Dream Team

Author's Note: I was trying to find a good idea for my next writing piece and I wanted it to be easy. I decided since my basketball season just ended that basketball could be a good topic to focus on. I didn't decide just to work on the topic basketball though, I wanted to make this essay special. This essay is all about the my basketball team and how we work together to be the best. 

It's funny how in your mind you want something to end, but deep down inside, you know you can't let go. I started playing select basketball at age 11 and knew once I started, I had to finish. It was hard at first getting use to playing basketball in general because I never really played when I was younger, but as time went on, I grew into a much stronger player. Not only did I begin to love the game more and more each year, but I gained 9 new amazing friendships that I could cherish for the rest of my life. We treated each other like sisters and maybe we weren't all best friends at school, but when it came to basketball we were as tight as a rubber band. Through all my years of select basketball, I may forget the games and the teams we played, but I know I will always remember the 9 phenomenal girls who were always there for me and truly made select basketball the joy it was meant to be.

The crazy thing is I have been playing with some of these girls ever since select started, which was in 5th grade. Obviously with sports there are many changes with teams such as, adding new girls and loosing some girls. Adding new girls to our team was never really a problem though because every girl on my team was friendly and good at making the new players feel welcomed. By the last year of basketball my team consisted of the most spectacular girls in the world! We all worked together and people may believe you don't need to be close with a team to do well, but our record for the last four years was 161 wins and 20 losses, which is really good. Our coach would always tell us, "Good teams always find a way to win." I know this quote wouldn't have worked if our team wouldn't have been so close.

It's interesting watching us work together on the basketball court, and then watching us together just hanging out. The personalities change drastically. For example, my friend MacKenzie could be one of the most competitive people I have ever met. She's aggressive on the court and doesn't stop working until the time runs out, but when it comes to just a normal conversation she is super sweet and just a regular girl. Another example is my friend Katie. She has a tendency to give people very dirty looks on the court, but off the court she's just a girl who loves everyone. The biggest change of person would have to be my coach because one second he would be screaming at us saying that we do everything wrong and the next second he would be hugging us saying were the best team he's ever coached. It was interesting watching the change in personalities with my team.

It really was amazing how well my team worked together. Not one of the girls on my team was ever bullied and we always stuck up for eachother. On the other hand there are many teams that do not work together. A team I know that doesn't work well together is the Pewaukee 8th grade boys football team. They all yell at each other and never work together. I believe that the reason why they have lost so many games is because they can't work together. Some people on the team boss others around because they think they're the best. The other half of the team just follows the people that think they're the best around. Our basketball team never really ran into anything like this. At the end of the day yes there is a best player, but we never bossed others around. We encouraged each other instead. 

As time went on, select basketball was coming to an end. Our last game was full of tears. Knowing inside you would never have this team again was heartbreaking, but you couldn't just think about the fact that this team was over, you had to be happy that this team was made in the first place. For the last four years my team and I had created many good and bad memories for the future. My main memory though, these 9 sensational girls, will truly be in my heart forever. This team was more than I could ask for. The way we all worked together and cared for one another was unbelievable. I could have been unlucky and joined a team that argued all the time, but I was blessed with 9 amazing girls that I will never forget. 

Dreaming What Can't be Seen

Author's Note: I'm really trying to improve my descriptiveness in my writing and be able to include some figurative language. This is a piece about a girl with no confidence and is scared of life. Her only desire is to go to Paris. Before she can really taste the true feeling of Paris, it vanishes before her eyes. I hope you enjoy my new piece. Comment below!

You can smell the freshly baked croissants as you watch the birds sing while flying in the bright blue sky that is always gleaming. Your eyes move to the little houses that stand by each other one by one, with barely any room; noticing the one lovely home that everyone drools over just because of a little window that presents the main beauty Paris can really offer.

You can see the glowing Eiffel Tower right before your eyes. Some can only dream to witness something so stunning, something so exquisite. Paris can make you believe like when you're a kid going to Disney World. Every possibility enters your mind, making you crave more and more of life. When your eyes first make connection with that perfectly tall monument your heart stops. You continue to stare and whisper to yourself, "Wow, this is truly beautiful." You look around wondering if anyone else feels the same way as you. Slowly, but confidently you walk to touch the Eiffel Tower. When you touch the Eiffel Tower all fears fly away. Suddenly, everything becomes a blur. "No!" You scream, but as you sit and fantasize your desire, the image slowly fades, showing your true colors: showing you're not where you want to be.

Waking from your dream, you look forward wanting to see the Eiffel Tower, but there's just the One Direction poster you got for your birthday. You turn your head praying to see the sight of the small buildings, but what stands before you is just a window: a window showing nothing but a tree. Closing your eyes and laying back down, you cry yourself back to sleep wishing you could see that sensational sight again, but with your confidence destroyed you know deep down in your heart you will never be able to witness Paris again.

I Took Her Away, Like She Took Me

Author's Note: In class we were told to write a creative writing piece and I was really excited about this because I love to just write for fun. My story is about bullying, friendship, and it has some supernatural in it. I hope you enjoy. 

