June 1, 1933
Yesterday was Tom Robinson's trail. We went to see it with Scout and Dill… it was pretty rough for them. I should have let them stay. Everyone around is different now, I always thought the Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, but up to yesterday they completely changed except for Cal, Ms. Maudie, and some other folks.
Maycomb has always been my home and I don’t understand why they would do such a thing. After what Mr. Ewell did to my father and what folks have been saying that his going to kill him. I've been scared and so had Scout. I talked to Scout last night, about what kind of folks Maycomb has. There are us, the Cunningham, Ewells and the Negros. Everyone looks down at one, we look down at the Cunningham the Cunningham looks down as the Ewells and the Ewells look down at the Negros. I used to think there was only one kind of folk. Folks. I was wrong. Like Atticus said that all men are created equal... right now the only equal who are treated equal are the white folks.
I wish everyone would not look down at each other. I wish everyone would be fair to one another. That trail was not a fail one and I know that maybe Atticus might not leave to see the change, but when I grow up I'm going to do what Atticus did. He is now every respected by the blacks and some whites. I know I'm going to do the same and more.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Maycomb Daily
Depression in Maycomb
The economic crisis across the country has hit our town hard. Many people in Maycomb have been affected, especially the farmers and the country people. It’s creating bankruptcy, homelessness, collapsing businesses, and leaving many people hungry. Because of this, social classes are more defined and there is a lot of tension between them.
“Living through the great depression has been hard for many families around the community. Bringing bread to the table has been difficult for us, and affects our children and wives,” says Mr. Taylor.
Many people around town have been getting jobs with the WPA (Works Progress Administration). This was recently created to give unemployed people jobs, but it is hard to maintain your spot.
“It’s important for us to maintain our dignity and respect despite the hard time that have fallen upon all of us,” says Mr. Atticus Finch.
Even our children get involved in these hard times.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Halloween Festivals
Each year, on Halloween night, the town of Maycomb organizes festival where they have plays and pageants. This year the pageant was held in the high-school auditorium. Everyone got to enjoy apple-bobbing and taffy-pulling; pin the tail on the donkey was available for children to enjoy for only one cent. These types of events bring our whole community together, with fun for the children and the adults.
This event was organized so that in order to avoid the unsupervised mischief that typically occurs on Halloween night.
The pageant’s theme this year was agricultural products, such as ham, butterbean, peanut and many others. The pageant was directed by Mrs. Grace Merriweather, who called it Maycomb County: Ad Astra Per Aspera. Many kids from around the neighborhood participated in the pageant, dressing up as various historic icons and agricultural products.
We are proud of the many volunteers who decorated and organized school auditorium. They made this event possible and enjoyable for the Maycomb’s society.
“Hopefully each year the Halloween festivals can be even better than the last. I really enjoyed this year’s festival,” says Mrs. Grace Merriweather.
Children enjoying the festival games, apple-bobbing.
_____________________________________________________________________________
A Sad Accident: An Editorial
Maycomb, Alabama— A sad accident- or was it? On October 31, 1933, Bob Ewells accidently took his own life in a drunken accident. It was right after the Halloween festival. Mr. Atticus Finch’s children were walking home when they were attacked by Mr. Ewell. It was evident that Mr. Ewell was drunk, and having a grudge against the Finch family caused him to act out in violence. It is unfortunate that Mr. Ewell chose to attack Jean Louise and Jeremy Atticus Finch when it was their father who he had a problem with, as evidenced by the many threats made by Mr. Ewell.
This editor thinks that this problem could have been resolved between the two adults. It is unfortunate that the confrontation ended in accidental self-stabbing, although it is the opinion some people that the death may have not been accidental. It doesn’t take a psychic to see there is an unknown factor in this story. Perhaps the Finch children had a guardian angel watching over them that night.
“'It would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?”
Yes, Jean Louise, that’s exactly what it would be like.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Trial: Letter to the Editor
Maycomb Daily,
As a concerned citizen of Maycomb, I was appalled at the outcome of the most recent trial between Ms. Mayella Ewells and Mr. Tom Robinson. Not only was Mr. Atticus Finch’s defense solid and indisputable, but the evidence was clear to many that were present. Mr. Tom Robinson was not guilty. It saddens me to see this town so full of racism and hatred that it would condemn an innocent human being.
The testimonies of various witnesses were shaky and unclear, and the jury was wrong to come to this verdict. This will surely create much controversy in a town that needs to stick together to work against this financial crisis. I realized that we have long way to go we are all equal as even my own friends do not see the problem with bigotry. They are even immune to the suffering of the African children, as shown by their hypocritical actions.
