Makenzie-National Geographic:Flop Seen in Writing Center
Mary Francis-Sarah: How have your priorities changed from middle school to high school?
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Writing Center Reflection
When I went to the writing center I felt like we worked well together editing. I told my writing fellow what I was concerned about and so we worked on those things. Mainly I was worried that I was analyzing the story more than the language or that I included too much plot. So that I didn't have as much of the story, we went through and slimmed down my context or introductions so that it was only what was necessary and not too wordy. We thought about what was necessary to understand the quotations and tried to make my introductions just that much so that I could focus on analyzation. I also asked her to look at my conclusion which I was worried about but she seemed to think it's okay. The writing fellow that I had was very nice but she wasn't as decisive as I'd hoped she'd be.
Though my writing fellow helped me a bit, it was only on the problem spots that I thought I had. I would have liked her to point out other things that she thought could have been improved. Either way it's okay though because I felt better about my paper after the meeting. Reading my paper aloud was very helpful because it made awkward parts very apparent. As I read aloud I marked parts that I knew sounded weird and then I went from there. The writing center was pretty helpful and not as bad as I expected. I would definitely go again even if we didn't have to.
Though my writing fellow helped me a bit, it was only on the problem spots that I thought I had. I would have liked her to point out other things that she thought could have been improved. Either way it's okay though because I felt better about my paper after the meeting. Reading my paper aloud was very helpful because it made awkward parts very apparent. As I read aloud I marked parts that I knew sounded weird and then I went from there. The writing center was pretty helpful and not as bad as I expected. I would definitely go again even if we didn't have to.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Student Prompt
Sydney: Create your own character. Describe him/her in detail. What's his/her name? Age? What is his/her story?
Gunnar Albinsson was the eldest of his siblings. He was raised in the small Viking village of Grof for the past seventeen years. Though he enjoyed the coziness of his village on the water, he could never wait to get out. The men in his family were Berserkers and he had been ready to join them since the age of eight, but his parents insisted he train longer. So he worked hard. Harder than all of the other boys of his year and he knew that he would surpass them on the battlefield someday.
Today was finally that day. Gunnar was on his first raid with his father, Albin, and the rest of the warrior men from Grof. They were on a mission from their chief and had been sailing for days. At last, they reached their destination and took their ships to a quaint part of the beach, near the forest and prepared themselves for the raid to come. This tribe was supposed to put up a real fight and Gunnar could feel the adrenaline pumping in his veins. Seventeen years had built up to this and he was finally a part of the elite fighting force that his family was known for.
In the early evening, Gunnar could feel tension building throughout the men and everyone began to prepare. As they were approaching the village, the men he knew as family transformed. With no armor, they should have been worried, but instead, they were furious. Rage engulfed these men and Gunnar felt the haze of battle swallow him like a mist. Suddenly his vision was red and he wanted nothing more than a fight. And he knew in a few short moments, he'd get one.
Gunnar Albinsson was the eldest of his siblings. He was raised in the small Viking village of Grof for the past seventeen years. Though he enjoyed the coziness of his village on the water, he could never wait to get out. The men in his family were Berserkers and he had been ready to join them since the age of eight, but his parents insisted he train longer. So he worked hard. Harder than all of the other boys of his year and he knew that he would surpass them on the battlefield someday.
Today was finally that day. Gunnar was on his first raid with his father, Albin, and the rest of the warrior men from Grof. They were on a mission from their chief and had been sailing for days. At last, they reached their destination and took their ships to a quaint part of the beach, near the forest and prepared themselves for the raid to come. This tribe was supposed to put up a real fight and Gunnar could feel the adrenaline pumping in his veins. Seventeen years had built up to this and he was finally a part of the elite fighting force that his family was known for.
In the early evening, Gunnar could feel tension building throughout the men and everyone began to prepare. As they were approaching the village, the men he knew as family transformed. With no armor, they should have been worried, but instead, they were furious. Rage engulfed these men and Gunnar felt the haze of battle swallow him like a mist. Suddenly his vision was red and he wanted nothing more than a fight. And he knew in a few short moments, he'd get one.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Free Post- Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is not only the day before Christmas, which is exciting, but it's also my birthday. I love having a birthday around Christmas because it's my favorite time of year with the great weather, decorations, and all the festivities. I can also use winter activities like ice skating or Fulton Street in New Orleans as birthday party options but now that we're older and we usually just have smaller get-togethers or dinners for our birthdays, scheduling that can be difficult. People are never in town during Christmas break and even fewer are available to do things with me on my real birthday. Luckily for the past few years, my parents and I have had the same plan on my birthday and I'm perfectly content with it.
One of my closest friends has spent the night with me on the night before my birthday for the past few years and so when we get up on my birthday day, we eat breakfast and I open my present. My parents and I go to Ruth's Chris every year for my birthday for lunch but I think we've changed the restaurant this year. This year we're going to Gino's and then coming home to be festive and get pumped for Christmas. We might also have some family people over but that's not usually the plan and I'm not particularly one for change but I suppose it'll be fun. Finally, I love tradition so I love that each holiday is pretty predictable and I know that it'll be great and this birthday will hopefully be just the same.
One of my closest friends has spent the night with me on the night before my birthday for the past few years and so when we get up on my birthday day, we eat breakfast and I open my present. My parents and I go to Ruth's Chris every year for my birthday for lunch but I think we've changed the restaurant this year. This year we're going to Gino's and then coming home to be festive and get pumped for Christmas. We might also have some family people over but that's not usually the plan and I'm not particularly one for change but I suppose it'll be fun. Finally, I love tradition so I love that each holiday is pretty predictable and I know that it'll be great and this birthday will hopefully be just the same.
Literary Analysis Process
In my literary analysis, I've struggled a bit with a few things. I could not figure out what I wanted to write my thesis on and changed it about three times. I wasn't totally sure what ideas I had were literary based and what were more plot based, so that was an issue. Starting my draft was difficult even though I have a thorough outline because I just wasn't sure what to do for an introduction. Instead of getting stuck, I did about half of my introduction and then moved to my body paragraph because those are more factual and easier to get through.