Kathryn was her name. She was tall, lean, naturally beautiful; not to mention the perfect little sister. She could dance with so much grace; everyone knew she was gonna be somebody you would want to know  because she was gonna be important in the future. I remember her being happy. I use to think she was so strong: like nobody could brake her. It wasn't long until I was studying in my room for a big math test when I heard a scream. I ran to see what happened: laying on the floor was my 14 year old sister with a knife in her hand and a cut in her neck so big I could stick my hand inside her. There was blood everywhere. I didn't know what to do; I didn't know what to say. All I could do was sit there and watch my little sister die before my eyes. I called my parents and told them to immediately come home. As their car came in the driveway, they ran to see, but before I could explain, my mother fell to her knees and started balling. I've never seen my parents so sad before. My family was hurt and I knew I had to do something. I ran to Kathryn's room and right before my eyes was a letter. 

Dear Kathryn,

You know how were so called "best friends," well I don't want to be friends with you anymore. I just don't get it. Why would I ever wanna be best friends with such an obnoxious, immature, little wannabe like you. I hope you're happy the way we told Charlie you liked him. He laughed by the way: said you were a fat, annoying, loser and no one would ever wanna date someone so hideous. Funny isn't it? How honest he is, I truly admire it. We made-out by the way. That's right, the guy you've liked for years made out with me. How does it feel to have something taken away from you Ms. I'm beautiful and an amazing dancer, well now he's mine, and I never wanna see you again. If you were a good friend you would just leave me alone. I hope you die. 

Love, Maggie

P.S. Have fun not having me in your life. 

Tears were falling as I finished reading the note. It didn't make sense. The day before Maggie and Kathryn were hanging out and everything seemed fine. Then a flashback came back to mind, "Kathryn promise you won't get mad, but I really like Charlie." Kathryn replied to Maggie right away, "Maggie why would you do this to me you know I really like him and I'm waiting for us to finally work out." Maggie looked frustrated, "Well I can like who I want and I like Charlie." That's when I heard them yelling and walked in Kathryn's room, but they smiled at me like nothing happened. I thought everything was okay. I set down the letter and called Maggie instantly. "Hey Maggie, it's Kathryn's sister, Rebecca, can you come over?" Her voice sounded shaky, but she quietly whispered sure.

When the doorbell rang, I went to get it. My mom and dad were in their room crying their eyes out while I was investigating. Maggie looked terrified, but at the same time mad at the world. I asked her, "Maggie what is this note?" She looked at the ground and tears were in her eyes, "I didn't mean it. I was sad, I liked Charlie forever too and she always said she would get him. I wanted him too, you know. She got everything, looks, athletic abilities, everyone liked her, then I was stuck with nothing. I walked in her shadows and I'm sick of it! I want to be something, I want to be somebody!" She stopped and looked at the ground. I waited for a couple of seconds and looked up at her while crying. "Maggie, congratulations, you got what you wanted," but before she could ask what I meant, I motioned her to come in my house. Awkwardly we walked to the kitchen. Laying on the counter was a long black sheet. I lifted the sheet reviling my dead sister. Maggie's mouth dropped open. She looked at me and back at the body, "This isn't funny Rebecca, why are you playing this joke? I'm sorry okay, I'm sorry Kathryn! I don't want you to actually be gone." I looked at the ground balling. Maggie continued, "Please Kathryn, please get up! Stop faking! I didn't want you to actually be gone. Oh my gosh I'm a terrible person, look what I've done." Maggie fell to the ground and balled with me. Our eyes met and she tried to speak, but I walked out the room and the last words I spoke to her was, "My little sister that was so "perfect" is now dead, and this is all because of you." 

Time went on and things got easier, but there wasn't a day I didn't think about Kathryn. People don't understand what bullying is, or how far it can go. What happened to my sister happens everyday around the world and it is not okay. I promised myself to always stop bullying and be there for others who have been bullied. I lost what I loved and this feeling I have inside me is unspeakable. I never want anyone to ever have to go through what my family and I had to go through. 

----------------------------------------------------

Maggies point of view-

I starred at the brick wall remembering the date of today: I killed my best friend. Who knew just a few words could force someone to kill themselves. I miss her. I miss everyone. Ever since that day Kathryn died, I never looked at myself the same. I realized bullies go through the hard time too. I may have caused Kathryn to kill herself, but think of the guilt and pain I have to go through myself. My plan didn't work, it was suppose to turn out perfect. Kathryn was meant to leave, not die. I would get Kathryn's dance scholarship, all the boys would like me. None of that happened. Hurting my friend did nothing, but make me a horrific person. Everyone hates me. For a whole year I have been stuck in a mental hospital, but what I did to Kathryn is not right and I'm never going to be the same person I once was, so why should I live? Suddenly a shadow rose from the side of my eye. "Hello?" I spoke, no answer. I quietly got up and walked to the bathroom and I couldn't believe the sight in front of me. I looked at the ground and spoke slowly, "Hello Kathryn."

Rebecca-

Happy birthday to Kathryn, happy birthday to you. Today was March 22nd, Kathryn's birthday. She would have been 15, off to regional's getting noticed for her dancing. "Rebecca come look at this!" I heard my mother scream. I quickly ran down stairs and my mother was in shock. She slowly spoke, "Death of Maggie." Everything around me went silent. I grabbed the newspaper my mom was holding and ran upstairs to read it,

News Paper

14 year old Maggie Roads was found dead in her bed waking up this morning. With her being in a mental institute, no one knows how her death is possible. The nurses don't understand . It says about a year ago Maggie wrote a letter to Kathryn Simon explaining her hatred for her and later that evening, Kathryn was found dead. The main concept why this story is so big is a note was found hanging above Maggies bathroom.

