Christmas:)

If you are wondering,

Now that Christmas is here,

Whether or not we will spread Christmas cheer,

By the time the lights and tree are up,

We will sing loud and make them jump.



Every time we sing,

Even if not a pleasant ring,

Whenever we do you're sure to smile,

Only if for a short while,

We hope you enjoy our short Christmas carol.

The Sacrifice By: Kathleen Benner Duble pgs.208

The Sacrifice if a very heartfelt, loving book. It is about a family back in the late 1600's in Salem, Massachusetts. In this little town there is a suspicion of witches. Being a town and community of really strict religion and rule this seemed outrageous. The town goes crazy. And the Faulkner family gets devoured by the madness.

The main character in this book sticks out to me as Abigail Faulkner. The younger daughter in the Faulkner family. She is a very strong willed character, yes she is frightened but she holds herself together thoughout the chaos. Her sister Dorothy is also a big part, she being the stronger and more gathered of the two sisters. She helps her sister and teaches her alot throughout their time together. These young girls only ages 10 and 12 get accused of practicing witchcraft, and get thrown in the Salem jail. For months they sit and wait for their trial. Together they make it though this hard time.

This book is based on a very true period of time in history. Alot of these stories really happened and took place. People were killed and murdered due to accusations of witchcraft. Women and children were burned on crosses infront of towns and towns of people. This story is very true and that is why I enjoyed it so much. The realism of the story drags you in and you can not put the book down.

I really enjoyed this book and believe it is a very good example of the power of family unity and trust. It really opened my eyes to alot of things, and I believe it is a book that everyone should read at some point in their life. You can check it out in Mrs. Gillmore's room.:)

Argument: For what would you risk your life?

Assertion/Claim

People risks their lives for things they feel vital or important to them everyday.

For your friends?
Family?
Your country?
For a stranger?
Your rights?

Humans have a natural nurturing instinct, which makes us feel we need to stand up for and protect our family and friends, even if it means risking our lives.

• Commentary 1: For example, mothers with their children, as providers they have a natural feeling that makes them bend over backwards to provide and be the best they can. Even If it means risking their own life.
• Commentary 2: And soldiers, fighting for their country, they are out their protecting what they feel to be theirs. We have so many willing soldiers over seas fighting for our country, for our freedom, for everything we know to be.
• Commentary 3: Mr. Luther King Jr. said, " A man who won't die for something is not fit to live." Mr. Luther King was very brave, bravery, maybe that's what this all boils down to, he risked not only his life but his families life to stop segregation.

The power of the mind is so powerful that sometimes it is hard, and even impossible to overcome it. And even though maybe what we feel to be right might not be, we will do whatever it takes to make it the way we feel, or have been taught to be right.

• Commentary 1: Also like when the 911 terrorist attacks accorded. Those bombers believed they were doing what was best to protect their country and their people. Even though what they did was very wrong, they risked, or sacrificed their lives more or less for what they believed to be right.
• Commentary 2: Last but not least, Anne Frank, a very brave young woman risked her life for the lives of complete strangers. She took people in her home and hid them from the German Nazis'. Knowing that is she were caught if would be sure death or worse.

Opposing Claims

• A lot of people say " " that they would risk their lives for things that are important to them, when in reality they are to selfish and self conceded to risk their own lives for anyone. They would be too worried about their own well- being to try and help or care for someone else.
• And others, were simply born without the will to protect, without that nurturing instinct.

My rebuttal

• Although sometimes I have said something that I didn't mean, or said I would do something I didn't. I honestly can safe that if someone in my family, or someone I love were in danger I would risk my life for them. And maybe one day when the world makes more sense to me, when I am older, I will have feelings like this about a lot more things in life.

