Authors Note: In this theme analysis piece, I have picked out the theme love. Many novels have many themes but in the book, "The Blind Side," by Michael Lewis, "love" just stuck out to me. You should be able to pick out good word choice and know that love is never ending!
One strong word is love, and people have many views of it. People interpret love in many ways, and have multiple meanings for it. Grandma's kisses to her grandchildren, a father teasing his kids, or spouses hugging one another, are all types of love, however that is not the type of love in the book “The Blind Side,” by Michael Lewis, tough love is. Not knowing where this boy came from, the mother teaches him to love himself for who he is, not from what people judge him as.
Love is the main theme in this book because the family spreads it into the heart of Michael. Michael is a poor guy who has no home, and this family takes him in. Many families wouldn't take home a stranger, but with the love and support in this family, they trust and have enough love, to take him in. The book shows a lot of love, just by the way Michael feels in the book. Sean Tuohy said "We were wondering if you would like to be a part of this family," and Michael Oher responded,"I kinda thought I already was." Since Michael already thought that he was part of the family, and the family loved him so much that they wanted to adopt him, you can definitely see the love and the theme in this book. Love is something that you give or just happens, nothing that you force.
Even though Michael was now a part of the family, there are many other incidents of love shown through the book. Love is majorly shown as the respect for Michael changes. As they learn that Michael is a phenomenal football player they realize that loving him is just going to encourage him to be better and be stronger. When Michael realized what they have done for him just so that they could have fame, he realizes that their love has gotten him where he is now. The family comes back to each other, and their love have reunited. Now, they are a family. A family with lots of love to share.
This novel is very similar to Bethany Hamilton, and her story and movie called “Soul Surfer.” These two stories both have love as a theme because love plays an important part in the books. Bethany goes through a lot within her lifetime and each day she lives, love is surrounding her. Each day she goes surfing, her love for her hobby, is what makes her put her heart and soul into surfing. When her arm is amputated, her family shows love as a theme by caring for her and helping her get through her rough times. Finally when her arm heals, she surfs again; this is because of her dedication and love for surfing. She realized that with the lover she has surrounding her, and in her heart, nothing can stop her.
There are many reason why love is a theme in the book “The Blind Side,” for multiple reasons. Along with the battles of not knowing what is coming around the corner and not knowing where Michaels mom is, he knows that he has people that love and care for him- a true family.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Whimsical Winter Wonderland!
Authors Note: In this piece, you should be able to pick out some descriptive words. This piece is about winter, and what I think represents winter. In my opinion, I think that there are many things in the world going on, and this is the busiest time of the year!
Winter is something you can see, feel, and almost taste. The sight of winter is something people either love or hate, usually never an in between. People say they can sense winter, but in reality, you can’t until the season has officially appeared. When winter arrives, you can most definitely tell when snow starts to fall. Most often, it is when the temperature drops dramatically, to such in the forties and even lower. When snow falls, you can see it glimmer in the air. Dropping one by one, each different and unique. Some kids like to catch the glistening snowflakes as they fall on their tongues and eat them. Another thing kids like to do, is make snowmen, play in the snow, and ski. Skiing is a very popular sport, people use their talent and is even a very ambitious sport to enjoy. As little kids, making snow angels is a way for them to experience winter, without being a drap, plus its a way to get energy out!
During winter there are many different religions being celebrated throughout the year, one being Christmas. Many kids and their families celebrate Christmas. At this holiday, they are many presents being gifted and memories being made. Something else that represents holidays and winter in many ways is eating. Lots of people tend to each excessively over the winter. People and adults don’t really like to eat exercise because it isn't the nicest outside. With the holidays coming, there are lots of sweet treats and junk food being consumed, which means more food, more weight. There are many other things that represent winter too! Not just bad things. Winter is a time of year to enjoy what you have, stay warm inside, and be with your family!
Winter is something you can see, feel, and almost taste. The sight of winter is something people either love or hate, usually never an in between. People say they can sense winter, but in reality, you can’t until the season has officially appeared. When winter arrives, you can most definitely tell when snow starts to fall. Most often, it is when the temperature drops dramatically, to such in the forties and even lower. When snow falls, you can see it glimmer in the air. Dropping one by one, each different and unique. Some kids like to catch the glistening snowflakes as they fall on their tongues and eat them. Another thing kids like to do, is make snowmen, play in the snow, and ski. Skiing is a very popular sport, people use their talent and is even a very ambitious sport to enjoy. As little kids, making snow angels is a way for them to experience winter, without being a drap, plus its a way to get energy out!
During winter there are many different religions being celebrated throughout the year, one being Christmas. Many kids and their families celebrate Christmas. At this holiday, they are many presents being gifted and memories being made. Something else that represents holidays and winter in many ways is eating. Lots of people tend to each excessively over the winter. People and adults don’t really like to eat exercise because it isn't the nicest outside. With the holidays coming, there are lots of sweet treats and junk food being consumed, which means more food, more weight. There are many other things that represent winter too! Not just bad things. Winter is a time of year to enjoy what you have, stay warm inside, and be with your family!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Mr. Mason's Creepy Ending!
Authors Note: In class, we were told to write an ending that was a prediction based off our knowledge of the story. You should see how I related my ending to the way of the story. The story was kind of creepy and unrealistic, and that is how I made my ending- creepy and unrealistic. This is piece was a fun and creative way, that I could predict what was going to happen next.
When she saw Troy again, he wouldn’t be the same person.
Molly was swaying back and forth in the hallway outside the door, she knew that he was going to be a completely new person. When the door creaked open, she said, “Troy! What happened?”
He mumbled, “Nothing. Not a single thing.”
“But, but, I heard a noise. The same exact noise that the whole school heard before Dale had changed,” she quickly stated.
“Eh, nothing happened,” she replied in a sleepy voice.
