Students were challenged with creating a symmetrical building with the "door" as the theme, using only five colors and a variety of shapes, creating an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
In between Project one and two we had special one day guests from Northwestern's Science Department. These young woman shared their love of science and its connection to ART - How AWESOME is that!!!
Students learned how glass can be bent to make special tubes for trapping elements for testing, and the various shapes that certain elements take on when frozen. We saw the different colors of LIQUID GOLD!!! Additionally, we saw the really cool artwork of a cell scientist, Dr. Goodsell, as he interpreted cells and I can't forget the ice shavings and the crystals.... Hopefully, we can have these good folk back for a refreshers course and some hands on STEAM work :-)
Students learned how glass can be bent to make special tubes for trapping elements for testing, and the various shapes that certain elements take on when frozen. We saw the different colors of LIQUID GOLD!!! Additionally, we saw the really cool artwork of a cell scientist, Dr. Goodsell, as he interpreted cells and I can't forget the ice shavings and the crystals.... Hopefully, we can have these good folk back for a refreshers course and some hands on STEAM work :-)
Project Two was a mixed media perspective work. The students did exceptionally well, working with watercolors, colored pencils and markers... Students were also given the task of writing a composition for their art work. Many of the stories were written well, but I could not include them all, but I have several from each class.
Below are a sampling of compositions that offer more "meat" to their pictorial works.
A man, Peter, had just come home after a long day working. He walked through his home and he came across the door to one of the rooms in his house. He places his hand on the doorknob, and felt it. Peter, having been in that room many times before, tried to picture in his mind what the inside looked like, but he found it difficult to do so. He didn’t know why this was. His hand remained on the doorknob as he stood there. Moments after he first laid his hand upon the knob, Peter decided to enter the room and look inside.
He turned the knob and opened the door and saw the interior of the room. Inside was a chair, a table accompanying the chair, and a rug on the floor in front of the door. Other than that and a glass filled with water on the table, it was empty. The walls were painted different colors - the back was orange, the side walls blue. The wooden floorboards were old and uneven. There was a window on the far side of the room, directly across from the table. That was the table at which he often wrote and read. He had sat in that very chair many times.
As Peter stared into the nearly empty room, he thought intently about what he saw. He didn’t know why he did this, because he knew he had been in the room before and there was not much to be seen inside it. He realizes that its emptiness is the reason for which he couldn’t stop looking at it. For a whole minute, Peter stood there, thinking about the room, and, at the same time, wondering why he was thinking about it and what about it interested him so much. Then, he felt struck by a sudden sense of completion, realization. His eyes were fixed on the chair and table in front of the window. He had an idea of why he was doing this, but he couldn’t quite tell what it was.
Peter finally was able to begin to figure out what exactly he had been thinking, begin to piece together his thoughts. He realized that the chair, the table, and the window meant something to him. He felt that there was something that he wanted, but he didn’t know what. He felt that there was something in his life that he didn’t want, but he didn’t know what. He felt almost as if he were sitting in that chair looking out the window, and that what he wanted was to not be where he was. It was at that point when Peter left the room.
He turned the knob and opened the door and saw the interior of the room. Inside was a chair, a table accompanying the chair, and a rug on the floor in front of the door. Other than that and a glass filled with water on the table, it was empty. The walls were painted different colors - the back was orange, the side walls blue. The wooden floorboards were old and uneven. There was a window on the far side of the room, directly across from the table. That was the table at which he often wrote and read. He had sat in that very chair many times.
As Peter stared into the nearly empty room, he thought intently about what he saw. He didn’t know why he did this, because he knew he had been in the room before and there was not much to be seen inside it. He realizes that its emptiness is the reason for which he couldn’t stop looking at it. For a whole minute, Peter stood there, thinking about the room, and, at the same time, wondering why he was thinking about it and what about it interested him so much. Then, he felt struck by a sudden sense of completion, realization. His eyes were fixed on the chair and table in front of the window. He had an idea of why he was doing this, but he couldn’t quite tell what it was.
Peter finally was able to begin to figure out what exactly he had been thinking, begin to piece together his thoughts. He realized that the chair, the table, and the window meant something to him. He felt that there was something that he wanted, but he didn’t know what. He felt that there was something in his life that he didn’t want, but he didn’t know what. He felt almost as if he were sitting in that chair looking out the window, and that what he wanted was to not be where he was. It was at that point when Peter left the room.
When I was a little girl, only about seven years old, there was an attack on my kingdom in Germany, the Kingdom of Astelijan. My mother Delmira is... well... was the Queen. I was her little girl, Princess Adelyte, but that all changed when our palace was attacked at midnight, on a humid summer night. Soldiers from the neighboring kingdom, the Kingdom of Abeliwen, had come to take over, for the two kingdoms had some conflict with trade and bargains. My father, King Diederich invaded the kingdom and took all their food, riches, and goods. This caused the Kingdom of Abeliwen to go hungry and become very, very, poor. They swore that after they got back on their feet, they would strike back. My father, King Diederich, locked the palace doors and ordered his workers to make and find all the weapons possible, so the palace could be ready for the attack of the Abeliwenians. I was not allowed to go outside and play, or run with my horse like any other princess should, because my father was very mindful of the fact that the Kingdom of Abeliwen used to be the wealthiest, most powerful kingdom in Germany. My father thought he was well prepared, but they caught us by surprise.
I woke up to the sound of horrible slashes, thumps, and the screams of my mother.
“ADELYTE! ADELYTE! Come here quick! We need to get out of here!” She wailed. I scrambled out of bed, trying to follow the sounds of my mother's ailing screams, but they were fading. My silky pale blue nightgown trailed behind me as I dashed through the palace, desperate to see my mother again. I began to feel dizzy, and the stone palace walls around me began to blur. I managed to stumble up the creaky stairs to the servants quarters, and wedge my small body into the cupboard. My mother’s screams were drowned out by the shouts of the soldiers,
“We have Queen Delmira and King Diederich!” One of the soldiers hollered in a husky voice. “Evacuate the palace immediately!” And just like that, it was over. All the servants, butlers, maids, cooks, and workers had fled from the palace, fearing the worst. The noble men, dutches and duchesses, dukes, and priests all took their horses and galloped like the speed of light to our other neighboring kingdom, our allies, to seek shelter and safety. The soldiers had taken their food, riches and goods back, as well as everything in every cupboard and glass case, and everything from my mother and father’s quarters.That left me, young Princess Adelyte, hiding away in the shadows, unnoticed.
Some hours later, as soon as I was sure that all the soldiers had left and there was no more fighting, I crawled out from my hiding place. My body was cramped, my hair was falling messily out of the neat crown of braids that had been atop my head, and my nightgown was wrinkled. I quickly changed out of my thin, cold nightgown, and into the pale blue dress with gold embroidery and a deep blue waist band and sleeves that my mother had given to me on my birthday. I snapped back to reality, remembering that both my mother and father had been taken away by the Abeliwenian soldiers. I ran out the back doors, into the humid, summer night air and stumbled to the stables hoping that my black stallion, Amara, had not been taken away by the fleeing subjects. To my great relief, she was still standing there looking as strong and sleek as ever. Her black coat shimmered and shined in the moonlight, and her smooth mane rested on the side of her slick strong neck. She shifted her weight anxiously as her tail nervously flicked flies away. I could tell she was scared. When she saw me, she reared up on her hind legs and whinnyed.
“Woah girl, it’s okay,” I whispered, trying to keep the quiver out of my voice. “I’m gonna get on you now okay, Amara? We’re gonna ride to the Kingdom of Abeliwen, and save mother and father…” my voice grew weak and trailed off. I was only seven, and maybe they would come back. Maybe my nanny would realize I was alone and come back for me. Maybe I can go to our ally kingdom, Kingdom of Sevaessa. Maybe the soldiers will come back for me, and I can be with mother and father… I shivered with fear, and I began to cry. Amara nuzzled me with her soft nose and breathed gently on my face. I took a deep breath, and made a decision. I will save mother and father. It was only then, when I began to gallop out of the courtyard with Amara, when I saw a boy, who looked about twice my age and then some, on a horse riding up to me. He was dressed in the uniform of a delivery boy. He slowed to a trot and asked, in a formal voice,
“Are you Princess Adelyte of Astelijan?” I nodded my head curtly, trying not to cry. It was a lot for a seven year old to handle. “I have a telegram for you. It’s from Queen Delmira and King Diederich. The Abeliwen King and Queen allowed them one telegram to send anywhere, and they sent you this.” He handed me the telegram and I read: ‘Dearest Adelyte, we hope that you are safe. We have only been allowed one telegram, and shortly after the delivery boy’s return, we will be executed for our kingdoms thievery against the Abeliwenians. We both love you very much. It would be best for you to stay at the palace, for they have no more business there. If you come to us, they will surely kill you too. You have a life to live, Princess Adelyte, and a marvelous one. Do not let this slow you down. Never forget us. We love you more than the sky is wide, Adelyte. Live well. Sincerely, King Diederich and Queen Delmira, your loving parents’
“Thank you, delivery boy, you have been dismissed,” I ordered roughly. My small body shook with tears as I dashed back into my palace. It was eerily quiet. Well, I’d best get back to work, I thought, and began to clean the palace up. I was a load of work for a small girl like me, but I managed.
About a week later, the palace was starting to look more like home. I had been working at the fields, and fishing to get food. All my time watching the cook, waiting to be fed had paid off! Every night I sat under the Giant Sequoia tree in the centre of the courtyard, wishing I had someone to talk to. I called my dog, Austin, and my cat Callie followed close behind. They rested their small furry heads in my lap, and I could feel their tiny hearts beating. I wondered if anything would ever get better, and if I would ever have a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with. I try to be positive, but sometimes I feel oh so lost...
As the days got shorter, I spent more time wandering the palace halls, exploring. Even though I had lived there all my life, there were rooms I still had not come across. I was strolling in the Southeast wing, when I noticed a wooden door framed with gold, and ivy covering the door frame. Beautiful pink and blue roses sat in ornate clay pots on either side of the door. I pushed it open, and inside the room, I immediately felt at peace. The walls were a beautiful pale blue, and there were rose bushes on either side of the room. There were shelves and shelves of potted plants and flowers, tiny trees and big leafy plants. There were two windows high on the walls, where colorful birds flew in and out. The sweet, nectarous, fragrance filled my nose, and the tension and sadness in my body released. Callie and Austin relaxed too, and they leaned against my legs. There was a honey colored wooden table in the centre of the room, with one chair. It became my special place.
It has now been ten years since my parents were taken away, and I still think of them every night. I’ve let myself connect with all the birds and animals, and I hardly feel alone when I’m in that beautiful garden room. I often eat muffins and drink tea in there, and spend a lot of time at peace with myself, calming down. It’s when I can forget my troubles and let the nature and animals touch my heart. Will I ever have someone to talk to, I do not know. What I do know is that I can always have somewhere to be where I am loved and understood, and my heart and brain can open up to see something beautiful in a way that others do not, the pureness and beauty of life and nature. Even if that somewhere has no arms to hug me, I, Princess Adelyte, have a marvelous life to live. I will live well.