People risks their lives for things they feel vital or important to them everyday.Humans have a natural nurturing instinct, which makes us feel we need to stand up for and protect our family and friends, even if it means risking our lives. For example, mothers with their children, as providers they have a natural feeling that makes them bend over backwards to provide and be the best they can. Even If it means risking their own life. And soldiers, fighting for their country, they are out their protecting what they feel to be theirs. We have so many willing soldiers over seas fighting for our country, for our freedom, for everything we know to be. Mr. Luther King Jr. said, " A man who won't die for something is not fit to live." Mr. Luther King was very brave, bravery, maybe that's what this all boils down to, he risked not only his life but his families life to stop segregation. The power of the mind is so powerful that sometimes it is hard, and even impossible to overcome it. And even though maybe what we feel to be right might not be, we will do whatever it takes to make it the way we feel, or have been taught to be right. Furthermore when the 911 terrorist attacks accorded. Those bombers believed they were doing what was best to protect their country and their people. Even though what they did was very wrong, they risked, or sacrificed their lives more or less for what they believed to be right. Last but not least, Anne Frank, a very brave young woman risked her life for the lives of complete strangers. She took people in her home and hid them from the German Nazis'. Knowing that is she were caught if would be sure death or worse. Some people however could go against my claim in selfishness or whatever it may be.A lot of people say " " that they would risk their lives for things that are important to them, when in reality they are to selfish and self conceded to risk their own lives for anyone. They would be too worried about their own well- being to try and help or care for someone else. And others, were simply born without the will to protect, without that nurturing instinct. Although sometimes I have said something that I didn't mean, or said I would do something I didn't. I honestly can safe that if someone in my family, or someone I love were in danger I would risk my life for them. And maybe one day when the world makes more sense to me, when I am older, I will have feelings like this about a lot more things in life. Therefore even after all of my research and evaluation I still stand by the statement that people will risk their lives for what they believe to be important, no matter what it may be.

I believe that in my writing I am both deductive and inductive. I use a lot of facts but I always have an opinion on them. I thinks its important everyone is heard.

Bullying

Once upon a time, when I was in 2Nd grade I had a broken leg. I had a big ugly cast on my leg and I could not get around very well. I was playing in the sand on the play ground underneath the monkey bars when some big, mean kid jumped right on my broke leg. I was do devastated that someone could be so mean. That is the first time I ever experienced bullying that I can remember. But certainly not the last. I completely despise bullying.

Missing By Catherine Macphail 191 pages

Missing is a novel about a family torn from the seems. A very suspenseful novel about how a schools bullying forces a troubled teenager to run away. Leaving his little sister to deal with his devastated parents. Who have gone completely crazy sense his disappearance. She is all by herself with out her brother. And feels misunderstood and unloved.

Maxine Moody's world has completely gone down the drain sense her brother ran away. And then ten months later is pronounced dead, but instead of giving up hope Maxine's heartbroken parents jet out in search, leaving Maxine behind with some family members. Felling unloved and unwanted Maxine rebels against school and everything else. And until one day a body in London is discovered with the same clothes Derek disappeared in she looses hope.

I can compare this book to Lot of things but two things that really stick out to me are the way that it compares to the book Chasing Brooklynn and the way it can compare to the world. It is a lot like that book because in both books they claim to see dead people, or something that is not real or should not be there. Brooklynn sees her friend Gabe that died of an over dose and Maxine is troubled by the thought that she just saw her brother Derek, who is supposed to be dead. I can also make a very easy connection to this book and the world. Kids that are being bullied and feel unloved run away all the time, or even worse. Bullying is a very serious conflict and should not be taken with a cup of tea. It is very detrimental to a lot of young kids and teenagers in this world today. And should be taken very seriously.

The characters in this book are all very different and yet very much the same and going through the same difficulties. Maxine, a very troubled little girl, is more or less the main character. She is struggling with the thought of being unloved and lost. She feels forgotten about by her parents and blames all these feelings on her brother. Derek, Maxine's runaway brother, is really a more subconscious character, But still even then he is a big part of the book. He is really the hole reason behind the book. Maxine's mother, not really a main character but still somewhat vital to the hole situation, is a very worrisome character. And she is alot of the reason Maxine feels and acts the way she does.

I enjoyed this book very much and really agree with the moral. I think that the message it sends out to teenage readers is very influential. Teens should read this book and somewhat better understand the damage of bullying and other harmful actions towards others. I encourage every young reader to pick up this book and give it a chance. Lots of thanks to Catherine Macphail.

Homecoming Week

Homecoming week is supposed to be fun and all based around the homecoming game and showing school spirit. Participating in all the activities throughout the week is just a way of showing you like to be involved and that you support your school and your Pioneer Football team.

Although homecoming week is supposed to be based around the football game, I think another big part of homecoming for me and my fellow students has always been the Homecoming Dance. What is a homecoming week with Homecoming Court and Homecoming Queen with out the dance? It has always been spirit week, Friday night football game, and the we danced.. I do not see why this year should have been any different.