“Then why do you seem tired like Dale?”
“Can’t a guy just be sleepy? I am just tired, that’s all.”
“Ok Troy, you listen and listen to me now! You tell me what creepy Mr.Mason did to you, or else,” she said sternly, right before Troy butted in.
“Or else what. I am sleepy. You want the truth?,” he said with a smirk.
“Yes, yes I do,” she said.
“Ok, the truth is, that he dropped a piece of glass on the ground, and it shattered,” he said while yawning.
“That’s it?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, then why are you not being really annoying like you were when you went in?,” she questioned.
“Because I am tired Molly! I am just plain old tired. I told you the truth, and now leave me alone. I am the same person!,” he hissed.
“Okay, sheesh. I was just asking. I am afraid, that you will be different tomorrow at school,” she said worried.
He then stated, “ I am fine. Mr. Mason just did that to scare the school, so you guys won’t get on his nerves. He just was trying to scare you. That’s it.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, Molly.’
Molly, just thought and thought. She then thought of all the memories of what Dale used to talk about all the time. Maybe Troy was telling the truth. Maybe, Mr. Mason was just a plain old boring teach with bad breath, who didn’t like annoying kids. Molly knew that Dale always talked about his mom being a makeup artist. Maybe, she just liked to do his makeup for practice. Hmmm she thought. Then seconds later, everything made sense. Then Troy started to talk again,” Do you wanna get some ice cream?”
“Sure,” she replied.
The next day at school, Troy was himself again, and school was normal again. Mr. Mason’s jars was just colored jelly in a jar. And from that day on, Mr. Mason realized, that he did have a student that liked him.
When she saw Troy again, he wouldn’t be the same person.
Molly was swaying back and forth in the hallway outside the door, she knew that he was going to be a completely new person. When the door creaked open, she said, “Troy! What happened?”
He mumbled, “Nothing. Not a single thing.”
“But, but, I heard a noise. The same exact noise that the whole school heard before Dale had changed,” she quickly stated.
“Eh, nothing happened,” she replied in a sleepy voice.
“Then why do you seem tired like Dale?”
“Can’t a guy just be sleepy? I am just tired, that’s all.”
“Ok Troy, you listen and listen to me now! You tell me what creepy Mr.Mason did to you, or else,” she said sternly, right before Troy butted in.
“Or else what. I am sleepy. You want the truth?,” he said with a smirk.
“Yes, yes I do,” she said.
“Ok, the truth is, that he dropped a piece of glass on the ground, and it shattered,” he said while yawning.
“That’s it?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, then why are you not being really annoying like you were when you went in?,” she questioned.
“Because I am tired Molly! I am just plain old tired. I told you the truth, and now leave me alone. I am the same person!,” he hissed.
“Okay, sheesh. I was just asking. I am afraid, that you will be different tomorrow at school,” she said worried.
He then stated, “ I am fine. Mr. Mason just did that to scare the school, so you guys won’t get on his nerves. He just was trying to scare you. That’s it.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, Molly.’
Molly, just thought and thought. She then thought of all the memories of what Dale used to talk about all the time. Maybe Troy was telling the truth. Maybe, Mr. Mason was just a plain old boring teach with bad breath, who didn’t like annoying kids. Molly knew that Dale always talked about his mom being a makeup artist. Maybe, she just liked to do his makeup for practice. Hmmm she thought. Then seconds later, everything made sense. Then Troy started to talk again,” Do you wanna get some ice cream?”
“Sure,” she replied.
The next day at school, Troy was himself again, and school was normal again. Mr. Mason’s jars was just colored jelly in a jar. And from that day on, Mr. Mason realized, that he did have a student that liked him.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thank You Ma'am Alternate Ending
Authors Note: In class we read the story "Thank You Ma'am." We then were told to write an alternate ending to the story. This is my take on how I think the story should end. Look for sympathy from Roger to Mrs. Jones.
He barely managed to say “Thank you” before she shut the door. Walking down to steps from her stoop, he thought, “Man, I could do a lot with this money.” He continued to walk down the steps and kept walking until he hit the stop sign at the end of the block.
Knowing that he had no one to go home to, he went to the nearest gas station so go find a cardboard box in the dumpster behind the building. Roger knows lots of tricks and tips, in order to manage himself. Digging through the garbage, he found a large refrigerator box, some year old candy, and a old paper bag with some old outfits in it. He took the stuff and went to the nearest park. Since Roger felt kind of bad, he hoped not to run into Mrs. Jones at the park, since that would be kind of awkward. Later that day, when he finally reached the park, he parked him and his stuff near a big oak tree. Roger sat in the box, and laid down to sleep. He put the money in the bad with the old clothes, and dreamt about how he should be more thankful.
The next morning when Roger woke up he started to talk to himself, “I feel so bad. I knew I should’ve been more kind. I will feel sorry until I die.” He kept babbling to himself. Roger felt so upset and miserable, that he vowed to himself, that he would take the money back to Mrs. Jones and return it. And with that said, he surely did.
He barely managed to say “Thank you” before she shut the door. Walking down to steps from her stoop, he thought, “Man, I could do a lot with this money.” He continued to walk down the steps and kept walking until he hit the stop sign at the end of the block.
Knowing that he had no one to go home to, he went to the nearest gas station so go find a cardboard box in the dumpster behind the building. Roger knows lots of tricks and tips, in order to manage himself. Digging through the garbage, he found a large refrigerator box, some year old candy, and a old paper bag with some old outfits in it. He took the stuff and went to the nearest park. Since Roger felt kind of bad, he hoped not to run into Mrs. Jones at the park, since that would be kind of awkward. Later that day, when he finally reached the park, he parked him and his stuff near a big oak tree. Roger sat in the box, and laid down to sleep. He put the money in the bad with the old clothes, and dreamt about how he should be more thankful.
