All Grown UP!

I read this book as a favor to my mom. I have a little brother who is getting to that time in his life. That time, you know? And she has been really busy with her genealogy, not to mention, she doesn't really know what we learn and what we don't learn in sex education anymore. It's been a few years since she has been sitting in a class learning about this stttuuuufff....actually never, she told me. Sex education wasn't done at Homestead High School or Woodside Middle School in the seventies and early eighties. Shh...don't tell anyone her age:). Or just don't do the math and find out:). SO! Back on topic, I started reading this book for my mom. She wanted me to read it because she wanted to know if it would be alright for Brent to read. It was really all about growing up, not just sex and suchh. It talked about growth spurts and anatomy and acne and friends. It really did cover everything.
             
Although, I don't know how I feel about my brother getting so big! He's an eighth grader now! WOAH. When did THAT happen? I really don't know. I've been at home and watching him grow...hearing his voice start to crack...oh, how did I miss this? Maybe it was just to gradual to notice. I don't know if it's time for my little brother. Maybe I'm baised. He probably knows too much about all the things he shouldn't just because of school, movies, and books.

It's the society we live in. How can we keep our innocence when the whole world is bent against it? I have sheltered my brother for as long as I can...maybe it's time to gradually start letting him see the world...is it time? Oh...how can anyone tell if it is time...

Currently...

Books I have Read this Week:

All Grown Up by Sam Jones

Total Pages Read this Week: 112 pages

Sentences of the Week:

1. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." - MacBeth

2. "Don't scream." - Lord of the Flies

3. "He turned away to give them time to pull themselves together; and waited, allowing his eyes to rest on the trim cruiser in the distance." - Lord of the Flies

My sentences this week were honestly a little difficult to find. My favorite one (obviously number one) was just because it was kinda cool...I don't know how to describe it. That's pretty bad, I think. Really? I think that's common with me. I like something but I really can't tell anyone why. That gets to be pretty hard in AP Literature and stuff. I liked #2 because of how it was written in the novel. It had it's own line.
Don't scream.
It was pretty intense. Especially when you are reading the part of Lord of the Flies it is in. So. Intense. And #3 is the final sentence in Lord of the Flies. It is talking about how all of these children are crying from shock as they are brought away from the island and the captain of the ship just kinda is indifferent to it. Made me a little mad. But I thought it was pretty cool....just the way it was written. :)

'yeah, like julia childs!' ' i didn't know julia had a child'

Currently

"Stop the Machine" Jack Kerouac On The Road

"Proud people breed sad sorrow for themselves." Emily Bronte Wuthering Heights

"Unfortuneatly, it was a heap of dead rabbits." Emily Bronte Wuthering Heights

I really enjoyed these sentences....I read them now and still laugh a little, you know? I just giggle. Especially Jack Kerouac....Stop the Machine. What machine? They really never say! That also just makes me smile. :) All the quotes that really stuck with me were the funny ones...except the "sad sorrow" quote...that just kinda rung true with me. All the people that bother me in life are proud..and they will lead sad lives. That brings me a little bit of joy. :) 

Books Read This Week:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Pages Read this Week: 100 pages
Pages Read this Semester: 681 pages

A Good Author!

Ah! I was reading Wuthering Heights last night and I came upon a really cool realization. I was just thinking about what really makes an author a good author and I think I really figured it out. When I was reading Emily Bronte mentioned something about how this young boy was able to fall asleep even though others in the room were not sleeping. I just think that was such a unique idea....at least to write about. But, it happens all the time in life. People love to know others around them are asleep. When an author incorporates something so normal into a classic work of fiction, one can't help but really stop and think about it. Wow. It really was a special kinda moment for me, just because I was almost asleep. It just connected with me very well.

In this contemporary dance, choreographed by Mia Michaels, the varied confusion of the movement, pain and romance shown through the emotion, the regret expressed through the dull costume choice, and the dominating and aggressive use of space create a sense of lighthearted passion between the two dancers. 

                         

  -My Everyday Sticky Waffle

The Charles Dickens Version:
The professionalism, precision and characterization of Phantom Regiment allows for near-perfect execution of the show's wide range of emotional contrasts: from arrogance, showcased through forte, marcato music and condescending, violent choreography,  to romance, expressed through graceful movements and a lyrical ballad, to combativeness, conveyed through brassy hits, percussive rhythms and fast-paced, militaristic visuals, to lamentation, through quiet music and slow drill, finally to vengefulness, underscored in the musically and visually strong and powerful finale to the saga of Spartacus.

The Sparknotes Version:
Phantom Regiment's professional execution of the contrast between powerful, fortissimo fast-paced, militaristic style and the more lyrical, graceful, slow ballad underscores the emotional contrast between vengeful violence and sorrowful lost love.