Note

I took her away, like she took me. The pain, the hatred, it's all gone, but the main question is, how was I able to do this? How was I able to come back? Don't ask me, but I would recommend to you all to keep your eyes open and to listen like a hawk because I'm walking this earth and no one and nothing can stop me. 

xoxo,

Kathryn

"You Break My Heart in the Blink of an Eye"

Author's Note: The song, "The Last Time" by Taylor Swift featuring Gary Lightbody, shows excellent use of point of view.The main concept of this song is explaining a relationship that has gone through a lot of tough times. Gary, (singing the guys part) is continuously leaving Taylor; therefore she's left heartbroken. Right when Taylor feels she can get over him, he shows up at her door making her fall for him all over again. The lyrics are below. 

In life one of the main things every person wants is love. The thing is, love is a game: you either win or loose. When you win, you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. When you loose, the relationship you thought was forever, didn't work out the way you planned. Taylor Swift  and Gary Lightbody sing in the song, "The Last Time".  The way Taylor sees this relationship is her falling head over heals for a man, but he takes her for granted and leaves her. Suddenly when everything is better, he shows up again making her want him even more than before. 

 "And all the times I let you in, just for you to go again. Disappear when you come back, everything is better." What Taylor means by saying this lyric is, Gary always comes back for her, making her feel as if nothing has happened; making her feel as if it's all okay. Before Gary has time to come back for Taylor, she will hide so he can't find her and hurt her all over again. "You break my heart in a blink of an eye." Right when Taylor finally believes everything will change, Gary goes and breaks her heart all over again. "This is the last time I'm asking you this. Put my name at the top of your list." Even though they have fallen in love, Taylor still finds Gary choosing others and other things before he chooses her. 

While Taylor believes this is all Gary's fault, he has a completely different way of viewing this relationship. "And you open your eyes into my, and everything feels better." Gary believes no matter what has happened in the past, he can always get Taylor back. He concludes that this is okay to constantly hurt her and come back thinking everything is okay.  "Found myself at your door, just like all those times before. I’m not sure how I got there, all roads they lead me here." This line of lyrics shows the proof that he is always coming back for Taylor, but the way he sees it is, he loves her and can't let her go. When he's lost, she's the only person he can think of. "This is the last time, I won't hurt you anymore." While singing this part, Gary is thinking to himself that he can do this, he won't hurt her anymore.

Taylor and Gary's love is on and off because of Gary always leaving Taylor. This same concept happens in the book, Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks. Dear John is about two people that fall in love during the summer, but the guy, John, is in the Army and has to leave when summer ends. This makes Savannah and John's relationship really hard to work out. "The Last Time" and Dear John are similar because John is always leaving Savannah while they both have huge feelings for each other. Savannah is dying inside because John is always gone and questions how she can love a guy when he's always leaving her. It's the same with Taylor, but Gary chooses to leave, where John has to leave for the Army. 

Sadly for Taylor and Gary, they loose the love game, but for Savannah and John they win the love game. Taylor and Gary don't work out because Taylor knows Gary won't treat her right in the future. "Right before your eyes, I’m aching, run fast, nowhere to hide. Just you and me." They both can agree that they love each other and always will, but for all the times Gary has hurt Taylor she doesn't want to love Gary anymore. "This is the last time I'm telling you this." This is the last time Taylor will make the same mistake; therefore she's sick and tired of his games and ends their relationship forever. 

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"The Last Time"

(feat. Gary Lightbody)

[Gary Lightbody:]

Found myself at your door,

Just like all those times before,

I’m not sure how I got there,

All roads they lead me here.

Gary thinks it's okay to leave and continuously come back for Taylor

I imagine you are home,

In your room, all alone,

And you open your eyes into mine,

And everything feels better,

He's okay with coming back all the time because he believe when she opens her eyes into his.. everything will feel better. 

[Both:]

Right before your eyes,

I’m breaking, no past

No reasons why,

Just you and me.

This is the last time I’m asking you this,

Put my name at the top of your list,- They choose others over each other.

This is the last time I’m asking you why,

You break my heart in the blink of an eye, eye, eye.

[Taylor Swift:]

You find yourself at my door,

Just like all those times before,

You wear your best apology,

But I was there to watch you leave,

Gary comes back for Taylor all the time, but when everything is right, he leaves again

And all the times I let you in,

Just for you to go again,

Disappear when you come back,

Everything is better.

She would always fall for him again thinking he wouldn't hurt her this time, but he always does. Next time he comes back to hurt her, she'll try to hide so he can't find her. 

[Both:]

Right before your eyes,

I’m aching, run fast- Taylor tries to forget him, but he keeps coming back. 

Nowhere to hide,

Just you and me…

This is the last time I’m asking you this,

Put my name at the top of your list,

This is the last time I’m asking you why,

You break my heart in the blink of an eye, eye, eye…

This is the last time you tell me I’ve got it wrong,

This is the last time I say it’s been you all along,

This is the last time I let you in my door,

This is the last time, I won’t hurt you anymore.-He tried to tell her he'll change. 

Oh, oh, oh,

This is the last time I’m asking you this,

Put my name at the top of your list,

This is the last time I’m asking you why,

You break my heart in the blink of an eye.

This is the last time I’m asking you this (this is the last time I’m asking you this)

Put my name at the top of your list (put my name on the top of your list)

This is the last time I’m asking you why (this is the last time I’m asking you why)

You break my heart in the blink of an eye (You break my heart…)

[x4]

This is the last time I’m asking you,

Last time I’m asking you,

Last time I’m asking you this...

