Final Reflection

1. From all the writings that I have done in this class, from poetry to memories, to music, to movies, to famous writers I thought that it was a good class to be in. One of my more favorite classes so far in my years at Kickapoo. I enjoyed how relaxed the class was and how we could express our thoughts through writing.

2. One piece that I've read this quarter would be articles on a couple famous people and/or writers including Maya Angelou and E.E Cummings. I thought both were very deep and put forth a ton of meaning to what they had to say. E.E Cummings with his poetry and Maya Angelou with her quotes upon quotes. I really respected Maya by the amount of advice and knowledge she put into what she had to say. I also thought it was interesting that she was Operas inspiration. I would be honored to know that I impacted a very famous person in a positive way.

3. Setting up a blog was something that I have not done and it was really easy. I think the idea of blogging is really cool because it's a way for everyday people to get their stories and writings out to the world without having to go through the trouble of publishing a book. It's a great way to really display what you are thinking and what is going on in your head to others and it's always good to relate to other people. The name of my blog "Sparks Notes" came from my last name, Sparks, and the website Spark notes that helps people learn the details to a book or novel with not actually reading the book. So being a blogging account I mixed the two due the fact both Spark notes and Sparks Notes have to do with literature. I don't see many people reading my posts, just frequent bloggers and people that enjoy writing. I don't plan on blogging after this class but if I ever decided to pursue a career with writing involvement I would look back into using it.

4. There is nothing really personal in my journal. Most of my journal consists of in class writings and activities that we did together. It includes memories, poetry, music, movies, and just general writing I did throughout the class. I seldom wrote in it outside of the class. If I was to have anyone read my journal in the future I would like for my kids to read it.

5. I thought it was a little strange or erie that the Gemini horoscope matched me well considering the events that have went on today. For instance I asked multiple people how they were doing today and tried to start a more personal conversation. Another example is of when someone said something jokingly yet I took it more seriously. With that being said, I would say I'm more serious and sensitive today. Just like the Gemini description.

6. 7th Grade. Middle School. A time for fun, stressless life. Wrong. I will always remember that time and year my football teamate Tanner passed away.

The year started off great. New experiences with middle school, no stress, happiness, and just enjoying life. I really enjoyed the moments with my classmates, for we all got along and knew each other well. I also enjoyed the game of football. 7th grade was the first taste my teamates and I got from competitive football. As for what my thoughts were, there was nothing else like it. The intensity, bonding, and fun moments made it special. It was definitely something to remember. Just like Tanner, a person to remember.

Tanner was a very outgoing kid that was always looking for ways to make others smile and he generally did because he was really easy to get along with. He was always nice and was good at the things he did. I knew Tanner early in middle school because we had band as well as football together. We got along and were friends but I remember we would pick on each other and it would go a little farther than it should. Friday was one of those days. I recall Tanner getting picked on by other classmates and I too joined in too, more in a jokingly manner, but I did. Tanner took it more seriously than I planned and it turned out to be the last time I would ever talk to him.

As the routinely relaxing and fun weekend died down, we returned to school Monday. That Monday morning the entire school got informed by teachers regarding Tanners unexpected death. Just one day after picking on Tanner, he passed away. My classmates and I were told that Tanner casually went to take a nap on the couch on Saturday and during that time, he had an angerism in his sleep. He never woke up. After hearing about the tragedy, the school was in shock and left to think of the loss. I couldn't believe it and I couldn't believe I was rude the last time I socialized with him. It made me regret all the words I said and basically made me feel like a horrible person. The football team then set out to play our next game in honor of him so that Tuesday, we did just that. We shutout the competition and got Tanner that one last win. Immiately after the game the whole team and most of the school attended his funeral. It was a very sad and vivid memory that I'll always keep in my head.

As daily life continued, we keep Tanner in our thoughts and minds. It was sad to see him go but he taught us a lesson. To be thankful for everyone in your life for any day could be the last day you ever see them again. I've appreciated the close ones in my life ever since.

7. I honestly do not plan on doing much creative writing if any in the future. Although I may not be doing creative writing pieces, I will say that a release of stress is gained and earned from writing creatively. By no means is it a bad thing to do. I like how creative writing all comes from your mind and what is inside of you whereas papers from school are more knowledge and researched based, which is no fun.

8. I don't have much to say but I think is a very talented class when it comes to writing creatively. If anyone from the class choose to pursue a writing career I think they would do great.