It seems like once I start going, writing is easier to get through. After I started my body paragraphs they came along easily though I'm still working on them. My first body paragraph had a little hiccup because I just am not sure how much I like it. I don't know if I like my evidence for that point enough so I kind of left that paragraph and may go back and finish it or change it. Most everytime I've come to a block I've gotten people who sit with me in class to help me revise or change what I was thinking. This would be so much more difficult without the help of others.
It seems like once I start going, writing is easier to get through. After I started my body paragraphs they came along easily though I'm still working on them. My first body paragraph had a little hiccup because I just am not sure how much I like it. I don't know if I like my evidence for that point enough so I kind of left that paragraph and may go back and finish it or change it. Most everytime I've come to a block I've gotten people who sit with me in class to help me revise or change what I was thinking. This would be so much more difficult without the help of others.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 28, 2016
Symbolism
It was her first Christmas away from her family and she knew it would be difficult. She hated it but she also knew this was what she had signed up for when she decided to study abroad. With flights being so expensive and classes so often she knew going back to Louisiana for the holidays just wouldn't work out. She saw no hope for this Christmas and figured she would stay at home and watch Hallmark movies for the few days she had off but her plans changed when she was getting coffee one morning.
She saw a family drive by with windows open, Christmas tunes blaring and a tree strapped to the car and knew that that was the least she could do for herself. Every year she was the most enthusiastic about the holidays in her whole family and she loved nothing more than a Christmas tree. So that afternoon she finished her classes and headed to the local nursery to find the perfect tree for her lonely flat. As soon as she got home she decorated that tree with vigor and knew this Christmas would turn around. By Christmas Eve her flat had Christmas lights, the perfect tree and Christmas music playing just as it would be at home and she felt comfortable despite missing her family. However, when she woke the next morning she received a call from her mother with her father and all the pets and they spent the day on the phone and doing their normal Christmas things and she thought that maybe this Christmas wasn't as gloomy as she expected.
The Christmas tree symbolizes the family aspect and joy of the holidays at home.
She saw a family drive by with windows open, Christmas tunes blaring and a tree strapped to the car and knew that that was the least she could do for herself. Every year she was the most enthusiastic about the holidays in her whole family and she loved nothing more than a Christmas tree. So that afternoon she finished her classes and headed to the local nursery to find the perfect tree for her lonely flat. As soon as she got home she decorated that tree with vigor and knew this Christmas would turn around. By Christmas Eve her flat had Christmas lights, the perfect tree and Christmas music playing just as it would be at home and she felt comfortable despite missing her family. However, when she woke the next morning she received a call from her mother with her father and all the pets and they spent the day on the phone and doing their normal Christmas things and she thought that maybe this Christmas wasn't as gloomy as she expected.
The Christmas tree symbolizes the family aspect and joy of the holidays at home.
How to Make My Thanksgiving Cake
The recipe starts off with a Betty Crocker Chocolate Fudge Cake mix. Though the box calls for 1 1/4 cups of water, 1/2 cup of oil, and 3 eggs, you should reduce the water to just a tad more than 2/3 cup and 2/3 cup of oil while keeping the number of eggs the same. You will also add in two small boxes of chocolate pudding to keep the cake moist and then you mix. Mix the batter until there are no lumps and then let the cake sit for about ten minutes. Letting the cake batter sit does not seem like it would make much of a difference in the texture of the cake but for some reason, it seems to do the trick in keeping it moist.
While the batter is sitting, you should take out your two round cake pans and trace the outline of them onto parchment paper and then cut the shapes out. You will then spray your pans with oil, mainly on the sides and then place the parchment rounds on the bottom to keep the cake from sticking. Then pour the batter into the pans and spread it evenly and place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the cakes bake until you can stick a toothpick in and it comes out clean and then take them out and let them cool. After the cakes are cool you can put the first layer on your cake plate and ice it with buttercream icing and sprinkle it with milk chocolate chips. Then place your second cake on top and ice the whole cake with cream cheese icing. After you have done all that you need to sprinkle more chocolate chips on the cake and you're done.
While the batter is sitting, you should take out your two round cake pans and trace the outline of them onto parchment paper and then cut the shapes out. You will then spray your pans with oil, mainly on the sides and then place the parchment rounds on the bottom to keep the cake from sticking. Then pour the batter into the pans and spread it evenly and place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the cakes bake until you can stick a toothpick in and it comes out clean and then take them out and let them cool. After the cakes are cool you can put the first layer on your cake plate and ice it with buttercream icing and sprinkle it with milk chocolate chips. Then place your second cake on top and ice the whole cake with cream cheese icing. After you have done all that you need to sprinkle more chocolate chips on the cake and you're done.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Winter
I probably started my fall post saying that it is my favorite season. That's debatable. Winter is likely my real favorite. I'm not sure if Thanksgiving falls in winter, but if it does, then winter is absolutely the best season. After Halloween, time flies from Thanksgiving until my birthday and Christmas. I love to decorate for the holidays and be festive so of course I love Christmas. However, this year I'm ready to get jolly even sooner than normal.
I ususally contain my Christmas spirit until the day after Thanksgiving and then my whole house comes alive. From midnight on Thanksgiving night until December 26, the Christmas music never stops blaring. On the day after Thanksgiving, my parents and I go and get our Christmas tree and decorate it that night. We love the holidays and my mom and I are total suckers for Christmas decorations. We have sets of Christmas tree decorations. There are different color schemes to choose from every year, and the same goes for my small tree in my bedroom. But out of all the Christmas things we have, the best are the Santas. My mom has always loved Santa statues and ornaments and so it's basically her thing now. She loves antique and foreign Santas and so now they're just a part of the holidays for us. I guess what I really love about winter and the holidays is that it brings all of the family together and you can also see how other families celebrate which is always interesting.
