Sunday, December 4, 2011

My interview with Tucker Wheaton

1. How did you come up with the idea for your story?
- I came up with the idea for my story by combing my two favorite genres of fiction: mystery/thriller & science-fiction. I knew that only those two genres combined could give me what I wanted in my story. I love the appeal that science-fiction has on me. It’s like I’m exploring a new world every time I open a (science-fiction) book; every page I read I learn a little bit more about that world. As for the mystery/thriller influences in my story, well I think the best books are the ones that you can’t put down. For me, the books I can’t put down are the ones that combine mystery with thrilling action. Using these two genres I brainstormed an idea that I would want to read about.
2. Does your story relate to your life?
- In a small way, yes. The main theme of my story is being honest in life, and I try to live my life the same way, but other than that detail nothing else relates to my life.
3. What is the message of your story?
- The message that I want my book too send is that honesty in every situation always leads to a preferable outcome.
4. Who is your main character?
- My main character is an 18 year old young man named Shane Castor. He is the classic paragon model and remains true and honorable as he tries to uncover the mystery surrounding the plot of my novel.
5. How did you create your main character?
- Since the main theme of my book involves honesty I wanted the main character to be the epitome of honest morals. Sort of a combination between a knight, a Greek hero, and a good kid.
6. Where does your story take place?
- Since my story will have sci-fi elements to it I gave it a sci-fi setting. The setting will be several space stations all named after Greek Olympians that orbit the planet Mars in the year 2186. Most of the book will take place on the Athena station, which is basically the campus of the characters high school.
7. What are the ages of your characters?
- The main characters will all be young adults ages 17 and 18. There will be older characters, but their won’t be any hints as to their ages.
8. What is the genre of your story?
- Science-fiction/mystery/thriller/young-adult.
9. Is there dialogue in your story?
- Yes, I plan to alternate the openings of every chapter between dialogue and a description of the scene. The dialogue will open into descriptive writing and vice versa.
10. Is their conflict in your story?
- Yes, a shady government organization is exploiting the younger characters for unknown reason, and while Shane is attempting to uncover the meaning of this another group is trying to stop the govt. organization. It is sort of a triple sided conflict with two righteous groups and one evil group.
11. What is the climax?
- The climax will occur when Shane finally discovers the identity of the govt. organization and why they are doing what they are doing.
12. Did you use any outside references to write your story?
- I read the Maze Runner as part of my background reading, but mostly I drew upon sci-fi media I have encountered and mystery/thriller books that I have read.
13. Are any of your characters symbolic?
- Shane is symbolic of honesty prevailing over corruption. The govt. agency is symbolic of high-level corruption and the struggle to stop them symbolizes a good versus evil struggle.
14. Did you get any help from friends/family to write your story?
- No, so far it’s been all me, but I am hoping for some good peer review.
15. Did you have any inspirations?
- No, it’s been a very slow writing process.
16. When does your story take place?
- My story takes place in a future where mankind has united under a single government and has spread to all the planets and moons in our solar system. In the book the year will be 2186 and in addition to settlements on moons and planets there are also hundreds of space stations within the solar system.
17. What is the title of your book?
- Project Athena
18. What are the characters intentions?
- Shane wants only to save his fellow students from the sinister intentions of the shady govt. agency. The characters in the agency want only to further their secret agenda, and the scientists want to stop the work they have been doing from being used for evil intentions.
19. Do you have more than one main character?
- No, Shane will be the main focus if the story, but there will be other characters who get their own focus.
20. How do you think people will respond to your book?
- I think they the readers will find that it satisfies everything they want in a mystery wrapped in a thriller inside of a sci-fi novel.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Dear Mommy

July 7, 1994
Age 7
Dear Mommy,
Daddy said you left the world today to live with the angels up in heaven. He said you won’t be here anymore so I can’t talk to you no more. Granma says I can write to you, but you can’t write back. Member wen you told me that wen you were a little girl you use to write in a diary? Well I found it today mommy wen I was helping daddy clean out your closet. I didn’t tell him I found it because I new he’d make me throw it away, he threw everything away…Granma said I should write to you whenever I feel sad, so I think ill write you every July 7th cause that’s the day you went to see the angels. I no you will be watching me with the angels, but ill still write you and tell you everything that happens! Does that sound like a good idea mommy? I think it is and so does grandma. Everyone keeps talking about cancer mommy. They keep saying that it was the cancer that took you away. Who is cancer mommy your friend? Is he with you and the angels? Do you like the angels mommy? Are they shinny and beautiful like you said? Do they have big soft wings mommy? I hope so. I can’t wait to see the angels mommy then I can be with you! Daddy wont stop crying mommy neither will Willy and Billy, but maybe that’s cause there babies. Every ones been crying mommy but not me! Cause I’m your strong girl! Member wen you said that! You said I’ll always be your strong girl! Don’t worry mommy ill take care of Willy and Billy but not that much cause there to little for me to hold them. Ill take care of daddy to mommy ill help him stop crying. I love you mommy ill see you and the angels soon I hope!
Love, Brooke

July 7th 1995
Age 8
Dear Mommy,
See mommy I told you I would write you on July 7th! I promised you I would! How are the angels mommy? Are they nice? Are you ever ganna come back mommy? I always ask daddy, but he just gets mad at me and he says no! shes never coming back! But I think you will mommy. Willy and Billy are 1 now! They look exactly alike but Willy has 1 dimple and Billy has 2! That’s how I can tell them apart. Ive been doing really good in school mommy! Art is my favorite class! I love to draw and my teacher says im very talented! I draw pictures for daddy all the time but he always loses them. Daddy works a lot. He works from early in the morning till really late! We always have a babysitter but shes really boring she doesn’t play with me. She likes Willy and Billy though cause there really cute. But I don’t need to play with her cause I have a new friend! His names Adian and he’s 9. And mommy guess what! We found out that my name means water and his name means fire! Isn’t that cool mommy! He’s my best friend. We do everything together. We like to play down at the pond on the hot days, Adian’s daddy built a tire swing for us! He’s really nice he owns Mayberry lumber yard. I miss you mommy. I think Willy and Billy do to. I no daddy does I can hear him talking to God at night praying to bring you back. I still haven’t cried yet mommy, but daddy still does. I can hear him crying at night. He sometimes calls out your name. Don’t worry mommy im still ganna take care of the twins and daddy. I love you mommy.
Love, Brooke

