Wow... It's been a While!

Seriously though. It has been such a long time since I've last made any sort of blog post. I shouldn't neglect my blog so much. It's not very nice. 

There's been so much going on that I simply haven't had much time to come up with something to post about. Between Driver's Ed, and school, and the holidays my time has pretty much been consumed elsewhere. But, that's okay because in a few days it will be the beginning of a new year so there will be an opportunity to get better at posting more frequently. Or try to at least. 

So with that, I will leave you with something to think about. I certainly have. In a later post I'll share my thoughts, but for now I'll let others think about it for themselves. 

Accepted!

Every day after school the first thing I've done is look through the mail for a letter from Green Mountain College. Yesterday was the day I got it. 

The mail man came, and I watched with my face pressed up against the window, looking for a letter with green lettering on it. My dad brought the mail in and there was the envelope that could only mean one thing; I was accepted. 

My excitement started to take over then. I actually got a paper cut opening the envelope I was so eager to read what was inside! As I opened it and read through the letter, the word "Congratulations!" was all I needed before the jumping around with joy and the "OMG I got in! I got in!" began. 

This makes me so incredibly happy because Green Mountain College is my dream school. I had been worrying about whether or not I would get in ever since I submitted my application. I kept telling myself that whatever happened would be for a reason and that if I didn't get accepted it would be because it wasn't the path I should be on. However, yesterday assured me that I'm going in the right direction! 

 

I believe that GMC is where I'm supposed to go next in my life. It just feels right to me, like I belong there. 

And so the journey continues. :) 

Turn it Around!

When it seems like everything is going wrong, make a list of all the things that are going right. 

Seriously. It helps! The beginning of last week was awful. It didn't hold much promise for the rest of my week. Instead of sitting and dwelling on all those negative thoughts swirling around in my head, I got out a pen and piece of paper and made a list of the positive aspects of my life. I felt so much better after because it made me realize that no matter how many negatives there are in life, there will always be at least one positive to outweigh them all.  

And believe it or not, better things have been happening to me ever since I made that list. 

There truly are so many beautiful reasons to be happy! :) 

Fall Weather is Finally Here!

Even though it's technically been fall since September 21st, it's just now actually starting to feel like fall. I love the chilly, crisp air, and wearing boots and sweaters and scarves and wrapping up in warm blankets and pie...the list goes on forever!

I especially love hiking in the fall. The leaves are absolutely gorgeous, and there is always something so serene about hiking during the fall compared to the spring or summer. It's always quieter and I can always seem to hear every single sound in the woods around me.

Yesterday I went hiking, which was the perfect opportunity to take more pictures (they will be added to the photography section of my blog here). 

October Quote!

I was trying to think of something creative to do for an October blog post when I came across this quote: 

Well, Halloween is in October and being scared is definitely a part of it, right? I know that it isn't quite what you would imagine a blog post about Halloween to be, but it's creative. 

The point of that quote by Eleanor Roosevelt is to not live in fear everyday. Some fears hold us back from doing things that would be a great experience. 

Sunday Quote

I haven't had much to say lately, but wanted to post something positive at least. This quote works.  

The Cure for Stress

Yes, I've found my own personal cure for all of the anxiety that is associated with school. All it requires is a little fresh air, and reading. All weekend! 

Friday night I started a book until I fell asleep. The next morning I just picked right up where I left off and read until I was done. I completed the same routine last night into this morning and I feel so much better. Typically on Sunday afternoons I dread having to get up for school the next morning, but right now I'm actually looking forward to going back. 

There is just something about the way a book can suck me in completely and make me forget where I am and get my mind off of everything that is so amazing. I love it! 

So, this weekend I read two books: Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt and My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. Both were great reads. Sometimes It Happens was interesting because of the flashback aspect of it. I always love when new things are revealed through flashbacks that all suddenly connect and make sense. My Life Next Door started to go one way and then suddenly took a turn in a totally unexpected direction. Plot twists are always intriguing. I'd of course like to go into writing about all my thoughts about both books, yet I don't want to give away spoilers. (In case there are, in fact, people who read my blog and would potentially read one of these books). 