Pretty much this is Gary coming back to Taylor telling her he'll change and won't leave her, but Taylor leaves him and doesn't fall for it again. 

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What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Author's Note: In school we have been understanding the concept of writing about theme. This topic can be very challenging, but I feel like I have grown as a writer by being introduced to theme. My essay is about coping with death. I used the books, Heaven is for Real, A Walk to Remember, and The Hunger Games to show the connections of coping with death as the books theme's.  

What is the most distressing moment every person has so cope with? A lot of things in life are hard to cope with, but by far the hardest thing is death. The feeling of loosing someone you love or care for is the hardest thing a person can go through. While reading books, Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, you can really relate to the theme of the books. Every character in these novels goes through a death or hearing about a death they have to learn to cope with. By coping with death we learn to become stronger and are able to  overcome anything.

"Daddy, I died and went to heaven." Imagine those words coming from your five year old son. How would you respond to that? In the book, Heaven is for Real, you hear the exquisite story about a young boy, Colton, dying while he was in surgery; how he went up to heaven and met Jesus. Colon then came right back to earth and explained what he witnessed. Visualize how Colton's dad managed to understand how his son went to heaven and came back to earth. Not only did Colton's father have to comprehended to his son meeting Jesus, but when Colon starts talking about how he met his grandpa in heaven his father starts to understand his son did go to heaven and he's thankful for him coming back to life. Even though Colton and his family had troubles understanding the fact that Colton died, their family becomes even closer than they ever were. 

In Heaven is for Real, the people were fortunate enough for Colton to come back to life. This was a different story in the book, The Hunger Games: everyday you're forced to either kill someone or you could be killed. Katnis is a poor girl who is entered into the The Hunger Games or what I call it: the killing games. Picture being in an arena and knowing anyone could be anywhere about to kill you. The meaning of the Hunger Games is you can't get close with anyone because for all you know they could die in the next minute. Katniss teamed up with a young girl named Rue and they became very close. Sadly, Rue dies and Katniss feels many emotions and doesn't understand with how she's suppose to cope with the loss of her friend and still be the last one standing in the Hunger Games. Lastly, Katniss doesn't only have to live with the memories of all the people dying in the Hunger Games, but she also had to go through her dad dying. This effected her a ton because her mother became depressed and Katniss had to step up and take care of the family. If I was in Katniss’s position I would just give up, but with Katniss being so strong, she learns to fight through the pain.

It's hard to watch someone die by being shot or being stabbed, but it's a whole different feeling watching someone you love die slowly from a sickness. While reading, A Walk to Remember, I remember crying: envision a young man falling in love with a young girl and coping with her having cancer. We can relate sicknesses to the book, Heaven is for Real. This is a connection because both characters, Jamie and Colton, are very ill and the people surrounding them have the same fear of them dying. Lucky for Colton he lives, but Jamie gets so sick she passes away. With being heartbroken Landon, the boy in love with Jamie, he understands that if Jamie was still alive she would want the best for him. Landon then learns to deal with Jamie's death by becoming a very successful doctor just like she would have wanted. Jamie too went through what Landon went through. At just a young age Jamie's mother was diagnosed with cancer just like Jamie. It was hard for Jamie, but she did as Landon did: she moved on.  

All the books, Heaven is for Real, A Walk to Remember, and The Hunger Games have the similarities of death. Colton and his family became stronger as a family, learning more about each other from Colton’s death. Katniss grew as powerful young girl who could take down anything from seeing death. Lastly, Landon was going nowhere and being inspired by Jamie changed him into becoming a successful young man. Death can cause pain at first, but as time goes on people learn to understand that death is in the present; therefore they develop a tough mind and are able to challenge themselves to defeat everything. 

Mistakes Can Lead To Danger

Author's Note: For my prediction piece I decided to change the story up a bit. I did this because I wanted people to see a side of Cody's life that a lot of people don't have. At the end I wanted to put a twist to keep you wondering what happens next. I hope you enjoy this prediction piece about a young boy stealing treasure and a hook. 

Cody Miller looked down at the treasure and hook feeling many emotions. "What have I done?" He thought to himself. A pinch of gilt went through his stomach. "Cody! Where are you?" His mother called. Quickly Cody hid the treasure and the hook. "Hello mother." Cody responded shakily. "We're in luck! Someone had a feast last night and threw a lot away. Your father found the food in the garbage." My mother said with joy. I smiled at the fact that I was actually eating tonight. Grabbing, a slice of bread and a petite chicken piece, I walked to our family room: a room with a table and a couple of chairs. "It's nice to have food tonight." My mother spoke. When suddenly I got an idea. 

After dinner I went to where I hid the treasure and hook then ran to my mom. "Mother! Look what I found!" My mom turned and saw what I was holding. "Cody! No! You must return that to where you found it!" I looked down in confusion.   "Why can't we keep it? We need food mother. We only eat once every two days." She just stood there. "This is Clarence Buchanan's, don't you understand: if we're found with this we could be arrested." I looked at her with frustration. "We can be rich mom! Isn't that what you want?" She teared up and pulled me in for a hug while whispering. "I know, and your father and I are trying, but you need to understand this treasure and hook belongs to someone else." I looked at the items I was holding and anger struck through me as I ran out of my home and into the woods. I could hear my mom screaming for me to come back, but I kept running. I can't believe this I thought to myself. And with that thought, I ran to the one place where I knew someone would want this, the police. 

