Treachery of the Unknowns

Here's a piece I did- as you can kinda tell, I left an open ending. If you comment, please include what you think happened or should happen. :)

The wind whispered through the land, leaving a voiceless and agonizing echo in one's heart. It was the year of 3004. The air chilled to the very bone, core and soul. The chill of the air emanated from the Unknowns. The "Unknowns" was a place none dared to tread, none dared to dream, and none wished to see. However, there was one hard- headed girl who only believed in what she saw. And as far as any living creature knew- for her, the stories and history of the "Unknowns" were all lies. Everyone knew this girl as Josephina: the orphan, the wild-girl, the unfortunate one. One and all grieved for her in their prayers, yet they all thought her to be foolish and a nuisance. And soon enough, her foolishness and her annoyance would be proven. Proven so hard and painfully, none would be able to compare her pain she was soon to feel.

"Devils and death! Witches and warlocks! Satan and saints! Clear you paths, young Josie is coming your way! " cried Josephina. She had given herself a nickname and most people followed her by this too.

Since she did not know of what else she was called, she happily skipped through the streets smiling at all passers-by. Laughter erupted from the children as she made silly faces, and giggles burst from the mouths of gossiping young ladies. Still, Josie didn't mind. She had decided her life was only her life, and she would live by her rules and only her rules. As you can tell already, she had an unbreakable view of life.

Life was valued quite a bit in 3004. Researchers had discovered immortality about a few hundred years previously. When the researchers made everyone immortal, they didn't realize that everyone's souls had to still leave the body when the time came. However, because the bodies had yet to be buried and rest in peace, the souls started to wander. After years or wandering in despair and misery, they each slowly secluded themselves into the Forest of Lost Souls. Soon the souls all turned against their owners. Since souls can't really harm any living creature, they started the revolution. They were able to control parts of the weather, some feelings, and sometimes even the state of the senses. But, since Josie refused to believe any of this, she was left unaffected.

A few days later, when Josie was skipping about, frolicking here and there a group of children ran up to her. They snatched a piece of wooden jewelry out of her hair and ran. She chased after them, frowning and shouting. Straight into the fields they ran. Through the tall grass into the green pastures, and from there a young boy threw the jewelry right into the Forest of Lost Souls. A distant howl came out from the dark mystifying death-trap. Every child fearing the froze or stumbled backwards cowardly. Yet, Josie stood her ground. "Come on guys, let's go get it!" she excitedly requested. Almost every kid made an excuse to go home. There were only a few kids left, she insisted that in was there fault she was even here and tried to pull them into the forest with her but they also all ran off, all except an obnoxious girl: Bethany. Bethany never turned down an adventure or a challenge; there wasn't even the slightest chance she could turn this down. So she was the girl who accepted to help find the ball with Josie and the girl who changed her not only her fate but all the others too.

Fate, at the moment, was a forgotten variable. So, with only half of an idea or plan, they tread into the forest not knowing what they would find. Just black surrounded them. Footsteps scuffled in the dark and animals skittered across the ground. A steady dripping sound surrounded the two girls. Bethany tripped. Falling over forward on a suspected tree root, she let out a shriek. Bats and other flying creatures that are too horrid to describe, swooped down and into the girls’ hair. A freakish bug flew down and stuck itself into Bethany's hair. Her eyes started to glow a ghastly fluorescent green. Her eyes became two lanterns, revealing all the gory sights around them. The tree branch that Bethany had tripped over really had been an arm. Only an arm. Rotting flesh, bugs, mice, and a foul stench were the only things to be seen of the arm. At this point, Josie realized what she had done; not only did she put herself in danger, she had put Bethany in danger too.

The ground rumbled under their feet. Bethany, oh that poor girl, she shook harder than the earth. Josie's breath was stolen as Bethany's last breath was taken. A groan of agony escaped her lips as time caught up to her. She fell to her knees. Her body became no more than wrinkles and ash, blood seeped through her skin, her eyes glowed like the light of death, she grew old and her immortality was stolen. And there stood Josie, stricken with pure fear and terror. What she had seen cannot be described by the average.

A glowing black figure had appeared in mist and had run through the limp and lifeless body of Bethany splayed on the ground. Then, the figure had risen out of the blood drenched ground running itself through Josie. Every time contact was made a heartbeat was stolen and Josie got a second closer to death. From the continues impacts Josie's stomach spilled open inside of her, and slowly her body started to digest her from where it hurt the most: the inside. She realized that life was not a game. It had never been. There had been rules made by everyone, but she had turned a blind eye to them and had only focused on her own. However, Josie's challenge was not over yet.

A bottle rolled to her, and with a quaking body and unsteady hand, she picked it up. "The Elixir of Life" read the engraving in the small glass bottle that had an unnerving glow to it. Being in the forest, she knew that there was no reason to trust this bottle. But, what other choice of survival did she have? In the forest anything could happen, there was no telling what would happen next. She promised herself that if she drank the bottle and survived, she would leave the forest as fast as she could and live by rules that would help her live forever. But, if she died from the liquid, she would hopefully die instantly before she devoured herself. No matter what, there would be a bitter-sweet ending to both ways. So she picked up the bottle, and pulled the cork from its neck. Swishing the liquid slightly in her hands, she heard a gentle and calming swishing sound. A sweet aroma flooded from the bottle, a yearning for the taste overcame her. Between tears she lifted the bottle to her lips and slowly let the fluid run through her lips, into her dry mouth, and down her parched throat. Calmness overcame her as she started feeling a little light headed. Josie's breathing steadied and her stomach calmed down as did the rest of her. She took a few deep breaths. Once again she lifted the little vial and gave it a tip. Down poured the rest of the liquid. As soon as the last drop would be drunk an outcome would come into view. And that time had come.

The last drop slowly dripped into her mouth and slid down her throat. The last drop was drunk and destiny and fate altered their paths. A prophecy was fulfilled and life as all knew it, was changed.

Halloween Reflection

Celebration Reflection

By Fariha Momin

From the laughs and chatters to the mess and yells, the party I had was amazing! No doubt that there were some things that were a bit unorganized, yet everything worked out pretty well. There were much more good things than what, well, wasn't too good for sure. Nonetheless, even with the difficulties and the eases, the party had to go on!

