Random Thoughts from a Random Teen

Determination & Motivation

2012-02-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

Every year marks the beginning of thousands, and likely billions, of new years' resolutions are made and committed to memory--at least, they are for the first few weeks of the year. Many resolutions will likely result in futile struggles towards nearly unattainable goals, and others will simply be forgotten before they are even begun.

"I want to be rich by the year's end." "I want to find love in the next twelve months." "That lovely job will finally be mine this year." Goals are an important part of every individuals' system of self esteem and motivation, but at some point, we all have to be realistic about what we wish to achieve.

You may not be worth your weight in gold or at the same economic level as Bill Gates, but perhaps you could save, invest and be smart about your money this year, so that, at the conclusion, you have some money to show for your efforts.

You may not find your true love or experience that connection of a lifetime, but perhaps you could apply yourself more thoroughly in your social life, so that you form more meaningful relationships with people, and end the year on a better social foot.

You may not get that new job or finally be promoted to that prized position, but you could still work hard and make sure that the higher-ups at least notice your efforts. This is the reality of most new years' resolutions: they are too broad and/or completely unobtainable, but there are revised goals that can be achieved.

This year of 2012, my primary goal revolves around fitness, strength, and nutrition; however, Rome wasn't built in a day and I cannot expect a goal to be achieved, even if it is reasonable, without some effort. And so I am tackling each aspect of my resolution, beginning with fitness.

The fitness and strength portions of my goal comes at a relatively important time in my career and education plans. For the past few months, it has been my aim to join the United States Navy as a Naval Officer upon my graduation from college in two years, but the fact that that is two years away does not mean that I can put off preparing. In order to join any military force, you must be physically fit and strong in more than one way. So, since the don of the new year I have begun my own physical training.

As I mentioned before though, this beginning also comes at a perfect time in terms of my education because just this semester I am participating in a course entitled "Community & Personal Health." From the course already, we've discussed personal fitness, community involvement, the different realms of health and wellness, and soon we'll move on to even more convenient topics.

In regards to the nutrition portion of my resolution, that bit may be a bit more difficult for me to stick with. Determination, however, is a powerful thing, and I am quite the determined person. Will power shall carry me through, I am certain.

My plan is simple. Over the course of this 366 day year, I will commit myself daily to becoming a better physical specimen in nearly every way. Sure, I have more slight goals, and at the start I dreamed of bigger endeavors for this year, but this is my achievable goal that I crave to make reality. You see, resolutions are all about what is realistic and what is not. What is possible and what is not. And at the end of it all, you're simply pushing your own boundaries, seeing how far that stretch out.

Each day, I will be exercising in manners that I have never stuck with before. During the middle years of my high school career, I devoted myself to running. During my junior year, I became a vegetarian. During my senior year, I wondered at what could happen if only you committed yourself to something long enough. Now I am making commitments and sticking to them.

Running, to begin with, is now my main hobby. Whenever I feel myself falling back on the typical teenage habits of social networks, Internet browsing, texting, or simple couch potato-type activities, I gather my wits about me and channel my energy into a run. Some days, I find myself capable of walking and running for miles without rest. Other days, my body aches from the days' activities that have recently passed. Yet, nearly every day, I win the internal battle of coercion and find myself running yet again.

Along with running, strength and weight training will become part of my daily plan. Since I remain a military dependent, I have access to a gym, indoor pool and other fitness devices. I will be sure that the workers at each of those places will tire of me before I will tire of them.

Vegetarianism is a different matter. For nearly two years, I was a devoted vegetarian, even excluding eggs and fish from my diet. Sadly, I must admit that the teenager in me fell back far too often on pizza and cheese sandwiches for my nutrients. During that same time though, I discovered the power of other foods, primarily fruits, vegetables and grains. It's a wonder how much you notice about yourself and the way foods effect you when you cut certain food groups out. While I will not be returning to my past vegetarian mentality, I will be incorporating healthier eating choices into my daily diet.

Perhaps it's foolhardy to attempt so many changes over the course of a single year; however, the goal is not meant to be completed in the course of the year, but rather to learn the level of devotion necessary to bring myself to my best physical condition possible.

And so, this is the nature of my own year of devotion, as I prefer to call it. Good luck with your own!

Army Brat to Naval Officer.

2012-01-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have written here before about my growing up as an Army brat. I’ve pushed you all to picture the lifestyle that I knew throughout my childhood: moving often and far, learning every day as the sun rose and fell, and watching as my father left and returned each day from something that was far more than a “job.” At the same time that I’ve tried to describe those experiences, my own call to service has been occupying my thoughts, and that’s what I need to write about now.

In two years time I will graduate from college with my Bachelors of Science in Computer Technology and Information Systems. In two years time I will have completed yet another academic achievement. In two years time, I’m worried that I’ll have lost sight of what I want.

All throughout secondary school, I strived to be the best in academics and I was especially hard on myself about grades and my gpa. When I graduated from high school, I was expected to go Ivy or something of the like, but, I’m tired of all of that trying. It’s not that I doubt the power of hard work or that I think college is pointless, but academia, at least in the way I’m currently progressing, isn’t interesting me anymore.

I know that I’ll stay in school. I know that I’ll graduate. I know that I’ll do well. It's expected of me, and likely makes the most sense in today's society. But I don’t know that I’ll be happy in the meantime. College, it seems, is just a weigh station to me.

Quite a lot of the time, I simply wish that I could graduate now and join the Navy sooner rather than later. Working hard isn’t something I’m afraid of yet waiting very much is. My parents are disappointed with my choices in regards to the Navy and speeding through college…but I need to do what makes me happy.

The military is in my family (a father and a grandfather), as well as in my very soul. It’s hard to explain how you can feel as if you need to do something so thoroughly. I won’t claim that it’s divine or biblical. I won’t say I was born for this. I will say, however, that this just feels right.

The hurrying to complete college as quickly as possible. The hard push to make myself as physically fit as I can before actually signing. The constant research into the Navy and the experience I’ll soon enter into. It feels like it fits, and I rarely feel such things.

It’s likely not “destiny” or “fate.” It is a choice. I’m choosing to move from an Army Brat to a Naval Officer. I paving my own future without regrets.

-Future, Ensign Mikayla Mercer

Mum's Ode and Illness

2012-01-18T20:38:00.000-08:00

When you grow up with a physically ill family member life can never be defined as simple. From the day that the illness sets in and onward, your life is in constant upheaval. From the outside looking in, it will occasionally seem as though the family is handling all in turn and well at that but, mostly, outsiders will venture the question "how do you do it?" To outsiders, your life is chaos. To outsiders, you are a small group of people that deserve pity and sympathy. To outsiders, you are beyond normal and approaching abnormal. From the day that the illness sets in, you change.

Growing up with an ill mother was something of a lesson--do this, do not do that, behave this way, speak in this manner, and, whatever you do, do not allow anything to overcome you, overcome all else instead. Illness, you see, is the enemy, and all must be done to avoid it. And, at some point along the way, the lessons hit home. At some point, the constant upheaval that is your life begins to feel like the new normal. At some point, you do not remember how things were before.

Illness has this talent. A talent for causing the most unexpected feelings and teaching unforgettable lessons. I love my mother, and my father and brother for that matter. But my mother's illness has taught me and changed my life more than anything else. That's the positive side, the happy spin to things. That's what I need to see in order to get by. We all wear rose colored glasses, and optimism is mine.

Illness, as sickening and weakening as it is, makes us stronger.

Collisions of Emotion & Logic: Everyday Life

2012-01-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

A heart: a pumping, beating, beautiful, and sometimes disgustingly faulty organ, that we allow to define our status among the living versus the dead.

A mind: a colorful, curious, and often confused organ that we allow to define our personality.

Conflicts: thoughtlessly orchestrated clashes of heart and head, unresolvable and persistent, that we allow to overwhelm us at a moment's notice.

Do you remember when things were simple? Chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Swing or slide. Pink or blue.

Do you remember when things became complicated? This or that college major. This or that job. This or that person, or people, in our life.

Somewhere along the line of life, decisions became more complicated than choosing between one thing and another, and differences between each choice became diluted beyond recognition. Somewhere along the line, heart and head became equal and warring factors in every decision.

When we were first teenagers, the decisions were still so simple. Each day, we dedicated ourselves to choosing what we thought was so important but really wasn't (in the grand scheme of things): who to sit with, who to talk to, what to wear, who to go where with, and so many other utterly pointless calculations. Girls spent long hours grueling over which outfits to wear each week and boys spent days quantifying the points won in each of their electronic games. When we were first teenagers, our reality was so skewed and we didn't even know it.

Then, we aged. We grew up the tiniest bit. We realized that we hadn't yet faced the true decisions of life yet. All that we had previously encountered was null and void, and to each his own the decision to win or lose in the new game of life. At 18 years old, and for some even earlier, we entered a world we did not know--a world where all is at odds with every choice we make and every journey we undertake.

Remember that heart? It has done you wrong and it has led you right.

Remember that mind? It has made you strong and it has helped you put up a fight.

Remember that war inside of you? It has kept you up at night.

There, at the center of that internal war, is an unanswerable question: which is more important, the heart or the head?

Yet again, to each his own to decide, and yet the head is winning my vote.

The Year of the Dragon: 2012

2012-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

There are so many events that are meant to happen in this year: Supposedly, the world will end or come to some cataclysmic fall. The first generation of students to have only been educated in the 2000s will graduate from high school. The United States Presidential Election will take place. The 60th year of Queen Elizabeth II will be celebrated in each British land and the Summer Olympics will be held in London, England. This year, however, is no different from the last or the next. It is simply a year, and a leap year at that, with it's measly one extra day. Yet, each year, people across the national lines will commit to new year resolutions, a practice that I personally commend, if and when the resolutions actually come to fruition. As I see it, what would be the point in resolutions that never became resolute? This being said, I myself have a few simple resolutions that I would like to make and set for all to see. You may peruse my resolutions below, but please feel free to post your own as well. Happy New Year, darlings, may it be a wonderful one for you in spite of the heavy topics that are sure to be addressed throughout 2012. Good luck in each of your own pursuits in this year of the dragon.

Exercise more frequently and achieve the most physically fit state possible for me.
Listen to others as well as to my own conscious.
Finish the short novel that I have begun.
Travel as far as possible and allow my senses to run rampant in each new place.
Feel as often as I think, for too much of either is no good at all.
Find family.
Paint and draw until my ideas run out--art will never come to be if you never begin.
Disappear to a new place and find what I do not even know I am looking for.
To be like a dragon and achieve exactly what I want.

Running and Wanderlust.

2012-01-01T16:47:00.001-08:00

I love to run.

This is a fact that I have repeated again and again over theyears. I’ve written it into papers, recited it in introductory speeches and chosenit as the answer during multiple-choice surveys. I have allowed this fact torun rampant through my biological and sociological footprint. Yet, not oneperson has ever asked me what I meant by it.

Run isn’t a simply defined word of only one meaning and oneunderstanding—run, to me, is something far different from foot in front offoot, and path lost to pace of footfalls and rises.

I am a runner.

I don’t know quite when the urge to run began and I cannotpinpoint the first time that I yielded myself to the force of the urge, yet Ican recount many instances of this occurrence. I know the cycle by heart.

It starts with a difficulty of breath. A squeezing begins,high in your chest. A sense of urgency sets in and you’re not precisely certainas to why. The world immediately around you begins to slow down, and you wantso badly to move fast amidst it. Then come the internal shakes: the momentswhen you feel that something isn’t “right” and you can’t put that thought fromyour mind. And then you’re completely breathless. And the world is tumbling. Andyou break into a run. You run with all that is in you. You upset the balance.You change the pace. You forge a new path. And suddenly everything istumultuous. Chaotic. Strange. Perfect. Oh so perfect.

It ends with a breath. Freedom. Everything is in motion andyou’re at the center, feeling and seeing it all. The world is lovely and you’rethankful for the squeezing sensation that led you to run. You’re in love withthe notion of running. But, for now, you’re found a new peace, and until theurge rises again, you enjoy the simplicity of the new situation running hasbrought you into. You feel. You see. You taste. And you breathe. The breaththat would not come before is freely pouring in and out of your lungs now. You haveconquered. You have run.

Running is my passion.

Through every day that I can remember, I have operated onthe premise of “run” or “don’t run.” The ways of my life are simple: there is apull and a force, or there is not. And I see no need to go against thisperception. Running, you see, has been lifeblood to me.

When I was a child the urge to run was less frequent. Whilewriting a story, I might feel the urge and hurry along in my writing, driven byan unseen force to finish and find relief. Breathing has always been the firstsign.

