A Wavering Star

There is a dream

that lays deep in her closet.

Piles and piles

of Broadway posters,

monologues,

and a pair of tap shoes.

It's been...

almost three years since she last saw this dream,

but she has left it even since,

letting it hid behind the wooden door.

Sometimes

she will stare at the rain

and wish that it was all back

that she was

a performer,

again.

But she will stare at the haunting photo

that lies on her desk

and remember her father-

and suddenly she returns

to reality.

How can she go on without him?

Child, I want you to go on with your dreams,

no matter how impossible they seem to reach,

no matter what stands in your way,

you must go on.

-

Twelve years have passed by.

The girl cradles the faded photo in her hand

and stares at her father's picture.

no matter what stands in your way,

you must go on.

And she did.

2010. and counting...

Here goes, my last post of the year (:

2010.

It's been great. There have been so many adventures, fun times, and special moments along the way. As I sit here at this computer, I could go on about the good times of the past, but honestly, right now I'm looking towards the future. And why? Because, if I were a fortuneteller sitting at my crystal ball right now, I could tell you that I see a long road of happiness, new adventures, and experiences. I can't say exactly what the future will hold, but I know that it will be even better. Thanks to the friends, family, and people who surround me every single day and made this year as good as it was...and hopefully you'll be with me throughout 2011 as well. Thanks for being there through good times (so many), the bad times (we all have them), and the middle times (yeah I dont know :)). It's been a great year.

2011. http://www.google.com/imgres?

Well we'll have to wait and see...but wishing you a prosperous and wonderful new year 2011 and may your hopes, dreams, and wishes come true.

Sincerely,

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Merry Christmas (: Hopefully you had your share of gift wrap, candy canes, gingerbread, and all the other wonderful things that make up the holiday season (: I'll be completely honest...I feel slightly guilty that I haven't posted on here in a while, but I guess that I too was caught up in most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-feeling. But excuses, excuses...I guess that I owe you some catching up, so here goes (: (Bear with me, this is going to be a rather scatter-brained post...)

First of all, I have to say that I love the holiday season (as those of you who know me probably know). Crowded malls, snow, the smell of Christmas? Yes.

Only, I have an experience to share with you. So, it was Christmas day, and we were driving to meet our relatives (aunt and uncle, cousins), you know, a nice family gathering. There is this sense of happiness, bliss in the air. The type of feeling that usually only comes a few times of the year, one of them being Christmas. The type of feeling you never can really take away. So anyways, then there we were...but something just seemed out of place. There we were in a warm car, with the things that we take for granted, you know...clothes, food, shelter, etc. And on the sidewalk...there was a man. Holding in one hand a ragged cardboard sign that said: "Homeless. Anything will be appreciated." Out in the cold. Now, I don't mean to be some dramatic Hollywood director here, you know, painting that whole dramatic story and taking away the spirit of Christmas...but...I just thought that it was ironic, is all. Just put a new perspective on things. How fortunate are we?

Ok. Now fast forward a bit. So, its around noon and everyone's opened their presents etc. and we're taking a walk outside...and I hear a girl...complaining.
"I didn't get what I wanted for Christmas."
"Look what she got! I wanted that!"
"I don't like my presents."
And I'm sure you'd like being out there in the cold on the sidewalk, living on a few coins rather than not get what you want for Christmas, right? Mhm. I have to admit, maybe I'm being a little picky, I mean what can you expect from an eight year old girl who's accustomed to get whatever she's wanted for Christmas for the past few years? But...still...

Alright. End of my rant (: On a more positive note, I was going through all the documents on my computer and since I save most documents, I brought one up (a poem) that I wrote oh about four years ago...I just thought that it was interesting how although people's writing over time, they usually still mantain the same sort of style...

The people smile, I smile right back,
I fly upon an eagle’s back.
My voice is heard among them all,
A strong loud voice, but not that small.
To soar in the stars, is a dream not to tell,
But to have all the others is also as well.

And alas, it is story time again (:

So anyways, I, admist the large amount of catching up with friends, family and such that I've done over winter break, buying presents, you know, all the usual holiday stuff, I still manage to fit time in for reading and catching up on the books that I've needed to finish up, but this is just an incident that happened while we were getting groceries...so anyways, this happened a while ago, but I was at Costcos when there was a book signing going on (I'm not quite sure who the author was) and admist this book signing this little boy comes up to her and says:
"Why are you an author?" Now for a boy about four or five years to say...this is quite unusual.
And so you can just see the author look at the boy with a questioning look on her face and the mom runs up behind the boy and says in a breezy voice something along the lines of "*laugh*..oh don't mind him...oh I just love your books!" and etc.
But the author turns to the boy and answers his question.
And she says "Because I love words." And she says it very confidently and with a slight smile on her face...
And the boy says "Me too. Especially big words."
The author and the mom both laugh...
This might have seemed like a normal episode to you, but the very essence of it was that, well, words are a beautiful thing (: haha I probably seem pretty bias here, but there are certain things that you can't really express through words and then there are things that sound amazing in words...(Back story: The reason why I brought up this random subject was because someone recently asked me 'why do you blog'...this is for you, anonymous person (; )

