Mad Fingers

Devils

The old cracking sound of the chair in the Pham's kitchen made me think about all the old times on Barrow. We would sit on Anh's front porch and sing or dance. We would pretend we were Cinderella and her step sisters and mother. On Easter when I received the bin of chalk, we would colour the bricks on her porch all different colours.

But one thing struck me most. We only had one memory at my old place. Kirthana's surprise birthday party. We sat in the back yard drinking shots of no name brand Coke, giggling and the first to burp was out.

I won.

We had adventure games. We would ride the afternoons away on our bikes or scooters. We called ourselves the Devils. I don't remember how we got that name, but we also called ourselves KAT Ex. when we went on our biking adventures to Cattail creek or to the berry patch.

We'd ride home with the black berries and dump them evenly into three bowls. As we poured in milk and suger, we'd pretend to be a commercial. "Try the new Berry Blast! Now at a Convienience Store near you!"

Since Kirthy always had to babysit her little sister after school, it was just Anh and I on the weekday afternoons.

We would sit in her kitchen and have little tea parties and pretend we had flowing dresses of yellow and green.

On the weekends we would jump the fence to get the only park in our neighborhood. We sat on the tube and talk about the week. Kirthy would tell us about her life in Vancouver. Anh would tell us about the drama in Middle school, while Kirthy and I asked questions on what to do in a situation.

Anh was our big sister. She knew about everything a year before us. Anh always knew what to do.

I leaned forward again to have a bite of my rice drowning in soy sauce.

"You remember our tea parties? And all the scooter moments?" Anh asked.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about that. It's sad that it all had to stop. We don't see or talk to Kirthana as much, eh?" I said back.

"Yeah. She moved too far. You moved far but still close enough."

"Your parents still thinking of moving?" Anh's parents have looked at many houses in the past year. We never really knew exactly if her family would move or not.

"Not now, no."

Anh was in high school now, me, still in middle school. We hadn't set enough time aside for each other. I didn't feel as though we were growing apart. When we did see each other, we had great time, almost never bored. The only dullness was that Kirthana wasn't there. I see her once or twice a year now-a-days.

"You wanna go outside?" I asked.

"And do what?"

"Wanna walk around Barrow?"

Saying Good-bye

When you make new friends,
Don'’t you keep the old?
That'’s what teachers say,
Mums and Dads too.

But when a friend meets someone new,
Your world of friends can change.
They may be there when it'’s tough,
But sometimes they'’re not.

Best doesn'’t mean forever
But friends doesn'’t mean silence.
A friend should be a shoulder for rest
And always a phone call away.

But when school starts this year,
Things will change.
So keep in mind,
She may be gone forever.

Just be careful you don't make someone feel the same.

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

Mike pulled a chair close to the wall.

"Man, I can't do this. Please, I'll do anything else."

"Dude, it's a spider. It ain't gonna hurt you. Besides, it wont work without a spider."

"Yeah, yeah. But I hate spiders!" Mike said shaking on the chair.

"Hurry up, she's going to be here soon. Let's go. I drank the toilet water, you can at least put a spider into a container!

"Okay, here goes." Mike closed his eyes and slowly caught the tiny spider. The loud door bell rang in the quite house.

"Hey Megan, how's it going?" Jay, Mike's friend said trying his hardest to breathe on her.

"Fine, I guess. What have you been drinking? Toilet water? Your breath stinks. Here's some gum." Megan said popping a piece on gum in her own mouth.

"Where's Mike? I want to get started on the project."

"Here I am!" He said, almost screaming, holding the spider behind him.

"What's in your hand?" Megan asked.

"Nothing, nothing's in his hand." Jay tackled Megan to the floor and started to breath on her.

"Get off me! You reek! Mike get him off me!" When she opened her eyes, she found the tiny little spider, crawling on her nose. She pushed the spider, then Jay away, screaming. "You guys are freaks!" She stood up. "You can find someone else to help you!" As she stormed out of the house, still shaken from what happened, Mike and Jay shook hands, yelling, "Hoot, hoot!"

Fabulous

"Hey. What are you doing?"

No answer.

"Hello? Nevermind. I'm Catherine, you are?"

"Why are you talking to me?" he asked.

"What are you talking about? I was just trying to be nice, you know, make you feel welcome here. It's a big school isn't it? You'll get used to it." Catherine said leaning on the back of her chair.