The next morning when Roger woke up he started to talk to himself, “I feel so bad. I knew I should’ve been more kind. I will feel sorry until I die.” He kept babbling to himself. Roger felt so upset and miserable, that he vowed to himself, that he would take the money back to Mrs. Jones and return it. And with that said, he surely did.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Just a Letter to Our Founding Fathers!
Authors Note: In this letter essay, you find that I am writing an essay to the Founding Fathers. You will see how I explain how the U.S. Constitution has helped us in many ways, in today's world. This is my essay for the Patriots Pen.
Dear Founding Fathers,
Over the past 200 years, there has been many changes in the government since you created the US Constitution. Even with our strengths through technology, the Constitution has helped our nation immensely, just like teachers help kids learn. Knowing that so many changes in the government have occurred over these decades, the Constitution has helped citizens by leading us in many astounding ways.
Today’s government has been grown upon what you initially wrote in the US Constitution in many helpful ways . During the years that government has evolved, one thing that has changed is the way we communicate. Communicating face to face is the way it used to be; now use email. Computers are like a new form for writing documents, because 200 years ago, you would have to write documents and do work by hand. This new form of writing is very useful for the government, because when making laws, they are able to easily type what want to get approved from the branches. Already stated, our communication has changed a lot from over 200 years ago.
Our government is based lots of our decisions and laws based off the Constitution. The Constitution has helped us in many ways, because without the Constitution, there probably wouldn’t even be laws. Setting up the Constitution the way you did really affected the way our nation is now, because it impacted the way things are in our life. With that said, I am very grateful for what you have put in our hands, because what you have given me as a citizen of the U.S. You gave me the freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion, just to name a few. Without the freedom of speech and religion, I know I wouldn’t be who I am because of you. I am able to go to school, and believe in what I want to believe in. I am not forced to do stuff that is unfair and not right; I know that I am glad where I am today.
Thanks to you, I am able to be respected with care, and have freedoms I wouldn’t have in other countries. To think that is all because of the US Constitution that you wrote, I know that I am one lucky citizen, as with the rest of the citizens in the U.S.!
Sincerely,
Liana J.
Dear Founding Fathers,
Over the past 200 years, there has been many changes in the government since you created the US Constitution. Even with our strengths through technology, the Constitution has helped our nation immensely, just like teachers help kids learn. Knowing that so many changes in the government have occurred over these decades, the Constitution has helped citizens by leading us in many astounding ways.
Today’s government has been grown upon what you initially wrote in the US Constitution in many helpful ways . During the years that government has evolved, one thing that has changed is the way we communicate. Communicating face to face is the way it used to be; now use email. Computers are like a new form for writing documents, because 200 years ago, you would have to write documents and do work by hand. This new form of writing is very useful for the government, because when making laws, they are able to easily type what want to get approved from the branches. Already stated, our communication has changed a lot from over 200 years ago.
Our government is based lots of our decisions and laws based off the Constitution. The Constitution has helped us in many ways, because without the Constitution, there probably wouldn’t even be laws. Setting up the Constitution the way you did really affected the way our nation is now, because it impacted the way things are in our life. With that said, I am very grateful for what you have put in our hands, because what you have given me as a citizen of the U.S. You gave me the freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion, just to name a few. Without the freedom of speech and religion, I know I wouldn’t be who I am because of you. I am able to go to school, and believe in what I want to believe in. I am not forced to do stuff that is unfair and not right; I know that I am glad where I am today.
Thanks to you, I am able to be respected with care, and have freedoms I wouldn’t have in other countries. To think that is all because of the US Constitution that you wrote, I know that I am one lucky citizen, as with the rest of the citizens in the U.S.!
Sincerely,
Liana J.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Confidence is Key!
Authors Note: In this piece I worked on cause and effect. You should be able to see something interesting or descriptive, and see how it effects the rest of the story. This piece is based off a true story that happened to my volleyball team. Also, you should be able to see it in the view of me!
One event
that happened to me in real life is that during a volleyball match, we were
lost majorly. My team and I were doing good at practice and we thought we were
all prepared. We had our set up right, our passes were great, and we had a
great server. My team and I were on a great streak of getting our sets over and
our serves over, until we were in serve-receive. The other team who had a
really strong server, and a great blocker/tipper. All of a sudden we were doing
horrible. We were losing majorly because they had such strong serves, we
couldn’t return them. Also, when we went to block a ball, they tipped it right
back over. Then we couldn’t regain our confidence to come to come back.
Since their
serves and blockers were so strong, this effected our team, because it caused
us to become weak. We weren’t able to pass the ball back on serve-receive, or
even pop the ball up high enough to get a good set up, when there was a tip.
After not being able to return the ball back, time after time, we didn’t have enough
confidence in ourselves. This effected us majorly because when your team and
yourself doesn’t have enough confidence, it knocks you right down. Losing
during a game, caused us to lose the whole match.
If we
changed the way we looked at things, and wouldn’t have been so down on
ourselves, I know that we would have been able to win. Knowing what I know, we
could have shut them down, and one the whole entire match. When you give your
team good feedback on good things you did, you will be able to continue it, and
gain our confidence back. I know that we
would have definitely won, if we wouldn’t have been so ashamed in ourselves
because we could have got one good pass over, and we could have gotten the
chance to regain ourselves. I know that
good feedback, energy, and confidence, is definitely a key in winning a
volleyball match.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Perfect
Authors
Note: I wrote this essay on the main conflict in the book Perfect. I explain how the conflict
was resolve in the book, as well as connecting to a person I hold dear to my
heart!
In the book Perfect, there are countless conflicts. The
main conflict in this book, is how Isabelle can't bear to realize that her
father is gone, she has a hard time, and changes her eating habits
dramatically. The main conflict in this novel is person vs. self, although at
the ends, Isabelle is able to move on over her loss, and is able to overcome
her bulimia.