Reading non stop was definitely a much needed stress reliever. Then there was the spending time outside part of my weekend. I love the transition from summer into fall and how cool the nights become. From four o'clock on is my favorite time to be outside during this seasonal transition. 

Now I'm ready to get up for school tomorrow morning without a negative attitude. Then hopefully keep up the same way of thinking for the rest of the week.  

I am a Journal...Metaphorically Speaking

Tomorrow I have to give one of the first speeches of the year in my Intro to Speech class. And I'm super nervous about it. I just practiced my speech again and I get even more anxious after each time because it has to be between 2-4 minutes and my time changes each time I practice. I won't have a timer in front of me so I won't be able to know if I need to talk a little faster in order to wrap up or to talk slower to save time. I'm also giving this speech first class of the morning too, by the way. 

I put a lot of effort into planning this speech and I am actually pretty happy with how the wording came out. I thought that it'd be perfect to share on my blog as well. The assignment is to give a speech about an object that possesses qualities that I have (so basically creating a metaphor). Here is my speech written out:

This journal and I possess similar qualities. On the outside this journal is protected by a thick binding and a cover to guard whatever is inside. The content is private and meant to be kept there without other people seeing what is written. Much like all of my thoughts and innermost feelings. A thick band clutches this journal shut, just like I keep much of what I feel inside to myself and hidden away from others.

My own life story is still in the process of being written. Each day is a brand new page anticipating all the new experiences. Anything could happen, so anything could be carefully printed on each line, or absentmindedly scribbled across the pages. Doodles stumble around the margins in places where I can’t remember what to say.  This journal is capable of accepting whatever information is presented to it, without any judgment. It just takes everything in silently and holds onto it. Secrets are safe inside of the journal. Secrets are also safe when they are shared with me.

 New information is added to the journal every day. New reasons to laugh, new reasons to cry, new reasons to feel like everything is falling apart, and then there is even enough room for everything to be okay again. Just like with me, and everything that happens in my life.  

So, yes, I am a journal in a metaphorical sense. It fits since I'm a writer. 

I'm going to practice more. And more after that too. Wish me luck! 

Better Late than Never

I figured that since I finally have a bit of free time I would post a few things. I'd like to keep up with posting on my blog frequently, but I don't know if I'll have a ton of time during school with all my homework. 

This poem was one that I wrote at camp and submitted to an online magazine publication, but it wasn't accepted. I didn't post it before because some companies don't accept writing that was already published somewhere and blog posts count as publication I guess. So here is my poem that would have perfectly worked right after I got back from camp, but better late than never I suppose! 
                                                 ~~~~

Letting Go

I arrived that day carrying a heavy load on my shoulders
about to crumble underneath the weight.
Stale air clung to the inside of my lungs
making it hard to catch my breath.

As days went by bits and pieces
were chipped away.
Each chunk fell to the floor and got kicked under the bed
or left at the river to swing from a rope.

Campfires melted away more portions,
laughter replaced uncertainty,
cool nights quenched the sweltering heat.
My lungs were cleansed with fresh air.

Once the final day came around
I was set free from the burdens,
all the worries had vanished.
What I carried along then was a new experience
full of memorable moments.

Back to School

I just finished my first week back at school. I can honestly say that it's nothing like I expected it to be. I thought that since it was Senior year that it wouldn't be as difficult and stressful as previous years. I thought completely wrong. It probably has something to do with the amount of college classes I'm taking in order to earn college credit before I actually go to college. At first I was kicking myself for taking such time consuming classes, but I realize that it's just preparing me for college. Classes won't be simple like normal high school classes are. Even though I may hate myself right now for taking AP classes and college level classes, it will all be beneficial in the end. It's still early in the year. Once I become accustomed to the routine of classes it will get better. I'm trying to stay as positive as possible because it helps to get rid of at least some of the stress. Plus I don't want to suffer through negativity this year. It's my last year of high school and I'd rather it be positive. 

