Across The Lands

Now I wouldn't call myself much of a traveler because I've never been out of the country before, but within the last few days I have been across about six or seven states ending in one I've never been to before. My mode of transportation was most interesting and I have become very grateful for the comfort and privacy of the Hogwarts Express. It was not all bad though, mainly the loading. This particular train did not check bags apparently, and not knowing that until we got there, my traveling partner brought the amount of baggage she would have if there had been check bags we didn't have to carry. So there was me with my two backpacks and viola, and then her with four backpacks, two big boxes full of books, a sleeping bag, a picnic basket, and a tricycle. As well as anything I've forgotten. To her credit, most of the stuff was not for her, but even so. It was a nightmare getting it all on board and involved frantic trips inching bags down the halls and finally onto the train. By the time I got in my seat, I was already sick. Thankfully it didn't last long, I think it was probably more stress than anything else. That mixed with embarrassment.

So now we come to the actual ride. The first day I was too tired to do much except visit the viewing car. Not having much else to do I decided I was tired enough to sleep. That was a mistake. Perhaps anywhere else I would have been, but the seats have the misleading look of being somewhat comfortable. Let me tell you, they're not. At first, maybe. There's plenty leg room and the seats tilt back at three different angles, but after hours of sitting, ouch! And when it comes to sleeping, well, let's just say that even spending the previous night awake and exhausting yourself getting on is not enough to allow you to sleep. No matter how many positions I tried, I simply could not get comfortable. I was cold and cramped all night with three broken hours of sleep at most.

The Second day I spent mainly in the viewing car reading. A few times I was allowed off at stops to breath fresh air and use real bathrooms. I guess I should explain what train bathrooms are like. It's similar to walking into a locker, except it's slightly bigger on the inside. The foot room is equivalent though. There is approximately one foot of floor space and then the toilet, and a sink. Very efficient. There are also various slots and holes for garbage, tissues, toilet paper, etc. Don't think too hard about it and you're fine. I do have a preference though. The other thing was the delays. There were a ton! I guess freights have the right of way on these tracks, so it was not irregular to be at a standstill for an hour until it passed. One time we had to wait for three freights before moving again.

The scenery didn't improve until the third day. After a better sleep, I woke to the orange of sunrise all around long, outstretching miles of flat plain. It really was beautiful. And later when I had really woken, I saw a type of land I've never seen before. It was a rough terrain covered in little bushes, cacti, rocks, and later on, hills. Everything was much the same from then on, but having never seen it before, it was fascinating to look at. No place that I've ever lived has there been miles and miles of empty land, untouched by farmers or villages or smog factories. To be sure, the land isn't good for those things anyway, but I still find it rare.

Thanksgiving itself was nice. I like a change of pace when I can get it. Also I haven't had such real food in a long while. It was all my favourite  things from rolls to desserts. I didn't feel like I had to stuff myself sick. Oh and I must have set some kind of record. I have been connected to the internet for four whole days! Now I've probably got everyone thinking I'm a typical screen addicted teenager, but whatever. I watched the whole season of sytycd that I missed and, more importantly, wrote this blog post. I hope it's not too long before the next one. Don't forget to give thanks this week. Thankfulness isn't simply a state of mind to aim for once a year, but every minute of every day.

Wizarding Birthday

I have some advice for all my readers that I hope will stick to you throughout your lives. When you keep putting things off, piles form and it doesn't get done. As a result I have missed a number of important blog posts! As much as I wish I could, I am not in a position where I can turn each idea into the separate topic it was supposed to be, so this is going to be a crash course of the last month or so since starting school. I'd also like to reassure anyone who feels like they might be losing their mind that no, my posts aren't usually out on Friday, but they're supposed to be, so I make them say that. Most of the time they should be timeline accurate however even when I've moved on into the next week.

So let's rewind a bit. I auditioned for the college orchestra on....I can't remember. One thing I learned is that no matter how much I've practiced, I always feel as if I should have done more. By God's mighty hand I made it in and now am going to two hour rehearsals three times a week plus concerts. I sure didn't know what I was getting myself into or I'd have been a nervous wreck about time. I have adjusted to it however and it has been rewarding in many ways.

On Sunday I became legal in the wizarding world. How did that happen!? I don't feel any younger for sure but that sounds so much older to me than last year. I sure don't look it. In fact I was wandering around Diagon Alley and went into one of the children's robe shops and found a black sweater that looked and fit very nicely...it was a 10/12. Anyhow, other than dawdling and pretending I had no homework, I took my apparition test and passed!! I think I nearly splinched because I was very tired afterwards, but it was exhilarating. Not that I can apparate around muggles, but it is an accomplishment all the same. Last year wasn't a good one, so it shouldn't be too hard making this one better.

I was going to add to my list of interesting things I've done that three years ago, if I'm remembering right, I spent the night before my birthday sleeping at the airport. Interesting experience...I got donuts for breakfast though so it was all good.

All for now.

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time I had a life. Once upon a time I would sit on the couch and think "I'm so bored! What can I do?" Now I barely have time to think! One major thing that wasn't included in my interview was that I'm crazy. Since this is my blog, and since no one is forced to read these, I am going to take a brief moment to complain to the world at large about time. Because I have none. I am writing this when I should be doing something else. I am a full time student. I am learning four instruments. Two of those are funded by a scholarship. That means I have to practice at least 45 minutes a day on each. I am in the college orchestra which meets three times a week for two hours rehearsals. Every Saturday I am at music classes for at least four hours in the morning. Add on having a weekly private lesson for most of this as well. During the week I volunteer for three different child related things including awana, teaching violin, and being a T.A. for science. These all add up to roughly seven hours not including transportation. I also babysit for three different families during my non existent free time. Monday and Friday afternoons find me back at school for electives. Wednesday night finds me at youth group. Friday craziness ends in a German class. Sunday morning I attend two church services, but more often than not I am asked to play/sing which means staying for three services plus rehearsing during the week. Don't forget all the concerts and dress rehearsals for all the music. And what about homework? That takes 20+ hours on a good week. Keep in mind that I also have to go to the library to type or/and print papers. I don't drive either so though none of it takes more than 20 minutes to reach, every minute counts in a schedule like this when you ride a bike everywhere. Often I go without lunch. Because there simply isn't time in between getting places.