Change Can Happen

Author's Note: For my character analysis I decided to do the book, A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks. It shows the changing of Landon Carter by just one girl. 

Landon Carter from A Walk To Remember, was a cocky bad boy who didn't care about anyone, but himself. His poor decisions made everyone know he was the guy no one wanted to mess with. Landon and his friends went through everything together and caused the trouble throughout the whole story. "I like your sweater" Landon's friend spoke to Jamie Sullivan. She responded quietly saying, "Thank you." With a smile on her face. As Jamie walked away, Landon and his friends mocked her and held in bursts of laughter to be sure she couldn't hear them. It would be hard to believe, but Landon Carter really does change throughout the book, A Walk To Remember. 

Jamie Sullivan was a sweet girl who always wore the same sweater while holding a bible in her hands. She was an easy target to get made fun of. It wasn't long until Landon and Jamie were properly introduced. "Landon, as your punishment you must be in the spring musical." Landon Carter walked in the drama room and little did he know that one moment would change his life. As time went on Landon began to slowly change by practicing his lines until he could say the lines with perfection. His biggest change was the opening night of the musical. He spoke his line and out came Jamie. She pulled off her cape and Landon was speechless. He finally realized her true beauty and instantly knew he had to have her.

While making Jamie want him as much as he wanted her, he tried everything. After a couple of days, Landon realized how much he cares for Jamie. Landon deals with his friends making fun of Jamie and Landon for having feelings for Jamie. Soon Landon finally gives up on his friends and stops talking to them. When Jamie and Landon finally are dating, Landon changes his ideas for the future by wanting to go to college and being a doctor. "I love you" spoke Landon. After those words everything really did change in Landon's life. He finds out that Jamie is sick, very sick. He takes his life and gives it to Jamie: by constantly only being with her and making her the happiest person. 

Jamie changed Landon's life by showing him there's more to life than being a cocky bad boy. Landon soon fines his way because of Jamie with first wanting to perfect the musical to making a list of 10 things he wants to accomplish before he dies, and most importantly he leaves his friends he's known his whole life. Isn't it amazing how much someone can really change throughout just one book? I know it really amazed me in, A Walk To Remember, how much Landon Carter really did change. 

Is Friendship Really Gone?

Author's Note: One day in L.A. I was super bored and decided to vent my feelings about friendship. You might agree or disagree with me on this topic. Leave a comment below about what you think. Enjoy. 

Friendship. What is it really? Trust, honesty, love, are those really the meanings of friendship? They are, but does anyone follow? No. The world we now live in is untrustworthy, the only honesty one can say is rude and wrong. Love, no one takes it seriously, they hurt each other and disrespect. So how can a friendship be real if there are no characteristics to explain the meaning? The answer is, it can't. Real friendship everyone used to have, is now gone. 

Only five years old and the little girls smile at each other holding out their pinkies, "I pinkie swear." Why can't it be this easy? Just a simple pinkie swear means the biggest thing to their friendship! A pinkie swear shows the other I will never tell your secret. Why is it now if I have something to say that I don't want anyone, but one person to know I have to literally get down on my nee and ask for them not to tell anyone. Why can't I just make this as easy as a pinkie swear and know they will never tell? I can't. It's not that simple because what we know call "trust" is nothing.

It seems as if a friendship is more of a competition. You say one thing, the other feels the need to say something better. You ask about what you should wear and your friends respond with telling you to wear something that you know won't look good on you. Why is it that way? If your friend is helping you pick out your outfit you would think they would help you find something to make you look your best. The honesty friends now say to each other goes way to far and hurts. 

Love. It's simple. It's all the characteristics of the good combined, but in love there is also mistakes. It's understandable to make mistakes because you're human and everyone does, but if you're treated like anything I said in my paragraphs your friend isn't using the right version of love. The meaning of a true  friendship is gone. 

Mr. George Washington

Author's Note: Every year in Language Arts, the 7th and 8th graders get a topic to write about that has to do with The United States. This year the topic was, Founding Fathers. My main topic in my story is George Washington. I start with just a regular introduction, but I then write a letter I would personally give to George Washington. 

Exactly 213 years ago a very important person walked the grounds we now walk. He was one of our founding fathers of America and a hero to all. One of his most known stories was when he chopped down his father’s cherry tree and could not tell a lie. This man was George Washington: the first president of the United States. Everyone knew this man in 1789 as a hero, but now everyone just knows him as the first president. What would you say to George Washington if you got the opportunity to meet him? Personally for me, I would ask him what it was like being the first president. I would also tell him about all the amazing things we use in his name.

Dear George Washington,

As many little kids would joke around with you asking funny questions like, what was it like wearing a wig, or what were your teeth made out of, I would like to stick to the more interesting questions. My first questions is, what was is like being the first president? You know how hard that is? First of all, to be a president in general you need the obvious talents including, being responsible and confident; you also started the first president elections which means you needed to prove yourself and take control of America to show elections would work.

For taking control and being the amazing president you were, people looked up to you for showing responsibility and character. Places all over America are named after you. The United Sates capitol is named, Washington D.C. Another example is, you’re on the one dollar bill and the quarter. People of America are so proud of you for taking control of America and starting the presidential elections that we actually named things after you. If I was you, I would be thrilled.