Okay, and we are back on the Holiday Debates Channel featuring your host (me), and a few guest stars.
Here is our current Holiday Debate: Is Santa Real?
18 year old girl: Yes.
Host: And why do you say this?
18 year old girl: You just have to believe that he's real...and then he is.
Host: Alright then, let's see what our other guest stars have to say...
2 year old child: Yes! Santa Claus is real!
Host: And what evidence do you have to support this?
2 year old child: Presents
Host: Thank you for those words and now, our final guest speaker...
Adult: Well...I guess that Santa is real for kids. I mean, we all know that he's not, but for the kids, he's the one who brings presents and comes down the chimney at night
Host: So, you don't really believe in him?
Adult: Do you?
Host: No comment. Alright then, thanks for watching that short segment and a special round of applause to our three guest stars! Stay tuned for our next segment on "Is Rudolph really the Best Reindeer?"

A brief commentary on that-yes, the guest stars were actual people in real life (who will remain anonymous), but I personally asked them whether they believed in Santa and those were their actual answers...only later I put them into a talkshow format... so there you go (:

And finally:

45 miles away,
there is a house.

The house is painted gold
and silver.
But there are no walls.

There is a wooden knocker,
but there is no door.

The steam rises from the house,
but the chimney
and the fireplace
are long gone.

The voices echo from inside,
but the people
have already left.

But 45 miles away,
there is a house.

Wishing you the best in the upcoming New Year and a great rest of winter break (:

Regrets

There's a pencil.
Waiting on the desk.
Patiently.
But I'm sorry...I can't think of anything to write.

There's a scrapbook.
Already open to the first page.
Anticipating.
But I'm sorry...There are no memories here.

There's a mountain.
Waiting for somebody to climb it.
Somebody up to the challenge...
But I'm sorry...I'm no climber.

There's a boy on the corner of the street;
cardboard sign in hand...
Desperate.
But I'm sorry...I can't help.

No. I just can't help.

Only Fate Will Tell

"I'm a big wisher. I'll wish on anything. Shooting stars, stray eyelashes, dandelion tops, coins in fountains. Birthday candles (my own and other people's)." -Finally, Wendy Mass

Rewind to yesterday. I was going to Purell my hands, which seems simple enough, but it got me thinking (as most things do). So, there I was with a Purell bottle and I squeezed a drop of it out, only something very strange happened this time. It formed an 'S'. Literally, an 'S'. I have no clue how. You might think that this is a silly coincidence, but it formed the most perfect S I have ever seen. Anyways, so for a few brief fleeting moments I was puzzled (should I take the superstitious route and consider this a 'sign'? Or was it was just a coincidence and should I just shrug it off?). Well, this must seem like an awful lot of thinking to do over a simple few drops of hand sanitizer, but it interested me...and got me thinking about...superstition. I know people with a broad spectrum of views on this subject:
-I have a friend who finds Friday the 13th and little trivial things like that 'fun' to believe in, but it's not that serious of a thing to her

-Then again, I know someone who thinks that anything involved/affiliated with myths/superstition is silly and obnoxious
-Oh and I know someone else who absolutely is superstitious 100%...everyone they do, everyone stroke of fate and luck is based on myths or superstition. Really.
Here are my basic views on superstition; I believe that it's fun and interesting to go along with everything like Friday the 13th etc., but I really think that there is a...stopping point. I won't base my actions, thoughts, or major decisions on anything superstitious, I just won't. Sure, I might read a Magic 8 Ball just for the enjoyment and I love the mystery aura that comes with it, but honestly? I think that there is a point when one can take things too far...Anyhow, as always; this is an opinion, and I am open to any new perspectives....What are your views on superstition?

No Matter Where This World Takes Us...

I'm not quite sure why....but I fell in love with this quote the minute I read it:

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

Maybe...because it so accurately illustrates what we as people look for in our friendships, what is there in the strongest of friendships...or maybe because it is so beautifully phrased? I really don't know. But anyhow, I love it for what it is...Just thought that I'd share that :)

Oh and happy Halloween! Hope that you had your share of too much candy :)

What Once Was There

The picture frame,
hangs on a lone hook,
on the beige wall-
in the corner.

The emptiness speaks out more
than a picture
ever would.

The lone initials inscribed in pencil
on the back.

The peeling paint
the chipped wood-
they fade away.
they fade away.

Perspective

A long time ago someone told me, "The great thing about Oreo's is that no two people eat them the same way."

Think about it. The next time you eat an Oreo...Just observe. The purely interesting part of this is that it completely represents who we are as people. Unique individuals. No two people are the same. They have their own thoughts, ways, and methods of doing things, but I guess that that's just what makes us a diverse and wonderful group of people, right? Right :)

"___has one! I want it!"

What appeals to the general public? Think for a minute. Okay, now narrow it down to what appeals to the youth. Thought of a couple of things? Okay. Now, (and for the the final time, I promise) narrow it down to things that appeal to kids age 5-12. And voila. You have a whole list in and of itself. Although you may not realize, kids are the heart of the products that we buy. I'm sure that you've heard the familar phrases:

"Mommy...can we buy this...pleasee? Everyone at school has it!"

or "Hey Mom, this is so much cooler that the version we have at home...you soo have to get it."

If you think about it; the people that come up with products that are targeted towards kids aren't really that "innovative"...just a bit smart. They realize that kids can't possibly not want their product if they see that Miley Cyrus is advertising it on T.V...or what about if one of their favorite cartoons sponsors it? And they would have to get it if all their friends have it of course. So then all they need is for the kids to convince their parents (the easy part of course :))...and voila! A prospering business is under way. You might be wondering what spurred me to right this article...No, it was not simply that I decided to because...I decided to, but I was at my computer when I noticed what was on my hand. A Silly Band. How is it that colorfully shaped rubber bands can be so popular, you ask? Simple, the formula stated above. Recently, someone I know showed me a Silly Necklace. And then a Silly Ring. I have no clue where this is going, but there surely is pattern.

Appealing Products (prefferably involving well-known stars or cartoons) + Youth (who like to keep up with the trends) = consumers who drive the toy business

Businesses realize that something is popular and so they make more versions and types, variations, and soon it becomes a craze. You have to have all of them! Look back on how many times you've heard the words collect them all with a catchy tune and happy people on t.v. commerials. Exactly my point. I guess that's just the way our world works.

Webkinz (something you may not have heard of, but being around many second and third graders, I certainly have...) are a type of stuffed animal which come with an online code that you type into their website so that you essentially have a virtual pet. Sure, this may be cool or such but I (who knows someone who has 49 Webkinz...no kidding) have a feeling that it is these trends that go much more beyond a "cute" stuffed animal.

Here is another list:

-Neopets (oh...you remember them)

-Tamagotchis

-Yu-Gi-Oh cards (Pokemon too!)

Well this is a rather unexhastive list, but these are just a few examples of products, or toys that have pushed the boundaries of popularity and become the new trends among youth, either now, or a few years ago.

All of this just struck me as...interesting. The economy, businesses, and product world is just so strange yet predictable. You get to know what's going to be a hit among people and you know what targets your consumers and voila. What's in store next? I have no clue. But I have no doubt that shaped rubber bands are just the beginning of it.

Somewhere Out There

The shadows-
they dance across the windows.
But they don't
speak a word.

The footsteps-
leave marks,
but no sound.

The telephone,
rings.
Once, twice, three times-
One whisper.
Are you there?

An Interview with Sage96

Before I begin, I would like to send a shout out to Alka Pai! Hi Alka! Haha I did as I promised :)

Anyways, I recently decided to interview a dear friend; who is known as Sage96 (or Albuss Potter). She is a serious gymnast and athelete, who balances academics, piano, and being a great friend all at the same time. How does she do this? Simple; read along to hear her tips, thoughts, and pieces of advice. In addition, stop by her blog at http://sage96.blogspot.com/ and take a look! And so without further ado...

1. I understand that academics is a big part of your life, yet, at the same time, gymnastics is as well. How do you balance these two activities?
I love gymnastics a lot, but I know that if I don't perform at my absolute best at school, then I'll have to quit. Keeping that in mind, I work hard at gym, but if there's a conflict between the two, then school is definitely where I need to be.

2. What are your aspirations/dreams/ideas/visions for the future?
To be honest, I really don't know what I want to be when I'm older. I'm interested in art, maybe graphic design or something, but I don't think that I'm the type that can sit in an office or cubicle all day.

3.Do you have advice for a student just starting middle school/junior high? If so, what? What are the three most importnat lifeskills that will help you in junior high?
Going into junior high/middle school, don't be afraid or self-conscious. After all, you can't pretend to be who you aren't forever; it's the truth. Also, always be on top of your homework. No matter what, finish it on time, even if it isn't the best quality (but if you do have time, do it well), because a small amount of point is always better than none. Make sure you try to get involved with the school. Join clubs to get to know other people in your grade and the grades above you. This way, you'll be more comfortable in the school and you'll know many more people.

4. Do you have a favorite writer which you would reccommend? A favorite book?
I seriously recommend reading the Harry Potter series. Not only are they captivating, but they grab you and stuff you in the wizarding world and you'll love it.

5. As an athlete and a hard worker, what do you think has motivated and pushed you towards your highest potential?
I've always wanted people respect, and I'll pretty much go to the end of the earth to earn it, as long as it's worth it. Also, as an athlete I've learned that this really helps. Think positive, especially when something is going wrong or hurts. There's something called mental healing, and if you don't think you're injured, you body will heal faster, and vise versa. Just a little tip.

6. If you were to leave a final message to the blog readers, what would it be?
Final message, eh? Well, I'd say you should read, read, and read other people's blogs, and soon enough you can write your own and it's really very enjoyable.

Simplicity

"I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk." Albert Einstein, Age 6

You might ask why I decided to post such a particularly...absurd quote. But the beauty of this quote is that, the simplicity of it is perhaps enlightening. It lets us know that one of our greatest known mathematicians/scientists (who was always expected to say great, genius-like things) still remembers the simple little memories and things in his childhood that you never really forget. Oh and by the way, in case you were wondering, it is indeed impossible to hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. Just saying :)