Something needs to be done about this.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Maudie.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Obituary
DUBOSE, HENRY LAFAYETTE, age 75, of Maycomb passed away March 7, 1933 in her home. Mrs. Dubose was born in the town of Maycomb in 1857 lived here her entire life. Many people from Maycomb will remember here as one of the bravest people that have lived in this town. She died beholden to nothing and nobody. Her wake for family and friends will be held on March 12 at Maycomb Church.
The economic crisis across the country has hit our town hard. Many people in Maycomb have been affected, especially the farmers and the country people. It’s creating bankruptcy, homelessness, collapsing businesses, and leaving many people hungry. Because of this, social classes are more defined and there is a lot of tension between them.
“Living through the great depression has been hard for many families around the community. Bringing bread to the table has been difficult for us, and affects our children and wives,” says Mr. Taylor.
Many people around town have been getting jobs with the WPA (Works Progress Administration). This was recently created to give unemployed people jobs, but it is hard to maintain your spot.
“It’s important for us to maintain our dignity and respect despite the hard time that have fallen upon all of us,” says Mr. Atticus Finch.
Even our children get involved in these hard times.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Halloween Festivals
Each year, on Halloween night, the town of Maycomb organizes festival where they have plays and pageants. This year the pageant was held in the high-school auditorium. Everyone got to enjoy apple-bobbing and taffy-pulling; pin the tail on the donkey was available for children to enjoy for only one cent. These types of events bring our whole community together, with fun for the children and the adults.
This event was organized so that in order to avoid the unsupervised mischief that typically occurs on Halloween night.
The pageant’s theme this year was agricultural products, such as ham, butterbean, peanut and many others. The pageant was directed by Mrs. Grace Merriweather, who called it Maycomb County: Ad Astra Per Aspera. Many kids from around the neighborhood participated in the pageant, dressing up as various historic icons and agricultural products.
We are proud of the many volunteers who decorated and organized school auditorium. They made this event possible and enjoyable for the Maycomb’s society.
“Hopefully each year the Halloween festivals can be even better than the last. I really enjoyed this year’s festival,” says Mrs. Grace Merriweather.
Children enjoying the festival games, apple-bobbing.
_____________________________________________________________________________
A Sad Accident: An Editorial
Maycomb, Alabama— A sad accident- or was it? On October 31, 1933, Bob Ewells accidently took his own life in a drunken accident. It was right after the Halloween festival. Mr. Atticus Finch’s children were walking home when they were attacked by Mr. Ewell. It was evident that Mr. Ewell was drunk, and having a grudge against the Finch family caused him to act out in violence. It is unfortunate that Mr. Ewell chose to attack Jean Louise and Jeremy Atticus Finch when it was their father who he had a problem with, as evidenced by the many threats made by Mr. Ewell.
This editor thinks that this problem could have been resolved between the two adults. It is unfortunate that the confrontation ended in accidental self-stabbing, although it is the opinion some people that the death may have not been accidental. It doesn’t take a psychic to see there is an unknown factor in this story. Perhaps the Finch children had a guardian angel watching over them that night.
“'It would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?”
Yes, Jean Louise, that’s exactly what it would be like.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Trial: Letter to the Editor
Maycomb Daily,
As a concerned citizen of Maycomb, I was appalled at the outcome of the most recent trial between Ms. Mayella Ewells and Mr. Tom Robinson. Not only was Mr. Atticus Finch’s defense solid and indisputable, but the evidence was clear to many that were present. Mr. Tom Robinson was not guilty. It saddens me to see this town so full of racism and hatred that it would condemn an innocent human being.
The testimonies of various witnesses were shaky and unclear, and the jury was wrong to come to this verdict. This will surely create much controversy in a town that needs to stick together to work against this financial crisis. I realized that we have long way to go we are all equal as even my own friends do not see the problem with bigotry. They are even immune to the suffering of the African children, as shown by their hypocritical actions.
Something needs to be done about this.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Maudie.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Obituary
DUBOSE, HENRY LAFAYETTE, age 75, of Maycomb passed away March 7, 1933 in her home. Mrs. Dubose was born in the town of Maycomb in 1857 lived here her entire life. Many people from Maycomb will remember here as one of the bravest people that have lived in this town. She died beholden to nothing and nobody. Her wake for family and friends will be held on March 12 at Maycomb Church.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Newspaper: Lord of the Flies
Opinion: Comic Strip
Lost Boys Found On Island
THREE CHILDREN DEAD AND NO FOUND ADULTS- LONDON, November 18, 1954. - Saturday night a naval officer and his search-group reported that 47 passengers on board crashed on an inhabitant island in the Pacific Ocean. The boys were on an airplane and were being evacuated away from a war zone.
British officer says, “One adult missing the pilot and is assumed to be the only victim in the plane crash. 46 children survived the impact, a group of choir boys and a group of boy who attended various schools in London.” There has been no information toward why the plane crashed, it seems to have been attacked but officials say the cause is unknown.