I woke up to the sound of horrible slashes, thumps, and the screams of my mother.
“ADELYTE! ADELYTE! Come here quick! We need to get out of here!” She wailed. I scrambled out of bed, trying to follow the sounds of my mother's ailing screams, but they were fading. My silky pale blue nightgown trailed behind me as I dashed through the palace, desperate to see my mother again. I began to feel dizzy, and the stone palace walls around me began to blur. I managed to stumble up the creaky stairs to the servants quarters, and wedge my small body into the cupboard. My mother’s screams were drowned out by the shouts of the soldiers,
“We have Queen Delmira and King Diederich!” One of the soldiers hollered in a husky voice. “Evacuate the palace immediately!” And just like that, it was over. All the servants, butlers, maids, cooks, and workers had fled from the palace, fearing the worst. The noble men, dutches and duchesses, dukes, and priests all took their horses and galloped like the speed of light to our other neighboring kingdom, our allies, to seek shelter and safety. The soldiers had taken their food, riches and goods back, as well as everything in every cupboard and glass case, and everything from my mother and father’s quarters.That left me, young Princess Adelyte, hiding away in the shadows, unnoticed.
Some hours later, as soon as I was sure that all the soldiers had left and there was no more fighting, I crawled out from my hiding place. My body was cramped, my hair was falling messily out of the neat crown of braids that had been atop my head, and my nightgown was wrinkled. I quickly changed out of my thin, cold nightgown, and into the pale blue dress with gold embroidery and a deep blue waist band and sleeves that my mother had given to me on my birthday. I snapped back to reality, remembering that both my mother and father had been taken away by the Abeliwenian soldiers. I ran out the back doors, into the humid, summer night air and stumbled to the stables hoping that my black stallion, Amara, had not been taken away by the fleeing subjects. To my great relief, she was still standing there looking as strong and sleek as ever. Her black coat shimmered and shined in the moonlight, and her smooth mane rested on the side of her slick strong neck. She shifted her weight anxiously as her tail nervously flicked flies away. I could tell she was scared. When she saw me, she reared up on her hind legs and whinnyed.
“Woah girl, it’s okay,” I whispered, trying to keep the quiver out of my voice. “I’m gonna get on you now okay, Amara? We’re gonna ride to the Kingdom of Abeliwen, and save mother and father…” my voice grew weak and trailed off. I was only seven, and maybe they would come back. Maybe my nanny would realize I was alone and come back for me. Maybe I can go to our ally kingdom, Kingdom of Sevaessa. Maybe the soldiers will come back for me, and I can be with mother and father… I shivered with fear, and I began to cry. Amara nuzzled me with her soft nose and breathed gently on my face. I took a deep breath, and made a decision. I will save mother and father. It was only then, when I began to gallop out of the courtyard with Amara, when I saw a boy, who looked about twice my age and then some, on a horse riding up to me. He was dressed in the uniform of a delivery boy. He slowed to a trot and asked, in a formal voice,
“Are you Princess Adelyte of Astelijan?” I nodded my head curtly, trying not to cry. It was a lot for a seven year old to handle. “I have a telegram for you. It’s from Queen Delmira and King Diederich. The Abeliwen King and Queen allowed them one telegram to send anywhere, and they sent you this.” He handed me the telegram and I read: ‘Dearest Adelyte, we hope that you are safe. We have only been allowed one telegram, and shortly after the delivery boy’s return, we will be executed for our kingdoms thievery against the Abeliwenians. We both love you very much. It would be best for you to stay at the palace, for they have no more business there. If you come to us, they will surely kill you too. You have a life to live, Princess Adelyte, and a marvelous one. Do not let this slow you down. Never forget us. We love you more than the sky is wide, Adelyte. Live well. Sincerely, King Diederich and Queen Delmira, your loving parents’
“Thank you, delivery boy, you have been dismissed,” I ordered roughly. My small body shook with tears as I dashed back into my palace. It was eerily quiet. Well, I’d best get back to work, I thought, and began to clean the palace up. I was a load of work for a small girl like me, but I managed.
About a week later, the palace was starting to look more like home. I had been working at the fields, and fishing to get food. All my time watching the cook, waiting to be fed had paid off! Every night I sat under the Giant Sequoia tree in the centre of the courtyard, wishing I had someone to talk to. I called my dog, Austin, and my cat Callie followed close behind. They rested their small furry heads in my lap, and I could feel their tiny hearts beating. I wondered if anything would ever get better, and if I would ever have a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with. I try to be positive, but sometimes I feel oh so lost...
As the days got shorter, I spent more time wandering the palace halls, exploring. Even though I had lived there all my life, there were rooms I still had not come across. I was strolling in the Southeast wing, when I noticed a wooden door framed with gold, and ivy covering the door frame. Beautiful pink and blue roses sat in ornate clay pots on either side of the door. I pushed it open, and inside the room, I immediately felt at peace. The walls were a beautiful pale blue, and there were rose bushes on either side of the room. There were shelves and shelves of potted plants and flowers, tiny trees and big leafy plants. There were two windows high on the walls, where colorful birds flew in and out. The sweet, nectarous, fragrance filled my nose, and the tension and sadness in my body released. Callie and Austin relaxed too, and they leaned against my legs. There was a honey colored wooden table in the centre of the room, with one chair. It became my special place.
It has now been ten years since my parents were taken away, and I still think of them every night. I’ve let myself connect with all the birds and animals, and I hardly feel alone when I’m in that beautiful garden room. I often eat muffins and drink tea in there, and spend a lot of time at peace with myself, calming down. It’s when I can forget my troubles and let the nature and animals touch my heart. Will I ever have someone to talk to, I do not know. What I do know is that I can always have somewhere to be where I am loved and understood, and my heart and brain can open up to see something beautiful in a way that others do not, the pureness and beauty of life and nature. Even if that somewhere has no arms to hug me, I, Princess Adelyte, have a marvelous life to live. I will live well.
My Room Story:
It was not a good day to be lost in the woods. Partially because it was storming, partially because the woods were 500 sq acres big, and partially because Kevin didn’t have any connection to the world outside of these woods. As he trudged through the endless mud puddle, a growl came from behind him. He didn’t even have enough time to glance behind him, to identify where the sound came from. Kevin just ran. He ran until his knees couldn’t support him, until he could barely breathe, until he stopped hearing the ongoing footsteps behind him, and until he came upon a tall structure - a house.
Finally, he thought. He walked up the steps to the old house and knocked on the door, except it just flew open. At least it’s an instant refuge, he thought. As Kevin shut the door behind him, he heard a sound - a sweet melody wafting down to his ears. At that moment, he knew what he had to do.
After finding the source of the melody, Kevin sat upstairs in those oh-so-comfortable cushions, hearing the man play that beautiful instrument. He was awestruck. After the song ended, he felt dizzy, everything was blurry, and he felt his body fall to the ground.
* * *
When Kevin woke up, he lay on the ground outside. The trees were taller, the skies clear, the ground now dry, and the house no longer there. He lay there, wondering what had happened, and realized that the house had not gone from him, but he had gone from the house. It seemed as if it had happened in a split second, but he later found out that it was far from a second.
Kevin got up, and with all his might willed the sweet melody to come back. And it did, but only in his mind. Aww man, he thought, I need to find that house again.
5 years later:
Ouch, Kevin thought as he fell from the tree, crashed into a roof, and found himself in a room. The Room. The one that he had desperately searched for. He picked up the beautiful instrument that had once played that amazing tune, and played until he died.
After that, no one has found the house since, except for a gardener that waters the flowers every month. The instrument will remain untouched, until the gardener finds it.
It was not a good day to be lost in the woods. Partially because it was storming, partially because the woods were 500 sq acres big, and partially because Kevin didn’t have any connection to the world outside of these woods. As he trudged through the endless mud puddle, a growl came from behind him. He didn’t even have enough time to glance behind him, to identify where the sound came from. Kevin just ran. He ran until his knees couldn’t support him, until he could barely breathe, until he stopped hearing the ongoing footsteps behind him, and until he came upon a tall structure - a house.
Finally, he thought. He walked up the steps to the old house and knocked on the door, except it just flew open. At least it’s an instant refuge, he thought. As Kevin shut the door behind him, he heard a sound - a sweet melody wafting down to his ears. At that moment, he knew what he had to do.
After finding the source of the melody, Kevin sat upstairs in those oh-so-comfortable cushions, hearing the man play that beautiful instrument. He was awestruck. After the song ended, he felt dizzy, everything was blurry, and he felt his body fall to the ground.
* * *
When Kevin woke up, he lay on the ground outside. The trees were taller, the skies clear, the ground now dry, and the house no longer there. He lay there, wondering what had happened, and realized that the house had not gone from him, but he had gone from the house. It seemed as if it had happened in a split second, but he later found out that it was far from a second.
Kevin got up, and with all his might willed the sweet melody to come back. And it did, but only in his mind. Aww man, he thought, I need to find that house again.
5 years later:
Ouch, Kevin thought as he fell from the tree, crashed into a roof, and found himself in a room. The Room. The one that he had desperately searched for. He picked up the beautiful instrument that had once played that amazing tune, and played until he died.
After that, no one has found the house since, except for a gardener that waters the flowers every month. The instrument will remain untouched, until the gardener finds it.
It was a normal day in art class, and I was working with watercolor, listening to Ms. Benson’s weird music. I was painting an ocean scene, with a sunken ship, whales, fish, and lots of sea cucumbers. But then, a figure appeared in the water. Had I painted that? No, I definitely hadn’t.
Then I fell backwards, through the floor.
I woke up in an ocean. At first I panicked, but then I realised I could breath. I could breath? Then I remembered. I had fallen through the floor! But where was I now? I turned, and looked at the seafloor. It was beautiful. There was a sunken ship, whales, fish, and lots of seaweed. Everything was beautiful. Except for the sea cucumbers. As I was turning, I saw a light coming from the sea floor. I swam towards it, moving faster than I normally would, and arrived at a room with a big glass window, looking out at the reef.
The room was the only structure there, protruding from the sea floor, looking boxy and bright in the misty water. On top, there was a trap door leading into the room that was lit only by a single bright lamp. I thought of opening the door, but I realized that it would let water in. But it was my only choice, because I couldn’t see the surface.
I opened the door, and was violently sucked into the room. I landed on the tiled floor, and slid away from the opening in the ceiling. I hit my head, and I think I blacked out for just a second, because when I opened my eyes, the water was gone.
I was sitting in the middle of the room, and saw that there were two bottles under an anchor on the wall. One said “drink me”. I walked over on wobbling legs and opened the bottle, expecting wine, but only seeing water. I drank.
And then I was back in art class, as if nothing had happened at all. Wide-eyed, I turned to my painting, and the figure was gone. It was then that I realised, that I was the figure. I had been in my painting.
Then I fell backwards, through the floor.
