Some of My Favorite Places

New York and Niagara Falls



California Poppies




Hoover Dam





Hawaii



A Day in Paris

When I first got to Paris, I was just one face in a sea of people.  Many faces seemed familiar, but only one was the face of my close friend.  As I wandered through Paris, there were things that lit up my face with laughter and some that I wish I never experienced. 

Paris, once a place of people, became a place of inspiration and purpose. The sights and the unexpectedness gave me inspiration and encouragement to write everyday.  To say what I wanted and pour my soul into my writing.

Paris became my muse, and just because I left doesn't mean my memories left.

Dear School,

You make so tired.
You give me mountains of homework.
You try so hard to keep me busy.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy coming to you each day.
You help find friends and teach me so much,
But can you please just let me rest.
Let me rest. Give me a break.
If you grant me this one wish,
Then I won't give you any trouble.
(Until next week.)

Sincerely yours,
Tired Student

I'm Nobody! Who are you? by Emily Dickenson

I'm Nobody! Who are you?
Are you -- Nobody -- Too?
Then there's a pair of us!
Don't tell! they'd advertise -- you know!

How dreary -- to be -- Somebody!
How public -- like a Frog --
To tell one's name -- the livelong June --
To an admiring Bog!

I love this poem. One because I have it memorized and two, it is a fun poem.  This poem sparks a longing to remain unknown, and a jealousy of those who are unknown.  It shows this through the line "how dreary to be somebody."  This poem makes you rethink the want to be a celebrity. As I read this poem I feel that being "nobody" makes you unique because your life is not "public like a frog."

As you read this poem, ponder what it means to you and reflect on what you want most. What comes to mind may surprise you. 

A Conversation With the Mirror

Mirror, Mirror on the wall
Who's the fairest of them all.

"Your confidence is what gives you true beauty," said the mirror. "There are many who's beauty comes from the praise of others and computer edits, but true beauty comes from the person you are within. Haven't you seen the dove commercials?"

Listen to the mirror. Next time you look in the mirror look pass the reflection and discover your inner beauty.

Stories

I remember writing stories with my friends in elementary school.  My friends and I loved reading, and we thought it was all the rage to be a writer. At recess we would spend out time writing stories about superheroes and things similar to Harry Potter.  The funny thing is we'd actually write the first chapter or two until we no longer had the patience to sit down and write.

Elementary school was the best. It was a time when we believed anything was possible and had an active imagination. Then middle school hit and we went from stories to comics (which are still stories, but include pictures so less patience is require). We called our comics The Cliff Chronicles. They were stories about people and animals falling of a cliff into something entertaining like ice cream or a suspicious pool at the bottom. 


I remember being carefree and creative with my friends.

Sad Chair

Just Keep Going, You'll Find It

Butterflies

As I sit in the desk, I feel cold and I can't sit still. I am waiting. Waiting for the judge to be ready, and the round to start. I feel this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I can't place the feeling. Deep inside, I know it is those nervous butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. I know I am nervous, but I don't want to admit it because I want to be confident. I feel my adrenaline pumping, boosting my energy and allowing me to succeed. The funny thing is, before I wasn't nervous at all. I knew I  could do it, but I the feeling was overwhelming me as I sat there waiting. I keep telling myself to stop. Breathe in, breathe out. Why is it public speaking makes you so nervous?  What is it about a spotlight that causes that feeling of uneasiness to course through your body? 

As I watch others perform and do an incredible job I think, "Wow, they are amazing. I bet they never get nervous."  But they probably do.  Some may get more nervous than others, but we all experience it.  Nervousness can be that feeling that the room got ten times hotter.  Or the need to fiddle with your hands and be shuffling around.  Whatever the feeling is you know it and you know how to embrace it.  The only way I conquer it is by facing it. We may not be able to understand why we get nervous, but don't let that stop you from doing what you love.

Nervousness can seem like a burden, but it is what allows us to succeed. It gives us the adrenaline to do what frightens us.  Next time you feel nervous realize its importance and embrace those feelings. They can make things possible. Nervousness challenges you to succeed.