I ususally contain my Christmas spirit until the day after Thanksgiving and then my whole house comes alive. From midnight on Thanksgiving night until December 26, the Christmas music never stops blaring. On the day after Thanksgiving, my parents and I go and get our Christmas tree and decorate it that night. We love the holidays and my mom and I are total suckers for Christmas decorations. We have sets of Christmas tree decorations. There are different color schemes to choose from every year, and the same goes for my small tree in my bedroom. But out of all the Christmas things we have, the best are the Santas. My mom has always loved Santa statues and ornaments and so it's basically her thing now. She loves antique and foreign Santas and so now they're just a part of the holidays for us. I guess what I really love about winter and the holidays is that it brings all of the family together and you can also see how other families celebrate which is always interesting.
LOTF Critical Scene
A scene that I thought was very important in the Lord of the Flies was pages 176-182 because it is Jack and Ralph's last hoorah. Ralph goes to Castle Rock to confront Jack about stealing Piggy's specs and to tell him that they still need to keep a fire if they hope to be rescued. In these pages you can see the parallels between the two boys and also some key traits in Piggy and Roger. This scene is important to understand because it prefaces Piggy's death and it contributes to why Ralph cries at the end. It is a building block for the rest of the story and sets up the end. This scene is also telling of Roger's character. We knew he was messed up but this scene seals the deal. The whole time Ralph and Jack were fighting, Roger was getting closer and closer to hurting someone. As it says, "'Zup!' Someone was throwing stones: Roger was dropping them, his one hand still on the lever. Below him Ralph was a shock of hair and Piggy a bag of fat." This tells us that Roger is ready to hurt if not kill someone and is one push away from dropping the boulder on someone.
In the scheme of the whole book, this scene is important for similar reasons. In the end when Ralph breaks down, it is likely a result of not only seeing his friends die but also because he was in total survival mode after this scene at Castle Rock. Also, it shows Piggy's character as the sense of reason in the group, like when he said "Ralph- remember what we came for. The fire. My specs." He always tries to reign the group in and keep them in line, even when they're fighting all around him. Overall, this scene to me, signalled the beginning of the end and was the basically the straw that broke the camel's back. The tribes could no longer work together or coexist. This was when it became war.
In the scheme of the whole book, this scene is important for similar reasons. In the end when Ralph breaks down, it is likely a result of not only seeing his friends die but also because he was in total survival mode after this scene at Castle Rock. Also, it shows Piggy's character as the sense of reason in the group, like when he said "Ralph- remember what we came for. The fire. My specs." He always tries to reign the group in and keep them in line, even when they're fighting all around him. Overall, this scene to me, signalled the beginning of the end and was the basically the straw that broke the camel's back. The tribes could no longer work together or coexist. This was when it became war.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Have You Ever Had a Pet That Affected Your Life In a Significant Way?
When I was little, we had a basset hound who we called Doodie. I'm not sure why we called her Doodie, but she was old and contrary and I never really had much of a bond with her. However, when I was approaching my third birthday, my parents thought it would be a good time to get me a dog and so they decided on a poodle. Poodles are hypoallergenic, smart, pretty, and fun for a little girl to have and so I was ecstatic. We got my poodle from a breeder in New Orleans and my parents and I ended up choosing the smallest girl in the mix. She was a black standard poodle puppy who we named Roxie.
Roxie has been one of my best friends, if not my best, since my third birthday. She sat with me on the hour long ride home and drooled all over me because she is terrified of car rides. She is also terrified of thunderstorms and so I have always laid with and comforted her during those two things. She does the same for me. Though a lot of things have changed in my life since then, Roxie has been a constant. We now have three other pets and I love all of them too, but not in the constant way that I love Roxie. We grew up together and played together, and she has been an incredibly significant part of my life.
Roxie has been one of my best friends, if not my best, since my third birthday. She sat with me on the hour long ride home and drooled all over me because she is terrified of car rides. She is also terrified of thunderstorms and so I have always laid with and comforted her during those two things. She does the same for me. Though a lot of things have changed in my life since then, Roxie has been a constant. We now have three other pets and I love all of them too, but not in the constant way that I love Roxie. We grew up together and played together, and she has been an incredibly significant part of my life.
LOTF Response
The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away. Once there was this and that; and now--and the ship had gone. [... Jack refusing to give Piggy the floor when he has the conch...]
"The rules!" shouted Ralph. "You're breaking the rules!"
"Who cares?"
Ralph summoned his wits.
"Because the rules are the only thing we've got!"
But Jack was shouting against him.
"Bollocks to the rules! We're strong--we hunt! If there's a beast, we'll hunt it down! We'll close in and beat and beat and beat--!" (91)
It seems as if the boys are losing their order and civility very quickly after the ship passed. They started this whole event with regard and need for rules and order but it doesn't seem that way anymore. Piggy and Ralph are trying to hold the group together but Jack doesn't seem to care about the group in the least. All Jack wants to do is hunt and run around in the woods while Ralph, Piggy, and Simon are trying to get off this island. Jack shows this in his ignorance about the beast and how he believes it's just some animal that he can kill with his mediocre skills.
This passage is important because it really showcases the state of the boys' lives on the island right now. With everything going on around them, like their belief in the beast, the upkeep of the fire, and building shelters, the boys are struggling. They are split in their beliefs on how to run things. Half of them want to just have fun and hunt pigs and take down the beast, while the rest are thinking logically and trying to stay civil until they are rescued. Overall, this passage shows the major differences in the main characters and the ongoing conflict between Jack and Ralph.
"The rules!" shouted Ralph. "You're breaking the rules!"
"Who cares?"
Ralph summoned his wits.
"Because the rules are the only thing we've got!"
But Jack was shouting against him.