In the beginning of
the book, it is very easy to pick out that she was very close to her father.
Isabelle looked up to her father in every possible way, as a role model. When her father passed, Isabelle just couldn’t
help but eat mounds of junk food, and drink tons of soda and juice. She then
realizes that she thinks she's eaten so much, that she takes in another way of
comforting herself, but still being skinny. She continues this, until her
sister catches her throwing up in the bathroom. Her mother puts her in a group
of kids with the same issue, with a therapy teacher guiding her through this
rough time.
The conflict was
finally resolved in the book when figuring out that a popular girl at her
school has the same disease as her. She became close friends, with someone she
never thought she would even talk to.
They talked to each other to help one another get through their rough
times, and even though, "the popular" didn't over come her disease as
easily, Isabelle knew she had to one way or another. Every time she ate dinner,
she told herself not to make herself purposely puke. She told herself no, no
matter how much she wanted to, and in the end, she over came her disease.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Experiencing the Moments of Freedom!
Authors Note: In this piece I am conveying a personal narrative. You will find lots of emotions, and feelings of what I got to experience in Costa Rica! I will always remember these moments in time, and I have learned a valuable lesson as well!
As you zip across the jungle, you hear and see the sounds of trembling water. Landing on the plank, and jumping off of the end of the line, surrounding you is nothing but natural beauty.This exhilarating place is Costa Rica, the Central American country known for its magnificent zip lining across the treetops. Costa Rica gave me nothing but the most exciting and pleasurable experience of a lifetime: to be zip lining over nothing but natural rainforest beauty!
Many people have a bucket list, with many different things things on it they want to do before they die. They may have going to State Fair, holding a duck, swimming in a lake, or climb a tree to the tippy top. On mine there was zip lining in Costa Rica, now, it’s crossed off. I got the amazing opportunity to go to Costa Rica with my family, and I am glad that I did so that I can say that my major thing to do on my bucket list is crossed off. Zip lining in Costa Rica was one of the most amazing and memorable things I have experienced in my life.
When my family and I arrived at the destination, where we started the adventure, we had to sign a whole bunch of papers explaining that would could not sue them for any reason. Momentarily after that, we went to go get geared up and and put helmets on. The people here speak Spanish, so I was one of the only ones who could understand their accent. They told us to put all the equipment on, and we’d head up to the starting plank. At the top of the mountain that we climbed up to learn the safety information, we met a family from San Diego. Much later we finally got to start. Willingly, I had said that I didn’t want to go first, so my mom did. Toward the front of the line, I knew it was my turn next, and that’s when my heart started racing.
Standing among the beauty of the rainforest, and taking it all in, the guy told me it was my turn to go. Although I was scared, I knew I needed to do this for the experience. I closed my eyes and zoomed across. During the middle of the line I decided to open my eyes really quickly, instead, I ended up keeping them open. The freshness of the wind whipping my hair back, eyes fluttering in shock, and listening to the sounds of nature, made me realize that right then and there, was a moment of a lifetime. Descending, I knew that I shouldn’t be upset because there was more lines to go. Reaching for them to grab me, I recall them asking how it was. All I remember saying was “Wow, it was amazing!” Beyond the expectation I had for it, it was a great turn-on. I now realize how many people are fearful of it, but wouldn’t you be glad to say you did? Now, we are walking to the next plank. Much climbing and a lot of hiking, it was so much fun to be able to just let free and not hold back. After continuous lines of enjoyment and thrilling rides, it was the last one. This had to be the longest and the highest. I jumped onto the line and I went from there. Off into the rainforest where no one could see you because the treetops were in the way, it was just me and nature for the last time in the air. In between mixed feelings, this one had to be the greatest. When you are in the air, trust me, you won’t think you will die, it’s going to be the most amazing time of your life! This is sometime I will never forget, and something I want to do again.
With many words said, this had to be the trip with the most emotions running through my body. I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with my family. Now I know everyday, not to take things in my life for granted, but to take it as a privilege. Each and every day, I learn something just because of this experience. If I wouldn’t have done this, I wouldn’t be where I stand now. All I have left to say, be free and don’t let go!
As you zip across the jungle, you hear and see the sounds of trembling water. Landing on the plank, and jumping off of the end of the line, surrounding you is nothing but natural beauty.This exhilarating place is Costa Rica, the Central American country known for its magnificent zip lining across the treetops. Costa Rica gave me nothing but the most exciting and pleasurable experience of a lifetime: to be zip lining over nothing but natural rainforest beauty!
Many people have a bucket list, with many different things things on it they want to do before they die. They may have going to State Fair, holding a duck, swimming in a lake, or climb a tree to the tippy top. On mine there was zip lining in Costa Rica, now, it’s crossed off. I got the amazing opportunity to go to Costa Rica with my family, and I am glad that I did so that I can say that my major thing to do on my bucket list is crossed off. Zip lining in Costa Rica was one of the most amazing and memorable things I have experienced in my life.
When my family and I arrived at the destination, where we started the adventure, we had to sign a whole bunch of papers explaining that would could not sue them for any reason. Momentarily after that, we went to go get geared up and and put helmets on. The people here speak Spanish, so I was one of the only ones who could understand their accent. They told us to put all the equipment on, and we’d head up to the starting plank. At the top of the mountain that we climbed up to learn the safety information, we met a family from San Diego. Much later we finally got to start. Willingly, I had said that I didn’t want to go first, so my mom did. Toward the front of the line, I knew it was my turn next, and that’s when my heart started racing.