Creative Recycling

I have a ton of Seventeen magazines lying around that I wasn't reading. I was going to recycle them, but I felt like doing something creative instead of simply putting them in the recycling bin. I did some searching and found instructions on how to make recycled magazine wrapped bangles that are awesome! The idea came from this cool blog here. 

I cut up strips of magazine that were long enough to be wrapped around the bangle. The height of this one is 2.1 cm and has a 6.6 cm inner diameter. I found these particular bangles here. 

I put Mod Podge on the bracelet using a paintbrush and then wrapped each strip around it. (I found that putting extra Mod Podge over each strip made it stay in place and not curl up as I was working on it.) Once I had the whole bracelet completely wrapped, I covered the whole surface with Mod Podge and let it dry. 

And here is the finished product. It's recycled, unique, and totally cool! 

Quotes from Tea

I was drinking tea earlier and felt like this should be posted here. It's one of those quotes that just stands out and makes you think about it a lot. 

"Goodness should become human nature, because it is real in nature."

Green Mountain College: My Number One Choice for College

I should have posted this on Monday when I got back from my trip instead of waiting until Thursday night, but I've been busy finishing up summer reading and all that before school starts in four days. 

On Monday I visited Green Mountain College again because I think it is an extremely awesome place, as well as my number one choice for college. Even though I didn't really need to visit again after the week I spent there during camp I couldn't give up the opportunity for another visit. I love how quiet it is just walking through campus. I know that it was the summer and there weren't classes going on yet, but still. It's peaceful. That is perfect for me because I prefer wind rushing through the trees and birds instead of boisterous cities. Plus the campus is small and class sizes are capped at thirty students so it won't be like sitting in a giant lecture hall where the teacher won't know who I am. Everyone I've talked to about the school also says that the teachers are personable and work with students so that they are able to get the best education that they can. That is another aspect that makes me want to apply there.  

I feel like I would get the best education there rather than at a giant university of a thousand students or more. Green Mountain College is the PERFECT school for me. Quiet, small, environmentally friendly, sustainable and organic. 

Once I finish getting teacher recommendations and taking the SAT I will be all set to apply!   

Write Everyday!

This applies perfectly to my situation right now. I sat down to write and after about thirty minutes I threw the pen down and wanted to give up. When I started to write I felt like I was actually going somewhere, but now that I read it over it seems really stupid. Then I decided to make a blog post (because I haven't since Monday...) and found this quote. Perfect! I guess I should continue with what I was writing because it's better than not writing anything at all. As a writer it's important to write every single day whether it be a poem, a story, or even just thoughts in your head. That's what makes for a stronger writer.  

I Heard

Bits and pieces float around.
They scream loudly,
block out everything else.

Difference between right and wrong
isn't important,
among the whispers.

Words are simply
thrown about,
no thought put into them.

There is no destination.
Whatever is heard
immediately spreads.

An immense wildfire
burns holes
deep and black.

What started out as small,
harmless, and insecure,
is now a raging inferno.

I Love Reading, but...

I don't know whether the books for summer reading are all generally boring or if its just the fact that I'm basically forced to read the books that's making summer reading so irritating. I have to read The Poison Wood Bible and Jane Eyre for AP English. I'm not really enjoying them. Actually, that's not entirely true. I haven't read Jane Eyre yet. 

I mean, The Poison Wood Bible was okay, but I didn't understand all the religious references. I'm not particularly religious myself so I feel like I'm at a disadvantage here. Hopefully all the metaphors and symbolism I found isn't completely off because there aren't any religious references. I just have to wait two weeks to find out I suppose. 

Now I'm starting Jane Eyre. It seems like it will be interesting. 

It's such torture to be forced to read books that I didn't originally want to read when there are a whole shelf of books I want to read sitting right next to me calling my name.  

"Read us? Read us, please? We are so lonely sitting here on this shelf." 