"I hate what you're wearing, I hate your hair and your make-up. That's what I'm talking about."

"Why you little punk!" Catherine said, getting up from her seat, "Excuse me for trying to make conversation with you! What is your problem?"

"I just don't like what you're wearing or you hair or your make-up." he repeated, taking a bite out of his sandwich, "My name's Gavin by the way. Gavin Marsh. I really hate your clothes. U-G-L-Y" Gavin spelled.

"Whatever. I have to go. And sorry again, for trying. I have to go find out who my Peer Pal is." Catherine said, walking for towards Student Services.

Student Services

"Hey, Mary. I was wondering who my little grade seven pal is."

"Hello. We're very happy to have you with us again this year! Let me just check. Whoever it is, your fist meeting is Monday at 10." Mary went to her desk and pulled out a file. "This year your 'little friend' is..." She put her glasses, and pulled the papers close to her face.

Please don't be the little punk. Please, God.

"It is Gavin..." Please God... "Gavin Marsh."

With a sarcastic smile, Catherine muttered, "Great."

Dummy

“F? I got an F? Do you know how hard I studied for this test?” Dylan said shaking his test in his teacher’s face. He really hadn’t studied as hard as he said. In fact, he didn’t study at all. But what would his father and mother say? Dylan didn’t care about his mark, but the parents always did. He planned that he wouldn’t show them the test. He didn’t even tell them there was going to be a test. Hopefully, that would work.

“Dylan, how was school today?” His mother asked when he returned from school in the afternoon.

“Uh…Well, I only had three detentions today." He said, trying to advoid talking about his classes.

“Well, that’s a start,” his father said, walking into the room, " You usually have five." Dylan laughed as he stroked the back of his head.

While Dylan sat in bed that night, thinking about the test he had the next day, he wondered how he could do better. He had already blown the chance of studying for it. He decided to play sick.

Five minutes into sleeping, he quickly sat up.

“I’ll steal that answer sheet! Yeah. But the school's closed and the test is tomorrow. I guess I’ll just have to break in.” He hopped out of bed and put a sweater on. He peeked out the hallway to see if his parents were still awake. His father was snoring. Good. He tipsy-toed down the hallway and out the door.

Smash! Dylan threw a rock at his classroom window. Perfect. Slowly creeping in, he spotted

“Here are you test back everyone. I was surprised to see who had the highest score.” Dylan’s teacher handed him his paper. Dylan felt there was no need to look.

“Peter, please stand up. Everyone, please give Peter a big hand for the highest mark in class.” Dylan stood up in the middle of the applause.

“What? What? Peter, of all people, got the highest mark in class? I think your fooling with me. I got the highest mark.”

“Did you look at your paper? You had answers that had nothing to do with the unit. Go ahead, look.” Dylan glanced at his paper. In red ink, there was a large ‘F’ printed on the top of the page.

“But I took the answer sheet! I remember. Last night.”

“No Dylan, you took the grade seven’s unit test questions that were used in their last unit. You’re in grade eight. It’s called studying.” The whole class began laughing and clapping. Dylan’s teacher called to the office for Dylan to get a talking to. “Maybe you need to go back to grade seven.”

Surprise, LP!

Happy Birthday from Mom.

Song Title Challenge

I am in Niagara, at my grandparents home. We are having a good time here. This morning, my Gammy and I did a writing exercise. We were to write a small story using song titles on our computer. I cheated all little and used the titled from two CDs I made for the trip. Most of the songs are from The Cure. Here is my story.

Girl: Your very close to me in my yellow submarine. But I still feel invisible while I play with my toy soldiers.

Boy: Hello, I love you, But we're in too deep.

Girl: And I love you always forever. Your right...We're losing grip.

Boy: Yes, before we fall to pieces, we should watch Banana Splits.

Girl: Cool. Oh-my! It's 10:15 Saturday night! We'd better try and get back up.

**********

Girl: We did it! we got back to Fasination Street!

Boy: *Crying*

Girl: Why are you crying? Boys don't cry!

Boy: Sorry but your the perfect girl.

Girl: Shut up. But it is just like heaven.