I do not know about you but I am super excited about the game! I know the Pioneers will pull through with a win like they have all year so far. (knock on wood) And with a little support from the rest of Pioneer Nation I do not see it being difficult for them to pull through with yet another triumph. Our boys have worked hard for where they have gotten and I do not see them letting us down now. So be afraid of the dark Chickasaws, very afraid!

Book Review: Chasing Brooklyn By: Lisa Schroeder pgs.412

A girl, lost inlove, and haunted in her dreams. Just a year ago Brooklyn lost her first love Lucca. And Nico lost a brother. Now Brooklyn is haunted by her friend Gabe who just recently died of an overdoes. And Nico by his brother. Gabe trying to teach Brooklyn to let go of fear and let in love again, and Lucca trying to tell Nico to help Brooklyn learn to love again.

Brooklyn, one of the two main characters in the book, is very depressed at first. Understandibly of course. She is just really scared, that is until she gets closer ti Nico. Nico is the other main character in the book. He is a year older than Brooklyn, and looses himself in running, his get away from the world. And his depressing house without his brother, and now recently with out his best friend Gabe. Both characters learn to find strength and warmth in each other. Which is why I love this novel so very much.

The setting in this novel is very modern. Everything in the book is very relatable. It doesnt give and exact location. But I know they were located somewhere near a beach.

Chasing Brooklyn was the first of Schroeder's line of books, all of which connected in a little way. I loved this book and just finished the second. I really think you should check them out. Major props to Lisa Schroeder. Thank you:)

EXCLAMATION POINT:D

Exclamation poit!
How happy this makes me feel.:)
Yell it to the world!!

Book Review. Twilight by: Stephenie Meyer pgs.498

So imagine moving to a completely different state, with completely different weather, different people, different living arrangments, no friends, and then meeting the man of your dreams. Sounds pretty awesome right, or is it? Considering he is a vampire who might just want to kill you.

Twilight, the first of its series, written by Stephenie Meyer is no other than a love story, a very twisted love story. When Bella Swan moves from sunny Arizona to the rainy town of Forks it comes as a complete culture-shock. But soon after her arrival she meets the gorgeous and mysterious Edward Cullen. Her curiosity and heart sends Bella tumbling into Edward's porcelain arms. But the more Bella and Edward uncover about each other, and the harder they fall in love, the more they put each other and everyone around them in danger.

Bella Swan, one of many of the main characters, is a very innocent and clumsy character. She is very helpless throughout the whole book, which makes her the perfect and complete opposite of her other half... Edward Cullen, statuesque in appearance, is a very down to earth character. He spends most of the book trying to hide his identity from Bella, and then the other half protecting her. His loves gets in the way of anything else that could have mattered in the beginning. Charlie, Bella's dad, is a kind of distant character, although to me he plays somewhat of an important role. He trys to be the protective, but not overbearing father that Bella doesn't really want. Then comes Edwards family, the Cullen's, all of which are very mysterious and mostly keep to themselves.

The setting of this book to me seems very modern day. I can imagine her high school in Forks being just like the one I go to, when I read this book I can imagine myself being there with her and Edward. Although in alot of ways their lives aren't realistic I still fell like they go through alot of things that most teenagers do. They suffer from the same high school drama that we do. And I feel very intough with the characters when I read this book.

I loved the first of the Twilight Saga and I can't wait to read the next one. Anyone who likes action and love storys i recomend this book to you! You will love it! Happy reading:)

Walk The Line

I chose my blog name last year. I chose the title Walking The Line Of Thought because of a movie that I saw. This movie was about Johny Cash, a former singer and song wrighter, and about how his life was when he first started singing and throught out his life.

The movie was called Walk The Line and it was named after a song that Johny Cash wrote. I chose this as a title for my blog because I feel like everyone walks and imaginary line at some point in their life, wether it be in a relationship, religous, or whatever.

First Day Of Summer

Ok .. so today was my first day of summer and now as it winds down to an end I find myself pondering on the old days in Mrs. Gilmores pre ap english class. Although this was just yesterday. lol. I have to say I don't miss these blog posts at all! I will miss watching my class get yelled at for tilting the lamp shades though! I'll miss you guys! Have a great, essay free, summer.

(except for those of you who are doing the over the summer homework for AP english next year)

Cross-examine?

If I were to be cross examined it would most likely be about my family, and where i come from. I am nothing like the family that I come from. I am actually sane. But I have been cross-examined by people and even friends after them meeting my family.