"Bollocks to the rules! We're strong--we hunt! If there's a beast, we'll hunt it down! We'll close in and beat and beat and beat--!" (91)
It seems as if the boys are losing their order and civility very quickly after the ship passed. They started this whole event with regard and need for rules and order but it doesn't seem that way anymore. Piggy and Ralph are trying to hold the group together but Jack doesn't seem to care about the group in the least. All Jack wants to do is hunt and run around in the woods while Ralph, Piggy, and Simon are trying to get off this island. Jack shows this in his ignorance about the beast and how he believes it's just some animal that he can kill with his mediocre skills.
This passage is important because it really showcases the state of the boys' lives on the island right now. With everything going on around them, like their belief in the beast, the upkeep of the fire, and building shelters, the boys are struggling. They are split in their beliefs on how to run things. Half of them want to just have fun and hunt pigs and take down the beast, while the rest are thinking logically and trying to stay civil until they are rescued. Overall, this passage shows the major differences in the main characters and the ongoing conflict between Jack and Ralph.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
Shutter by Laurie Faria Stolarz
This week I decided to end things with Hollow City and move on to Laurie Faria Stolarz's new book, Shutter. It was a good choice. Despite my mocking of Stolarz teen drama writing, I love it every time. I started the book and have never been more glad for a fast paced, short chaptered book in my life. I already like the main character Julian, and Stolarz has already drawn me in with the click-bait-like summary and dreamy, angsty boy.
Though I'm only three chapters in, I like the secondary characters, which is rare. Usually, the main girl's best friends are incredibly annoying and I'm ready for them to leave before they get there. These girls, however, fit the typical foil character who complements the main character by being different but endearing and I appreciate it. It seems that Stolarz is good at making likable characters seeing as this is the second series or book that I've read from her and they've all made very good impressions. Overall, I look forward to free time when I can read this book and get back to the cheesy, fast paced, teen romance/suspense that I love.
Though I'm only three chapters in, I like the secondary characters, which is rare. Usually, the main girl's best friends are incredibly annoying and I'm ready for them to leave before they get there. These girls, however, fit the typical foil character who complements the main character by being different but endearing and I appreciate it. It seems that Stolarz is good at making likable characters seeing as this is the second series or book that I've read from her and they've all made very good impressions. Overall, I look forward to free time when I can read this book and get back to the cheesy, fast paced, teen romance/suspense that I love.
Human Nature
Human nature is difficult for me to think about because I believe that people are very strongly influenced by those around them. However, I suppose that people are good until they are made bad. No one is born with hatred toward others and everyone has an opportunity to stay that way, it's just difficult and only some people try their hardest. It seems like the world would be a better place if everyone acted on what they knew was right, but that's the thing. The way you are raised and the world around you changes your morals compared to everyone else's, so who's to say that some of the worst people aren't just acting on their human nature and what they perceive as "right".
The main place that I have developed an opinion on human nature is from my parents. My mom has always said that people are victims of their surroundings. It's natural to act similarly to those you are around a lot and I feel like that's the main effect on human nature. People start off life happy and good and that only changes because of those around them, but there need to be people in your life that will keep you on track and make you do the right things even when you don't want to. These people are who help you develop and better your human nature, because when it gets polluted by your surroundings, those people help you fix yourself.
The main place that I have developed an opinion on human nature is from my parents. My mom has always said that people are victims of their surroundings. It's natural to act similarly to those you are around a lot and I feel like that's the main effect on human nature. People start off life happy and good and that only changes because of those around them, but there need to be people in your life that will keep you on track and make you do the right things even when you don't want to. These people are who help you develop and better your human nature, because when it gets polluted by your surroundings, those people help you fix yourself.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
Fall Break
I wish I could say that I had the wildest fall break and I went everywhere and did everything. But I didn't. I planned to go to see a movie on Thursday but that was difficult when I had construction people all over my house constantly seeking my mom's help. Fortunately, the rest of the weekend was much better despite the disarray that my house is in. Saturday turned out to be good because I saw the movie for Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and I liked it, just not as much as the first book.
I figured that there would be multiple movies in the future because it's a trilogy but I don't believe that's going to happen. The movie wrapped up the story line of what seems to be the whole trilogy and I was thankful for that. If the book had ended the story line and saved Miss Peregrine in the first book then ended, I believe it would have been more interesting. Though the movie was interesting, I felt like it was not only dumbed down for the movie, but also for the audience. The whole point of the book was that the kids weren't particularly superheroes, they just had peculiarities and I felt like the movie changed that a bit. In the movie, more far out things happened and everything was amped up a little bit too much which I see now is just for movie effect, but I wish it had been left alone and a little simpler like the book was. Finally, I'm glad I read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children before seeing the movie, and I'm glad I saw it this weekend before it leaves theaters.
I figured that there would be multiple movies in the future because it's a trilogy but I don't believe that's going to happen. The movie wrapped up the story line of what seems to be the whole trilogy and I was thankful for that. If the book had ended the story line and saved Miss Peregrine in the first book then ended, I believe it would have been more interesting. Though the movie was interesting, I felt like it was not only dumbed down for the movie, but also for the audience. The whole point of the book was that the kids weren't particularly superheroes, they just had peculiarities and I felt like the movie changed that a bit. In the movie, more far out things happened and everything was amped up a little bit too much which I see now is just for movie effect, but I wish it had been left alone and a little simpler like the book was. Finally, I'm glad I read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children before seeing the movie, and I'm glad I saw it this weekend before it leaves theaters.
Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
Hollow City by Ransom Riggs is still moving at a slower pace than I would like, but I'm not abandoning it just yet. The peculiar children stayed a night with a group of gypsies and were then taken to a train station to go to London. Unfortunately though, wights caught up to them at the station and forced them off the train and brought the kids to their base camp of sorts. I'm hoping that now that the kids have run into some trouble that the story will pick up. However, I can't be sure that anything big will happen, seeing as the story basically could have been finished in the last book.