Aww, those poor books! They just have to wait until after I finish my summer reading assignments. As hard as it is to ignore their pleading...

I. Miss. Camp.

It's true. I really, really, miss it. It was only a week, but still. You'd be surprised by how much you can get to know people in a week. 

This is the perfect opportunity for another quote!

I should. True that the best week of my summer vacation is over and it's upsetting, but I should smile because it was a great experience full of so many memories. 

So smile and look on the bright side of things!

That's my inspiration/positive/spreading of happiness quote for today. 

Enjoy.

One Kind Word...

This is entirely true! Someone I met at camp stopped me before I checked out on the last day and told me how I am such a sweet, kind, unique person, and that they enjoyed being able to spend a week getting to know me. Those few simple words made me smile for the rest of the day because they made me feel great about myself. Even now it makes me smile! This just proves how saying something, even just one kind word, can make someone happy. And who doesn't love to smile and be happy? :) 

Quotes and Inspirational Things

I must admit...I spend quite a bit of time on Pinterest. I mainly pin quotes that really stand out to me. There's just something about certain quotes that make me think about them and reflect back on my own life. That's why I wanted to add in a "Quote" section on my blog because sometimes it's all you need to make you feel better about yourself or to give you something to smile about. I know that for me personally I always feel great when I come across a positive quote so that's something I'd like to share with others too. :)

Struggle

Poverty walks the streets,
sullen and alone,
looks for any morsel of food.

No job,
no house,
no clothes except for the rags on his back.

Poverty gazes across town
at the bright lights,
the mansions Wealth possesses.

Owner of a big business,
three-story house,
expensive designer clothes draped over his shoulders.

Wealth passes Poverty on the streets,
walks faster to avoid being seen
next to such a disgrace.

Poverty has goals of his own,
dreams to do great things in life,
to be successful.

While Poverty struggles everyday
to take a step closer to his dreams,
Wealth simply enjoys all he has without effort.

Vermont Summer Academy

I'm back home after spending one of the best weeks of my life in Vermont. I went to a summer camp at Green Mountain College and all I can say is that words can't ever sufficiently describe how amazing it truly was. It was a relaxing week where I could get away from stress and have some fun. I made a ton of new friends who I miss already and it's only been one day away from them all! Every day I had a group of people to talk to about anything whenever I wanted to. It was comforting to have such kind people around me. I loved how nobody formed separate cliques. The whole camp came together as one so nobody was ever left out or lonely. The environment was an accepting one so everyone felt like they belonged there. 

Green Mountain College 

Class was for six hours a day with lunch in between. There were only three students in my Creative Writing class which I actually preferred because it made it more personal to get to know everyone individually as a writer, and it was more comfortable to share work with the group. I was so used to having different rules and restrictions for writing that I felt free when the teacher basically said that anything we wrote was acceptable and there weren't any restrictions on creativity in the class. I thought he was a wonderful writing teacher for that. Creativity just happens when I write and having restrictions interrupts it. Another big thing he emphasized was that the best thing a writer can do is to get out and observe everything around them. It makes a stronger writer when they are able to write about what they know and observe. I completely 100% agree with that. 

I got to get a feel for college and dorm life that week. Specifically life at Green Mountain College. I was already planning on applying there before but after this experience I am definitely sure about it. This is my top choice for college right now. It's perfect for me because the campus and class sizes are small and the teachers actually care about your education rather than at a giant university where I would just be another face in the crowd. I love their mission to be environmentally friendly on campus. The organic farm where nothing is grown with pesticides is right up my alley too. 

Each day was absolutely amazing. I'm glad I went against all my fears about trying something new. I walked into camp feeling nervous and doubtful. I walked out with more confidence and a ton of new friends. :)  

Forces of Karma

Every action has a consequence
whether it be of equal harm
or worse in a justifiable circumstance.
Karma determines such outcomes.
That is its nature.
Quite miraculously one harsh word
has the ability to result in a rash.
One lie spoken in impulse
pivots around to bite.
A cruel, sick joke
played on an unsuspecting victim
returns to be played once more.
A broken heart of the innocent
offers a bitter kiss that stings.
Fabulous forces stop the cycle,
of a terrible action on repeat.

