I Was Being Followed

                I was being followed; that much was for sure because I could feel it. Exactly what I could feel, I don’t know but I knew it wasn’t friendly and it wanted something, so I began to run but stumbled and fell only a few yards from where I began, and pain shoots through my ankle. I look up to see only to familiar fog that blinds my path three feet away from my face. I turn towards the direction at which I felt the mysterious presence coming toward me, but there is only the same fog, and silence.

                I was not imagining this, I know I wasn’t, I could feel a pair of cold eyes staring into the back of my head, and to me that was enough to believe that I was in danger. This path was not unfamiliar to me; I walk it every day after work to get to my house as sort of a short cut instead of walking through all of the neighboring subdivisions. The path is beaten, and there is hardly anyone ever on it, and the only ones that travel on it are bike riders, but it is too dark and foggy for that now. Just me, and the mysterious being that stalks my every move.

                I pick myself up with caution and limp toward my destination, which should only be a mile or so away by now, but who could tell for sure when you can hardly see your hand in front of your face. I can’t help but cackle at the fact that I am so frightened, because I’m shaking so hard that it’s giving me a migraine. I think back to the time that I’m with my family at a nearby cave park, and I fell into a deep crevice that opened up in the ground upon me spending over it, that is the last time I ever remember being this scared. The thought of my family wrenches my heart and drives me to hobble my way home faster, but then I hear it, a deep gurgling growl that arises through the trees that makes my knees buckle beneath me. The growl came from behind me so I refuse to look in that direction, because I know that once I do I may see what I have been dreading this whole time.

                My throat aches and I realize that I am yelling for help at the top of my lungs, but no response is returned except the sounds of breaking twigs coming from behind me.  Sweat pouring down my face, I look back at the noise and a silhouette stands before me about four feet away, still staring at me.

                “What do you want?” I cry out at the beast. I watch as its three fingered hand draws into one pointed finger and slowly fixates it on me. I scream before I know what else to do, and for a moment it is all that I can do. Slowly the beast lurches towards me, isolating every bone in my body; I cannot walk, I cannot talk, my body is still aside from the constant shake that convulses my body.

                This cannot be my end I have way too much relying on me, and my mind races back to the thought of my family standing in front of the house. Mom is watering the garden and dad is teaching my little brother how to catch a baseball. The memory shoots a pang through my heart and tears through my eyes. I look to my right as to escape the frightening sight of this terrible beast standing above me willing to take my life at any instant, and notice the large drop off that flows off of the trail. I took my only opportunity and I rolled, not knowing what was below awaiting me there. Hitting branch after branch, I finally find the ground, and everything goes black.

                I wake up in the hospital, and the bright lights burn my slowly opening eyes. I look to my right and see that my arm is in a cast, and my family is by my bed asleep. Relief courses throughout my body at the sight of safety, and a tear rolls down my eye. I quickly pull myself together and try to think back on what had happened on that gruesome walk home, and all that I see is the sight of those claws pointing at my chest.

                I force myself to relax, although the pain medicine does most of the work, and my eyes slowly close for rest, and that’s when I hear it again.

               

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.

Da Vinci Inspired Piece

Mona Lisa

Her smile was one of distinctness
With perfect beauty that is known around the world.
The woman is a perfect example of royalty
A trophy to her king
So much she is forever stored in all of her beauty
For the rest of time.
And like the suns light
she has stayed with us through time
to do exactly what she was meant to.



Assassins Creed

Thank you sir Da Vinci
Over time I have acquired epic tools
That have proceeded to assist me in my mission
to rid Florence of this tyrannical government.
So again I thank you sir
You're craftsmanship creativity and clean cut ways
Have made me swift and agile
Like the night itself.

Leonardo da vinci

         Hello, my name is Leonardo Da Vinci, and you may have heard of me, but I would like to let you in to the actual me. I was born in Florence, Italy to my father, Ser Piero, and my mother Caterina. My father was a carpenter for his whole life practically, and my mother was only a simple peasant, but regardless they fell in love and lived long happy lives and died in their 30’s.

