Dangling Icicle

Inspired from "Bluffs" by Tara Donovan

It feels like crystals, clear and transparent

It tastes like the crisp, alleviating smell of winter

It sounds like the firm, fluid, glossy texture

It smells like the frigid sensation of water trickling down your throat

It looks like the soft and calming sound of the melting water, dripping slowly on the pavement

It is listening, tasting, smelling, seeing, and feeling the beauty of the simplicity in nature.

Mysterious Secrets to be Discovered

In the novel Don’t Tell by Elizabeth Chandler, many appealing characters are created. This book is about a charming, intriguing, and curious teenage girl named Lauren. Lauren visits her godmother and family back in Wisteria for the first time since her mother’s death. Lauren had spent every summer in Wisteria with her mother and her godmother; but ever since her mother’s mysterious drowning there, she hasn’t been able to bring herself back to where hers along with her mother’s roots are placed. Lauren has vivid memories of that certain day and the feelings that went through her. Can you imagine losing your mother at such a young age, when you need her most? Bringing herself back to Wisteria has changed her life for the worse. Lauren can’t seem to lose those images from her mother’s death and feels as though she is being followed. Especially since Nora, her childhood friend and godmother’s daughter, has been acting way different; as if she is obsessed with Lauren’s mother and feels like Lauren’s mother’s spirit is still alive and waiting for Lauren. As the story becomes more of a mystery and more in depth, many symbols and hidden messages are revealed.

While Elizabeth Chandler does a spectacular job of describing Lauren’s personality and feelings, she knows exactly how to incorporate certain symbols into the story. The symbols in this book really help the reader have a better understanding and knowledge of all the characters and the whole storyline. One certain symbol is the river that Lauren’s mother died in. The river symbolizes death, murder, accident, and all the other possibilities that could have happened to Lauren’s mom. It is hard for Lauren to contemplate that she will have to deal with living on the river for the rest of the summer. Growing comfortable with the rivers presence will become a challenge to Lauren. Will she ever bring herself to feel the lurking water of her mother’s soul by the end of the summer?

As Lauren aims to explore the deadly water, there are other unexplainable events taking a toll on Lauren. She doesn’t know what to think when her necklaces, lamp cords, and other things tie themselves into a gigantic knot. These knots symbolize the mystery left in Wisteria. Nora insists that these knots are coming from Lauren’s mother, that she needs to get Lauren’s attention, and her soul is still alive. Lauren, doubtful of these accusations, creates excuses for why these strange actions are taking place; she won’t let herself believe it could be her mother. Whether you accept that Lauren’s mom is gone for good or not, the death will always be a mystery. What really happened to Lauren’s mother that night? As the summer gets creepier and more amusing Lauren will come closer to knowing what exactly happened that night.

Although Wisteria is bringing more questions than answers, Lauren does indeed find some time for fun with her childhood friends. Dancing in her flashy red high heels at the prom with Jason, one of the most popular boys in high school is an example of one of these times. However, Lauren isn’t interested in Jason; she finds happiness in a tease, flirt, and a childhood playmate, Nick. It just happens that on the night of the prom, her heels getting stuck in the mud in her front yard could have been the best thing to ever happen to her. That exact spot was where the fulfilling, awaited kiss with Nick occurred. Lauren’s high heels, still stuck in the front yard, symbolized something like a memorial on a magical place where Nick and she kissed. The shoes also represent hope and happiness.

There are many more symbols throughout this story, and Lauren discovers some shocking things. Lauren will discover why Nora acts so strangely, and her true family. Dealing with the complication of losing your mother and returning to the place you once called your home can be difficult, and Lauren grew stronger from it. It can be despairing to comprehend how many people have lost their family and don’t know what exactly happened. Overall this book gives an impressive idea on the feelings and mysteries behind losing some very close to you.

A Teenage Outcast

In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson the main character of Melinda is created. Melinda is a shy, insecure, and silent teenage girl. Imagine walking through the hallways of high school as a new freshman hated and despised. Every day must be a challenge for Melinda; no one has any idea of what terrible things have occurred in her life. Throughout the story she finds herself unable to speak until certain people and actions encourage her to find the strength to express her emotions, and finally speak up.

Melinda struggles with her high school reputation, and eventually meets a new student and soon to be new friend, Heather. Heather is a skinny, outgoing, and joyful new student from Ohio. Heather seems to be the only one embracing Melinda and really getting to know her. Although there isn’t much to learn about Melinda since she is so quiet and emotionless. Rachelle and Nicole were just some of Melinda’s friends before she called the police that one night. That one night changed everything. Compared to the whole high school believing the phone call to the police was to bust the party, Melinda has no voice. She can’t explain what really happened that night; if she tried she would be rejected and not heard. While Melinda cannot be heard, she also has an unknown identity. It’s like she doesn’t know who she is; she doesn’t see that she exists. She even eats away at her lips until they are cracked, chapped, and worn away. It’s like she is eating away at herself so she can’t be seen anymore; so that she is invisible to the world. If you were Melinda would you feel like you had an importance?

