Peace, Love and a Few Simple Words

I used to think that being a writer would be an easy career for me, because I have always been noted that I am ‘gifted’ with words. Writing has always been something that I can relate to, that thing you do, not because you have to, but you want to.

Writing takes you places you can’t imagine, and to be able to have that chance of putting someone in that place that you have created, is a feeling unlike any other. And when you read back through you latest masterpiece, sometimes it is hard to believe that the person who wrote that, is you.

When I am sitting by myself, pen in my hands, or keys at my fingertips, I feel relaxed and free. Writing gives me freedom. I can write whatever I want to, and know that someone in the world will want to read it.

Blogging has connected me with a global audience who not only reads my blog, but they like my blog. And to know that when I put a few simple words together in my head, when put on paper or on a screen, can make someone feel something inside them, is something that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

So thank you readers, young and all, you have proved to me that being a writer, is what I was born to do. To write about what is still the answer I need to find, but when I do, I will know it is thanks to the readers who have read and enjoyed reading this blog. And who knows what will happen next? Maybe one day I will become a world famous author, but who’s to know?

If and when that day comes, I’ll always know that writing is my one and only passion in life, my true love, the role I was born to play.

EduBlogs Challenge #8 - 2010 EduBlogger Awards Nominations

The EduBlogger Awards are coming up, and this week, the challenge was to nominate a blog for some or all of the categories listed. So here are the nominees...
(P.S. Thanks to the EduBlogs Student Challenge, I have found many new blogs that I have found interesting, and some of which I am nominating for the award.)

Best class blog - iCubed. The students who are a part of this blog are truly gifted. (Literally.) And that is why I think this blog is so special. It is basically a group of blogs put together for the gifted class of E.L.

Best librarian / library blog - Yarra Plenty Library Local History Blog. Of course I had to nominate my mum in the category that most described her work blog. But I didn't just nominate her because she is my mum, I nominated her because she is very passionate about Local History and is a fantastic blogger!

Best student blog - Ellie's Blog. I love this blog. As she writes, Ellie is a truly gifted person. Even though this is a school blog, I find it very enjoyable to read. She truly deserves to be in the running for this award.

Best new blog - My freedom of Speech. This blog was created this month and I love it. (I don't mean to brag, but the blogger of this blog actually said that I was the one who inspired her to create it...:D) She is very passionate about writing, and because she loves writing it, I love reading it.

So those are my three nominations. I truly believe that these people deserve to win.

Mao's Last Dancer

Li Cunxin’s (pronounced “Lee Schwin-sing”) best selling 2003 autobiography, tells the story of his journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in rural China, to becoming a leading classical ballet star.

Bruce Beresford’s movie, Mao’s Last Dancer, captured the hearts of people everywhere. Li’s astonishing luck and fierce determination, to the love of his family, country and personal freedom, makes this a movie for anyone with a heart.

This truly moving film is a must see for any ballet loving soul. Li shows that if you have a dream, hard work and determination by pushing yourself to be stronger is the key to success.

In the poverty-stricken country of rural china in 1972, Li (the sixth brother of the family,) is chosen for to go to Beijing and partake in ‘a special test.’ (Of dance.) Li knew that this was a great opportunity for him and his family, and even though he is pushed to his limits, called names and feels like giving up, he continues, with his family in his heart. After years of hard work and not seeing his family, he is taken to America under the wing of the caring dance director, Ben Stevenson. He is wary at first of his freedom, and is told to accept no gifts, and that America is a filthy place, and to represent china a gentle place. He worked hard in America, met many knew people, learnt many knew things, and like most people do there, fell in love.

After his staying period expires, he refuses to go back to China. Being the determined person that he is, he continues to persuade the Chinese and American government to let him stay. Luckily enough, he is allowed to, but freedom comes with a price. There forth, he is banned from ever going back to China. His family could never afford to come to America and visit him; will he ever see them again?

This amazing film is topped off with a twist, that will capture the hearts of millions everywhere.

The true story of Li Cunxin is a truly unique and amazing tale, one not to be ignored. I highly recommend you to get your hands on the film or the book.

Detail of Age

This is another drawing I did in my Art Class. We were looking at the characteristics of faces, and how they change at different ages. This particular drawing is of a toddler. I was focusing on the smooth skin, and how there aren't as much shadows than in an older face.
I don't usually draw with colour. I prefer sketching and shading with a Grey Lead, (usually HB or 2B,) and getting more depth in the picture, which I have learnt is something that isn't quite as easy to do with coloured pencils. This is what I have done here. I have done a lot of shading and line work, giving the picture a lot more depth. I also focused on the creases in the shirt and the shadows around them.

I would have to say that I am very proud of this drawing.

The Glory of Change

Change. A little word with a big meaning. It's something we all go through in one stage of our life or another. It can be scary, but sometimes it is for the best. We just have to embrace these changes and go with whatever it brings. It isn't a rare thing to find. In fact, change is happening all around you, right before your very eyes. And with a positive outlook, these changes will make this world a better place.