Despite my issues with this book, I do like that the children have become a family. Because they've been together for a very long time, it would seem like they wouldn't accept new people into their fold, but Jacob has proved that very wrong. They embraced him from the beginning because they all loved Abe, Jacob's grandfather, and it seems like Jacob has taken his place and then some. Not only have the younger children accepted Jacob, but even Enoch who initially disliked both Jacob and Abe, seems to have accepted him as part of the family. Finally, I love not only seeing the group bond like a family, but Emma and Jacob obviously mean a lot to each other and are becoming more dependent which is cute and refreshing amidst all of the drama in their lives.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Nerd Alert: Reading is Good For Your Health Response
Nerd Alert: Reading is Good For Your Health by Jen Christensen is about the impact of reading on people's psychological health. Books, both fiction and nonfiction can help people work through rough patches and sort out their emotions. It has also been said by professionals that reading fictional books can better peoples' social interactions and emotional intelligence. By reading fictional stories, readers associate things that are happening in the story with real life and therefore are thinking more deeply about others and learning to empathize. If people apply what they learn about social interactions and compassion in books, they can improve their interactions with others and become better, more aware people.
Reading, though it may sound cliché, helps me with almost every problem that I come across. Whether the help comes in forms of realizing that people have much bigger problems than my own, or escaping the stress of the moment, I almost always find solace in my favorite books. In the past few years when I've found myself let down by people around me, I tend to lose myself with the characters who I know won't leave me disappointed. My family jokes about my collection of books and how I keep them in pristine condition, but they are of utmost importance to me. When I'm down or stressed about school the first thing I almost always go to is one of my three favorite series. I can pick up a book that I love, or a new favorite and find myself lost for hours in the book's reality instead of my own.
Reading, though it may sound cliché, helps me with almost every problem that I come across. Whether the help comes in forms of realizing that people have much bigger problems than my own, or escaping the stress of the moment, I almost always find solace in my favorite books. In the past few years when I've found myself let down by people around me, I tend to lose myself with the characters who I know won't leave me disappointed. My family jokes about my collection of books and how I keep them in pristine condition, but they are of utmost importance to me. When I'm down or stressed about school the first thing I almost always go to is one of my three favorite series. I can pick up a book that I love, or a new favorite and find myself lost for hours in the book's reality instead of my own.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
Thanksgiving
I love holidays and Thanksgiving is one of the best of them in my family. Every year Thanksgiving is held at my house, and usually the whole family from both sides comes over. In the past few years though, we've found that just family and close friends is dull so why not spice it up? (Get it, because it's fall, pumpkin spice, et cetera.) Anyways, anytime my mom is in public, chances are she will meet and befriend someone. The same can't be said about me, but we all have to aspire to something.
On the note of my mother's popularity in public, we decided that what's the point of making random stranger friends and not inviting them to the biggest holiday we host? That's how we ended up with Dominic. Three years ago, I believe, my parents and I were in Washington D.C. and were at a riverside restaurant where my parents happened to strike up conversation with the man at the table next to us. Said man was Dominic from London. This thirty-something year old man works in the same business as my dad and was looking for a new place to live, of course my father told him that our city is great for their business, not thinking anything of it. A few months later, my dad received an email from Dominic with news that he was coming to Baton Rouge. We were surprised but embraced it and my dad picked him up from the airport. For the next few months he was around all the time, hanging out with my family and paying attention to American culture, he especially is interested in the South. So, my mom invited him to Thanksgiving and he was ecstatic, he had heard us talk about how much fun it was, and our whole family was skeptical to say the least when we told them about our guest. However, everyone loved him and he's come to our Thanksgiving every year since and is a bit of an inside joke among the close family.
Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
In the sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Hollow City, I've honestly been bored. I hate to say it because the first book was so interesting, but now I am struggling to find it as captivating as the original. This book feels drawn out and I can only imagine how the third book will be. At this point, I want to just do what I did with the freakshow season of American Horror Story and stop and read the spoilers about the one storyline I was interested in. I think I will make myself finish this book if not for any other reason than I want to know if Miss Peregrine is saved, but I probably won't even get that information. I rarely ever stop books in the middle and I refuse to do that now.
Though the pace is probably the same in the second book, I feel as if it's not fresh and interesting enough. Emma and Jacob aren't as exciting as they were because now Jacob is stuck in the loops. He will never get back to the twenty-first century, at least it doesn't seem that way right now, and even if he did, he couldn't bring Emma with him. There's also the fact that they were forced off of Cairnholm and are now heading to London without Miss Peregrine in human form. The change in scenery was necessary I suppose, but what is really getting to me is that Riggs is not only making me curious by not letting me in on anything that will happen later, but he's doing too good of a job of it. I have no idea of the direction of the book, I don't know if Miss Peregrine will be saved and the hollows will be stopped and they'll go back to their normal loop life. I also don't know if I'm supposed to expect that the peculiars will find a way to go to the modern world or if I'm supposed to have given up hope on that. So I guess my main issue with this book right now is that I don't know what I'm supposed to be looking forward to in the slightest and it's throwing me off.
Though the pace is probably the same in the second book, I feel as if it's not fresh and interesting enough. Emma and Jacob aren't as exciting as they were because now Jacob is stuck in the loops. He will never get back to the twenty-first century, at least it doesn't seem that way right now, and even if he did, he couldn't bring Emma with him. There's also the fact that they were forced off of Cairnholm and are now heading to London without Miss Peregrine in human form. The change in scenery was necessary I suppose, but what is really getting to me is that Riggs is not only making me curious by not letting me in on anything that will happen later, but he's doing too good of a job of it. I have no idea of the direction of the book, I don't know if Miss Peregrine will be saved and the hollows will be stopped and they'll go back to their normal loop life. I also don't know if I'm supposed to expect that the peculiars will find a way to go to the modern world or if I'm supposed to have given up hope on that. So I guess my main issue with this book right now is that I don't know what I'm supposed to be looking forward to in the slightest and it's throwing me off.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Autumn Flash Story
Autumn is the best time of the year because the weather is perfect, the air is crisp, and the holidays are on their way. Not to mention, it was her name. As Autumn made her way to the park in the wonderful autumnal air, she rejoiced at all of the Halloween decorations in her neighbors' yards. Approaching her neighborhood park, she noticed all of the children playing and saw one of her friends sitting on a bench. "Hey, Marie! Isn't the weather lovely?"