Songs Used:

The Cure: Close To me

10:15 Saturday Night

Fasination Street

Boys Don't Cry

The Perfect Girl

Just Like Heaven (Favourite song)

Avril Lavigne: Losing Grip

Fall to Pieces

Yellow Submarine-The Beatles

Invisible-Ashlee Simpson

Toy Soldiers-Martika

In Too Deep-Sum 41

I Love You Always Forever-Donna Lewis

Banana Splits Tv Theme Song (got to love it)

Cool-Gwen Stefani

Try-Nelly Fortato

Shut Up-(I really didn't have this song but I needed it. You pick the artist: Simple Plan or Black Eyed Peas)

A Great Honour

Happy Blog Appreciation Day to the bloggers of the world.

This morning, I received with great honour, an appreciation award from a wonderful and exciting blogger. I would like to say thank you to her, for she has made me smile and let me know how much of a great job I have been doing. and to keep it up (of course). So, thank you Fringes, for appreciating me, my work and my new-born blog.

I will be appreciating another blogger in the next day, myself. This is a great idea we should all try.

Stop

November 3, 2003

Before me was the entire student body. I walked towards the microphone. Mom gave me a thumbs up. Tina gave me a smile. Thanks. It felt like a 'good luck' wish. I opened my mouth, finally ready to speak, then, from the back of the gymnasium, a boy called out, "Get on with it, loser! Let's go!" More unwanted comments came rushing at me. A teacher called for it to stop, then nodded at me to begin. Once again, I opened my mouth. Words came spitting out of me. These word seemed new to me, even though I had practiced many time for this.

"Why do you bully others? Is it because that's what others have done to you in the past? When you bully you're creating another bully. And this bully could pick on you to get you back for what you did to them." My voice became shaky. Painful looks appeared on everyone's face. They all seemed to be screaming "Stop! Please, shut her up! I can't take it anymore!" Only Tina knew what I was going through. Paragraph after paragraph I continued. Finally, I was finished. A sign of relief a rose on everyone's face.

I continued to stand in front of the microphone. I was told to stay until there was an applause. Nothing. Not even from Mother. Tina tried to make an effort, but stopped. I don't blame her. I couldn't stand there anymore. I stared at my black and white Chuck E.'s. My long black hair covered my face.

"Get off the stage!" Once again, more abusive language slapped me in the face. I now sit here in the girls' washroom. There are many people waiting for me to come out. All with something horrible to say. Someone came in and told me that Tina had been stuffed into her locker. I wanted to get out and help her, but knew that she would rather me stay where I was safe from the violent words and glares. It's sad that all these people have nothing better to do. They just wait around for you to come out, then follow you home. Embarrass you and then stare at you while walking down the hallway or walking from class to class. Let this be a lesson to all who bully. Your creating you worst enemy and they will get you back.

For all who are victims of bullying.
Pray that all the bullies will realize that they are hurting more than a person's feelings.
~LP

Dance With Me

"Please dance with us," said a camper from the all girls camp. The girls were having their Friday night good-bye dance. "Please, just one song, Robin?" Robin didn't move. Maddie, a cabin mate, came to help.

"Come on, Robin. Dance with Taylor and me. Please?" Taylor and Maddie took both of Robin's hands and leaded her to the 'dance' floor. As Taylor and Maddie danced, Robin stood and watched the girls have a good time.

"Okay, Robin, " Taylor said, as she took her hands, "At least move your hands to the beat. "

"And move your feet a little, " said Maddie. Taylor let go of Robin's hands and they fell back to were they were found.

"Please Robin? If you dance to just one song, you will make my week so much better. Please?" Robin looked down at her feet. Slowly, she began to sway from side to side.

"Woo! That's it! Keep doing that. Maybe add some feet or hand movement. Great! Now, you're a pro!" The song was over and Robin went back to her seat. Taylor followed.

"Thank you so much for dancing with me. You have made my week so better. Thank you." Taylor got up and went to dance again with her friends.

The next morning, Taylor saw Robin standing alone with her bags, waiting for her father.

"Hey Robin. Did you sign my book? I don't think you did. Here." Taylor handed the shy girl her autograph book. Robin handed it back. "Thanks. I've got to go say bye to some friends. See you later. Tell me when your leaving, okay?"

Minutes passed and girls continued to leave.

"Taylor," Robin said when she passed, "I'm leaving now." Taylor walked over.

"Okay, well, umm..e-mail me when you get home okay? I'll do the same. " The girls hugged and Robin went to her car. "Bye Robin." Taylor said, giver her friend one last hug.

"Bye."