According to Dr. Robinson from the INH headquarters, “It is not known how long the boys have stayed on the island, it is calculated that they have been there five to six month, but less than a year.”
After speaking shortly with some of the rescuers they said, “Three boys had died during the time on the island.” The three boys were Johnny, one of the youngest in the group, was burnt and killed after the children lost control of a fire trying to make a smoke signal for rescue. Simon, the youngest of the bigguns, was badly beaten and stabbed to death by the other boys they mistook him by the beast they believed in. The last victim recorded dead was a boy called Piggy real name unidentified, he was hit by a great rock by one of the boys and fell into the ocean.
After this incident British Government is focusing on safer flights for children during this dangerous time of war. Mr. Mateo H. Williamson says, “This was a terrible tragedy and I am sure that we will try are best to have better safety measures on our planes and ships.”
Thankfully the rest of the boys are back safe with their family and friends. The parents and/or guardians of some of the children are pressing charges on the airlines. Further information will be received toward this situation.
Editorial School Boys Lost in Savagery
Being on an island, forced to savagery and living civilization, losing your innocence, seeing the reality of death and betrayal and loss of identity and having fear and evil where the last thing the British school boys would think they would encounter.
This adventure as they first called it was fun, but soon turned into a nightmare for all of the boys. After nominating a chief, arguments started on the island for various conflicts and hostilities. Separation and tension grew between them and their hope of being rescued where gone.
It was said that when naval officer had first contact with the boys, they all began to cry (what any child would do in those condition) forgetting who was chief and what tribe they were in. Now normal kid back in into society and civilization with their family. Never forgetting that adventure, that turned into something terrifying, but also bringing some of the boys to the understanding of many life lesson many people will never encounter in their life time.
Profile Piece: Ralph
Crashing on island in the middle of plane ride home was not on 12 year old, Ralph expectations. Everything was fun and gameas for the boys at first on the island, but when quarrels and conflicts began to burst everything was tense and dangerous.
Ralph was a natural-born leader. Taking on the role and setting up rules as soon as he was chosen as chief. “Being on island so long makes you forget the purpose of your goals (making a smoke signal for rescue) and sometimes you needed reminding,” He says. That’s what his loyal friend, Piggy did and was killed for being mature and wise like an adult. Ralph tried to keep the group civilized and most importantly together, but it was hard for him to do so because some of the boys disobeyed his
rules and orders.
It was even harder when there was competition and one of the boys gained the “vote” of the younger ones by promising them protection; something impossible for Ralph, without support from the older boys. Because of the pressure and his two friends Simon and Piggy’s deaths he briefly considered joining the other tribe, which the other boy made. He did not join them because he saw them as savages and dirty. “I felt like cutting my hair and fingernails, washing my clothes, brushing my teeth, and getting a bath. I missed everything back over here,” He continuous “I was frightened, angry, desperate, hungry and tried.
”Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend piggy” –William Golding.
Lost Boys Found On Island
THREE CHILDREN DEAD AND NO FOUND ADULTS- LONDON, November 18, 1954. - Saturday night a naval officer and his search-group reported that 47 passengers on board crashed on an inhabitant island in the Pacific Ocean. The boys were on an airplane and were being evacuated away from a war zone.
British officer says, “One adult missing the pilot and is assumed to be the only victim in the plane crash. 46 children survived the impact, a group of choir boys and a group of boy who attended various schools in London.” There has been no information toward why the plane crashed, it seems to have been attacked but officials say the cause is unknown.
According to Dr. Robinson from the INH headquarters, “It is not known how long the boys have stayed on the island, it is calculated that they have been there five to six month, but less than a year.”
After speaking shortly with some of the rescuers they said, “Three boys had died during the time on the island.” The three boys were Johnny, one of the youngest in the group, was burnt and killed after the children lost control of a fire trying to make a smoke signal for rescue. Simon, the youngest of the bigguns, was badly beaten and stabbed to death by the other boys they mistook him by the beast they believed in. The last victim recorded dead was a boy called Piggy real name unidentified, he was hit by a great rock by one of the boys and fell into the ocean.
After this incident British Government is focusing on safer flights for children during this dangerous time of war. Mr. Mateo H. Williamson says, “This was a terrible tragedy and I am sure that we will try are best to have better safety measures on our planes and ships.”
Thankfully the rest of the boys are back safe with their family and friends. The parents and/or guardians of some of the children are pressing charges on the airlines. Further information will be received toward this situation.
Editorial School Boys Lost in Savagery
Being on an island, forced to savagery and living civilization, losing your innocence, seeing the reality of death and betrayal and loss of identity and having fear and evil where the last thing the British school boys would think they would encounter.
This adventure as they first called it was fun, but soon turned into a nightmare for all of the boys. After nominating a chief, arguments started on the island for various conflicts and hostilities. Separation and tension grew between them and their hope of being rescued where gone.