9. I will miss this class but I look forward to taking film is lit next quarter!

Movies

My favorite, or one of my most favorite, movie would have the be The Dark Knight. I really enjoyed seeing this movie because of the great suspense and thrilling moments all throughout the movie. It started at the beginning of the movie and didn't let up all throughout the movie. I also enjoyed the personalities of the characters, especially the joker, he was great. Just an overall good movie I could watch many times and many people would probably agree.

The movies I do not really care for are click flicks, mainly because I am a guy, but they are just boring. I don't see much point to educational movies either.

I honestly hardly watch movies. However, when I do watch movies, I will generally wait till the movies that look good come on at the palace. Watching movies is normally something I'll do when that is all my friends are wanting to do. Not that I don't like movies, because I do, but it is just not the most important thing on my mind.

I really only need two things for when I watch a movie, an armrest and most importantly, a blueberry ICEE. I always have to have a slushy when I go to a movie theater.

YOUR PERSONALITY

Take a look at how you scored on the Big Five personality dimensions below.
Your scores, compared with the responses of other people, suggest that you may be described as follows:

YOU ARE 67% EXTRAVERTED. You are moderate in activity and enthusiasm. You enjoy the company of others but you also value your privacy.

YOU ARE 42% AGREEABLE. You are hard-headed, sceptical, proud and competitive. You tend to express your anger directly.

YOU ARE 92% CONSCIENTIOUS. You are conscientious and well organised. You have high standards and always strive to achieve goals.

YOU ARE 67% EMOTIONALLY STABLE. You are generally calm and able to deal with stress, but you sometimes experience feelings of guilt, anger and sadness.

YOU ARE 50% OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES. You are down-to-earth, practical, traditional, and pretty much set in your ways.

The survey above does an excellent job of describing me and who I am. The conscientious column has the highest percentile of all the other catergories with 92 percent. The sentence following the conscientious column is a great example of who I am.

If my life was a movie it would most certainly be a top comedy with many awards ;)

Window Poem

I see trees afar
Along with some cars

To the left, a grassy field
A field where the young play

Today I noticed a different car
I sometimes wonder
What lies outside

I see a tall hill of mystery
For afar, I see the my past
I see their future

Ice Storm 06-07

As the power went out in my family's home, I had no idea the length of this problem would last. In a quiet morning after, it was chilly beyond belief yet very pretty outside seeing all the ice covering items and trees. Stepping outside, it was silent with occasional cracking of trees echoing through a long distance. Happy about not having school, things began to get a little interesting in the storm. We had an entire tree fall directly in front of our door do where we could barely open our door, as well as a tree branch breaking through our ceiling. Luckily we had a generator to provide electricity and help us survive on electric blankets and my game boy for a week. It was definitely a memory I won't forget.

Berlin Wall

As I strolled up, I could feel the emotions inside of me imploding and ready to burst like a bottle. Pulling out my tools to break the barrier, I knew this would be one of, if not the greatest moments in my life. I wasn't doing this for me alone. I was doing this for my family, for other families, for my country, for everyone. Living this lifestyle, I was ready for change, ready to break free and live. I was ready to tear this wall down and enter the future I desire.

Purple Flower Poem

Taking pride in success
She wore it like a dress

Admired by all
She could never fall

Small yet large as life
She was immune to strife

She stands regal and proud
When upon a crowd

When she dances in the wind
She never breaks, only bends

She is shown great honor and love
As she rises on wings of doves

Dream Questions

I feel like dreams are definitely symbolic and have deep meanings. Through my life I have noticed many people, mostly famous people, have dreams and set goals off them. I've seen famous people such as athletes, writers, inventors, and many more have dreams to where it changes their life. I had a friend that had a dream to stop what he was doing and go down a different and separate path and it really had a deep meaning to him. He was older than me and a great football player in school and could have possibly went farther if he pursued it. However, one night he had a dream that he needed to stop and turn towards a path of religion and Christianity. He did just that, gave up football, and hasn't changed since. With that being said, dreams can definitely affect people through a mental story. I mean, if they didn't affect anyone, why would so many people talk about them? When it comes to dreams for me, I don't remember many of my dreams but when I do remember them, they are generally about what I was thinking before I fell asleep. I feel like my dreams are almost like replays of life that I've seen before and moments that I consider important to me. That's why I think they are symbolic. I wish I was like other people and remembered more of my dreams.