While on her way home, Taylor read all her comments from her friends she had met at camp. At the fifth page, Taylor noticed writing in a blue gel pen.

Taylor,
I had fun dancing with you. Thanks for the fun night. Robin

Little Fish

This little poem is for my fish, Morressey, who has passed away.

Little
By little,
The fish
In a puddle
Swam
To the top
And
Down with a flop.
The music
Didn't help
Who knew
How he felt,
Poor little Morressey

Paint Me a Colour

Paint Me a Colour

Colour me pink

No, make it blue,

How about brown

Or even white.

But tell me,
What does it matter?
Aren't we the same?

Isn't that what
You told me?
That it's always
Been that way?

But we aren't the same,
Aren't we unique?
I thought God
Made us differently
For different reasons.

But maybe,
You can't see the world
Has more than a rainbow
Of brightly shining colours.

Pine Valley Retirement Home, 90210, Part 2

Last time on Pine Valley Retirement Home, 90210:

"What? Your telling me this after 53 years of marriage to Frank? How could you? Was I not woman enough to get him myself?"

"No, no, you were. But I thought I might help." Darlene took a sip of her water and swallowed her daily medicine.

"Stella, I'm sorry, please stop. Can't we try to talk this over?" Stella stopped and turned around.

"Darlene, I'm sorry, but you know how I react when it comes to Frank. Friends?"
The two friends went to smoke across the street, after Darlene charged her batteries.

"You know, I did date Joe first." Darlene looked up from her smoke and stared at Stella.

"Is that so?" Darlene said with a shaky hand, worried that Stella let Darlene have Joe.

"Yeah and I told him that I couldn't date him with you drooling over him whenever you saw him. So I cut if off." Darlene thought back. Is Stella right? I talked about him all the time.

"No...I...I don't believe you." Darlene blew out some smoke and looked down at her feet.

"I swear Darlene, at one point I thought you needed every guy I had or liked. Remember when we didn't talk to each other for a month?...You know, I didn't let you have Joe. I just couldn't stand you waiting for him to be free. And anyway, it wasn't really working out. You won him, you know. You fought and it looks like to me you stuck with it, Darlene. And you haven't left him, even after him passing away. Widows these days date, which I think is crazy. You can only marry once, Darlene. We've done good."

"Yeah, your right. We shouldn't be fighting about that stuff. Thanks for understanding, Stella. Your a great friend." The two elderly ladies hugged and inhaled a puff of smoke.

"You know, were missing the end of 90210." The two slowly headed for there room to finish the show that started it all.

"Brenda, you bought that dress too? I'm going to look prettier than you and I'm also going to win Dylan back."

"Kelly, you know that he's not going to be there"

"Yeah? Well, we'll see about that..."

"Stella, do you remember our dance?"

"Darlene, don't start."

One Girl's Writing 8

Hey everyone,
I'm very sorry about not being so up to date this month. I do have part two of 90210 in the works, but I don't know when I'll post it.

I returned from camp last week and I had a great time. There were many new people and some old friends. It was very windy for a few days, and then there was a large storm across a lake. Thankfully, the whole camp survived a black out. I will be writing and posting stories soon enough. Like I said before, in September, when things aren't so crazy with trips, I will have more time to write and post.

Thank you all,
*Little Puddle*

One Girl's Writing 7

Hey everyone,
I have to say thank you to my Mother(flood), Jason Evans, Jade, Marcail and Fringes for helping me get back on track. But bad news comes. I will be leaving on Sunday for camp. This isn't bad, but what is is I wont be blogging until I get back (next Saturday). Good news! When school starts again, I will have much more stories.

So until I get back,
thank you all,
*Little Puddle*

A Dive to Remember

Jordan had the biggest crush on Sue.

Sue almost hated Jordan.

One day, both of the students were at a public pool.

Jordan wanted to impress Sue, so he went over and asked a simple question that would prove himself.

"What should I do off the high board?"

Sue's friend suggested a flip, but Sue had something better in mind.

"You should do a flip, no, two flips and a belly flop." She and her friends giggled at the imaginary sight.

"Okay, okay, I'll do it. Two flips and a belly flop." Jordan walked to the high board. When to the top of the ladder, he saw Sue and her friends looking up. He began to run off the board.

And off the board he went. Sue was leaving! She had her back turned to him! Falling, falling. Jordan forgot to do the flips and he flopped hard onto the still water. Ouch.

