Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Halloween Spirits



                If I were to make a potion that I would later trick someone into drinking, it would have to be a mute potion. My reason being that people talk way too much as it is but there are always those set groups of people that talk way over the top, and besides who needs a voice anyways? Everyone has a phone anymore that they could just text on if the need arose, but I suppose it would sort of suck if their phone battery died. Although, they wouldn’t be able to complain about it and that is all that matters. I do suppose though, that I could be a little bit less harsh and just make a sleeping potion, because that would still yet enable them to make audible noise, they would just be asleep. My final potion would be a love potion, so that anyone that I desired to have would fall into my arms carelessly, without all of that awkward get-to-know-you business.
                The best costume that I have ever worn was really not even a costume at all. Ever since seventh grade I have been told countless times that I look just like the famous teen idol Justin Bieber. I used to believe that it was just my long hair that swished around my head and curled at the ends from being ‘flipped’ so much, but even today, short hair and all, I still get told that I look almost Identical to the pop singer. One day in eighth grade, my friend Chase and I decided to go to the annual Halloween Pub Crawl with his family in order to scope out all of the odd costumes, crazy performers, and drunken people. I was not feeling extremely festive this year so all I brought to this festival of horror was a clown mask that I had since last year, and I hardly even wore it because it smelt like old latex. Before I knew it, everyone around me would shout out things such as “Hey look, it’s that Bieber kid!” or “Let’s get a photo Justin!”, and I carried on by saying that my costume was indeed the infamous Justin Bieber.
                I was putting on my Halloween costume when I heard something move inside my closet. This was odd considering that the only things I have in my closet are clothes, but this sounded like a tennis ball had hit the wall inside of my closet. Upon this realization a cold chill rushes its way up my back at the thought of what this mysterious sound might be. Before I investigate my closet I pop my head out of my bedroom door, and call for my mom to confirm that she is still home, she replies with a “Yes, Honey?” and I tell her that I was just checking. As I close the door of my bedroom, preparing to turn around and face this noise, I feel a brush of cold air stream across my shoulder, as I turn around my eyes plummet into a darkness that overtakes my entire body. Neither a yell, nor restraint would have stopped it, and then I am gone.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Music Influenced Freewrite


                On Tuesday, I believe, we were told to listen to a song(s) and during which we would write about whatever it reminded us of, or what it spoke to us. Many of these songs were familiar songs and artists such as ACDC and Eric Clapton, but the song that really spoke to me the most was an unfamiliar song by Dwight Yoakum. I didn’t catch the name of the song, but it was very 60’s country and had a bit of a folk sound as well.

                I believe the reason why this song spoke to me so much was because it sounded identical to the songs that my mom would always play through the speakers in the living room as she cleaned the house. I also realized how long it had been since I have had the experience, and it sort of made me sad. Although this is a small thing, it always seems to be the smallest memories that make you miss your past, and your family.

                After we listened to each song we were told to underline our favorite sentence within the song, and mine was “I don’t really see cleaning day much anymore.” The funny thing was, I really didn’t realize I had written that line until I re-read my entry.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Music- Teachers vs. Students


What music or songs reminds you of your childhood?

                Mr. Loudis- “The song that most reminds me of my childhood would have to be… The Chipmunks Christmas Song. I have no clue why, but that song was the first to pop into my head, probably because it was huge whenever I was a kid!”

                Me- Although the Chipmunks song is hard to beat, the song that most likely reminds me of my childhood is Forever Young by Rod Stewart, because my mom would always blast countless Rod Stewart songs because it is one of her very favorite artists.

Who is your favorite singer or group or song and why?

                Mr. Loudis- “My all time favorite artist right now hands down has to be Hopsin, more specifically, the ‘Ill Mind of Hopsin Five’ album. I know that sound odd coming from ole mister Loudis, but I believe that Hopsin is trying to recreate that influence of older hip hop music that didn’t just talk about how great you think you are. Although if you like that sort of stuff, more power to you!”