E.E Cummings

I love you much (most precious girl)
more than anyone else on this planet and I
enjoy the unending uniqueness you have to offer.

Consistently providing my life with endless delight and contentment,
what more could request?
For when I'm with you, time blends together
passing ever so rapidly

Beauty and personality unrelated to anyone else
I'm reminded how privileged I am to be so close to you

Constantly thinking about your exclusive, unmatched individuality
You are my absolute favorite
I love you much (most precious girl)

Idioms

Funny idioms:

break a leg
easy a pie
couch potatoe
in over one's head

Clumsy Potatoe

he was always a couch potatoe,
saying, " nah i wont do it"
or "thats easy as pie"

He was always in over his head
laying around,
never finding stable ground,

he was always clumsy,
when someone said break a leg
he really would

when he was over his head
he usually fell over his head

so no,
life for him is not easy as pie.
even for a couch potatoe

Eulogy

he was a smart young man with many years ahead of him. its sad to think that he was taken from us so soon. he was kind and imbitious and cared about people. He took time to think of others and was seldom selfish. he was like many young men. interested in simple things like music and cars. he will be remembered for him kindness and his sense of humor.

Class Poems

Over passing
Don't even look back
It'll give you a heart attack
Just reattack with one big smack

Luke
Nice, Responsible, Down to Earth, Happy
Scott Deal
Captain Crunch, Potatos, Mario Kart
Tired, Dazed, Warm
Mental Help, Narcotics, A Nap
Insight, Art, Hugs
Boyfriends, Me Driving, Grand Kids
Jack Reacher, The Beach, and Australia
Springfield, South Parkhill
Sparks

Luke
Funny,
Son of Beverly and Les
The Patriots, Fruit Snacks and Candy, Money
Tired
Laughter, Sleep

Bugs such as Spiders, Death, and
The Beach, Australia, and Boston
Resident of Springfield, South Parkhill
Sparks

Memorable Passage

During my sophomore year, I was told to read a book for an assignment. I chose to read a gateway book at time by the name of The Compound by S.A  Bodeen. I thought that it was an interesting book and had some good scenes as well as a good plot to it. The following is a quote from the end of the book and also a part that I could picture and remember the most.

"Through the haze of dust, we saw someone leap out of the helicopter. Someone not in uniform. There were shouts, and one of the uniformed men grabbed him immediately, trying to restrain him, but his arms and legs thrashed, and he broke free, running in our directionk the others giving chase. But they couldn't catch him. He would reach us before they did, and I had no way of knowing his intentions." - S.A Bodeen

The Compound takes place in a underground bunker with a family that has enough money to build the compound and live in it. At the beginning of the story the main character's brother gets left behind entering the compound and they go many years questioning if he is still okay. After a ton of problems and complications within the compound and family, the main character decides its time to break out of the mess and break out of the compound. As the story nears its end, the main character fights his way from his crazy dad to the exit of the compound. Outside, helicopters arrive as well as the main character's long lost brother. With that being said, the passage was memorable to me because I could easy picture the things going on and the scenes occuring such as the brothers running towards each other to see each other again. I thought the passage was meaningful which made it pretty memorable to me. I liked the book a lot.

Music is an Ispiration

Using lyrics from Swedish House Mafia, Taylor Swift, Phillip Phillips, and The Wanted, I made a short story. I put it in my journal and it goes like this.

There was a time
In a happy home
My father said,
Can you spend a little time?
The trouble it might drag you down.
Just know you're not alone,
Without me, without me, without me
I'm going to make this place your home.
"Don't you worry, don't you worry, child.
I was a king, I had a golden throne.
I used to look into my father's eyes.
See heaven's got a plan for you."
I'm glad you came.

I also had to write my thoughts on four songs after listening to them. The artists include Perfect Circle, AC/DC, Eric Clapton, and Kanye West.

Perfect Circle - 3 Libras
This song we listened to put me in a relaxed, chill mood. The song used a generic melody with normal drum beats and guitar notes. Although the instruments were relaxing, the vocals were meaningful and then brought energy towards the middle and end.

AC/DC - You Shook Me
This song reminds me of older days and many movie scenes. It is an upbeat song with a lot of repetitive notes and beats to it. It puts me in a good mood because I can picture the band jamming. It reminds me of my childhood when I first heard the song. It also reminds me of what my parents listened to.