The Kissing Booth

I just read this book in two days because it was just that good I couldn't put it down! The Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles is amazing. Basically its about how Rochelle develops major feelings for her best friend's brother, Noah, after they kiss at a kissing booth for their school carnival. I could say way more but I don't want to give away any spoilers. I guess you'll just have to take my word for it and read it. 

I was reading through the part in the beginning about the author and it says that she was seventeen when this book was published. That is so incredibly awesome! That's proof right there that it's possible to get my writing published as a teenager too. 

Feelings after Figment

I usually enjoy going on figment to read stories written by other writers and then critiquing them and giving feedback, but today I kind of started to feel self conscious about my writing. All of the stories I read through today were amazing. They were descriptive,imaginative, made me want to keep reading, and were apparently very popular based on the amount of hearts (basically likes) and comments on them. Then I return to my page of writing and it all seems so...bleh. I started to second guess all of it. Mine doesn't seem nearly as awesome as all the others I read. Mine seems so mediocre compared to everyone else.  

But you know what? After taking the time to think about it more I realized that I only thought my writing was bad because I was comparing it to everyone else. That's when most people start to feel bad about themselves and think that whatever they do is bad. When you go to the library and look through the books in the young adult section they're all different. There are different styles of writing because every author is different. It's unique and creates variety. 

My new view on my writing is that it's unique and awesome in its own way. Just because it doesn't look just like all the other writers' work doesn't mean it completely sucks. I still have room for improvement, but I'm not going to give up and hate my writing because of that. 

Whether it's writing, or clothing, or interests, just because it isn't like everyone else doesn't mean it's bad. It's just what makes people unique and that is a great thing. 

My Cat likes to Blog Too...?

I was in the middle of typing up another poem for Poem Monday when my cat, Izzie, decides that she wants to help.

See? There's my arm. Trapped underneath her. And when I try to shake her off she only stares at me and continues to sit there. Trying to get my camera was a challenge because I had to bend at an awkward angle and she STILL wouldn't move. Usually I don't mind and let her watch me move the mouse back and forth, but have you ever tried to type with a cat on your arm? It's not particularly easy to do. I finally used my other arm to get her off. She didn't like that too much though and ran out of the room. Now both my arms are free!

A Mesmerizing Sight

To the peace displayed high in the night sky

unlike the boisterous crowd below.

Excitement spreads throughout the beach

with pops of laughter and echoes of delight.

I stand among the cheerful crowd in silent anticipation

to gaze up into the vast sky.

All at once, colors burst as they are released into the dark,

illuminating the faces of the amazed crowd.

The sky becomes the noisy crowd,

the crowd becomes the silent sky.

Each individual burst can be felt as it thunders.

The colors turn into a hypnotic swirl.

Each burst captures my full attention.
Takes my breath away

as the colors fizzle out and fade,

until everything suddenly ceases.

The sky becomes peaceful once
more.

Views so Far...

My audience consists of mostly the United States right now, which I guess makes sense. What's kind of interesting to me is the number of views I have from other countries such as the Netherlands, Russia, Germany, Italy, Bosnia, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom. I'm not sure if people there are actually looking at my blog or if they're just scams. Nobody ever comments so I wouldn't know.

You know what would be so awesome? If someone from London, England happened to see my blog. I became obsessed after watching Doctor Who. Actually, I'm obsessed with Doctor Who and because of that I want to visit someday. Or have a pen pal from there. Any connection would satisfy me.

But you know what would also be awesome? If DAVID TENNANT happened to somehow see my blog. Just thought I'd put it out there even though the odds of that happening are slim to none.

I have a total of three hidden notes in library books (and I know for a fact that they wouldn't be getting me views from other countries), I commented on figment forums, and even posted something on instagram. I really want people to read my blog. How is an author supposed to get noticed if nobody knows about or reads their work? It took my dad a few years to become successful with his blog so I just have to be patient, keep posting, and eventually it will be read by people other than my parents.