The best part of the party was definitely the "Scared Stiff" game. I was surprised that almost half of the class didn't know how to play. But still, that wasn't much of a problem after explaining. When I noticed that not that many people were doing too much and were just sitting in their seats, I decided they needed a little enlightening. So that's exactly what I did. The lights went out and the lighting glow-sticks came in. The majority of the class participated after that. Things worked out a bit better after everything that. Another highlight was the food items and supplies. There were no problems with the items. The items were organized properly and luckily everyone was able to bring in their assigned items. I think that this was actually a pretty good party compared to what could have gone wrong.

Speaking about going wrong, there were also a few things that didn't work out too well. But, you can't really blame me that much; I'm only 13! Truth be told, there weren't too many things but the biggest problem was the organization. I think it was a little hard at the beginning of class. I wasn't completely positive of what I was supposed to say. Along with that, I wasn't sure of what I should have been doing through the time that everyone else was playing games. However, with the setting up taking up a lot of time, I found that I did have things to do. Also, I think it was a bit difficult knowing what I should tell the class. I had to continuously go to my locker to get everything. I was able to do this, but I guess it slipped my mind for a minute or two that I was the one directing everything. I'm not really used to being in charge of everything; and if I ever was in charge before, it was only when I had a back-up or partner. I think a little more careful planning could have solved these problems.

The planning took a while. I had to make sure that I knew all the needed materials for a proper party. I had to make a list of items that would make the celebration worthwhile. After that, I had to get volunteers to bring in party items. This was a bit difficult; I didn't want to tell anyone to bring something what they couldn't. But, good enough, I was able to get enough volunteers and only had a few remaining items I had to bring in. I became a little nervous because I had to depend on a lot of people; there really was no problem for party items, though. I did have to make a few announcements to keep the class up to date. Some announcements were sent by email, and had to be read prior to the party. On the day of the party, I had to get as many items as I could from everyone. My classmates brought their items in the morning of the celebration and I had to get a storage area for them right away. Thankfully, I had planned ahead, and that wasn't a problem. The only planning problem I did have was probably all the worrying about when someone would be able to bring in their assigned item. I guess next time when I throw a party; this should be one thing to keep in mind.

From this party I learned a lot of things. I also was able to find some points to keep in mind for other celebrations I host. I should probably keep in mind that too much sugar can have people bouncing of walls, and that chocolate runs out fast! I think that I may be able to host other parties for my other classes. By the end of the year, I may be a professional and will most likely be comparing my successes to all of my stupid mistakes from my first party hosting. Other mental notes I should consider are the preferences of games. I should find some games that everyone likes. Some activities should also be noted. After this party, I had an idea for throwing a contest for the best dressing according to the theme. To have people participate in this, I could try getting prizes for the winner. If these things work out well, then I really will believe that practice can and will make perfect!

It was definitely a fun party, I'm sure that everyone enjoyed some part of it. I know I did. True there was hard work involved, but everything flew nicely with a little push or pull. Besides, if everything was easy, life wouldn't be so fun and neither would have the party have been! It is as the old saying goes: "All's well that ends well." Shakespeare

A Life Not Yours To Take

Hey, this is a persuasive piece did. If you'd like to comment please do so, I'm looking for opinions- if you agree with me or not. Also, do you think someone would avoid abortion after reading this? Keep in mind that abortion hurts the baby's bearer, so I think I gave some harmful outcomes to the mother. Gracias! :D

 

Every new life begins at conception. This is an unquestionable fact of biology and science. This fact applies to humans, to animals, and to every other creature on our planet. When this fact is considered with the law of biogenesis (that every species can only reproduce after its own kind), we can all agree on a single statement: No matter what the circumstances are, no matter how far along in the pregnancy is, abortion always ends the life of an individual human being. Every respectable abortion advocate somehow understands this simple fact.

When we look back at life, we see love, hate, pain, happiness, and even death. We can recall the madmen in our pasts. But even some of those men were sane enough to see that abortion is wrong.

 Adolph Hitler was the most famous, anti-abortionist of all time.  He was the ultimate no choice advocate. He was an outspoken and violent opponent of abortion rights for women. Joseph Stalin, the Russian dictator from 1929 to 1953, had over 700,000,000 people punished for abortion. Saddam Hussein, the infamous dictator of Iraq from 1979 until 2003, refused to grant women the right of abortion during his time. Ayatollah Khomeini, the Iranian dictator from 1979 to 1989, said, "if a woman is blessed by god, with a child; she has no right or rule to decline this gift…" Still today, in Iran, this law is practiced.

And who else? Well, there's also Newt Gingrich, Former President Clinton, James McGreevey, Bob Livingston, Oliver North, Charles Keating, Jimmy Swaggart, Nicolae Ceausescu, All of the Brazilian Government, Richard Nixon, The Hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, Kim Jong- il, Karl Rove, George Bush Jr., and so many more. Even children agree that abortion is wrong: teenage pop-star singing sensation, Justin Bieber states "Abortion… well, it's bad as killing a live breathing baby. Like killing me."

Still, there are people saying that it doesn't harm anyone or anything. But look again, it does. As soon as an egg is fertilized, it takes only two days for the embryo to begin development. After that, it takes only 10 days for a heart to begin formation. Within 18 days, that heart will begin to function. And, in less than 20 days, that little heart begins to beat. That very second, a new life begins. A woman usually learns about her pregnancy about four to six weeks after the baby begins development. This gives no one an excuse to state that they destroyed something without a life.

No one likes it when they get hurt. Pain is nothing some one wishes to feel. Nobody, no one, and nothing wants pain. This applies to everything, including an unborn child. A baby's brain begins developing at four weeks. As we do, the baby starts understanding as soon as its brain begins functioning at five weeks. As soon as the embryo is seven weeks old, the sensations of feelings begin. At seven weeks, a baby can feel pain. And, to think that it has only been a week since a woman learned about her pregnancy, really gives no right to claim innocence of a murder.

Not only does abortion hurt the unborn child, but also the child bearer. Abortions lead to medical difficulties. The risk of ectopic pregnancies doubles and the chance of miscarriage and pelvic inflammatory disease increases. Also, a woman's  risk of getting breast cancer goes up by 160%. There are people out there willing to risk all of this just to avoid childbirth. Compared to all of these statistics, childbirth is 75% safer than abortion. If someone truly doesn't want a baby, there are safer ways to handle this situation.