Pine Valley Retirement Home, 90210

Best friends for 50 years. Husbands pass away in old age. Now, only with each other to depend on, the two elderly ladies come together and watch reruns of 90210.

"Brenda, I know you love Dylan, so I let you have him."

"You did what? You thought that I couldn't get him myself? Kelly, are you brain-fried? Do you not have a heart?"

The tv went black for a commercial.

"This reminds me of the time I let you have Frank."

"Darlene, you let me what?" 82 year old Stella said in shock to the 83 year old Darlene.

"I let you have Frank. I was dating him, then I met Joe and Joe seemed so much better for me and you were in love with Frank, so I let Frank go , so you could have him"

"What? Your telling me this after 53 years of marriage to Frank? How could you? Was I not woman enough to get him myself?"

"No, no, you were. But I thought I might help." Darlene took a sip of her water and swallowed her daily medicine.

"Wait, wait, wait. Who dumped who? I remember, do you?"

Darlene's face was blank. She was confused. Oh, golly. She got me. But how? "Um...uh... well, ah..."

"You thought that I would never find out about Frank dumping you. I know about the deal, with you guys agreeing that it was you who did the dumping, " Stella stood from her walker, "Of course he told me. I'm his wife! Guess who needed the help after all? You!" Stella slowly walked out of the room. Darlene hopped on her wheel chair and mechanically wheeled her way after Stella.

''Stella, wait! My batteries are dying! Wait up! I forgot to recharge my chair! Please wait!"

"Yeah, well I'm dying too. So..grrrr to you!"

What will happen next? Will Stella and Darlene make up again? Will Stella slow down for Darlene? Or will Darlene recharge her batteries? Find out soon on the next Pine Valley Retirement Home, 90210.

Undone

The soft downfall of rain quickly turned into a storm. Chris knew where he was. He knew this area like the back of his hand. The problem was, he had no clue who Christopher Hensly was. He looked into the foggy, rainy distance and saw a light. He had never seen this light before.

"Chris? Christopher! Where are you?" a voice called in the distance, while trying to focus the flash light on the man.

Chris slowly walked over to the calm, but concerned voice.

"Who are you looking for?" he asked not knowing he was Chris.

"Chris!" said the girl, now very close to him.

"Okay. Um what does he look like?" The girl didn't hear the question and took his wrist and guided him to the car.

"Chris, where have you been? You just walked out without telling anyone. And worse, you have been missing for three days!" Now inside the warm car, Chris was confused.

"I have? Wait, who's Chris? And who are you?" Chris tried to search his memory, but there was nothing there.

"Chris, you don't remember me? It's Em? Come on, Chris. I'm taking you to a new home. A nice home. You will have friends there and lots of people will come a visit you, okay? You will be very, very happy. Trust me?" Chris waited a minute, then nodded his head. The two continued to drive.

Emily drove up to the laneway of a very fancy home. The was a slight shine in Chris' face. Emily knew that he would be happy.

Chris was greeted by a tall, fat lady and was brought up to his room. She was holding two dolls. The one in the orange jacket reminded Chris of Mr. Rogers. The other looked like a plain business man.

Chris began to act out a show with the two dolls.

"Hello children. We're going to have lots of fun today," he directed the Mr. Rogers doll. "Ding, Dong. Oh! That must be my special guest." Chris moved the doll's legs and hands to make it look like it was moving and about to open an invisible door.

Later that night, while Chris was laying in bed, he heard footsteps. He quickly pulled the blanket up close to his face, so only his eyes were exposed.

"Hell-hello?" he called.

"Ding-Dong! Ding Dong!" Someone was making the sound. To Chris, it sounded like Mr. Rogers.

"Who-who's the-the--re? Hello?" There were more foot steps and they seemed to be coming closer and closer to the mental patient. He called out once more.

Chris felt something crawling at his feet, up his body, then it sat on his chest. It was the Mr. Rogers doll and it was holding a fork.

"I want you to take this fork and go kill the tall, fat lady. She isn't going to treat you right so you better do it now before she hurts you. Go!" The doll dropped the fork on Chris' chest and slipped of the bed. "Go!"

Chris slowly got out of bed. If I don't do this, she or Mr. Rogers could kill me. But if I kill someone, I will get blamed for it. But I don't want to get killed by a doll or get treated meanly by a fat lady. Chris opened the door to his room and walked towards down hall to find his victim.