Autumn knew that Marie adored fall as well and so they decided to spend the day together outside. They walked from the park to Autumn's house and made hot chocolate weighed down with marshmallows, then went into the backyard. There, they started to make designs for jack-o-lanterns, with Marie taking the creative lead. As they worked, they took turns going inside to refill their hot chocolates and took tons of artsy nature pictures that were sure to go straight to their VSCOs. Later in the night after an impromptu bonfire, Marie went home, and Autumn was sure that days like that day were why she loved fall.
Autumn knew that Marie adored fall as well and so they decided to spend the day together outside. They walked from the park to Autumn's house and made hot chocolate weighed down with marshmallows, then went into the backyard. There, they started to make designs for jack-o-lanterns, with Marie taking the creative lead. As they worked, they took turns going inside to refill their hot chocolates and took tons of artsy nature pictures that were sure to go straight to their VSCOs. Later in the night after an impromptu bonfire, Marie went home, and Autumn was sure that days like that day were why she loved fall.
Harrison Bergeron
Harrison Bergeron seemed to be an average dystopian story but by the end, I was questioning what I read and who would consider this art. Though the whole premise frustrated me. I could deal with it though, because all dystopian pieces of writing seem to have the effect of, "Whose idea was this and why did they think it would work?" Harrison Bergeron really made me wonder that though, because how on earth would weighing strong people down make them weaker? Does the government know that that is exactly how you build muscle? Also, why would the government want everyone to be idiots?
I guess what I'm saying is that all of the attempted equality makes the people even less equal. By trying to slow smart people down it probably makes them think harder about how to get around their handicaps. By weighing down strong people, they're building muscle. By covering pretty people's faces with masks that vary based on their level of beauty, the government is only showing to others how much prettier those with masks are than those without. By making sure that announcers and people on television and radio have speech impediments, they're only making those people feel worse about themselves. Overall, the government is not making people equal, it's just making the community as strong as it's weakest link.
I guess what I'm saying is that all of the attempted equality makes the people even less equal. By trying to slow smart people down it probably makes them think harder about how to get around their handicaps. By weighing down strong people, they're building muscle. By covering pretty people's faces with masks that vary based on their level of beauty, the government is only showing to others how much prettier those with masks are than those without. By making sure that announcers and people on television and radio have speech impediments, they're only making those people feel worse about themselves. Overall, the government is not making people equal, it's just making the community as strong as it's weakest link.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Dear Thirteen Year Old
Middle school is really stressful. All of the adults in your life are probably reminding you how scary and important high school is soon to be. Not only that, but your friend groups are changing and you're trying to keep up with the popular kids and have tons of friends. These things are good, and every one does it, but it is not near as important as it seems in that moment when you're trying so hard to find the right dress for Hollyball. Getting a dress, or anything, that fits in with the other girls' things but not enough to look like you're copying them is not going to ensure that you have a good time and make good memories. What matters is that you like what you're wearing, and if you do that, I promise you will have a better time.
You will also find yourself in situations where you're expected to talk bad about people. We've all been there, and we've also done it. Let me tell you, it doesn't work out. The girl who says that she's definitely not going to tell her best friend what y'all said about that best friend is lying. Squads, crews, whatever is popular right now, are really fun until you leave out one of your friends that you know should be included. I'm not that person who's going to say that you shouldn't ever have a squad, but if you know that a girl is in your actual friend group and you leave her out, that's not going to end well for you. I know that people will talk about people, and I know squads will form, but if you feel like there's a chance something could turn around on you, stop doing that. Overall, copying what everyone else is doing isn't that fun.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
This week I have been reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, but not as avidly as I have in the past few weeks. I am now reaching the climax and I am panicking. There is only about twenty pages left and it is not looking good for Miss Peregrine. Hollows have taken some of the other ymbrynes and now a wight took Miss Peregrine and Miss Avocet in their bird forms. The peculiars are trying their hardest to get them back but in the midst of an attack by a U boat, but it is proving very difficult. The detail from Riggs during this part has made me feel like I was there so much that I swore I could hear the guns firing.
As chaos falls upon the peculiars and their life, you can see how tightly knit of a family they actually are. The moment they were able to get to Miss Peregrine, they organized a plan and executed it to the best of their ability. Not only has Riggs made it apparent that the kids really do love Miss Peregrine no matter how much they complain about her, but also how close Emma and Jacob have gotten over the short time Jacob was on the island. I really like Jacob and Emma's relationship because you can tell they mean a lot to each other but they are also good at accepting that they are both stubborn and brave, unlike in a lot of books where the couple tries to protect each other and argues for a longer time than it takes to get the action done. Overall, this book has been intriguing and descriptive, with the likable characters and use of pictures bringing it all together.
As chaos falls upon the peculiars and their life, you can see how tightly knit of a family they actually are. The moment they were able to get to Miss Peregrine, they organized a plan and executed it to the best of their ability. Not only has Riggs made it apparent that the kids really do love Miss Peregrine no matter how much they complain about her, but also how close Emma and Jacob have gotten over the short time Jacob was on the island. I really like Jacob and Emma's relationship because you can tell they mean a lot to each other but they are also good at accepting that they are both stubborn and brave, unlike in a lot of books where the couple tries to protect each other and argues for a longer time than it takes to get the action done. Overall, this book has been intriguing and descriptive, with the likable characters and use of pictures bringing it all together.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The Falling Man of 9/11
http://www.news.com.au/world/the-story-behind-the-most-powerful-image-of-911-the-falling-man/story-fndir2ev-1226717247792
I read an article about one photo from September 11, 2001. In the photo a man fell from one of the top stories of the Twin Towers. Supposedly around 200 people jumped or fell from the buildings on this day. It is terrifying to think back on this event and of the ways people lost their lives. So many families were devastated and this picture shows but one of the lives lost by unsuspecting victims.