July 7th 1996
Age 9
Dear mommy,
I miss you mommy. Every day I miss you. School is getting really hard but art class is still my favorite. I like drawing the most. Sometimes I draw me, daddy, Willy, and Billy and you flying over us. I showed one of those pictures to daddy once but he ripped it up. Me and Adian found an old tree house in the woods behind his house. His daddy helped us rebuild it and it looks really nice mommy. Sometimes I go sleep there when daddy gets home cause sometimes he’s really mean. Willy and Billy are crawling now. They crawl everywhere. They still don’t talk yet but they both try to. I just don’t understand what they are saying. Granma visits us a lot. She tells me she misses you too. She usually comes at night and tucks us in cause I don’t like it when the babysitter tucks me in. Granma sings me to sleep every night but when I wake up in the morning shes not there. I wish we lived with Granma maybe daddy wouldn’t be so mean all the time. I found a small picture of you and put it in the locket you got me for my 5th birthday. I always wear it even when im sleeping. I miss you mommy and don’t worry mommy I haven’t cried yet. I love you mommy.
Love, Brooke

July 7th 1997
Age 10
Dear Mommy,
You no what I wish for when I blow out the candles on my birthday cake mommy? I wish for you. I no I told you that I was ganna still be your strong girl but I cant anymore mommy. I cry all the time. Daddy is always angry and Willy and Billy always cry. The only place I can go to be alone and write to you is in me and Adian’s tree house. We spend a lot of time there together. I like to go down to Adians daddys work sometimes. Its a lot of fun. We get to sit and watch all of the trees get cut down. The saw dust looks like snow only its brown, not white. In the winter I have school, so I don’t see Adian much cause his mommy home schools him. I wouldn’t want to be home schooled I like school mommy. All my teachers say that I am very smart, Granma says I get it from you. I don’t like to leave school. My babysitter is living at our house now. Her names Vicky, but me and Adian call her Icky Vicky. She sleeps in daddys room with him. I don’t like her. She smells like cigarettes and beer. She takes care of Willy and Billy though. She likes them, but not me I think its cause im a girl. I helped Willy and Billy learn how to walk mommy. They actually run more than they walk. Willy always falls though cause hes really clumsy. I don’t see Granma a lot anymore. Her and daddy got into a big fight one day I think it was about the babysitter. She calls me sometimes, but she doesn’t come to tuck me in anymore. I tuck myself in now and I hum her song. I liked it when you sang me to sleep. You sounded so beautiful. Granma coughes a lot when she sings it cause I think she always has a cold. I sang it to Willy and Billy once. They really liked it. I sang it to Adian once to but he said it was for babies so I don’t sing it to him anymore. I saw my first shooting star the other day. Adian said we had to make a wish and it would come true. I was ganna wish for you again mommy but instead I wished that me and Adian would be best friends forever. He told me he wished the same thing to I just hope it comes true. I love you and miss you mommy.
Love, Brooke


July 7th 1998
Age 11
Dear Mommy,
I hate it here mommy. I just wanna die and come live with you and the angels. And I could bring Willy and Billy to. Vicky hits me a lot. She says if I tell daddy she’ll hurt Willy and Billy to. I hate her. Daddy got hurt at work. He lost 3 fingers on his left hand on one of the machines. He stays at home now, but they still pay him. I thought it would be different having him stay home but its not. He sits in his chair all day and drinks beer and some rum. Him and Vicky smoke a lot of cigarettes to. Vicky works all day at the liquor store down the street so its just me the twins and daddy. Daddy made me get out of school cause he needs my help to watch Willy and Billy. There getting really big mommy. There talking a little bit to. They say my name and I taught them how to say yours. I sing to them every night mommy. Granma stopped calling. Daddy and Vicky said it was cause she doesn’t love me no more. I still get to see Adian though. He comes over in the afternoon to play and help me watch Willy and Billy. He told me I had to be his girlfriend. I thought I already was but he said that I had to hold his hand now too. Its kinds gross cause he always has sweaty hands. I like being with Adian. Hes really nice and I feel safe with him. I don’t like when Vicky comes home. She makes me eat dinner in my room and I have to stay there all night. She comes in around 6 and takes my plate. Sometimes she hits me if I don’t eat all my food. So I make sure I eat it all even though its always cold. I hide all my letters that I write to you under one of the floor boards under my bed. I think Vicky would through them away. I miss and love you mommy.
Love, Brooke

July 7th 1999
Age 12
Dear Mommy,
Did it hurt when you died? I asked Adian if it does and he said he didn’t no. I wonder If it does. Adian said that his daddy said that people that kill themselves go to Hell. I wanna go to Heaven with you. Vicky doesn’t hit me no more. Daddy does though. Only if I do something bad though. One time I dropped when of his beers and it got all over him. He got really mad and hit me in the face. He hit Billy once to cause he wouldn’t stop crying. Vicky found out about it but daddy just hit her to then hurt me again cause he thought I told her. I lock Willy and Billy in my room with me all day till Vicky gets home. The only times I leave the room is at 7:00 am to get daddy his breakfast. Then at 12:00 to get him his lunch. Sometimes he yells for me to get him more beers. I make Willy and Billys food early in the morning so all I have to do is heat it up real quick. Adians not aloud over anymore so I only see him when I sneak out to the tree house at night sometimes. Im always scared Daddy or Vicky will catch me. Adian kissed me one time on one of the bruises on my cheek it hurt really bad but it also felt nice. It reminded me of you cause you always use to kiss me on the cheek. I wish you were here mommy to make all of this go away. I love and miss you mommy.
Love, Brooke

July 7th 2000
Age 13
Dear Mommy,
My teacher once told me that your teenage years are suppose to be the best years of your life, boy was she wrong. Sometimes I think living in Hell wouldn’t be so bad. What could be worse than this? Adian told me that God and all of his angels are watching down on us. If God was watching down on me why hasn’t he stopped Daddy. Daddy does more than hit, smack, and punch me. I didn’t no what it was called till I read it in one of my books. I wanted to tell Adian or even Vicky, but I just couldn’t say the word. I constently cry mommy. And my body always hurts. He calls me by your name sometimes. I hate it. Ive thought about running away, but I cant. I cant leave Willy and Billy behind. I wish I could tell Adian, but I cant. Cause he would tell his dad and they might take me away. I cant leave the twins mommy. Theres nothing I can do.