As a young teenager the urge increased. At times, I foughtagainst the breathlessness, forcing myself into a pattern of normalcy anddenying myself the option of running. I suffocated under my self-restraint. Myheart grew cold under my own discipline. My mind grew restless. Like aphysically ill patient, I grew into a sick and decaying creature. And then Ilet the urge free. I surrendered to the power of the force inside. And I ran.

It’s hard, caving into a force that you do not understandand cannot even hope to control. It’s hard to work against yourself and hopethat the outcome is good. But, I love to run, and I must.

Running is at my heart.

In religion, there is talk of “calls of God” and “heavenlyblessings.” In politics, there is “luck of the draw” and the “swing of voters.”In education, there is “authority” and “absolute power.” In everything, thereis an expectation and reasoning. But, not in running. Running is wholly afeeling.

At eighteen years old, I can feel the clenching in my chestagain. I can feel the building pressure of breath deprivation. I know thatworse feelings are yet to come if I do not do what I know I must.

I need to run. Need, not want. Running will keep me alive,though it is nothing to do with exercise or energy. Running will feed my soulthough is far different from the running that all others know.

I need to run.

Please, will you let me go?

Falling Into Flight

2011-12-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here's an excerpt from the novel I am in the process of writing.

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks, darlings!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Adequate.

Just enough. As much asnecessary. No more than needed and no less than demanded.

Adequate.

Growing up, teachers wroteperfunctory descriptive words inside each of my report cards. One wouldinscribe “Satisfactory work” and weeks would be spent afterward wondering of thedifference between “satisfactory” and, the next level, “excellent.” Anotherwould proclaim “Sufficient development, Emilia!” with an utterly unnecessaryexclamation mark, acting as though sufficiency was quite good and truly expected.Yet another would describe “Acceptable participation,” yet what exactly wasacceptable about simply being acceptable was lost in the teacher’s mechanicaland unfeeling writing.

Adequate, you see, was neversomething that I wanted to be, for adequacy is a word that is neither insultnor compliment, neither barb nor patch. Adequacy is and has always been myenemy.

I am not a person that will tolerate being less oraverage. I am a seeker of the best and a purveyor of the excellence I find, andplain adequacy would not figure into the equation.

Adequacy is the villain that I am waging an unendingbattle against and excellence is the ambition.

This is not the typical tale of a problem overcomethrough love and dedication.

This is not a story of magical creation and naïveairs.

This is a journey and a flight.

This is a running away from adequacy and a search forexcellence.

This is my departure from all that I once knew aboutbeing just enough and my entrance into being all that I can. This is my quest.Welcome.

The Paradox of Self Image.

2011-11-25T18:49:00.001-08:00

Over and over again, research papers, news reports, and individuals alike have placed blame for self image issues upon the media and the twisted modern mind.

Time and time again, the topic of self image and the health future of the world has been addressed, though only in roundabout ways.

I want to stop the roundabout and make this not just one more of an "over and over again" approach. Here is the truth as I know it, unadulterated and pure.

Self image and character flaws are our own fault, and no one, and nothing else can be blamed. You see, the cause of our insecurities and issues will always be what lies inside our own mind.

The mind is the judge, the jury, the prosecutor and the defendant--all of which define the mind as our ultimate enemy.

Described with flowery words, self image will seem as if it is the fault of anyone except the victim, but the reality is the mind as the cause.

I have known the pull of self hate. I have experienced the intoxication of the want for change. I have felt the sting of inferiority.

But I also know that the media is wrong. The doctors have judged the situation inaccurately. The individuals have come to false conclusions.

The paradox of self image is not quite a paradox at all. It is our own fault. It is all in our minds. It is something that we can barely help and only hope to someday overcome. The issues of self image are unending because we are our own worst enemy.

Religion.

2011-11-14T11:37:00.001-08:00

Throughout history, religion has been a guiding force and reigning power within nearly every society on earth. Somehow and for some reason, we have always felt that we need some method or system of faith to survive life...can we not simply find faith within ourselves? It has always been a mystery to me, this dependence upon an abstract force (God) which is somehow unexplainably governed by a finite force (Church and it's officials). Similar to my idea of money being a relative system and debt thereby being an avoidable situation that the government simply sees fit to institute, I believe that religion is relative and allowed to hold too much power. Why should I believe, in this wonderful world of finite things, that I need an abstract character to protect and govern me? I refuse to submit to this ideal, though I know I hypocritical at moments because of it. Religion, to me, is a strange concept. Perhaps a reader can explain it to me and one day I might understand...

Being Alone Isn't Necessarily Lonely.

2011-11-13T21:43:00.001-08:00

I have never understood the misconception that being alone automatically means that you are lonely. Alone and lonely are two completely different states of existence. Even the dictionary will show you so.

Alone: (adj.) having no one else present; on one's own; without other's help or participation; single-handed.

Lonely: (adj.) sad because one has no friends or company; without companions; solitary.

Why is it that these two adjectives are so easily confused in modern society? Why is it the common perception that one must come with the other? I ask this question from both personal experience and general speculation. I have always been that lone character--that one that is perfectly fine alone, and often, prefers being alone to holding company. I have always been that seeming odd-man-out and I am alright with that perception by my peers...but I do not understand it. Why does my state of being on my own often invoke unnecessary sympathy from others?

Our society is one that stresses individualism, yet is based upon collaborative effort. Our society is one that rejoices in personal achievements, yet would collapse without personal interconnectedness. Our society is nothing without the system of personal relations and connections that it is built upon. At our very base, we rely on each other. But, are we not meant to have a moment to ourselves? I could not last without my solitude...I am the odd one that would be destroyed by constant interaction.

Alone does not necessarily mean being lonely. The most recent example I can think of is food in the way college students situation themselves in the dining hall. There are those who can be found consistently among the same group of people. There are those who hop about with seemingly no favorites. There are those who sit by themselves. And there are so many more classifications of behavior but these are the most apparent. What makes these so different? And how are emotions so readily assigned to these groups without any intimate and personal knowledge of their individual emotional positions?

The more people you know, the happier you are--at least, that seems to be the common conception. If only that conception were actually true. When we see people in a social setting, we automatically categorized, but what gives us the insight to do so? That is where the error comes in.

As I have said, I have always been that loner, that person who is an introspective observer rather than a ready participant. Most of the activities of my day are done alone. I eat my meals alone. I walk to class alone. I read books and listen to music alone. I work alone. And I am quite happy about those facts on nearly every occasion. Loneliness is not one of my issues, though as a human I am sure that I have many others. So why am I so often assigned the adjective of "lonely"? Why can I not just be a person going about life, just the same as those people that do everything in the presence of a group? Why must there be so many categories that we sort people in before we have even begun to know them?

I suppose my point I simple. I suppose many will still not understand the distinction between being alone and feeling lonely. I suppose the world is not ready to understand the reality of happiness by one's self. I suppose it does not really matter to me...but I at least thought I would try to explain for any curious readers.

Perhaps Edgar Allen Poe conveyed the idea best. Here is a piece of his entitled "Alone":

"From childhood's hour I have not been
As others were; I have not seen
As others saw; I could not bring
My passions from a common spring.
From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow; I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone;
And all I loved, I loved alone.
Then- in my childhood, in the dawn
Of a most stormy life- was drawn
From every depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still:
From the torrent, or the fountain,
From the red cliff of the mountain,
From the sun that round me rolled
In its autumn tint of gold,
From the lightning in the sky
As it passed me flying by,
From the thunder and the storm,
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)
Of a demon in my view."

Please remember, being alone does not necessarily mean being lonely.

Art, or so I would like to call it.

2011-11-11T18:11:00.001-08:00

Geometric ebony pencil and charcoal:

Abstract oil pastels:

Abstract acrylic paints:

The Low Down On Feeling Low.

2011-11-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

It is a sad truth in our society that needing help or encouragement is looked down upon. Past generations thrived upon the ability and want to discuss, encourage, and simply feel emotions, but today's modern world utterly rejects the notion. Counseling, specifically, is looked upon with a nose set high in the air and a scoff falling off the lips. So, between the centuries past, and the here and now, what changed?

At what point did we become so very frightened by our own emotions and when did sharing them with other become a crime? I would not say that there was any one turning point, but rather a slow progression brought one by fear. With each war, natural disaster, cultural difference, and every other dissimilarity between people, we grew fearful--of the unknown, of change, of sameness, and of everything that defined us and our environment. After so much time in fear, we could not handle the risks of exposure and openness any longer and, as a society, we learned to shut ourselves off. We learned to shut down.

When Americans and possibly people in other parts of the world (though I cannot speak for them) are confronted with the idea of counseling, a mental image of a suit-wearing man in a cushy leather chair, with a notepad situated in his lap, and yourself lying on a leather couch nearby, is sure to appear. But, that mental image, is not realistic. (Sorry to disappoint those of you that learn about life through TV and movies!) Counseling is something entirely different; it is a reversion back to what we were to begin with. Counseling is recognizing what you feel and sharing it, whether in a private/one-on-one setting, or in a group of people with similar experiences and a listening ear. Counseling is something that we would all likely benefit immensely from but, we are often too stubborn to attempt.

The reality is that emotions are part of life. Facing our own emotions is necessary in order to healthily approach life. Feeling is necessary. There will be points when we feel as though we have reached our lowest lows, and points when we will feel on top of the world--please forgive my cliches. Counseling, in all of it's forms, is meant to help us approach those lows and highs with the same attitude and understanding. Let us go back to the ways of a better time. Let us let others help us. Let us learn to share and trust another with our feelings. Our hopes, our pains, our loves, and our sufferings are deserve attention, and not just within the confines of our own mind. Counseling is beneficial, and I will be the first to encourage others to begin it.

Here is my challenge to you: defy the modern perception, change your view and learn to feel again. Engage in counseling in whatever form you would like it to take. As long as you do it willingly, I dare you to tell me that it did not help in some manner.

Go.

Feel.

Live.

Let's talk about roommates.

2011-11-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

As a college freshman by year but college sophomore by credits, this fall has been my first experience with having a roommate, aside from short term arrangements within my family, and I honestly cannot say that I like one bit of it.

Here's the thing: it's not that my roommate is a terrible person--she's really quite nice--but our personalities and habits just conflict so damnably often. Hair on the sink and the walls of the shower? No big deal to her (in fact, a topic of much laughter), but to me, it is actually rather disgusting and unclean. Drinking my drinks and eating my food after having been given permission to eat one particular item? Perfectly acceptable to her, but absolutely annoying to me. Trash overflowing and clothes on the floor? An everyday occurrence that cannot be avoided for her, but a sure sign of sloppiness and disorganization to me. Our views are just so different, and I have not even gotten into our differing personal opinions on politics and religion yet.

Even though I attend a private Baptist University, I was not raised as a Baptist nor am I willing to convert. In fact, my childhood was mostly spent without knowledge of religion until, by chance, I ended up in a Catholic convent school, where I did convert to Catholicism. Now however, I do not claim a religion...but, you see, my roommate is quite the opposite. She's grown up in the same Baptist church all her life, and while she likes to say that she's not judgmental, her judgment has been nearly constantly clouded by her religious beliefs. Abortion? No way! Gay rights? That's ridiculous! Anything relating to politics? Don't want to talk about it! Perhaps you will remember just how opinionated I am...and just how religious I'm not. As you may guess, my opinions generally do not coincide with hers.

When I was planning for college, I thought that having a roommate might be fun. I assumed, like the TV movies lead so many teenage girls to believe, that we would get along and perhaps even be good friends. I was so very clueless at that stage. I was prepared for dealing with issues, and I expected there to be disagreements between my roommate and I...but planning is an entirely different thing from actually being in the situation.

So here is my warning for those of you who have yet to have this experience of living with someone you have only just met:

Be prepared for everything the TV dramas, movies, parents, teachers, and friends do not tell you. Be prepared for an experience that is equally annoying and disheartening.

I really cannot wait to move out to the campus apartments next Fall...