My family is pretty crazy. I come from a bunch of down home Mississippi "rednecks". They are loud, and obnoxious. And quite overwhelming if you haven't know them your whole life. I used to be embarrassed to take my "guy friends" and anyone really around my family. But as I got older I grew out of that and realized that no matter what they are my family and I'm stuck with them forever.:) I love my family very much and even though sometimes it makes people think twice about me I think I'll keep them around!

(If you guys are reading this know I love you! And I'm coming home soon!! Promise:)

Anthem "I wear a mask"

I wear a mask, for I am not always the same
Happy, sad, mad which should I claim?
You might advocate or call it a lie
But when in pain I try and hide my cry

Behind this mask there is a real me
But this real skin rarely will you see
Occasionaly you might brake though my wall
Open arms be ready for this emotional downfall

I wear a mask for everyone to see
Would you like to know the real me?

Sorry this post is so late, i accidentally emailed this insted of posted it.

Goerge Orwell commentary

In Orwell's book Animal Farm he uses very effective representation of real people through animals. The way he relates certain classes of people to certain farm animals in the book was amazing. He used pigs to represent the government, Stalin and Lenin mostly. He did it all in a very comical way to some people. He used he strong horse Boxer to represent the work forces in the communities. And along with those he used many other metaphorical representations.

I think that he used this form of characterizing so that he wouldn't have to so boldly say what it was that he was thinking. I mean to those of us that have read the book and spent lots or time analyzing and going over the contents and hidden messages we can see very clearly what it is he was trying to say. But i think if he would have simply wrote it all out alot of people wouldn't have taken the time to read the book. He made it alot more fun and interesting with the animals.

WIlliam Carlos Williams Poem

This is my poem modeled after "The little red wheelbarrow".
It is called "splash".

Splash. By: Kallen Ross
I breathe one
breath

should i be
scared

will it be
cold

"splash!" in the
water.

well sorry so terribly late! but there you go!

I am my borthers keeper?

I agree with this statement, I am my brothers keeper, yes. I think it is very important. In the past novels we have read in pre ap english they have also giving examples of this. Just like Lennie and George. And i think in the same way that is alot like how our world works, or how it should work. We should all be looking out for each other. The world and all communities should revolve around the statement "I am my brothers keeper." If everyone agreed with this statement the world world be so much more peaceful!
I think that I am my brothers keeper for multiple reasons. I have always had younger siblings. I am the eldest of 3 kids so I have always had to watch out for young ones! And on top of that I have always been very active in sports so I know what it means to watch out for your team mates and "have their back". So I most definitely agree with being "my brothers keeper".

Form this paragraph, John Stienbeck seta the scene Of Mice and Men though his use of imagery as he describes the natural world as a parallel to later events in the novelle. In the quote "the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green" the aurthor boldly describes both Lennie and Goerge. The word "green" is commonly used to signify something or somebody younge, nieve, and full of life. While the phrase "runs deep" could be used to discribe someone very stable, solid, or strong. The word "green" can be paralleled with the character Lennie, he is very nieve and full of life at heart. The phrase 'runs deep" reminds me of Goerge because of how stong and stable of a character he is in this book, he spends the majority of the Novel taking care of Lennie and himself. The words "rocky, mountain, and strong" all stand out in the next quote to me. "Rocky" meaning jagged and unstabble, "Mountain" refering to an obstacle, and "strong" defining something defined or well put together. To me "rocky" descibes Lennie to a tee, he is very unstabble mentally. "Mountain" in this quote signifies life in general, the obstacles that you might face. And "strong" defines Goerge being as in mentally he is the stronger of the two. In the quote "under the trees the leave lie deep and so crisp", the words "trees" and "leaves" stand out to me. "Trees" meaning somebodys home, their stable place. And "leaves" being people who have fallen away or left home. Like whenevr the leaves change colors in the fall and drop off the trees. In this same way Lennie and Goerge changed with time and decided it was time to leave home.



Topic Sentence: The third-person objective point of view accentuates the differences between each character through descriptions of their traits by way of others observing.