Enjoy...

7:45- School

2:15- School's out time for...

HOMEWORK!
It seems that their is no end to work. When there is school, life always seems to be busy. When I'm busy, I always seem to be thinking in a what's next mind set rather than thinking about the book report that is due in two months or enjoy all the incredible things life has to offer. You probably feel the same way. So STOP! Take a break every now and then and as they smell the roses.
Have you seen Enchanted? Every time I watch that movie, I want to break out in song. When life gets busy, take it unexpectedly and break out in song. It might surprise you. After all, life has so many incredible things to offer.

Prince Edward: Giselle!
[leaps off a bridge, begins to sing]
Prince Edward: I've been dreaming of a...
[a group of cyclists collide with Prince Edward, everyone collapses]

(See it took Prince Edward by surprise.)

How to Be Yourself

People are always telling me to be myself. My mom, my dad, teachers, friends, extended family. But how? How do you be yourself when yourself may be like someone else?

Being yourself could be doing what you love no matter what others think of it, especially your friends. Our peers can make it difficult to do what we love when they see it as lame, uncool, or a waste of time. For example, I like debate, but my friends don't. 

Being yourself could be expressing your values no matter how uncool they may seem. Like refraining from drugs, swearing, or scandalous clothing. Or being honest (something a lot of people seem to lack).

In order to be yourself, you must first stop caring about what others think. It doesn't matter. When you care, you allow others to push you around and shape you. 

Second you must let your personality shine. Show the world who you are. Yell to the world, "I am [insert name], and I am proud to be [me, energetic, quiet, sappy, whatever you may be]." 

Finally, you must be confident in who you are and what you look like. People will tell your too fat, too skinny, or ugly. Just push that aside, because you are who you are and that's all that truly matters.

So next time someone tells you to be yourself, think about what that truly means.  

When I grow up...

When I was little, I went through stages of what I wanted to be when I grow up.  First, I wanted to be a singer, but that dream was dashed when I found out I can't sing. Then I wanted to be a doctor or a vet so I could help people, but that dream was destroyed when I learned I can't handle the sight of eternal organs and I found I didn't like science.

So what could I be? Well, anything. I remember writing stories with my friends and imagine up new worlds. We wanted to be writers in elementary school. We all have somewhat of an idea of what we want to be when we grow up. So what will you be?

Deciding what to be when you grow up is a big decision, so make the most of it.  Step out of your comfort zone and do what you love.

#stolen

Superheroes and nerds picture success as
dragon slaying and are incredibly unique.

Stumped

Have you ever had a hard time deciding what to write? Have you ever felt that you had nothing worth writing about in your mind? When this happens, you probably start writing about staplers and leaves. You probably start jotting down ideas and crossing ideas out. But isn't that how you come up with the best ideas?

Right now, I'm stumped. I have no clue what to write about. I could write about fall or books, but I've used those topics. I could write about nervousness or determination, but I've used those topics for other assignments. I could write about family or friends, but those are used way too much. What I really want to right about is something I'm passionate about, but I can't think of anything I'm passionate about at the moment. So instead I'm writing about being stumped.

Being stumped makes me think of tree stumps. You know, the part of tree that is left after you cut it down. When you are stumped you have lost your ideas that make you unique. Once you are stumped, you have room to incorporate new ideas and thoughts. It is the perfect time to expand your knowledge.

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." -Walt Disney

 

I remember...

I remember looking out a window as the landscape would change from desert to mountains to farms. I remember reading the signs and watching the weather change as I listen to music. I remember my headphones in, attached to a CD player or mp3. 

I remember sitting on my butt for hours on end listening to Kidz Bop and good old country music. I remember fighting with my sister over lack of space and boredom.  I remember my siblings and I using blankets to create a mini fort in our seats.  I remember my little brother ruining mine for the fun of it.

I remember listening to the hum of adult conversation.  I remember looking for cars with license plates from different states.  I remember stoping at gas stations getting excited to stretch our legs and pick out some sort of candy or drink.  I remember struggling to find a source of entertainment at times.