While Melinda is unsure of herself, she finds her passion and freedom in art class. Ironically enough, the art teachers name is Mr. Freeman. This name symbolizes freedom, happiness, and expression through art. Mr. Freeman and Melinda grow a strong bond throughout the story because of the love for art they both share and the understanding in each other. Mr. Freeman assigns Melinda to do a project based on a tree. Instead her ideas lead her to create a sculpture made of turkey bones with knives and forks sticking into them. This finished product symbolizes the way Melinda feels inside and the pain that has been held upon her. As Melinda starts expressing herself through art, she also develops a hiding place in school where no one can find her; her “safe haven” that contains her bottled up feelings and her personality. This space is the closet in the senior hallway that no one would ever enter. She started off the year spending most of her time in there, but as time passed and she became more confident in herself, she lessened her time spent in there.

Although Melinda is starting to find herself, her relationship with her family could be way better. Her family’s way of communicating is by writing notes. It appears that there aren’t many times when Melinda and her family are together. This also might symbolize distance and not too much love. Laurie Halse Anderson even writes “The Pilgrims gave thanks at Thanksgiving because the Native Americans saved their sorry butts from starving. I give thanks at Thanksgiving because my mother finally goes to work and my father orders pizza.” This quote displays Melinda’s dysfunctional family and how they don’t celebrate the normal Thanksgiving. As the story goes on Melinda reveals what really happened that night at the party and she gets judged as jealous and a liar. But when people finally find out she’s telling the truth, they respect her and acknowledge her.

The moral lesson that the author tries to convey is that high school can be vicious and not always fair. There will always be judgements and rumors but you have to grow stronger from them. The author sends the message that you don’t necessarily know who your true friends are until something occurs that makes their personalities shine through. In society today, there are many victims just like Melinda, who have experienced the same things. It is truly sad and reading this story helped me realize how much I judge people and how much I need to embrace new people. Reading this book bettered my knowledge of how scary high school can and will be. I don’t want to be stuck in the crowd; I want to be a leader and a role model in high school. I want to do well for my school, community, and family. Even though Melinda isn’t necessarily a leader or a follower, she finds confidence in the end. This book gives hope to people that are victims of bullying, assault, and more.

Trauma Caused by Eating Disorders

It was estimated that about eight million people have an eating disorder in the United States. Eating disorders have become a growing problem as Hollywood becomes more extensive, and the standards for appearance greatly increase. Anorexia and bulimia are the most notorious eating disorders, and have the greatest impact on people today. Unfortunately, many women and men have had complications with this issue, and some of those difficulties have even resulted in death. Eating disorders can cause harm to your health, mental stabilization, and affect others around you.

Many people have problems with eating disorders, and a good amount of these people have had experience with neglect and variations of abuse as a child. A number of experts believe that some cases of anorexia and bulimia come to being by harsh life as a child. After reading many stories of certain people that have come into conflict with eating disorders, I would agree with those opinions. In almost every story I read, there was something about that person’s childhood and how it related to the starting of their eating disorder. Take Kathy’s story for example. Kathy is a mother with three children and had a 35- year battle with an eating disorder. She would rise before her husband and children to go on a ten mile run. Kathy limited her food intake and aggressively pushed herself to exercise non-stop. However, she was a daughter of an alcoholic father in her childhood. She was pushed constantly by her parents to be the best at whatever she did. Although she doesn’t blame them for her eating disorder, she feels that her family environment taught her to meet everyone else’s expectations and standards, but not her own. You can see how childhood played a role in Kathy’s struggle with an eating disorder.

Some cases of anorexia and bulimia are deeply impacted by childhood, and it is proven that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. A study conducted by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders stated that five to ten percent of anorexics die within ten years after having this disease. It also reported that only thirty to forty percent of anorexics ever fully recover. There are many different ways to get treatment to these awful diseases including therapy, support groups, and medical monitoring. However, it is not always easy getting that help because of the high prices associated with those treatments. This is part of the reason why the majority of anorexics don’t always fully recover. Everyone needs to be fully aware of how calamitous these eating disorders are and how they can ruin your life.

It isn’t always easy dealing with these afflictions, and it could quickly turn your life in the wrong direction. Eating disorders are atrocious; and they are most definitely preventable. Everyone that is struggling with an eating disorder needs to realize they are not alone, that they are one of the eight million who constantly battle against a disease, and that they can survive with treatment and support.

Bibliography
"DMH." South Carolina Department of Mental Health. 17 Nov. 2010 .
Joerger, Teresa. "Eating Disorder Stories." 2010. www.caringonline.com. 17 Nov. 2010 .