July 7th 2001
Age 14
Dear Mommy,
I have a set schedule now. My entire day, no life schedule, I wake up at 5am. I am to clean the house and make breakfast for him and the twins. After breakfast he drinks and watches his game shows till around 10 then I am dragged out of my room and into his. At 12 I make the twins and his lunch. At 3 I am once again dragged by my hair into his room. Vicky gets home at 5 and starts dinner. I am aloud out of my room at 9 to take a bath, but the baths never wash away the filth I feel. After my bath I am locked in my room for the night. Of course I don’t sleep because I always think he will come in. When I wake up it is the same routine.

July 7th 2002
Age 15
Dear Mommy,
I’m still following my schedule. The only difference is I’m not dragged out of my room anymore I’m summoned. He knows I can’t fight him anymore, I’m too weak. He threatens to hurt the twins if I fight. Vicky knows about everything, but does she do anything about it, of course not. She beats me even more now because I am “stealing her spot.” Adian is the only thing on this planet that can take me away from reality. I go to see him every night at our tree house. I told him everything but sworn him to secrecy. I told him that I and the twins would be killed if anyone ever found out. He’s my only protection. The thing told me that if Adian ever came by the house again he would kill me, so of course Adian doesn’t come by anymore. I found out Granma died. I hope she’s in heaven with you. I hate her for not taking me away from this place.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Another epic adventure

Alright this blog is for all you crazy Twilight fans. So on Thursday my mom, sister, cousin, and I attended the midnight premiere of Breaking Dawn part 1. Of course we all had our team Jacob and Team Edward shirts on, along with our twilight snuggies, fake vampire teeth, and of course our Twilight game board to play when we were waiting in line. We all packed into my mom’s light blue hybrid (most pathetic car ever!) and before we went to the movies we HAD to stop and get some food. Of course I wanted to go to McDonalds and get the 20 piece chicken nuggets, but no my sister wanted Taco Bell. I mean Taco Bells not bad, but come on were talking about McDonalds here. Anyway, we went to Taco Bell got the 12 Taco Box, a large order of nachos, cinnamon twists and a large soda (and no that wasn’t all for my sister, but I bet she could have eaten it all.) So after Taco Bell we had to make a Dunks run and get four large coffees. Now that we had our food and coffee we were off to the movies. We got the theater around 9:45 and there was no one there, so of course my mom starts doing her little victory dance while screaming, “We’re the first one’s here!” If you think that isn’t embarrassing enough, the women at the ticket booth is laughing hysterically and says, “We’re letting everyone in the theater early.” So we weren’t the first one’s there and yes my mother made a complete fool of herself. There were only about 20 people in our theater, so we were able to get good seats. We snuck our coffees and our taco box in, snuggled up into our snuggies and devoured the box of tacos in minutes. About around 11:00 we were all hungry again, so my mom went out into the lobby and purchased a large popcorn, a large soda, and of course candy! With all this food in our belly’s you’d think we would be tired, but no we were wide awake. Finally the movie came on (and no I will not tell you anything about the movie! If you want to know what happens get off your lazy butt and go see it!) But I will say the movie was AWESOME! Now it’s time to prep for part 2!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Bird Lady

Working in a store during the summer with no air conditioning is absolutely miserable. On top of that, having to deal with un-happy customers, constantly answering the phone, and trying to finish nonstop paper work is also miserable. Miserable is the perfect word to describe my job. The only thing that’s not miserable is punching out at the end of the day. Working over 50 hours a week is exhausting and if you ask me I’ll tell you straight forward how much I hate my job.
Once in a while I’ll get some of those “lonely” customers that just talk my ear off and I don’t really mind it, but my favorite customer is the bird lady. I could tell you everything you want to know about the bird lady except her name. Each morning she waits for the Gatra Bus outside of the nursing home down the street to drive her to my work. She always looks the same; solid color dress, dry gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, and a floppy hat covered in flowers. She walks with a small wooden cane and walks with a limp on her right leg.
Every morning the Gatra Bus arrives at 9:15, drops the bird lady off, and waits patiently outside for her. The reason why I call her the bird lady is because every morning she comes in and buy one birdhouse. “The birds are my friends”, she tells me, “They don’t talk back to me only sing.” The first time I ever met this woman she told me that it makes her happy to paint these birdhouses and make a home for the birds. After purchasing her birdhouse, with cash as always, the bird lady limps her way back on the bus and leaves, only to return again in the morning.
I only see the bird lady in the summer time. The winter is her time to hibernate, she once told me. Even though I dread going to work every morning, I still enjoy my short talks with the bird lady. Now it’s winter, and the store is calm. I sometimes think about the bird lady, wondering how she’s doing or what she’s thinking. In a way the bird lady has inspired me, inspired me to think outside the box. I now see the world a bit differently. I now take notice in the little things in life. And now, every time I see a bird I think of the bird lady. My only regret is never knowing her real name.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