See, what did I tell you? I'm completely mental. Everyone says junior year is the worst, but honestly if that's all I had to worry about, I'd be set. I'm all for adding an extra day to the week (Friturday?). Anyone with me on this?

And now for a special from the Weasley fam....Kitty Korner presents, once upon a time!

Once upon a time there lived a prince named Fred who liked to spy on the princess...

He was sitting by himself one day when he spied the beautiful princess Lily passing and he bade her come and sit with him.

 So she did. And he looked at her..... And she looked at him...

And they fell in love.

They were married that very minute by a passing priest.

The two were so madly in love that within the year they had a sweet, golden, bumbling baby whom they named George.

The three of them lived happily ever after.

I hope that gave you a smile if you're having a bad week. Don't give up on me!

Q and A with Melissa

Today we're going to take a post and do some get to know the author through an interview composed of fun questions, strange, and a few serious. Shall we begin?

What is a one of your favorite past times?

I must confess that I really enjoy doing laundry because for some reason it fascinates me to see the washer fill up.

What instrument do you wish you played?

Chanter

Languages you want to learn?

German, Spanish, Greek, Dutch, French, and Elvish

Do you prefer...

Heights or underground?

Heights

Chocolate or gummies?

Gummies!

Next name (s) for a cat?

Posey, Nala or Celia for a girl and Lorax or Simba for a boy

Favorite age?

9

Most worn shoes?

Flip flops

Worst sport?

Volleyball...or is it soccer?

Favorite degrees?

88

Favorite musical?

Wicked

Yummy foods?

Mainly desserts, but for real meals I enjoy smoothies or cheese on fresh bread.

Who are some people that have influenced you?
Mostly authors and youth group leaders.

Favorite show?

So You Think You Can Dance

Favorite place(s) to visit?

I love to go to bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Anderson's and browse the new books. Normally it's just the library though.

Ambitious ambitions?

Meet my favorite authors and collect signed copies of their books. So far I have Gail Carson Levine's signature and Jessica Day George's, although I did not get to meet the latter. I would still really like to see Jennifer A. Nielsen, R.J. Anderson,

Sports you've done/enjoy?

Swimming, running, climbing, dancing, archery

Best smell?

Fresh bread

Most satisfying job once finished?

Mown lawn

Claim to fame?

Memorized The Lorax

What are some things that frustrate you?

Losing things, mummblers

Worst noise?

Cleaning rosin off bridge or mosquitoes near my ear

Best time of day/night?

10  O'Clock p.m.

Worst season?

Winter

Fears?

Kudzu taking over the world
Forgetting to do assignments

Places you would like to travel to?

Sweden, Germany, Costa Rica, England, Brewster NY, Neverland...

Confessions?

I am scared of the ten monsters and one Umbra that live in the cubby hole in my house. I'm also not completely honest. Now what should you believe?

Recent revelations?

My hairbrush handle glows!

Random talents?

Spelling, pull ups, ride a unicycle, sort of juggle, not at the same time...

Bad habits?

Rip nails, answering questions before they are finished being asked

Far fetched wishes?

Learn braille

Secret obsessions?

I don't know if these count, but I am a solid believer in the existence of Nessie, nargles, dragons, and fairies. I might as well add that Peter Pan is supposed to be carrying me off to Never Never Land any day now, he has just forgotten.

Things you live without?

This might be long...microwave, dishwasher, TV, cell phone, internet, video games, for a long time we also went without a computer and a dryer, which is still used rarely, oh and no air conditioning, ever!

Feel free to ask questions below if there was anything you wish was asked and Melissa will answer to the best of her abilities, long as it's not creepy.

Interviewer: special correspondent Rita Skeeter

Owl Post

I am writing this because none of my other posts are ready. So this is about last week. Firstly I'd like to mention that you know it's cold outside when the air conditioned library is warmer than the outside. That's just sad. It was in the 70s all last week which was unfortunately the same week as all these water trips were planned. I first went with my friend and youth group to the dunes. It was cloudy, windy, and cold. I had a good time though.

Two days later my class decided to go to the water park. Hmm...not such a great idea. Everyone was cold to the point of blue lips. At least I didn't get burned, much.

This also seems to be hunting week because my dear, bad cats have been bringing home a lot of gifts. Thanks guys....I suspect most of what George brings is just found sacrifices from the other two. I think it has just been a bad week in general because I have this nasty story about spoiled milk.

So usually we get milk delivered every other Monday morning. So we had to cancel the order for the week that we were in Wisconsin because we wouldn't be there to bring it in. Well, turns out we didn't cancel or something because this past Monday when we expected the delivery to be back on, I went out to check if we had new milk. But upon opening the cooler, I saw the most horrific thing I've seen in my entire life.

Five broken glass milk bottles, milk filled to the half point of the chest, and maggots. Thousands and thousands of them. Crawling on the top and sides and then just swarming in the spoiled milk. I stared for about four seconds, then the stench hit me, I slammed the lid, and ran retching into the house. Nastiest. Sight. Ever. That includes all the little organs left around by the cats. Those are plain disgusting, but this, this was beyond words.

I hope you enjoyed that tidbit. On a better note, it was Harry's birthday yesterday. I went to his party at the bookstore where they were having a big celebration. Lots of muggles of course, but it was good to see that the fandom lives on. Unfortunately I had to leave before they did anything but the trivia. There was a good fifty people there. Happy 34th Harry Potter, you're still going strong.