Many people would like to thank you for everything you have done for our country and for being such a trustworthy man. When you were living, people were very lucky to meet a good man like you. If I could really give you this letter and receive a letter back with real answers, my main questions would ask what it was like being the first president and tell you about the states, cities, schools, and money we now use in your name. Thank you George Washington for being such a superior man for everyone to this day to remember.

From, Skyler

Who Do You Believe Is The Killer?

Author's Note: People one by one dying. No one can trust the person in the same room as them. The week that was supost to be the time of their lives, so turns into a nightmare. Learn the causes and the effects in the book, And Then There Were None, by Cecily Von Ziegesar.

In the book, And Then There Were None by Cecily Von Ziegesar, it's all about people who attend an island called, Indian Island. These aren't just the normal type of people though, every person who's attending this island has a dark past with too many secrets. The main cause is that people are constantly dying one by one. Every day, every night, the island gets more and more suspicious. When only two people are left standing, both the people believe the person left with them is the killer. 

When the cause is the person that is killing everyone on Indian Island, the main effect is the people finding out who the murder really is. Ten people started on the island and after three people are gone people begin to learn their own believes on who really is the murder. Nobody believes the murder is a woman because they don't think a woman is capable of killing other people. They soon loose trust towards everyone, until there is no one left. They never would really know the true killer of the people on Indian Island. 

Katniss' Conflicts

Author's note: In reading class we learned a new way of reading a book by finding out the conflicts going on in the book, and how the main character learns to resolve it. I did my conflict and resolving piece on The Hunger Games because I felt there are a lot of conflicts in this book and Katniss, the main character, solves the problems very well. 

In the Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, I noticed a lot of conflicts in this book. I've read this book about four times and it seems to still be one of my favorites. One reason might be that the conflicts pull you in leaving you wanting to know how Katniss, the main character of the book, resolves the problems. Katniss is up against four main conflicts in my mind.  I see her having problem's with the society, nature, people, and herself. I picked society because she doesn't like the way society works. She also has problems with the nature because she has to learn how to use it properly to live in the arena. A big conflict is people because she's up against a lot of people in the arena and everyone wants to win the Hunger Games so people are always trying to kill other people. Lastly, she's up against herself because the Hunger Games a mental game of staying alive and being smart. 

Even though it's a long book with many details and terrifying moments, Katniss learns to resolve her problems. It all starts with the society problem. Katniss learns to not care what people think by ending the Hunger Games with a berry death. Her and Peeta, a boy in the arena, are both the only ones left, but they don't want to kill each other so they both risk their lives by almost eating poison berries. I say almost because the game makes, people in charge of the Hunger Games, stop them and say Katniss and Peeta both win together. Katniss uses nature by helping her eat and she uses fires to keep her warm. For the people conflict, there were a lot of deaths, but that was the only way of winning the games. Lastly, Katniss learned to survive on her own and stayed mentally focused in the games knowing she had to win, and that's exactly what she did. 

Goodbye

Author's Note: Death is a scary word. Sadly for everyone they go through someone's death at least twice in their life. One of the death's my family and I had to go through was when I was only 8. Read my story to hear a depressing, but helping story about my uncle's death. 

In life, there are always those moments that you could replay over and over because they were so amazing, but there are also those moments when you fall apart: everything comes crashing down. It's impossible to be perfect; therefore everyone has depressing moments. I will never forget one of the most depressing moments of my life that shattered my family into pieces. This moment was when my uncle died.

"Your uncle has passed away." My mother said, with tears rolling down her eyes. Since I was only 8, I never really understood the meaning of death. My mother started to ball, her eyes out, as she hugged my father. Brandon, my brother, hugged me while whispering, "He's gone Skyler, forever." Suddenly, my eyes began to water as the words my brother just whispered to me went through my mind. I ran to my room and didn't return for the rest of the night. It was a long night; full of crying, but I thought to myself, if I’m going to cry this much, think how sad I’m going to be at the funeral. 

It was July 17th, the day of my uncles funeral. As I hold on to my mom’s hand, I walk into the building where my uncles dead body laid. Looking around the room it was hard to find familiar faces, when suddenly someone poked me in the back. I turn to see my cousin, Angela, standing behind me. "Angela I'm so sorry about your father." I said while hugging her. She looked at the ground and looked back at me then spoke with a shaken voice, "I'm going to miss him so much." I hugged her again. Angela was the same age as me and I thought about how terrible I would feel if my dad had died when I was only 8.

I walked up to the casket and before me was my uncle's body. Suddenly, everything was real: my uncle was really gone forever. Tears rolled down my eyes as I took one last glimpse at my uncle's body, I would never see him again. It felt as if someone literally stabbed my heart and I was broken. While I was crying, I left the building holding on to my dad’s hand. My dad kissed my forehead and said, “Don’t worry, he’s safe in heaven now. When you pass away you will be able to see him again.” I smiled at the sky and whispered to myself, “Goodbye uncle Wayne.”

When I am remembering about my uncle, the first thing that comes to mind is his death. After a while of sadness, I start to remember the times that matter the most:  the best times with him. Even when someone passes away you have to think of the positive of the times you had with them. The moment my uncle died was a depressing moment for my family, but after a while, we remembered our favorite things about him, which regained us to be a happy and  strong family again.

The Clique Retelling

Author's Note: Mrs. Mundt spoke to our class, telling us that we must make a retelling of a book. She clearly made it obvious that a retelling was not a summary. I did my retelling on a book I have read about 5 times. It is, The Clique, by: Lisa Harrison. 