I woke up in an ocean. At first I panicked, but then I realised I could breath. I could breath? Then I remembered. I had fallen through the floor! But where was I now? I turned, and looked at the seafloor. It was beautiful. There was a sunken ship, whales, fish, and lots of seaweed. Everything was beautiful. Except for the sea cucumbers. As I was turning, I saw a light coming from the sea floor. I swam towards it, moving faster than I normally would, and arrived at a room with a big glass window, looking out at the reef.
The room was the only structure there, protruding from the sea floor, looking boxy and bright in the misty water. On top, there was a trap door leading into the room that was lit only by a single bright lamp. I thought of opening the door, but I realized that it would let water in. But it was my only choice, because I couldn’t see the surface.
I opened the door, and was violently sucked into the room. I landed on the tiled floor, and slid away from the opening in the ceiling. I hit my head, and I think I blacked out for just a second, because when I opened my eyes, the water was gone.
I was sitting in the middle of the room, and saw that there were two bottles under an anchor on the wall. One said “drink me”. I walked over on wobbling legs and opened the bottle, expecting wine, but only seeing water. I drank.
And then I was back in art class, as if nothing had happened at all. Wide-eyed, I turned to my painting, and the figure was gone. It was then that I realised, that I was the figure. I had been in my painting.
Amy is a girl that loved art, it was her passion. She had thoughts about making a room of her imagination. Amy had choose a room in her house that was empty in her house. She had started thinking of the colors she wanted in her room. Amy wanted to do something different that would somehow describe her personality. Amy had choose to gather up some wood and use it for one side of her dream room. The wood was thought of showing her bold side that she has. Amy wanted the other side to show her creative side so she had painted her other side and painted it with purple,orange, and yellow swirls. She wanted to choose the background to show the colors off so she choose a solid color that was black for the background.
Amy next idea was changing the door. The idea of her door was having french doors and making them with the extra she used with the one side of the wall. Amy had thought in what will look good with wood and so she used leaves she collected and put them around the wood on her wall and her door. The next step in what she took in creating her thoughts of her dream room was making the ceiling turn into like a sunroof and having a big window.
The next idea that Amy had was what to put in her to put in her room. She had many thoughts in what she should put. Her thoughts were just having a something small and basic. The reason why she had that thought was because her room was already so bold and colorful she wanted something just be there and show something quiet that had showed her quiet side of her personality that is deep down in her.
After all of her ideas Amy thoughts were all in this one notebook which was inside something that will always be with her no matter what.
Amy next idea was changing the door. The idea of her door was having french doors and making them with the extra she used with the one side of the wall. Amy had thought in what will look good with wood and so she used leaves she collected and put them around the wood on her wall and her door. The next step in what she took in creating her thoughts of her dream room was making the ceiling turn into like a sunroof and having a big window.
The next idea that Amy had was what to put in her to put in her room. She had many thoughts in what she should put. Her thoughts were just having a something small and basic. The reason why she had that thought was because her room was already so bold and colorful she wanted something just be there and show something quiet that had showed her quiet side of her personality that is deep down in her.
After all of her ideas Amy thoughts were all in this one notebook which was inside something that will always be with her no matter what.
My Room’s Story:
I walk into the upstairs hallway and immediately toss my backpack onto the ground, creating a loud thud. I pull open the door to my handpainted room, making another thud. My quilt still lies, piled up, on my bed from this morning. Music flies from the speaker sitting on my desk, neglected by all. It blasts random tunes from my Spotify mix. Rather Be, Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne. Just by hearing the beat of the well-known tune that’s playing, I identified it.
Although this is one of my favorite tunes, I’d much rather be (Ha, get it?) doing something else. I trudge to my desk, kicking my Doc Martins of my feet on the way. Soon, a book is in my hands. It’s The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. Many people know the story because of the movie. That movie is such a horrendous, revolting, abhorrent… Nevermind. Well yeah, that movie sucks. But let’s not dwell on the negative.
I peel off my black sweatshirt because the air outside my window always feels warmer than the air at school or anywhere else. I tuck it under the bed, along with all the other piles of clothes. Then, I trot over to my window, unlatching it and pushing up the glass pane in one swift movement. I grab a pillow off my bed (the purple one, as always), pull on a comfortable pair of fuzzy socks, and seize the night light from inside my desk drawer.
I toss the pillow and the night light beside the window and retreat to the inside of my closet. I don’t turn the light on (lack of time) but instead go to gather a pair of fuzzy pajama pants and a loose tank top (purple, as always). Remaining inside the closed doors, I pull off my tight jeans and flannel shirt. As soon as I do, I sigh uncontrollably. I hate those jeans. They are so uncomfortable!
After changing into those comfy clothes, I toss open the door of the closet. My mom stands in front of me. My brain squeals, run! Run! But my mouth malfunctions and I say that instead. “Run! Run!” I squeal.
My mom stares at me like I just told her that Donald Trump is a great president. That was a bad analogy, but what I meant is she stared at me like I was crazy.
“Sorry…” I trail off. My mom’s face begins to turn bright red and I decide to go with the safe thing- lying. “I was just going to take a n-nap.” My brain is still screaming at me to run. I try as hard as I can, but I still manage to stammer and sound like a total idiot.
“Were you going to go onto the roof again, Emi?” My mom snarls. “You know how many times I have told you. You could get injured.”
Something in me snaps. In slow motion, my fists clench and I respond. “I’m not going to get injured. I will be fine. Go ahead and lock my window. Put bars in front of it for all I care. I’m done.”
“Fine!” My mom shouts.
“Fine!” I answer.
With that, I head downstairs to dinner.
After school two days later, I find my window locked and barred.
I take a brand new crowbar from my closet and pull out the lock. Then I climb out of the window.
The end.
I walk into the upstairs hallway and immediately toss my backpack onto the ground, creating a loud thud. I pull open the door to my handpainted room, making another thud. My quilt still lies, piled up, on my bed from this morning. Music flies from the speaker sitting on my desk, neglected by all. It blasts random tunes from my Spotify mix. Rather Be, Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne. Just by hearing the beat of the well-known tune that’s playing, I identified it.
Although this is one of my favorite tunes, I’d much rather be (Ha, get it?) doing something else. I trudge to my desk, kicking my Doc Martins of my feet on the way. Soon, a book is in my hands. It’s The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. Many people know the story because of the movie. That movie is such a horrendous, revolting, abhorrent… Nevermind. Well yeah, that movie sucks. But let’s not dwell on the negative.
I peel off my black sweatshirt because the air outside my window always feels warmer than the air at school or anywhere else. I tuck it under the bed, along with all the other piles of clothes. Then, I trot over to my window, unlatching it and pushing up the glass pane in one swift movement. I grab a pillow off my bed (the purple one, as always), pull on a comfortable pair of fuzzy socks, and seize the night light from inside my desk drawer.
I toss the pillow and the night light beside the window and retreat to the inside of my closet. I don’t turn the light on (lack of time) but instead go to gather a pair of fuzzy pajama pants and a loose tank top (purple, as always). Remaining inside the closed doors, I pull off my tight jeans and flannel shirt. As soon as I do, I sigh uncontrollably. I hate those jeans. They are so uncomfortable!
After changing into those comfy clothes, I toss open the door of the closet. My mom stands in front of me. My brain squeals, run! Run! But my mouth malfunctions and I say that instead. “Run! Run!” I squeal.
My mom stares at me like I just told her that Donald Trump is a great president. That was a bad analogy, but what I meant is she stared at me like I was crazy.
“Sorry…” I trail off. My mom’s face begins to turn bright red and I decide to go with the safe thing- lying. “I was just going to take a n-nap.” My brain is still screaming at me to run. I try as hard as I can, but I still manage to stammer and sound like a total idiot.
“Were you going to go onto the roof again, Emi?” My mom snarls. “You know how many times I have told you. You could get injured.”
Something in me snaps. In slow motion, my fists clench and I respond. “I’m not going to get injured. I will be fine. Go ahead and lock my window. Put bars in front of it for all I care. I’m done.”
“Fine!” My mom shouts.
“Fine!” I answer.
With that, I head downstairs to dinner.
After school two days later, I find my window locked and barred.
I take a brand new crowbar from my closet and pull out the lock. Then I climb out of the window.
The end.
Hidden Puppy-
Ten tiny puppies, my siblings, is the first moment I remember. Our golden-brown coats, as soft as a blanket. Our mother, Kira, taught us everything we knew. By day, she scavenged, only coming back during mid morning to comfort us, or feed, but at night, we curled up against her soft side and huddled together in the cold. Once, when I was about 2 weeks old, our eyes just barely open, I remember an odd creature come into our alley. It looked like mother, but more ferocious. With large fangs, and a wrinkled, scarred face, the hound sniffed the ground. My siblings whimpered as the dog grew near. We could smell the disgusting scent coming off his muddy fur. He held his head high as he neared us, bearing his teeth. The next thing I remember was fear, as he took one pounce, and sunk his teeth into my brother. Blood poured from his golden coat onto mine, splashing the yellow, a deep scarlet.
After that, he took one glare at the rest of us, threateningly, then without another word, ran off into the distance. My brother’s breaths grew shallower, as we whined for our mother. I took it as my responsibility to comfort him. Placing my head around him protectively. It grew colder into the night, but still we called for our mother. Our cries were the only thing heard, besides the occasional hoot of an owl, or car going by. We saw nor heard any sign of our mother, but still our brother persisted. Fighting the pain, that dog was the bravest I’d ever known.
When finally, the sun peaked through the clouds, we heard the small padded footsteps of a dog. Our mother limped into view. Her head hung low, and her tail drooped. She looked tired, but ignored her own problems when she saw what the dog had done. Her eyes looked sad, as she nudged my brother carefully with her nose, and licked the top of his head affectionately. Then she curled herself around us, and placed her head next to mine. Her calm breaths lulling us to sleep.
Brother was gone by night. I could tell because of the way his body didn’t rise and fall with his breaths. We sorrowed over the loss of our brother. We howled into the night, like wolves at a moon, only it wasn’t a moon. It was a brother.
My last memory of being stray, it was night. I had grown up into a fairly handsome dog, with a glossy golden coat just like my mother’s. Since we were now grown. We hunted with our mother. We learned how to search through garbage dumps for bits of scraps the humans throw away carelessly. Sometimes, we met other animals there. One of the most reappearing figure was the rather large seagull that just hopped around on trash piles. Mother said not to talk to the other creatures, for fear that if we befriended another species, then we would forever have to repay them, or even face betrayal.
One day, I was off searching a bit farther from the family trash pile, when a storm arose. Barks rang through the air, as rain poured down. I couldn’t see where my family was. I wandered blindly, bumping into one thing or the other. When finally, I was so cold, I couldn’t feel my own paws, I collapsed on the cold ground, letting myself be drenched in water.
When I woke up, I was no longer at the dump. Someone had wrapped a blanket around me, and the colors of the new room were bright. I squinted my eyes, and took in the surroundings. The walls no longer seemed so bright, and appeared to be a teal blue on the back wall and a beautiful sky blue on the side walls.