September 11, 2001 was one of the most photographed and documented days in history and this terrible photo was only a fraction of it, but it is powerful. No one knows who the man is but there has been speculation of his identity. So many people jumped from those buildings but his jump was documented for the world to see. But the world didn't want to see this. Many people hated this photo being used in newspapers or articles because it was too disturbing. But the event was and still is disturbing, and that's why this photo matters. People lost their lives because of terrorism and people will continue to lose their lives for terrorism until it is ended.
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| "The Falling Man" taken by Associated Press photographer Richard Drew |
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children certainly wasn't slow for long. After a while everything started moving considerably quicker and now the characters are being portrayed more as themselves and not just their as their abilities. The peculiars are all getting their own personalities and I can see the relationships forming between them and Jacob. Jacob's bond with Emma is certainly getting stronger and I'm all for it. He seems to really be hitting it off with the pyrokinetic girl who also had a relationship with Jacob's grandfather.
The fact that this is the same girl that his grandfather had a relationship with in the 1940's seems odd and messed up but time doesn't work the same way for these peculiars, so her and Jacob are actually the same age. Though you can tell Emma still cares about Jacob's grandfather, she is really taking a liking to Jacob. I really like them together because she's very strong and Jacob needs strength right now with everything he's going through, so they can lean on each other. I'm also kind of worried about this pairing because Jacob will eventually have to go back to America and what will they do when they part? Emma can't go with him because she is still living in the 1940's and if she leaves that time she will die in hours. But if Jacob stays with her he will be stuck in the 40's and have to leave behind his modern life. Either way, Ransom Riggs has made this tricky and I also don't know what will become of the other children. Will they live on the island on the same day on repeat forever or can they break the loop without dying?
The fact that this is the same girl that his grandfather had a relationship with in the 1940's seems odd and messed up but time doesn't work the same way for these peculiars, so her and Jacob are actually the same age. Though you can tell Emma still cares about Jacob's grandfather, she is really taking a liking to Jacob. I really like them together because she's very strong and Jacob needs strength right now with everything he's going through, so they can lean on each other. I'm also kind of worried about this pairing because Jacob will eventually have to go back to America and what will they do when they part? Emma can't go with him because she is still living in the 1940's and if she leaves that time she will die in hours. But if Jacob stays with her he will be stuck in the 40's and have to leave behind his modern life. Either way, Ransom Riggs has made this tricky and I also don't know what will become of the other children. Will they live on the island on the same day on repeat forever or can they break the loop without dying?
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Monday, September 5, 2016
Panic! at the Disco Meet and Greet
Ryan, Mary Francis, and I walked into the catering room at the back of the Champion Square concert venue in New Orleans, LA on June 12, 2016. It was sometime around five o'clock and we were full of nerves and excitement. As we walked in I saw and pointed out Zack, Panic! at the Disco's tour manager, body guard, and close friend. I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to be in this situation. I was ecstatic just to see Zack, so could you imagine how I'd be in a few moments when I finally got to meet the real band? All 150 of us filed into the catering room and were chattering nervously until Zack walked in again and told us how it was going to be. There would be no hugging, no screaming, and no scaring the band members. These seemed easy enough though the no hugging was a letdown, but who would want to hug 150 people who had been standing outside in New Orleans heat? I wouldn't. As we got closer and closer to the front of the line my pulse was rushing. I wanted to talk to them but it seemed we didn't have too much time when we got in there and I didn't want to do a pose for our picture and then not like it, so I took the most bland and basic route I could, and it was a mistake.
"Oh my gosh, sorry, I didn't realize it was my turn! Hi! OH MY GOD. BRENDON. HI! Hi! Hey! Yes I'd love to stand between Dallon and Brendon!" I then smiled for the picture and thanked them a ton and walked out. The second I was handed my signed poster I broke into tears. What had I done? I met my favorite band and I don't even think I made eye contact with Dallon Weekes! He's literally 6'4" of intimidation! I was the first of our group of three to go in and meet the guys and why had I done that? Of the three of us, I'm the biggest fan of Panic! and the other girls knew that and still let me go in first, full of nerves! Ryan, who went last actually talked to them and made a memory, I barely even remember what happened. I blanked. I don't know if I made eye contact, or looked at them closely, or noticed what they smelled like. I was just in utter shock. I was finally there and I let the moment slip away. But after those few moments I made my way to barricade and made up for the lost memories by being front row for the best concert from my favorite band.
"Oh my gosh, sorry, I didn't realize it was my turn! Hi! OH MY GOD. BRENDON. HI! Hi! Hey! Yes I'd love to stand between Dallon and Brendon!" I then smiled for the picture and thanked them a ton and walked out. The second I was handed my signed poster I broke into tears. What had I done? I met my favorite band and I don't even think I made eye contact with Dallon Weekes! He's literally 6'4" of intimidation! I was the first of our group of three to go in and meet the guys and why had I done that? Of the three of us, I'm the biggest fan of Panic! and the other girls knew that and still let me go in first, full of nerves! Ryan, who went last actually talked to them and made a memory, I barely even remember what happened. I blanked. I don't know if I made eye contact, or looked at them closely, or noticed what they smelled like. I was just in utter shock. I was finally there and I let the moment slip away. But after those few moments I made my way to barricade and made up for the lost memories by being front row for the best concert from my favorite band.
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children is the third book I read last week and I understand why it seems everyone loves it! It started off considerably slower than I would've liked but I think I only thought that because the series I read before was very fast paced. I love the way Ransom Riggs has worked photography into the story and it most definitely contributes to the intrigue of the book. I had absolutely no idea what this book was actually about going into it but I knew that I have had copies of it on my shelf, one being signed, for almost a year and everyone raves about it so it needed to be read. I now know what the book is about but I don't know what is going to happen in the slightest, and not just in the good way like not knowing the end but I literally have no idea if the children and Miss Peregrine are still alive, or if they are actually mutants or magical, or something but I'm really ready to find out.