I remember waiting all day to finally arrive at the anticipate destination. I remember being overcome with joy at the end of our trip. I remember...

Family road trips.

Waves

Waves are soothing. Waves mean the beach. The beach is the best on a warm summer day. The sand smooth between your toes. Laying on a towel with sun rays warm on your back.  The sound of laughter, crashing waves, and birds. The world seems at peace with itself.

Peace comes from nature. Nature involves hiking. I love hiking in the mountains with my family. A gentle breeze across my face, the chirping of birds through the air.  Nature is all around us. Just take a moment, get off the couch, and enjoy it.

Dear October,

Your month is wonderful.  You cause the leaves to change colors, painting the world with reds, yellows, and oranges.  Your temper is cool, but at times, you give us the cold shoulder.  You cause me to bring out my boots, pants, and fuzzy socks.

I love what you have to offer.  Pumpkins, scarecrows, and hay.  Skeletons, ghosts, and witches. The one thing I would change about you would be Halloween.  Everyone enjoys dressing up in ridiculous costumes and getting more candy than they can possibly eat.

Dressing up and everything associated with Halloween is fun, but do you really need to provide kids with candy? Have you not seen the reactions of kids whose parents told them they ate all their Halloween candy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQpbzQ6gzsTrick-or-treating)? Trick-or-treating is poisoning the minds of our youth.

I hope you will take these comments into consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Autumn Lover/Halloween Hater

Relax

Yesterday I went to a debate tournament all day.  I was a ton of fun, but it also wears you down. This past week I have been working nonstop, whether working on debate, doing homework, or actually working. Life can be hard and busy, and every know and then we need a little break.

Ways to Relax:
1. Hang out with friends
2. Listen to music
3. Read a book
4. Watch a movie
5. Play a game
6. Sleep
7. Do what you love
8. Write something
9. Go for a car ride
10. Sleep

When life starts to ware you down, take a break, and doing something for the list above.

Speak Up!

Speak up like your ideas matter. Speak up like no one is watching. Speak up to make some one's day. Speak up like you want to so badly. Speak up like that bold little kid you once were. Speak up like your with your family. Speak up like you know who you are. Speak up like no one else matters.

Speak up like your on top of a mountain. Speak up like you accomplished your dreams. Speak up like you're a star. Speak up like everyone cares. Speak up like you are making a difference. Speak up with all of your heart.

Speak up because you can make a difference. Speak up because you can make a new friend.  Speak up because you care. Speak up because it is the right thing to do.

Speak up... because it can change your life.

Duct Tape

Duct tape can fix anything materialistic. It can fix trees and cars. It can be used to decorate and comes in many colors and styles.  

When I first her of duct tape, I thought is was duck not duct.  I've used duct tape to decorate a binder and make flower pens. One time, my sister and I tried to make duct tape shoes. 

It seems that duct tape can fix anything and nothing. It can fix binders and bikes, but it can't fix feelings and relationships. 

ChAnGe

I decided to change the look of this blog because change is good. Change helps us discover ourselves. It shows us how to do something new or correct behaviors. Embracing change allows us to endure it even when it becomes difficult.

When I was twelve years old, I found out I was moving to Utah. My reaction was full of excitement. Yes, that's right, I was excited.  If you get excited it really does make it easier.

Change is revolution. Throughout history there has been countless wars and revolutions over change. So if you find yourself doubting change just think of it like this. Without change you would not be living in this country you are living in today. You wouldn't have technology, because change is what brought it.

Embrace change. Live it, love it. It is here to stay and there is no denying it.

"It's hard to beat the system
When we're standing at a distance
So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change" -John Mayer

As you wait for change to come make your own little changes. Change the world. Change is good.

Yeah, Family Pictures

It only comes once a year. It involves yelling, complaining, and arguing. It's family pictures. This weekend I had the opportunity to take pictures with my family.  This year was actually a pretty mild year for the before pictures drama, but regardless of how well the family gets along there is always before picture drama.