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
This song is very relaxing and could put me to sleep. It reminds me a lot of my brother and how he would listen to this song loudly in my house when he was playing guitar. I can picture my brother playing that recognizable set of guitar notes. The song also has the same notes on the snare drum throughout the entire peice.

Kanye West - Golddigger
This song puts me in a laughing, more upbeat mood. The background singer gives me the image of my stepdad because he is Cajun and the singer has the same style of singing. I enjoy the rhythm and beats of the song because I am a rhythmic person myself meaning I enjoy percussion.

Favorite Teachers...Favorite Music

Interviewing a few teachers about their favorite music and their expirences I got to know and understand them from a more personal standpoint. When asking Mrs. Prater about the music or songs that reminded her of her childhood she answered with George Strait. She would listen to him with her parents and she has listened to country music from then to now. I also asked her what her favorite singer or group or song and why and she replied with two answers; Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. She likes them because she can sing litterally every song and knows all their songs by heart. After talking with Mrs. Prater, I found Mrs. Wyrick. I then asked her what music reminded her of someone she loves and she told me of the song Crimson and Clover by Tommy James. This song was a song she knew at a young age and she would love to sing when in the car with her mom. Not only did this song remind her of her mom, but her husband. In high school, she was at the dance and on stage was a band. In this band was her future husband. As the dance went on, so did the song and she will always remember him playing this same song and that moment. Following Mrs. Wyrick's story, I went to Mrs. Jansen to see what she had to say. I asked her if she went to concerts and if she went to any memorable concerts in her life. At the age of 14 Mrs. Jansen went to a concert that had two of her most favorite music groups, Kansas and Heart. I also had her tell me her favorite radio station and if she often sings along in the car. She answered with the exact words of heck yeah! 95.5! It was funny to hear her say that. She told me the artist she refuses to listen to and dislikes is Chris Brown. With one more question, I went back to Mrs. Prater and asked her opinion of the most offensive music to her and she told me rap because she can't even understand half of it but when she does, it's really inappropriate. In conclusion, I liked this assignment because I could talk and relate to my teachers on a more personal level instead on a basic student level.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Music Isn't Just Music

I would say that my taste in music has drastically changed throughout the last several years. During middle school, I would listen to a lot of metal and most the music would be music I don't really listen to today. I only listened to a couple bands in middle school whereas now, I listen to a pretty wide variety of bands and genres of music. I enjoy listening to songs that match my mood when before, I listen to a lot of the same type of music.

Part of my friend group listens to the same type of music and the other part does not listen to the same type of music as I do. Although I get along with all my friends, I feel as if I relate much more to the friends that listen to the same music as I do. I can talk more openly with those friends. Music is a very good tool to not only cheer you up but talk about with others.

Without music, my life would be very different and awkward. I listen to any chance I get and make sure to listen to music everyday. Music helps me cheer up and be able to relate to something when I may not have someone to relate to. It also helps me fall asleep at night. I always like to listen to music as I go to sleep that way going to sleep is a lot easier and soothing. Music is all around and thinking of life without it is something I could hardly fathom.

I would not want to be a professional singer because I can not sing well. However, I think being a musician would be cool to be such as a professional drummer or someone who creates great music with instrumental talent. I love making beats and being a drummer and percussionist, I always have. I played percussion in middle school and was ranked third in the city for it, It was something I enjoyed. I don't see myself playing professionally as I grow older but I could see myself having and playing a drumset on the side every once in a while.

Listening to music evokes many feelings and it generally aims at the mood im in or the experiences I've had throughout the day. A lot of people only listen to music that matches their mood and I would definitely say Im one of those people. My mood varies so that means my choice of music does too. Music evokes feelings such as happiness, anger, sadness and much more.

You Choose...

As the clocked ticked down to another weekend of school, we were all excited to jump to the weekend and begin having fun. It was my junior year and I was doing a lot of repeating. Sleep, School, Work. Sleep, School, Work. Over and over until I earned my goal of money. So as school let out that Friday I could feel the satisfaction of having time to myself just like everyone else. I could actually have a social life and some relaxation. Well, a little; and by little let’s just say a couple hours.