Making Noise: Finding a Voice

As a little kid I was always full of ums, ers, hmms, I don't knows, shrugs, and maybes. I was pretty indecisive. Still kinda am but it might have been worse had there not been circumstances that forced opinions upon me. Ever since then I have been bursting with viewpoints with no one to tell them to. Something about writing these posts has really helped me be able to speak my mind and not feel so overwhelmed. Writing has become my outlet for most everything. I only wish I'd discovered it earlier. It wasn't until well into happening upon misfortune that I realised whenever I was feeling strongly about something that had recently happened was when I could write magic. It just flowed through the pen and the words kept coming. Afterwards I would be left drained, completely worn out as if my mind were on a break, yet strangely relieved. Like somehow my writing things down confirmed the truth and made more sense.

I call it magic because in books that's how they describe it. If you try a spell too powerful it zaps all your energy, leaving you weak and helpless. Plus there really is a certain magic to writing. I can't think of a single person who doesn't like stories, whether it be through books or movies. They have power over us. I found this out in fifth grade, as it became my only trusted communication. I seemingly lost my ability to speak against or contradict anyone. In a sense, I lost my voice. Then I discovered writing. I was really angry one day with all these thoughts swirling storm-like through my head when I just got out a notebook and began scribbling words like mad. The product was neither pretty nor inspiring. It was merely to help me, which it did. The only problem was that my deadliest fear was for someone to read it. However much it might help, it felt as if it could strip me raw and leave me for anyone to gawk at.

It was like putting money in the bank for safe keeping. I'd write most often when I would otherwise burst and then I would be empty again until the next time. I collected a slew of these notes written in times of desperation, and put them all in a folder, hidden from prying eyes. Some might call it a journal, but it wasn't the ordinary kind with lists of what you did that day. Personal, yes, but the difference was that I didn't write about myself, it was me.

The village wise woman once told me that you need to make noise to be heard. People ignore you if you remain quiet. I have done my best to regain volume. The only thing is when you're standing in the same room as someone, you're not going to write notes back and forth. I mean there's always texting, but that's a little hard with a windy dial phone. Yet I've been learning more and more, that these kinds of things come from Christ, in his own time, and in his own way. 

So, for now or forever, I will be a writer of thoughts, speaker of few words, and servant of faith. Don't ignore the tug to go and do what you love when you're stressed. In the long run you will have saved a lot of time that would otherwise have been spent reading same paragraphs over and over or ripping math problems to shreds out of frustration. Everyone can work their magic at times like these whether it be running, singing, making music, speaking, whatever. Find your niche and I guarantee that the results, if not pretty, will at the very least be from the heart which is a hard place to reach when you're not feeling passionately about something. Let it fly. One more thing; it takes practise. Remember that everything worth doing requires practice. In the beginning you might only last a couple minutes before the moment is gone. The more you practise however, the longer you will be able to stay in the zone.

A world away

I have a lot of long distance relationships with some of my greatest friends, the farthest of which is in Colombia and a bit closer perhaps in Missouri. These are really great to have, and make good pen pals, but sometimes they hurt, badly. Sometimes I feel ready to grab my broomstick with Lily and take off. Or jump on a train or plane and just go live with them. I'd be content to be a nomad and tour the world, staying with friends while having real conversations about life and books and cats. That seems like the life of an author. Strangely appealing. This is all to say that loving over a long distance is rewarding, but almost ruining at the same time. It is so different from the kind of people you enjoy but see every week. It makes every letter, call or visit all the more precious. You don't waste time with nonsense.
It also makes me really think about exactly what I like about them. Why do I bother keeping in contact. I can think of a lot of kids a would not bother keeping in touch with. Then again, I wouldn't call them friends now anyway, rather relationships born of necessity. I think that might be for another post though.

Back to distance friends, I think they work because that is partly how they were originally formed. Some I see only over the summer, some every couple years. Each of them is unique in what kind of relationship I have with them. A type that I almost couldn't have otherwise because I don't think I would relate to them in the same way if they lived nearby. As in this is the way I can be honest and would be more likely to ask for help. Not that I don't love visits, but the very act of remaining a part of my life is telling, especially when they are the one who first instigated staying in touch.

And I can get to know them in an entirely different way than I do my home friends. I may not know their favorite color or food, but I know other things like  their writing style and how often they check emails, all things that hint at what their life is going like. I also know that it can be frustrating waiting, even maddening. Why aren't they answering? What's taking so long? I guess they don't want to talk anymore. They're stupid assumptions and not true. I still think these things, often, but I've accepted that not everyone has the same schedule as I do. The one thing I can say has helped, although it still hurts, is don't expect a reply. When you anticipate an answer the very next day or even the next week, it makes the disappointment all the worse. You let yourself down. So write as if resigned to the fact that you are having a one way conversation but there is a person on the end who cares and understands. Because there is and when they get around to remembering, five weeks later, that makes the correspondence a pleasant surprise to hold you over for the next couple weeks while you wait some more. Who knows, maybe I will end up rooming with them one day.

I am currently in my own little world away, off in the Great Perhaps. Away from the guilt that I'm not practising music or doing math like I should. I suppose it wouldn't be very good if I started physics this year without having ever done algebra though. I did survive chemistry however, somehow. It's still summer though, so I will enjoy every minute while I can. I have come up with a new theory about why toddlers copy everything you say. It's because we repeat nearly everything they say. Stop saying things twice and they might see that that's not really how we speak. Not that it bothers me, it's a hard habit to break, but I thought it was interesting.

Brown Thumb

I feel like there are those who enjoy gardening and those who really don't. Personally, I'd much prefer to admire others gardens than plant one myself. Because I do like them. In fact I planted blueberries and strawberries and sugar snaps this year. Except by that I mean that I picked them out and my Head Gardener planted them for me. See, that's how I enjoy them. I also don't mind decorating them. Designing, plotting, and picking plants is my specialty, it's just when it comes to tending them that I have an issue. I like immediate results. Which is maybe why my favorite flower is a sunflower. They need hardly any tending, yet they grow inches every day and are enormously satisfying.