Standing among the beauty of the rainforest, and taking it all in, the guy told me it was my turn to go. Although I was scared, I knew I needed to do this for the experience. I closed my eyes and zoomed across. During the middle of the line I decided to open my eyes really quickly, instead, I ended up keeping them open. The freshness of the wind whipping my hair back, eyes fluttering in shock, and listening to the sounds of nature, made me realize that right then and there, was a moment of a lifetime. Descending, I knew that I shouldn’t be upset because there was more lines to go. Reaching for them to grab me, I recall them asking how it was. All I remember saying was “Wow, it was amazing!” Beyond the expectation I had for it, it was a great turn-on. I now realize how many people are fearful of it, but wouldn’t you be glad to say you did? Now, we are walking to the next plank. Much climbing and a lot of hiking, it was so much fun to be able to just let free and not hold back. After continuous lines of enjoyment and thrilling rides, it was the last one. This had to be the longest and the highest. I jumped onto the line and I went from there. Off into the rainforest where no one could see you because the treetops were in the way, it was just me and nature for the last time in the air. In between mixed feelings, this one had to be the greatest. When you are in the air, trust me, you won’t think you will die, it’s going to be the most amazing time of your life! This is sometime I will never forget, and something I want to do again.
With many words said, this had to be the trip with the most emotions running through my body. I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with my family. Now I know everyday, not to take things in my life for granted, but to take it as a privilege. Each and every day, I learn something just because of this experience. If I wouldn’t have done this, I wouldn’t be where I stand now. All I have left to say, be free and don’t let go!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
He's With Me
When
Lexi goes to school she never would have guessed that it could change the way
she looked at love, that one day in school she meets a boy that is now her love
of her life. This gets her into a love
story that has her lying and telling secrets, every step of the story.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
A Little Piece of History!
Authors Note: Imagine yourself overlooking a peaceful place somewhere in Honolulu, Hawaii. Think about how wonderful it sounds, ocean waves crashing, birds chirping, and leis floating in the water. Now imagine this- Loud booming noises, kids and parents screaming, dead bodies laying on the sand and floating in the water, bombs going off everywhere, and people searching for family. Now, also think about this being the same exact place. This is Pearl Harbor.
As I walk up the walkway to the submarine, I stand atop the ocean world. It's beautiful out here in Honolulu, Hawaii! I can see many things, from ocean life, to leis floating in the water. It's just then when look a little further out towards the horizon, and I can see the pieces left over from the attack just a couple feet from the Arizona. Pieces from the war that is. Not just any little pieces of litter, here there is no litter in the ocean. The water is crystal blue, I am talking about the pieces left over from the attack of World War 2. These pieces are huge, giant pieces of tanks and submarines, that are rusted to the brownish reddish you can't even describe. Yes this is it, Pearl Harbor, and boy am I dazed in shock that I am even standing here.
It is now that I realize that the war was this horribly bad. I am sitting in the movie room, located on Pearl Harbor, watching real footage from World War 2. This short film is scaring, yet informative. Loud booming noises and crashes, make echos in the movie room. People make their noises, some are crying, some are scared, and some are shocked. Me, I am one of the scared ones, covering my eyes half the time. My family is sitting next to me, their eyes are glued to the screen watching every action at every second. At this moment in time, the film is showing gory and bloody parts. This is not what I came here to do. I came here to see the monument and pray to god that all these people are at rest, and happy in heaven. At this moment, I see battlers carrying their friends in clothes all wrapped up, piling them in a pile. How scaring is this? I can tell that the movie is wrapping up. It is now at the point where the woman in the movie starts saying, "This is Pearl Harbors’ History!".
As we exit the building, we start forming a line onto the boat. This mystical boat gives my nerves some tension. I am getting tense because I am afraid that war is going to start right now on this boat. I tell my dad, and he makes me feel safe again. Looking out the side of the boat, I glare at the luminous water that's sparkling. It always catches my eye here in Hawaii. We finally arrive at the Arizona. Bystanders wait in the isle waiting to get off. When I step on the platform, it kind of jiggles and it frightens me. My mom starts to take the lead and my family starts to follow. When we enter the standing piece of glory, we start to make our way in. All over the walls, there are inscribed names of the people who served in the navy. Glancing at the wall I look at the "J's" to see if I can find the last name Jackson. Whoa-la, I certainly do! We re-trace our steps going the way we came in but on the opposite side of the wall. On the table, there is a bucket with a bunch of flowers that you would normally see on leis. Taking a moment for it to sink in, I realize that we are supposed to throw some in, in memory of the ones who served. It really started to sink in, that below the water there are pieces of metal rusted to the point of no way to recover it back to its original condition. Plus, the pieces are in the middle of the ocean. I also look down and realize that there are dead bodies, decayed and drowned at the bottom. It worries me, but I realize, that I wouldn't be here without them. Each and every one of the battlers that helped our country will always be a hero!
On the way back to the main land, where the cars are parked and where everything else is, I sit next to my mom on the boat. It never came across to me that I would ever get the chance to see a piece of history. It amazes me. On the boat every passenger sits quietly, not one peep. All you can hear is the sounds of the motor running the boat. As you swish across the crystal blue ocean, you eventually come to a stop. You get off and you then can leave. Our family hopped in the car on the way back home, but I still wonder, "Could this happen again?". All I know, is that I have gotten the chance to see a part of US history, and yes it was Pearl Harbor.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Just Around the Corner!
Authors Note: College is just around the corner, and it really starts to sink in. Being in middle school makes you think twice. College is just around the corner, we have to get used to it.
May 17th, 2012
College
“Mommy?”
“Yes dear”
“Guess what I want to be when I grow up?”
“Hmmm, what does my darling want to be when she grows up?”
“No mommy! You have to guess first, then I will tell you.”
“Okay... do you want to be a farmer?”
“No mommy ! You’re silly. I want to be a plastic surgeon.”
“Oh really?”
“Yup, I want to be able to make old people look young again.”
“I see honey, that’s very...... it’s very a different job.”
“I know, I will make you look young again.”
“Haha you are very funny, but let’s just keep being focused on being in 1st grade for now, okay?”