There are many other alternatives that are available to the public to control childbirth other than abortion. There are over 2,050 different birth control pills that can be used to avoid pregnancy. If birth control pills are too much of a hassle, a woman has many other options of contraception. If the avoidance of fertilization was not possible, there is proper medical care for that woman who faces these circumstances. If none of this seems worthwhile, there always is the simple option of adoption. Over 1.5 million families want to adopt a child of any age; therefore one can't say that there is such a thing as an unwanted child. If a woman really thinks that this bay is unwanted, she is wrong. If this baby was meant to never be born, this baby would not have beaten every other egg to fertilization. There is a reason that a baby is being made, and there is no one that can disagree to that.

Abortion is just another form of murder. You harm an innocent, you cause pain, you bring blood-shed, and sometimes you ruin your name. How would it seem to you if you were killed, no say, no crime, only punishment? Not only is abortion crimes against humanity, the methods of abortion are too. There are three types of abortion: Below, Lifted, and Drugged. In all three of these, the baby is somehow harmed. One in 30 babies is born alive after attempted abortion. This begins a completely new situation.

When a baby is born alive, after attempted abortion, it is officially "alive." This is just like a normal baby being born. The hospital has to markdown what time this baby was born, and normal procedures will be taken. However, when the baby is born,  after surviving an abortion attempt, it usually is blind or doesn't have a properly functioning body. But, when a baby survives after attempted abortion, if this is allowed in that state, the baby is place into a bucket of freezing ice water and is smothered with placenta. Still, in states that this is illegal, this action is still taken. It is only 30% of the time that this action is discovered and the person who had done this is convicted for alleged murder. Think for a moment that if this is really necessary. Just because a woman doesn't want her baby, she will still go through childbirth, only to release a baby's corpse. The only explanation for this is not that she doesn't want to give birth, but that she wants to kill the baby.

Abortion is spreading faster than any disease. Abortion is a disease that doesn't hurt…..but kills. It spreads faster than malaria. It is carried by every female and male. The clock is ticking. One baby is aborted every 24 seconds. 147 babies are aborted every hour. 3,542 babies are aborted every day. 24,865 babies are aborted every week. 107,750 babies are aborted every month. And every year, about 42 million abortions are done. And 20 million of those are done illegally and unsafely. It is averaged that a woman attempts abortion at least once in her life. Forty- two million abortions are equivalent to 200-250 years of Iraq casualties. But, the difference between Iraq casualties and abortion is that abortion is done by a mother whose love is told to be greater than heaven itself. Now, is that what you were told about abortion?

Abortion is wrong; millions of babies are murdered every year. At bottom line, that's all abortion is: The deliberate murder of an innocent baby. That is what abortion is ever going to be. There is a reason a life began, and there is no reason it should be ended without a guilty charge. A baby's life is a life that is not yours to take. "It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." Mother Teresa

The Outsiders: The meaning

Author's Note: I guess this doesn't bring the concept over very well, but you kind of have to think about what I meant. Also,if you find any of the conventions interesting, just give a post. By the way, does someone understand the picture?

"The Outsiders." A compelling title for a compelling story. The characters in this story show many feelings. They show love, they show hate, and sometimes they show nothing. The "outsiders," I think, refer to some of the characters that are greasers. The greasers are a close band of kids that are poor, but rich at heart. They almost always know what they are doing, what they live by, and what their life is. However, sometimes, there is a little mistake or a little confusion and these "greasers" soon become "total outsiders." No longer are the poor and no longer are they rich. They really have no idea what they are doing anymore. This happens often to Ponyboy. He really doesn't know what he is doing, he doesn't want to go hardcore like Dally yet he doesn't want to be all "live and love" like his brother, Sodapop. Throughout the story, every character experiences this at least once. And every time they do, they become "The Outsiders."

Death of Innocence

Author's Note: Does anyone know I love writing poems? Well, I DO! So, anyways here a little poem wrote up for The Outsiders. I guess I'm trying to show the loss of innocence. I even kind- of tell what I'm trying to prove. So, anyways,if anyone has any comment about this or can realize the purpose of this poem (without the authors note), PLEASE POST! :)

Quiet and sweet child walking by

Innocent, calm nothing to hide

There behind, a surprise unknown

Shadowing every path that is untold

A silent attack, bitter and sad

The child no longer happy but sour and mad

Calm they were in a perfect loving life

When hate sprung up and brought on strife

Now everything they see is made of hate

They have passed out of the innocence gate

No longer is everything so perfect and sweet

After, all they see is pain, sorrow and greed

Describing A Topic

Author's Note: This really doesn't follow any format ( oops :) ) I think this really is just a whole bunch of thoughts, but it does describe a topic so yea.....

Every pound, every step and every momentum of energy propelled through me leads to another burst of energy. This continues cycle brings me to the place I love: My active heaven.

Every stride of every step brings me to my run.

Some of the time my legs feel heavy when I run. Other times they feel light.

On the best days my legs have nice "bounce" each step feels like a spring. On good days it seems like my feet are not on the ground for long and my feet feel like they are moving in smooth circles just bumping off the ground for a bit at the bottom of the circles.

On bad days the foot lands: THUWMP the shock shivers up my leg right to the teeth and the lift for the next leg (GNGH!) and then the next foot lands THUWMP *shock* ... *shiver*  (GNGH!) I look at the sidewalk and wonder why it's not cracking.

When I'm in the moment, though, and well into a long run, my legs feel strong, yet buoyant.  I've felt  that "running on air" feeling. There is never a time I don't feel pretty amazing after I tackle uphill effortlessly.

Today, during my 2-mile run, my legs felt pretty heavy and cumbersome.  Sort of like the Tyrannosaurus Rex in Jurassic Park.  There were probably some terrified children cowering in a nearby SUV and watching vibration ripples in a cup of water on the dashboard. 

The Outsiders- Cause & Effect

Author's Note: I don't really mention the killing, you really just need to already have read the book or this part of the book.