          I was born on April 15, 1452 in my parents hometown, and was an only child for my whole life. I was apprentice to Andrea del Verrochio at the age of fifteen, but by then I was already renoun for many of my pieces. During my years as an artist very many historical events occurred such as the Invasion of Milan, Storza’s fall from power, catholisism played a huge role in the government, the renaissanse period was in full effect, and 9/11.

          My three most well-practiced mediums were architecture, sculpture, and painting which were very popular in the renaisanse because during that period in time people were starting to think more scientifically and wanted to understand more about themselves, which became an inspiration for one of my most versatile pieces that is still in use today, and its name is Vitruvian Man. But I would have to say that my most favorite pieces of all time would have to be The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper because they are both so renoun and descriptive, but really the best art of all is art itself.

Art Walk

                The piece of art that I chose reminded me of the vast fields and valleys that are located around my lake house in Protem, Missouri. That house has been in my family since before I was even thought of yet, and still remains in its same condition. I remember times as a child running around in the fields with my BB gun, playing war with myself because there weren’t really ever that many people around, especially my age. My dad would always cook homemade burgers and fries and I would shoot left over fireworks from the fourth of July making the night sky gleam with light. Although, I would have to say my favorite part of the lake was looking at the stars, because it isn’t the same as it is in the city, there is no other light to interrupt their brightness, so you see them all, it’s really breathtaking.

The Pillow Looks Like...

                Although I was not here on Tuesday to enjoy looking at the picture of the pillow with the rest of the class, I believe I can make some inferences of what it could look like on the spot.

                To me, the right portion of the pillow resembles a sinister smiling face, the indention of someonws head being the huge eyeball, and the crease right underneath being the crazed smile, along with many other creases dimpling the face.

                The left portion of the pillow looks to be in the shape of a baby’s face, right after the pillow case opening. The pillow itself is almost like a chicken nugget though, because of the way the picture was drawn, and how the shading was used.

                It’s sort of odd how the pillow can resemble so many different odd things. I’ve heard of it looking like a chicken, an egg, and even a dinosaur. I’m sure that the artist who drew this simplistic image of a pillow was not expecting it to take on such a shape.

In My Future

2 Interesting Ideas- The computer aninmation and the testing oppritunities were pretty cool.
1 Question- Does the institute have a commercial?
Where I would like to be in 1, 5, 10, and 50 years- 1 Year- I would like to be in OTC learning my basic studies, hopefully on a full ride because of my A+, and in five years I would like to be in my last year of school if possible, but if not then I will still be in school for a good few years. In 10 years I will hopefully be married, but no kids just yet, because they drive me nuts. Fifty years from now I plan to be retired from wherever the heck I chose a carreer.

Mr. Lindens Library

                Five days before the incident happened, Daniel was just a normal teenage boy, going to school and living life to the fullest. Although Daniel’s family was rather wealthy, he went to public school where he met his best friend Cole Harper, a street kid that lacked the certain angst of other street kids. Regardless the differences between the two they had been best friends for years, and would walk home together every single day, never failing to pass by the old abandoned house that separated Daniels neighborhood from Cole’s by a lengthy fence that followed around about five acres of land that hadn't been tended to for as long as the two could think to remember, always making mention of how serious it was.

                The building looked like a mansion really, towering with stained glass walls, and high arches that seemed once beautiful, now hanging by its last thread of life. Something about the place had always called out to Daniel, although he could never put his finger on it. It was a curiosity the plagued him since He and Cole were boys. So as to rid Daniel of this burning curiosity of what lay in the old abandoned building, the two made a pact that at the end of their senior year of High School, before both parted ways, they would step foot into the old rotten mansion- which had never happened before- and see what they could find out.

                The night of the mission to infiltrate the corroded manor was brisk, the smell of rain and fall permeating the air. The two boys were to meet each other in front of the house at seven thirty, but as usual, both of them were late. “Sorry bro, mom made a huge deal about my dislike for peas.” said Daniel with careless grin.