My Story vs. Forest Gump

I've made a lot of changes on my story from the last mentor text. After reading Ellen Foster I came up with new ideas about my story. I decided to re-name my story to "Dear Mommy" and write the book in diary entry form. Those changes were made based off of my first mentor text. For my second mentor text I chose to watch the movie Forest Gump.
The main character in my story, Brooke, has just lost her mother to cancer. She’s too young to understand what is going on and is confused about what has happened. Brooke’s mother dies on July 7th 1994 when Brooke is only 7 years old. Each year on July 7th Brooke writes to her mother starting each letter with Dear Mommy. As Brooke grows up she must battle many struggles, dealing with the loss of her mother, supporting her twin brothers while her dad slowly eases into a drinking depression, and trying to find herself. Each year on July 7th, the anniversary of her mother’s death, Brooke writes her mother, explaining what has happened throughout the years. As she ages Brooke falls in love with a man named Adian. She meets him at a very young age and they both become the best of friends. Later on in her early adult hood years Brooke and Adian marry and decide to get full custody of her twin brothers in order to get them away from their bum, abusive father.
In the movie Forest Gump, Forest is a slow thinking man dealing with similar struggles as Brooke. For one thing, Forest also must deal with the death of his mother. After Forest’s mother dies Forest see’s the world differently. As a young boy Forest befriends a girl named Jenny and later on in the movie Forest and Jenny fall in love and get married, just like Brooke and Adian. Jenny is an outgoing girl with dreams far beyond her reach. Jenny lives with her abusive father and is always struggling to find herself, similar to Brooke’s situation. Forest is also trying to find himself throughout the movie. Going from fighting in Vietnam, fishing for shrimp, or running across America Forest is constantly trying to find himself.
There are many similar features between Forest and Brooke, but there are also some differences. Brooke is a shy young girl, always doing what she’s told, terrified of her father. Adian is the one who finally breaks her shell and convinces her to stand up to her father and get custody of her brothers. Forest on the other hand has an ongoing mind of his own. It is shown from the very beginning of the movie that Forest is a very slow thinker, but overall Forest does things that not many people would do. Yes it’s true that Jenny somewhat breaks Forest’s shell, but overall Forest is already shown to be a confident independent human being.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Comments #6

Alex:
Great post Alex! I have a lot of respect for you, not a lot of people would express their views in the form you did. I like how you used examples of other sports, but I think it would have made your post a lot stronger if you showed some examples of why you think cheerleading is a sport, or explain what you as cheerleaders do that makes it a sport. Overall Alex I think this is a great post!
http://alexjosephson.blogspot.com/2011/10/controversy-is-cheerleading-sport.html?showComment=1318645271906#c8913596263229062020

Kathryn:
Kathryn, after reading your post I laughed for a good 5 minutes because I think everyone can relate to this blog. We all have procrastinated on writing a paper or an assignment one way or another, and we all have come up with some sort of excuse. Great post Kathryn!
http://kathrynhoar.blogspot.com/2011/10/actions-speak-louder-than-words.html?showComment=1318645534322#c6300988376861401283

Sydney:
This was very well said Syd! I agree completely with your idea, I think perseverance is very important. Your post had a flow to it and was a great read I wouldn’t change a thing.
http://sydneycochran7.blogspot.com/2011/10/perseverance-key-to-success.html?showComment=1318645705202#c5787962613197566686

Liz:
This post was an interesting read Liz. I was also a bit confused about what you were trying to explain. Are these masks you’re talking about real? Or are you actually talking about real masks?
http://labates.blogspot.com/2011/10/dont-be-fooled.html?showComment=1318645821349#c7826977473875435852

Mariah:
Very clever post Mariah it had a nice flow to it. You really know how to capture a reader’s attention. What inspired you to write a post like this? Do you think it’s weird that procrastination is considered illegal?
http://aperiodenglishmmpshs.blogspot.com/2011/10/art-of-procrastination.html?showComment=1318645911516#c4327599718830531628

Tyler:
Very interesting post Tyler! I can really relate to how you feel. I too sometimes feel happy when my thoughts push me to be angry. I think every high school senior experiences the feeling of being angry and tired because there is so much for us to do and overcome. Great job Tyler!
http://tscags.blogspot.com/2011/10/anger-stress.html?showComment=1318646004503#c7137559495243791145

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The man in the black top hat

I was alone. It was dark, so dark that I couldn’t see my shaking hands. I heard soft footsteps, then a ‘pat pat, pat pat.’ A low voice then said, “There you are, I’ve been waiting for you.” I forced my dry lips together, but no sound escaped. “Come with me” the man then said. His wrinkly fingers wrapped around mine, forcing them to stop shaking. “This way” the man whispered. Without hesitation my feet floated in his direction. I still could not see anything, not the man, not my feet, nor even right in front of me. Then there was a light, a light so beautiful and white as if angels created it. As we got closer to the light my eyes captured the image of the man holding my hand. He was tall, with a black top hat, and tethered clothing. His face was as white as his hair. His wrinkly skin and black eyes made me cringe. The further we went into the light the man began to change. His top hat and tethered clothing began to fix themselves, almost looking brand new. His pale skin began to fade into a golden tan and the man’s white hair dyed itself into a shiny blonde color. His wrinkles disappeared and his black eyes transformed into a baby blue. The old man that was once holding my shaking hands was now young, beautiful, and perfect. “You look confused my dear! Don’t you recognize me?” the man shouted with surprise. I tried to reply, but my lips could not move. I began to notice that my bare feet were being tickled by long blades of grass. The light turned into a meadow, a meadow that went on for miles and miles. The baby blue sky was accompanied by only two white fluffy clouds and one amazingly bright sun. As we walked on I noticed the temperature rising. A small bead of sweat escaped my forehead and slid its way down to my nose. The man handed me his handkerchief to wipe my face, “Come on my dear, there’s still much more to see.” We reached a tall hill and the meadow suddenly stopped. All that was in front of the man and I was another light. This light however was not like the one I saw before. This light was not white, but blue, a dark blue. As my feet tiptoed into the light all I could see was blue, I felt as if I were entering the bottom of the ocean. No longer were my bare feet floating on tall blades of grass, but they were now trudging through thick snow. My body felt frozen, and my teeth chattered causing fresh blood to escape from my tongue. I looked up at the man questionably and noticed he looked like the old wrinkly man I met before. “Almost there!” the man said through his rotting teeth. The snow began to melt, reveling warm rough sand. I heard crashing noises then a seagull yelping up ahead. A few feet in front of us was a roaring ocean, crashing against the rocks, washing away the innocent beach. I jerked my head up at the old man holding my hand in excitement, but notice he was not an old man anymore, he was young and beautiful again. “You made it” he said. The man let go of my once shaking hand and smiled at me. He gave me a small wave then little by little the man started disintegrating in front of me. As the wind whisked him away I reached my arms out, trying to grab him. Then I woke up.