New Favorite Quotes

2011-11-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

With the passing of time comes the passing of many words. From brain, past lips, to ears, and other brains, words transform our world. Words hold power that we cannot even wholly comprehend. Strings of sounds and connecting pauses, whole phrases can define our lives and our world. As humans, we need words to communicate, allowing our gestures and emotions to take on new and more complete meaning. I, for one, find the power of words to be quite extraordinary in such a way that I cannot even begin to express my love of words. Without further adieu, here a few more of my favorite strings of words though the list could be endless:

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." (Mother Teresa)

"There is that in me...I do not know what it is...but I know it is in me." (Walt Whitman)

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." (Aldous Huxley)

"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time..." (Jack Kerouac)

"You can close your eyes to the things that you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel." (Unknown)

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." (George Orwell)

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength." (Ralph W. Sockman)

"Love is a devil: there is no angel but Love. Yet was Samson so tempted, and he had an excellent strength; yet was Solomon so seduced, and he had a very good with." (William Shakespeare)

"In short, I'd rather be truthful than correct." (Sir Thomas More)

"They're quite gentle really, but people avoid them because they're a bit...different." (Luna Lovegood, character of J.K. Rowling)

"Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?" (Rose Kennedy)

"Now I pierce the darkness, new beings appear. The earth recedes from me into the night; I saw that it was beautiful, and I see that what is not the earth is beautiful. I go from bedside, I sleep close with the other sleepers each in turn. I dream in my dream all the dreams of the other dreamers, and I become the other dreamers. I am a dance--play up there! The fit is whirling me fast!" (Walt Whitman)

"There is no exquisite beauty...without some strangeness in the proportion." (Edgar Allan Poe)

"Hating our actions is the first step to our redemption. Hating ourselves, however, is the first step to our destruction." (Albus Dumbledore, character of J.K. Rowling)

"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once." (William Shakespeare)

"I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen." (John Steinbeck)

"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." (Walter Bagehot)

"Constantly talking isn't necessarily communicating." (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)

I can't stand not being able to picture something.

2011-11-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

When I was little, andnow, my mom told these stories about the hotels her parents owned when she wasyoung-about the beach pavilion, working hard even when she was just a kid, andgoing through school in her wild way. My dad, has told his own stories aboutgrowing up on a farm, working in different trades, and his crazy family. Thestories can be happy or sad, and wild or simple, but either way it’s alwaysdriven me bonkers to not be able to picture what it was like. So, I have anidea of what I want to do to change that…

Descriptions have neverbeen enough for me; I need to feel like I’m there. I want to know what it feltlike…the average day…the little details that we often forget to acknowledge. Iwant to know the simple things, and I want to feel like I lived then too.Wanting to feel it and picture the past, is actually what led me into art. WhenI was little, I so terribly wanted to be able to see what was being explained.I needed something to show me what an “Astro Needle,” “Sea Dolphin Hotel,” and “GeorgetownAcademy” looked like, and then the art exploded from there, into all sorts ofmediums.

I know it doesn’t makemuch sense to explain, and other people probably find it silly. There’s no wayfor me to write down how intense it feels when you just can’t see something,and you so strongly want to feel it. I’d give anything for my parents to havetaken pictures, or somehow saved pieces of the past. It’s the little thingsthat I need to be able to see. Like how a house looked, what a grocery storewas like then, and what kind of car someone drove.

So, I’ve found a projectand purpose for myself. I can’t save the past that my parents have forgotten,and I’ll never have lived in the times that my mother worked at a zoo for weeksto earn her own collie puppy, or that my dad was a talented soccer player, butI can save the time I live in now, for the future. I’m already obsessed withphotography, so why couldn’t I just work on holding onto now? One day I couldhave a niece, nephew, son, or daughter who despises the feeling of needing topicture something as much as I do, and they could have my pictures to look at.

Nothing is too mundane fora picture. Every little detail has a story. So why not fill a book withpictures, of everything, of everyone, and hold onto this time? I don’t justwant pictures of parties and fun with friends. I want to capture the feeling ofaverage days now, and yes, all those fun things too. I’m sure I’m not makingsense, but I think I’m going to like this thing. It’d be lovely if there weresomeone doing this with me, someone who knew what I was talking about, but whoknows. It’s a big project…and as far as I can see, it doesn’t end until I die…so,I’m starting now. Anyone with me?

President Obama does not understand war.

2011-10-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

He understands politics, quite wellin fact.

But he does not understand war.

He promised every military familythat their soldiers would be home by the close of this year.

Doesn’t he realize that is a deathsentence? Doesn’t he realize that that can only result in more families losingmembers?

I am an Army brat. I am proud. I wantthe soldiers back on American soil as much as most or more so than some. But Iknow that this is wrong.

More terror is to come.

Declaring a war over does notactually end it…it just ends the period of the blame being placed on you.

Defining Storytelling, Defining Reality

2011-10-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

"Those who do not have power over the story that dominates their lives, the power to retell it, rethink it, deconstruct it, joke about it, and change it as times change, truly are powerless, because they cannot think new thoughts" (Salman Rushdie). Stories are the physical, chemical and psychological make up of the world.

Stories describe days from the past and hopes for the future. Stories make up each person's own perspective of reality. Stories cover the imperfections and dry the tears of horrible days, teaching a lesson and smoothing over the details we do not care to remember. Storytelling is essentially the reason the human race has the ability to speak.

Within stories lay the answers to past questions. Between the mind's creases, laiden with memories and reflections, a miriad of hypothetical "could have," "should have," and "would have" statements lie waiting to be found, each one telling it's own story of reality or want.

Within stories lay the decisions and reasoning of today. Confused, perplexed, depressed, needy, wanting, melancholy, happy, pleasant, rejoicing and every other noun, adjective, and verb that will make up today, also make up a stry for tomorrow. Today's reality, is tomorrow's story.

Within stories lay hopes for the future. The past was a lesson, today is an example, and tomorrow is another chance, a second or third or one-millionth chance. Hope lies in the combination of learning, living and wishing for more.

Stories pour from the mouths of every person in the world. Stories pore from every environment, object and existence. Stories are the physical, chemical and psychological make-up of the world.

"The universe is made of stories, not atoms" (Muriel Rukeyser).

A Soldier At Heart.

2011-09-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was younger, and I would watch my father get dressed each day and head to work, stopping to put on his hat or beret at the doorway. I remember accompanying him to formation one day and quietly standing at the back as I watched with a confusing fascination as these lines of men and women wearing identical uniforms stood at attention. I remember asking question after question about the ways of the military world as I secretly contemplated whether I could ever bear to be separated from it.

Here is the truth, my mind and heart on a platter--I feel called to the military. Some people feel called to religious and ministry life by God. Some people feel called to teaching by their love of children or education. Some people feel called to a type of art by the beauty and loveliness of it's form. But, what about me?

My life has been thoroughly immersed in the world of the military since just before the second year of my life. All through this time, I have had a fascination with the way the military works, the security it provides, and the people involved. Now comes the tough part of life--understanding what this fascination means.

The fascination did not end with childhood nor adolescence. When my senior year of high school was drawing to a close, I briefly considered forgetting college and simply joining one of the military forces. The key word being "briefly." Even though my father was a soldier and is now a veteran, I did not think that my family would support my military pulls. Even though I wondered at the draw the military held for me, I would not cave into it. When I began college only a few months ago, I again wondered at the idea of joining the service, but dismissed the idea as irrational--after all, what was there in the military that I could possibly want when I was already a college student?

Now, only a few months later, I am reconsidering my dismissals. Some people are meant for other things--the arts, the sciences, the ministry-but I have this strange feeling that I have been denying what I am meant for. I want to be a Navy soldier, and I will not stop until I become one. I am a soldier at heart.

We knew not the nature of what we saw.

2011-09-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

We were blind to the terror displayedbefore us, clinging to preconceived ideas of impervious strength and safety.

We were young and oblivious to thedevastation as it unfolded around us. Our eyes and ears drank in the pictures,videos, and words but we did not understand.

We were alone amongst millions whofelt the same emotions coursing through their veins, desperate for power,authority, and direction-anything and anyone to tell us how to act, how toreact, and what it was that we needed to do.

We faced death, together and yetdivided, and we knew not what we saw. We did not greet death. We did notstand strong. We simply did not. We stood unresponsive and bound byfear. Just as should be expected in the face of destruction.

Yet, we color ourselves strong. Wedefine ourselves as survivors. We paint our reactions as united and comforting.

The reality is, we were torn to bits.In the crashes, fallings, flames, and death, we were broken. We were fallingapart. We were burning from the inside out as our previous conceptions aboutlife and our country died in our bellies.

Then, we knew not the nature of whatwe saw.

Only now, in the ten year aftermath,can we recollect the actuality of that day, that September 11, 2001. On the dayof, we were rocked and shaken bitterly. We stared at the simplicity ofdestruction, and we saw nothing. There was no awe in the name of simpledestruction, nor was there speculation as to the effect the event would have onthe future. We existed, and nothing more.

We still exist, and nothing more.Tomorrow, or another day, we would be no less shaken by such an event. This iswhy we gather in our shock and memory every year on tomorrow’s date…not to showour recovery, but to show our continued fragile nature.

We are no better than we were then.We have simply painted ourselves to be knowledgable. Yet again, we have let ourguard down in favor of lies. We tell ourselves we are invincible. We lie.

Still, we are blind.

Endings.

2011-07-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Do you know that feeling, the onethat overcomes you when something has just come to an end? Can you rememberwhat it is like to know that something is finished, and the absolute elationand soaring terror and blinding sadness that come afterward? If you reach backinto your memory, and sift through all that you have experienced, will onemoment, one treasure, stand out? Does one episode of that finishing feelingtake over, grabbing hold of each of your senses? Would you go back to it, andexperience it once more if that were a possibility? Could you bear it one moretime?

There are moments each of us willremember forever. Engraved in that dark space of our mind, refusing to beforgotten, and held close to that hidden part, that soul, that makes each persondistinct and unique. The fingerprint of every person we have met is left on ourskin, in our hearts, and at the very core of our minds. Words we have heard andread, as well as spoken. Sights we have seen, both beautiful and terrible.Feelings that have grasped us tightly. Tastes that have tangled our tongues.People, places, objects, and actions-we are never free, except in thatconfusing moment of ending.

When each of us was young, we had theopportunity to be a child. Some, luckier than others, had a more lastingopportunity. When each of us became older, we had the chance to learn and growstill further, and greater. Some, reacting more intensely than others, had amore fulfilling outcome as they grabbed chance and made it into their definitelife, learning, and overall reality. As each of us grows still, we have thegood, and sometimes bad, fortune of still many more experiences to be had. Weare to have innumerably more imprints upon our personalities, memories, andperhaps most importantly, our souls. And this is the essence of living.

And, so, I ask once more, do youremember the feeling of ending? Does it thrill you, moving you to thebrink of uncontainable excitement and anxiousness? Does it scare you,creeping around inside your mind’s world, popping up, unbidden and unwanted?Does it cause an ache that you quite touch or point out, coursing through yourveins, and pushing the edges of your sanity and wellbeing? What moment is drawnto the forefront of your mind amidst all these feelings that threaten toovertake you? How do you react to the reappearance of such a moment in yourmind’s eye?

It is peculiar, the moments that youwill be drawn to, and the endings you will both miss deeply and wish to strayfar away from. Sometimes it frightens even me to unearth the thoughts my headcontains, as if my head has departed my mind at times, and I have somehow beencompletely unaware of the separation. We all have those moments, when we feelas though we are outside of ourselves, experiencing and yet not, and in that wecan glimpse the very pinnacle of ending.

Endings are hard to face, be it agoodbye to a happy day or a somber farewell to a bit of confusion, or the closeto something that you have long seen coming. A reader knows the feelingthat comes when the last page of a book is turned and there is no more to beread but an unquenchable want for just that. A writer knows the urge that neverquits but the inspiration that takes short breathes and breaks. An artist knowsthe need to continue making their art but the obstacles of money and acceptancethat often block their way. A soldier knows the dedication that is requiredwith their signed service but also the training and memories that will followthem long after retirement. And a teacher knows, above all else, the need toshare, and thus their devotion is without true end.

My most recent ending came as Ireread each of the Harry Potter books, experiencing again the brilliance ofJ.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts School and the characters she so skillfully wrote intoexistence within and outside of it’s walls. And thus the ending of the lastbook’s final page came again. My generation, as well as those shortly beforeand after, were especially fortunate to be able to grow along with these tales,and experience the world within the lines; however, I believe that these bookswill go on, spreading more endings, and inspiring more people. This author,this woman, achieved one thing that others have only guessed and tried at-anidea which the character of Dumbledore so often addressed and so fewbelieved-the power to spread love and love one another.

Yes, I am a fangirl and, yes, I knowthat these stories are just books, read by many, and still unread by more. Butthese books have been more than magic and fairy tales, more than glimpses of anon-reality and the characters one woman’s mind could create. Somehow, thesebooks have formed a community, and within every community their is some of loveand connectedness. The readers, the people delving always further in the worldof the books, are unique and lovely. They seek more still, crave more books,and they are not afraid of that which their mind possesses without their fullknowing.

What could be wrong with a seriessuch as this that has such a fierce power to unite people through the pages andthe movies that reflect them? What could be wrong with being a fan of somethingso inspirational? What could be wrong with endings? The answer to each issimple: there is nothing wrong.

An intelligent girl once told me…

2011-06-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

…that each lie has it’s own unique but specific taste.