                Me-My favorite artist would have to be John Mayer, because he is one talented musician, and a little bit nuts.

What music reminds you of someone you love?

                Ms. Self – “Some 60’s folk music reminds me of my dad, because that’s what he loved.”

                Me- Classing rock because of my mom.

Do you go to concerts? Which concerts are memorable to you? Why?

                Ms. Self- “ I went to a journey concert once when I was your age, and waited for three hours in line so that we would get good seats. That was a great concert.”

                Me- I go to quite a few shows quite often.

What radio station do you listen to in your car? Do you sing along?

                Mr. Declue- “I listen to NPR… so no. But I have quite a conversation with the radio.”

                Me- None.

Which music or artist do you really dislike?

                Mr. Declue- “The Beatles, hate them, they suck, no.”

                Me- Justin Bieber, hands down.

Music as Writing


When you listen to music, what emotions does it evoke?

                -Really, it all depends on the song that is playing. There are many different types of music, and the ones that are more up-beat feel good songs usually give a happy feeling, and sad songs a depressing feeling. But there are the times when a happy song can remind you of a lost loved one or something like that, and it could always make you feel nostalgic.

What is your favorite song? Why? Is it connected to a certain time, event, or place?

                -At the moment I would have to say that my favorite song is The Days That Shape Our Lives by Man vs. Hero. The song is pretty self explanatory to the title in that it sings about how the days that we are young shape who we become in the future, and I’m at that time in my life when every decision I make counts.

How has your taste in music changed over the years?

                -Over time my music taste has evolved into a weird mix of pop-punk, hardcore, and underground hip-hop. When I was younger all I listened to was classic rock because that’s what my parents were into so I assumed I should be the same, but over time I came into my own taste, and started listening to the things that described me.

Why do you gravitate towards certain types of music? Why do you think you dislike certain types of music? (Influence, history, parents)

                -I gravitate towards my type of music because I feel that it is more blunt, and realistic than generic artists in today’s society that only talk about sex, drugs, and partying. Hardcore, although is quite angry sounding, is actually very relieving because it allows you to purge on your anger on what is happening in your life at the moment and there is always a certain song that speaks to you- or screams rather.

Would you ever want to sing or be a musician professionally?

                -In my opinion, anyone that has ever liked music ever has dreamed of being a rock star and performing in front of thousands of people. Me, personally am the same, but is it a passion that I’m reaching out for? No, and that’s because for one, I couldn’t sing to save the world, and two, I would write music that was for myself, not for other people just so that they would buy it.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

6 Word Memoirs to Remember!


All That You have is now.

 

Rise To The Occasion, Be Yourself.

 

Do what your heart tells you.

The Sight Through My Window


I see a driveway wind down a path of yellow grass

To my left I watch my dog chasing the butterflies that come yearly

A man in a suit walks down the road intersecting with my driveway, a briefcase supported by a long leather strap slung over his shoulder

The bright sun apparently blinding the man as he walks down the dust paved road

I sometimes watch people pass my lonely little house with curiosity covering their face

The only thing I see for miles is that same structure that symbolizes the gateway to the west.
 

Friday, October 11, 2013

The Clown


                I always loved art, even when I was a little boy, my mom couldn’t keep her paintbrush out of my hands. Today was no exception to that, and as I did almost every weekend, I walked to the art museum that was about three blocks away from my house on the south side of town.

                The chilly night air smelt distinctly of fall, as I trot down the main road leading to the museum. When I arrive I am greeted by warmth and the sweet smell of paint and wood. As I make my way deeper into the building the rooms explode with color, paintings covering every inch of the walls, and sculptures create the paths that intertwine between every single piece as not to miss a single one on your visit.

                Each time I walk into this art museum I’m always warmed by each painting, but one in specific caught my attention the most today, a picture of a clown sitting at a table apparently smoking. For some reason that clown picture hasn’t left my head since the day I saw it, I don’t know why but I just never forgot it.