The man in the black top hat

I was alone. It was dark, so dark that I couldn’t see my shaking hands. I heard soft footsteps, then a ‘pat pat, pat pat.’ A low voice then said, “There you are, I’ve been waiting for you.” I forced my dry lips together, but no sound escaped. “Come with me” the man then said. His wrinkly fingers wrapped around mine, forcing them to stop shaking. “This way” the man whispered. Without hesitation my feet floated in his direction. I still could not see anything, not the man, not my feet, nor even right in front of me. Then there was a light, a light so beautiful and white as if angels created it. As we got closer to the light my eyes captured the image of the man holding my hand. He was tall, with a black top hat, and tethered clothing. His face was as white as his hair. His wrinkly skin and black eyes made me cringe. The further we went into the light the man began to change. His top hat and tethered clothing began to fix themselves, almost looking brand new. His pale skin began to fade into a golden tan and the man’s white hair dyed itself into a shiny blonde color. His wrinkles disappeared and his black eyes transformed into a baby blue. The old man that was once holding my shaking hands was now young, beautiful, and perfect. “You look confused my dear! Don’t you recognize me?” the man shouted with surprise. I tried to reply, but my lips could not move. I began to notice that my bare feet were being tickled by long blades of grass. The light turned into a meadow, a meadow that went on for miles and miles. The baby blue sky was accompanied by only two white fluffy clouds and one amazingly bright sun. As we walked on I noticed the temperature rising. I small bead of sweat escaped my forehead and slid its way down to my nose. The man handed me his handkerchief to wipe my face, “Come on my dear, there’s still much more to see.” We reached a tall hill and the meadow suddenly stopped. All that was in front of the man and I was another light. This light however was not like the one I saw before. This light was not white, but blue, a dark blue. As my feet tiptoed into the light all I could see was blue, I felt as if I were entering the bottom of the ocean. No longer were my bare feet floating on tall blades of grass, but they were now trudging through thick snow. My body felt frozen, and my teeth chattered causing fresh blood to escape from my tongue. I looked up at the man questionably and noticed he looked like the old wrinkly man I met before. “Almost there!” the man said through his rotting teeth. The snow began to melt, reveling warm rough sand. I heard crashing noises then a seagull yelping up ahead. A few feet in front of us was a roaring ocean, crashing against the rocks, washing away the innocent beach. I jerked my head up at the old man holding my hand in excitement, but notice he was not an old man anymore, he was young and beautiful again. “You made it” he said. The man let go of my once shaking hand and smiled at me. He gave me a small wave then little by little the man started disintegrating in front of me. As the wind whisked him away I reached my arms out, trying to grab him. Then I woke up.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Comments on blogs #5

http://kaileymazzillimorality.blogspot.com/2011/10/personal-narrative.html?showComment=1318281477511#c1070976670743985022

http://sally-girouard.blogspot.com/2011/10/width148-height44-namemovie-value.html?showComment=1318281552543#c7557052688179076302

http://alexjosephson.blogspot.com/2011/10/impacting-my-community-my-college-essay.html?showComment=1318281623410#c5395026802658124844

http://sydneycochran7.blogspot.com/2011/10/personal-narrative-shifting.html?showComment=1318281692705#c8420273554862225771

http://007themoraldilema.blogspot.com/2011/10/this-is-what-i-believe.html?showComment=1318287822777#c9085345783407798392

http://morality-hmatthews.blogspot.com/2011/10/dream-dreaming-dreamt.html?showComment=1318288285552#c2369847194041923870

http://tscags.blogspot.com/2011/10/legend-of-tyler.html?showComment=1318288585415#c7065133403239072825

Thursday, October 6, 2011

When Water Caught Fire vs. Ellen Foster

The title of my story is When Water Caught Fire, a story of romance between a boy and a girl both overcoming obstacles in their lives. The story will be told by the main character Brooke through her diary entrees. Brook e will tell the story of her life, her obstacles, and her lover Adian. Brooke will start her diary after the death of her mother. Brooke is now left with her twin brothers and unemployed father. As the years pass Brooke’s father begins to drink intensely and takes his anger and sexual frustrations out on Brooke. Brooke is forced to quit school and work full time as a waitress in a small dinner in order to support her twin brothers. Brooke’s father is out of work on injury, but still receives money for his unemployment. He uses that money for booze and cigarettes and his late night outings at the local bar. Brooke first meets Adian at the dinner where she works and instantly the two are inseparable. Working at his father’s lumber yard since he was young makes Adian a strong, hardworking character. Adian’s father wants Adian to one day take over the family business, but Adian has another idea. Adian wants to be a writer. As years pass Brooke and Adian marry and Brooke has saved enough money to hire a lawyer in order to get custody of her twin brothers. This is where the climax of the story will be created.

The story of Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons is very similar to my story. The story is told by Ellen, a young girl struggling with the death of her mother and abusive drunk father. Ellen tells both the past and present of her life. Ellen describes her new life as if it’s a dream come true, but describes her past as a nightmare. She first informs us how her mother dies and how after her death her father becomes more aggressive and evil. After that she mainly talks about the many different homes she is placed in. The most surprising home she is placed in is her grandmothers. Ellen’s grandmother owns a cotton picking business and all of her employees are African American workers. Ellen’s grandmother can’t stand looking at Ellen because she looks so much like her mother, so in order to keep Ellen away from her she forces Ellen to work in the fields with the other workers. Throughout her story Ellen expresses her thoughts and opinions in a very unique way creating a sense of compassion for the reader.

My story of When Water Caught Fire and the story of Ellen Foster are similar in many different ways. Brooke and Ellen share many similarities. They are both strong, independent female characters and they both have the same villain, their fathers. Both of these characters have had to go through the loss of their mothers and the journey of finding who they are as individuals. Both of these stories are told through their perspectives and the only person that can help them overcome their obstacles is themselves.

Life is a prize so live it to the fullest



I’ve been on this earth for only seventeen years and during those seventeen years I have learned a lot about myself. The environment I’ve grown up in and the friends that I have surrounded myself with have influenced me in many different ways. My family however has shaped me to be the person I am today.

I come from a big family. Having my parents’ divorce then both remarrying has created a large and loving family for me. Each family member has taught me something different, whether its manners, right and wrong or even simple tips. However, no one has taught me more about life than my step mother, Amy.

Amy has been in my life for only ten years, but throughout those ten years she has taught me that life is a prize and that every moment should be lived like it is your last. As I aged our personalities clashed and our opinions shifted in different directions. Having another mother figure in my life was confusing, especially having them both parent me in completely different ways. I felt trapped.