Pulling into my driveway I was ecstatic about the weekend even though I knew I had to work later that night. I ran inside my house due to some heavy rain and began relaxing and getting as much of a taste of the weekend as I could get before going to work. I would sit back, eat, listen to music, check social networking sites, play Xbox, and just chill. While it felt good to get away from the busy and productive lifestyle I had been living in, I told myself to leave for work earlier than normal considering the stormy weather outside. After putting on my Steak and Shake uniform on and saying bye to my parents for the night, I walked outside to a sky that was very cloudy and was steadily pouring down rain. Starting my car and leaving my driveway, I was more cautious than usual and drove defensively down the streets. Barely being able to see anything through the windshield of my car I noticed Steak and Shake was on my right and that I needed to start coming to a stop to turn. As I began to press my foot down on the brake I also began to notice I had no control over my vehicle. I could not direct myself or come to a stop easily. Not understanding what is going on, I notice myself heading straight for a huge ditch right beneath the tall and large Steak and Shake sign. With about a thousand different thoughts rushing through my head, I held my foot to the brake hoping I would be okay. Slowly sliding to an really awkward stop, I found my car almost at a 45 degree angle on top of a ditch. Trying not to freak out and make things worse, I took a moment to call my mom and as calmly as I could, explain to her the situation I was in. With my parents hurrying to the scene and me still in this ditch, strangers from all directions came to help me. With the strangers arriving they provide assistance in getting me out of the car and also placed the car in neutral which caused the vehicle to roll down the rest of the ditch and bang against a large metal gutter. Seeing the car roll down and take more damage was not the best site to see, however, seeing myself unharmed was the better part. Standing among random strangers in the pouring rain wearing my Steak and Shake uniform during five o'clock traffic on a Friday, we waited for my parents. When they showed up, they were happy to see me okay and told myself to not worry, carry on, and go to work.

Walking into work with a lot of other things on my mind, I got a couple different responses from coworkers. Either I would get told sorry or just be laughed at. One coworker even told me I was on the radio for the incident. Continuing to work, all I could do is watch outside the windows of the store of some random people assist my parents in pulling my car out of the ditch. After a solid thirty minutes of pulling, I began to see my vehicle be pulled up out of the ditch. Following my workday, I found out the damage to my car was a popped tire, break pads that were completely worn out to nothing, and some scratches on the front end of my car. It was a relief seeing my car being pulled out of the ditch knowing that the event could have been much worse but most of all, the biggest relief was that I was unharmed.

Famous Lines from Famous Books

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

This is from the novel Pride and Prejudice, Chapter I of Volume I, which was published in the year 1813 by the author Jane Austen who lived from 1775 to 1817. This author is also known for other works, including Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park.

This book is about a very rich man by the name of Charles that moves to another town. After moving to this new town, his neighbors are really intrigued, such as a lady named Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet has a plan to have one of her five daughters marry Charles. Once they meet him, they are all impressed and the oldest daughter forms an attachment. This then causes a conflict between the girls wanting Charles.

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/pride-and-prejudice/book-summary.html

 Review By Lauren Johnson

Format:Paperback

"Elizabeth Bennett is one of five unmarried daughters in the Bennett household and Mrs. Bennett is looking to change that. When wealthy bachelor, Mr. Bingley, arrives in town the opportunity arrives and Mrs. Bennett pounces matching him with her eldest daughter Jane. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy notices what is afoot and has some words with second in line Miss Elizabeth Bennett before striking up an unlikely attraction. As romance takes hold, drama unfolds.

A beautifully well written classic for the romantic at heart. I had to read this book in high school and it was simply inspirational. Elizabeth is a well-rounded character displaying the flaws of having prejudices against Mr. Darcy who on the other hand has too much pride for his own good. The banter between the two is wonderful to read and quite witty."

 

http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Norton-Critical-Editions/dp/0393976041

 

I feel like I would like some of this book and dislike it. I feel somewhat interested on what the ending will be like between all the choices Charles has to choose from. Other than that, I'd probably dislike the story because it sounds like a drama filled book will would be boring, bland, and cause me to be uninterested.

"Yes, she thought, laying down her brush in extreme fatigue, I have had my vision."  

This is from the novel To The Lighthouse, which was published in the year 1989 by the author Virginia Wolf who lived from 1882 to 1941. This author is also known for other works, including The Waves and A Room of One's Own.