Johnny kills Bob:

Johnny, just laying there in the grass, staring into space. All he was doing was dreaming along of who knows what, when Pony ran up to him. Pony had just encountered a heated fight with his eldest brother Darry. The situation had come up because Pony had come home late. He had come home late only because he had fallen asleep in the lot along side Johnny. Johnny and Pony were at the movies when they met the socialite Cherry. Cherry was going to have a ride home with Johnny and Pony when the socials spot them. From there on, that moment brought murder forward, brought in hate, love, and heroism. Just maybe if that night Pony had not decided t go to the movies, maybe if he was grounded, maybe if he was sick, none of this would ever had happen. Just maybe.

SODAPOP!!!

Sodapop-

• Has gold "tuff" hair, good-looking
• 16 going onto 17
• He is greaser
• Dropout
• Pony and Darry's brother
• Reckless but still thoughtful at the same because "he likes action- and a contest" p. 133 but thoughtful at the same time
• Nice to everyone especially to Pony
• Gentle- so he is misjudged by a lot of people because people think he is a mean hardcore greaser
• Horses are his passion- gentle around them
• Kind- unlike most greasers
• Other greasers don't have passions so that's what make special

Sodapop, you can say, is almost a special type of greaser. He isn't someone who would go jump socialites for fun like Dally, but he's not like Johnny either who, is silent and really won't do much. Sodapop, he really is a barrier between fights of his brothers- Pony and Darry. If it wasn't for Sodapop, the whole story would have been different. He really is misjudged by everyone. The socs think he is a hard-core greaser, while the greasers think he is a slight softie. Really he is an adventurous and kind greaser.

Insanity Past All Limits: The Tell-Tale Heart

Author's Note: Okay, I wrote this in the point that whoever is reading this has already previously read the story.Also, I'm kind of writing in a slight style that is similar to the story's style.

Insanity Past All Limits: The Tell-Tale Heart

Fariha M

Spying, stalking, and finally murdering. What gives you the thought that this narrator is sane? "The Tell- Tale Heart" is not about a murder, but about the loss of sanity. To prove sanity does one have the must to lie, to kill, and to beg? In this case, all of that is proven true. Though we see from different points of view, do we see the truth? The truth behind the lies, the truth behind the screams, and the truth of the insanity? Yes, yes we do. The truth- it's a foul stench coming from a corpse decapitated and hidden under a flooring of wood: the narrator, in "The Tell-Tale Heart" is insane.

Sentence after sentence, the narrator attempts to prove his sanity but ends in doing the opposite.

In the very first few sentences he states to the reader that he is sane. That is exactly why we suspect his insanity. He starts to defend himself while there isn't even a question in play. We never had questioned him, yet he tries to make us agree with his sanity and release him from his personal hell. He is anticipating our judgments, knowing what he has done are the actions of a madman. Knowing himself that he is mad, he persists to make us agree with his sanity as well as fool himself to agree with his own lies.

Forget that, ignore his persistence of an unneeded answer, and notice his tone. His tone, his desperate begging, and his pleas: notice them. Every stupid action that he has done may have a logical explanation. But, what was he doing during those actions? What was he thinking? Had he gone mad at a moment of time and soon recovered after all was said and done- after he admits to the deed? He begs us to see what he sees. When he describes what he has done and notices that only a fool or one who has gone mad would do this, he suddenly finds a reason to make this insane action sane and explainable. His tone also becomes another sign of his madness.

Are these reasons agreeable to? If you really still disagree, then think about why the narrator murders the man. Just for spying it takes him an hour to bring his head through the door, and an hour to retreat it. I must say, a man that is capable to have this carefulness he can't be mad. But look at the facts. If a man really was sane he wouldn't have to spend an hour to look through a door to spy on an eye. Yes an eye; the narrator had no problems with the man. A matter of fact- he states that, "Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye!" This shows that this narrator was mad enough to kill a man for his blind eye. You see, it must have been cataracts that had caused a pale blue film to grow over the pupil of this man's eye. But does that mean that this eye is evil?! Does that mean that a man should be killed for his disability?! No it doesn't! So, there you have it, another reason a pure source of insanity is visible through this narrators actions. Not only are the reasons this man is murdered insane- the way he was murdered is also just as horrifying!

To kill a man for something he can't help- is pure evil. The only excuse for this would be insanity. Insanity, it's such a large point in this story. And it definitely showed through actions. To spy on a man, an hour is consumed to bring ones head through the door. Another hour is taken when a head retreats out of that door. Not only that, this is done for seven nights straight only at midnight. Such timing is being played; the wariness of the narrator leads to madness because of how long being wary is taken to. The character is shown of being a slight bit tipsy. Something that is just short of proper or perfect could have driven this character madder than he already is. If a minute or even if a second had been off, this narrator could have and most likely would have broken into spasms. There are absolutely no facts that can prove this man sane in any way possible. Even if you look into his past, there are no signs that could lead up to sanity.

His past is actually mentioned a few times in the story. Right at the start it is mentioned that he had a disease. It was a disease that had sharpened his senses. He could hear much more than an average human. He personally states that "I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell." A sane person is unable to do this. Even if a person’s hearing is acute- there is no chance that a man has the powers to hear what cannot be heard. Along with his hearing, his sense of smell, touch and taste were improved. Also, his sight was much better than before. He should have been able to see clearer than before. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see clear enough that he could see through his own miserable lies.

That is what all his excuses are. Just plain lies. WE can see through them, but he is unable to. If studied closer, you can find other details that will itch you at the back of your head. And it is not until we see that all of his words are lies, can we realize that this man really is insane. There is no right for a man to commit these actions in a state of working senses; this is what can officially conclude that this man really is insane. There is nothing that can change this fact that has been repeated so many times and has been carved into stone. "Some things are brought into light. Some things are dragged into light. And some things are always in the light, but never are seen" Unknown

Changed Story Ending

Authors Note: I had the story of Cinderella. The change in the story was that when Cinderella arrives at the ball, the chandelier falls on the prince. So, here is my odd yet interesting ending.

Glass shattered and flew in all directions. Cinderella ducked just as shards shot at her. Blood spilled over the floor, coating it in a dreadful substance.

The spilled blood seeped through the tile lining in the floor. Cinderella looked down at it in despair. Sorrow filled her heart as tears filled her eyes. Grief and woe emanated from her very body and soul. Looking up she saw all showing the signs of her thoughts on every other face. As she was looking around she saw a dashingly handsome young man.