About a year ago I had a falling out with my Dad and Step mom. They weren’t giving me what I wanted and were treating me in a way I did not like, so I took the easy way out. I left. I decided to stay with my Mom and Step Dad full time. Not only did i leave my Dad and Step Mom, but I left my three year old sister behind. I knew I took the easy way out. I knew I was hurting them, but I didn’t care. I was getting what I wanted, I had won. Or so I thought…

It was a week before Easter and our annual family gathering at grandma’s house was finally here. But this year was going to be different. My Dad and Step Mom decided to meet early at my grandma’s house in order to talk. All that was going through my head was ‘I don’t want to do this’ ‘This is going to be a waste of time.’ My thoughts quickly changed after my dad told me the news, “Amy has breast cancer.”

No words could escape my mouth, my heart gave up beating, and my stomach turned causing me to wince. I couldn’t believe the words that had just flowed through my ears. I started to hate myself. I had left them. A few days after I left them Amy had received this horrible news while I was at home feeling like I had won. I am selfish.

Over the next year things changed. I became closer to My Dad and Amy, especially Amy. I watched as her body thinned, as her hair came out in clumps, and as Amy, my step mom, changed completely. Her attitude was inspirational. Her smile was contagious. Her bravery was heroic. I have never been so proud of anyone in my life. Amy took this challenge as if it were just another obstacle to overcome.

Amy is my hero. Because of her I now see life as a prize. I now live every moment like it is my last. And I now try and see the world through everyone else’s perspective. I have seen how selfish I can be, and I now see that life isn’t all about me. Life is about the people you love the most, your family. I love my life, I love my friends and family, I love my Amy.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

When Water Caught Fire vs. Ellen Foster

The title of my story is When Water Caught Fire, a story of romance between a boy and a girl both overcoming obstacles in their lives. The story will be told by the main character Brooke through her diary entrees. Brook e will tell the story of her life, her obstacles, and her lover Adian. Brooke will start her diary after the death of her mother. Brooke is now left with her twin brothers and unemployed father. As the years pass Brooke’s father begins to drink intensely and takes his anger and sexual frustrations out on Brooke. Brooke is forced to quit school and work full time as a waitress in a small dinner in order to support her twin brothers. Brooke’s father is out of work on injury, but still receives money for his unemployment. He uses that money for booze and cigarettes and his late night outings at the local bar. Brooke first meets Adian at the dinner where she works and instantly the two are inseparable. Working at his father’s lumber yard since he was young makes Adian a strong, hardworking character. Adian’s father wants Adian to one day take over the family business, but Adian has another idea. Adian wants to be a writer. As years pass Brooke and Adian marry and Brooke has saved enough money to hire a lawyer in order to get custody of her twin brothers. This is where the climax of the story will be created.

The story of Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons is very similar to my story. The story is told by Ellen, a young girl struggling with the death of her mother and abusive drunk father. Ellen tells both the past and present of her life. Ellen describes her new life as if it’s a dream come true, but describes her past as a nightmare. She first informs us how her mother dies and how after her death her father becomes more aggressive and evil. After that she mainly talks about the many different homes she is placed in. The most surprising home she is placed in is her grandmothers. Ellen’s grandmother owns a cotton picking business and all of her employees are African American workers. Ellen’s grandmother can’t stand looking at Ellen because she looks so much like her mother, so in order to keep Ellen away from her she forces Ellen to work in the fields with the other workers. Throughout her story Ellen expresses her thoughts and opinions in a very unique way creating a sense of compassion for the reader.

My story of When Water Caught Fire and the story of Ellen Foster are similar in many different ways. Brooke and Ellen share many similarities. They are both strong, independent female characters and they both have the same villain, their fathers. Both of these characters have had to go through the loss of their mothers and the journey of finding who they are as individuals. Both of these stories are told through their perspectives and the only person that can help them overcome their obstacles is themselves.

Life is a prize, Live every moment like it's your last.



I’ve been on this earth for only seventeen years and during those seventeen years I have learned a lot about myself. The environment I’ve grown up in and the friends that I have surrounded myself with have influenced me in many different ways. My family however has shaped me to be the person I am today.

I come from a big family. Having my parents’ divorce then both remarrying has created a large and loving family for me. Each family member has taught me something different, whether its manners, right and wrong or even simple tips. However, no one has taught me more about life than my step mother, Amy.

Amy has been in my life for only ten years, but throughout those ten years she has taught me that life is a prize and that every moment should be lived like it is your last. As I aged our personalities clashed and our opinions shifted in different directions. Having another mother figure in my life was confusing, especially having them both parent me in completely different ways. I felt trapped.

About a year ago I had a falling out with my Dad and Step mom. They weren’t giving me what I wanted and were treating me in a way I did not like, so I took the easy way out. I left. I decided to stay with my Mom and Step Dad full time. Not only did I leave my Dad and Step Mom, but I left my three year old sister behind. I knew I took the easy way out. I knew I was hurting them, but I didn’t care. I was getting what I wanted, I had won. Or so I thought…

It was a week before Easter and our annual family gathering at grandma’s house was finally here. But this year was going to be different. My Dad and Step Mom wanted to meet early at my grandma’s house in order to talk. All that was going through my head was ‘I don’t want to do this’ ‘This is going to be a waste of time.’ My thoughts quickly changed after my dad told me the news, “Amy has breast cancer.”

No words could escape my mouth, my heart gave up beating, and my stomach turned causing me to wince. I couldn’t believe the words that had just flowed through my ears. I started to hate myself. I had left them. A few days after I left them Amy had received this horrible news while I was at home feeling like I had won. I am selfish.

Over the next year things changed. I became closer to My Dad and Amy, especially Amy. I watched as her body thinned, as her hair came out in clumps, and as Amy, my step mom, changed completely. Her attitude was inspirational. Her smile was contagious. Her bravery was heroic. I have never been so proud of anyone in my life. Amy took this challenge as if it were just another obstacle to overcome.