I also have a knack for watering. Every time I water it seems as if it did nothing at all, or I drowned them. Let's just say that my thumb is brown, and that no one should ask me to take care of their garden. Actually, I am doing a neighbor's lawn over the summer, and that includes their plants. I've been really scared of them all dying by the time they get back from vacation, but they seem to be doing okay. One section is mostly vegetables, or some other kinds of edible plants. I was given permission to harvest and eat them myself since no one else will be around but the problem is I don't know a thing about growing a beet or lettuce or anything! Most of it I wouldn't eat anyway, but one was labelled broccoli so I thought I'd take a look at it, and not knowing whether it was ripe or not, pulled the plant up. Hmmm... lesson number one, broccoli doesn't grow underground. I put it back. Hopefully nothing goes wrong if I let other things like the beets rot underground?

Have I enticed you yet to buy some delectable worm filled apples or squirrel munched pumpkins? How about brown petunias? I also have weeds aplenty. My plant business is called Whomping Willows. Special orders only. I do funeral arrangements, and just about any other occasion you can think of. Payments must be made up front. Interested? My website isn't functional, so you'll have to comment and I'm sure we can work something out.

In other news, I've been waiting for a flop post that needed extensions, and here it is. Kitty Korner is back:
About two weeks ago, I gave my cats baths. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon (or was it Saturday?) and they seemed to be begging for it. Lily was the only one inside at the time so, she had to go first. I think that, if possible, I have grown even more attached to her. I felt extremely bad! Like, I felt as if I were betraying her and almost couldn't do it. She was sitting in the windowsill just sunning and looking like the cutest little thing you ever saw and I don't know how to say it, but I just felt really, really bad! Anyhow, when I carried her to the bathtub and closed the door, she started howling. Poor baby. The entire time I apologized to her and she was so pitiful. She mewed so much I had to shut the window for fear people walking by would think I was torturing her. There was only one major escape attempt towards the window which ended in a bit of slashing at the soap. Fred sat outside the door mewing back and commiserating with Lily. Little did he know, he was next. I wrapped Lily up in a towel and stuck her in the backyard to dry.

Fred was much better. He was sad, but I didn't feel as bad because boy was he dirty! He also had a go at the soap and made his mark. I told him that he would look a lot more like a movie star if he let me wash him so he cooperated for the most part, considering he's probably four times stronger than his sister. I put him out near Lily, who was in the exact same spot as I'd left her and looking like a little fluff. George showed up right at that moment, not wanting to miss the fun I suppose. So into the tub he went. He was the worst noise- wise. For about five minutes he made no protest, not a single meow. I think he was in shock. Then he went crazy and didn't stop the rest of the time. I swear that they all lost their meows after that for a few days. George was especially hoarse. So a little scrub a dub dub and one more swipe at the soap for good measure and he was done. Into the back he went where he got his own sun spot near the other two, right where I left them. Those two were beginning to look a little more like cats instead of sheep but Lily was still licking herself.

Obviously it's been a while and now they might be just as dirty as they were before since they've caught a number of things I don't care to mention, but they are still so soft and much cleaner to the eye. Their fur had gotten so greasy over winter. I'm glad that chore is out of the way for the year. I would enlist help, but I don't think Lily would let anyone else come near her, she already thinks I'm out to punish her. Another job opportunity! Just let me know if your cat needs a bath.

Blue, Red, and White

We're going to take a break from the post I'd not yet planned and celebrate that it's the fourth of July, the day after America's true obtainment of independence. As tradition, I watched my town's parade, marched in the next town's parade, and then went to see the fireworks. It was nothing special. I got burned, ate a little too much candy, and couldn't go to the library, but it was fine. I did not however enjoy marching in the parade. I usually ride my unicycle, but I decided I didn't want a bunch of people watching me make a fool of myself this year, so I walked with a congress t-shirt on and felt awkward instead. I really don't like people staring, so why did I go advertise for thousands of people on someone I know little about? Not sure, but I don't like how by the simple act of wearing a shirt with someone's name on it, that it is an act by which you are judged and in many cases condemned.

No, there weren't many nasty comments that I heard, but I can tell from the way people would look and stare. Then there's the people who cheer, because they believe you are great for liking the same guy. Like I said, lots of judgement. It was very uncomfortable. So I don't really have any more on the subject. I do think it's interesting how, since it doesn't have any religious ties, this seems to be the one most attended event of the year. At the fireworks for example, I don't think I've ever seen an entire community gathered in one place for anything else. Because apparently people like to spend a lot of money to watch things go boom for thirty minutes and then go get drunk afterwards. We the people! Not trying to be anti anything, just pointing out the obvious. People are stupid. I watch them too.

By the way, if anyone is keeping up with the Quidditch World Cup, the countries in the finals are Brazil, Bulgaria, Japan, and USA. Personally, I'm rooting for Bulgaria. For you boring people who only watch soccer, I guess I'm rooting for Colombia. Whoo blue red and yellow! So there you are, my patriotic post without a point. Hope you enjoyed it.

The One On Books

Sorry about the delay, I seem to forget every week that the library closes at 5:00 instead of 9:00. This is when I wish that I had internet. Then again, I would never meet such interesting people unless I had to be at the library. For example there's this one guy that keeps falling asleep at his computer. As in, he has done it on more than one occasion. Then he'll suddenly wake up and start talking. Then there's these old people who haven't stopped complaining about how bad the service is. And another time there was this one strange looking guy who had his chair all the way down so that his head was beneath the monitor and level with the desk, so that he had to reach way up for the mouse....I could probably write an entire book on people. Don't know how interesting that would be though, even this paragraph can't have been too exciting, you really have to see them in person. I'm sure it will give me some interesting writing material for characters someday at any rate.

I'm trying to think of a subject...but I think I'm just going to give news updates. I was going to have an archery tournament to write about, but that didn't work out because it was cancelled *frowny sad face.* Also, exciting for me and definitely an answered prayer, I was on a waiting list for a writing elective I really want to take, but someone cancelled so now I'm in the class! That really made my day. The other elective I'm taking is illustration which I'm a bit nervous about because I'm not especially good with drawing, but I haven't taken an art class in forever and I think it would be so cool to be able to draw my own characters.