It was said that when naval officer had first contact with the boys, they all began to cry (what any child would do in those condition) forgetting who was chief and what tribe they were in. Now normal kid back in into society and civilization with their family. Never forgetting that adventure, that turned into something terrifying, but also bringing some of the boys to the understanding of many life lesson many people will never encounter in their life time.
Profile Piece: Ralph
Crashing on island in the middle of plane ride home was not on 12 year old, Ralph expectations. Everything was fun and gameas for the boys at first on the island, but when quarrels and conflicts began to burst everything was tense and dangerous.
Ralph was a natural-born leader. Taking on the role and setting up rules as soon as he was chosen as chief. “Being on island so long makes you forget the purpose of your goals (making a smoke signal for rescue) and sometimes you needed reminding,” He says. That’s what his loyal friend, Piggy did and was killed for being mature and wise like an adult. Ralph tried to keep the group civilized and most importantly together, but it was hard for him to do so because some of the boys disobeyed his
rules and orders.
It was even harder when there was competition and one of the boys gained the “vote” of the younger ones by promising them protection; something impossible for Ralph, without support from the older boys. Because of the pressure and his two friends Simon and Piggy’s deaths he briefly considered joining the other tribe, which the other boy made. He did not join them because he saw them as savages and dirty. “I felt like cutting my hair and fingernails, washing my clothes, brushing my teeth, and getting a bath. I missed everything back over here,” He continuous “I was frightened, angry, desperate, hungry and tried.
”Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend piggy” –William Golding.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tankas Chapter 10 The Shell and the Glasses
I want to go home
It was an accident, Ralph
You alright Piggy?
Jack"s left hand with his glasses.
Now we are left with nothing.
The Chiefs
Jack the proper chief,
Ralph seen as a failure.
We'll soon hunt again
We keep the fire going.
Tribes seperated by fear.
It was an accident, Ralph
You alright Piggy?
Jack"s left hand with his glasses.
Now we are left with nothing.
The Chiefs
Jack the proper chief,
Ralph seen as a failure.
We'll soon hunt again
We keep the fire going.
Tribes seperated by fear.
You Can't have it All
But you can have warm chocolate milk every morning,
always being the sweet childhood pleasure.
You can have the small dirty black feet next to your nose,
waking you and not caring enough to push them back because you love her.
You can have the shouts and laughter, the imaginary ship,
that sails to the living room.
You can have the imperfect perfect family picture
that takes hours to take because the dog ate my popsicle and cousin had to sneeze.
You can have laughter, because when you laugh it’s like the sun flower that turns to the light. You can have the smell of fresh clean laundry right down to the socks. You can have breakfast outside at 1:30 in the afternoon.
You can play with the hose in a summer day
because you don’t have a pool.
You can have the daily call of your grandfather
to get his blessing through a camera.
You can’t go to the other side of it and give him a good night kiss in his forehead because you’re too far from home. But you can have the sound of his voice clearly as if he were next to you. And you can be grateful for photo albums;
for if we didn’t, we would forget the good moments.
You can have the noisy stairs, when one descends,
you can figure out who is walking down.
You can have your fathers arm around you. Shoulders watching a cooking show and not hearing a single complains when you know he wants to watch soccer.
You can have the pictures of your sister on your bedroom wall,
you can have fire place and burnt marshmallow.
You can’t count of someone to push you to it all the time
but there is always that one on the stand cheering
as you do a flip turn, as you push off the wall and take a deep breath and stroke.
You can have a mango tree on your yard and pick the juiciest one of them all
and you can have hands dripping with mango juice
and your mom warning you to not stain your clothes.
You can have a friend who knows your melody and can hum it back to you
when you have forgotten.
You can have dirty hands piled up in the center of a chant circle
and a cry of excitement before a soccer game. And you can have that long lost picture
stuffed in a box and the back side written on with your cousins lousy handwriting
letting you know that they love you.
You can’t have your neighbor’s pretty garden filled with flowers and fleshly cut grass, but when you turn around you know you can have your own beautiful, uncut, grassy garden that might not be like the others filled with happiness, love, and the cherishment for the things you can have.
always being the sweet childhood pleasure.
You can have the small dirty black feet next to your nose,
waking you and not caring enough to push them back because you love her.
You can have the shouts and laughter, the imaginary ship,
that sails to the living room.
You can have the imperfect perfect family picture
that takes hours to take because the dog ate my popsicle and cousin had to sneeze.
You can have laughter, because when you laugh it’s like the sun flower that turns to the light. You can have the smell of fresh clean laundry right down to the socks. You can have breakfast outside at 1:30 in the afternoon.
You can play with the hose in a summer day
because you don’t have a pool.
You can have the daily call of your grandfather
to get his blessing through a camera.
You can’t go to the other side of it and give him a good night kiss in his forehead because you’re too far from home. But you can have the sound of his voice clearly as if he were next to you. And you can be grateful for photo albums;
for if we didn’t, we would forget the good moments.
You can have the noisy stairs, when one descends,
you can figure out who is walking down.
You can have your fathers arm around you. Shoulders watching a cooking show and not hearing a single complains when you know he wants to watch soccer.
You can have the pictures of your sister on your bedroom wall,
you can have fire place and burnt marshmallow.
You can’t count of someone to push you to it all the time
but there is always that one on the stand cheering
as you do a flip turn, as you push off the wall and take a deep breath and stroke.
You can have a mango tree on your yard and pick the juiciest one of them all
and you can have hands dripping with mango juice
and your mom warning you to not stain your clothes.
You can have a friend who knows your melody and can hum it back to you
when you have forgotten.
You can have dirty hands piled up in the center of a chant circle
and a cry of excitement before a soccer game. And you can have that long lost picture
stuffed in a box and the back side written on with your cousins lousy handwriting
letting you know that they love you.
You can’t have your neighbor’s pretty garden filled with flowers and fleshly cut grass, but when you turn around you know you can have your own beautiful, uncut, grassy garden that might not be like the others filled with happiness, love, and the cherishment for the things you can have.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Marley a Dog like No Other
Marley a Dog like No Other by John Grogan
Luciana Paz
HarperCollins Publishers
Memoir
Where I got it from:Marley a Dog like No Other by John Grogan was recommended by my friend, who thought the novel was very touching. I got it from my English teacher Mrs. Meadows.
One sentence summery: John and Jenny a young couple are ready to take there next step of their marriage, it was time for a dog; Maley a dog like no other changes the Grogan family hearts an leads there way until the end with love, loyalty and extreme hyperactive personally.
First chapter: “When I was ten years old, my father caved in my pleas and took me to get my own dog.”
The first chapter “And Puppy Makes Three” is about how John and Jenny are ready to have a third family member. To be exact a dog. They go off to find the perfect dog they look at a littler of Labrador retrievers, the males where $400 females and the males $375. They found that the dog that they wanted was a clearance dog, he passed all the scare tests and he was adorable so they took him right away. What they both didn’t know was that the dog they were adopting was one that was going to change their lives and who came to be as Marley a dog like no other.
Verdict: The memoir was never heart-warming it, almost brought me in to tears. The author writes in humors ways making the book enjoyable. This story shows you values of life and what really matter by a Marley, the yellow fur ball with a pure heart, who quickly grows and never lets go of his over exciting personality. This book would be defiantly but in the “you have to read book even though they might be childlike” pale.
Cover comments: The cover of Marley and me really makes you want to read it. It has the cutest puppy (Marley) in the front part with a red background focusing it on the dog. The saying don’t judge a book by its cover is sometimes wrong because the cover is very important for a reader to pick it up. The cover has a small innocent dog that it fouls you to thinking it’s another “cute puppy old story”, but at the end you see how the puppy becomes the opposite of the cover.
Luciana Paz
HarperCollins Publishers
Memoir
Where I got it from:Marley a Dog like No Other by John Grogan was recommended by my friend, who thought the novel was very touching. I got it from my English teacher Mrs. Meadows.
One sentence summery: John and Jenny a young couple are ready to take there next step of their marriage, it was time for a dog; Maley a dog like no other changes the Grogan family hearts an leads there way until the end with love, loyalty and extreme hyperactive personally.
First chapter: “When I was ten years old, my father caved in my pleas and took me to get my own dog.”
The first chapter “And Puppy Makes Three” is about how John and Jenny are ready to have a third family member. To be exact a dog. They go off to find the perfect dog they look at a littler of Labrador retrievers, the males where $400 females and the males $375. They found that the dog that they wanted was a clearance dog, he passed all the scare tests and he was adorable so they took him right away. What they both didn’t know was that the dog they were adopting was one that was going to change their lives and who came to be as Marley a dog like no other.
Verdict: The memoir was never heart-warming it, almost brought me in to tears. The author writes in humors ways making the book enjoyable. This story shows you values of life and what really matter by a Marley, the yellow fur ball with a pure heart, who quickly grows and never lets go of his over exciting personality. This book would be defiantly but in the “you have to read book even though they might be childlike” pale.
Cover comments: The cover of Marley and me really makes you want to read it. It has the cutest puppy (Marley) in the front part with a red background focusing it on the dog. The saying don’t judge a book by its cover is sometimes wrong because the cover is very important for a reader to pick it up. The cover has a small innocent dog that it fouls you to thinking it’s another “cute puppy old story”, but at the end you see how the puppy becomes the opposite of the cover.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dream Big and Accomplish
Description:
This poetry notebook is dedicated to my sister, who is graduating. These poems portray how a person can accomplish their goals with a good spirit and courage by setting your mind to what you have put as your finish line. For a finish line does not mark the end of your race, you will continue running and pursuing your dreams.