Bright blue were his eyes, soft blonde was his hair, tall and studious was he. Cinderella melted at the sight of him. Soon everyone was looking at the handsome young man. Giggles and gossip sprouted from all the young ladies in hopes of falling in love and being swept off their feet that night at the ball. Suddenly, something changed inside of Cinderella. A slight anger boiled up inside of her. She was just about to yell at everyone's foolishness for forgetting about the prince's death when the blood across the floor began to boil. It sprayed in all directions. And from the symbol of death, came the truth: a dragon.

The blood gathered together and the body of the prince disappeared. In its place was left a dragon. Almost all tall as the distance of the ground to ceiling and as strong as 100 elephants. The scales of the dragon were a color of shining and reflecting dark purple. Along its back were scales of pure ashen blackness. The fringes circling its neck were a neon green flame necklace of misery and shock. The dragon circled the room boring its eyes into the bodies of the frozen stiff people. It stopped in front of Cinderella and cocked its head slightly to the left. Step by step it grew towards the fair maiden, approaching her with her doom.

"Nay!" screamed the handsome man. He ran up to Cinderella and unsheathed his sword. "Doom shall not come to my fair maiden but to this horrid beast!" declared the prince with a slight British accent. And with a graceful yet powerful throw, aiming at the throat of the dragon, he tossed his sword. "SLASH!" The head of the dragon fell off just a few yards away from the feet of the brave man. Success!

How grateful could Cinderella be?! She threw her arms around the neck of the man as the entire crowd in the ballroom started with great interest. Overflowing with joy, Cinderella planted a sweet kiss on his cheek.

"My fair maiden, who's honor do I have?" asked the man.

"Cinderella," replied Cinderella.

You are as beautiful as your name!" exclaimed the prince, "My name is Sir Richard the IIII."

"Thank You for saving me Richard."

"No need for thanks, but please allow me to ask your hand in marriage, Cinderella."

Everyone in the crowd gasped. The fair maiden shyly smiled showing no signs of saying no. And from her lips came a simple "Yes." Everybody smiled, but eagerly waited for more.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" cried Richard.

 "The pleasure is all mine," replied Cinderella with a flirty smile.

"Of course, of course!" happily laughed Richard.

"Yeaaaaa…… but there are like a few guidelines, for after we get married."

"And may I inquire what would those be?"

"Well first of all I DON'T COOK OR CLEAN! I am sooooo tired from slaving away all the time."

"Ooookkaaayyyy?"

"And after we're married, don't expect me to be so committed. I go through guys like how I go through clothes!"

"Then what's the point of getting married??!!!!"

"Obviously so I can escape this stupid slavery job for my steps"

"What slavery job?"

"DING-DONG! DING-DONG!" the clock struck 12 o'clock and Cinderella's dress became rags once more.

"Ohhhh, that slavery job!" Richard stupidly stated.

"Yes, this slavery job moron!" retorted Cinderella.

"Fine, whatever we can get married, but then I won't have to be so committed either right?

"Sure, whatever, I don't really care. I just need you to get me out of this position."

"Okay then."

Then the queen randomly shouted across the ballroom, "Cinderella, dear, why don't you change into this quickly. They seem to match your glass slippers quite well."

"Awwww, thanks!" replied Cinderella happily as she swiftly walked over to the queen. The queen handed over her new dress. Cinderella changed behind the throne away from staring eyes. She emerged wearing an elegant gown, just as graceful as her previous gown. She gave a twirl for all who were watching her and swiftly walked back over to Richard.

"Love ya honey! Bye now!" baby-talked Cinderella.

"Bye," replied Richard.

"Hey hottie!" she called over to another man with a flirty wave. She skipped over to the man that was confusingly staring at her.

"And there she goes," muttered Richard, "Well no reason for me not to be happy! Hey beautiful!" he called over to a pretty brunette.

And from that moment on began a very interesting relationship. But also started a very odd and twisted version of "HAPPILY EVER AFTER!"



Hooks- The Intro for An Essay

Author'sNote: The picture at the bottom shows light behind darkess. That's like life behind death. Neat!

Death. Such a simple word with such a complex meaning. It brings pain, brings hate, brings worries and stress. However, is there another direction it has. Is there hope, life, and greatness shrouded behind and beyond the grief of death? I suppose there has to be. Every death begins a new life, a new challenge, a new start. Life and death may be similar in so many unknown ways. While we fools moan our reactions of losing one we love, we never see what good may come. For some, there may be a better life and for other, they will realize that death can bring a happy change.

Hooks- The Intro for A Story

Darkness cloaked the chilly and barren streets of London. It indeed was a haunting and moonless night. Distant howls echoed off the walls and buildings, frightening any souls who dared to venture out. Judith Marce, from the distant Arabian peninsula, tread the black and dark streets alone on that cold and misty night. She had come to London to start a new life and find success in her endeavors. Tonight, she planned to celebrate her success in finding a new job - as an official Subway employee. Nothing could disappoint her, nothing could destroy her glory, nothing could take away her new life: not even the sinister and mystifying nights or even the haunting tales of death.

The Pressure of Confidence

All of us, who have ever been put under pressure for an important job or situation know the urge and need for success. “Casey at the Bat” is about Casey, a baseball player for Mudville, who is put a test to prove his skill. It is also about confidence, attitude, reactions under pressure, and determination. These are the five main characteristics that all people who are continually depended upon must have, especially when one is put under pressure of hundreds of people who are watching and criticizing intently.

When the crowd cheers for Casey as he is called up to bat, this strongly resembles the intensity that Casey is feeling. He could have been worried as well as confident with every step towards the dusted plate that so many more stars and players had run. Yet with the choice of turning back, Casey still steps up to plate with confidence flowing through him, with his heart full of determination. This shows that Casey’s commitment to his play because it symbolizes his trust of himself and his trust of his skill. Casey was confident enough to take a chance to try proving his skill to all viewers. Although in the end, Casey comes out in failure, and with his head down in shame he trudges off the field.

