curious about why I used Fermata's Note for a blog name. So, I'm going to tell you. Music has always been a huge chunk of my life. It started to be one by the time I hit about 1st grade, when I really liked to sing…a lot. Also by the time I was in first or second grade I started to learn how to play the piano. Then, when I was in 4th grade I started playing the chimes. (The one's you may see in the Bell choir at Temple Square that are long and straight). Then later I got into the solo chime group, and also was in the choir that sang along with some of the numbers. (We also learned the penny whistle) After that I switched piano teachers and started competing in Federation, Ensemble and AIM competitions. I also started playing the flute in seventh grade, which then eventually went on to the piccolo. I was in the Davis High Marching Band (piccolo) this past summer, which was an amazing experience and I can't wait to be a "veteran" next year! I'm now attempting to learn the saxophone... learning, and attempting, being the key words in that sentence. I'm also on a five person piano team, which between the kids and the learning curve is absolutely hilarious and fun! I still enjoy singing. (Just ask any member of my family- Huge Smiley Face) I also am a dancer, which goes (in my opinion) hand in hand with music. I'm currently in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz, and at one point I was in a ballroom class. My favorite genre of music is probably Broadway Music (mostly the older plays and songs) and Movie Soundtracks. However, I will listen to almost any type of music, unless it's serious opera- due to the fact I usually break out laughing- and rap. There are a few others but those remain the main ones. So, now you know why I'm Fermata.
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