∞ Sweet, for the lies that you so easily believe.

∞ Sour, for the lies that you recognize all along.

∞ Spicy, for the lies that hurt someone in the end.

∞ Tangy, for the lies that are mixed with the truth.

∞ And, tasteless, for the lies that you never saw coming.

Now, I just wish I had paid attention to my “liars taste buds” from the start.

Heroism: Needles, Thread and Guild--I Will Survive

2011-03-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Being a yearbook editor wasn’t supposed to take over my life. It wasn’t supposed to consume my time and take me away from the activities and people I’ve grown to enjoy. It wasn’t supposed to completely disrupt my class schedule—but, it did. So, I am no longer in the AP Literature class, as I need to dedicate time to making the yearbook and ensuring that the staff doesn’t fall behind. Writing is still my love though, and I must still write in my new English class…for these reasons, this blog will not cease to exist. Thanks for understanding the chance, and please follow my blog if you’d like…below is an essay on heroism that I wrote recently. =]

-----------------------------------------------------------------

“Oh while I live, to be the ruler of life, not a slave, to meet life as a powerful conqueror, and nothing exterior to me will ever take command of me” (Walt Whitman). Dominated by word, line and story, beheld through the eyes of musical combinations and instrumentation, and characterized by an endless supply of emotion, life is a continuous battle to maintain control or regain it when lost. Vivid dreams, technicolor rainbows, and brilliant splashes of color, the world veils itself, waiting to be undone in a different manner by each worldly individual. Chilling yet intoxicating winter winds, stifling summer heat, and fall rain which beats unto structures as if a monsoon were possible in the midst of the suburbs; rich scents that numb the mind to all else, making reality nonexistent; high notes and low chords sung to detail the continuing float of the boat of life which has already set sail. Control and the senses go hand in hand; though, how is one to take hold of the sensory reins and lead one’s own life? With a magnificent and endless war waging between control, sight, hearing, feeling, touch and scent, the struggle to become one’s own hero can be found. A modern day priestess of rhyme, a young apprentice of artistic design, and a secret knight striving to beat the foe that is hopelessness, confusion and the invisible enemy known as regret—life is a battle, and I choose to fight in every form I hold.

Cowardly is the way of those who give up before a proper chance has been taken, who seek refuge in lies, and who hide behind fear in every part of their lives. English and writing has always seemed to come relatively easy to my fingertips, flowing like water and taking shape in the creases of papers without my knowledge. Within lines of words, however, lies the opportunity for untruths, lies and dishonesty, whether planned or not. In order to be a hero of one’s own life, it is absolutely necessary to hold to absolute honesty; absolute trust of one’s self and others. Perhaps the world is harsh at times, and reality kills to the core, but there is no excuse for dishonesty with others and especially with one’s self. Heroes are heroes because they possess a certain and unusual degree of selflessness; however, aside from that selflessness, a hero must be aware of their own needs, desires, and feelings, lest they risk falling victim to them rather than pursuing them individually. I know that my love lies within these lines of word and phrase, combined and entwined to speak the world to the reader in the most unique of ways. I know that my love lies in literature and the culture that is English art. I know that my love lies…and I must be the one to write the truth from henceforth.

Graphic illustration, web designer, computer programmer, studio artist, literary studies or creative writing teacher and numerous other titles have accompanied the recent hours I have spent dreaming of the future. The future is indefinable, however, and even I, my own hero, must realize such truth. The future is the world we strive toward, a blind goal and a desperate and unending struggle—in order to be a true hero, one must learn that though tomorrow is uncertain, it is necessary to reach for it and push for it until tomorrow becomes today, and today the past. The choice of a future job path is a simple one compared to every moral and personal decision humans make everyday—to lie or tell truths, to live or die, and to kill or be killed in such a savage world as this. Heroism is more than a journey to save someone or something, it is the pursuit of what is right, what is moral and what is best. In high school and college, heroism can be shown in the simplest of ways…choosing not to drink and instead acting as a designated driver, working hard on a paper rather than cheating or stealing another’s, or even simply helping those in need rather than leaving them for worse conditions and situations.

Emotion is the very fuel of life; the lifeblood of existence and the breath of the lungs of the living. In a world filled with uncontrollable hate, unknown sorrow, deep devastation, bouts of depression, bursts of happiness, and laughter that floats through the air on the wings of birds, self preservation is a must. A true hero is able to control their own life, as well as aid others in gaining control of theirs. Emotions fluctuate at a moments’ notice and can consume the possessor; however, a true hero can control these emotions and overcome them by sheer force of will and faith in better days. In Greek mythology and other tales of old, the knight, god, or goddess exemplified heroism…strong, understanding, caring, selfless, powerful and a natural leader; yet, as in most areas of life, one size does not fit all. Heroism does not mean precisely these characteristics—it’s a certain sense of right and wrong, and a personal will that is strong enough to fight for the just and the deserved, regardless of emotions that play like tapes in the background, persuading lesser men and women to sway from the path of righteousness and truth. The power of tears dripping silently onto a page, the screaming wrath that pleads for justice and the quiet hurt of self-loathing and depression…battles occur in and out of doors, and in and out of the mind—a true hero will always come out on top, whether physically or only in state of mind. I will never allow reality to overcome my dreams.

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes” (Benjamin Disraeli). The planets rotate on their axis, suns moving ever-so-slowly in pursuit, shedding light into the darkest corners, and leaving others to wait in deep black lands…the world moves on, regardless of who claims the title of “hero.” Defined not by words but by actions, heroism is realizing the craving in the heart for that which is right and going to every length to fight to achieve it. Heroism is doing what is right…even when it hurts. Heroism is learning to push the hurt aside. Heroism is.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

2011-02-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

Has anyone here read this book? I just started it and was wondering...have you ever taken a step into the Great Perhaps? If so, tell me about it in the comments.

What happens?

2011-01-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you can't forget the past? When the face you see in the mirror seems different from that of even a year ago? What do you do when your heart wanders without the consent of your brain? When you want to move on and forward and be a certain way, but your reflection shows differently? What do you do when it's hard to breathe from all the tension and pressure in the room? When you don't know what to do and that idea consumes you? What do you do when you need to feel the touch of your love's hand and you can't? When you need that connection to remind you that you can feel? What happens when you can't see through the cloud of uncertainty? When it's all fuzzy and coated in desperation for sight? What happens when your own mind is too much to bare? When it feels like everything--the truth, the lies, and the wishes--are all jumbled together hopelessly? What do you do when your history becomes your reality once again and you can't deny it? When you realize you weren't right back then, and you'd love the chance to try again? What happens when I'm not the one you want? When all our perceptions are wrong? What happens when you leave me breathless and you don't even know how special you are? When I can't show you how very important you are to me? What happens when you've made a mistake that you can't fix? When things can't be repaired or replaced and you have no choice but to try to let go? What does it mean when you can't stop thinking about them? When "I love you" just isn't enough? Why does the world feel so heavy? Why does it weigh upon our shoulders like a ton of bricks? Why are things so complicated? Why can't we all understand and feel compassion for one another? What do you do when what you want to say simply cannot be said? When words hold both too little and too much power? What do you do when its just not enough? What do you do when you have everything you want but not all that you need? What happens when a tear falls for no reason? What happens when no one hears you shatter? Would we all be able to handle a glimpse inside each other's heads, or would we be broken by the truth? Why is life as it is...and what happens when you write a note filled with questions that no one has the answers to...?

Uncertainty

2010-06-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

“The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.” (Erich Fromm)

There is something about uncertainty that drives us mad.

The very idea that we do not know what we are doing, where we stand or how something will go can and does drive us to the brink of devastation and disaster. We rebel against the sudden loss of control. We feel defeated. We lose ourselves. We realize that as much as we’d like to, we lack the ability to give up.

Defeat is hard to acknowledge; winning is easy to celebrate. But, what do we do in that gut clenching, throat binding, heart racing and yet paralyzing moment when we do not know what the outcome will be? We worry. We stress. We push others away. We pull others near. We cry. We scream. We argue. We think. We over think. We let our common sense go to waste and we forget the most important fact of all.

We are human.

We are fragile. We are meant to break. We are meant to shatter. We are meant to fall. We are meant to stress. We are meant to be confused and angry and uncertain. We are meant to be imperfect. And we are forever meant to rebel against our own human imperfections.

We are human. We are uncertain. We are living in a world that was built for us, and thus, a world filled with uncertainty as the only possible certainty, and the unexpected as the only true expectation.

Uncertainty drives us mad because we know in our hearts that everything we are in relative and uncertain.

At our deepest, we are simply mad, above all else.

Hate Breeds Hate, Love Breeds Love--Stop the Violence!

2010-04-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Silence screams in red and white
Echoing my endless plight
To truly possess unbiased sight.
Prejudice, racism, gender bias
Hoping that none reflects within this iris
I do not wish to spread this virus.
Differences divide and destroy
Only by those using them as a desperate ploy
To whisk away all wonder and joy.
Rebell against deadly force
That is the world's most controversial choice

Defeat prejudice.

Majestic Tragedy, Heartbreaking Beauty, Reluctant Chance

2010-04-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

Midnight air breeds dangerous thoughts in the minds of the accepting:

Missed opportunities,
plagues of empty memories,
possibilities and realities stolen from my very mind.
Chance and confusion dismissed my future,
and set my soul upon a different path.
Bitterness–
truly possessing its’ own harsh taste–
is my existence from hence forth.
I wished for a future;
I wished for a wish that was impossible to clarify.
Stars,
weightless spheres of chemical compounds,
infinitely suspended and glimmering overhead,
I find myself hoping
that the marvelous beauty and power they contain will somehow transfer to me.
Somehow verify my existence
and my continuance into the coming stages of life.
Somehow assure my future which now seems so uncertain.
Perhaps this single missed opportunity shall lead to my destruction,
my ultimate demise.
Or, perhaps,
this twist in the road is simply a longer route
to where I wish to be…
to that radiant future
which I can only glimpse
in the beauty of the stars.

NEW BLOG IDEAS AND THEMES

2009-09-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

The reinvention of this blog will being the morning of Sunday, September 27, 2009 and will include the incorporation of more creative writing rather than editorial writing. This means I will rarely be doing author interviews and book reviews as I have in the past.

To all my blog followers, please understand and accept this change, it's more directed at what I hope to do in the future, but it will still require your input to keep it going. I love you all dearly, and many of you know that personally. Thanks for understanding this change. <3333

Something New: A Movie Review!

2009-07-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Director Frank Capra, the force behind It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, swung another hit out of the park in Arsenic and Old Lace. The 1944 comedy has an interesting plotline, though there is a bit too much exaggeration.

The storyline revolves around Mortimer Brewster, played by actor Cary Grant, as a drama critic and confirmed bachelor. He is most known for his books describing marriage as “old-fashioned, and, when he marries his childhood girl-next-door, Elaine Harper, played by Priscilla Lane, all are shocked. The newlyweds return home to speak to their families before heading off on their honeymoon and everything goes haywire. Elaine goes to speak to her father and Mortimer goes to his two elderly aunts, played by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair, and his brother, Teddy, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, played by John Alexander. While sitting on the window seat, Mortimer makes a frightening discovery—the body of a dead man stored inside the seat. Suddenly, Mortimer’s aunts and Teddy have a lot of explaining to do. As the situation unfolds, more trouble arrives in the form of another brother, an alcoholic plastic surgeon, and a cellar full of dead bodies.

The overall theme of the movie was portrayed well; however, the actors and actresses were a little overzealous in their attempts to make the movie interesting. From the first scene to the last, the stars are overacting, almost as if overcompensating for being uncomfortable in their roles. This can be distracting to the movie as a whole; however, it also makes it seem a bit more spontaneous and realistic. After all, life in unpredictable.

If the exaggerations can be overlooked, Arsenic and Old Lace offers numerous comedic moments, sure to generate laughter.

M or F?

2009-04-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

Frannie and Marcus are brain twins. No, they aren't related and, no, they're not dating. In fact, Marcus is gay. Frannie isn't. But, they are the best of friends, constantly together and concerned about each other's well being. That is where the trouble begins in M or F?, a novel by Lisa Papademetriou and Chris Tebbetts.

Frannie just can't seem to pick a suitable crush--or, so claims Marcus. And why Marcus won't take a chance and find a boyfriend is a mystery to Frannie. Those are the facts...until Jeffrey Osborne comes along, and messes with every hormone a teenager possesses.

Frannie is fixated on him. He seems like the perfect guy: blue eyes, sexy smile, built but not meaty, high profile in school and globally conscious. She would give anything to be with him and yet, she can't seem to get up the nerve to talk to him, and, when she does, the conversation ends as quickly as it begins.