1st Chunk: The chosen quote from page 37 of the novel states that "Curley seemed really to see George for the first time. His eyes flashed over George, took in his height, measured his reach, looked at his trim middle." When he encountered George in the bunkhouse, looking for his wife, Curley only noticed George because of his involvement in locating the woman, and because of George's attitude. Curley was a small man and had self-confidence issues, forcing him to constantly be vigilant in the pursuit for fight to prove to himself and others that he was not to be taken lightly. He looked over George to see how big he was in comparison, sizing up a potential opponet. George also happened to be small, this making Curley feel relieved and more at ease when talking to him, reassuring him that the fight, if one ensued, would not be a great challenge.

2nd Chunk: Crooks, the black stable buck, always "[Crooks] kept his distance and demanded that other people kept theirs." (pg 67) As also stated in the passage Crooks was "proud" and "aloof." These quotes from Of Mice and Men show that Crooks knew he was different from everyone else. Keeping out of the way of the other ranch workers' was the only way Crooks knew of to keep his pride and prevent his insecurities from overwhelming him. Third person perspective allows people to see the differences in Crooks better than if first person perspective was used; first person often evokes feelings similar to the narrator's in the reader and unbiased opinions, best derived from the third person, are better for evaluating the text.


Concluding Sentence: Without the descriptive passages regarding these characters in third-person objective perspective, these inhabitants of Of Mice and Men would not be as clear to "see" as they are.

Celebrate

Today I celebrate separation.
I have recently exited a relationship with this one person.
And today I celebrate.
I should have saved myself from this sorrow, but I waited far to long.
I let him break my heart, but now I see its only for the best.
So I celebrate.

I no longer morn for my loss.
I am happy to be separated, now I am free to ponder and explore. My heart does not ache and tears no longer fall.
I can honestly say I Am happy.

Spring break

Spring break was very successful for me. I spent my break in Mississippi with my loving, very much missed family. It was only the second time I have visited sense i moved to Batesville. They were all very happy to see me, as I was to see them also.

While I was in Ms. i went to the St. Paties Day parade in Jackson. It was alot of fun. St. Paties day is a very big deal in Jackson. They throw several parades throughout the weekend. I went to one of the bigger of the few. I got a ton of beads and lots of candy!

persuation

How often do you use persuasion? I use persuasion probably everyday. And I'm certainly not the only one. Persuasion is a very good skill to learn, you never know when you will use it. I happen to be very good at persuasion. I can pretty much get anybody to believe or do anything.

In order to get my way alot of the time persuasion is used. I have learned to get what I want by persuading people that what it is I want is good for them as well, which 99% of the time it is. Other times I use simple girly tactics such as batting my eyelashes.:) And an occasional case of helplessness but very rarely.

commitments

Being in the olympics takes alot of commitment. You have to hardcore dedicate yourself to what you are doing and then push yourself. When you are in the olympics you don't have anytime for anything but that. You have to stay focused all the time. And not just for short periods, in the olympics you have to stay commited for years. It literally takes 100% of you will and dedication.

I have a commitment like the olympics. When I grow up I want to be a doctor. I have always wanted to be this for as long as I can remember. In order to do this I have to work really hard in school and dedicate myself to making good grades. I know it will take alot but I am very commited and always have been. Wish me luck:)

What winning means to me

Winning can mean alot of things. In the Olympics you compete for metals, where as in countries we fight for freedom, writes, and more land. In sports you are working with others or sometimes alone to win or advance in the game. All the same you are striving and pushing yourself for something that is important to you no matter what that might be.

I am a very athletic person, I play softball and am a former dancer. The most important thing I have ever won was last year when i was a freshman at Terry High School. I was on the varsity softball team as a freshman, one of three. We made our was all the way to State Tournament and came in first place. We worked so hard to get there, and even harder to win. It made me feel so accomplished to know that even as a freshman I worked really hard and had a big contribution to the teams success.

Taking a stand

It takes alot of heart and courage to take a stand for what you believe is right. Most people wont stick up for themselves, out of fear,or because they are shy,or maybe they just don't care. I think it is very important for you to take a stand. You should never let people or society treat you bad or walk all over you. Which is why I look up to Dr. Martin luthar King Jr..

Dr. Martin Luthar King Jr. held many revolts against slavery and prejudice ways. He took a stand for what he thought was wrong. He spoke for all the comunity in which was being treated poorly. And he made a difference. I think that if there is any that Dr. King is a top dollar example for someone who took a stand for something. And not only did he take a stand but he held his head high and had confidence in what he was doing. That is why Dr. Martin Luthar King Jr. is someone I look up to for taking a stand.