I've just decided that I can write about my summer reading. My goal on Goodreads for the entire year is to read 45 books. I have read 14 so far and it thinks I am 8 behind, so I am hoping to get pretty close by the end of summer because school doesn't leave much time for pleasure reading. I have done fairly well these last few weeks in catching up and plan to keep up the same rate. I have been keeping up with about 3 books at the same time, so I'm never bored. There is also about five that I started and really need to finish. Two of my current books are for two different book clubs I'm doing. One is Lord of The Rings, the other is John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life. I am enjoying both immensely in entirely different ways. Yesterday I finished listening to The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen for the second time, it was just as good if not better since now I can read it knowing who the M.C. really is. I'd highly recommend it and can't wait to read the last one in the trilogy. If you don't feel like reading it, listen to it. The reader is perhaps the best male voice I have ever heard, Jim Dale being really hard to compare with. The other one, Don't Waste Your Life, has been fascinating from the two chapters I read and I can tell it will be view changing.

Other stories I'm looking forward to getting my hands on and checking off my very long to-read list are The Humming Room, Stupid Perfect World, The Ordinary Princess, Zel, Catch-22, and many more. There is a new book store nearby and I am very excited to get some of my new favorite books. There will also be a new writing book out by Gail Carson Levine in late November. I am so excited to see that. The cover art is great if you want to check it out on her blog or website.

All for now!

Second Best

Maybe you can tell that this isn't going to be an upbeat post already. I have been thinking too much lately. Before I dive in, I'll discuss the race as promised. I wasn't as good as I'd hoped. It took me 26 minutes flat, almost two minutes slower than last year. It's at this time that I commit to training harder next year, but of course we know that's not going to happen. Anyhow, it was still fun and there were lots of yummy things to eat at the end, so it was worth it.

I'm also back from Blue Lake which is where this post started formulating. Especially in the competitive world of music, I always seem to be a step behind. I should have felt pretty good about myself at music camp, because compared to them, I'm pretty good. But there was one other girl from my same studio that is very good, and worse than that, we're friends so I can't hate her. At camp I knew all the review songs, sat 2nd chair in orchestra, and was in one of the best quartets. In fact we were asked to play on the honors recital, which we did.

As if that wasn't good enough, I was disappointed not to get to play my solo which is decided based on a 15 minute private lesson the first day. Of course my friend was asked to play instead, and did amazing. So then afterwards when I was following her around, all these people were coming up to her saying how great she played while I stood there invisible to them, as if I didn't even play. I don't blame them, it just got old. It made me realise again that being the top of something takes more than trying hard and being pretty good.

It felt worse that first night. Being back now and having thought it over some, it may be better to be second best, more motivating. There's a music sign that says something like: Is there someone better than you? If yes, then go practise. If not, find someone better than you and keep practising. If there weren't people better than you then there would be no reason to be better. There is always going to be a first and a last.

But let me just say that this is not for the fainthearted. There have been so many times where I was an inch from giving up completely and there will be many more to come. But it's surviving that inch deep hole that makes the difference between the okay and the great. Thousands begin the journey of learning an art, but only a small fraction make it through to the other end. But why throw away years of working toward something you enjoy? Some things are worth doing for yourself even if nothing will ever come of it. Not enjoying the slightest bit but forcing it for other purposes is different, but giving up because you're only "second best" isn't a good reason. That's it, I'm done preaching.

Matthew 20:16
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Potential Greatness

So I took Chemistry this year and one interesting thing I learned about was potential energy. As in everything has the potential to do something totally crazy like explode or burst into flames if only the reaction is set going. Well I've been told often that I have such potential in all sorts of things. That's not necessarily a good thing. That means that I have it, but I'm not using it. Now it's not that I think I am already there, but I struggle so much with gathering the will power and focus to make this reaction happen. To tell myself to practice hard every day to get better. There's also the fact that when you have so many options, how do you know what one to pick?

Because it's not like I adore practicing viola, in fact I might have liked dance more for the one year that I did it. But I had to consider other factors like scholarships, location, and accessibility. Almost every little girl does ballet when she's little, I don't know how many go on, but probably more than those who go into music, specifically viola. It would be crushing to study one thing all your life, be really good at it on a scale of kids in your state, but then realize that it's only the extraordinary that can go on in it. Pick something where you have a chance, not something so competitive that only 1 out of every 10 can be chosen for it. I don't mean to crush dreams, but sometimes reaching for the stars and hoping really hard for it isn't enough. Practise and commit from the beginning, find your C02 that starts the reaction, and follow it with all of your heart.

Alas, I didn't make it into Youth Symphony. I got the email a few days ago, and it was very misleading with the subject line saying Acceptance Letter, but upon opening it said welcome to Philharmonia. It was hugely disappointing. Even after he said that it was a good audition and seemed genuinely impressed, I guess I missed something. Goodbye EYSO. On the bright side I'll have more time for homework and less stress about learning music. I'm sure I'll have plenty to do without it and won't miss it come school. Thank you Lord!

This is why we need to do things for the Lord, not for men. If it's for others, it's going to disappoint. Others don't see the passion of the heart or the hours of practice behind auditions. You get one chance at it, and if it goes badly, they reject you, and you move on. Or in my case, even if it goes well you aren't given the chance for other reasons. Lesson is, don't waste you're potential because you can't decide what to do, even if no one else appreciates it.

Lots of other things happened this week as well. I cat-sat for all three of my music teachers, that was quite the experience. Except I think I may have forgotten to mention I started piano and she has a dog. She doesn't count though since I've only had two lessons. Anyways, I have really enjoyed that so far, scales and all.

Oh and as a sequel to my running post, my blisters are healed mostly, my last day of training was Wednesday, and I'm feeling pretty terrible about it. I've trained only for a few weeks and I feel totally unprepared. The 5k race is tomorrow on Saturday at 8:00. Last year my time was something like 24:17 and I won third place in my age category out of at least 25 people. So much pressure. I'll tell you how it went next Friday. Also to come, I'll be away at Blue Lake (not Green Lake, that was last week) for some music stuff so that might give me some tips to write about.