Some of the better examples of change are:

1) Electricity. This was a huge change for everyone living in the 1800's. And without that change, some of the more better changes happening now, wouldn't be happening. Our whole world has changed because of electricity.

2) Mobile Phones and iPods. Who can honestly say that they have never seen someone walking in the shops texting on a mobile phone or playing on the iPods? Some peoples lives (not mine) evolve around their social status, e.g, the mobile phones. I mean, if the invention of these technological beauties had never been invented, then the whole world would be different. And people would know what the expression 'snail mail' actually meant.

3) Facebook/Myspace and Twitter. Can you imagine a world where Facebook, Myspace and Twitter was never created? I mean, when it comes to celebrities, all you here about is something they Tweeted or Posted on Facebook. And if it wasn't to Mark Zuckerburg, and the creation of Facebook, we would never have the movie 'The Social Network' in our cinemas.

I mean, lets face it, change has become a regular thing in every ones lives. The changing of the moon and the sun, day and night, it's all change. We just have to embrace that fact. So don't be afraid, give your life a change!

A Falling Leaf

One of the most amazing and unique sights is watching a single leaf fall from a crowded tree and land on the ground before you.
You watch that leaf, from the minute it begins to twitch in the tree branch, and as it lets go, and gently glides in the wind, falling to the ground. The peaceness of the leaf, the delicateness and the goriness. But behind all that visual happiness, is a negative side to it. As it helplessly falls, it is like letting go. Letting go to your hopes and dreams, and forgetting what really matters. So hold on to your branch, don't fall. Like a beautiful leaf you are, independent and strong. Gliding gently in the wind, so delicately and peaceful.

NB: I was inspired to write this after seeing a leaf fall graciously to the ground on the way home from school. This taught me two things, one - that as a writer, I should always keep a notebook and pen on me at all times, and two - nature can be so interesting and wondrous.

Weeping Grave

This is me just playing around with words to make you feel something -

"Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon." - E.L. Doctorow

A warm tear slowly rolled down my cheek, as I placed the flowers on her grave stone. I felt as if I could never be happy again. The feeling of guilt filled up inside me, even though I know I had nothing to do with her death. Clouds appeared, covering the sun, and it started to rain. I looked up above me, as cold rain hit me right in the face. I started to run over to a sheltered area, ducking the cold rain. I stopped when I got there, and turned around to watch the rain. Drop, drop, drop. Landing gently on the ground before me. I sit down on the cold concrete ground, looking back at her grave. She didn't deserve to die like this. I start to weap gently. I feel heavy in the air, and my head slumps down. I close my eyes, wishing her goodluck in her afterlife.

The Caravan Park

This post has been written as part of The Edublogger’s Share Your Blogging Experience - My own choice of topic.

"Are we there yet?" Riley said, impatiently. "How much longer? I'm hungry. Can we stop for food? Are we there yet?"
"Will you please just be quiet!" His mother snapped from behind the steering wheel. Riley closed his mouth. "What about now?" He said, five seconds later, "Are we there yet?"

"Be quit!" His sister, Janette yelled from the seat opposite him. "We will get there when we get there, duh!" The caravan pulled to a stop. "See?" continued Janette, "we're here!" Riley rolled his eyes. They got out of the caravan and got the picnic lunch out of the back. "So," said Riley, "what now?" Janette elbowed him in the gut.

"We could go for a drive around the place until we find a nice spot to have lunch?" Suggested their dad. Riley grabbed the caravan door handle slumped back into the back seat of the vehicle. "Well hurry up!" he shouted. "I'm kind of hungry!"

"And impatient," added Janette as they all got back into the Caravan.

They drove around until they found  a quit little spot on a hill, right above a gorgeous lake. "What a cute little spot!" Their mother said to herself. They all got back out of the caravan and set up their rug and picnic basket with all their food.

They ate their picnic lunch in peace, listening to the sounds of nature. "Well," said Riley, as he finished his serving of egg salad and sandwiches, "that was nice, do you want me to put some stuff away?"

"Yes please," replied his dad. Riley picked up the picnic basket and walked over to the caravan. He reached out to open the caravan door, when it began to lean to one side, and started tumbling down the hill. Turning, spinning, rolling, landing in the lake below. Riley just stood there, motionless, hand still out as if her was about to open the caravan door. Janette appeared beside him. "You idiot!" she screamed. "You better have an idea on how to fix this, because my mobile phone was in there, and if you don't get it back, I am going to kill you!"
"Janette!" yelled her mum, "it's just a phone! We can get you a new...better...one. Now there is no point standing around here all day, lets grab what we can and go back to the main area. Someone might be able to get us back home."
"You mean, the trip is over?" Riley protested, "but we just got here!"
"And if you haven't noticed yet Riley," said Janette, "our caravan is sunk. We can't really go on a caravan holiday, if we no longer have one!"
"Janette!" yelled their mum and dad in unison, "lets go!"