It was dark and Chris could hardly see. He saw a door that said HEAD OFFICIAL'S ROOM DO NOT DISTURB. Chris slowly turned the door knob and pulled the fork out of his pocket at the same time. The door creaked open and he slipped inside. She isn't going to treat you right, so you better do it before she hurts you. Chris repeated that in his head hundreds of times. He took baby steps towards a desk facing him. One step away and CREEK! The fat lady faced her patient. She stood and approached Chris.

"Chris! What are you doing?! You should be in bed. What are you doing with that fork?" The lady snatched the fork from him.

"You're not the fat lady that Mr. Rogers told me to kill. You're Emily!" Chris thought about what he just said. He knew that it wasn't the smart thing to say to some official. He knew now that he was doomed.

"You were going to kill the official? Chris..." Emily slowly backed up, "I'm calling the police. I'm sorry Chris, but I know you know better than to kill someone."

The police arrived very soon and Chris was taken away, just as he feared.

As for the doll, no one knows what happened to it. It could be in your room right now, just waiting to play.

Teenage Drama

The first part of this story is a story starter by Jason Evans.

Sarah wanted to look up.

Everything about her was ready. The tension in her neck. The itch at the top of her forehead.

She had to look up.

But the clock ticked on. Slower than her breathing.

Everything swam together. It was coming. Prickling up her neck.

Great.

Just super.

The fuzz in her brain began roaring. She was about three seconds from fainting.

Sarah slowly got up from her seat.

"What now? What if I try going up the stairs? I could faint."

She fell back down to her seat in a slump.

She just had to get up. She tried to pick up the glass full of water on the desk.

It was too heavy. Her wrist was too weak to lift it.

"I've got to get upstairs."

Sarah got up once more, took three steps and fell to the floor.

With her hand on her forehead, Sarah saw the basement door open.

"Sarah?" She looked up. Just mom. "Is everything alright?"

Sarah managed to mutter the words "Yes, everything is fine."

"Okay, well. Ashlee wants to know if you want to sleep over tonight."

Sarah quickly got up from the floor and dashed up the stairs to the phone.

Miss you

Lost in class, Susy looked up to the ceiling. Her grade nine Social Studies class was studying Poland, mainly the war and what the Germans had to do with the Poles. Miss Padziora stood up from her chair. She closed her copy of the text book and put it on her desk, as she walked over to Susy’s desk.

“Susy, I’m surprised at you. I thought you would interested in this. What’s wrong? I thought that with you being Polish this would interest you. Does it not?”

“What does it look like, Miss? No one is interested in this. Why can’t we just do a project or something and get it over with?” Susy protested. The classed cheered.

“Okay, okay. In addition to your project on any European country, you have to get this signed, by your parents, by tomorrow. If it is not signed by then, the Vice Principal will be calling home. Miss Padziora handed out the papers. The class groaned. A project and a new assignment.

Electricity filled the air as the students read the sheets.

“We’re going to Poland?! My parents aren’t going to let me go there! It’s way too far away from them!” Alicia cried to her teacher from her seat.

“Then get your parents to be volunteers. That way, everything should work out.”

No. No way am I giving this to my dad, Susy thought, if I show this to him, he’ll want to come with us. I’ll just cut that part off before I get home.

After school, Susy's father asked to speak with her.

“Susy, do you have something for me? Your English teacher called. She said that she passed a note around the class and it’s to be signed for tomorrow. If not, you can’t do what ever it is. So may I see it now?”

Susy thought for a minute. “Susy, is there something wrong?”

“No! Yes! Can I go to the bathroom first? I really got to go.” Susy rushed to get upstairs. She dashed past the bathroom and into her room. She pulled out a pair of scissors and the paper. She slowly cut the paper, making sure it was a perfect line. There, she thought, He'll never know about the volunteer part. Susy went to the bathroom, flushed the toilet and turned the water on for twenty seconds. She went back to the tv room with a black pen.

“This cost one hundred and twenty-two dollars. If you really want to go, I will pay for half and you can pay for the other half. Sixty dollars each sound fair. It's for a week and the school is paying for more than of each students’ fee. I think you should go. You mother would be very happy if you went. You know that we met at a shrine there. Beautiful. Just Beautiful. The tree and your mother. You get your looks from her. ”

"Yeah dad, you've told me that." Susy thought about her mother. She had died ten years ago. Susy knew that would make her mother happy if she went, but she hated to be reminded about her mother.