Amy is my hero. Because of her I now see life as a prize. I now live every moment like it is my last. And I now try and see the world through everyone else’s perspective. I have seen how selfish I can be, and I now see that life isn’t all about me. Life is about the people you love the most, your family. I love my life, I love my friends and family, I love my Amy.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Comments on classmates blogs #3

Sally:
I have the same views you do about the conflict between Dr. Larch and Homer. I also concentrated on the conflict of abortion on my blog and I feel like Homer's character also affected my views on abortion as well. What are your views on abortion? Do you believe that it is the "Devil's Work?"  http://bit.ly/nc1mkV

Kailey:
 It sounds like you really enjoyed this book would you recommend it to anyone else? You also mentioned a lot of different characters in the book that had similar morals. Which character do you think you relate to the most? http://bit.ly/nmT6E8
Alex:
It seems like Miro was not only confused about his morals, but also confused about the person he is or wants to be. You say that Miro seems both moral and immoral, and at the end Miro chooses to be immoral. Do you think there was a chance that Miro could have chosen to be moral?  http://bit.ly/qU0z50

Aydan:
After reading your blog I took and interest in this book. This book seems unique considering the fact that death is the narrator. You said that everyone imagines death as a grim reaper figure what did you imagine him as? Also, which character do you think faced more dilemmas that affected their morals and beliefs? http://bit.ly/r9R89L

Sydney:Great post Sydney! I like how you described the narrator and it was interesting how he thrived over the living. My question to you is do you think Death actually liked his job or do you think he would rather be a part of the living? http://bit.ly/oXuYSKSarah:Great post Sarah!  Many of the blogs I have read about The Book Thief have all had similar thoughts and views. Yours on the other hand was very unique. Why do you think Death focused more on children? Do you think he felt pity for them or was it a sense of love? http://bit.ly/qFCz4zNathan:Great post Nate, I think you’re the only one who didn’t use Death’s morals in your post, instead you used some of the minor characters. My question to you is why do you think Liesel stole all of those books? Did she do it just for the thrill or was there a larger purpose behind it? http://bit.ly/ou5NME


Thursday, September 22, 2011

The Cider House Rules

The book that I read was The Cider House Rules by John Irving. In the beginning of the book the story is told from the view of Dr. Larch, the founder and director of the St. Cloud’s orphanage.  Dr. Larch starts off by explaining the history behind St. Cloud’s Maine. St Cloud’s began as a logging camp and eventually transformed into a mill town.  The Ramses Paper Company would come every spring, cut down all the trees in the area, leaving the town covered in saw dust. Not only did the millers leave saw dust behind, but they also left deserted prostitutes carrying their unwanted babies. Early in Dr. Larch’s medical career he believed that an unwanted child should not be brought into the world and that women should have the right to a safe abortion.  Dr. Larch also introduces us to the main character of the book, Homer Wells. Homer was born at St. Cloud’s Orphanage and was adopted four times before becoming a permanent member at St. Cloud’s Orphanage. Even though Homer was not Dr. Larch’s son, Dr. Larch loved him like one and Homer loved Dr. Larch like a father. Throughout the years Dr. Larch teaches Homer his medical ways and views, but as Homer ages his views on Dr. Larch’s work changes.  Dr. Larch delivering babies was viewed as “The Lord’s work” and Dr. Larch giving woman abortions was viewed as “The Devil’s work.” Being an obstetrician and an abortionist was not the type of path Homer wanted to take. Homer strongly disagreed with Dr. Larch’s devil’s work and wanted nothing to do with it. In the beginning chapters Irving focuses on Dr. Larch and how his views are shaped, so we as readers understand why Dr. Larch does what he does. Homer on the other hand wants nothing to do with Dr. Larch’s practice and decides to leave in order to experience a world outside of the orphanage. When Candy Kendall and Wally Worthington arrive at St. Clouds Orphanage in order to receive an abortion by Dr. Larch, Homer finds his way to escape St. Clouds.  Homer soon realizes that the world outside of the orphanage is much different than he ever expected. Homer is given a job at the Worthington apple orchard. While working at the orchard he meets some interesting people. Mr. Rose, the boss of the picking crew, shows Homer the ropes of the business and is described as a man who makes his own rules. Rose Rose, Mr. Rose’s daughter is a shy, but strong women. During his time working at the orchard, Homer realizes the dark secrets of the crew. Mr. Rose sexually abuses his daughter Rose Rose and eventually gets her pregnant; this becomes the climax of the book.  Homer has been brought up around young women giving birth or having an abortion, but Homer has never been around a woman pregnant with an incest baby. The conflict between the views of both Dr. Larch and Homer about abortion soon ends after Homer performs his first abortion on Rose Rose. Homer has just received the news that Dr. Larch has passed away and after hearing the news he realizes that he cannot refuse to give Rose Rose the abortion. After the abortion Homer becomes willing to practice Dr. Larch’s work.  Homer then returns to the St. Cloud’s Orphanage and continues the work of Dr. Larch, both the Lord’s and the Devil’s work. Homer’s beliefs have shifted, he now believes that there are woman out there in need and they should have the right to choose for not only themselves, but for their children as well.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Comments on classmates blogs #2

Alex:
I love the quotes that you added into your blog! It caught my eye and it tied into your blog very well. Great post Alex! My only question for you is what is the most important point on your compass?
http://bit.ly/pkMgCD
Sally:
"Kindness is the only remedy" This is my favorite line in your post! I strongly agree with all of your ideas. Great post Sally! My question to you is what does it take to be a thankful person?
http://bit.ly/mXgUEa
Holly:
"Unlike many, I am not the center of my moral compass, not the sun that all the planets revolve around, not even the anchor that holds everything in place. I am simply due North on my compass, not quite lost but surely not found." This quote in your blog is very creative, I can really relate to it because I myself have not yet found who I am as a person. You’re an amazing writer; you really know how to get the reader’s attention. Great post Holly!
http://bit.ly/nE17l8
Chris:
I can really relate to your point about family because family is the most important point on my compass as well. I strongly agree with your idea that family is always there for. Great post Chris!
http://bit.ly/ppQlwe
Nate:
I like how music was one of your points on your compass because you don't see that a lot. Does music influence your way of life and your morals?
http://bit.ly/ow3OBD

Thursday, September 15, 2011

My Moral Compass: The Path I Follow

Creating this moral compass made me realize what I value most in life and how fortunate I am to have them. Family has always been my number one concern. Without my family I wouldn't be the person I am today. Education is also important to me, because without it I would not have the ideas and beliefs that I have today. Having freedom and security is a key in my life without it I would not be free to express my feelings and my thoughts. Change is also something I cherish most in life, without it I would not be able to view the world in different ways and also learn more about myself.