There was a window to the right of me, displaying a huge tree, and a wooden desk to the left. Where was I? Suddenly, I heard footsteps coming near, and the large door opened. A young human stepped in. Her eyes brightened as she saw me.
Soon I was placed in a tub filled with warm water and bubbles. The girl giggled, as she lathered the strawberry smelling soap through my fur. After the bath, I shook my coat off, splashing water all over the tile floor of the bathroom. This made her laugh even more. My tail lifted and wagged back and forth, with joy. What fun!
The girl picked me up, and brought me back into the blue walled room, left, and returned with a bowl of delicious smelling chicken. My stomach rumbled, as the food nears. I licked my lips at the sight of the food. I couldn’t remember a time when food smelled or tasted so good. The girl watched as I gobbled up, and licked the bowl clean.
“You must’ve been hungry!” she exclaimed, and gave me a pat on the back. The girl took the bowl away, then returned once more. This time, with an older looking man with greying hair, and a walking stick. The man’s wrinkled eyes turned up as he saw me, and hobbled towards me. He plopped himself down, and scratched behind my ears. Never had humans been so kind.
After a bit of playing tug of war with a stick, and more scratches and pets, I settled down on the ground in front of a flame on the first floor. I sighed contently. I couldn’t imagine another dog more happier than I was then. I was home.
Ten tiny puppies, my siblings, is the first moment I remember. Our golden-brown coats, as soft as a blanket. Our mother, Kira, taught us everything we knew. By day, she scavenged, only coming back during mid morning to comfort us, or feed, but at night, we curled up against her soft side and huddled together in the cold. Once, when I was about 2 weeks old, our eyes just barely open, I remember an odd creature come into our alley. It looked like mother, but more ferocious. With large fangs, and a wrinkled, scarred face, the hound sniffed the ground. My siblings whimpered as the dog grew near. We could smell the disgusting scent coming off his muddy fur. He held his head high as he neared us, bearing his teeth. The next thing I remember was fear, as he took one pounce, and sunk his teeth into my brother. Blood poured from his golden coat onto mine, splashing the yellow, a deep scarlet.
After that, he took one glare at the rest of us, threateningly, then without another word, ran off into the distance. My brother’s breaths grew shallower, as we whined for our mother. I took it as my responsibility to comfort him. Placing my head around him protectively. It grew colder into the night, but still we called for our mother. Our cries were the only thing heard, besides the occasional hoot of an owl, or car going by. We saw nor heard any sign of our mother, but still our brother persisted. Fighting the pain, that dog was the bravest I’d ever known.
When finally, the sun peaked through the clouds, we heard the small padded footsteps of a dog. Our mother limped into view. Her head hung low, and her tail drooped. She looked tired, but ignored her own problems when she saw what the dog had done. Her eyes looked sad, as she nudged my brother carefully with her nose, and licked the top of his head affectionately. Then she curled herself around us, and placed her head next to mine. Her calm breaths lulling us to sleep.
Brother was gone by night. I could tell because of the way his body didn’t rise and fall with his breaths. We sorrowed over the loss of our brother. We howled into the night, like wolves at a moon, only it wasn’t a moon. It was a brother.
My last memory of being stray, it was night. I had grown up into a fairly handsome dog, with a glossy golden coat just like my mother’s. Since we were now grown. We hunted with our mother. We learned how to search through garbage dumps for bits of scraps the humans throw away carelessly. Sometimes, we met other animals there. One of the most reappearing figure was the rather large seagull that just hopped around on trash piles. Mother said not to talk to the other creatures, for fear that if we befriended another species, then we would forever have to repay them, or even face betrayal.
One day, I was off searching a bit farther from the family trash pile, when a storm arose. Barks rang through the air, as rain poured down. I couldn’t see where my family was. I wandered blindly, bumping into one thing or the other. When finally, I was so cold, I couldn’t feel my own paws, I collapsed on the cold ground, letting myself be drenched in water.
When I woke up, I was no longer at the dump. Someone had wrapped a blanket around me, and the colors of the new room were bright. I squinted my eyes, and took in the surroundings. The walls no longer seemed so bright, and appeared to be a teal blue on the back wall and a beautiful sky blue on the side walls.
There was a window to the right of me, displaying a huge tree, and a wooden desk to the left. Where was I? Suddenly, I heard footsteps coming near, and the large door opened. A young human stepped in. Her eyes brightened as she saw me.
Soon I was placed in a tub filled with warm water and bubbles. The girl giggled, as she lathered the strawberry smelling soap through my fur. After the bath, I shook my coat off, splashing water all over the tile floor of the bathroom. This made her laugh even more. My tail lifted and wagged back and forth, with joy. What fun!
The girl picked me up, and brought me back into the blue walled room, left, and returned with a bowl of delicious smelling chicken. My stomach rumbled, as the food nears. I licked my lips at the sight of the food. I couldn’t remember a time when food smelled or tasted so good. The girl watched as I gobbled up, and licked the bowl clean.
“You must’ve been hungry!” she exclaimed, and gave me a pat on the back. The girl took the bowl away, then returned once more. This time, with an older looking man with greying hair, and a walking stick. The man’s wrinkled eyes turned up as he saw me, and hobbled towards me. He plopped himself down, and scratched behind my ears. Never had humans been so kind.
After a bit of playing tug of war with a stick, and more scratches and pets, I settled down on the ground in front of a flame on the first floor. I sighed contently. I couldn’t imagine another dog more happier than I was then. I was home.
The Lost Palace
“This palace was no normal palace. It was located on an isolated island where many people have never visited. Many of the local townsfolk think of this location as a dangerous, cursed place. Because of this, even explorers have been hesitant,” Scott recited as he finished the paragraph and gently closed the cover of the old hardcover book. It was a bright but quiet morning on the boat in the Atlantic Ocean. “You can stop repeating the same page in your ominous voice,” Vincent muttered from the back of the small boat. Scott sighs, “It’s just unnerving, okay? Sneaking over to a lone, deserted island to which no man has gone to in years.” It was a pretty large island, but with the palace on it, there was barely any empty space left. The outside of the island was populated with palm trees holding some growing green coconuts. They then began to approach the beach of the island.
The pair hooked up the boat to the land by the shore once they arrived. They grabbed their heavy backpacks and set out to the easily visible palace. Their backpacks were heavy duty packs that were filled with food, water and equipment for many situations. Thick rope, medicinal supplies, and more. Were they heavy? Certainly! “There’s no going back now,” commented Vincent. Gray bricks made the building’s main portion and held in gold framed windows with red curtains. The only odd thing was that the palace looked perfectly new and cleaned. No natural wear, no damaged pieces, nothing. It looked like it was built just a few days ago. This certainly didn’t match with what was told in Scott’s borrowed books or other stories and legends of this long forgotten palace. “That’s not normal,” mumbled Scott, “It seems like someone’s cleaned it… daily.” The doors of the palace were quite large, as if an eight foot man could fit through just the door. The door had a small symbol on the top. It looked like a small spade, like from a deck of playing cards. Scott pushed one side of the door, Vincent the other. Once they got in, they pushed the door back into place slowly. “Cozy, ain’t it?” Vincent uttered as Scott chuckled, “The lights are on… already. There’s also no signs of weathering again.” The lobby had just a table with a nice vase of flowers, a chair, a door, a sign, a carpet, and a small counter area where someone could stand behind. The sign said nothing, although there seemed to be a gap in the middle of it where letters could’ve been inscribed before. “Thinking about it, there wasn’t any name of the palace at the front of it,” said Scott. The walls were a soft peach color except for the front one, a darker orange. “I feel like someone’s been tinkering with this place,” Scott said slowly. “Let’s not jump to conclusions though,” replied Vincent. Scott began to search around and observe the lobby in greater detail. It seemed that with Scott’s comment, they both got more uneasy. Vincent parted the curtains on each window. Finally he parted the front windows and saw something horrifying: their boat… was gone. All that was left remaining was the small post they brought with them and the rope dangling off of it into the water. Although Vincent frantically looked through every window to see if he could see it, he found no boat. The only thing that changed was this: there was a large spade (the same one on the palace’s door’s top) drawn in the sand. “Oh no,” Vincent uttered, his voice shaking.
“This palace was no normal palace. It was located on an isolated island where many people have never visited. Many of the local townsfolk think of this location as a dangerous, cursed place. Because of this, even explorers have been hesitant,” Scott recited as he finished the paragraph and gently closed the cover of the old hardcover book. It was a bright but quiet morning on the boat in the Atlantic Ocean. “You can stop repeating the same page in your ominous voice,” Vincent muttered from the back of the small boat. Scott sighs, “It’s just unnerving, okay? Sneaking over to a lone, deserted island to which no man has gone to in years.” It was a pretty large island, but with the palace on it, there was barely any empty space left. The outside of the island was populated with palm trees holding some growing green coconuts. They then began to approach the beach of the island.
The pair hooked up the boat to the land by the shore once they arrived. They grabbed their heavy backpacks and set out to the easily visible palace. Their backpacks were heavy duty packs that were filled with food, water and equipment for many situations. Thick rope, medicinal supplies, and more. Were they heavy? Certainly! “There’s no going back now,” commented Vincent. Gray bricks made the building’s main portion and held in gold framed windows with red curtains. The only odd thing was that the palace looked perfectly new and cleaned. No natural wear, no damaged pieces, nothing. It looked like it was built just a few days ago. This certainly didn’t match with what was told in Scott’s borrowed books or other stories and legends of this long forgotten palace. “That’s not normal,” mumbled Scott, “It seems like someone’s cleaned it… daily.” The doors of the palace were quite large, as if an eight foot man could fit through just the door. The door had a small symbol on the top. It looked like a small spade, like from a deck of playing cards. Scott pushed one side of the door, Vincent the other. Once they got in, they pushed the door back into place slowly. “Cozy, ain’t it?” Vincent uttered as Scott chuckled, “The lights are on… already. There’s also no signs of weathering again.” The lobby had just a table with a nice vase of flowers, a chair, a door, a sign, a carpet, and a small counter area where someone could stand behind. The sign said nothing, although there seemed to be a gap in the middle of it where letters could’ve been inscribed before. “Thinking about it, there wasn’t any name of the palace at the front of it,” said Scott. The walls were a soft peach color except for the front one, a darker orange. “I feel like someone’s been tinkering with this place,” Scott said slowly. “Let’s not jump to conclusions though,” replied Vincent. Scott began to search around and observe the lobby in greater detail. It seemed that with Scott’s comment, they both got more uneasy. Vincent parted the curtains on each window. Finally he parted the front windows and saw something horrifying: their boat… was gone. All that was left remaining was the small post they brought with them and the rope dangling off of it into the water. Although Vincent frantically looked through every window to see if he could see it, he found no boat. The only thing that changed was this: there was a large spade (the same one on the palace’s door’s top) drawn in the sand. “Oh no,” Vincent uttered, his voice shaking.