Poem Monday!

I found my folder of writing from my Creative Writing class! I should have posted everything when I was actually taking the class, but better late than never I guess. Since the whole point of my blog is to share my writing I should actually start posting it. It defeats the purpose if I don't. So, I'll post poems on Mondays to start. I might post short stories or ongoing stories on a different day too. Although I'm constantly writing so I just have to go the extra step to share it!

To start 'Poem Monday' (I guess that's what I'll call these posts) here is a...well...a poem.

Walking Away

Silence awaits me in the pitiful darkness,

as my heart sinks with regret and despair.

Lies are the only words ever uttered from his mouth.

That is a fact now.

There isn't any sense waiting here alone

when it's certain he won't arrive at all.

Another minute is all I want, but I can't bear

to stand in the cold any longer.

My heart convinces my feet to stay frozen in place,

while my mind urges them to run away.

One lone tear slowly falls down my cheek,

onto the abrasive ground below.

Finally a deep breath decides what I should do.

I leave.

The tear remains frozen and alone on the ground,

waiting for something I gave up on,

in a place where I know I will never return.

A Bothersome Game

Rain whips itself against the window
in a game played with the wind.
Amusement as it grabs hold
of each drop before it hits the ground.

Thrown with abandon at my window,
tedious pitter patter continues
before thunder decides to join in on this sport,
with cheers each time I cringe.

Another roar rumbles out of thunder's mouth,
rain taunts me behind the blinds.
They all know it's time to sleep,
yet continue the bothersome pastime.


I wrote this poem a while ago for my Creative Writing class, but this accurately describes trying to sleep last night.

I Clearly Have Nothing Better To Do...

Yeah, it's a Thursday (is it Thursday? In the summer I don't keep track of the specific days of the week) night and I am sitting at home. Alone. Any normal teenager would put on music and have a dance party for one, or watch TV, or something along those lines. Heck, they'd probably be out with their friends doing something. But, I'm not a normal teenager. What do I do on a Thursday night? That's right. I sit at home and take pictures of my cats. And then go on to blog about it. I'm soooo cool.

That's Buddy. I didn't notice until after I posted the picture that it looks like he's looking up at the text above him. Since I'm bored, I'll ramble on about the things in the picture behind him. There's a guitar that I meant to start playing about six months ago but never got around to it. There's also one of my sneakers.

Boredom at its finest. No wonder I don't have any followers...



The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

First day of summer vacation and...it's cloudy. I was totally expecting sunny, cloudless skies, but I guess that's not happening today. No worries. I have unread books sitting on my shelf so I'll be content enough. One book that I finished earlier today was The DUFF by Kody Keplinger. It wasn't exactly how I thought it would be based on the inside cover description, but it was still really interesting.

It made me think about our society (well, the part about being in highschool) and if we automatically think about these kinds of things? On page 256 there's a part that stood out. "...it was insulting and hurtful, and it was one of those titles that just fed off of an inner fear every girl must have from time to time. Slut, bitch, prude, tease, ditz. They were all the same. Every girl felt like one of these sexist labels described her at some point. So, maybe, every girl felt like the Duff, too?" 

I witness so much gossip at school everyday it's not even funny. There is always someone who uses one of those words when they talk about a girl. It's pretty degrading considering they don't know everything that goes on in that girl's life. And I agree that part of the reason why some people feel the need to degrade others and make them feel bad is because they themselves have insecurities.

That's how the book started. Wes, a player who flirts with every single girl that talks to him, started to talk to the main character, Biana, by telling her she was the Duff. That stands for "Designated Ugly Fat Friend" (as obviously written out on the cover up there) Basically he said her friends dragged her along so that it would make them look way better in comparison to her. It turns out that Wes has insecurites of his own which eventually made him put down Bianca.

Overall it was interesting because of all the other things that accompanied the insecurites of the characters. I put another hidden note in this book so hopefully once I return it to the library someone will find it and do as the note says. I'd like to start a book discussion!