Mom yelling at everyone to get ready. My sister and I complaining about our outfit or our hair.  Dad teasing my mom. My brother obediently listening on the sidelines. This is some of the drama that goes on at my house right before family pictures.

No matter what happens before hand it almost always has its benefits. The outcome always turns out pretty good and most the time we get some sort of treat afterward. All you have to do is fake it till you make it.

Family pictures may seem dreadful, but there is no getting out of them. Just think of it this way, without you there is no family in family pictures.

Now I was going to put one of the outcomes in this post, but that would defeat the purpose of being anonymous.

Life with Death in Mind

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

This quote is written across a mirror in my bedroom and is completely true about life. It doesn't matter how long we live all that matters is how we live our life. Each day we need to do the little things that makes our life meaningful. Knowing that you're going to die sooner or later makes the task so much easier. It allows us to make the most of each moment.

Say I love you to the people who mean the most to you. Make choices that make you feel good about yourself. Soak in every bit of knowledge you can.

Learn to enjoy school. Say hi to everyone you meet. Do what you love and express yourself every day.

These are a few of the many things that allow us to live life to the fullest.

I'm thinking about...

I'm thinking about the way the words flow off the page of a book and into our minds. About all the facts, equations, numbers, and words we shove into our brains. Of the all the movies and pictures that provide us with entertainment.

I'm thinking about the way the autumn leaves glide to the ground. I'm thinking about the way the breeze blows across my face. Of the sound of a rushing river. Of birds chirping and the joy of kids playing.

I'm thinking about my parents cheering for me on the sidelines like dogs think about playing fetch. Of the sweet taste of victory after putting forth my best.

I'm thinking about the power that comes from being able to drive. Of the trust of my parents.

I'm thinking about my hopes and dreams like bees think about the success of making honey. Of being who I want to be. I'm thinking about life and what it means to me.

An Ode to Keys

Have you every took the time to think of how many types of keys there are?

There are house keys, car keys, mail keys, master keys.

Old keys, new keys, big keys, small keys.

There are monkeys and donkeys.  Key cards and key chains.

There are high keys, low keys, answer keys, piano keys. 

But the keys that play the most important role in our lives our the keys to success. We  have figurative keys in the palm of our hands. Keys that unlock opportunities to accomplish our dreams and try new things.

When I started high school, I was shy and quiet. I knew that if I tried, I could unlock my potential and step out of my comfort zone. I grabbed those keys. I used them to help me make new friends and try debate.

Keys come in all shapes and sizes. Each key is made for a unique purpose.  We just have to find the right one.

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." -Bill Cosby

Just Putting it Out There

Everyone is afraid. The best way to overcome fear is to face it.

I'm afraid I won't get into college because of a silly ACT score. I'm afraid of letting people down. Of failure.

I'm afraid of what others think of me. I'm afraid of being afraid of what others think of me. I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing.

I used to be afraid of dogs, but I somehow got over it. I'm afraid of being above grave sites like Pearl Harbor or an old graveyard. I'm afraid of the unknown.  I'm afraid of dark allies. Of finding myself alone.

I'm not afraid of being afraid. I'm not afraid of saying what I feel. I know my fears may seem silly or irrational, but they are my fears. I'm not afraid to face my fears. I'm not afraid to change them. My fears are what makes me me.

Adding to the World

Music is beautiful. It changes our moods. It sparks an emotion. Music makes us happy. It makes us sad. It excites us. It angers us.

Have you ever noticed that there is not a single movie without background music. Music adds to the movies. It causes terror, excitement, and sorrow. It creates moments that cause us to sit on the edge of our seats with anticipation.

I love listening to and playing music. It adds so much to our world. It creates a rainbow of color. Below our my top five favorite songs at the moment (My favorite songs change at least once a month).