With disappointment and a sense of his fans losing the excitement maybe Casey had hopes in his heart and a goal to succeed soon. This was a great part of the story. It almost surprised me that Casey struck out. I had supposed that this part of the story would be similar to “Comeback Kids: Safe at Home” by Mike Lupica. I supposed that Casey would hit a homer and all would work out as soon as Casey proved himself worthy of the attention he had been getting, and all would have "Lived Happily Ever After." However if that had happened it would have been disappointing, because there wouldn't really be a turning point and a climax that would hold ones interest. Something that could have caused a strike-out could have been his reaction two his first two calls; he had tensed and became frustrated. Maybe if he had kept his cool there could have been victory and cheers on that field that day for Mudville. Nonetheless, Casey did strike out and in an odd way proved that he had confidence, determination, and skill. It was a twist to the happy story, that’s why I liked this part of the story.

Another of my favorite parts of this story was when the author, Ernest Thayer, described how Casey had felt about his game. This represented that he had a passion and skill for his game. Since, he was so skilled, him being put under the spot- light for bringing all home, made him work harder to achieve what all his fans and team-mates expected from him. Another thing that made him confident, in my opinion, was his previous experience and his fans. The first time anyone could have thought Mudville had a chance was when Casey stepped up to bat. This put a slight turn to the story. Had not all the players had been called out previously, maybe there wouldn't be so much pressure, maybe Casey wouldn't have tensed, maybe he wouldn't have struck out, and all would have "Lived Happily Ever After." But, nonetheless, Casey's attitude did falter and Casey lost all his praise of the moment. Something different always takes me by surprise, that’s why I also liked this part of the story.

Even though, confidence and skill were the main points I liked throughout the whole story, I still enjoyed most of it. I especially liked that Thayer thoroughly presents all symbols of Casey's performance. But, the things I disliked were that Thayer took too long to get the message over. When you check the length of the introduction of characters, you may notice that over half the short story/ poem was just naming characters. Even though this was the rising action, had there been less of the naming of characters, the story may have been a bit more exciting. Had I wrote this story I may have reduced some of the introductions of characters. Also, the ending of the story, was a little confusing. This would confuse any reader and may even turn the reader away from Thayer’s publications. I know it did to me for a moment.

To me this story proved skill, confidence, attitude, reactions under pressure, and determination are things I should have for a task with great importance that I have been trusted with. Its how the old saying goes: “Desire is the key to motivation, but its determination and commitment that lets you reach your unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” (Unknown)



Is This It?

Author's Note: It doesn't really fit any one format but it's valid, so read it! :D Have a Nice Summer!!!

Is this it?

Can it be the end?

Is sorrow to replace all of me?

Are my eyes dim since once the were lit?

Are the glories over, that were there then?

But most important will I see you again?

As a take a look back,

Back to the very start,

I wonder has something changed just because I played a part?

A change is coming that will put a end

Since everything is dwindling to a stop,

I hope that you know that I am not lost.

And I hope you remember me,

Let me continue to live, among the voices of you.

Just remember for always you will be my friends.

Flame Up The New Kid- Chapter 3: Far From Fab French

I had something called a block schedule. It's some really weird class schedule that's proven to help kids get better grades in each class. That day, when I met Mr. Moron, I happened to have French. And surprise, surprise Flame managed to be in the same class. Luckily, I had a seat with my friends around me, so I managed not to have him land a seat next to me. He was a total outa-wack….. thing! But, unfortunately, he managed to sit by Daisy, a.k.a. Daisy. I could tell Dizzy wasn't to happy bout Flame arriving either. She was the best French student ever, but that's cause she was an exchange student from France. Isn't that like totally awesome?! Ok, back to the point. Flame was just as good as her, I learned that Flame's dad was French! Cool, right?! But, not like I was gonna admit that then.

Dizzy being one of my friends was involved in the secret code our little group had. She continuously signaled "S.O.S," "Moron," and "Avoid at all costs."  Ha, ha! Anyway, I was positive Bri wasn't thinking like the rest of us. She was sitting right next to me. Bri, obviously, was completely crushing on him. Eeeeeewwww!!!! What a traitor… correction "desperate traitor." What girl could be so mental to fall for a guy she's only seen for 10 minuets, who all her friends hate, is a moron, and is, well, is Flame! I wouldn't do that, at least I don't think so……. not the point! Actually, I'm getting real off topic… soooo back to the point.

French was ridiculous, every question that Madame Maxine asked was swiftly answered by Flame. Easy to see who was teacher's pet now, poor Dizzy. I could tell Dizzy and Flame would never get along, but by the slight chance if they did, I was sure it would be because of me. After a crazy questionnaire session, we had five worksheets to complete, with like a million  problems on each page. And I'm not joking, not even a slight exaggeration is taking place right now…….. Ok maybe a slight exaggeration….. Oh fine, I said it there were only three to six problems on each page. But, hey, it seemed like forever with Flame continuously rushing up to Madame Maxine's desk to get the next worksheet or get some extra credit sheets. All I could do was stare and think "What a LOSER!," "What a GEEK!," and What an OVERACHIVING STUPID SHOWOFF!" And no, I wasn't jealous.

I could tell I had been wrong. This day could definitely get worse. Still, I had hopes. It was now time for recess and lunch. Even though everything had gone wrong so far, I probably wouldn't have to sit by, eat by, or talk with Flame for the rest of the day. You see, I had A lunch and B recess. While Flame had B lunch and A recess. While I was eating, he would be being stupid, running around like crazy, and what not outside, out of my view. Lucky me! After that stuff, I'd have GAT Language Arts. Flame wasn't smart enough to get any Gifted and Talented course. HAHAHA! And then GAT Algebra. I also had a GAT math course. Flame wasn't in this either. Unfortunately, I'd have to see him at Study Hall. Whatever, an hour wouldn't kill me. I was fairly surprised by the end of class, I was actually looking forward to the rest of this day.