-A Scrap of Parchment

Claim: On the album cover of Titus Andronicus's "The Airing of Grievances," the commanding, classic font and layout of the cover, as well as the cluttered and colorful use of space in the photograph convey the band's homely practice environment and admiration for the old-fashioned symbols of history.  

-The New Zealander

The joyful, eager horses run passionately to their peaceful destination which highlights the beauty of the cool, calm, and natural feel of this early fall morning. 

-Live, Laugh, Read

In Bérenger's black and white photograph, his dramatic contrast and enticing depth of field draw the viewer into the picture with active negative space that elevates the shadows from the composition to illustrate an ominous and mysterious mood.

-Kim's Corner

I found A Scrap of Parchment and Kim's Corner to be my favorites. I enjoyed A Scrap of Parchment because they included two versions of their claim:) That made me laugh. I enjoyed Kim's Corner's more because I felt their photo and their claim were very cohesive. The claim was meant to be describing that photo.:)

Ah :) finally getting time to read :) i wonder what is in store :) what will mr heathcliff unravel today? :)

My Super Intense Picture for my Claim

 

Space: even, centered

Color: contrasting, proud, aggressive

Lighting: outstanding, powerful

Shape: deep, round, attractive

Shadow: magnificent, elegant

CLAIM:

The centered spacing along with the powerful lighting in this photograph demonstrate the aggressively contrasting colors and intensely elegant shadows while highlighting the deep, attractive shape of the flower. 

TGIF:)

Just as I was arriving home from my Friday band rehersal, my parents were pulling out. Guess where they were going? Their Friday night date:) Every night without fail. Tonight, like always, my daddie asked my mommie if she would like to go out to dinner with him and where she would like to eat. They say that they switch every weekend who chooses the restaurant, however, my father has confided in me something quite different. He says, the trick is to "suggest" something. Then she'll say, "hmm...maybe...Mexican sounds good!" And to proceed from there. Just like the beginnnig of a romantic relationship, the man continues to woo the woman. :) So cute. I'm jealous. Anyways, on that note, I am leaving to go share dinner with my boyfriend and his family. I can't wait:). Everyone loves Panda Express. :)

Three Intense Poems

"Scheherezade" by Richard Siken

"History of Desire" by Tony Hoagland

"The Farewell" by Edward Field

The three poems I have chosen struck me as being very intense. The ideas, sometimes surrealism, that emerged in these poems startled me. The intense passion within the poem, "Scheheresade." depected a lovely seen between two people. The symbolism of common objects made me smile. Two couples just talking and hoping their passion will never fade. The poem, "History of Desire," just seemed to hit life right on the head. It was describing nostalgia, but also how some people are just so afraid of that and of the past. Why? The past can't hurt us, why not remember it?? All the good times really did make you who you are today. Lastly, "The Farewell," just right out and out SCARED me. That poem was so intensely creepy. ...just to "slip away" as the ice froze back over you. Eerie. Couldn't really forget that one. I may copy it into my Moleskein.

Currently

Books read this week:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Columbine by Dave Cullen

Total Pages read this week: 158 pages
Total Pages this semester: 581 pages

"Unluckily, it was a heap of dead rabbits." -Wuthering Heights

"No wonder the grass grows up between the flags, and cattle are the only hedge cutters." -Wuthering Heights

"Proud people breed sad sorrows for themselves." Wuthering Heights

I don't know why, but Wuthering Heights really made me smile this week. The first quote listed is most definitely by favorite. It just....they led up to this quote great. A visitor was very unwelcome and he was just trying so hard to make converstation...and the lady of the house was just like, "uh no? It's dead rabbits, can't  you see??" I just about cried:)

One Down!

Well, I finally finished my first novel, Columbine. The author wrapped this novel up quite nicely. You figure, depressing book, at least a semi-depressing ending? Not so! The author clearly demonstrated how the people effected by this tragedy grew and became stronger people. Even those who were effected by the death of a loved one of the loss of mobility. After a couple years, no one was bitter. The strength that Dave Cullen demonstrated is outstanding! It was so touching. I'm sure everyone has gone through something they consider to be traumatic. But, this book really made me question how I handle things. Having a fight with a best friend...does that really compare to becoming a paraplegic? Does it? Or how about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? I just don't think that any trivial happening could really make such an impact now. The struggle they went through really made me re-evaluate my own struggles in life.