Synopsis:
These poems will show you that an achievement is a goal that began as a dream and that it has been reached. It will inspire you to reach high for your goals,to succeed and reach for the next dream.
Dream Big and Accomplish
Poetry:
Dreams by Langston
Hughes
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Dare to Dream by Julie Anne Ford
Today's Dreams Are Tomorrow's Successes by Kelly D. Caron
Dream Big by Author unknown
Graduation Is a Time by Nicholas Gordon
Solid Goal by Charles Ghigna
Solid Goal
Charles Ghigna
Don't let the distance to your goals
Keep you from your dreams;
It's never really quite as far
As what it often seems.
Always Keep Your Dreams Alive by Author Unknown
Always Keep Your Dreams Alive
Author Unknown
Now is a time for you to celebrate
the accomplishment of a dream you have worked so hard to realize.
You have shown so many people how special you are.
Now is the time to begin to pursue the next path,
to reach out for the next star,
and to achieve the things that are so important to you.
Always keep your dreams alive.
And keep them coming true.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Watermelon Red—Benjamin Moore—2087–20
She is sitting outside
in the watermelon field
surrounded by scrambler
and trailer vines.
Her legs
"Criss cross
apple sauce"
like vines tangled
and twisted
holding
the sweet treat
of the summer fruit
the crunchy
thirst—quenching
watermelon.
She looks
beyond
the summer air
that has
made small drops
of sweat
on her forehead
she slides
her hands
against
the hard
bitter
rind.
The pattern and color
fascinate her.
She sees one
that is fully grown
ready
for harvest.
They grow
so well
that its hard to take one home.
She tastes it
wanting to never
forget its
succulent flavor.
The small black seeds
inside
like soldiers
in a line,
perfectly positioned.
She sits on the watermelon field
thinking—
She is one of them
not ready yet
to be sweet
to be colorful
to be
unique.
She is still
growing she is a seed
that has been cultivated.
She knows
she will someday
be ready
to be harvested
and be
watermelon
red.
Monday, April 11, 2011
What are We?
He faced
the place of assemble
and the conch
to his lips.
One had to sit
attracting all eyes
to the conch
all crouched
or squatted.
Now,
there's no water.
he shells are dry.
We need
those shelters
and go to the rocks.
The fire
is most important
we ought to die
before we let
the fire out.
His speech
was planned
point by point.
Hands
were reaching
for the conch
in the light
of the setting sun .
He held on
and leaped on the trunk.
Things
are
breaking up.
I don't understand why.
He looked beyond them,
at nothing
remembering the beastie,
the snake,
the fire,
the talk about fear.
He says the beast comes
out of the sea
or is it some sort of ghost.
He stops again.
The careful plan
battered and broken.
What are we?
Humans?
Animal?
Savages?
I was chosen
as chief.
There is no beast.
the rules
are the only
thing we've got.
Bollock to the rules,
if there is a beast
will hunt it.
We
are strong.
The sound of mock hunting
laughter,
and real terror
comes
from the beach.
Well be like animals
will never
be rescued
not
if I blow the conch.
the place of assemble
and the conch
to his lips.
One had to sit
attracting all eyes
to the conch
all crouched
or squatted.
Now,
there's no water.
he shells are dry.
We need
those shelters
and go to the rocks.
The fire
is most important
we ought to die
before we let
the fire out.
His speech
was planned
point by point.
Hands
were reaching
for the conch
in the light
of the setting sun .
He held on
and leaped on the trunk.
Things
are
breaking up.
I don't understand why.
He looked beyond them,
at nothing
remembering the beastie,
the snake,
the fire,
the talk about fear.
He says the beast comes
out of the sea
or is it some sort of ghost.
He stops again.
The careful plan
battered and broken.
What are we?
Humans?
Animal?
Savages?
I was chosen
as chief.
There is no beast.
the rules
are the only
thing we've got.
Bollock to the rules,
if there is a beast
will hunt it.
We
are strong.
The sound of mock hunting
laughter,
and real terror
comes
from the beach.
Well be like animals
will never
be rescued
not
if I blow the conch.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Where I’m From
I’m from pots and pans
From homemade fricase soup
and aji Colorado and mote blanco.
I’m from the quincho
the delicious smell of BBQ
and the five o’clock tea.
I’m from the tall, beautiful, superior, and protective
Georgia trees
and the orange
and yellow leaves
from the pollen on my window frame.
I’m from the coldest night of the year
up in the mountains
close to the sky
eating marshmallow,
playing guitar, shouting rocket,
jumping the camp fire,
burning old things
I’m from San Juan.
I’m from the sweet talk
Wawai
and the licensing clan,
where one tells
and is important,
from the giver and selfless.