Flame Up The New Kid- Chapter 2: Lousy Lab

As soon as I stepped of the bus, I sprinted to the bathrooms. And, well, I ended up losing my breakfast. I dug through my bag, hoping to find breath- mints. I heard the bell ring. Lovely, now I had less than five minuets to change and get to chemistry. Rushing upstairs to my locker, still having a taste of bile, I managed to run into the student counselor, changed, looking like a full idiot with my lab coat, goggles, and other things, escorting Flame around the school. She stopped me and smiling said, "Well, look here Fang, you're no longer the new girl anymore. Meet Flame, he's in all of your classes except JRG Phy. Ed. (JRG= Jr. Girls). Obviously, he has JRB instead. Oh, Fang would you mind showing him his classes from now on. I've showed him the school, and you're probably the only one who knows how he feels." I almost died right then, I couldn’t believe she just asked me to be his "servant" until he knew everything he should about JR Gerrits. I worried, how on earth did he manage to land in all the same classes as me? Hating myself for this, a forced a smile and replied, "Sure, I'd be glad to, we'll get along just fine, now won't we Flame?," I said looking his way. I smiled to myself, I knew I'd be just the person to make this place make him feel like home here, wouldn't I? I gave him a sly smile and told him, "I better show you to chemistry, you might wanna hurry up, or you'll make us both late. Come on!" I could see the counselor smiling as she wrote out a pass for me and Flame. I took the pass, grabbed Flame's wrist excusing myself, took off towards class.

I could hear him whining about me grabbing his wrist to hard. Getting tiered of his voice, I abruptly stopped, pulled him close to my face, frowning, grumbled, "I'm supposed to tell you the rules around here and you're supposed to follow them! Rule number one! Never. Ever. Complain! Especially not when you're new around here! Got it, good, let's go! Hurry up, we've got like a minuet before the bell!"

In a few seconds I yanked him into the lab and introduced him to Ms. Healey, the teacher. During the introductions I smiled, but this time it was genuine, I was relieved about getting him off my back. I then had to get him supplies after turning in the pass. As soon he was ready for class, I ditched him and made my way to my seat. But then I frowned and put head in my hands, elbows propped onto the work table as soon as I heard he was to sit right next to me, in the only empty seat in the whole lab. Great! Now I was positive this day couldn't get any worse!

You know what's funny, whenever you think that nothing could get worse it always manages to do so. Like when you're stranded off in the middle of sea without any food or shelter with only a raft and paddle for protection, and you think nothing could get worse, but then, you hear thunder and see a flash of lightning and then rain starts pouring down hard onto your head. But, I wasn't thinking like that right then. I supposed that since things going wrong so far couldn't get worse, I thought I saw a sliver of sunshine coming out from behind the clouds. But, unfortunately, I was wrong. I had now started, without me knowing, a voyage that I'd never forget. One I'd never forget, not even after my death.

Flame Up The New Kid: Chapter 1- Bad Luck Bus Ride

I was just standing there waiting the bus. My face basking in the glow of the sun. I light breeze moved my hair. Then I saw someone walking towards me. It was a boy, around my age, maybe about 13 or 14. He asked, "Hey, is this the bus stop?" I guessed he was the new boy everyone had been talking about. Average height, brown hair, brown eyes, fairly pale, totally average.

I smiled and nodded, "Yea, 'sup what's your name?" He shifted his weight to his other foot and said, "My name is the name I hate the most, just call me Flame."

I made a goofy grin, some one had turned up with an exotic nickname as my own, "OK, Flame, how old are you?"

"Thirteen," he replied. Ha! I was right.

I took my hand out of my pocket, pointed down the street and alerted him, "You may want to step back, the bus is coming, it always manages to splatter mud."

Flame stepped back. When the bus came to a stop, after splattering dirt and mud in all directions, the doors opened to a stinky turkey and cheese stench. I saw him wrinkle his nose. "You first," I said trying to get the lasts gasps of fresh air. Shrugging, he stomped right in. On the second step he froze, turned, and frowned. I grinned in reply.

"Hey, not to be mean but every newbie has to face it one way or another." Rolling his eyes he went up and then into the isle. I went in after him. It was terribly warm inside, feel like I was going to be sick, I shoved Flame into the seat he was passing and rushed to the back rows. I peeked over at Flame. He looked fine and undisturbed even though I was losing control. I was the most self structured person in the world and I was sweating it this time. He grinned, and looking like a complete joke said "Hey, everyone has to face it one way or another."

I looked around, the bus was almost empty, the only ones sitting were younger kids in the front two rows and Flame half way trudging down the isle. I stuck my tongue out at his face, continued my way to the back, and plopped down in seat L12. The seat was hard and it smelled like cheap cologne. I gagged, swiftly stood up, and made an effort while I tried to pull down the window. My face had turned into a red hue by the time I succeeded. I could hear the moron stifling laughter up near the front. Grumbling I sat down again and shifted a million times, but didn't find a comfortable position. I opened my orange neon Nike duffel bag, sought out my make-up kit from the disgusting mess, only to find that I had run out of lip-gloss. For me this is was not a big problem, I didn't wear make-up often. But the bus-ride, so far, had flopped my mood into a big, black, stubborn, and uncleanable mess, much like my bag. And on top of that this new Flame kid was getting on my nerves. I chucked the empty gloss tube at the back of his head. I luckily found a spare, feeling like this was the luckiest thing that happened to me today by far, I contently applied, then re-applied my gloss.

The bus pulled to a stop, I looked out the window in time to see my best friend make a face and drag her feet into the bus. Hey, at least I wasn't the only one who was going to enjoy this ride. "Gwen! Gwennie, come over here!," I called out. I saw her glace at Flame and flash a flirty smile at him. I could imagine him smiling back at her. The rest of the ride was long and boring until the last stop. Gwen's crush Adam, stumbled aboard, and much like the others glanced at Gwen and made a face due to the smell. Gwen always had the spotlight, not that it mattered to me. I liked being her shadow, I didn't have to face all the popularity problems as much as she did. She was a dream girl and not to mention the best friend in the world. From her golden locks down to her styled shoes, she looked like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Adam smoothly walked over to us and took the only open seat left, the one right across from us. Great, rest of the ride I'd be seeing Gwen and Adam make cow eyes at each other.

I yanked Gwen over to the window side thinking why they just didn't go out. Really, then I wouldn't be stuck in mushy-gushy, lovey-dovey non-sense. They could just talk freely. Gwen being by the window didn't stop them from making faces at each other. I felt like re-assembling Adam's face so Gwen wouldn't look over. I had landed myself, out from the side-lines of an onlooker, straight into the belly of the beast. By the end of the ride, I was sure I'd feel nauseous. And, unfortunately, I was right. Me and my luck.