At this point in the story I still feel like it's basically an introduction even though I'm a hundred pages in. This book certainly isn't for those who can't or don't want to focus and dedicate time to a book. It's a bit of a slow read but the fact that it is moving so slowly makes me want to read more and more instead of just stopping because I still want to know what will happen, no matter how long it takes! Also, I don't know what the deal is with the photos used in the book and why they were actually taken or how old they really are but I love the creepy feeling of them. They are all strange and interest me not just in the context of the story but also in what went through the photographers' heads when taking them. Overall, I'm not sure what to expect from Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, or what will happen, but I'm looking forward to finding out and hopefully getting spooked.
At this point in the story I still feel like it's basically an introduction even though I'm a hundred pages in. This book certainly isn't for those who can't or don't want to focus and dedicate time to a book. It's a bit of a slow read but the fact that it is moving so slowly makes me want to read more and more instead of just stopping because I still want to know what will happen, no matter how long it takes! Also, I don't know what the deal is with the photos used in the book and why they were actually taken or how old they really are but I love the creepy feeling of them. They are all strange and interest me not just in the context of the story but also in what went through the photographers' heads when taking them. Overall, I'm not sure what to expect from Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, or what will happen, but I'm looking forward to finding out and hopefully getting spooked.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
My Summer
My name is Hudson and I'm 14. I really love music and concerts and that was the main thing of my summer. I went to two concerts, one in New Orleans and the other in Orange Beach. Mary Francis went with me to both and they were both a great time even though the one in Orange Beach could've been better. I'd really like to see that band again when they come to New Orleans in March but I don't know if I'll be able to. I also got a record player and all I did was mess with that and buy vinyls for about a whole week.
The two concerts I went to were really the highlights of my summer though. Panic! at the Disco was in New Orleans and we had meet and greet and I was not okay! I was so awkward and in awe of them and when I walked out I burst into tears. The concert was amazing and we were at barricade. Then in the first week of August we saw Twenty Øne Piløts in Orange Beach and it was an amazing concert. It was probably the best I've been to. They have an amazing stage presence and interact with the audience so much. I wasn't in the pit so I had seats that weren't very close but were still pretty good and they actually came to the back of the pit so I got to see them a lot closer. It was amazing until the venue called the show off almost an hour early and we didn't get to see seven songs, one of them being my favorite, because of a far off thunderstorm. Either way, they were both amazing and I'd love to see Panic! at the Disco for a third time and Twenty Øne Piløts a second time soon.
The two concerts I went to were really the highlights of my summer though. Panic! at the Disco was in New Orleans and we had meet and greet and I was not okay! I was so awkward and in awe of them and when I walked out I burst into tears. The concert was amazing and we were at barricade. Then in the first week of August we saw Twenty Øne Piløts in Orange Beach and it was an amazing concert. It was probably the best I've been to. They have an amazing stage presence and interact with the audience so much. I wasn't in the pit so I had seats that weren't very close but were still pretty good and they actually came to the back of the pit so I got to see them a lot closer. It was amazing until the venue called the show off almost an hour early and we didn't get to see seven songs, one of them being my favorite, because of a far off thunderstorm. Either way, they were both amazing and I'd love to see Panic! at the Disco for a third time and Twenty Øne Piløts a second time soon.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Hurricane Kiss by Deborah Blumenthal
Hurricane Kiss is a prime example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I was in the teen fiction section of Barnes and Noble and picked it up to read the summary because it looked ridiculous with the sappy romance cover and cheesy name. However, it sounded interesting so I got it. At the very end of the summer during the flood I decided it was pretty relevant and decided to just read it that night. I started reading at about ten and was nearly done by two when I made myself go to sleep.
I liked the appeal of the mysterious, broken boy and so I was immediately attached and powering through just to find out what happened to him and why he is so reclusive and temperamental. During the first part of the book I'm going to say that I was actually kind of bored but I couldn't stop myself from reading further. It was weird but I think since the chapters were really short I just kept convincing myself that I'd read one more chapter and maybe it'd pick up and the storm would make landfall. It didn't, and I read a good amount of small chapters until I got to part two when they got out of the car and ran to the school. They ran all the way from almost out of Houston back to their school! Who would do that? I can hardly run a mile! Either way, they got there and got in the school with the boy's key. How did he have a key to the school? Apparently the shady football coach gave them all keys before the boy went to juvenile detention. I was confused and intrigued because I knew that something weird went down with the boy and the football coach but I wasn't sure what and that's what the author did really well. She made us wait and the revealing of the secret was timed perfectly. It turned out that the football coach was twisted and way too involved in a high school team and the boy lost an essential year of his life to juvenile detention because of a game. In the end the secrets were revealed and all was made right which was pretty predictable but I do love a good, simple book every now and then.
I liked the appeal of the mysterious, broken boy and so I was immediately attached and powering through just to find out what happened to him and why he is so reclusive and temperamental. During the first part of the book I'm going to say that I was actually kind of bored but I couldn't stop myself from reading further. It was weird but I think since the chapters were really short I just kept convincing myself that I'd read one more chapter and maybe it'd pick up and the storm would make landfall. It didn't, and I read a good amount of small chapters until I got to part two when they got out of the car and ran to the school. They ran all the way from almost out of Houston back to their school! Who would do that? I can hardly run a mile! Either way, they got there and got in the school with the boy's key. How did he have a key to the school? Apparently the shady football coach gave them all keys before the boy went to juvenile detention. I was confused and intrigued because I knew that something weird went down with the boy and the football coach but I wasn't sure what and that's what the author did really well. She made us wait and the revealing of the secret was timed perfectly. It turned out that the football coach was twisted and way too involved in a high school team and the boy lost an essential year of his life to juvenile detention because of a game. In the end the secrets were revealed and all was made right which was pretty predictable but I do love a good, simple book every now and then.
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