The long awaited verse of the week...
Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Judging By Covers

I'm leaving for Wisconsin today to visit my niece for her second birthday. I'm also going to a dulcimer festival the morning we get back and speeding home hours later for a viola recital I just found out about, having not rehearsed and sight reading a second piece on cello for a quartet. Should be fun... So since I don't have any adventures quite yet, this is one of my wise advice posts. Contrary to what teachers and librarians say about not picking books based on the front, I always judge books by their covers. Here's some quick tips on how to pick a book:

1. Cool cover

2. Creative title

3. Author's picture

4. M.C.'s name

5. Setting

6. Interesting description

7. Font

I tend not to like covers with people on them. Especially if they're cartoons or supposed to be weird. Also the colors have to fit the sort of book it is. Honestly, it seems modern books aren't even illustrated by artists anymore! Why in the world would someone want clashing colors? Moving on, I like short titles, and I'm annoyed if I can't figure out why it is called that. Mostly short and catchy does the trick. Third, flip to the back cover and take a look at the author. This sounds mean and might be the least useful since there are obviously good writers whose looks don't match the personality of their book. But it does work a lot of the time. I read an awful book once that I would never have picked up had a looked at the author. Again, this isn't because they don't look good, but I can tell that I wouldn't connect with their interests and type of humor. Okay, next I look at the main character's name, if it's easy to find. This is a relatively new trick of mine, I picked up a book a few days ago and I think I was reading the summary or something when I saw the girl's name was Alyssa. I immediately put it back. For some reason, that name, though it's close to mine, really bothers me and would distract me from the plot. I'm pretty sure I've never read a book where I hated the main character, perhaps it would be an interesting experience though.

I don't often check the setting one. Probably because you can usually tell based on the genre. I just mean don't read a book if it's based in space and you hate sci-fi. You probably won't like it. Maybe it's more a tip for finding books you do like rather than the other tips which are about putting back ones you wouldn't like. For example I like fantasy and castles and dragons and magic. If I pick up a book with pixies in it and another about baseball, I'm going to pick the pixies. Okay um about the interesting description, I'm not 100% supportive of that either, because sometimes they can spoil the book if it's a bad overview when it's really an otherwise good read, and sometimes it gives away too much. Just if I do read it, I want it to be intriguing, not complicated. Alright, last one I can think of right now is font. This is why old books have to be re-covered and redesigned. I, like many others, don't especially like the plain looking block letters or on the other extreme, the pointy bloody letters of vampire books. I truly believe that Harry Potter was the leader of cool new title designs.

And that's it. I'd say I use between one and three of these every time I'm looking around, depends how hurried I am. Tell me if you use any of them, and if it helped at all.

Run Dogs, Run!

I'm back from the SAA conference, it went really well. Almost as soon as I got back I had to do even more practicing for the concert that Friday and then 3 auditions the next day. My re-auditions for  the string group I'm already in weren't so good, but that doesn't really matter since I can't be kicked out. It was good preparation for the EYSO audition later on because that one went perfectly. Even the sight reading was pretty decent. I think I might have finally made it into Youth Symphony. The conductor (who was judging my audition) said I had a really good audition. I just hope I'm not excited for nothing. That would be really disappointing and I am not going to waste another year in Philharmonia. Oh I also got to see the stage production of Les Mis, for free! Someone I know had tickets but decided the showing was too late for her so I got to go instead. It was amazing. Nothing like a long week of performances and then getting to enjoy one yourself =P It's such a beautiful play and the singers didn't disappoint.

I did something really stupid on Tuesday night. I went running on the track for two miles and got a huge blister right on the bottom of my right foot below my big toe on the soft part. It really stinks. I can't walk except on the side of my foot and if it doesn't get better soon, I can't run tomorrow. I'm training for this one 5k I do every year at my church, and it's less than two weeks off. On Sunday I ran four miles and just about died, that's the most I've ever run in my life at one time. Sorry this was all about my feet, it's just every time I walk I am reminded of it. So think about how thankful you are that you don't have big bubbles on the bottom of you feet this week, and no matter how tempted you are to try running naturally, do yourself a favor and wear shoes anyway. It's not going to speed you up at all and certainly isn't going to help you in the next few days.

Finishing...Almost

Hooray for me! I am no longer a wise moron. I've been done with school for a couple days now and it's been super great. It still feels a little unreal, but it's sinking in. I mean I'm still supposed to get through two and a half math courses this summer, but it can't be as bad as staying up every Monday night cramming in homework. Perhaps it will teach me better time management for next fall.

Anyhow, with school over, for all you jealous people still sitting in your boring classrooms, I am still super stressed. I have about four concerts coming up including a solo and this huge SAA conference where all the Suzuki teachers around America are going to come and scrutinize how bad my group is...Eek! So I'll be gone next weekend in case you had a sudden hope that I'd finally posted, don't look for it. Plus my neighbors are moving out and we'll have no internet so my schedule will become based once again on whether or not I can make it to the library.

Good luck with exams my friends, or whatever else you're doing, it's almost summer.

Concerts

It's another one of those weekends for me where I am in rehearsals, lessons, and concerts more than half the day. I really wanted to tell about the Getty concert I went to on Wednesday the 23rd, but I guess I didn't so I'll fix that now. Keith and Kristyn Getty are modern Christian hymn writers and music artists. They also happen to be Irish. They had the cutest accents! Their most popular song is probably In Christ Alone. The reason I went was actually mostly because there was no youth group because everyone was going to the concert. I hadn't especially been planning to go, but I'm so glad I did.