"This is going to be one horrible day," I muttered to myself while exiting the bus with none other then Flame in front and the two love-birds in back. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place!

Reflection On The One and Only FRI-FRI!!!

Author's Note: I know this really doesn't follow a basic essays guideline, but it's something I really put a lot of work into. It really has feeling. Sorry if it makes you cry :) It's also a bit jumpy, but it's me….. Since when am I calm? Anyways, I can seriously say this might be the most heartfelt piece I've ever written. Well, that's because I can't stand mush…. I'm writing this note after my piece…. So guys….. Thanks for the comments you left on my blog. You're like family, I can really say I really love (ok... maybe not LOVE love, but like friend love) each of you in a special way. My experience here is a dream come true- let's hope I don't move this summer, I'd love to see you guys again. And make sure you guys K.I.T. with me! :)
Oh yea, I did some things on purpose to prove my point. Like got off of topic and such..... so don't yell at me for that..... :D

From eight hours everyday of my "normal'' life, just one hour makes all the difference. From the moment I step into that classroom, high expectations dance through my mind imagining what I would be doing to fill up a great hour of my time. Would I imagine dragon fights, or maybe yarn; how about a story of friendship rotating around secrets, rumors, and gossip? Just an hour of freedom, to imagine, to explore, show independence, and be proud of what I have done. Just one hour to shine. Only 60 minuets to be free; just 60 minuets to let my mind escape the daily troubles of school. Just an hour of "Johnson's Seventh Grade Advanced Language Arts Class."

The first time I stepped into that classroom and searched every pair of eyes that was expectantly staring at me, I knew this class would be a life changing experience. I could see brilliance gleaming in each eye of every person. I expected this class to be an extraordinary one, and I got much more than what I (actually my parents) had paid for. What I have learned is past the point that dreaming extends out to. From being courageous to working hard, my life has changed just because of an hour, just because of a second it took me to step through a doorway. Just because…..

My first steps through that doorway, lightly tapping away at the tiled flooring, had me wondering how I could have ever landed in a class like this. Thinking myself to be an average student, I had simply wasted hours of my life away. In this class I learned I was worth much more than I ever knew. I learned that just having heart to a task makes all seem simpler. I have been able to mature every word of my writing along with my writing skills in this class. I now show much more independence in my writing than I ever have had before. I've pushed myself to my limits to succeed in what I wanted to reach. Just by trying, I can do anything. Who knew I could have changed so much?

Changes really did happen, so much improvement shows in my writing. I now actually feel like I'm working towards a goal. If I try, I can easily interest a writer in a piece of my work. Just a few lines can hook on my readers and audience. I can just hear the applauses now; the applauses echoing with every of my successful heartbeats. Also, I have much more organized writing, but that doesn't do much for organizing my locker, unfortunately. My paragraphs flow much better, I have understandable transitions for each of my pieces. Another one of my main improvements are in writing fiction. Before four months of this class, I was struggling on throwing every one of my words on paper in a proper order. My ideas would never come out straight. Now I have control on what I want and where I want it. Time went by much faster than I had thought, but I can surely say, my time was spent well and in worthy ways.

I just wish there was more time than just a few more days left. I hope I'll be here still next year, there is so much I would like to ask and learn. So many places I could improve in. If I had more time, I'd for sure try to work out my transitions. Also, I might want to sort out my priorities, but that doesn't apply to this class in any which way possible……. Anyways, if you might have just noticed, I also should try on focusing on a certain task. I get so bored easily…..that's why a yap so much! If I did that, you guys would have to throw me a party, since I really fail at being quiet! I'm really not focusing right now, I worked on this for like a whole week and it's not working out too well. That's probably another place I'd like to improve in if I just had the time: Writing long pieces in short times. Ohhhh….any mention of time makes me frown. Just a few more days left of walking into a classroom, with smiling faces ready for a new experience everyday. But at least summer is here. Who says we can't still keep in touch, why not.

Summer, summer, summer…… School just ending, a final bell releasing you from every barrier, change in the air! And life as you know it, just keeps getting better and better! Really, the truth is, my learning just can't end there. My life of freedom can’t be complete without this class. I'm for sure going to have to keep in touch with our sensei. My learning won't be ending there either, I'll continue reading and finding new passages among pages to other worlds. I'll still continue speaking my heart, and writing my heart. Just a few sentences each day on a long and amazing story, can also continue my life-long education. Okay, who am I kidding, I'm not going to write. Thank me later for being honest….. I'll still be reading though, and I'll probably write a few super short stories. Otherwise, I'm spending my days at the beach, relaxing, obviously watching T.V., and enjoying a beautiful summer vacation!

Since summer is here, I'll be saying goodbye. Just keep in touch, though. I'm really going to miss everything here. This place has become a home. I spend more time here than with my biological family. In truth, this class is just another family to me. Just because of the first second of a 60 minute hour, my life changed and I found the true me always surrounded by a family of brilliant friends supporting me every step of the way. Dreams really do come true……....

Tangled

Author's Note: So this is it. There are two poems. The first one I did because I was bored. My second one is the real deal.

Silent secrets

Pain and Glory

Tangled up in messes

Daring outlaws

Traitors stomping

Spells and hate

Love and desires

Wishes and promises

Worlds to come

Chances to take

Rapanzel goes for it

With everything at stake

Magics do exist

In dreams they do

A single thought provokes a dream

And it becomes your task to fulfill that dream

Chances are you can give up

It may seem hard to succeed

But after strength and trials

Light appears at the end of your tunnel

And what once seemed impossible is in front of you

Now that you find your dream after eons of search

A spark of excitement makes you want to burst

Finally after times long what you thought too hard

Has confronted itself and brought joy to your heart

The dream has been uncovered

The magic now erupts

It showers you in happiness and comfort

But after your celebration of victory of yours

A sadness creeps into your heart

What do you want now

Your dream is said and done

But now dream again

Take a new challenge

Find a new dream

Let your colors fly

It's not at hard as it seems

Let the wind rush through your hair

Let the sky be your limit

Just free your self

Never look back don't even glance

A dream is a dream

And when you succeed it's more

Make the dream come true

Live life to the fullest

Make your magic appear

Dream, dream, dream