Leabharlann
In Oisin’s small little town in South Cork Ireland, was a little building that he’d been told was a library. He walked by everyday on his way to and from school, there was a man who was always sitting outside on his old rocker. Nobody ever greeted him as they passed by, or if they ever said anything it was crude, and inappropriate. One day after school he was just walking home from school carrying his hurley and throwing up his slitor and catching it. He noticed something odd as he walked by the library. The man was not sitting outside! He dropped his things and thought to himself that now would be a great time to take a peek inside. He slowly approached the door carefully touching the doorknob as if something was going to jump out and scare him. Oisin was incredibly hesitant thinking of all the terrible things that could happen to him if he opened the door. He decided to just go for it. He swung the door open flinching. When he stepped inside, there was the man sitting on what seemed to be a window seat. Books were lined up all the wall, the books were color coordinated in a rainbow order.
He was amazed at the sight of the lough behind the window seat. Oisin slowly approached the man, taking careful cautious steps as if he was going to break something. The man looked up from the big book he was reading. The man said “How you doing Oisin”. Oisin responded “Fine thank you, how exactly do you know my name sir?”. The man responded “I know everyone’s name”. The man told Oisin to sit down on the chair next to him. Oisin later found out that the man’s name was Aodan. Aodan proceeded to tell Oisin how his great, great grandad was originally the owner of the building. It was later passed down to his father. When Aidan was little he was incredibly embarrassed because his family owned a library, relying off of money from the government. Living from paycheck to paycheck along with his four sisters. Everyday walking by after school he would pretend to not notice the building, afraid his friends would make fun of him. About 20 years later his father passed away. Remembering how much his father treasured the library he decided to keep it. Ever since then he sat outside hoping that no one had forgotten that there was even a library. About everyday people would come in, over time that amount of people started to decrease. Aodan now, sits outside hoping someone would go in. Aodan’s wish ever since his father had passed was to keep the spirit of the library alive. Aodan noticed Oisin slowly gaining interest on the library every day that he walked by. Aodan proceeded to tell Oisin that he hasn't had any visitors in the library in a few years. People are too busy, getting involved in so many things over the years that no people have gone to the library. Oisin decided to come back everyday as he wanted to help Aodan out with the library.
In Oisin’s small little town in South Cork Ireland, was a little building that he’d been told was a library. He walked by everyday on his way to and from school, there was a man who was always sitting outside on his old rocker. Nobody ever greeted him as they passed by, or if they ever said anything it was crude, and inappropriate. One day after school he was just walking home from school carrying his hurley and throwing up his slitor and catching it. He noticed something odd as he walked by the library. The man was not sitting outside! He dropped his things and thought to himself that now would be a great time to take a peek inside. He slowly approached the door carefully touching the doorknob as if something was going to jump out and scare him. Oisin was incredibly hesitant thinking of all the terrible things that could happen to him if he opened the door. He decided to just go for it. He swung the door open flinching. When he stepped inside, there was the man sitting on what seemed to be a window seat. Books were lined up all the wall, the books were color coordinated in a rainbow order.
He was amazed at the sight of the lough behind the window seat. Oisin slowly approached the man, taking careful cautious steps as if he was going to break something. The man looked up from the big book he was reading. The man said “How you doing Oisin”. Oisin responded “Fine thank you, how exactly do you know my name sir?”. The man responded “I know everyone’s name”. The man told Oisin to sit down on the chair next to him. Oisin later found out that the man’s name was Aodan. Aodan proceeded to tell Oisin how his great, great grandad was originally the owner of the building. It was later passed down to his father. When Aidan was little he was incredibly embarrassed because his family owned a library, relying off of money from the government. Living from paycheck to paycheck along with his four sisters. Everyday walking by after school he would pretend to not notice the building, afraid his friends would make fun of him. About 20 years later his father passed away. Remembering how much his father treasured the library he decided to keep it. Ever since then he sat outside hoping that no one had forgotten that there was even a library. About everyday people would come in, over time that amount of people started to decrease. Aodan now, sits outside hoping someone would go in. Aodan’s wish ever since his father had passed was to keep the spirit of the library alive. Aodan noticed Oisin slowly gaining interest on the library every day that he walked by. Aodan proceeded to tell Oisin that he hasn't had any visitors in the library in a few years. People are too busy, getting involved in so many things over the years that no people have gone to the library. Oisin decided to come back everyday as he wanted to help Aodan out with the library.
A Safe Haven to Write
Basil hummed as she nodded her head to the music pumping through her headphones. She brushed a strand of brown hair out of her eyes. She picked up another heavy cardboard box and carried it out to the van. Twirling back to the steps, Basil danced into the empty living room, a wide hallway, and finally to her room. Mis-matched walls everywhere, and clothes strewn around the floor. Basil picked up an empty box and shoved all her shoes into it. When the music reached the end of it’s playlist, she paused for a long moment.
“Basil?” Her mom called from the doorway. Basil slipped off the headphones and turned toward her.
“Yes?”
“Honey, we have to go!” Ms. Monica cried as she glimpsed the chaos adrift in her daughter’s room. “What have you been doing for the past hour?”
“Packing up my bathroom,” Basil snapped and turned away. She folded the flaps of the box on top, picking up a new box and placing heaps of un-folded clothes into it. She glanced at the pink wall her bed was pushed against, the bare mattress unsettling.
“It took you that long? We have to leave in half that time! Pack up quickly.” Basil silently filled the box and closed it. She pushed past her mother angrily to grab an empty one from the living room.
“BASIL EMERALD MONICA!” Her mother shouted from the doorway. “I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN YOUR BEHAVIOR!”
“Mom, I don’t care. And I don’t want to leave!” Basil shoved past her mom one more time and filled the last box with the rest of her belongings that still littered her room. She stacked the boxes and carried them out to the van, setting them in the back. The car was packed with all the cardboard boxes, different sizes and even littering the front seat. Basil moved the one in her way and set it in the back, closing the trunk behind her. She climbed into the passenger seat and pulled the headphones back on her head. She was already listening to her music when Ms. Monica climbed in and started the car.
They pulled out of the driveway towards the city streets. They rolled past the interstate towards the freeway, taking exit B43 to an intersection leading them to the highway. They rolled past buildings with flourishing gardens positioned a ways away from the road. Cars sped past them, breaking the speed limit by a long shot, but Ms. Monica didn’t speed up even when the cars behind her honked their horns loudly. Basil gazed at the passing cities out the window until her playlist ended. They ended up in a heavy traffic jam, and Basil’s mother sighed.
“I know you didn’t want to move,” She said to her daughters turned back. “And I didn’t want to either. But, honey-”
“Work is tough here. I know. I understand.” Basil turned to her mom. “That doesn’t mean I’m happy about it.” Ms. Monica nodded as the cars inched along. It took longer than expected to get to the quiet town of Asythia.
“Which room do you want?” Basil studied the home. It was large for two people, with high ceilings and large windows. There was roughly an acre of grassy land that Basil could see out of the back porch. The neighbors were a bit distant, but the landscape was beautiful with lush grass and flourishing gardens. Basil walked up the stairs to the second floor, exploring the hallways.
“Basil?” Her mother called after her. “You never answered my question!” All the doors on the second floor had been pushed open, except for the one in the back. Basil walked toward it cautiously…
Inside was a white room with a colorful stained-glass window against one wall, and a huge floor-to-ceiling windows on an adjacent wall. The floors were dark hardwood, and Basil could see the slight rise of a hill out of the glass.
“I WANT THIS ONE!” She called down to her mother. Her mom walked through the door and gasped.
“Oh my. This is wonderful,” She whispered in shock. “Certainly has potential.” She turned to her daughter. “I thought you would like the room with the light floors.” Basil tensed.
“I… uh… do. Aww, now I can’t decide,” She yelped. Her mom laughed quietly.
“Don’t worry. This’ll make a great office. It might be a tad too bright in the morning to sleep in here.” Basil laughed too.
“Hey mom,” She asked. “Can I get some paint?”
“Of course. Whatever you need to make yourself feel at home.” Basil nodded.
“Can I borrow your car?”
“Oh, uh…” Heart mom hesitated. “Yes.” Basil ran out, grabbing the keys and driving to a store. After a quick shopping trip, she came back to paint the walls. She placed a colorful rug down and set up her leaning bookshelf. She unpacked her boxes and placed her books on the shelf against the walls. She hung up a stretch mural and a few paintings of mythical creatures.
“Are you hungry, Basil? Her mom called up from the stairs.
“Not really!” She called back.
“Okay! Tell me if you need anything!” Bsil hurriedly worked until her feet felt like cement and she couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore. She fell into the cushion of her beanbag chair and instantly fell asleep.
Basil opened her eyes at 4 am, getting two hours of sleep and restless. Her fingers itched to write. She picked her laptop off the ground and turned it on. A low hum filled the air as the screen lit up. Words dashed before Basil’s eyes and she started to type.
Ms. Monica woke up and shivered. She pulled on a bathrobe and slipped her feet into her slippers. Walking down the hall groggily, she knocked on her daughter’s door. Nobody answered, and when she opened the door the bed was empty. Ms. Monica blinked twice and shut the door. She cracked open the door to her daughter’s “office”. The sun was shining through the big window to the east, and Ms. Monica gasped at what the room had become. The walls were each painted a different color. Paintings of color and unicorns and dragons sat of the walls. Books were arranged with cute bookends. Pillows and blankets were scattered on the floor, and a bubble rug squished underneath her feet. Ms. Monica saw Basil slumped over in the beanbag, her body sinking into the cushion. She sighed with relief and noticed Bail’s laptop sitting on the floor next to her, open to a story. Basil stirred slightly and Ms. Monica closed the door with a soft thud, tiptoeing back to her own room. Ms. Monica was blissfully happy, and felt like having a relaxing day. As she dipped downstairs for a cup of coffee, she had only one thought, I’m glad Basil likes it here.
Basil hummed as she nodded her head to the music pumping through her headphones. She brushed a strand of brown hair out of her eyes. She picked up another heavy cardboard box and carried it out to the van. Twirling back to the steps, Basil danced into the empty living room, a wide hallway, and finally to her room. Mis-matched walls everywhere, and clothes strewn around the floor. Basil picked up an empty box and shoved all her shoes into it. When the music reached the end of it’s playlist, she paused for a long moment.
“Basil?” Her mom called from the doorway. Basil slipped off the headphones and turned toward her.
“Yes?”
“Honey, we have to go!” Ms. Monica cried as she glimpsed the chaos adrift in her daughter’s room. “What have you been doing for the past hour?”
“Packing up my bathroom,” Basil snapped and turned away. She folded the flaps of the box on top, picking up a new box and placing heaps of un-folded clothes into it. She glanced at the pink wall her bed was pushed against, the bare mattress unsettling.
“It took you that long? We have to leave in half that time! Pack up quickly.” Basil silently filled the box and closed it. She pushed past her mother angrily to grab an empty one from the living room.
“BASIL EMERALD MONICA!” Her mother shouted from the doorway. “I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN YOUR BEHAVIOR!”