Yearbook Messages

This will be a short post, but I wanted to incorporate it on my blog somehow. I asked my teachers to sign my yearbook today, and here is what my Marine Biology teacher wrote in mine:

"Thanks for the year! Live life like a jellyfish, stay beautiful but sting anyone that messes with you."

That is the most creative and heartfelt thing any teacher has ever written to me. He is an amazing teacher, and one of my favorites from this year. I'll miss not having that class anymore. I'll definitely be taking his advice though.

"Live like a jellyfish, stay beautiful, but sting anyone that messes with you."

Summer Goals

It's about time! I thought summer vacation would never get here! My school had to go all this time because of all the hurricanes and winter storms. Even though we had all that time off from that, it's a relief to finally be done and be able to relax. And to pursue all my summer goals.

Every year I always make a list of things I would like to accomplish by the end of the summer before I go back to school in the fall. So far my list looks like this:

• Go on an adventure
• Do something I've never done before
• Get some color (I'm extremely pale and have a ton of freckles. Maybe they'll all melt together and I'll have a nice tan...)
• Gain confidence
• Read EVERY day
• Study for SAT in the fall
• Fill out college applications/essays/all that lovely stuff
• Put more into my blog posts. Now I'll have about 8 weeks of free time.
• Get my license 
• Edit one of my stories enough so that I can send it to a publisher and hopefully get it published

They're not extremely ambitious goals, but they're things I would like to do before I go back to school. Every year I get closer and closer to accomplishing all the items on my list. Maybe this year I'll be able actually do them all. Challenge accepted!

Hidden Notes to (Hopefully) Get Noticed

So a completely and totally random idea just popped into my head. I am going to leave notes inside of library books that I check out and love for the next person to find that will invite them to visit my blog. Since google hasn't picked up my blog and the only people who view it now are people in Germany, Indonesia and Korea (I have no idea how they found it, but that's what my search engine says) it will be a creative way to hopefully get noticed by the intended crowd. Also, who doesn't think that finding a random note inside a book is intriguing?
So, if you find a note inside of a library book that looks along the lines of this :

Then that means I have read the book and enjoyed it. Now all I have to do is return these library books...

An Interesting Concept

In my Child Development class I'm learning about the importance of play for a young child. The teacher gave the class a poem to read about play and it really interested me. Here is just a small part of it (because it's quite long) that will be enough to get the point across.  

Just Playing
by: Anita Wadley
Gateways to Learning
Edmond, Oklahoma.

When I'm building in the block room, please don't say I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play about balances and shapes.
Who knows, I may be an architect someday.

When I'm getting all dressed up;setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don't get the idea that I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play;
I may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint, or standing at the easel,
Or molding and shaping clay; please don't let me hear you say, "He is just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play;I'm expressing myself and being creative,
I may be an artist or inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair, reading to an imaginary audience,
Please don't laugh and think I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play;
I may be a teacher someday.
              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I really think about this concept it makes perfect sense to me. As children play they aren't just "playing" they"re learning and expressing themselves. It will, believe it or not, have an impact on their lives when they are older. When I was younger I would play with figurines, dolls, and blocks all the time. It wasn't just useless banter with the toys either. There was always a common theme to what I'd play and a problem that needed to be solved. I'd spend hours in my room with my toys building towns with blocks that spread out all over my room with dangerous mountains and forests on my bed or under my dresser. On nice days I'd be outside going on adventures with a backpack full of items ready for an exploration. I had a vivid imagination as a kid. Sometimes I'd even take whatever I was playing and turn it into a story and write it down the best I could.

I find this poem interesting because it's true. All my imaginative play as a child is translated into the imagination I have now to create stories and write all the time. A child is never "just playing" they are discovering interests that will stay with them as they grow up.