Does Patriotism Still Matter?

Patriotism means devoted love, support, and defense for one's country. Patriotism is a noun; a person, place, or thing. If I was asked to define patriotism in my own words, I would say it is passion, support, and loyalty towards your country. Patriotism definitely still matters and is very important to have.

Patriotism is defending one's country, and it starts with the little things. From helping a neighbor to honoring our country by serving in the military; it's all patriotism. Even a holiday was established to honor America with devoted patriotism. This holiday is called Independence Day. It is held on the fourth of July and help displays the love for our country. The citizens of America dress in red, white, and blue; the colors of our flag. There are so many things you can do to show patriotism!

We are very lucky to have as many rights as we do in this country. Without our freedom we wouldn't be able to do numerous things! I find my myself wondering how hard and different it would be in other countries and how grateful I am for everything I have! Overall, patriotism is a wonderful thing!

Cyber Bullying and How it Leads to Bad News

Since fifty- eight percent of kids admit they have bullied online before, cyber bullying continues to be a big issue in the United States. It leads to suicide, suicide attempts, and poor work ethics during school, at home, and other places. Some reasons why certain people cyber bully is because they might be watching sitcoms or movies that include bullying and making fun of people. Other reasons people get the idea to bully is because they feel a state of jealousy or want revenge on someone. Unfortunately, as teens become more technology savvy, this bullying takes place on the Internet. Using the Internet to harass, bully, or assault people, and teens in general is not the right solution.

Using the Internet to bully certain people is not right, and it leads to many deaths. Megan Meier, a thirteen year old girl, was in to MySpace and other social networking sites when she got a friend request from a “hot” boy named Josh Evans. With her mother’s consent she added him. It all went downhill from there, Josh Evans along with other kids posted malicious comments on her MySpace and it eventually led to her hanging herself. Megan Meier had other problems too, she was overweight for a while, had ADD, and depression problems. Those problems plus the insulting comments really got to her and she died three weeks before her 14th birthday. This is a truly tragic story and goes to show you how bad cyber bullying is and can be. Another teen named Ryan Halligan took his own life in October of 2003. He was relentlessly bullied by the same group of guys once he got in to middle school. Ever since kindergarten he was in special education programs at his school until 5th grade, therefore he was not as academically caught up as some of the other students. That is what started his never ending bullying problem. As he got older he became a part of Instant Messaging. The night he took his own life was caused by a rumor spread by the same bully. This bully had told everyone Ryan had had something done to him that therefore caused him to be gay. Ryan was humiliated and the bullying only got worse. This is what led to his suicide. You can tell that bullying on the Internet is just as bad as bullying with words and in person.

Bullying on the Internet is harmful to teenagers, and statistics state that forty two percent of kids have been bullied online and one out of four kids has had it happen more than once. So many of these kids and teenagers have pushed their selves over the edge because of these vicious threats and comments they receive. In no way is cyber bullying right and many people have created groups against cyber bullying. They get together within their communities, schools, and even work places. They speak to kids and help them understand some of the consequences of cyber bullying and how bad it really is. Krysten Moore, former Miss Teen New Jersey is a big supporter of no cyber bullying. When she was a teenager she herself was cyber bullied by students and friends, she tells her story to many kids and how she once considered suicide. She has a big influence on kids and teens and speaks publicly often on television shows and events. Krysten hopes to make a difference in her community and in other locations. These stories go to show you that bullying is not right and eventually can cause deaths.

Cyber bullying takes place in many places and different types of bills and laws are trying to get passed against this issue in our nation’s capital. A bill aimed to make cyber bullying a federal crime is being considered in Washington, D.C. I believe this bill should get passed because cyber bullying is not right in any way and causes so many deaths. Being a teenager in middle school I have a good outlook on all different types of bullying. I have experienced bullying myself and can reasonably say it is not a great way to deal with certain situations. Bullying can easily affect someone’s self esteem and mental health. Once you know you are being cyber bullied or bullied in general, the right thing to do is tell a trusted parent, adult, or guardian. Cyber bullying can be a very hard thing to deal with, that way if an adult knows; you will have someone there for you and it can be easier to get through.

Cyber bullying can be a very difficult thing to deal with, and overall is a huge problem in the United States. Using the Internet to insult and bully people is in no way right. You can see how much it affects different people in society today. Cyber bullying is very dangerous and powerful, how would you deal with it?

"Cyberbullying Continued After Teen's Death." 29 March 2010. www.CBSNews.com. 21 September 2010 .

Name poems

D- deep
A- amazingly stunning
N- never mean
I- intelligent
E- extraordinary
L- loving
A- accomplished



C- courageous
A- amazing
T- talkative
H- hyper
E- excellent
R- retainer
I- incredibly beautiful
N- never is mean
E- extremely dangerous(: