Reflection On The Slice Of Life Challenge - SOL#31

                   Throughout this challenge I have learned many things. I have learned good ways to get over writers block, I have found many diverse ways to write a slice of life, and last but not least I have learned the types of writing that appeal to me. This challenge has been beneficial in many ways. It has helped me practice the craft of writing and learn all about having a blog. One of the best things about the slice of life challenge is how it has helped me become a better writer. This challenge helped me become a better writer because the challenge itself revolves around writing, and the more I practice writing the better I get. Overall I am grateful that I had a chance to participate in the 2015 slice of life challenge.

A Robin's View - SOL#30

           I look around the yard. My eyes are drawn to the tall pine tree in the corner of the yard. I chirp in surprise when I see a flash of black in the tree. My eyes are soon able to make out the shape of a young girl. The girl is sitting on a thin branch. Her hands grip two other branches. The girl has an oval face, blond hair, and bright green eyes. Her face is dotted with small circular freckles. The girl seems completely at ease, despite the fact that she is several dozen feet above ground. Her eyes are focused of the clear blue sky. I imagine that she must have a great view. Soon the girl tires me and I return to the gray birdbath that is full of clear water. I soon fly away into the blue sky.

The Dancers In Front Of The Blue Background - SOL#29

                   The ballerina waltzes across the stage. Her brown hair is tied in a bun. The dancers partner holds her high up in the air. The ballerinas costume appears to blend into the blue background, as she twirls and leaps around the stage. Her pale arms raise up into the air to form an oval. The ballerina and her partner are the only ones on the stage. They perform lift after lift, sequence after sequence. The dancers stay close together during this complicated dance. Soon the ballerina is raised high into the air. She reoriented herself in such a way that her legs are above her head. She stays in this pose for a few more seconds, but then moves so her feet are touching the ground, and begins to twirl. She twirls around the stage. Everyones eyes are on her instead of her partner. As the dance comes to a close, the two dancers gracefully walk off the stage, and the front of the blue background is left empty.

The Fish That Swim Around - SOL#28

                   My eyes stare down at the murky water. I can barely make out the shape of my toes. My eyes can just make out fish swimming around my feet. The fish look small compared to my feet. The fish are black in color.  They appear to be busy exploring there underwater world.  They flit about the sand and swim between the reeds. The fish appear to be happy, living there lives out swimming and exploring. I wonder how they view me, if they are scared of me. Some of the fish are brave and swim close to my toes. Others stay far away. Either way I appear to be a small distraction from there agendas.

Round And Round - SOL#27

Round and round in a circle they go.
This sums up the life of fish,
When they live,
In a clear glass tank.

Sometimes they seem content,
Other times they seem bored.

I wonder if the fish like their watery world,
If they like spending their lives staring at multicolor rocks.

I wonder if the fish can talk to each other,
If they spend the days talking to their friends,
And swimming round,
And round.

The City By The Bay - SOL#26

As the leaves fall away,
A breeze ripples through the bay.

When you cannot find your way,
Go to the city by the bay.

Go to the city that thrives in May,
Where people are who they are each and every day.

The city where people don't listen to those that say nay,
Where a Government Shutdown can happen every day.

The city where there is no hay,
Where no one thinks to repay,

The people that say yay,
And definitely not the ones that say nay.

Not everyone says yay in the city by the bay,
But the no's are outweighed by those who repay.

The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch - SOL#25

                        In a small town (the true name of which can't be told for the characters protection), lived a girl who we will refer to as Cassandra. Cassandra considered herself to be a survivalist and always thought that bad things were happening. One day Cassandra was searching for proof for another one of her outlandish theories, when another child came up to her. We will call this child Max Ernest. Max Ernest dreamed of becoming a comedian, but couldn't find any funny jokes. The two began a conversation and soon made plans to explore the house of a recently deceased magician. Upon exploring the house the two discovered the magicians journal. After a narrow escape from two "prospective buyers" of the house, the two friends are able to crack the code of the journal and learn the magicians story. This story will change there lives forever. The learn the tale of two brothers. They learn that one was taken away by a certain lady with a voice like ice. The two friends learn of another kidnapping and connect the dots. The two are soon sent on a whirling adventure involving a secret society, an ancient secret, and synthesia.

                     This book is an intricate tall of two friends and there interesting discovery. I enjoyed how the author had the narrator, at first refuse to tell the story. The author made the book suspenseful and creepy in many parts. Because of this suspense I couldn't put this book down. The author also did a great job making you feel a connection with the characters. This made the book more enjoyable. Readers of fiction and horror would enjoy this book. Because of scary parts in this book, children under 10 should not read The Name of This Book Is Secret.

3.5 out of 5 stars

My Favorite Place - SOL#24

               Of all the places in the world one particular place stands out to me. This place goes by the name The District of Columbia. The District of Columbia stands out to me because for some reason I feel safer there, than in any other city. D.C is also home to many cool museums and historical sights. D.C also is home to The Supreme Court, The White House, and The United States of America's Capitol. When I grow up I dream of becoming a Supreme Court Justice and maybe pursuing a career in politics. The fact that my current ideas for my career will take me to D.C adds even more to this wonderful place. These are some of the reasons why D.C is my favorite place in the world.

My Favorite Quote - SOL#23

              Of all the quotes in the world there is one that stands out to me. "Give me liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry once said on this very day, many years ago. I don't know why I love this quote so much, I just know that this quote is one of the more powerful quotes to me. This quote also reminds me of when I was younger and free of many of the worries that now weigh down on my shoulders. This ancient quote ignites my patriotic spirit and reminds me of many of the issues I am passionate about. I think that the purpose of this quote was to get people all riled up about the cause Patrick Henry was preaching. I think this quote has succeeded in fulfilling that mission and it has succeeded in remaining my favorite quote.

The Monument By The Reflecting Pool - SOL#22

                    The sky is a beautiful blue. The kind of blue that attracts attention. My eyes can't keep from looking at it's grand expanses. My eyes soon drift towards the white monument that lies across from the pool. The monument is reflected in the pool hence determining it's name The Reflecting Pool.  On the sides of the pool lie crisp gray sidewalks and rows of deciduous trees. I stare at this neat arrangement, noticing the tiny people that walk on the sidewalks. This perfect picture is interrupted by the metal caging that surrounds a portion of The Washington Monument. I wonder if someone is at the top of the monument, staring down at The Lincoln Memorial. Maybe they notice the young girl with blond hair and green eyes that is me. Or maybe they just notice the majestic expanse of The Lincoln Memorial and the sprawling mess of The District of Columbia around it. Either way I hope that person also notices the beautiful blue waters of The Reflecting Pool.

Rainbows And Pots Of Gold - SOL#21

               The sky is a light gray. The land is covered with rolling hills and evergreen trees.  The landscapes most beautiful feature is the rainbow that cuts through the sky. The rainbow is a beautiful mix of purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. The rainbow seems to reach from the ground to the end of earths atmosphere. When one looks at the rainbow all of there worries are forgotten. The rainbow can't help drawing attention to itself. Its just what it does. I wonder if at the end of that rainbow a pot of gold and a leprechaun lie. I wonder how big the pot is and what color it is. I wonder what the leprechauns name is, if there even is a leprechaun at the end of the rainbow. Then the rainbow begins to fade away. Away from this place. Away from the hills and the trees. At least away for now.

The Girl On The Water - SOL #20

                  A breeze blows over the lake. The sun begins to set. The orange and pink bringing life to the sky.  A pontoon boat rests on the water. The boat is full of young girls. One particular girl stands out. The girl is staring out at the water, clutching the rim of the boat. Her blond hair is to her shoulders and her bright green eyes stare intensely out at the gray waves. She shivers from the cold. The girl frowns, as though she isn't seeing what she wishes to see. Soon her frown goes away, just as the sun rises below the horizon.

A Place - SOL#19

Down the beaten path,

Lies a place unknown to many.

A place full of love and acceptance.

A place where people go to have fun.

A place that is different to everyone.

A place that resides in a different location for everyone.

A place that is hard to find.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente - SOL#18

           A girl named September lives in Omaha, Nebraska. One day she is whisked away to a mysterious land called Fairyland by a being or a wind that watches over Fairyland by the name of the Green Wind. When September arrives in Fairyland she meets two witches and a Weiurwulf that have lost their magic spoon to Fairylands leader the Marquess. September meets a creature called A through L on her journey to this strange new lands Capitol. She also meets many other new friends on her journey to defeat the Marquess and discover the secret of the past queen of Fairyland Queen Mallow. Will she succeed on her quest or will she get sent back to earth first?

        This book is really good. The author did a great job making the book entertaining. Once I started reading this book I couldn't stop reading it.  I also like all of the description the author included in the book. I could picture the locations used in this book. One of the reasons why this book is so good is that the author made many of the things in the book really different from objects and people in reality. I also liked how this book is more of a challenging read than other books ought there such as the Divergent Series. This book would be appropriate for ten and eleven year olds. Fans of fantasy would enjoy this book.

5 out of 5 stars

Virtue of The Small - SOL # 17

Tiny objects can sometimes have the most value of all. This was the beings thoughts as it ripped open the wrapping paper. The being held its breath in anticipation. The suspense was unbearable for it’s tiny heart. The being gasped as the gift was revealed. A perfect present, that also came with a lesson. A lesson that clearly displayed the virtue of the small. Sometimes the best objects are small. The being would often go first for the big objects. It now would go first for the small objects, finally realizing that size doesn’t matter, the thought is all that counts.

Peace At Last - SOL #16

        A breeze blows over the crystal clear lake. The sun begins to fade over the horizon. The orange ball of light illuminates the swim dock.  The stars shine high in the sky. The beach is silent and peaceful. The only people in the area are a group of 11 people laying down on the four score court. Despite there varying ages the girls are all peacefully gazing up at the stars, the moon, and the receding sun. The trees rustle with the faint breeze. The girls are enthralled with the stunning sights. They stay staring up at the sky for a long time. The girls then slowly and silently get up and walk up the black asphalt road towards the trees. They walk up a short staircase and continue on there journey, despite the fact that they have been swallowed by the trees. As there footsteps recede the moon seems to sigh, being given peace at last.

When the Camp Fell Silent - SOL #15

The light reflects off of the drops of dew on the grass. The sound of footsteps echoes around the amphitheater. People begin to drift into a horseshoe formation. More and more people walk into the amphitheater. Soon there is not a space to be seen in the horseshoe. The oldest girls in camp line up in a line at the front of the horseshoe. Three of these girls step forward, two of which are carrying flags. The girls clip our countries flag onto the rope that runs up the length of the flagpole. They then clip our camps flag to the rope. When both flags are flapping in the wind the three girls step back  to the line. Together all the girls turn around to face the rest of camp. We all break into song. The whole camp falls silent. With the flags flapping in the wind we all head to breakfast.

Above The World - SOL # 14

                The rough needles scrape my skin. I continue to climb. I clutch the branches, knowing that one misstep could mean severe injury or death. I continue to climb looking down at the world around me. A person stands in the driveway. She calls up to me. “Where are you?”. 

“Up here.” I reply. She scans the sky, her eyes finally resting on the tall evergreen tree. She continues to look upward, frantically searching for any sign of human inhabitance. Her eyes finally rest on me. 

“What are you doing up there?” She asks. 

“I’m observing.” I say. She returns to her work. My attention is turned upward. I stare at the blue sky with white puffs of clouds. My view is unobscured. As I stare up at the sky I realize that I am truly above the world.

The Ever Searching Girl - SOL #13

        A large boat rides the violent waves. The boat uses all of it’s might to stay atop the rocky waves. The waves still manage to toss the boat around as if it is a ball. The boat calls out in despair for the sea to stop its merciless pounding. The ocean pauses for a second and all is calm. Then appearing to change it’s mind the ocean continues to attack the boat. There on the back deck of the boat a girl stands. The girl has straight blond hair, hazel eyes, and a freckled face. Her red fleece makes her stand out from the crowd. She has a smile on her face as she looks out at the sea. Despite her ease she jumps back when the waves get to harsh. She holds out her hand and points toward a nearby point in the water. She gasps in delight as the gray whales back moves out of the water ever so slightly. When the whale submerges itself she frowns. The girl stares out at the sea, ever searching for life on the barren landscape.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7705025@N08/4634022604">Body Parts</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

The Parade of Lights - SOL#12

Down the hill they walk. Parading towards the water. Carrying flickering candles that rest upon pieces of birch bark. They sing as they walk. More and more girls receive their candles, silently accepting them and going on their way. The girls have big smiles on their faces as they carry the candles. They gently place them in the water and sit down. They continue too sing but fall silent when the counselors walk out on the deck, ending the parade of lights.

I got this photo from:

 photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30397914@N06/11839861885">DSC_0849</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale - SOL #11

        Miri Larendaughter lives on the mountain of Mount Eskel where the only natural resource is a stone called Linder. When the prince of Danland (the country in which Mount Eskel resides) comes of age to become king, he must take a bride. Mount Eskel is chosen by the priests of Danland to be the home of the future bride of the prince. Because the Mount Eskel girls are uneducated in the ways of the nobles of Danland, a princess academy is formed for the girls to spend a year at before the prince chooses his bride from among them. Since Miri is of the right age she is one of the girls sent to the princess academy. The girls must conquer many challenges during the course of the year. They must also find ways to work together despite the brutal competition between themselves. Miri must decide what she wants and also unravel the secret of the way of communication the girls parents use to communicate when mining Linder. Will the girls succeed and find out who the prince will choose as his bride, or will they succumb to the harsh winter of Mount Eskel and those who do not want them to succeed?

 I loved the plot of The Princess Academy. The plot is really interesting and suspenseful. I think that the author did a great job making you connect to the characters. This connection improved the book. I liked the description in this book. I think that anyone would love this book. I would recommend this book to fans of fiction. This book would be appropriate for children age 10 and up because of the intense action and touches of romance.

5 out of 5 stars

The Hallowed Song - SOL#10

                My footsteps echo around the room. The candlelight illuminates the faces of the children around me. The flickering lights cast shadows on the walls. The other children open their mouths and begin a hallowed tune. I walk around the candle in the center of the room. They continue to say the song that has been sung to many. Around the candle I walk listening to the words and feeling special, for it was my birthday. I feel as though I am on top of the world and looking down at everyone else.  Nothing could bring me down today. The children continue to sing the song. When the song comes to a close I stop walking around the candle. I stand still and beam at the children around me, proud of my accomplishment.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/89769912@N05/14845092111">OKIMG_6683</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

The View From The Red Bricked House - SOL #9

A red brick house sits across from a school. The red brick house proudly sits across the way not fearing the wetlands that lays before it. If a person in the red brick house were to sit on the second story and look out one of the front windows, they would see a school. And if they looked at a certain window on the second story they would see a girl. They would see a girl that has blond hair and green eyes. They would see her looking across the way towards themselves. The person would see the girl furiously typing up a document, it’s contents unknown to them. Suddenly the persons eyes would meet with the girls eyes. They would stare at each other, a bright green meeting an unknown color. All this would happen if a person decides to look through a certain window towards a certain school, in which a girl looked out through a certain window. Now that is the view from the red bricked house across the way.

The Experience in the Sky - SOL#8

Round and round I go. The wind blows against my face as I spin around. I look up at the fluffy white clouds and the blue sky. I stare down at all the people waiting below. The circular motion of the ride is comforting and familiar. I am high enough off the ground that I feel as though I am flying. The ride goes at a breathtaking speed. So fast at times that the people below are no more than a blur. I gasp as the ride accelerates even more. Soon it begins to slow. It is time for me to go back to the ground, where I belong.

I got this photo from:

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10492049@N08/1368972764">Clouds</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

A Win For The Ivy - SOL # 7

The ivy climbs up the rough brick. It attaches itself to the white mortar. From afar it appears as though the building is covered in leafy green vines. The ivy covers the ground until the gray stone pathway. Someone stands on the pathway. The creature steps into the green mess and begins to pull down strand after strand of ivy. The person continues to vanquish the ivy. Despite her frantic efforts the person barely makes a dent in the ivy. She lets out a sigh of frustration and backs away towards the wooden fence. She stands there, staring at the ivy, her mind whirling. She sighs again and realizes that she can not win this battle. The girl skips away. Following the stone path wherever it leads.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38484636@N06/3728061847">Water drop</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)</a>

The Motivation of Loss - SOL#6

The girl strides to the center of the room. She calls up her first witness. After she is done with the witness it is the defenses turn to cross examine. After all the witnesses are examined the girl takes the podium. She begins her stellar closing arguments. The defense speaks next. After their arguments the jury strides out of the room. The girl waits hoping for the best. Minutes pass. The wait seems endless. Just when the girl can not bear to wait any longer the jury strides into the room. The verdict is announced. The defendants are acquitted of their charges. The girl stares in shock. She lost. After all of her hard work and preparation she lost. The girl takes a few shaky steps and hangs her head as the two defense “lawyers” flash her smirks. From that day on the girl works harder to achieve hear newfound dream of being a lawyer, the motivation of loss serving as her strongest motivation.

I got this photo from:

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60309882@N00/3314689725">Gavel</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

Out in the Pouring Rain -SOL#5

Down pours the rain. Soaking all the beings out under the cold gray sky. The rain is almost like an army. An army that conquers the world by making all the people wet, miserable, and willing to do anything in order to make the rain stop. Sometimes rain can be bright and cheery and paint rainbows in the sky.  Other times rain makes everyone dreary and sad. Alas today the rain was dreary and sad. The rain fell down from the sky and splashed onto my uplifted face. I looked around me at the other miserable people standing in line to gain access to the Supreme Court. The case isn’t an important one. It is just held in the Supreme Court where many important decisions are made. Even though it is not a guarantee that anyone will gain acceptance people still wait. They wait out in the pouring rain.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - SOL#4

        Jacob's life is normal. At least normal until Jacob's grandfather Abraham Portman dies and Jacob is forced to deal with nightmares of the creature he thinks killed his grandfather. He must also find the hidden meaning to his grandfather's last words. Jacob soon travels to the island on which his grandfather resided to be safe from the Nazi's during World War II. When Jacob explores the home that his grandfather lived in he is met with a surprise. A surprise that will change his view of the world and what is real.

       Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a great book that effortlessly combines pictures and words into a great story. Once I started reading this book I couldn't stop reading it. I enjoyed how the author incorporated photographs into the story. Even though the book is a little bit slow in the beginning it is well worth taking the time to read. I think that fans of fantasy and horror would enjoy this book. Because of some creepy and romantic aspects to this book I would wait to read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children until you are 11.

5 out of 5 stars

Page After Page - SOL#3

I glance briefly at the endless stretch of road ahead of the bus, then my glance returns to my book. I scan the page. Furiously trying to read as fast as I can. The noise of others threatens to distract me, but somehow I keep my focus. The bumpy road pulls me into a trance. A trance in which all that I can do is read. The bus pulls to an abrupt stop. The doors open and people pour out. I grab my lunchbox and fold over the corner of my page. I walk down the bus steps and inhale the fresh air. I sit down on the grass and open my book. My fingers absentmindedly grab handfuls of food and place them in my mouth. I keep reading. I look up when the people around me migrate to the gift shop. I continue to read and do not look up.

I got this photo from:

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83525200@N07/12118282004">Endless road</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>