“Mom, I don’t care. And I don’t want to leave!” Basil shoved past her mom one more time and filled the last box with the rest of her belongings that still littered her room. She stacked the boxes and carried them out to the van, setting them in the back. The car was packed with all the cardboard boxes, different sizes and even littering the front seat. Basil moved the one in her way and set it in the back, closing the trunk behind her. She climbed into the passenger seat and pulled the headphones back on her head. She was already listening to her music when Ms. Monica climbed in and started the car.
They pulled out of the driveway towards the city streets. They rolled past the interstate towards the freeway, taking exit B43 to an intersection leading them to the highway. They rolled past buildings with flourishing gardens positioned a ways away from the road. Cars sped past them, breaking the speed limit by a long shot, but Ms. Monica didn’t speed up even when the cars behind her honked their horns loudly. Basil gazed at the passing cities out the window until her playlist ended. They ended up in a heavy traffic jam, and Basil’s mother sighed.
“I know you didn’t want to move,” She said to her daughters turned back. “And I didn’t want to either. But, honey-”
“Work is tough here. I know. I understand.” Basil turned to her mom. “That doesn’t mean I’m happy about it.” Ms. Monica nodded as the cars inched along. It took longer than expected to get to the quiet town of Asythia.
“Which room do you want?” Basil studied the home. It was large for two people, with high ceilings and large windows. There was roughly an acre of grassy land that Basil could see out of the back porch. The neighbors were a bit distant, but the landscape was beautiful with lush grass and flourishing gardens. Basil walked up the stairs to the second floor, exploring the hallways.
“Basil?” Her mother called after her. “You never answered my question!” All the doors on the second floor had been pushed open, except for the one in the back. Basil walked toward it cautiously…
Inside was a white room with a colorful stained-glass window against one wall, and a huge floor-to-ceiling windows on an adjacent wall. The floors were dark hardwood, and Basil could see the slight rise of a hill out of the glass.
“I WANT THIS ONE!” She called down to her mother. Her mom walked through the door and gasped.
“Oh my. This is wonderful,” She whispered in shock. “Certainly has potential.” She turned to her daughter. “I thought you would like the room with the light floors.” Basil tensed.
“I… uh… do. Aww, now I can’t decide,” She yelped. Her mom laughed quietly.
“Don’t worry. This’ll make a great office. It might be a tad too bright in the morning to sleep in here.” Basil laughed too.
“Hey mom,” She asked. “Can I get some paint?”
“Of course. Whatever you need to make yourself feel at home.” Basil nodded.
“Can I borrow your car?”
“Oh, uh…” Heart mom hesitated. “Yes.” Basil ran out, grabbing the keys and driving to a store. After a quick shopping trip, she came back to paint the walls. She placed a colorful rug down and set up her leaning bookshelf. She unpacked her boxes and placed her books on the shelf against the walls. She hung up a stretch mural and a few paintings of mythical creatures.
“Are you hungry, Basil? Her mom called up from the stairs.
“Not really!” She called back.
“Okay! Tell me if you need anything!” Bsil hurriedly worked until her feet felt like cement and she couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore. She fell into the cushion of her beanbag chair and instantly fell asleep.
Basil opened her eyes at 4 am, getting two hours of sleep and restless. Her fingers itched to write. She picked her laptop off the ground and turned it on. A low hum filled the air as the screen lit up. Words dashed before Basil’s eyes and she started to type.
Ms. Monica woke up and shivered. She pulled on a bathrobe and slipped her feet into her slippers. Walking down the hall groggily, she knocked on her daughter’s door. Nobody answered, and when she opened the door the bed was empty. Ms. Monica blinked twice and shut the door. She cracked open the door to her daughter’s “office”. The sun was shining through the big window to the east, and Ms. Monica gasped at what the room had become. The walls were each painted a different color. Paintings of color and unicorns and dragons sat of the walls. Books were arranged with cute bookends. Pillows and blankets were scattered on the floor, and a bubble rug squished underneath her feet. Ms. Monica saw Basil slumped over in the beanbag, her body sinking into the cushion. She sighed with relief and noticed Bail’s laptop sitting on the floor next to her, open to a story. Basil stirred slightly and Ms. Monica closed the door with a soft thud, tiptoeing back to her own room. Ms. Monica was blissfully happy, and felt like having a relaxing day. As she dipped downstairs for a cup of coffee, she had only one thought, I’m glad Basil likes it here.
Hogwarts
Once upon a time in Salem in 1692, there was a girl named Eliza who lived with her parents in a small farmhouse. One summer night close to the beginning of the school year, Eliza received a letter in the mail. The envelope was sealed with a red wax seal with an H on on an intricate crest. It was addressed to her. She had almost never gotten a letter from anyone. Being so eager, she decided she would open in alone and keep it from her parents until she knew who it was and what it was for. Eliza snuck up to her room quietly and sat on her bed, thrilled and anxious to open her mail. She slid her finger underneath the red seal and it popped off with a satisfying sticky sound. The letter was on yellow-brown old looking parchment. The letter was beautifully handwritten in shiny black ink, and the letters curled at the ends in perfect cursive. The letter read:
Dear Ms. Elizabeth Abbott,
You have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The term will begin on September 1st. Please go to King’s Cross station on platform 9 3/4. Enclosed is a list of supplies that will be needed.
She couldn’t believe it. Obviously there had been some mistake. She wasn’t a witch. That wasn’t aloud. Witches were killed in Salem. She decided she would keep the letter a secret. If anyone knew, she would be a goner. Despite the horror and astonishment of finding she was a witch, she desperately wanted to go to the school and learn how to use her forbidden power. She had always thought it wrong to hang and burn witches, anyway. She wished she could go, but she knew that her parents would never let her. Even if they knew, she was sure they would turn her in and let her die. They were terrified of the witches. Scanning the list of supplies, she realized she would never have enough money to buy it all. It would be more dangerous than ever now to live in Salem. She would have to conceal her power always, and never use it, or she would be found and killed. She couldn’t ignore her powers now that she knew they existed. She was too curious, she would never go unnoticed. There was only one option left. She was going to Hogwarts secretly. Eliza ran to her dresser and packed up everything she had in an old potato sack, which was not very much. She brought with her all the school supplies she owned, which was, of course, nothing compared to the list. Eliza still needed the books on magic. Realizing she would also need a pet, she ran down to the barn in search for a rat. The only rat she found was a bloody skeleton in the hay, reminding her that there was also a stray cat that lived in the barn. She called her name, Misty, and the cat came running. She had named her Misty for her misty gray coat, but after bathing her in the stream, she found that Misty’s coat was originally white. Eliza scooped up the cat and went back upstairs for the rest of her luggage. She left immediately. It was the middle of the night, and a great time to sneak onto a boat.
After hours of walking, Eliza came to the harbor, where a huge boat was preparing to leave. She walked up to a man standing in line to board and asked innocently,
“Excuse me, sir, where is this boat going?”
“Scotland,” The man replied with a grunt. Scotland was where Hogwarts was. She had come in perfect timing, all she had to do was hide in a barrel or a sack like stowaways did, and she would be off to Hogwarts. She scanned the sides of the ship for an opening. There was a window just big enough for her to climb through, where sailors were loading sacks of food and barrels of water into. She figured she could get in if the sailors left for a moment, so she decided to cause a distraction. She approached a woman in line, avoiding the man she approached before. Eliza had found him quite grumpy.
“Excuse me, miss,” She asked politely, “Will you please cause a distraction for me?”
“Heavens, no!” The woman replied, “You’re a stowaway, aren’t you?” Eliza had expected this, but she had a plan.
“I’ll give you a pound of gold,” The woman considered the offer, then agreed. Eliza gave her a pound of stones in a bag that she had painted gold a long time ago, just in case of a desperate occasion like this. The woman began screaming about a broken leg as Eliza snuck away. The sailors came running and left the window unguarded. She hopped in quietly with Misty at her heels. The room was small, and full of sacks, baskets and barrels of food. It was perfect. They would have food and places to hide when someone came in. She and her cat settled in behind a sack of grain and fell asleep.
After days on the boat, they had finally arrived in Scotland. Eliza and Misty climbed out of the window, thinking there would be no sailors outside. When her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight, she saw that she was face to face with one.
“What do you think you’re doing, stowaway?” He barked. She did the only thing she could think of. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, and eventually he lost her to the crowd. She got directions from an old man on how to get to King’s Cross Station. She got a ride there from a wealthy couple, again from the fake gold. She couldn’t find platform 9 ¾. The number didn’t even make sense. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted another young witch disappearing into a wall, underneath a sign that said “Platform 9 ¾”. She wondered if she could, too. So she walked gingerly into the bricks and found herself on the other side. The station was bustling with people, and there was a huge scarlet train. That was the Hogwarts Express. Still in awe, she got pushed by the crowd into the train, and before long, she was truly on her way to Hogwarts.
When they arrived once more, Eliza saw a beautiful castle. She and all the other first years were led into huge wooden doors, with floating torches on each side. The room they stepped into was the biggest room she had ever seen. It was a long hall with four long tables and Hogwarts banners on the walls. She was in Hogwarts, and more excited than ever to learn witchcraft.
Once upon a time in Salem in 1692, there was a girl named Eliza who lived with her parents in a small farmhouse. One summer night close to the beginning of the school year, Eliza received a letter in the mail. The envelope was sealed with a red wax seal with an H on on an intricate crest. It was addressed to her. She had almost never gotten a letter from anyone. Being so eager, she decided she would open in alone and keep it from her parents until she knew who it was and what it was for. Eliza snuck up to her room quietly and sat on her bed, thrilled and anxious to open her mail. She slid her finger underneath the red seal and it popped off with a satisfying sticky sound. The letter was on yellow-brown old looking parchment. The letter was beautifully handwritten in shiny black ink, and the letters curled at the ends in perfect cursive. The letter read:
Dear Ms. Elizabeth Abbott,
You have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The term will begin on September 1st. Please go to King’s Cross station on platform 9 3/4. Enclosed is a list of supplies that will be needed.
She couldn’t believe it. Obviously there had been some mistake. She wasn’t a witch. That wasn’t aloud. Witches were killed in Salem. She decided she would keep the letter a secret. If anyone knew, she would be a goner. Despite the horror and astonishment of finding she was a witch, she desperately wanted to go to the school and learn how to use her forbidden power. She had always thought it wrong to hang and burn witches, anyway. She wished she could go, but she knew that her parents would never let her. Even if they knew, she was sure they would turn her in and let her die. They were terrified of the witches. Scanning the list of supplies, she realized she would never have enough money to buy it all. It would be more dangerous than ever now to live in Salem. She would have to conceal her power always, and never use it, or she would be found and killed. She couldn’t ignore her powers now that she knew they existed. She was too curious, she would never go unnoticed. There was only one option left. She was going to Hogwarts secretly. Eliza ran to her dresser and packed up everything she had in an old potato sack, which was not very much. She brought with her all the school supplies she owned, which was, of course, nothing compared to the list. Eliza still needed the books on magic. Realizing she would also need a pet, she ran down to the barn in search for a rat. The only rat she found was a bloody skeleton in the hay, reminding her that there was also a stray cat that lived in the barn. She called her name, Misty, and the cat came running. She had named her Misty for her misty gray coat, but after bathing her in the stream, she found that Misty’s coat was originally white. Eliza scooped up the cat and went back upstairs for the rest of her luggage. She left immediately. It was the middle of the night, and a great time to sneak onto a boat.