 

Top Five Favorite Songs:

1. Someday We'll Know (Jonathan Foreman & Mandy Moore)


2. Happily Ever After (He is We)


3. Let It Rain (David Nail)


4. Good Time (Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen)


5. Viva la Vida (Coldplay)

 

Risks

Dating is meeting new people. It is taking a risk. Every time you go on a date it is something new filled with new people and new activities. People love taking risk. In The Book Thief, a family takes a risk to hide a Jew in their basement and a girl takes the risk to steal books in Germany during World War II. In October Sky, a young man takes the risk to follow his dreams. 

 

We all take risk. They are what makes us human. Humans love to create and discover, but we can't do  it without taking a risk here and there. Risk are what drives us to reach our full potential. They can be as simple as asking a girl on a date to as difficult as skydiving. 

 

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain."

Love...

"Love is many things, none of them logical." -The Princess Bride

When I think of love, I think of rain. Love is rain. It is comes with rough storms and gentle rains. It  is the rainbow at the end of a summer rain.

Right before it rains, the world smells of peace and calmness.  Rain feels good on your skin after a hot summer day. It cleans the world. It washes away fire and dirt. Rain creates a tapping sound as it falls to the ground. After a nice summer rain, a rainbow of bright, vibrant colors fills the sky. Rain is a good thing, but not always.

Rain can come in the form of a storm full of lightning and thunder. It can soak you to the bone. It can be freezing cold when combine with wind. Rain like everything else has its ups and downs, but that doesn't stop it. It adds depth to its concept.

I love the rain. I love the beauty it brings to the world. Love is rain. All you have to do is wait for it.

Entertainment

"No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally -and often far more- worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond." -C.S. Lewis

I absolutely agree with this quote and feel that it can be applied to movies, too. Reading is amazing. It gives you the opportunity to explore new worlds and imagine what you think the characters look like. I feel the best books are the ones below my reading level. The ones that are backed with adventure and excitement. There are so many books out there. There are ones with powerful impacts. Ones with romances and ones that take you to a whole new world.
 
Now about the quote being applied to movies. My favorite movies are Disney movies like Tangled, Despicable Me, and The Lion King. Disney movies allow us to express our inner child. Why do movies have to be inappropriate? What do we have to have ratings above PG? Movies that can be enjoyed as a kid are the most amazing movies when you are older.
 
Movies and books allow us to be human. They allow us to discover and learn. So express you inner child and read a fun book or watch one of your favorite childhood movies.

Joys of Being Human

Do you ever get angry or jealous? Do you get excited or feel happy?  Do you ever feel sad, scared, or alone? Do you ever get stressed out and feel as if the world is crashing down on? If so, you are probably human.

What does it mean to be human? It means feeling the warmth of sunshine on a warm summer day.  It means having the time of your life with your friends. It means smelling the sweet smell of a summer rain. Being human means trying new things even though you are scared to. It means learning new things till you happily die of old age.  Being human is what makes life amazing. If you are human you are able to taste the success of something you have accomplished like learning how to walk or drive.

 As humans, we create and discover. We soar to new heights as we create a new world through reading, writing, building, and discovering.  We discover throughout our life from learning to talk to learn to live on your own. Our lives are a masterpiece that we continue to create and improve.

Being human is pretty great. Why would you ever want to be something else when you can be something so incredible. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

Hello World

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney

We love to dream and make goals, yet we don't always follow through with our dreams and goals. I love to dream and when I dream, I dream big. Dreams take us were ever we want to go and they can come true if we put our mind to it.

 

Do you enjoy being happy? Well I do and I have a secret for you. You can be happy whenever you want through accomplishing you dreams and being optimistic you can enjoy life. I'm the kind of person who looks at the glass as half full rather than half empty. To be optimistic you must be positive. Instead of saying school is boring say, "Yes, I get to go to school and learn!" Instead of telling yourself you look ugly say "Wow, I look good today".  Be optimistic. It can change your life.

 

I love life. I love meeting new people and enjoying the beautiful world all around us. As you read this blog you might get annoyed with my happiness, but don't. Embrace happy people because they can make you happy too. So hello world and welcome to the blog of Lizzie McGuire.

 

P.S. As you may have already figured, I can be kind of random.