To The Lighthouse is a book split into three different sections. The beginning describes a family known as the Ramsay family. It also talks about the family vacationing to Scotland for the summer. The day after arriving they want to go to this lighthouse but are prevented to do so by weather and other characters they meet. Section two talks about the war going on with a narrator. The third section of the book talks about them actually reaching the lighthouse and them doing what they set out to do.

 

http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/13-fiction/1062-to-the-lighthouse-woolf

 

By William Krischke

Format: Paperback

"I've discovered a little secret to reading Virginia Woolf -- it takes time. It is practically impossible to read this book in little ten-minute spots, while watching television or babysitting. Don't try it; you'll end up not liking it. It needs your time. Give it an hour with no interruptions. Get a bag of pistachios and read. Unplug the phone, turn off the TV. Read and don't stop. Then you'll discover the joy of Virginia Woolf -- for while her prose is tough, it is haunting, beautiful, and real. Once you've settled into it, you'll discover a wonderful book, a tale of everyday life lived. Both intensely personal and incredibly universal, this book is life itself. So, you want the real review. Alright, it's the story of a beach house, where reside the Ramseys and their various friends. Mrs. Ramsey is a goddess and nearly everyone worships her. This is more fun to read than it sounds. Lily Briscoe is a painter trying to figure out what she sees and what she loves. There is a brutal twist in the middle, and the rest of the book is coping with that. No, I won't tell you what it is. Go read the book. It's great. It's about beauty, about the incredible tragedy of time passing, about art and the world, about love and marriage, about people. It's not only a book about life, it is a book of life itself."

http://www.amazon.com/Lighthouse-Virginia-Woolf/dp/1907523588

Sounds fairly interesting with the different sections of the book. The lighthouse and the significance of it makes me somewhat curious. It also sounds interesting that there was a war going on in Scotland. That could provide action and some dramatic writing that keeps you from putting the book down.

Maya Angelou

Maya's work celebrates "the universal human power to triumph over adversity." I know for a fact that I personally have that power. I say so because I have had personal experiences that have shown me that I can overcome adversity. I believe everyone in the world has the ability of overcoming adversity, however, many don't have the desire or will power to triumph. Throughout my life, I've notice time after time of people overcoming their own adversities. I have even overcame my own. It's all around. My most recent time I've noticed having this power would be this year and playing on the football team. Two years ago, I injured my knee pretty bad. The doctor told me my femur, the longest bone in the body, collided with my knee cap, one of the smaller ones. They also told me my knee cap was not smooth but exactly like sand paper. So as you could imagine, it is and was painful and you could agree it would set you back. I choose to keep playing and not give up. I was put into physical therapy where, it honestly didn't have much effect. I didn't see results. Still, I kept pushing through because I'm not a quitter. Battling this injury for two years, I made it to my last year of football being a senior. I got very close to backing out on multiple occasions but I never did. With all the setbacks and pain I went through I decided I was almost through and set out to finish just like I did. With football over, it was a huge relief knowing how much I overcame. I may not have been my best or even have got to play as much as wanted because of the injury but I'm happy I stayed through to the end. To this day my knee bothers me but nothing like it did during football, and I don't regret any decisions I made.

Maya Angelou often has a "total recall" of the events of her life. I would say I'm one of those people. I have had a great memory ever since I was a child, it could possibly be a photographic memory, not sure. The period in my life I remember fondly would have to be middle school. I loved middle school because of all the friends I had and of the memories we made while growing up there. The beginning of my high school years seem to be a time in my life where it is fuzzy or not much to remember. I recall many memories but I recall the sad ones to stick out more than others whether I like it or not. The sad stories of my grandparents being hospitalized are ones that I could talk about more vividly. Maybe because they left a greater impact on me and lasted longer than happier memories. Personally, I really enjoy memories and talking about them to other people. It's great for socializing and could possibly make more memories in itself.

Writers as Readers

8.  My favorite book would have to be Holes. I really enjoyed the book at a younger age because of the characters in the book as well as the challenges they were forced to go to. In life, you will have many challenges and adversity to withstand so I liked how the author made a inspirational book for all audiences and made it easy to read for everyone. I also liked the movie just as well as the book, I've just always enjoyed the book from a young age.

7.  The first book I remember reading in my childhood would be green eggs and ham by Dr. Seuss. I remembered it being the first I read because of all the rhyming and the pictures in the book. The rhyming made it sort of repetitive which made me remember it a lot more than other books.