So, she brings in Marcus. The one person she knows she can count on to be there and never let her down, to always be himself, and to think exactly the same way she does. When Marcus suggests speaking to Jeffrey through their school's online chat room, Frannie is excited about the chance...and terrified of the possibility. She can't even ask a question without consulting Marcus. So, every word written is painstakingly thought over--by Marcus that is.

As Jeffrey and Marcus, under the facade of being Frannie, begin speaking, they discover they have a lot in common. Soon enough, it's hard to tell whether Marcus or Frannie is falling harder for that sexy smile. There are countless twists and turns in this story of teenage hormones vs. the heart and soul.

Personally, I found the book to be a witty and well-written read; however, I could argue that it was a bit drawn out and impractical.

From the very beginning the narrative is told in alternating perspectives, allowing the reader to experience every situation along with Frannie and Marcus. Although, this affects the book negatively in that the setting is constantly being changed, at times making the plot hard to follow.

As for being impractical, I say this because several of the plot twists are very unlikely to occur, especially at the same time. I cannot say anything more so as to still preserve some secrets for future M or F? readers.

I would recommend this for readers above the age of 13, looking for a one time, all-at-once, read. It is not the type of book to be read. It receives three stars of five.

Reality Shows: An Editorial/ Rant

2009-02-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

I wrote this for my high school journalism class and decided to share it. Enjoy...
*****************************************************

Judges deliberate, favorites are picked and votes are cast—this is the reality of reality television.
Over the past decade programs such as American Idol, Survivor, Fear Factor, and So You Think You Can Dance? have topped the charts as viewers tuned in weekly to watch the contestants compete for prizes. The themes vary from survival on a deserted island to competitive dancing to vocal competition; however, they are still classified as reality shows.

Reality television can essentially be defined as unscripted and disorganized mayhem, recorded and mass produced for public viewing. Though they are classified as “reality,” they are far from it. For instance, how often is one isolated in a remote area with a small number of others? Or, how many average women actually get the chance to compete for luxury modeling jobs? Yet, these “reality” shows make it seem so effortless, so common.

Long accused of portraying unethical and/or immoral conduct, reality shows also suggest behaviors that could be damaging to any age or ethnic group—especially the young and impressionable. Shows such as Flavor of Love suggest promiscuity. Chris Angel: Mind Freak, suggests potentially dangerous or fatal actions; although, a disclaimer is displayed at the beginning of each episode in this series.

This type of program has led to the demise of multiple other shows, as viewers tuned into the networks at different times. Suspicions include the conclusion of the detective show New Amsterdam and The O.C.

If television networks aim to regain the respect that they once hailed from their intellectually adequate viewers, the most immediate and identifiable step will be to eliminate or decrease the number of reality shows on prime time television. If nothing is done, these programs will only serve as an example of the decline of American intelligence, which is not the kind of attention a world power needs.
*****************************************************

The hilarious part about this article is that though I despise reality shows, I ,myself watch Top Chef.

Currents Books

2009-02-13T15:35:00.001-08:00

Right now I am reading a ton of books and I promise the reviews will be posted. Here's what I just read/ am reading:

*Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
*Deadline by Chris Crutcher
*Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
*Glass by Ellen Hopkins
*My Lost and Found Life by Melodie Bowsher
*Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
*Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
*Night
*Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
*Invisible by Pete Hautman
*The Last Night by Hilari Bell

Look for these reviews soon...

"Paper Towns" by John Green and "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman

2009-01-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

This week was midterms at my high school and I swore all week long that they were going to kill me but, I survived.

I'm in all upper level classes and I was really worried about the upcoming midterms. That is, until I finished them and I realized that the hard part isn't taking the tests, its not letting the constant companionship of a textbook, and no time for other reading material, drive you insane.

All week I was going through withdrawal from my books and, I must say, I truly despise Pre-AP Chemistry, Algebra II and Geometry textbooks now. My only relief was when I discovered Paper Towns by John Green and, the 12 related poems, Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman.

Paper Towns by John Green is the story of Margo, the beautiful, mysterious and unattainable girl, and Quentin, the childhood friend who lusts after her. For years, the two have gone their separate ways, Margo to the popular crowd and Quentin to the band crowd (though he himself is not in it), connected only by the memories of an unfortunate occurrence long ago. One late night, Margo reappears at Quentin's bedroom window and whisks him away for untold adventures. Together they wrong some rights and right some wrongs, and Quentin's life seems to be looking up, until Quentin returns to school the next day to find that Margo has run away for the umpth time. Her own parents choose to let her go, but, Quentin still longs for her and the small chance that they could be something together. He soon discovers that Margo has left clues for him in a highlighted copy of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass. Determined to find Margo and suspecting her of committing suicide, Quentin devotes all of his time and energy, and that of his friends, to his search. The search leads them down many new paths, to both paper towns and an open mind, while leading readers through the same changes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not seem to stop talking about it. This unlikely addiction led me to read Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman, which I borrowed from a friend who was just as obsessed as I was, am.

I breezed through the pages, hanging on every word, and finding myself eager for the few minutes before class and after exams when I might immerse myself in the perfect, smooth, words of Walt Whitman. It seemed that the poems were copied directly from my heart, somehow finding words to explain thoughts I could never verbalize. To describe scenes I could never replay. The first and longest poem, Song of Myself, seemed the perfect escape from the stress of quadratic equations and Lewis structures in class. Again, my friend and I shared this mutual adoration.

In one of his poems, Walt Whitman says "There is that in me...I do not know what it is...but I know it is in me." I think I may speak for all of mankind when I say that this is an appropriate description of what it is to be human.

Throughout our lives, we are told to "be all we can be" and "make something of ourselves" and, most of us, try our best to do so; but, most of us, stumble along the way. We don't always know what causes us to hesitate or diverge from the path and that is the unknown something within us that Whitman writes about.

Whitman also asks, "What have you thought of yourself? Is it you then that thought yourself less? Is it you that thought the President greater than you? or the rich better off than you? or the educated wiser than you?" Again, Whitman confronts the problems of all time, asking the questions that we all silently consider but do not voice. The same questions that the character of Quentin must wonder about in Paper Towns.

Again, I must say that Paper Towns by John Green and Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman are two perfect examples of literature, both modern and historic. They are truly incomparable and capture the questions of our own existence in a very fluid manner.

I also commend John Green on his excellent job of combining a true classic with his witty and comical style.

One final quote from Whitman concludes this:

"I know I have the best of time and space--and that I was never measured, and never will be measured. I tramp a perpetual journey..."

New Years Eve!

2008-12-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

So, every year you're supposed to have a list of New Year's resolutions. Here are some of mine:

1.) Exercise more.
2.) Read More.
3.) Finish my novel.
4.) Interview more authors.
5.) Build my website.
6.) Bring my grades up.
7.) Make some sense out of Spanish class.
8.) Volunteer.
9.) Apply for college scholarships.
10.) uhh...

and a few other things.

If you want to share yours, put them in the comments. Thanks.

Author Visit: Guess Who???

2008-12-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have let my time get away from me and haven't done much reviewing, so...to make up for it, I got a new author interview!

It's (drum roll)...Melody Carlson, the author of the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, True Colors collection, Bloomberg, Notes from a Spinning Planet, Crystal Lies, and many other books. Here it is:

*****

1. What is your favorite book?

I have many and sometimes it depends on my mood. But one perennial favorite is To Kill a Mockingbird.

2. Do you have a philosophy that you look to in life? If so, what?

Do your best and trust God with the rest.

3. There are strong religious lessons for the characters in many of your books. Does your own religion influence you and/or your decisions?

Absolutely. My faith in God is foundational to my life—whether it’s in regard to decisions or attitudes or simply going to him for everyday strength and encouragement, I would be totally lost without God.

4. Do you have any advice to offer to teens looking to pursue their dreams in the world of literature? Has one person or life experience been an inspiration for your career as an author?

First I encourage aspiring writers to read the kinds of books they’d like to write. Then don’t be afraid to just sit down and write. And don’t worry about making mistakes as you write. That’s how you learn. Besides, it’s easy to edit what’s been written, but if you never get it down, you have nothing to edit. As far as what inspires me to write…I’ve come to accept that my writing ability is really a God given gift. Sure, it takes some discipline on my part, but it’s something that comes so easily to me that I believe it’s truly a gift—something that’s hard to explain. My husband says it’s like trying to explain how Tiger Woods plays such great golf—not that I put myself in that kind of writing category—but sometimes people are just “naturally” good at something and I consider that a gift.

5. What inspired you to begin writing the "Diary of a Teenage Girl" series?

I have a lot of empathy for teens. Adolescence is difficult at best, but add to it the pressure of today’s society, the influence of media, the deterioration of family and morals…and it can be excruciatingly painful. I thought maybe I could write something to encourage teen girls to look up to God for help. Also, I found God as a teen—and it changed my life.

6. In your opinion, which of the characters you have created, best compares to you?

Of the Diary characters, I am a mix of all of them. Like Caitlin I had strong leadership skills in school and I cared deeply about missions and helping others. Like Chloe I have a gift that turned into a career. Like Kim I have an academic quiet side. Like Maya I didn’t grow up in a “normal” family. Thank goodness my mother wasn’t an addict, but my father was an alcoholic and I grew up in a single parent home with the typical struggles that go along with that.

7. Do you think it is important to rely upon your religious faith to get through life's difficulties?

Again, I’d have to say absolutely. I honestly don’t know how people get along without God’s help. I know I’m not strong enough to go it alone. Whether it’s worrying or making a decision or just enjoying peace—I need God.

8. I noticed on your website that you enjoy camping. What are some of the places you have traveled to, camping or otherwise?

We’ve visited some of the national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, Crater Lake…as well as the desert and the coast and mountains in “our own backyard” (Oregon’s a very beautiful state).

9. Is your family supportive of your career choice?

I didn’t begin writing professionally until my sons were just entering their teens. They weren’t sure what to make of it. My husband was and has always been extremely supportive. I often say I wouldn’t be where I am today if he wasn’t behind me. And now my sons are actually proud of what I’ve accomplished.

10. Do you prefer writing children's, young adult or adult books?

My favorite book to write is usually what I’m presently working on. Right now it’s teen nonfiction. But fiction is my first love. And I really do like writing for young adults because of the amazing response I get from the readers. Also it’s a different kind of writing—like in my TrueColors series (Nav) I got to write the kind of stories that just don’t do that well in the adult market. I love getting into the head of a teen character and taking her through all sorts of things that reflect real life.

*****

Hope you liked it!

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

2008-12-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

*****

Ruby is unusual and she knows it. I mean, the evidence kind of speaks for itself. First, she has a shrink and she's only fifteen. Second, she is a total leper at her school. Third, everything she knew and loved, including the previous points, has started and changed over the past ten days. So, why is all of this happening to her?

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart develops the story of Ruby as she faces her worst days of her life. When the fifteen year old starts having panic attacks, her over-protective and over-anxious parents take her to Dr. Z, a local shrink. Dr. Z encourages Ruby to write and make lists in order to figure out the root cause for her panic attacks. One list, in particular, includes "absolutely every single boy" she has "ever had the slightest little any-kind-of-anything with." The list contains 15 guys and they are each discussed in her therapy but, they doesn't help the fact that the list gets leaked to the students of her private school. It all causes more trouble when names are confused and no one knows how the guys are related to her. Conclusions are drawn and misunderstandings occur in the Tate Prep universe and its all piled upon Ruby. Will Ruby's life ever be less complicated?

I enjoyed this book though I thought it to be a little exaggerated. I say this because, how many fifteen-year-olds have had this many boyfriends who have affected them this much? Also, the frequent shifts in setting can be very confusing to the reader, especially near the beginning of the book. Still, this light read was a comic relief and I certainly won't hesitate to read the following books in the series, entitled The Boy Book, The Treasure Map of Boys, and Real Life Boyfriends (when it is released). E. Lockhart has done it once again!

Age recommendation: 13 and up

"A Great and Terrible Beauty" by Libba Bray

2008-12-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

"A Great and Terrible Beauty" by Libba Bray is the first book in a historical trilogy that is filled with witchcraft, lies, deceit and a little bit of romance.

Sixteen-year-old Gemma has grown up in the exotic ways of India, along with her strict mother and her busy father. On the day of her sixteenth birthday Gemma has a fight with her mother and runs home. Along the way, Gemma is overcome by a vision of her mother's death. Unbelievably, the vision comes true, though Gemma tells no one. Overwhelmed with grief, her family sends her to a girl's school in London. Upon her arrival, she discovers that along with a mysteriously burned out East wing, the school holds more than its share of secrets. She is an outcast at the school, until she blackmails her way into the most popular girl, Felicity's, clique. There, Felicity, Gemma, Ann, Gemma's poor roommate, and the beautiful Pippa form their own group, intent on having fun. Through Gemma's visions and the cryptic messages left by Kartik, a beautiful Indian boy who has followed Gemma, warning her to control her visions, Gemma and the girls discover a secret Order. Through a long lost diary, the girls learn how to enter the other realms- tasting their first bit of real power; however, they discover that all is not perfect in the beautiful realms. Each taste of power comes at a cost and the girls discover that the magic of the realms is out of control and it is up to Gemma to reunite the Order to contain it and peacefully link the worlds.