“Yeah, okay, whatever you, um, say. I’ll go, uh, get the cash. Do you want me to get your cheque book?” Susy’s ruff voice cracked. She held it together, as she always did. But there was a feeling that she wouldn’t be able to in Poland.

Later on that night, Susy got a call from Alicia.

“Can you believe that we’re going to Poland? My parents didn’t want to go. I was so happy! What about your dad? Is he going?”

Susy held the piece of paper that she cut. “Nope. He doesn’t even know about the volunteer thing. I cut if off before I showed it to him. I don’t want him to ruin this trip for us. Like, I like him and all, it’s just I’ve never been this far away from home before with out him. I also don’t want to be embarrassed. You know how dads can be like that, right?”

The girls talked into the wee hours of the night. At 11:57, the girls said good-bye and fell asleep with thoughts of a long trip away from everything they knew.

The next morning, everyone handed in their papers. In two days time they would all be in Poland together, discovering what was a new country to them.

After much packing and re-packing, talking about packing, and finally settling on what exactly to pack, the time came to go to the airport.

Alicia and Susy stood side-by-side in line to board the plane. Susy was taking pictures of the things around her with her mother’s old camera. She was able to get a picture of her whole class in front of the airport. She had made a plan that she would take a picture of her whole class each time they went somewhere big and important. Susy was also the photographer for the school newspaper and all the good pictures that she took would be going towards that as well.

Hours passed on the plane. By mid afternoon, the grade nines were in the Polish airport. Things seemed bigger and scarier than before. The teachers and volunteers directed the students to the shuttle area.

Susy sat alone on the bus with her head on the window. Miss Padziora took the seat beside her.

Great, Susy thought, I am such a loner that I have to sit with my teacher. This had better not be like this for the whole week.

“Susy, I haven’t seen your father at all. Is he here? I was sure that my calling would make him come.”

“So you admit to calling my house. Why? Did you not think that I wasn’t going to give the paper to my dad? I wanted to go. But you calling the house was the lamest, most stupid thing any teacher could do. It’s like you don’t trust me. Yeah, I’m not a good kid, but when I want to do something I get it done. Okay? You not my mother.” With those final words, Susy turned her head back to the window.

The bus was silent until the first stop. Half of the shuttle bus would be staying at one hotel and the other half at another. Susy jumped off the bus and faced a tall tree. It had a small picture of Mary on it's trunk with a blue frame. The picture had bright yellow and orange flowers hanging around it. At the foot of the trunk was a small blue fence with a small garden. The grass around it was brightly painted green and clouds seemed to go on forever.

She felt as though she had been here before. Something was very familiar. She recalled her father's heavy accent when telling stories of her mother.

This is the place mom and dad met...Why didn’t I tell my father he could come? God, how could I be so stupid? Susy took a few pictures of the spot and went back on the shuttle bus.

“Susy, what are you doing? Did you forget something? Susy, Susy? What’s wrong?”.

Without any reply to anyone’s question, Susy sat down and said, “Take me home.”

HELP ME!!!

STILL LOOKING FOR IDEAS AND I DON'T HAVE ANY THAT I THINK CAN MAKE A KILLER STORY.

Sorry that I haven't been blogging for a while. I've been away with some friends for the past week. I am deeply sorry for this. I know I should have taken the time to do something for all of my lovely fans out there (thank you, thank you!:D). I hope to have something NEW and EXCITING for you by Friday, the latest, Saturday. Once again, I am very sorry.

Thank you all,
*LP*

p.s. Sorry that the font is sort of weird. Currently trying to fix it.

One Girl's Writing 6

Hey everyone!
I know that I said I would be on blogger again on Tuesday, but our family trip was a day longer than I had thought. I could have blogged yesterday, but somethings got in the way. I hope you all forgive me! :)

My trip was to Niagara-on-the-lake and while I was there, I spent two hours down town - by myself (very proud of me). I took lots of pictures and saw lots of crazy looking people and had a great time.

I would like to take this time to thank Jason Evans for holding the Midnight Road contest. Also, congratulations to Eilsha, the winner of both the contest and reader's choice. Mr. Evans, I, and many other bloggers, are looking forward to your next contest!