Little Imperfections

The other day I was listening to the radio on the way to school and they were talking about how in London it's a new fad to get freckles because it's seen as beautiful. The radio host went on to say how she thought that was a stupid idea because freckles are "ugly" and "an imperfection" and "a sign of sun damage" so "why would anyone want freckles at all?"

That really hurt. I have a ton of freckles all over my face and didn't think of them as ugly at all. Even though the radio host wasn't directly insulting me personally I felt like she was. I'm self-conscious and the slightest remarks have a huge impact on me.

Unfortunately I let her nasty opinions get to me and I started to feel really bad about myself. That's when all my imperfections started to become prominent to me.  

There is also a London mascara commercial where the model has a gap between her front teeth and there are people making fun of her all over the place. On social media sites there are pictures of her in the commercial and then someone pretending to hit their front teeth with a screwdriver and a hammer. People joke and say that's how you get "the London look".  I also have a natural gap between my front teeth and I'm extremely self-conscious about it.  

I listened to Natasha Beddingfield's song "Freckles" and started to feel better. She is spot on when she mentions how when you look in the mirror you instantly hate what you see because of all the influences from the media about beauty. Now that I think about it, all my imperfections truly are traits that make up who I am as a person and what makes me unique. I spent so much time hating all my freckles but I decided to embrace them and love them instead because they're a part of me. 

http://youtu.be/ybrHR_O5D18

This isn't my own personal video, but it's perfect to show the song I'm referring to.

(I did some research about the freckle fad in London and it turns out that it's really just about getting one on their face because in the 18th century it women were viewed as "irresistible" if they had a mark near their eye, above the lip, or high on the cheekbone (Giles). It wasn't about  having a whole face covered in them. The radio station should get their facts straight before sharing them and then going on to insult everyone who has freckles.)

http://www.traciegiles.co.uk/beauty-spot-or-freckles-treatments.htm

Too Many Ideas, so Little Organization

I haven't written another blog post in quite a while. Even though I've had about a million ideas on what to write about. My problem is that I have so many ideas all at once that it starts to get overwhelming and then I can't concentrate on making ONE post. Plus I like to thoroughly plan out EVERYTHING and think ahead. Perfect for homework and projects, yet not so beneficial for making a blog post.

Then this leads me into my next slight issue: What the heck should I be writing about? Does there have to be one common theme or can it be random things that I suddenly think up and post? That's what my blog was before but I thought it was pointless and stupid. Now I'm back to only a few old posts and nothing new. This is way more difficult than I thought. Or maybe I've just been over thinking it?

Oh, I know what the problem is. I'm so set on trying to write something that I think other people will like that I completely discard anything I personally think is amazing. But, you know what? Who really cares what other people think? It's MY blog and I can write about anything I want. (Even though nobody really reads it yet anyway...)

That's how I have to approach this. Write about whatever I want to and eventually it will appeal to someone somewhere and they'll appreciate it.

It Started When...

My guidance counselor told me I wasn't going to be successful as a writer. But, what does she mean by "successful"? Most likely she means the money aspect of it which isn't really my top priority. Sure, getting paid for my writing would be awesome, but it isn't the reason why I write. My definition of success is doing something I'm passionate about and to be able to enjoy work instead of dreading it. Getting my words out there into the world to share with others is what I aim for. To have them get attached to characters I create or stay up all night because they won't be able to put my work down is a possibility that makes me happy whenever I think about it. If I'm able to accomplish all that, then I would say that I'm successful. I know the amazing feeling I get when I get sucked into a book that consumes my entire day. That's the kind of experience I want to create for someone else. I'm not looking to get famous or rich.

Of course I had to choose something else I wanted to do with my life because if I didn't then she'd go on to tell me that I'll never make it in the world. She told a kid that he's stupid and will never make it into a good college so I could only imagine what she'd tell me if I refused to give up my top career choice. Luckily I also enjoy teaching. So currently my goal is to major in Elementary Education and maybe minor in Creative Writing. I understand that it's good to have a degree so I can get a teaching job while working towards my writing goals, but it's just that fact that she told me I'd never be successful at doing something I love that really got on my nerves.