I found this book to be as enchanting as the Twilight series, though it is very different. The character known as Gemma is very complex and yet relatable. When her mother dies, Gemma is left to deal with the secrets her mother left untold and the new and mysterious visions that plague her. With the help of her new friends, a dairy, and Kartik, Gemma learns how to control her visions and discovers the Order in which her mother belonged. Along the way, Gemma also experiences the problems of the average teenage, growing up, meeting a man, and learning to be the perfect wife and mother. Her struggles show that her humanity is not lost in the unforgiving world of the realms.

Though it is classified as historical (Victorian) fiction, I believe that anyone would enjoy it. I, myself, am not a fan of historical fiction but, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Gemma's adventures and I must admit, my face might- as-well have been glued to this book for how quickly I read it. Libba Bray has done a remarkable job in intertwining fact and fiction, creating a truly shocking yet believable account. I look forward to reading more by this New York author.

I would recommend this book to anyone from age 13 and up, based upon the Gothic nature of the writing.

Thirteen by Lauren Myracle

2008-11-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

"Thirteen" by Lauren Myracle is one book of a series. It is one installment in a series about a teenage girl named Winny, her kooky family, and friends. Finally Winny is a teenager but, just when things should be going great, they unexpectedly get very complicated. Her friends are going in opposite directions, her boyfriend, Lars, is fabulous, some of the time, and her mother is pregnant. So much is changing, its almost too much for Winny to bear. But, she manages, with the help of her friends, a breakup and get-together, and a new sister. There sure are a lot of changes in the air.

In my opinion, this book is interesting but a little juvenile. I came into this series without reading the prior books; however, that didn't seem to affect the reading experience. Overall, the characters seemed too different. For example, Dinah is not maturing and Cinnamon is. Yes, this is supposed to be one of the main points of the book, but, I have never met a 13 year-old as immature as Dinah. They all need to grow up a little more before boyfriends are introduced into the mix.

The home situation of Winny makes it interesting. The unexpected pregnancy of her mother is a very relatable situation, making the book even more relatable. Though that is where the relability ends.

In considering the entire book, I would say that, though it was not a total waste of time to read, it did seem a different from my normal reading and not in a good way. The ages just didn't fit the characters and the plot was slow. If I hadn't received this through a read and review program, I wouldn't have read it. Though I do suppose that it would be better for someone between the ages of 10 and 12.

My Long Absence

2008-10-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!

Sorry I haven't written in a while--school has been killing me and my blog.

Anyway, I read something like 70 books over the summer, so look forward to seeing some of those reviews and also some more author interviews in the near future.

I was just checking some of my book programs and wondering, what happened to Harperteen Firstlook? Did the company just decide to quit sending young adult books? If you know the answer, post it in the comments. Thanks.

I've run out of time and have to head to school (boring!) but I will write again soon.

School Starts Once Again

2008-09-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

During the past month, pretty much every school has started back and everyone is resuming the tedious schedule that is an education.

In my case, this means a lot less time to read and review, and the beginnings of a lot of stress.
Its like you get a few months to adjust to doing nothing and/or having a choice about what you do and then, suddenly, everything is back on a set schedule and there are fewer choices to be made. High school can be a real pain sometimes, especially when you're in high level classes. I mean, a full course load of PAP and AP classes can be a lot to adjust to after a summer of relaxation.

So, in order to keep my sanity, I am thinking back on what I did this summer. Overall, I accomplished a good bit: I volunteered at a hospital, went to camp, interviewed a few authors, and read and reviewed over 50 books. I guess I had a pretty productive summer--well, for a teenager. My goal for next year is to do all of this and/or possibly get an internship with a newspaper and publishing company, if I can find one that will take me.

Anyway, I have gotten off topic and I'm sure everyone doesn't want to hear about my summer; however, I want to hear your opinions. My question for readers is, what did you do this summer and how do you feel about starting school again?

I look forward to hearing about all of your adventures! Thanks for posting : )

!!!Author Visit!!!

2008-09-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Yay! Another author agreed to do an interview with me. Check it out below to see who it is...

Its CAROL SNOW:

From where did you draw inspiration for the setting and characters of Switch?

For me, the beach has always been a magical kind of place, where time slows down and the real world fades away. As a child, I spent all of my summers on Cape Cod. My family would drive up from New Jersey on the last day of school, and we wouldn’t return until Labor Day.

When I came up with the idea for Switch, I was three thousand miles away from the beaches of my childhood, Carpinteria, California. Although my fictional town resembles Carpinteria, I decided against setting the book in a real town because I wanted to create a place that was slightly mystical and unreal, where dead grandmothers raid the freezer and girls swap bodies. Also, I hoped to capture the universal aspect of sleepy beach towns, which share a similar spirit whether they’re in California, Massachusetts, or South Carolina. On a more practical side, I couldn’t set the book in California for the simple reason that we don’t get many thunderstorms here.

As for the characters, since I was writing a teen book, I knew the protagonist would be a teenaged girl. In the early stages, Claire was moderately athletic and moderately attractive: just an average kid with a snarky sense of humor. As I got further in, though, I realized how much swimming meant to Claire. To maximize her contrast with Larissa, she needed to have an exceptional body – exceptionally strong, that is. Once I decided that, her athleticism began to define her (which took a big leap of imagination on my part). Evelyn, the grandmother, also evolved as I wrote. She began as a tragic, nurturing figure but became much more interesting once she turned self-involved and controlling.

How did you create the setting for Been There, Done That?

Been There, Done That is set in and around Boston. I went to college in Rhode Island; after graduation, I spent five years in Boston, two of them in graduate school. I’ve spent a lot of time in New England and have seen enough small liberal arts colleges to be able to make one up.

What’s your favorite book? Who is your favorite author?

That’s too hard, so I’ll limit myself to young adult titles. The best book I read this year (and that includes adult titles) was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It’s beautiful, haunting, and original. My favorite teen series is Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies/Pretties trilogy.

Do you have a philosophy you look to regarding life?

It’s okay to fail, but it’s not okay to not to try. (That, by the way, was a terrible sentence.)

Do you have any advice to offer to teens looking to pursue their dreams in the world of literature?

If you mean a career as a fiction writer, then yes! Stop thinking about the world of literature! Fiction writing programs are filled with students creating beautifully written stories about their suburban childhoods. Lyrical prose isn’t enough: you need something to write about. If I am typical, fiction writers are, by nature, sit-in-a-room-and-stare-at-a-wall types. And there’s nothing wrong with that (I hope). But you need material in order to write, and the best ideas come from the world outside of your door. So: go river rafting, wait tables, backpack through Europe, study biology, say yes to a date with the guy with the squint. You may: get wet, drop a tray, lose your passport, fail a test, have a boring evening. But you know what you’ll get? Material.

As for developing skills: read widely and write often. Read The Elements of Style. And then read it again. Don’t ever think that punctuation doesn’t matter or that “the editors will fix that.” And, finally, learn to type really, really well. Yes, without looking at your hands.

What inspired you to pursue a career as an author?

I started writing shorts stories shortly after college and was quickly hooked. However, “author” didn’t seem like a realistic career goal – and at that point, it wasn’t. Instead, I went back to school to study education, with the intention of becoming a high school English teacher. I loved working with teenagers but quickly discovered that I didn’t like being “on” for so many hours a day. Also, teaching was so demanding that I had no time or energy left to write. (On the bright side, I used my experiences in my second novel, Getting Warmer.) Finally, at twenty-seven, still gripped by the fiction bug, I took the plunge and started my first novel. I never finished it. A hundred and twenty-five pages in, I had a strong voice, fun characters, a clear setting … and no plot. I thought I was done with fiction, but I couldn’t stop making up stories in my head. A few years later, I had an idea for what eventually became Been There, Done That. This time, I swore to myself, I’d keep going till I got to the end. It took five years (I was home with two small children at the time), but I finally finished the manuscript and found a wonderful agent, who sold the book to Berkley/Penguin in a two-book contract. I haven’t stopped writing since.

Is your family supportive of your career choice?

Yes – very.

As a teenager, I am just beginning to understand the value of giving back to the community … Do you have any ideas or suggestions as to how teenagers my play a greater role in giving back to their communities?

There are a number of organizations that help link teenagers and charities. My eighth grade daughter and I recently joined our local chapter of the National Charity League, which partners with groups like the YMCA, local schools, performing arts centers, battered women’s shelters, Meals on Wheels and the Special Olympics.

Do you prefer writing YA or adult novels?

I like both: variety keeps the writing process interesting. For my last four books, I’ve alternated; my next adult book, Here Today, Gone to Maui will be out in January, while Snap, my follow-up to Switch, will be published next fall. Fortunately, it no longer takes me five years to complete a manuscript.

Has one person or life experience been an inspiration for your career as an author?

Several people have helped me get where I am. My parents, Tom and Peggy Snow, instilled a love of language and literature. Melanie Rae Thon, a gifted writer and teacher, taught me the fundamentals of fiction. And my husband, Andrew Todhunter, showed me the power of perseverance.

Justina Chen Headley

2008-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Justina Chen Headley recently agreed to do an online interview with me. She is the author of the young adult books: Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies), Girl Overboard, and North of Beautiful. So, to find out nformation about Justina's life, career, and personal views, just look below. This has been so much fun! I hope everyone enoys the interview.

Questions:

1. Where do you draw inspiration for the characters in your book Nothing but the Truth (and a Few White Lies)? I had a friend from a different high school who was so radically different from me. She was the original Kung Fu Kick Ass Club founder, I tell you. And she inspired many of the moments and characters in the book.

2. How did you choose the setting for Girl Overboard? I wanted to write about extreme wealth and its impact on people. East coast and west coast wealth is so different. Since I've lived in California or Washington for most of my life, I decided to base the book here.

3. As a teenager, what kind of student were you? Were you anything like the portrayal of the character Patty Ho in Nothing but the Truth (And a Few White Lies)? One word: geeky. And proud of it! Unlike Patty, I didn't procrastinate that much. I hated having deadlines hanging over me. I still do...those looming deadlines from my editor? Eek.

4. Do you have any advice to offer to teens looking to pursue their dreams in the world of literature? Read a lot and read broadly. By that I mean, read across genres--contemporary realistic, fantasy / sci fi, etc. Try some books that are humorous, others that are gritty. Study the books that you love and ask yourself why you'll reread them over and over. And then analyze why you don't like other books. And then start to write.

5. As a teenage, I am just beginning to understand the value of giving back to the community and the world you live in. I am proud to say, my parents instilled this in both my brother and myself from a very young age. With this said, do you have any ideas or suggestions as to how teenagers may play a greater role in giving back to their communities? Ask questions. If you see a situation that is just broken or a problem that needs solving, get involved. Get others involved. Use your words. Make change. Look into groups that completely believe in the power of young people, like YouthVenture. Or Do Something. And always, always surround yourself with kind-hearted people.

6. One of my favorite quotes is by Ayn Rand, a Russian-born novelist and philosopher. It states: "The question is not who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." Would you say this is a positive position to hold in trying to enter into the world of literature? I prefer to think of the world of literature as this: The question is not what trends are hot now (say, vampires); it's what is in my heart that I must put down on paper, word by word, thought by thought, emotion by emotion.

7. What is your favorite book? I have many favorite books: Betsy-Tacy, The Phantom Tollbooth, The Far Pavilions, Fat Kid Rules the World, The King of Attolia.

8. Who is your favorite author? My favorite authors are the ones who work on readergirlz--the online book community that I co-founded. These include Lorie Ann Grover (On Pointe), Dia Calhoun (Avielle of Rhia), Mitali Perkins (First Daughter), Janet Lee Carey (Dragon's Keep), and Holly Cupala (who just sold her first book).

9. Do you have a philosophy that you look to in life? If so, what? Practice kindness.

10. Has one person or life experience been an inspiration for your career as an author? You bet! Janet Wong--one of our country's best poets for children--is my mentor. She believed in my writing long before I believed in it. She is as remarkable as her words.

Breaking Dawn!

2008-08-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

So, Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer came out on the 2nd of August and I must say, against a lot of other opinions, that I loved. I won't say much now, because a review will come soon, but, it was surprising and interesting.