After hours of walking, Eliza came to the harbor, where a huge boat was preparing to leave. She walked up to a man standing in line to board and asked innocently,
“Excuse me, sir, where is this boat going?”
“Scotland,” The man replied with a grunt. Scotland was where Hogwarts was. She had come in perfect timing, all she had to do was hide in a barrel or a sack like stowaways did, and she would be off to Hogwarts. She scanned the sides of the ship for an opening. There was a window just big enough for her to climb through, where sailors were loading sacks of food and barrels of water into. She figured she could get in if the sailors left for a moment, so she decided to cause a distraction. She approached a woman in line, avoiding the man she approached before. Eliza had found him quite grumpy.
“Excuse me, miss,” She asked politely, “Will you please cause a distraction for me?”
“Heavens, no!” The woman replied, “You’re a stowaway, aren’t you?” Eliza had expected this, but she had a plan.
“I’ll give you a pound of gold,” The woman considered the offer, then agreed. Eliza gave her a pound of stones in a bag that she had painted gold a long time ago, just in case of a desperate occasion like this. The woman began screaming about a broken leg as Eliza snuck away. The sailors came running and left the window unguarded. She hopped in quietly with Misty at her heels. The room was small, and full of sacks, baskets and barrels of food. It was perfect. They would have food and places to hide when someone came in. She and her cat settled in behind a sack of grain and fell asleep.
After days on the boat, they had finally arrived in Scotland. Eliza and Misty climbed out of the window, thinking there would be no sailors outside. When her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight, she saw that she was face to face with one.
“What do you think you’re doing, stowaway?” He barked. She did the only thing she could think of. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, and eventually he lost her to the crowd. She got directions from an old man on how to get to King’s Cross Station. She got a ride there from a wealthy couple, again from the fake gold. She couldn’t find platform 9 ¾. The number didn’t even make sense. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted another young witch disappearing into a wall, underneath a sign that said “Platform 9 ¾”. She wondered if she could, too. So she walked gingerly into the bricks and found herself on the other side. The station was bustling with people, and there was a huge scarlet train. That was the Hogwarts Express. Still in awe, she got pushed by the crowd into the train, and before long, she was truly on her way to Hogwarts.
When they arrived once more, Eliza saw a beautiful castle. She and all the other first years were led into huge wooden doors, with floating torches on each side. The room they stepped into was the biggest room she had ever seen. It was a long hall with four long tables and Hogwarts banners on the walls. She was in Hogwarts, and more excited than ever to learn witchcraft.
The Library
Another cold dry day it seems. Bad day to be on the run but I guess since World War 2 started I have always been on the run. Ever since Dad went to war, and Mom and Lily (my sister) ran away to get protection from the natzeis since we are Jewish I have been alone. Being alone it is not the best, but I am alive and that's better than many people during this war. But, I miss having food every day and going to school, but most of all I miss having a home. A place that is warm and cosy and I could walk into and say, “home sweet home.” But, given that allies and dirt roads are not home I guess I will not say that for awhile.
I turn onto main street trying to remember where I was going. Do I even have a destination? Then I remembered what I was looking for, food. It had been almost two days since I had had anything to eat or drink. I walk into a store thankful for the little bit of heating. After warming up I take out the one thing I was able to get before leaving my house, 15 dollars. When I use to live in the house after Dad left and Mom and Lily ran away, the landlord came by asking for the rent. Understandable given that I am 12 I didn’t have enough money for the rent. So, when he came I gave him 25 dollar but it wasn’t enough, so I took in back and walked out of the house. I may be only 12, but I know that no rent equals no house. I had already spent 10 dollars on some food which only lasted me a week. I really need to find a job, but I stopped going to school in 2nd grade and am not qualified for anything!
I look around the store for anything I could afford. I finally decide on bread and milk. I am now down to only 10 dollars. I sit down and rip of a little bit of bread, but save the rest plus the milk. I look around the big crowd of people. Many people are begging for money and food. I almost feel as if I should give them some bread but I quickly remind myself that it was the only food I have.
I suddenly hear a noise in the distance, everyone stops and stares at the rode. What is going on I think to myself. It is then I see a parade of people yelling Nazis, Nazis, Nazis. I think of that word knowing I had heard it before but I was so tired I can not remember. I suddenly birst into running remebering the Nazies kill Jewish people, so given that I am Jewish I don’t think they will like me! I turn around and see a Nazis looking straight at me. Some how he sees the fear in my eyes are knows I am Jewish. He tapes the man next to him pointing at me. They nod as if they had shared some kind of secret they could never tell. They separate from the rest running after me. I can’t believe this is happening. I mean I know they killed Jewish people but I never thought it would happen to me. Not that I am different than others it’s just you see these things happen to people but you never put yourself in there place.
It wasn’t until I ran into a tree I realize how fast I was going. I quickly look around. Where am I? I think I am in the woods, but where are the woods in? I had been running for so long I had to stop, but I still heard their footsteps in the distance. I find a large tree to hide behind. As the steps got louder and louder. I peak out from behind the tree and see two men with blond hair and blue eyes trying to find me.
“I think we lost her.” one says.
“Lets just go back the parade.” The other agrees.
When I was sure they were gone I came out from behind the tree. I looked around to make sure the coast is clear. It is clear. I come out and serve for my milk to see where I dropped it and my bread. Great, now I have no food and no way out of these woods. I look around for anyone who could help me find my way back home. Wait that's right I do not have a home. I see know one, but I think there is a building in the distance.
When I get to it, I open the door to hear a loud squeak. I peek inside the room, there is a dime light from three windows at the top of the room. I see a lamp on a desk and turn it on. I could clearly see the room, and there is no one else in the room. I see plants and flowers all around the desk. Every flower and plant was different and special.
When I stop admiring the flowers, I looked down the hallway at the bookshelves rubbing my hands over all of the books as if they would disappear if I didn’t touch them. They all seemed to be different colors. All of them are very beautiful and different, each side had a lamp on it to help me see the amazing room. I walk over to the end of the room and close my eyes breathing in the fresh and warm air. I take a look around the room again and say,
“Home Sweet Home!”
Another cold dry day it seems. Bad day to be on the run but I guess since World War 2 started I have always been on the run. Ever since Dad went to war, and Mom and Lily (my sister) ran away to get protection from the natzeis since we are Jewish I have been alone. Being alone it is not the best, but I am alive and that's better than many people during this war. But, I miss having food every day and going to school, but most of all I miss having a home. A place that is warm and cosy and I could walk into and say, “home sweet home.” But, given that allies and dirt roads are not home I guess I will not say that for awhile.
I turn onto main street trying to remember where I was going. Do I even have a destination? Then I remembered what I was looking for, food. It had been almost two days since I had had anything to eat or drink. I walk into a store thankful for the little bit of heating. After warming up I take out the one thing I was able to get before leaving my house, 15 dollars. When I use to live in the house after Dad left and Mom and Lily ran away, the landlord came by asking for the rent. Understandable given that I am 12 I didn’t have enough money for the rent. So, when he came I gave him 25 dollar but it wasn’t enough, so I took in back and walked out of the house. I may be only 12, but I know that no rent equals no house. I had already spent 10 dollars on some food which only lasted me a week. I really need to find a job, but I stopped going to school in 2nd grade and am not qualified for anything!
I look around the store for anything I could afford. I finally decide on bread and milk. I am now down to only 10 dollars. I sit down and rip of a little bit of bread, but save the rest plus the milk. I look around the big crowd of people. Many people are begging for money and food. I almost feel as if I should give them some bread but I quickly remind myself that it was the only food I have.
I suddenly hear a noise in the distance, everyone stops and stares at the rode. What is going on I think to myself. It is then I see a parade of people yelling Nazis, Nazis, Nazis. I think of that word knowing I had heard it before but I was so tired I can not remember. I suddenly birst into running remebering the Nazies kill Jewish people, so given that I am Jewish I don’t think they will like me! I turn around and see a Nazis looking straight at me. Some how he sees the fear in my eyes are knows I am Jewish. He tapes the man next to him pointing at me. They nod as if they had shared some kind of secret they could never tell. They separate from the rest running after me. I can’t believe this is happening. I mean I know they killed Jewish people but I never thought it would happen to me. Not that I am different than others it’s just you see these things happen to people but you never put yourself in there place.
It wasn’t until I ran into a tree I realize how fast I was going. I quickly look around. Where am I? I think I am in the woods, but where are the woods in? I had been running for so long I had to stop, but I still heard their footsteps in the distance. I find a large tree to hide behind. As the steps got louder and louder. I peak out from behind the tree and see two men with blond hair and blue eyes trying to find me.
“I think we lost her.” one says.
“Lets just go back the parade.” The other agrees.
When I was sure they were gone I came out from behind the tree. I looked around to make sure the coast is clear. It is clear. I come out and serve for my milk to see where I dropped it and my bread. Great, now I have no food and no way out of these woods. I look around for anyone who could help me find my way back home. Wait that's right I do not have a home. I see know one, but I think there is a building in the distance.
When I get to it, I open the door to hear a loud squeak. I peek inside the room, there is a dime light from three windows at the top of the room. I see a lamp on a desk and turn it on. I could clearly see the room, and there is no one else in the room. I see plants and flowers all around the desk. Every flower and plant was different and special.
When I stop admiring the flowers, I looked down the hallway at the bookshelves rubbing my hands over all of the books as if they would disappear if I didn’t touch them. They all seemed to be different colors. All of them are very beautiful and different, each side had a lamp on it to help me see the amazing room. I walk over to the end of the room and close my eyes breathing in the fresh and warm air. I take a look around the room again and say,
“Home Sweet Home!”
Hawaii is my Dream
This is her dream room. Hawaii is a place of colors, beauty, and magic. Her dream is a place of peace and love and Hawaii reminds her of love and peace. Her room is beach-like, tropical, colorful, and calm. This room helps her with her feelings.
Gabby was a girl with a great heart. She was going to Hawaii for vacation. When she heard the word Hawaii she thought about the beaches, colors, flowers and traditions. Shes was going to Hawaii with her mother, and brother. She was glad to go a such a place like Hawaii. She packed her stuff and they went to the airport. She was looking at the window she saw a lot of things. Like the farms, cities, and beaches. Then they got there, when she got out she was amazed by everything and colors. They were going to stay in a hotel for a month. But they first fixed their things in their house
This is her dream room. Hawaii is a place of colors, beauty, and magic. Her dream is a place of peace and love and Hawaii reminds her of love and peace. Her room is beach-like, tropical, colorful, and calm. This room helps her with her feelings.