I’m from the Merced Church
early in the morning
and the flying dove.
I’m from the mountains
the cold on your hands
and burnt cheeks.
From a long line of generations
and strong political family.
I’m from morals and stories
From, to presidents, to senators and ministers
and from equality and democracy.
I’m from the crunchy—fresh bread
Maraqueta and cheese empanadas
from hot sauce to butter.
I’m from the summer up at Yungas,
where the house stands on a mountain
and is surrounded by clouds,
right under your feet.
From the clear river flowing
and the bougainvillea flower
and the breakfast table for twenty.
I’m from running around with no shoes
and muddy clothes from yesterday.
From playing with a ball in the streets
and eating helado de canela.
I’m from the old and new photos
on my grandparents wall
polished every day,
to keep from being forgotten.
From homemade fricase soup
and aji Colorado and mote blanco.
I’m from the quincho
the delicious smell of BBQ
and the five o’clock tea.
I’m from the tall, beautiful, superior, and protective
Georgia trees
and the orange
and yellow leaves
from the pollen on my window frame.
I’m from the coldest night of the year
up in the mountains
close to the sky
eating marshmallow,
playing guitar, shouting rocket,
jumping the camp fire,
burning old things
I’m from San Juan.
I’m from the sweet talk
Wawai
and the licensing clan,
where one tells
and is important,
from the giver and selfless.
I’m from the Merced Church
early in the morning
and the flying dove.
I’m from the mountains
the cold on your hands
and burnt cheeks.
From a long line of generations
and strong political family.
I’m from morals and stories
From, to presidents, to senators and ministers
and from equality and democracy.
I’m from the crunchy—fresh bread
Maraqueta and cheese empanadas
from hot sauce to butter.
I’m from the summer up at Yungas,
where the house stands on a mountain
and is surrounded by clouds,
right under your feet.
From the clear river flowing
and the bougainvillea flower
and the breakfast table for twenty.
I’m from running around with no shoes
and muddy clothes from yesterday.
From playing with a ball in the streets
and eating helado de canela.
I’m from the old and new photos
on my grandparents wall
polished every day,
to keep from being forgotten.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Japan Hit by a Giant Wave
It was a Friday morning, when I saw both of my parents glued to the T.V. My sister and I bantered at their childlike actions, but we soon found out what was really going on.
A huge tsunami in Japan was preceded by the maganitude-8.9 quake—one of the largest ever recorded—shocked Japan’s east side, killing a copious amount of people.
We all sat together: mom, dad, Isabela and I licensing to the reporter, we were fastidiously paying attention to this crucial natural disaster that electrified and made people around the world feel a pang of sorrow for Japan.
The tsunami hit Hawaii and set off warnings for the whole pacific coast living many people scared.
Japan has been hit by many earthquakes making it common for civilians there, but this fitful disaster has never hit so hard before in Japan.
The Japanese government (Prime minister) deployed a contingent of adept rescue teams making a statement that there first goal is to be strong and to save as many lives as possible, this massage was concise and audile for everyone that was watching the news.
The reconstruction might be decelerated because of all the other problems like the capacious nuclear plants that have planned to shut down ,whcih contain extremely dangerous radioactive chemicals. Hopefully as time elapses it will be facilitated for people hopefully they will grapple this devastation and take for learning experience and come up with better future safety guidelines for the people’s health and earthquake and later tsunamis procedures.
This natural disaster left many people killed, gone missing or homeless. So pray for Japan and help in any way if you can.
A huge tsunami in Japan was preceded by the maganitude-8.9 quake—one of the largest ever recorded—shocked Japan’s east side, killing a copious amount of people.
We all sat together: mom, dad, Isabela and I licensing to the reporter, we were fastidiously paying attention to this crucial natural disaster that electrified and made people around the world feel a pang of sorrow for Japan.
The tsunami hit Hawaii and set off warnings for the whole pacific coast living many people scared.
Japan has been hit by many earthquakes making it common for civilians there, but this fitful disaster has never hit so hard before in Japan.
The Japanese government (Prime minister) deployed a contingent of adept rescue teams making a statement that there first goal is to be strong and to save as many lives as possible, this massage was concise and audile for everyone that was watching the news.
The reconstruction might be decelerated because of all the other problems like the capacious nuclear plants that have planned to shut down ,whcih contain extremely dangerous radioactive chemicals. Hopefully as time elapses it will be facilitated for people hopefully they will grapple this devastation and take for learning experience and come up with better future safety guidelines for the people’s health and earthquake and later tsunamis procedures.