Many people are talking about the release parties they attended at midnight but, I was not so lucky. In my town, the only book store we have is a Hastings that closed before midnight and a Borders Express in the mall that closed at nine. This left only one choice for where to buy BD at midnight. So, at midnight on the 2nd, my father (the ride I had begged for the trip) and I were standing on the book aisle of the Super Wal-Mart. Even though it wasn't as interesting as some of the other releases in larger towns, the book was still put on the shelves and the approximately 12 people waiting were handed books fresh out of the box. I guess this is something I'll always remember: the time I dragged my overtired father out of the house to drive to the Wal-Mart to buy a book at midnight. It seems kind of ironic--my older brother was always the one to drag people to releases for movies, games, and computer paraphernalia. Now, I drag people to book releases.

So, if you would like to share your BD experience, just post a comment on this article. I would really like to hear about your experiences. Hope you had fun!

Switch by Carol Snow

2008-07-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Switch by Carol Snow is a captivating and hilarious book. Fifteen year-old, Claire Martin has a seemingly ordinary life—that is to say, ordinary when there are no thunder and lightning storms around. When lightening is near, Claire is open to whole new opportunities, in the way of her spirit coming out of her body and shooting into the nearest girl born under the same moon. The things she is capable of are beyond the average human imagination!

Claire Martin used to think she had a guardian angel but she knows now that the woman who sits on her bed is the spirit of her deceased, fellow body-switcher, grandmother, Evelyn. At least there is someone to explain the switching to Clair; not to mention, keeping Clair’s body safe when she leaves it. That’s usually how it works, Clair shoot out and Evelyn slips in as a place-holder; however, not this time. Now she has a major problem…she’s switched bodies with a striking summer visitor named Larissa and she can’t seem to get back to her own body. Worse yet, Claire’s friend (also her secret crush) seems to be more and more interested in Larissa, while still ignoring Claire as anything more than “one of the guys.” Claire’s life has turned into a horrible episode of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”

The many intricate pieces of the humongous puzzle that is Clair’s life are scattered and this complexity just goes to make the story all the more interesting. The plot is, in a way, a dramatized version of life as a 21st century teenage girl. Constantly, in today’s society, people are challenged to fit a certain mold and be a certain way. In this book, Claire has many opportunities to try many different “molds,” be it that of her over-weight friend Beanie, the mysterious child named Kimmy, or the beautiful Larissa. This plays one part in Clair’s voyage to self discovery.

The setting is both colorful and influential to the overall plot. The place is set as a small beach side town called Sandyland; however, it is not very clearly stated exactly where the town is located. This, in my opinion, is one point that needs correction in the book. It is easier to imagine and create the setting in the mind’s eye. Otherwise, the setting is that of a stormy ocean town. The roots of the town are deeply based and the people are all interconnected except for the seasonal tourists. It is this setting that has led to a friendship between Claire and Nate and the relationship between the pseudo-Larissa (Claire’s spirit) and Nate. Without this setting, it would have been impossible to create the connection between Claire and Nate and then the pseudo-Larissa and Nate. The pseudo-Larissa and Nate relationship is very complicated and based on a web of lies. Due to the fact that Larissa is Clair, she does not know anything about Larissa personally. This leads to “Larissa” having a difficult time being both herself and someone else. This relationship plays a key role because it leads to Clair’s release from Larissa’s body and her discovery that being herself is always one of the most important things in life. This is a very strong image for the girls of today.

Throughout the book, I noticed a few things that I took issue with. First, as was mentioned before, the setting is not clearly defined. Second, I believe more should be revealed about Nate and his family, so as to show more of a feeling of friendship between Clair and Nate. The story is set, that they have known each other since childhood; nevertheless, if that were so, Clair would know more about Nate and his family. Third, and last, more should be written about Larissa’s family since it is history that aids in the determination a person’s personality. She is such a mysterious character. The only necessary change is the first, having to do with the setting, the others are personal opinions. It is all in the “eye of the beholder”.

Overall, I find the book Switch by Carol Snow to be an empowering and outstanding blend of science fiction and teen literature. The plot is complex and heavily dependent upon setting and characters. The characters each play an important role in the development of the storyline. Specifically, the character of Claire is confused about her own social, physical, and mental standing in society and this book reveals her struggles to find stability in an unstable situation. In effect, Claire is trying to balance on a constantly moving surface. This book, the first young adult novel by Carol Snow, presents a strong image and a great start for a promising author. A few small changes would make it even better but, it is good all the same. I readily recommend this book to fellow readers when it becomes available. Thank you, Harperteen Firstlook, for the opportunity to review this book.

Confessions of a Teen Nanny Trilogy

2008-07-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Confessions of a Teen Nanny series by Victoria Ashton tells the story of two teenagers, Adrienne Lewis and Elizabeth Braun, as they work as nannies for two millionaire families in the apartments of Fifth Avenue.

Mingling with rich and famous, the teens seem to have the perfect jobs but, they know the jobs are far from it. Along with huge paycheck, parties, and access to deluxe apartments comes the insane employers and their family. While Adrienne is stuck watching Emma, an 8-year-old genius, she also must deal with the overbearing Mrs. Warner, the ever-absent Mr. Warner, and their 17-year-old socialite daughter, Cameron (Cam). On-the-other-hand, Liz has to deal with Dr. Markham-Collins, a famous child psychologist, and her 9-year-old daughter, Heather, and 5-year-old son, David.

Each nanny has their own problems but they still manage to remain best friends forever. Liz and Adrienne have been friends since the second grade and high school is the only time they have ever been separated, with Liz in the prestigious Pheasant-Berkeley School for Girls and Adrienne in the large scale public school. Now, with there close jobs they can see each other even more often. But, there are downsides...

Adrienne may have it easy with taking care of Emma but, her older half-sister is no delight. When Adrienne begins work she is pleasantly surprised by the demeanour of Cameron, and happy that her reputation seems to be somewhat incorrect; however, she soon finds that the teenage is a manipulative devil in a Dolce & Gabbana skirt. Soon enough, Cam has stolen Adrienne's boyfriend, Brian, and has enough dirt on her that Cam can blackmail her till death. The saying goes that you "don't judge a book by its cover"--and this clearly proven through Cam. Then, to add to the mess, Mrs. Warner seems to have chosen Adrienne to do several jobs: party planner, errand runner, and personal assistant on top of being a nanny. Its a lot to handle but the paycheck is too good to pass up.

Liz works with the imaginative David and sensitive Heather but, Dr. M-C is constantly putting more things on her. When David makes up an imaginary friend, it is up to Liz to note everything that David says about this invisible person and then discuss it with Dr. M-C as the subject of a child psychology book. Also, Liz must constantly comfort Heather with her social anxieties, panic attacks and overall shyness. Although it can be stressing, a new handsome, rich, socialite boyfriend named Parker can overshadow a lot of the bad. Plus, she's near her best friend. Life sure seems to be going her way.

In this modern day adventure in being a teen nanny, Victoria Ashton has revealed much in this teen trilogy. Often times in life, challenges appear and we must adapt at a single moments notice; this is apparent in the jobs of both Adrienne and Liz. They must make many "snap" decisions and the effects of such decisions are wide spread. Also, this trilogy provides a loo into the common perspective regarding the well-off or rich part of society. It is a common image that people who possess large sums of money live in large apartments or homes, own more than one household, drink large amounts of liquor or alcohol, have been divorced, don't spend much time with their children, and are constantly in the news. This image is present in both the Warner and the M-C families of the book. This occurrence, however, is a little far fetched considering the fact that whether this image is true in real situations, is up to chance. Some well-off families possess this image and some don't and some middle class or lower class families also possess this image and some don't. It all depends on the specific family. These books do seem to provide insight into the everyday views of society.

The characters of the trilogy are also very complex. This is especially seen in the development of the character Cam. At the start of the first book, she is introduced as a rich but pleasant teenage girl who is constantly in the public eye. The reader is then introduced to Cam as a nasty, vindictive, teenage menace to society. As the story progresses, the character of Cameron plays back-and-forth between the role of sweet and sour. She is a perfect example of the phrase two-faced. This complexity makes the storyline all the more captivating.

It is with all that I have said in mind, that I recommend this book to all of my fellow readers. The storyline is out of the ordinary and a little far-fetched, the setting and perspective are thought-provoking, and the characters are complex. It is a worthwhile read by the little known author, Victoria Ashton. I hope you all will read the trilogy and enjoy it as much as I have.

Favorite Quotes

2008-07-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me recently, what my favorite quotes are. So, I have decided to post my answer.

* "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." ~*~ David Viscott
* "You can only be young once. But you can always be immature." ~*~ Dave Barry
* "If you've got it, flaunt it. If you do not, pretend." ~*~ Wally Phillips
* "The question is not who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." ~*~Ayn Rand
* "You can cover a great deal of country in books." ~*~Andrew Lang
* "A room without books is like a body without a soul." ~*~Cicero

There are many more; however, these came to mind first. At another time I will post more.

To anyone who has a favorite quote or phrase, I welcome you to post it as a comment on this article. Thanks.

Q and A

2008-07-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

I just got back from camp and found that I had a private message asking me to post and explain the title of my blog. So, here it is:

I have entitled my blog "Random Thoughts from a Random Teen" for many reasons.

First, there is the fact that millions, even billions, of people co-exist on the Internet at any one point in time. Very few people will recognize me personally and to most others I am simply a random person that is expressing their thoughts through the Internet and the power of freedom of speech.

Second, randomness makes up the world. The word "Random" has been defined in many different ways:

lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
an undefined, unknown or unimportant person; a person of no consequence; All outcomes being unpredictable and, in the ideal, equally probable; resulting from such selection; lacking statistical correlation; : (mathematics) Of or relating to probability distribution
lack of predictability, without any systematic pattern
and an event for which there is no way to know, before it occurs, what the outcome will be; instead, only the probabilities of each possible outcome can be stated.

To me, to be random is to be without a determined purpose, having no pattern, inconsistent, and different from other persons, places, situations, or things. My blog is without a definite purpose and anything could be posted here.

Third, I am only one entity in a vast universe. My thoughts are those among a world of others and it is up to my readers to support my writing.

This is the origin of my blog.

So, please keep reading, commenting, and questioning and support the randomness of everyday life!!!

Camp!

2008-07-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yay! This is turning out to be a good summer. First a vacation, then volunteering, and now going away to camp. I love summer...so, why does it have to end? Another school year is coming all too fast.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

2008-07-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta is a very complex and out of the ordinary narrative. It details the history of seventeen-year-old Taylor Markham as she reflects upon her abandonment on the side of Jellicoe Road at the age of eleven-years-old and her present relationships as a result.

A delicate framework is woven to allow for the plot to occur in this narrative. This may be representative of the fragile nature of a teenage psyche and the result of years of questions and unknowns. In my opinion, this book reveals much about the nature of repressed memories and the unleashing of such memories. In Taylor’s memories of her mother and father she only holds onto certain pieces of her past, each of which is masked in mystery. Such examples include her misunderstanding of the memory in which she sees herself sitting on the strong shoulders of man she believes is her father. In reality the man is her aunt’s lifelong boyfriend. In life, humans often misinterpret situations and people and this is just the case. Anyone who reads this book may find it easier to understand themselves simply from the confusion of Taylor.

The Territory Wars that take place in Taylor’s school life also cause much inner turmoil when Taylor is selected to lead her school in the underground association. This turmoil sprouts from another figure from her past, Jonah Griggs (the new leader of the Cadets, a rival territory group). Taylor sees Griggs not only as a threat to her school but a threat to her own reputation because they have a history together. Their history is that of an attempted escape and the causes for such a drastic cry for help.

I believe that the author has done a great job is creating a setting and plot that is so delicate. Each part of the plot is intricately woven like a spider web and is threatened at all times; however, the book still stands strong and firm. The drama and complexity of the story of Taylor’s mother’s life and Taylor’s life as they combine to form the present circumstances show the author’s most excellent skills, the skills of portraying reality in a real way. The chaos of the situations adds another element to the realism of the story.

Each of the characters is portrayed as independent beings and yet they work in unison. Taylor Markham shows the epitome of confusion. The mystery, questions and sadness beneath the surface of Taylor proves that life is masked in unknowns and it up to humans to decipher their own. Jonah Griggs is masked in the same characteristics but has found some comfort in his mother and brother. He acts as a liberator for Taylor and their relationship blooms upon both their similarities and differences and the present circumstance. Hannah is an elusive character and we learn about her through glimpses into her past in the form of her book and pictures. She is a mystery until the very end.

I would willingly recommend this book to my fellow readers, teens and adults alike. The plot is very inventive, the author creative, and the characters are relatable in a strange and familiar way. I loved reviewing this book!!!