“Okay mommy.”
This is how it goes for most every parent. Your child tells you what they want to be, but then 2 weeks later, it changes again. In a child’s perspective, everything is cool, and interesting. Now, in 7th grade, things change. This is the grade where you pretty sure what you want to be.
As a 7th grader, I know what I want to be. I want to be a neonatologist, these people take care of the babies in the NICU who need help, after birth. This job is means a lot to me, because I want to make sure each child that comes into the world is taken care of properly. Once you are in middle school, things start to take place. You really start thinking that things are sinking in, and you’re almost going to college.
College can be scary. I am not looking for it. Colleges can be huge far away from home, they could be far away, it’s expensive. There are so many things that run around in my tiny little head. I think that the most thing that I can do is think that in the future I can be what ever I want to be, and know that my friends and family will always support me. I am not excited for college, but I know it will help me in my career soon to be!
May 17th, 2012
College
“Mommy?”
“Yes dear”
“Guess what I want to be when I grow up?”
“Hmmm, what does my darling want to be when she grows up?”
“No mommy! You have to guess first, then I will tell you.”
“Okay... do you want to be a farmer?”
“No mommy ! You’re silly. I want to be a plastic surgeon.”
“Oh really?”
“Yup, I want to be able to make old people look young again.”
“I see honey, that’s very...... it’s very a different job.”
“I know, I will make you look young again.”
“Haha you are very funny, but let’s just keep being focused on being in 1st grade for now, okay?”
“Okay mommy.”
This is how it goes for most every parent. Your child tells you what they want to be, but then 2 weeks later, it changes again. In a child’s perspective, everything is cool, and interesting. Now, in 7th grade, things change. This is the grade where you pretty sure what you want to be.
As a 7th grader, I know what I want to be. I want to be a neonatologist, these people take care of the babies in the NICU who need help, after birth. This job is means a lot to me, because I want to make sure each child that comes into the world is taken care of properly. Once you are in middle school, things start to take place. You really start thinking that things are sinking in, and you’re almost going to college.
College can be scary. I am not looking for it. Colleges can be huge far away from home, they could be far away, it’s expensive. There are so many things that run around in my tiny little head. I think that the most thing that I can do is think that in the future I can be what ever I want to be, and know that my friends and family will always support me. I am not excited for college, but I know it will help me in my career soon to be!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The True Meaning Of Family!
Authors Note: Family has a important meaning. Family means love. Love is somethings that can be spread easily. I love my family no matter what, even if my sister gets on my nerves. I love my family, including my sister.
May 14th, 2012
Siblings
The best memories you make can be with your siblings. I have two siblings, Katie-9 and April- 33. I really don’t remember my sister April because she is my 1/2 sister. I barely see her because she lives farther away. On the other hand, my younger sister who is adopted as well, lives with me. Sometimes we get along like cats and dogs. Other times, we get along like ice cream and sprinkles. I guess it just depends on our moods. In the past years we’ve lived with each other, we have had many memories. I have many other memories with friends, but the ones that really have a meaning from the start, stay with you forever. I do have many friend memories though. My sister and I have have very close bond. Even though, I don’t always see in her eyes’ path, we will be sisters no matter what, and I will always love her!
May 14th, 2012
Siblings
The best memories you make can be with your siblings. I have two siblings, Katie-9 and April- 33. I really don’t remember my sister April because she is my 1/2 sister. I barely see her because she lives farther away. On the other hand, my younger sister who is adopted as well, lives with me. Sometimes we get along like cats and dogs. Other times, we get along like ice cream and sprinkles. I guess it just depends on our moods. In the past years we’ve lived with each other, we have had many memories. I have many other memories with friends, but the ones that really have a meaning from the start, stay with you forever. I do have many friend memories though. My sister and I have have very close bond. Even though, I don’t always see in her eyes’ path, we will be sisters no matter what, and I will always love her!
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Circle of Friendship!
Authors Note: This piece is about how you can have many, many friends and still have a couple close friends. This Friends piece relates to me because in the story, I talk about the people that are close to me. Becca is AMAZING, and Chloe is AWESOME!!
May 10th, 2012
Friends
I love all of my friends, but I have some really close friends. Their names are Becca and Chloe. They are so sweet and caring. I have many friends but these ones are the closest to me. If I ever have an issue I can trust them with anything. They keep my secrets and don’t share with anyone. When you say you have a good friend, should have good qualities and support what you do. My friends are as sweet as cotton candy and they continue to be even as life goes on.
In the past few years, I have learned many friendship qualities. Sometimes you may fight with your friends, but that just means you are still in the learning process. Becca and I have had a couple fights or spatz, but life goes on and we get over it. When you have a friend, you may not agree on everything, which is ok. It just means, you are unique and have your own personality. As with Becca and I, we are very close. As close as a woven basket. I basically go over to her house every day and don’t even knock. I just walk right on in. Do I get into trouble? No. I am so close, it doesn’t even matter. Becca is my friend.
I also have another friend. Her name is Chloe. She is another close friend to me as well. I love her, but in a friendly way. In a close friendship way. We hang out once in awhile.I am sure that I would be able to walk right into her house as well, but we don’t live as close. Chloe and Becca are the best friends I could ever ask for!!
May 10th, 2012
Friends
I love all of my friends, but I have some really close friends. Their names are Becca and Chloe. They are so sweet and caring. I have many friends but these ones are the closest to me. If I ever have an issue I can trust them with anything. They keep my secrets and don’t share with anyone. When you say you have a good friend, should have good qualities and support what you do. My friends are as sweet as cotton candy and they continue to be even as life goes on.