Gabby was a girl with a great heart. She was going to Hawaii for vacation. When she heard the word Hawaii she thought about the beaches, colors, flowers and traditions. Shes was going to Hawaii with her mother, and brother. She was glad to go a such a place like Hawaii. She packed her stuff and they went to the airport. She was looking at the window she saw a lot of things. Like the farms, cities, and beaches. Then they got there, when she got out she was amazed by everything and colors. They were going to stay in a hotel for a month. But they first fixed their things in their house
The House with the Dark and Light Dreams
Life is a privilege. A house is a privilege once you lose it you see how much it burns to lose what you love. My name is Nicole every night I dream and pray that in the world we each have a place to be sometimes I think that the world is cruel and that the people who rule sometimes just make things worse. For example I don’t have a home that has a lot for it to offer, all it has to offer me is a roof from the bombing that happens outside. It gives me a tv, food and a few things that are valuable to me but may not be for others. I hope one day that everybody will have a home and that we all get along. I wish that one day we don’t spend our world and there is no pollution. I am that kind of person who has to stay indoors to live. Sometimes I wonder if the world will be a better place we have rules who think they can make everything a better place but sometimes one person can’t conquer everything when my parents died I promised to them that I wouldn’t become that kind of person. I wish my parents had left me their bigger better house but instead they decided to give it to my younger sister who is becoming that kind of people who think that they are the people who have it all but they don't. She doesn’t call write, yet every penny that she spends there is a paper of the things she owes, after that she start to call and ask for money. Why do people interact with other people just to ask for things and mostly if the thing that they are asking for is only to spend it on the things they owe because they spend it on things that are useless. I thought to myself well why don't I call her on a public phone. “Hey Bailey I was wondering about the house you live in?” I asked her. “Yeah” she responded. “so I was going to tell you that I was getting a bit depressed living in this home by myself and I really wanted to move in with you? I mean you live in the biggest house mom and dad gave us, and it has many rooms maybe I can move to one of the rooms?” Bailey said “is it something you need to do?” “yes” I responded. “Sure but you are in charge of making your own food, buying your own clothes, wash your own clothes etc. because my maids are mine.”
This was how I noticed that I know that if we work hard and try to be a better person we can do it.
Life is a privilege. A house is a privilege once you lose it you see how much it burns to lose what you love. My name is Nicole every night I dream and pray that in the world we each have a place to be sometimes I think that the world is cruel and that the people who rule sometimes just make things worse. For example I don’t have a home that has a lot for it to offer, all it has to offer me is a roof from the bombing that happens outside. It gives me a tv, food and a few things that are valuable to me but may not be for others. I hope one day that everybody will have a home and that we all get along. I wish that one day we don’t spend our world and there is no pollution. I am that kind of person who has to stay indoors to live. Sometimes I wonder if the world will be a better place we have rules who think they can make everything a better place but sometimes one person can’t conquer everything when my parents died I promised to them that I wouldn’t become that kind of person. I wish my parents had left me their bigger better house but instead they decided to give it to my younger sister who is becoming that kind of people who think that they are the people who have it all but they don't. She doesn’t call write, yet every penny that she spends there is a paper of the things she owes, after that she start to call and ask for money. Why do people interact with other people just to ask for things and mostly if the thing that they are asking for is only to spend it on the things they owe because they spend it on things that are useless. I thought to myself well why don't I call her on a public phone. “Hey Bailey I was wondering about the house you live in?” I asked her. “Yeah” she responded. “so I was going to tell you that I was getting a bit depressed living in this home by myself and I really wanted to move in with you? I mean you live in the biggest house mom and dad gave us, and it has many rooms maybe I can move to one of the rooms?” Bailey said “is it something you need to do?” “yes” I responded. “Sure but you are in charge of making your own food, buying your own clothes, wash your own clothes etc. because my maids are mine.”
This was how I noticed that I know that if we work hard and try to be a better person we can do it.
The Closest
The closest was a place where people love to go it was a magic land where you can go and see really pretty things like flowers, but the thing is there was half humans and half animals but they were really nice. But the really really good thing is that there was a magic candy land and a ice skating rink. This girl named Jazzy would always go to the magic candy land with her best FRIEND Ainslie. It was really funny because they would always go to the candy land to get candy because they did not want to spend their money on candy. The Magic closet also had lots of free stores like Starbucks and clothing stores. The painting above helped the closet with it’s magic, so if anyone removed it then there would be no magic closet, except Jazzy she would need her clothing and belongings.
It all started when Jazzy and her parents moved into the house with her brothers and sisters. It was a good thing she got her own room with two closet doors. She notice this really pretty painting above the two closet door, she took it off and looked then she put it on her bed, opened the closet door and it was empty. So she put the painting back up and started to fold up her cloths and when she opened the closet door it had a white opening way where she walked, but she did walk in she took off the panting and said “ I think I have a magic closet!” She thought for a second and thought she should show Ainslie. So she went to Ainslie’s house and showed Ainslie. Ainslie decided to go inside the closet with the magic and Jazzy had to follow Ainslie into the closet…. “WOW” they both said. It had a huge marshmallow with melted chocolate. They both ran into the magic closet
The closest was a place where people love to go it was a magic land where you can go and see really pretty things like flowers, but the thing is there was half humans and half animals but they were really nice. But the really really good thing is that there was a magic candy land and a ice skating rink. This girl named Jazzy would always go to the magic candy land with her best FRIEND Ainslie. It was really funny because they would always go to the candy land to get candy because they did not want to spend their money on candy. The Magic closet also had lots of free stores like Starbucks and clothing stores. The painting above helped the closet with it’s magic, so if anyone removed it then there would be no magic closet, except Jazzy she would need her clothing and belongings.
It all started when Jazzy and her parents moved into the house with her brothers and sisters. It was a good thing she got her own room with two closet doors. She notice this really pretty painting above the two closet door, she took it off and looked then she put it on her bed, opened the closet door and it was empty. So she put the painting back up and started to fold up her cloths and when she opened the closet door it had a white opening way where she walked, but she did walk in she took off the panting and said “ I think I have a magic closet!” She thought for a second and thought she should show Ainslie. So she went to Ainslie’s house and showed Ainslie. Ainslie decided to go inside the closet with the magic and Jazzy had to follow Ainslie into the closet…. “WOW” they both said. It had a huge marshmallow with melted chocolate. They both ran into the magic closet
The Office of an Inventor
By Toby P
He sat up and stared at the wall. The famous inventor Edmund Green was working in his office. He needed to meet the deadline that he had in front of him. His boss needed an idea from him in three days. He worked for the largest inventing company in the nation. He decided to step outside for some fresh air. He left the office and stepped out the door. He stood on the porch, listening to the soft breeze. That was soon interrupted “Grrrrrowllll,” came a sound from his stomach. He then decided to eat due to his loud belly. He grabbed his bike and headed out to lunch.
The office was still. There were bees outside in the flowers. There was the soft roll of marbles in the machine. The marbles rolled down four ramps and into a small wind tunnel and back up to the top of the ramp. It goes on infinitely. The room was a mess, crumpled paper everywhere. There was a soft tick-tock on the clock. The clock glows in the dark and has battery saving technology.
It stayed this way for around thirty minutes then the professor walked in with some food and sat down to eat. He ate slowly and finished up a while later. He then grabbed his leftovers and left. He returned soon with a pencil in hand and grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and plopped down on his stool and got to work. After hours of sketching and writing, he had it, the perfect invention. He then ran off to the store to grab some parts and tools that he needed.
He then arrived back at the office with big bags of metal and tools. He started tinkering away at the metal and slowly, piece by piece started assembling his new invention. He added a spring, a metal bar, and a ramp. Soon it was done. It was a glass of water that tipped over, pouring water into two separate ramps that landed into two cups, then they tipped into a large pitcher in a heat chamber so that they evaporated and went back to the top.
His invention was done. Now he could spread it to the world. The hard work from that day was done. It had payed off.
By Toby P
He sat up and stared at the wall. The famous inventor Edmund Green was working in his office. He needed to meet the deadline that he had in front of him. His boss needed an idea from him in three days. He worked for the largest inventing company in the nation. He decided to step outside for some fresh air. He left the office and stepped out the door. He stood on the porch, listening to the soft breeze. That was soon interrupted “Grrrrrowllll,” came a sound from his stomach. He then decided to eat due to his loud belly. He grabbed his bike and headed out to lunch.
The office was still. There were bees outside in the flowers. There was the soft roll of marbles in the machine. The marbles rolled down four ramps and into a small wind tunnel and back up to the top of the ramp. It goes on infinitely. The room was a mess, crumpled paper everywhere. There was a soft tick-tock on the clock. The clock glows in the dark and has battery saving technology.
It stayed this way for around thirty minutes then the professor walked in with some food and sat down to eat. He ate slowly and finished up a while later. He then grabbed his leftovers and left. He returned soon with a pencil in hand and grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and plopped down on his stool and got to work. After hours of sketching and writing, he had it, the perfect invention. He then ran off to the store to grab some parts and tools that he needed.
He then arrived back at the office with big bags of metal and tools. He started tinkering away at the metal and slowly, piece by piece started assembling his new invention. He added a spring, a metal bar, and a ramp. Soon it was done. It was a glass of water that tipped over, pouring water into two separate ramps that landed into two cups, then they tipped into a large pitcher in a heat chamber so that they evaporated and went back to the top.
His invention was done. Now he could spread it to the world. The hard work from that day was done. It had payed off.
The Living Room
The person who owns this room is a artist he made the carpet and the picture on the left side of the room. Also the windows with the creepy people are actually just paintings he used on a halloween party they are made to look exactly like windows with people looking through them. He also loves to paint walls he has painted his walls about 10 times right now he has then orange. On the shelves he has flowers, and they are in pots that he made himself. Sadly all his friends are afraid of the paintings that look like windows so because of this his friends do not come over. The man who lives at the house also has a friend who is a carpenter who made the shelves with the flowers on them.
The man who lives their loves the color orange which is why he painted the walls orange and why he made the flowerpots orange. The man who owns the room got the apartment from winning the lottery and buying a extra apartment so he could open a art store. On his free time when he is not painting he loves to look out his window and admire the skyscrapers they give him inspiration for his paintings. He also loved to look at the cars in fact one of his paintings was of a hose that is made of tiny cars.
The person who owns this room is a artist he made the carpet and the picture on the left side of the room. Also the windows with the creepy people are actually just paintings he used on a halloween party they are made to look exactly like windows with people looking through them. He also loves to paint walls he has painted his walls about 10 times right now he has then orange. On the shelves he has flowers, and they are in pots that he made himself. Sadly all his friends are afraid of the paintings that look like windows so because of this his friends do not come over. The man who lives at the house also has a friend who is a carpenter who made the shelves with the flowers on them.
The man who lives their loves the color orange which is why he painted the walls orange and why he made the flowerpots orange. The man who owns the room got the apartment from winning the lottery and buying a extra apartment so he could open a art store. On his free time when he is not painting he loves to look out his window and admire the skyscrapers they give him inspiration for his paintings. He also loved to look at the cars in fact one of his paintings was of a hose that is made of tiny cars.