Summer Vacation!

2008-07-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

I guess its fair to say that the time since school let out has really gotten away from me. It seems like just yesterday but, its actually been weeks. The first week was boring, the second spent on a family trip, and the third was the beginning of a new volunteer job and ever since, I have been extremely busy.

During all of this I have written several book reviews but, haven't found the time to post them. Some of the books include: the Pretty Little Liars series (#1, 2,and 3), Shadowland(the Mediator series), Atlas Shrugged, Sierra Jensen series (vol. 1 and 2), Until Tomorrow, I Promise, As you Wish, Lock and Key, How to Be Popular, Jellicoe Road, Prey, You Know You Love Me, nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies), Does My Head Look Big in This?, and This Lullaby. As you can see, I've been rather bust. Along with that I have been brainstorming ideas for college scholarship essays and let me tell you, its hard. Thankfully, I love writing, so it makes it a little easier.

Anyway, I'll post some of those reviews and maybe an essay or two. Write again soon!

Vacation!!!

2008-06-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so school is finally out and I am super excited!!! I have so much stuff I want to do before school starts again. I love summer vacation!!!

Chill by Deborah Reber!

2008-05-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I got the May Simon Pulse: PulseIt book Chill by Deborah Reber and I finally have time to review it. This book is a self-help guide to understanding/ interpreting and dealing with stress as a teenager. Just as the front cover illustrates it is filled with "Stress-Reducing Techniques for a More Balanced, Peaceful You."

The book begins by explaining what stress is and the causes and effects of it. Then the book moves on to explain certain stressful situations and the body's natural reactions to these situations. As this is explained there are many different forms of exercises to allow for further understanding of the subject matter, such as journals and yoga. At the end of each chapter there are journal prompts and questions/answers from the author.

After these points are understood, stress relief methods are explored. Some examples are exercise, a new/more nutritious diet, volunteering, and writing. I found that exercise and writing are great stress relievers but, what works is based upon personal circumstance and opinion. The book explains that stress can impact every area of our lives and it is important to be conscious of its influence and the cause for such stress.

Overall, I found this book to be both informative and helpful. The author relates to teenagers well and expresses many stress-relief techniques. This book would be helpful to anyone from middle school to college and is inspirational to all people. The information may be geared toward a young age group, but I believe the information within this book would be of use to all. It is books like this that we turn to in times of stress. Thank you, Deborah Reber, for writing this book!

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...it is one of those glorious weekends, where everyone in the United States gets a much needed break. I am so happy to have this break! Even though the banks and some stores will be closed, I am still grateful for that day off. And in honor of this weekend, I will be taking a break and doing almost nothing. Yay!

Busy!, Busy!, Busy!

2008-05-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

It's funny, as school is ending and the summer is coming closer, the teacher's seem to be trying to finish anything they missed in the earlier part of the year and the work just gets piled on to a mile-high stack. Just since Monday we have been assigned an essay, a drama, a composition, like ten tests, and a ton of quizzes. Its so much work!!! Summer is so close, yet still an essay away! : (

Hello Again!

2008-05-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hi people! : ) Yeah, so, I haven't been allowed on the computer in a while. I got it taken away for about a week and then simply couldn't remember to update my page. I'm a bad blogger.

Anyway, school is almost out and there are only a few days left. I am so excited to see the summer approaching and the school year fading away. I'll miss everybody from school but, come on, its SUMMER!

This summer I am going to volunteer to fill up my apps. and resume. I think volunteering is a good thing to do in your spare time. It helps the community and people across the world. Volunteering is a responsibility for every person.

During the time that I wasn't allowed on the computer, I read quite a few books. However, as per usual, I have already forgotten all the titles and authors and I already returned them to the library. I guess I'll have to look them up and list them, later.

Also, I just got the monthly Simon Pulse: PulseIt book and it is called Chill by Deborah Reber. It is a stress reduction guide and is aimed for teenage females. It begins by explaining what stress is and what causes it in your daily life. Then the book moves on to techniques for reducing stress, including doing exercises, space clearing, and other random stress relievers. I found it very helpful and easy to follow. I found that many of the techniques I already use are listed in the book and are very effective. I found yoga and a mental countdown to be most effective but, every person is different and the effectiveness of stress relief techniques are also different. Overall, I would recommend this self help book to any of my fellow readers out there.

I am trying to update my blog and add a music player but, I can't figure out how. If anybody knows, please leave a comment.

Lately, my favorite bands and singers and rappers have been Finger Eleven, Linkin Park, Z-Ro, Chris Brown(only one or two songs) and other random stuff. I need to find some new music to listen to.

So, I'm running out of time and I'll write again later. Have a happy day fellow bloggers! : )

School Year (Almost Over; Yay!)

2008-05-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am in school and have completed my lessons for, like, the next week so the teacher gave me a free day and I just realized that the school year is almost over. Yay!

! I Got Tagged ! Cont'd

2008-05-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

Okay so here is my response:

The nearest book is Secrets of My Suburban Life by Lauren BAratz-Logsted

"The woman in question is, of course, Lila Rodriguez, Kiki's mother and soap opera star. The only problem is, her character is dead. Well, she's supposedly dead, unless her character is about to come out of Nikos's deep freeze room as one of the undead."

I have decided to tag:
*booksaremylove
*temppatt
*cheeseandbooks
*onepageisnotenough
*booksandlove

Have fun!

! I Got Tagged !

2008-05-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, I got tagged. Here are the rules:

1.)Pick up the nearest book.
2.)Open to page 123.
3.)Find the fifth sentence.
4.)Post the next three sentences.
5.)Tag five people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you've posted your three sentences.

I am totally exhausted tonight so, I will post my response tomorrow. Sorry, I guess I'm a bad blogger. Until tomorrow...

Secrets of My Suburban Life by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2008-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Just a little while back Simon Pulse-PulseIt sent me a copy of Secrets of My Suburban Life. I read the book and was a little disappointed. By no means do I mean it wasn't good, I simply mean to say that it wasn't as fastpaced and interesting as my other recent reads.

In this narrative, Lauren ("Ren") and her writer father move from New york to the Danbury, Connecticut suburbs after Harry Potter kills her mother. Not so literally did Harry Potter kill her as, while researching for a book, Ren's mother was crushed by a truckload of thick and heavy, hardbacked, Harry Potter books. This so devistated Ren's father that they left the city the knew so well. In the new town, Ren tries to fit in and make friends in her new school, but the most popular girl, Farrin, keeps leaving her out in the cold and to add more pain, her father won't talk to her anymore. One of her teacher's is especially nice, that is one saving grace. Finally, Ren meets someone she likes, Jack, a really cute and well liked boy at school. The only problem is Farrin likes to keep him to herself. How much more can a girl take? Apparently a lot, because when Farrin's and Ren's identical notebooks are swapped, Ren finds print outs from a chatroom and discovers that Farrin is ready to meet with an older man. Now, Ren must feels she must save Farrin from this meeting, even though they despise each other. She sets out on a mission to deter the meeting and, along the way, makes friends with two girls and gets to know Jack even better. But, who is this man that Farrin wants to meet? Is it someone she knows? Is he close to them? When, she finds out who it is and catches him, everyone is sure to be surprised.

In this book, I did not understand why the topic was geared toward an older group but the grammar/ vocabulary was for a younger group (maybe 8-12). Te characters are teenagers but, they did not seem to have even a teenage level of maturity.

Again, I say that this is not a bad book, it simply didn't have the character personalities that I enjoy reading about in books. The characters had one side and that made them uninteresting to me. Also, the storyline seemed to progress at a rather slow pace. What I did enjoy were the different settings and the number of characters. Both of this things made the overall story a little more enjoyable.

Randomness : )

2008-05-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today is a Saturday and I have no clue what to do, so I just wrote a new book reveiw, check it out. i can't figure out how to put music on my blog, so I am really confused. I guess I should work more on that. Thats all I'm thinking about now, so, bye.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

2008-05-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, I read Stephenie Meyer's book "Twilight." I didn't think I would like it by the description but bought it anyway due to a friends persistance. I was, truthfully, surprised when I realized I couldn't but the book down.

The storyline details the development of a relationship between a dangerous vampire and a teenage girl, Bella (short for Isabella, 17). The first "sceen," so to speak, is a frightening situation of Bella about to be killed. Then begins the history: Bella's parents are divorced and she has decided to move from Pheonix with her mother,and new husband, to Forks, Washington with her police cheif father. Neither parent understands the change but must learn to accept it. On her first day of school she is quickly accepted by the locals and beegins to feel good in a new setting. But, on that very same day, she discovers that she is drawn to a certain boy, Edward Cullen, at her high school, and that, for no apparent reason, he seems to despise her. She learns from her classmates that Edward and his family are all adopted and are the school misfits, never appearing to fit in. Still, she has some attraction to Edward and is excited when she finds herself paired with him in biology and yet dismayed when he avoids her. She begins noticing him and his strange behavior (he doesn't come to school on the rare sunny days, he avoids her, clenches his jaw when he's around her, and many other little and big things). Others boys try to catch her attention but she turns them down. She beigins developing theories about his strange behavior such as, he is a super hero or has been infected by something. Eventually she comes up with the theory that he is a vampire. During this time, Edward begins talking to her, picking her up, and hanging out. It is eventually revealed, when Edward has just rescued her from peril, that he is a vampire and can read everyones mind except her's. He also reveals that he cannot read her, is attracted to the sent of her blood and has a hard time resisting killing her, is in love with her, his whole adopted family are vampires, vampires don't eat food, but eat animals and people, and he has been missing school on sunny days because he sparkles in the sunlight. Amazingly, to Edward and Bella's surprise, Bella is not scared of him and that puts them in a dangerous situation. The remaining part of the story details the relationship as it grows and a dangerous and almost deadly situation Bella is caught in with some other vampires. Edward loves her and protects her and everything turns out well, except for quite a few injuries. The other turn off, for Edward, is that Bella wants to become a vampire like him, so they may be together. With this the story ends in, Edward escorting Bella to the Prom and explaining that he wants their relationship to be as human as possible. The relationship will continue in the next book in the series, New Moon.

I found this book to be extremely romantic and yet easy to relate to, as a teenager. The tenseness between Edward and Bella as they struggle against nature is magnetic. I thoughly enjoyed this book and feel that it reveals a lot about the teenage psyche. I will most certainly read the next book in this series.

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

2008-04-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Just recently I read Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott. This narrative tells the story of Kate Brown as her life is both destroyed and rescued. Her life, for the most part, is great and everything is in order, but in six months, everything changes. This is due to the fact that 1.)Kate's best friend, Anna, has left her for the popular crowd after losing a ton of weight and now has forgotten Kate exists, and 2.)her, child at heart, father has quit his corporate job to sell vitamins at the mall. And to add even more frustration, Will, a classmate of Kate's who she pretends to despise but really loves, seems to be interested in her. However, her knowledge that he is only interested in her at the current moment and that after one date, he will move on, keeps her from allowing him to sweep her up. As the storyline progresses, Kate tunnels into herself, seeing it better to be by herself and rely only on herself rather than be dependent upon the people of her world that seems to be collapsing. When her father buys vitamins and health products in bulk and sells very little, the family goes into debt and while Kate works at her father's cart in the mall, her parents marriage cracks under the pressure and her mother must call for help. This results in Kate's maternal grandmother moving in with them and Kate's older brother gets a job, as compared to his previous life of dates and relaxation. Meanwhile, Kate finds that unattainable Will also works in the mall and soon become involved in an emotionless, make-out relationship. Kate longs for there to be more, but when Will tries to progress into a real relationship, Kate assumes he is only after one thing, a hook up. Kate finally caves under pressure/confusion and realizes that Will is truly interested, for the long term, in the same way she is. As they explore their relationship, her parents are forced in further debt due to the father's refusal to get a better job and they sell their house. Tension builds and the parents get a divorce and Kate's brother moves out when Kate, her mother, and her grandmother move into an apartment. Her father remains disconnected and she and her brother seem more connected due to their experience. The story ends with the developing relationship between Will and Kate and she realizes that life changes and that is what it is all about.

In my opinion, the characters in this book are very believable and realistic. As a teenager, many hings change, most often, without regard to you or your opinion. It is very realistic to see how losing a friend, a father changing jobs, and a new personal interest could effect a teenage girl so significantly. However, the main idea/concept/lesson that must be learned is that change is part of life and without it we would be trapped in a world of indifference. As Christina Baldwin once said, "Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the pheonix."

Hello!

2008-04-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is designsbymikayla and I decided to create my own blog. I will post daily thoughts, book reviews, and web links. I guess it just a place that you could end up reading just about anything. Anyway, I'll post more later. : )