In the past few years, I have learned many friendship qualities. Sometimes you may fight with your friends, but that just means you are still in the learning process. Becca and I have had a couple fights or spatz, but life goes on and we get over it. When you have a friend, you may not agree on everything, which is ok. It just means, you are unique and have your own personality. As with Becca and I, we are very close. As close as a woven basket. I basically go over to her house every day and don’t even knock. I just walk right on in. Do I get into trouble? No. I am so close, it doesn’t even matter. Becca is my friend.
I also have another friend. Her name is Chloe. She is another close friend to me as well. I love her, but in a friendly way. In a close friendship way. We hang out once in awhile.I am sure that I would be able to walk right into her house as well, but we don’t live as close. Chloe and Becca are the best friends I could ever ask for!!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Reading Sensation!
Authors Note: This paragraph shows how sometimes when picking a book, you may want to read until you don't even realize what time it is after you've read the whole book. This is the same was I felt, and I am still reading the book "Perfect" by Natasha Friend. Even know I am still reading it, it is still that good.
Sometimes when you are reading, your body starts to warm up like a blanket. You feel like you want to curl up in a chair in the corner and just read for hours. When choosing a book, you sometimes, don’t know what book to read; that’s when recommendations come into play. The book I am reading now is called “Perfect” by Natasha Friend. This book is very well written and I think that this book teaches a good lesson. This main character is having troubles with her body, and is throwing her food up after she eats a ton. This genre is realistic fiction, and it is kind of girly. I would recommend this author or book to anyone, even though I am not done with it yet. This book is very good and I personally think that it teaches an amazing lesson.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Symbolism- A Rose for Emily
Authors Note: We read the short story called "A Rose for Emily." We thought of it as somethings to pull out some symbolism. Below, you will find pieces of symbolism and what we thought the meaning behind it meant.
A Rose for Emily
By: Becca, Chloe, and Liana
Rose – Love, and that looks can be deceiving.
· Love – Roses are elegant and pretty and it’s something you get on valentine’s day.
· Looks can be deceiving – Roses are beautiful but they also have thorns which are painful.
February – Harsh
· Harsh – Winter can be cold and harsh.
Stairways – Creepy, Falling
· Creepy – Sometimes when you walk up the stairs they make a creeking noise and it scares Liana.
· Falling – You never know if you are going to fall up or down the stairs so you never know what’s coming
“Her voice was dry and cold” – Old, Out of Breath, Cold outside, Mean, Worn, Harsh
· Old – Old ladies have old little squeaking voices
· Out of Breath – Old ladies have no breath – you can just picture it in your mind.
· Cold Outside – Sometimes in the winter the air is more dry and it is not humid
· Mean – Old ladies have really high pitched voices or really low voices like “get over here young lady!”
· Worn – Because old ladies are old!
· Harsh – Long pointy nails, and they have harsh voices!
Rat – Sneaky
· Sneaky – Old Emily is very miscellaneous
Snake – Slither
· Slither – Emily can easily get out of things – like her taxes
3 gray beards – old men involved, wise
· Old men – They’re ore wise and they can control things and they have more experience. They have more stories to tell.
· Wise – Old men are wise and smart.
Midnight – Crimes, Important meetings
· Crimes - Because no one can see them in the dark and everyone is asleep and it’s dark.
· Important meetings - You can’t see and nobody knows about it and it’s a time where everyone’s quiet.
Gray – Ancient, Dull, Not Exciting (a.k.a. boring), Depression
· Ancient – because the story seems like the 70’s and ancient means the 70’s - It’s kinda like slavery time.
· Dull – All color has been sucked out of it and it’s just not fun to look at
· Not Exciting – Which is more funner? Pink or gray? Those are your options!
· Depression – I think depression is upsetting, and gloomy, poopy.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Semantic Devices!
Authors Note: In class we have been working on semantic devices. Below, you will find some examples of semantic devices. My friends and I have worked together to come up with some examples! Enjoy!
Metaphor- The glowing star in the sky was a flashlight.
Simile- The people in the crowd were as loud as a blow-horn
Personification- The candle flame danced in the dark.
Hyperbole- I was so excited that I jumped 100 feet.
Puns- Becca beamed from ear to ear when doing gymnastics on the beam
Oxymoron- The couple was found alone together.
Irony- I had such a blast at the mall- who wouldn't want to be robbed?
Alliteration- People at the park, played on the play set.
By: Liana Jackson
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The Relaxed Friend Everyone Wants........
Chloe
Chloe is so innocent and sweet
And absolutely hates the smell of feet
Sometimes she will sing aloud
That as a friend, it makes me proud
Once in a while she will braid her hair
And soon you will find that people like to stare
She cares for her brothers so dear to her heart
That is it ever happens, she will be sad to part
Chloe is so nice to me
It makes me want to dance in a tree!
Chloe is a great friend to me!!!!
Chloe is a great friend to me!!!!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The crazy one.......
Becca
Becca can be very crazy
Or other days she will be very lazy
Sometimes she will hoot and holler
And sometimes I have to stall her
At school she is laid back, and shy
Once we get home she'll make you laugh so hard, you cry
When she gets up in the morning, her hair might be frizzy
But that has nothing to do with her making me dizzy
Friends make you smile, and not have to worry
But when talking about Becca, you won't know what happens next in the story
This is a really true friend to me
And she is such a good friend, she can open me up with her key.
By: Liana
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Roller Coasters Can Be The Best Ride Through Summer Break!
Authors Note: When you know something is going wrong with your brother's best friend, you know you will be involved. Crushes can get the best of people by showing off and things tat you might not appreaciate later on. When Bree crashes Jake's summer, Lexi's just gets better!
Being on break from school is always fun; summer break is my favorite. My friends and I always have a great time. Sometimes my parents take my sister and I on vacation, and we always have a blast. However sometimes, it may be a little different for some people. In the book “He’s With Me” by Tamara Summers, Tamara expresses her word choice incredibly wisely, which creates very good character interactions. Summer break is not always a breeze for everyone especially when your brother’s friend, is your crush.