Currently

This Week I have read:

On the Road by Jack Kerouac
I Do, Don't I? Adapted by Catherine Clark

Total This Week: 100 pages
Total This Semester: 423 pages

Sentences of the Week:

1. "There is not uncertainty in that factor." - Modern Chemistry

2. "Where is my slow boat to China?" - On the Road

3. "Everyone goes home in October." - On the Road

Number 1 this week made me laugh. I love finding humor in my required reading. Number 2 is my new catch phrase. And Number three just rang really true to me this week...my brother is returning home in October:)

My Philosophy Lesson

Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962). This is a quote that really gets me through some hard times... haha...it's kinda like a quote a band instructor of mine tells the band.  No one cares. Seeing that on the page you think, What?? An instructor would say that?!? Not to mention, it seems almost opposite of what Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt is saying. However, I think it begins to relate here. As he continues... No one cares if it hurts. No one wants to see the pain. They want to see the performance. No one cares if it is hard. They just want to be amazed. No one cares if you are confused. They just want to see something that will sweep them off their feet. People just want something easy...something that will make them happy. And even if it is a beautiful show, it will probably be criticized. So, don't listen. Push through and do what is right. The truth of any statement always prevails. It's like church, sometimes. The way you act at church isn't always the way you act on every other day of the week. Mind you, there are exceptions.  Anyways, he is an instructor that truly knows how to motivate people..and I think, sometimes, everyone needs a little motivation in their lives! I feel like I need it more than most sometimes! It's easy to continue the pace once you start...but once you stop!? Getting back in the flow of a fast paced life can be so difficult. This was my attempt at a philosophy lesson. Can you even teach philosophy? hahah...I'm just in a questioning mood. Hope that goes away soon! I soon will return to marching band, which is necessary conformity:) Just a little more fun.  Have fun thinking:)

...Thought about On the Road while on the road:)

So, I was driving home from school today and I began thinking about my Etymology post. What was I going to say? I haven't gotten much reading done and I am going to do that tonight, so what is something my book has touched on in the scanty pages that I have read?? Then, I began to think about just how busy I seem to be everyday! Between my schoolwork, homework(honors and AP classes don't help), marching band, my little brother, parents, eating, contest essays, scholarship searches, applications, and keeping a steady boyfriend, I feel as if my downtime has dwindled to none! And in all honesty, it probably has. Then I began to think about Mr. Kerouac. In his novel, On the Road, he really lacks any responsibility. He travels and moves across the country, working when he needs to, drinking when he doesn't and I began to wonder how anyone could embrace such a lack of responsibility. But, Sal really does begin to embrace his own responsibilities eventually, when he meets the woman of his dreams!:) A Mexican beauty, with blue eyes! I thought the blue eyes were an interesting tidbit.  He knew he needed to get a job and support this woman and her son as well as get back to New York! And he knew he had to get enough money to go by bus. I believe he will slowly begin to realize that the Beatnik lifestyle was not successful for a reliable life. Whereas I do not have to support a family, I am preparing myself to become self-sufficient.

     Sal, the main character, also seems set apart from the others. He seems...just to be different. For pages and pages I wonder why he never conforms to this Beatnik society, but then he does. But even when he stoops to the level of the Beatniks, he still seems to be above them...because he's searching. While the Beatniks seem to be a group that are accepting life and drinking and getting high and just getting by. Riding the  rails. Drinking. Smoking. Hitch-hiking. Stealing. Working....when you need to. But acceptance...acceptance of the lifestyle seems to be a key factor in their lifestyle. However, Sal never accepts it. He wishes to fit in with his friends, but he never really does. He seems to be an observer and a searcher. Is he only a man searching for love? Or some kind of meaning to life? Will he ever find it? Is the American Dream fading? Or has it just changed?

The above is my word vomit. I try to word vomit everyday. I wonder if doing that can create feelings of discontent...the constant stream of intense consciousness. But maybe I'm just over-thinking it! Hahah...that's a little funny. Over-thinking word vomit...Hmm...That's a way to drive yourself insane. Oh! In On the Road, some of Sal's friends talked about the "machine." And how you could never "stop the machine." What is the machine? That is what the author truly leaves you to wonder? Is it the mind? Thought? Word Vomit? Useless exchange of useless information? It seemed like the last one, however, maybe it was something deep and intelligent. Maybe it was too complex for me to understand.

Posting

...I find posting on other people's posts altogether too much fun:). I don't know why:)

This week has been BEYOND crazy. I hope I can catch up and get back in the swing. Real life starts up again tomorrow...I'm so not excited about that. But, I'll be there bright and early! sigh...

Currently

Books I Read this Week:

 Columbine by Dave Cullen
On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Total Pages This Week: 112
Total Pages Read This Semester: 323

Sentences of the Week:

1.  "Who cares?" On The Road by Jack Kerouac

2.  "Stop the machine." On The Road by Jack Kerouac

3. "There must be a lot of Italians in Sausalito." On The Road by Jack Kerouac

All my sentences this week were from Mr. Kerouac. All of them just made me laugh...and I think they are the book, in essence. However, I am waiting for the novel to change course. I think this novel will probably become quite bitter...that makes me somewhat sad...

Heading to my serene get away. Every year is different. What is in store? :)