It seemed like they had been walking for hours, when in fact, it had only been a few minutes, when a car stopped in front of them. "Need a ride?" the guy shouted from the front seat. "I can take you back to reception if you need to." Janette jumped. "Yes!" she squealed, "yes, yes, YES! I am not walking another metre. We have been for three hours!"
"Ten minutes," corrected Riley. The man in the front seat of the car laughed.
"That's very generous of you sir," said their mum,"but I'm not sure."
"Please mum?" begged Janette. Her mum gave into her wishes, and they all got into the kind mans car.

The man drove around for about another ten minutes, when they arrived at the main area. "Thank you," said Janette.Their mother got out of the car first, and walked over to the reception desk. "Excuse me," she said to the man sitting there.
"Hello!" the man said with a grin. "I'm Greg. How may I be of assistance?"
"Well, funny story," explained the mum, "we took the caravan down to the lake, so we could have a nice picnic lunch, and it kind of lost balance and landed in the lake."
"You have no idea how many times that has happened." said Greg.
"Is there anyway we can get back home?" Said the mum.
""Yes, there most defiantly is." said Greg. "We can loan you a hire car, and have someone pick it up when your ready. We will just need a few details."
"Sure," said the mum, "that sounds great." She gave Greg the details he needed, and took the car keys from him. She walked out to join the rest of her family and explain what was happening. Pretty soon, they found the hire car that was theirs.

After driving for a while, they noticed a group of people signalling for them to pull over. They did. The dad, who was driving, rolled down the car window and said "is everything alright?"
"No," said a member of the group. "You see, our caravan lost balance and landed in that lake a few kilometres from here. We're stranded..."

I wonder...

Hey guys!
My good friend StellBelle made a blog! www.stellbelleblog.blogspot.com, and I saw this most amazing quote on it:

"We don't write what we know. We write what we wonder about." - Richard Peck.

This quote inspired me to write the following poem. This is dedicated to you StellBelle!

School teaches us important things,
like reading, writing and arithmetic.
But what we don't learn is just as important too,
to wonder and imagine about something new.

I wonder if the sun will rise in the morning,
and I awake, stretching and yawning.

I wonder if tomorrow will be a new day,
and I get through it, happy and safe.

I wonder if maybe, I write a new song,
and invite a good friend to come sing along.

I wonder if I might help out a friend,
through her struggles and tell her, "I'll be here 'til the end."

And maybe I might, learn the best thing of all,
that friendship plus success equals the golden rule:

Wondering are a part of life,
along with friends, until afterlife.


Related posts -
True Friend
What if?

And the results are...

Some of you may remember one of my posts from early October, 'Take Flight,' which is successfully the most viewed post on my blog. (Thank you!) Click here to read 'Take Flight.'

Some other GREAT news regarding my entry in the story writing competition: Today at school, I was awarded a Nillumbik Shire Council Literacy award. (Basically, a goody bag.) I was a little surprised when I was given this award, but when I looked through the contents of the bag, I saw the print out of 'Take Flight.' So then, I realised what it was. And boy, when my mother found out, was she over the moon. (Mind the expression.)
I won a $30.00 book voucher, two picture story books - both with a personal written message by the author, a certificate, and lots of other little goodies.

So thanks to my hard determination in writing the story that has proved my skill, I have not only won a goody bag, but I have won the feeling of knowing that what you are doing because you love it, can entertain others. Who knows what else I could do now, maybe write stories for the children of the Pakistan Floods and send them to them, so they can laugh and be happily entertained by my writing through the tough times of their country.

NB: When I was writing 'Take Flight,' I almost gave up on it. Good thing I didn't. The day before I wrote it, my mum told me that she wanted me to enter, and so, I tried, but seemed to have writers block. So I left it a day, and this wonderful idea came to mind. I stuck to it, and look at me now!

EduBlogs Challenge #7 - My Digital Footprint

This week, the challenge was focusing on categorizing your posts on your blog. Some of you may have noticed that I have added a few gadgets to the side bar to help you find posts to your interests quicker.

I have also chosen to write about my digital footprint. (Click on link to find out about having a positive digital footprint.)

My Digital Footprint -

I have always thought the Internet was a very interesting place, and I like to get involved with it.

The Internet would see me as a happy person. I don't try to be someone I am not, and am proud of it.

I am not 13 yet, so I am not registered on Facebook or Myspace, although I do have a twitter account (which does not have a age limit) and online email account. When I choose my profile picture, I don't usually choose an actual photo of myself. I don't think it is necessary at times to have a self photo, although some cases requires one.

How do you as a reader see me online? Do my posts make me sound positive? If you have a answer that you would like to comment, don't be shy. All comments are welcome (but please...safe comments. No bad language or rude remarks please.)