When the school year is ending, Lexi gets really excited. She thinks all about what she is going to do with her brother, until she walks into the door of her bedroom and finds out by her mother that she is going to camp. Lexi’s interactions with her brother in this book are very distinct. The two of them are very close together, to the point where they do everything together- until she finds out that she has to go to camp without her brother. Tamara Summers must be really close to her sibling in order to write this well and how the two characters interact with one another. Feeling so miserably that she has to go to camp without her brother, and has no choice, something does cheer her up. That something would be a special someone- Jake. Jake is her brothers’ best friends, and her biggest crush. Knowing that he comes over every day she couldn’t wait to ask if he was going to camp, as well.
Even more excited than when she finds out that Jake is going to camp too, Jake has an issue. That issue would be that she gets to be Jake’s pretend girlfriend because his issue caused this. While I read this part in the book, I was thinking in my head that Tamara must be able to think very well, in order to compare/contrast characters. Tamara writes as if she is every single character in her book, which is amazing to me because if a person was talking in the book, and it didn’t say who was talking, I could immediately tell who was talking. If a author that does this, that means that this author, can really write a good book!
Being a pretend girlfriend is not the easiest thing to do, in the world. So, in Lexi’s position, she has to lie a lot- about everything, from how they met, and when they first kissed. This is all a part of being a pretend girlfriend. For the most part, Bree is not buying it at all. Bree is the girl who dresses in white everyday to show off her tan skin, she is the one who gets everything she wants, and this is just not her thing, not being able to date the guys she wants because he doesn’t want to date her. Lexi is coming up with excuses and more and more stories how things fell in place, and Jake is as well. Things seem as it is going perfect, until Lexi’s mother finds out. Oh no! Tamara must have been in this place, at some point in her life. I would be in so much trouble, but not in this case. She isn’t in one ounce of trouble. This is such a relief, so much of a relief to Lexi that she takes her dogs on a walk.
In one of Lexi’s and Jake’s so called stories, they say they met when she was walking her dogs. They come up with this romantic way Jake asking her out and it lies in perfect place. But all of a sudden something feels like something is repeating over. As if it is happening for real this time. It is! This books ends in the most perfect way. Tamara Summers makes things one of the most amazing words come to life as if I was there. It is like I can tell who is who, without mentioning names. In fact though, it is true, Jake is replaying the whole situation that was told in a fake story which is now true. Forever and ever, Lexi and Jake end up together, as if was meant to be!
Sometimes the most difficult things can become something that is not even hard. In Lexi’s situation, she has one of her biggest summer break roller coasters ever, turns in to the most romantic times of her life. Maybe something similar to this has happened to you. When your crush is your brother’s best friend, things can become like a roller coaster that only rides up and down through summer break.
Being on break from school is always fun; summer break is my favorite. My friends and I always have a great time. Sometimes my parents take my sister and I on vacation, and we always have a blast. However sometimes, it may be a little different for some people. In the book “He’s With Me” by Tamara Summers, Tamara expresses her word choice incredibly wisely, which creates very good character interactions. Summer break is not always a breeze for everyone especially when your brother’s friend, is your crush.
When the school year is ending, Lexi gets really excited. She thinks all about what she is going to do with her brother, until she walks into the door of her bedroom and finds out by her mother that she is going to camp. Lexi’s interactions with her brother in this book are very distinct. The two of them are very close together, to the point where they do everything together- until she finds out that she has to go to camp without her brother. Tamara Summers must be really close to her sibling in order to write this well and how the two characters interact with one another. Feeling so miserably that she has to go to camp without her brother, and has no choice, something does cheer her up. That something would be a special someone- Jake. Jake is her brothers’ best friends, and her biggest crush. Knowing that he comes over every day she couldn’t wait to ask if he was going to camp, as well.
Even more excited than when she finds out that Jake is going to camp too, Jake has an issue. That issue would be that she gets to be Jake’s pretend girlfriend because his issue caused this. While I read this part in the book, I was thinking in my head that Tamara must be able to think very well, in order to compare/contrast characters. Tamara writes as if she is every single character in her book, which is amazing to me because if a person was talking in the book, and it didn’t say who was talking, I could immediately tell who was talking. If a author that does this, that means that this author, can really write a good book!
Being a pretend girlfriend is not the easiest thing to do, in the world. So, in Lexi’s position, she has to lie a lot- about everything, from how they met, and when they first kissed. This is all a part of being a pretend girlfriend. For the most part, Bree is not buying it at all. Bree is the girl who dresses in white everyday to show off her tan skin, she is the one who gets everything she wants, and this is just not her thing, not being able to date the guys she wants because he doesn’t want to date her. Lexi is coming up with excuses and more and more stories how things fell in place, and Jake is as well. Things seem as it is going perfect, until Lexi’s mother finds out. Oh no! Tamara must have been in this place, at some point in her life. I would be in so much trouble, but not in this case. She isn’t in one ounce of trouble. This is such a relief, so much of a relief to Lexi that she takes her dogs on a walk.
In one of Lexi’s and Jake’s so called stories, they say they met when she was walking her dogs. They come up with this romantic way Jake asking her out and it lies in perfect place. But all of a sudden something feels like something is repeating over. As if it is happening for real this time. It is! This books ends in the most perfect way. Tamara Summers makes things one of the most amazing words come to life as if I was there. It is like I can tell who is who, without mentioning names. In fact though, it is true, Jake is replaying the whole situation that was told in a fake story which is now true. Forever and ever, Lexi and Jake end up together, as if was meant to be!
Sometimes the most difficult things can become something that is not even hard. In Lexi’s situation, she has one of her biggest summer break roller coasters ever, turns in to the most romantic times of her life. Maybe something similar to this has happened to you. When your crush is your brother’s best friend, things can become like a roller coaster that only rides up and down through summer break.
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