I hadn't exactly realised what a big deal it was until I saw how packed the church was. There was a little band besides which consisted of a drummer, two fiddlers, some guitars, a pianist, something like a banjo, and a chanter maybe. I dunno what you'd call it but they're like these special Irish pipes and they make the most lovely melodies strange tunes. I heard about them from the Moorchild which is a book every fairy fan should read. Anyways, the concert lasted about two hours, both listening, and joining in on the songs that everyone knew. It was a great experience and just getting to listen to Kristyn's pretty voice made it worth it. It's inspiring to see all the different styles of making music.

Real quick I'm going to update on the kitties too. Freddy is doing fine right now. Apparently whatever he has is rather common and will be reoccurring, but it is manageable in most cases. The interesting news is that we have two strays hanging around outside the house. I like to call one Flat-Face and the other One-Eye. Flat Face is a puffy and unkempt looking black cat with clumps of fur missing. One eye looks reasonably looked after and isn't around as often as Flat Face, but prefers to slink around at night and creep me out by looking through the window with his one green eye. Flat Face is friendly to my Fred and George so there hasn't been trouble that I know of and I believe that One Eye and the others have yet to meet.

Just two weeks left of school, so I'll try to be more regular. Bye!

Happenings, Good Friday, and Easter

It's been a very good Friday. Actually it's been a good week overall, especially as last week I was just feeling so bad. As was Fred Fred. He paid a visit to the Emergency Pet Care again on Sunday. Another urinary infection. Anyhow, he's been on meds for about a week and has just run out when he starts doing odd things again! Poor dear. So we'll see what these next days bring. Look for news on him next Friday.

I just have to mention this, but Easter services are the best. I love Easter! I just got back from playing in the Good Friday service and it reminded me how packed it will be on Sunday morning. I had the choir behind me and the congregation in front and it was so great. So I am definitely looking forward to a (hopefully) warm and sunny Easter, wearing a  new dress, and lovely time of worship. Happy Easter Everyone =)

The Long, Long Journey

I'm still alive everyone, just super busy. Sorry for the unintentional two week break, I have a lot of ideas, but no time. Actually it might seem more like two months, but I in fact just took all of the posts down to edit so at one point, perhaps over spring break, I will be having a blog marathon and republishing a bunch.This isn't the usual type of post that would go under this particular label, but this time I'm literally referring to a musical, or a play at least. Tonight was the second night of The Long Long Journey of Odysseus and tomorrow is the last so I must get to bed. It has gone extremely well so far and has been loads of fun, but I really must get all this make up off my face. It's been a long, long journey these past few days and I still have a few left to go not to mention I haven't finished a single bit of homework. Eek!

Time Heals Nothing

It is the fact that time causes forgetfulness which, I think everyone can agree, does not fix the problem but ignores it. I think this seems to be how many kids and adults today deal with their disagreements. Then there's always a gap between the two people because it was never originally addressed. At least for me, it grows increasingly difficult at that point to treat that person the way it was before the offence. This too is in part due to forgetfulness because one grows so used to the new treatment of the other, that any previous closeness is far gone.

Counselors say that this is not an easy fix, and that both sides must be willing to cooperate with each other in a long term treatment plan that involves tedious office visits. I say differently. The successful stories of this type of remedy could only have occurred between two Christians otherwise likely did not really occur at all, only appeared to. Something I'm leaning is that forgiveness comes through Christ, not on our own. We are too sinful to ever be able to restrain all the hatred and anger towards those who hurt us without the assistance of a higher power.

The one thing I'd agree from a shrink's perspective, is that you must want to forgive. I do however think that it can be one sided. It's so easy to hold a grudge, hard to get rid of it. In fact, we like holding grudges. It's a sinful pleasure that ruins so many good relationships that might have turned out fine. Destroying a friendship is easy as going down a stream. The current is with you, because that's how humans are wired, it is extremely hard for us to get along with each other without occasional disagreements. Then when you realize you've done something and want to try and fix it, it's like going upstream and the current, the world, is pushing at you to keep going down the path to destruction.

Those are my words of wisdom for the week. Don't go with flow. Fight, fight, and fight some more until God helps you conquer, or at least keep at bay, the evil that is at the same time fighting to take over.

Now I'm off to a church retreat for the weekend, where I will hopefully have a nice refreshing day and a half before I must come back early to make some music and finish a load of homework. Thank you for anyone who has patiently waited for my posts to finally come out as I try to find time to edit and publish them on time and continually fail. Happy Friday!

Winter Wonder What?

Sorry, I know that was a lame attempt at an interesting title. Since I've been so behind, this is just going to be some of my thoughts on winter. With such cold weather, this has not been a good week for instruments. As soon as I get one tuned I hear a click that means one of the pegs just completely loosened and I have to start all over. Ugh! Why didn't I pick a recorder or something that doesn't care about the weather? Here's a whole list of laments and complements about living in an area that has a cold season!

I hate winter, the way it freezes me to the bone.

Yet through all the bitter cold, I love how it brings people together.
All the men in our neighborhood have snow-blowers.
They've shoveled our sidewalk like three times this week.
And then there's the one who offered to do our driveway as well.
Did I mention we're not really friends with any of these people?
Then again, what about the pleasant reminders,
Of how our little space heaters are nothing to fight against the cold?

Like this week, -15 degrees with -50 wind chill?

Ach! It makes me want to hibernate.

But thinking twice again, 

What about the hot chocolate with whipped cream

When you come in from the cold and feel yourself thawing.

I hate winter. The snow, the boots, all the heavy clothes.

At least in December there's Christmas to look forward to.

But what about in January and February, the bitterest of the year?

I don't know how I survive around here.

Kittens, blankets, heaters, hats, I couldn't live without them.
Except none of those help the way my hands are always cold.
But however much I dislike winter,
No one can resist hoping for snow days!
Staying indoors, the snow locking us in,
It's cool how whole states shut down because of God's power.
Like he's telling us to stop being busy, relax, and enjoy the snow.
This was my attempt to have a positive outlook on winter.

It's not so bad really, but with two and a half months left,
I'll be glad to see it go.