                “It’s cool; I just brainstormed whether or not I should even come. This place looks like it could collapse any second!” Cole said, with an uneasy expression on his face. “Besides, what do you think that we will find in here anyways? If the place had cool things inside of it I doubt that it would be ABANDONED.”

                Daniel brushed Coles comments off to the side, knowing good and well that he was determined to reach the inside of this creepy place. Besides, even if Daniel went in alone, it wouldn't be long until Cole would follow, for they had a friendship tighter than a rubber band ball, and Cole wouldn't dare let him be in any kind of trouble without him. The two of them look for any nearby cars or pedestrians before climbing over the ten foot high metal gate and both times falling with a thud followed by a curse word. “Ouch! I fell on my knife.” Cole then draws out a huge black Gerber tactical knife. “Pretty sweet right? Scored it off my dad a few days ago, he never noticed. My dad has more weapons than most people have silverware.”

                “I’m going to pretend I never saw that just in case I get questioned by police when you murder yourself with that by accident.” Said Daniel with a light hearted laugh, although having a weapon of that proportion in Coles hands never really ended well.

                The two walked to the front door and simultaneously kicked it in, not out of necessity, but more for being able to say that they have now kicked in a door. As they step into the threshold of the decaying remains of the building, they notice something on the ground- a book by the title of Mr. Lindens Library. As Daniel picks up the book He and Cole both notice an awful stench coming from inside the building, and it smelt like a rotten carcass. At that moment, Daniel and Cole fell to their better judgment and left the old mansion at a hurried pace, with the book of Mr. Lindens library in hand.

                “You’d better be careful with that book there, Dan.”

                “Psh, why do you say that?”

                Judging by the way that the old mansion had been left, as if nobody had wanted it, Cole assumed the same of this peculiar book, but instead replied “I don’t know it could have asbestos poisoning on it or something.”

                Daniel followed Cole’s sarcastic statement with a chuckle and said “No worries, dude, if that happens; I can chill in a hospital for months without worry of work or anything otherwise.”

                That was the last night that Daniel and his family was ever seen, or heard of again. Police turned his home upside down for clues as to the disappearance of him and his family, but there was nothing amiss. Cole spent every waking last moment of his summer in search for his lost best friend, but with all of his efforts there came nothing. All he could ever think of after that was that book, even when he grew older and had married. He had warned Daniel about the book, but now it was too late.

Famous Lines From Famous Books

1.       Famous First Line: “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”

2.       Find the answers: This line is from the novel “The Go-Between” which was published in the year 1953 by the author L.P. Hartley who lived from 1895 to 1972. This author is also known for other works, including Night Fears and My Fellow Devils.

3.       Find a summary: An old man finds his old journal from when he was twelve and has flashback memories of the events.

4.       Famous Last Line: “The knife came down, missing him by inches and he took off.”

5.       Find the answers 2: This line is from the novel Catch 22 which was published in the year 1961 by the author Joseph Heller who lived from 1923 to 1999. This author is also known for other works, including Something Happened and Closing Time.

6.       First book summary (my own words): This book is a story of a man who one day comes across a journal at which he had written in many years ago at the age of twelve, for the man was elderly. While reading his journal, he has flashback memories of the events that occurred in this book and the people he met.

7.       Would I read it: I believe that I would read this book, although it is not I my top favorites, the plot is very peculiar. A man being able to rewind into his childhood and live back then as he did seems like it would make it very fun to read, but the time that this novel takes place in is a con to me.

8.       Second book summary (my own words): This novel is of a man that attempts to become insane in hopes of fleeing from World War 2 after a shocking, and terrifying event occurs that changes him forever.

9.       Would I read it: If I am being completely honest, I do not think that I could read this book. My reason being that it is of a coward, which I cannot relate to. Although the thought of reading a war novel is enticing, the book seems as if it hardly would have any action, and seems to be a bit like a wacky “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” sort of book that takes too much time pity partying the main character.