Family-My family is everything to me, there is so much love in my family that sometimes I can barely stand it. Having a big family means having a lot of love. Friends come and go, but your family will always be there for you. My family guides me to be the best person I can be. They have also taught me that life is to short and that i should seize every opportunity I can get. My morals come from my family. When i make a bad decision I learn from it, and my family is always there to help me get back up on my feet.

Education- Having the opportunity to attend school is a great privilege. There are many children in the world who are not able to attend school and get a good education. Education is a very important aspect in my life and with my family. Without an education I would not be able to work my dream job and make a living for myself and for a family someday. In this economy today having an education is everything and I would do anything to keep that education going.  Without an education I would not be able to express my beliefs and my opinions. Being knowledgeable is something I wish I can be for the rest of my life.

Freedom and Security- Living in America we as citizens have the right to freedom and security. We are privileged to be free to do and say what we want. We are also very privileged to feel safe and to feel secure. For me, freedom and security help me to balance out my morals. I am able to express my thoughts and beliefs without any harm directed toward me. Having the freedom to be my own person and think what I want when I want has helped me learn more about myself and has also helped me to expand my morals.

Change- Change is something I look forward to everyday. Going by a daily routine is sometimes very helpful, but changes in my life help shape who I am today. Changes in the world also help my morals to expand. Changes in politics, different countries, and in life are changes that will shape how I live and how I see the world. Change does not only affect me and my morals on occasions, they affect them every day.

My moral compass is based off of the privileges in my life. These privileges help shape me and my morals. Having a family that loves you, an education to further you in life, freedom and security to help express yourself, and change to help you learn from not only yourself but the world around you are some of the many privileges in my life that help shape me and my morals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWod72dckg4&feature=player_embedded

My Moral Compass

Creating this moral compass made me realize what I value most in life and how fortunate I am to have them. Family has always been my number one concern. Without my family I wouldn't be the person I am today. Education is also important to me, because without it I would not have the ideas and beliefs that I have today. Having freedom and security is a key in my life without it I would not be free to express my feelings and my thoughts. Change is also something I cherish most in life, without it I would not be able to view the world in different ways and also learn more about myself.

Family-My family is everything to me, there is so much love in my family that sometimes I can barely stand it. Having a big family means having a lot of love. Friends come and go, but your family will always be there for you. My family guides me to be the best person I can be. They have also taught me that life is to short and that i should seize every opportunity I can get. My morals come from my family. When i make a bad decision I learn from it, and my family is always there to help me get back up on my feet.

Education- Having the opportunity to attend school is a great privilege. There are many children in the world who are not able to attend school and get a good education. Education is a very important aspect in my life and with my family. Without an education I would not be able to work my dream job and make a living for myself and for a family someday. In this economy today having an education is everything and I would do anything to keep that education going.  Without an education I would not be able to express my beliefs and my opinions. Being knowledgeable is something I wish I can be for the rest of my life.

Freedom and Security- Living in America we as citizens have the right to freedom and security. We are privileged to be free to do and say what we want. We are also very privileged to feel safe and to feel secure. For me, freedom and security help me to balance out my morals. I am able to express my thoughts and beliefs without any harm directed toward me. Having the freedom to be my own person and think what I want when I want has helped me learn more about myself and has also helped me to expand my morals.

Change- Change is something I look forward to everyday. Going by a daily routine is sometimes very helpful, but changes in my life help shape who I am today. Changes in the world also help my morals to expand. Changes in politics, different countries, and in life are changes that will shape how I live and how I see the world. Change does not only affect me and my morals on occasions, they affect them every day.

My moral compass is based off of the privileges in my life. These privileges help shape me and my morals. Having a family that loves you, an education to further you in life, freedom and security to help express yourself, and change to help you learn from not only yourself but the world around you are some of the many privileges in my life that help shape me and my morals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWod72dckg4&feature=player_embedded

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Being Moral: Sometimes to be moral you have to be immoral

Being moral means to understand the concepts of right and wrong, but many people will argue that morals are a state of mind or a hard and fast rule. By being moral you are concerned with the principles or rules of right and wrong, and your morals are shaped by what you observe as a child. Lets take Disney for example. Disney's main focus is on young children and many of their movies focus on basic moral beliefs. Princesses are mainly created for young girls, to have role models, and to believe in something, but also these princesses give them many different moral values to live by. For instance Cinderella, a poor young women who becomes a princess, teaches us that you can come from nothing and become something. Mulan, a young girl who pretends to be a man in order to fight for her family's honor, teaches us that there is equality between men and women. Finally Pocahontas, the young Indian who tries to make peace between her tribe and the white men, teaches us to love who we are and were we come from. For young boys Disney takes a different approach by using heroes. For instance Hercules, a strong man torn away from his real life and forced to live like everyone else, shows us how strength and courage can help you concur anything. Peter Pan, a young boy thriving to always stay young, teaches us that we can all be young at heart. Woody and Buzz from Toy Story teaches us that friendship is a strong bond and having a great and trustworthy friend is available to anyone. So are we taught our morals? Yes. Throughout our childhood parents and gardians focus on explaining to us right from wrong. For instance, it is wrong to put your hands on other people, or it is wrong to interupt someone when they are talking. It is right to use your manners, or it is right to wait your turn. Some parents may not teach those morals to their children, but instead focus on having them learn what is right and wrong for themselves. For instance a parent may not tell their child that it is not okay to put their hands on other people and the chilld may hit a classmate at preschool and will end up being punished for their actions. As we grow our morals do the same and the more we become moral the more our actions can become immoral.  We all have our morals that we live by and follow, but sometimes we go againts our morals to better ourselves. For instance, a young girl could have a very strong moral of wanting to save herself till marriage, but decides not to wait because she feels like it will better herself. Not only are our actions immoral, but thoughts can also be immoral. Everyone has somthing that they want to do, but know that they can't because it will be going against their morals and think about it on ocassion. It's the same as the women wanting to save herself. She may go by her morals till she is married, but may sometimes have the thought of that immoral action. Over time our morals will change and we will be forced to think an immoral thought, but sometimes to be moral you have to be immoral.