Claire Lyons was the new girl moving into the coolest girl in schools guest house. She wanted more than anything to be popular and just get along with, Massie Block. She soon fines out Massie will do anything to keep Claire away from her and her friends.Through the torture and schemes, Claire realizes what true friendship is and what trying to be popular can do to you as a person. 

This book goes through hard times, bulling, and plenty of girl drama. It shows that if you want to fit in you have to be something you're not, and it's not worth it in the end. 

Bruises

Author's Note: It's amazing how in one night you can have the best time ever. It was in the middle of July when i went to a concert that indented my brain as the best moment in my life. Read this story to hear about my favorite memory. 

"Skyler, would you like to come to the Train concert with me?" One amazing night all started with that one sentence. It was in the beginning of July when my friend, Michelle, invited me to go see the band Train with her in concert. I was filled with joy! I've gone to plenty of concerts and knew how concerts went, but little did I know what was coming my way. 

The concert was at Summerfest in the Amphitheater. Summerfest is a festival in Milwaukee. It is known to be one of the most popular music festivals in the Untied States and I was more than ecstatic to be able to go watch a band that I looked up too. The whole time while walking around Summerfest I smiled knowing that tonight I was going to be at Train's concert. When we walked to the concert building the lady asked for my ticket, I gave it to her and she spoke, "Wow lucky girl you are. Enjoy the concert." I responded saying, "Thank you." What did the lady mean by saying wow lucky girl? Guess I'll find out later. Michelle and I kept walking forward while Laura, Michelle's sister, and Monica, Laura's friend, walked behind us. When we got into the building the concert was going to be in, Michelle walked all the way  towards the stage. I smiled and said, "Michelle what are you doing?" She glanced at me and responded, "Sky, we're in the third row." Suddenly a rush went through me and I wanted more than everything for this concert to start. 

"I love you Milwaukee!" Pat Monahan, the lead singer of Train, sang, as he approached the stage. He started singing one of my favorite songs by him, 50 Ways To Say Goodbye. This was awesome! Train was literally right in front of me! Michelle, Laura, Monica, and I all started screaming out the words, "My head is paralyzed. My head was over sized. I'll take the high road like I should!" We started doing dance moves to act out the words and we couldn't stop laughing. I screamed to Michelle, "This is the best night ever! How could it get better?" She laughed out, "It can't!" We continued dancing and singing and then came the words from Pat Monahan's voice, "Who would like to come up on stage with me?" 

Suddenly I thought to myself that I wanted too, but I realized I was really shy and would probably freeze on stage. I turned at Monica and started pointing at her. Laura and Michelle followed. "Would you young lady like to come on stage with me?" Pat asked Monica. "I would love too!" Monica responded. Pat started singing and Monica just smiled and sang along. Pat held the microphone up  to Monica's chin and she belted out, "These Bruises make for better conversation." I looked at Michelle stunned, Monica was a phenomenal singer. Pat's mouth dropped open in shock by how beautiful her voice was. They sang the rest of the song together and when the song finished, Pat gave Monica a hug and told her he was impressed by her voice. He also was impressed that she knew all the words. Monica came running off the stage and we all gave her big hugs. She was amazing, but the night still wasn't over. 

While the concert continued Michelle and I kept singing along to the songs and dancing. Michelle poked me and pointed in a direction at the end of the stage. I looked and Pat was walking along the fences that were put up around the concert seats. He was singing, Marry Me, and taking pictures with fans. Michelle and I looked at each other and ran to the fence. He was so close! Then suddenly I froze noticing he was a foot away from me. I started screaming and before I knew it, he was right in front of me. Pat grabbed Michelle's phone and took a picture. Michelle and I ran back to our seats and jumped with joy. It was officially the best night ever.

I remember moments before I even set foot in the concert building I thought it was going to be like any other concert. This night reminded me that even the events you thought would never happen really can. I smile every time I re-tell this story; remembering how incredible it was. I still have moments where I pinch myself wondering if it really did happen, but to me, this story can show you to always remember you will never know what really is coming your way. 

I Fancy British Accents

Author's Note: For class, our teachers gave us the idea to write down three truths and one lie. After reading our truths and lies we picked a truth or lie to write about. My story is about how much I fancy British accents. Do you think this is a truth or a lie?

How come everything sounds so much more intelligent when it’s in a British accent? This is a question I tend to ask myself a lot, but do not succeed to find an answer. It’s like people in the United Kingdom could say the dumbest thing, but it would still sound as smart as a scientist because of their mesmerizing accent.

Not only that, but when people are British they always seem more attractive. Their voices just scream out at you and you instantly fall in love. Believe it or not, but it’s the truth. Look at the band One Direction. Do you really think their just famous for just their music? I mean, their music is phenomenal, but it helps their fame that they’re good looking and have amazing accents. Harry Potter too has a British accent. That is one of my favorite movie series and one of the reasons why it is, is because of their accents. British accents just make me so happy.

If you think of the negatives for British accents you could name a lot too. Like the fact that if I was British, I would probably think American accents were cool. Everyone talks different, but in the end, everyone really has an accent that suits themselves as a person. I hope one day I will meet a very sweet person with a British accent just so when I’m down their voice can cheer me up. 