5.  I haven't had many books where I was exciting to read page after page. Well, I don't read many books to begin with, however, I was excited to read more and more of a book called First Shot. First Shot was a story of a high school boy trying to unravel the mystery of his mom's murder while his father is the prime suspect. I found myself wanting to read more and more because I really liked the main characters humor and I also liked the mystery and intensity the author brought into the story. One of the few books I can say I couldn't put down.

1.  When it comes to reading, I need a really quiet environment to focus on my book that way I don't get distracted. When I get distracted, I find myself constantly re-reading the same passage over and over. A nice quiet environment is really all I need, however, if I have a comfortable chair to sit in with a possible footrest, that can contribute to good reading as well.

9.  When I finished reading Holes, I was happy because both Stanley and Zero made it back to the camp after surviving the desert. It was inspiring to me considering how they overcame a bunch of adversity and end up benefiting a lot more than they did when they arrived at the camp which was put in place to do the opposite. It made me happy seeing the good people have good things happen to them, such as Zero, who had nothing.

Day Dream

Day Dream

7th Grade. Middle School. A time for fun, stressless life. Wrong. I will always remember that time and year my football teamate Tanner passed away.

The year started off great. New experiences with middle school, no stress, happiness, and just enjoying life. I really enjoyed the moments with my classmates, for we all got along and knew each other well. I also enjoyed the game of football. 7th grade was the first taste my teamates and I got from competitive football. As for what my thoughts were, there was nothing else like it. The intensity, bonding, and fun moments made it special. It was definitely something to remember. Just like Tanner, a person to remember.



Tanner. Age 12

Tanner was a very outgoing kid that was always looking for ways to make others smile and he generally did because he was really easy to get along with. He was always nice and was good at the things he did. I knew Tanner early in middle school because we had band as well as football together. We got along and were friends but I remember we would pick on each other and it would go a little farther than it should. Friday was one of those days. I recall Tanner getting picked on by other classmates and I too joined in too, more in a jokingly manner, but I did. Tanner took it more seriously than I planned and it turned out to be the last time I would ever talk to him.

As the routinely relaxing and fun weekend died down, we returned to school Monday. That Monday morning the entire school got informed by teachers regarding Tanners unexpected death. Just one day after picking on Tanner, he passed away. My classmates and I were told that Tanner casually went to take a nap on the couch on Saturday and during that time, he had an angerism in his sleep. He never woke up. After hearing about the tragedy, the school was in shock and left to think of the loss. I couldn't believe it and I couldn't believe I was rude the last time I socialized with him. It made me regret all the words I said and basically made me feel like a horrible person. The football team then set out to play our next game in honor of him so that Tuesday, we did just that. We shutout the competition and got Tanner that one last win. Immiately after the game the whole team and most of the school attended his funeral. It was a very sad and vivid memory that I'll always keep in my head.

As daily life continued, we keep Tanner in our thoughts and minds. It was sad to see him go but he taught us a lesson. To be thankful for everyone in your life for any day could be the last day you ever see them again. I've appreciated the close ones in my life ever since.

I am Poem

Luke Sparks
Mrs. Fraser
Creative Writing
4 January 2013

I am...

a son, the youngest of three, and born in a small town in southern Missouri by the name of Poplar Bluff.

a brother, priveleged to be related to such great siblings, who has followed fairly close in the footsteps of my brothers.

a child at heart, who doesn't want to grow up quite so fast, who is carefree, and that has always enjoyed playing games and laughning.

a student, which has got along with their school life nicely, with more than exceptional academic grades all throughout my career in school.

an athlete, player of football for 6 years, that will never forget the memories of playing the sport of football, and also enjoys playing golf on the side.

a fan, supporter of the New England Patriots since the age of 5, with items and decorations of the Patriots all around me.

a competitor, in everything I am apart of no matter what it is, who dislikes losing a lot.

a friend, always looking to make others laugh and smile, always trying to help those around me.

a gamer, who has loved playing video games since my childhood, who still enjoys playing games to this day.

a hard worker, employer or cook of Steak and Shake for one year, with motivation to do successful things in the future.

a collector, of money, NFL jerseys, music, and games.

I am...

candy, fruit snacks, sour and chewy, white chocolate.

organized with all my belongings, somewhat of neat freak at times.

quiet at first, a lot more talkative once I am known better.

I am...

dirty blonde, longer for a male, soft, always worried about the appearance.

lean, average height, fairly skinny with some athleticism.