My favorite thing this winter so far has totally been the Disney movie Frozen! I've seen it almost five times I think. It is so fun and the music is absolutely, perfectly written (except the snowman) plus they used the best Broadway singer ever--Idina Menzel =P I've heard that they're making it into a live musical, that will be fun.

New Year Nightmare

Here we are, officially in 2014. Another year, another destiny. I have an interesting story to tell about one of the weirdest or maybe even the freakiest days of my life.  A year ago plus two days, my mum had volunteered her service and mine to help some friends at their party because we didn't have any other plans. It was for a group of old people so it was early in the morning as appose to staying up late the night before.  We were going to serve food and had to be early, so mum was waking me up because I hate mornings. When she left me, I rolled out of bed and hurried to dress in my pre-picked outfit. When I got to the bottom of the stairs I was a little surprised and somewhat annoyed to find that mum was standing in the door of her room, still in her pajamas, rubbing her head and looking perplexed.
"Are you getting ready?" I asked her. She just looked at me and said
"I think something weird happened."
"Like what?" I asked, annoyed at her vagueness.
"Well, I can't remember, I think I'm supposed to be doing something." she said.
"We are. We're going to the Cook's new year party, remember?"
"Whose?"
"The Cook's."
"Where do they live?"
"Umm...past that pet store on the big road."
"Why are we going there?"
"You told them we would serve the food."
"When did we decide that?"
"You just woke me up to go there! We're going to be late."
"What time are we supposed to be there?"
"In five minutes."
"What are we doing again?"
"We're serving the food!" By this time I was getting more than a little apprehensive. She didn't seem to remember who the Cook's were and seemed utterly bewildered why we were going there. "But maybe I should call them and..."
"No no. If we told them we're going then we should be there. I just can't remember..." At this point she was chewing on her lip in concentration and moved into the living room. Then she stopped up short looking at our Christmas tree.
"What's that doing there?" She asked.
"Um, that's out Christmas tree we haven't taken down yet. Are you sure you're okay?"
"It's Christmas already?"
"No, it passed a few days ago. It's new years." I didn't know whether to laugh or get help. She was getting nowhere.
"Really? How come I don't remember that?"
"I don't know but you're kinda starting to scare me. Are you still ready to go to the party or should I call?"
"Where is it?"
"At the Cook's mum, the Cook's I've already told told you. We're going to serve food."
"I thought I saw my clothes set out on the bed for something." Eventually it got through to her that she needed to go change. So I sat there, we were already late, and I knew something very weird was going on. I was even wondering if mum would remember how to drive. She came out of the bathroom wearing and interesting combination of clothing, but I was worried about other things. Thankfully we got out of the driveway fine and so I started  giving her directions.
"I think I know where it is. Remind me what we're doing there again?" she asked for what seemed like the tenth time.
"We're serving food to the old people from church." I said. We didn't talk much more on the way there, but I was wondering if I'd have to tell the people that mum wasn't doing well or something. When we got there, she parked right in front, another thing that struck me odd because she'd planned to park farther away so the older people wouldn't have to walk as far. We were quite a bit later than we said and as we stood at the front door, she looked at me and asked again,
"What are we supposed to do?"
"Just help me with whatever I do, and try not to ask the people anything." I said. The host answered and brought us in.
"Sorry we're late." Mum said. I was very glad she remembered her.
"That's okay. I was just wondering if you were coming still. Did something happen?" She asked.
I was praying she wouldn't say anything stupid, ready to explain she wasn't remembering very well. She said something like "I felt a little funny." Then, not having forgotten yet, "can we still help with anything?"
We were led into the kitchen and she said that we could fill everyone's cups with ice and water first. We were kept busy for a while, and mum didn't do anything out of the ordinary, comments or otherwise, besides forgetting we'd already done an entire table. After that we were told to go around to the people and ask what type of hot drink they'd like. The choices were coffee, decaf, and tea. Then mum asked her to give an example of how she might ask the person but I thought that could be a regular embarrassing question she might have asked anyway. Like she was afraid of messing up a speech. Except that she asked it more than once until I told her I could take care of it.
"You can just pour the drinks, Melissa seems like she knows what she's doing." Cook said at last.
She also couldn't keep the three different drinks straight, I think she might have asked that a couple times as well when I wasn't in the room to keep her from it. Cook seemed amused more than anything else, and while pouring drinks mum seemed her normal self, joking with the old people and not asking anything else until I was hoping that her memory had all come back. We were told that we could eat in the kitchen so we enjoyed the meal while I asked mum if she was remembering anything yet. It seemed a bit better, however I r instructed her not to ask any more questions because she was asking the same thing over and over. She seemed amused.
"What did I ask?"
"Well you kept asking how you should ask what kind of drink the person wanted, and then you couldn't remember which drink was which." I told her.
"That's embarrassing. This isn't what I meant to wear either."
"I was wondering. What do you think happened this morning?"
"I wonder if I bumped my head or something. I felt like I was dreaming."
"That's weird." I said. We stayed and helped clean up and before we left mum apologized.
"I'm sorry if I seemed a little out of it. This was really fun though."
"Oh that's all right. Thank you for your help." Said Cook. On the way back, mum realised that she hadn't parked where she meant to, and by the time we got home she was back to normal, but didn't remember much of the party.
"What did I say again?" She'd ask. And I'd tell her how she kept repeating the same questions. She also found her clothes on the bed where she'd meant to leave them. Instead, she said she'd just picked her clothes off the floor which were probably for the wash. We'd been payed to help and mum felt so guilty that she didn't even remember what she'd done to earn the money, that she called and said she'd do something else for them and was sorry for acting weird. They said that the only thing they'd noticed was that she kept asking for examples of how to ask the people what they wanted and that it wasn't any trouble. She still doesn't know what happened that day, but I think it might have been lucid dreaming. Whatever it was, I hope it doesn't happen again!

This New Year's Eve was actually fun. I went to a friend's house from school and a whole bunch of us stayed up and, after the toast, ran to the end of the street at midnight, shouted happy new year, and ran back in. Then we stayed up all the way until 3ish and then people began going home. I love staying awake!