This natural disaster left many people killed, gone missing or homeless. So pray for Japan and help in any way if you can.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Memoir: The House on Mango Street
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is an eye opener. It tell the story of Esperanza Cordero— who live in a poor and rundown neighborhood—and is ashamed and feels like she doesn’t belonging and wants to escape and be free. The House on Mango Street is more than a small, cramped, red house, it was Esperanza’s home it’s where she unlocked the keys to her emerging and evolving identity and how she should always go back and not erase what she knows, how she will always be Mango Street, and how she should never forget who she is.
The memoir explains the social and economic difficulties faced by Mexican Americans, especially women, and the possibilities of overcoming those obstacles and changing the lives living in a poor community. Esperanza has realized this through the women around her: Sally, Marin, and Rafaela. She tries to determine who her role models will be, but she realizes she wants something bigger than getting married or dropping out of school; by that, she overcomes her insecurities and learns about her own strengths and weaknesses.
The book is organized in short series of vignettes, as the story developments the memoirist age increasing, even though it’s not clear you can tell by the maturity she shows throughout. The vignettes show Esperanza’s encounter with her surrounding and her realizations with herself and other people.
The House on Mango Street is a very powerful novel and is it is full of life lessons. From child's point of view Sandra Cisneros has the ability to open our eyes to the sufferings of growing up in poverty in a troubled neighborhood in Chicago. Not many authors have these types of themes and subjects involved in there writing and doing it in such a marvelous way. There are several subjects involved that most of us don’t think about or encounter, making this novel unique and remarkable.
Lines We Love:
Lines We Love:
“They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind. For the ones who cannot out.”(Pg. 110)
“I want to be
like the waves on the sea,
like the clouds in the wind,
but I'm me.
One day I'll jump
Out of my skin.
I'll shake the sky
like a hundred violins.” (Pg.60)
“I want to be
like the waves on the sea,
like the clouds in the wind,
but I'm me.
One day I'll jump
Out of my skin.
I'll shake the sky
like a hundred violins.” (Pg.60)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
What I Believe
I believe that waking up in the morning
with a hug,
is a blessing of god.
I believe in improvisation.
It can bring wonderful
random moments.
I believe in making a wish
at 11:11.
I believe you can make more friends
by becoming interested in others,
than trying to get other people interested in you.
I believe in the wonders of art.
I believe in imagination and creation.
I believe that 'natural talent' doesn’t exist,
you have to work to win a Noble Prize,
you have to work to win the Olympic Gold Medal.
I believe you should give yourself permission...
to do new things, random things, or basic things.
I believe in being mischievous,
it feels good every once in a while.
I believe you should break the mold,
do thing differently for once.
I believe you should dare to dream.
to dream
for whatever.
And I believe in God
in someone superior
whether it is many gods,
whether it is no god,
but just someone
who's out there.
with a hug,
is a blessing of god.
I believe in improvisation.
It can bring wonderful
random moments.
I believe in making a wish
at 11:11.
I believe you can make more friends
by becoming interested in others,
than trying to get other people interested in you.
I believe in the wonders of art.
I believe in imagination and creation.
I believe that 'natural talent' doesn’t exist,
you have to work to win a Noble Prize,
you have to work to win the Olympic Gold Medal.
I believe you should give yourself permission...
to do new things, random things, or basic things.
I believe in being mischievous,
it feels good every once in a while.
I believe you should break the mold,
do thing differently for once.
I believe you should dare to dream.
to dream
for whatever.
And I believe in God
in someone superior
whether it is many gods,
whether it is no god,
but just someone
who's out there.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Evo Morales Equals Unwise
Bolivia is the best place to go for a vacation, but living there is not so great. I say this because the president—Evo Morales—is just completely insane! For some bizarre reason people still think he is doing a great job in office and he is still lionized...I guess for the only things his done 1.) say stupid things and 2.) do stupid things.
Having an indigenous president was a good change for country and some people helped him assimilate in the society very quickly, but having an illiterate president was the end of this nation. When Evo Morales came to make a speech about raising the price of gas, there was dissension over that ridicules act. People began to protest in the streets (the same people that supported for him and voted for him) there was riot up until the president backed out and thought twice of this almost error. I think he noticed that he didn’t have as much power as he did before, when he first ran for president. If I where him I would be very meticulous for my next move.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
U.S.A. and Bolivia
Last night, I was watching the speech, Barak Obama made, “State of the Union Address”. It really showed how strong and powerful the U.S.A is which made me feel very proud. A few weeks before this speech the president of Bolivia—Evo Morales—talked to the Bolivians just like Obama did to the Americans. Like I said Obamas speech made me feel proud he talked with intelligence, but when I heard Evo’s speech it just made me want to turn off the T.V. I love both of these countries; the U.S.A is great for some things and bad for others. Bolivia’s government might become a state of anarchy (which I really hope it doesn’t) but it has great people, places, food or whatever besides the government is amazing. If there is a campaign that people can conspire there ideas to make Bolivia a better country, it would really make people from all around the world apprehend that it is growing and becoming a strong nation.
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