Dear Mr. Paul Higgin's

Author's Note: For my writing circle topic my group came up with the idea, complaining. I have wrote plenty of other One Direction pieces and this piece is me writing a letter to the One Directions manager Paul Higgins.

Dear Mr. Paul Higgins,
   
    Hi, my name is Skyler Bohn and I live in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. I am a true directioner and am very upset for the fact that One Direction has not came to Wisconsin yet. I don’t understand why they go to Chicago then skip over Wisconsin and go to Minnesota. If you haven’t realized, One Direction has already been to Minnesota and Chicago. They have never gone to Wisconsin and we have a ton of directioners here! We, as directioners, are so in love with One Direction here in WIsconsin. We would travel to other states to see these five beautiful and talented boys, but it’s different if they just come to Wisconsin because we want a chance for every Wisconsin directioner to see the boys too.

    My life is One Direction and I spend every day wishing and hoping that someday they will come here to Wisconsin and that I get a chance to meet them. A lot of people probably send you letters saying how much they want you to come where they live, but Wisconsin is different. I don’t know if you know this, but we host one of the biggest music festivals in the U.S. This festival is called Summerfest. People that have came here in the past are, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Nicki Manaj, Wiz Khalifa, Big Time Rush, Kelly Clarkson, Train, and many more. It would be fantastic is in the future we could be able to say that One Direction came to Summerfest. It is during the summer, usually around June or July.

    How come One Direction are going to California and Florida so much? They’re lucky enough to see them once, but when they have a chance to see them twice plus it’s not fair. One Direction has other fans in other states where we don’t even get to see them. It just doesn’t seem right. I know you might be thinking I’m being a little selfish, but I just love One Direction so much and would do anything for them to come to Wisconsin. Please think about what I said and hopefully you except coming to Wisconsin in the future. xx


    From: Skyler Bohn

   

Love Has No Meaning

Author's Note: Love, one of the most confusing things in life. In writing circles we decided to write about love. I for one do not believe there is one way to describe love. I hope you enjoy my piece.

Love, it's only four letters, but means the world to someone. It doesn't have one meaning though, it has  a thousand. Every day, every waking minute, you never let go of what you love. Whether it's a boy or  girl, family or friends, love is love and it's always there. Love won't come right away though; it takes time  for you to grow this feeling for someone. You can love things other than people though too. Like I said,  "Love is love, it has a thousand meanings."

 L is for living, if I couldn't live this life you couldn't  be mine.

O is for obstacles, you have your whole life to find who you love. It's not easy.

V is for value, love is priceless

E is for excitement, it's exciting to fall in love.

A Dream That Could Only Last Forever

 Author's Note: My writing circle wrote about dreams that we had/wish we could have. My writing was about me meeting One Direction. In my last piece I wrote about One Direction, so if you have any questions about the band, One Direction, read my last piece.

I couldn’t believe the sight right in front of my eyes. This was the moment I have been waiting for my whole life. Right in front of me was the five most gorgeous guys that have ever walked this earth, the five most talented boys, the five most perfect boys. These five boys were One Direction.

As the line got shorter and the time kept ticking, my legs were sore from standing; not even pain would stop me from meeting One Direction. The line moved farther and only three more people until I would meet the boys. Suddenly, I started to shake seeing the boys in person was nerve racking. I walked up to the table where the boys were sitting. The first boy was Liam, I smiled at him and asked him to sign a CD. I told him his girlfriend was lucky to have a nice guy like him. He said thank you. Okay, one boy done, four more to meet. Next was Louis. I suddenly started to shake seeing Niall two seat down from him. Louis looked up at me. “Are you going to say anything love?” he said in his cute British accent. I blushed noticing I was staring off in space. “Sorry Louis, I just love you.” he smiled and signed my CD. “Have a nice day!” I waved bye to him. When I walked over to Zayn he and Niall were talking. Niall spoke very loud and spoke to Zayn saying, “You see that beautiful blonde over there?” Zayn shook his head yes as he glanced at me. Niall continued talking, “I’m going to marry her one day.” I smiled and slowly walked up to him. Words could barely come out of my mouth. He started to talk and took the CD I wanted him to sign from me. He was saying how beautiful he thought I was then asked for my name. I responded by saying my name was Skyler. He walked closer to me and suddenly.....”Time to get up Sky! Schools about to start!” I slowly woke up as I looked around my room. I smiled at myself. What a wonderful dream.

One Band

Author's Note: In this world people obsess with TV shows, sports, and plenty more things. I have gained obsession with a band named One Direction and nothing can break this love I have for them. I will probably never meet them, but I will still love them for their music and personalities. In writing circles my group has decided to write about One Direction so I hope you enjoy my short story on One Direction.

 When you hear the words carrot, superman, or even the name Mary, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?  You will probably think of something really weird, but don’t worry, you’re not completely wrong. These interesting words explain my role models, Louis, Liam, Zayn, Harry, and Niall. Even though all these boys are extremely weird and immature I still will always look up to them from the start to the very end. Who are these people you might ask? They are in the band called One Direction. This band was made on July 23th, of 2010. All of the boys tried out solo on a British show called, The X Factor, which is like American Idol or America’s Got Talent. All of them made it the first week, but didn’t make it all the way to the end. Simon Cowell, came up with a brilliant idea to make a boy and girl band. He took Liam, Louis, Zayn, Niall, and Harry and made them into a boy band. The rest was history. 

Semantic Devices

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/soccerluv5510-1412850-semantic-devices/