Thank you all,
*Little Puddle*

P.S. Still looking for ideas for a story. Can't think at all this summer. :)

One Girl's Writing 5

I know it's a bit late to say this, but you may have seen on my Mother's blog (FlashFlood) that she had posted a Happy Birthday message to someone. So I would like to say Happy Birthday to my older brother or the tallest puddle and *goodashoudation* on being 15!

To everyone else,
I'm sorry I haven't posted anything good lately, except for One Girl's writings, but I will soon (hopefully) be posting before Thursday. Do not expect any new post between Thursday and Monday, but tuesday I will be back in action FOR SURE.

Today, for me and many of my school peers, was the last day of school. Tomorrow is clean-up-the-school-day, so not many will be attending. I wish everyone a safe, exciting, joyous, and an unpredictable summer.

One Girl's Writing 4

Hey everyone and Happy Father's Day! Hopefully you all sent your love to your fathers. I want to say a special thank to my dad on his day. I'll be posting more soon.
Thank you all
*Little Puddle*

Little Puddle - The Interview

My mother, Flood, interviews blogging writers on FlashFlood. I asked to be interviewed because it looked like fun.

When and why did you start writing with publishing in mind?

Well, I never really thought about publishing my work, seeing as I'm a seventh grader, but I think I was in grade three when I got into writing. I really don't think I was that good back then, but I had no choice but to read at least a story a week to the rest of the class. In grade four we had a book and each week we would got three different options to write a write a story. In grade five, writing slowed down, but when I got to grade six, we had to write and read aloud a story to the class. Now that I'm in grade seven and the work load is bigger, we don't focus much on writing, so I do it on my own time.

Why do you like to write now if it is not part of the curriculum at school?

I guess because there is always something that has to do with writing going on in my house and I like being a part of it.

What is your genre?

I think my genre is what is on the middle school boys' or girls' mind. Anything that you would think could happen to a normal kid through peer pressure or school work I would most likely write about. I also write some poetry in my spare time when I don't feel motivated to write a 300 word story.

What is your favourite story that you written?

I wrote a story last summer that I really liked and so did my parents and I was really proud of it, but it some how got deleted. I’ve tried re-writing it, but it never seems right.

Tell us about your writing process.

I get an idea, sort of think about what the first sentence is and begin to write.

Do you do any writing by hand?

Most of my poetry is by hand, unless it is for a gift to someone and I would like it to look nice or for a school assignment. I do some stories by hand for rough drafts or when the computer is being used and I don't want to lose the idea.

Do you have a special writing utensil?

If you mean things to write with like pencils or pens, then yes. When I write stories, I usually take my computer time and type them up, this way it is better to edit or add or erase things I don't like. If I am writing by hand I like a good sharpened pencil or an inky pen and lined paper.

Do you always finish the stories you start?

No, some of my stories I would write half a page and then delete it and try to start over. I think that is a bad habit because I would read it, think it’s bad and not continue, but I can always make it better by continuing it, right?

Do you know the story from beginning to end before you begin?

I only know the main parts that I want to happen. I think these ideas up when I'm thinking about the topic sentence, but I often change things as I'm writing. If you read my rough draft then my final, you will see that I may have had better ideas than the first and I changed it around.

Do you write sporadically or set aside time regularly?

I guess sporadically (whatever that means). I write when I feel like it. The only time I would set aside, would be during homework time.

Your spelling is very poor. How do you combat that in writing?

Well, I usually use a program that will correct my spelling for me, or if it’s for school I get my English teacher look over it. Pretty lame, eh?

Whom in your life supports you most in your writing?

My father is usually still working when I write and my siblings always have something else on their mind so I never ask them for help (sometimes I will ask my father if I need more than one opinion). But seeing as my mother is my mother and she is also writing daily, I go to her for help and inspiration. My mother also, from time to time, asks me for some ideas for her work. I probably wouldn't write if my mother didn't do the same.

Do you currently have a major project on the go?

Yes. I'm working on a sort of 'mini' book. I've got the first chapter done and I'm working on the second. Each week I will be posting a new chapter.

Why do you blog?

I blog because I can write when I want, express myself in different ways and it's a good way to have fun in spare time.

Why did you start?

I started because (1) My mom is a blogger, (2) I had a lot of stories already written (3) I like to write and (4) My mom asked if I wanted a blog and I did. I am not allowed to visit other blogs yet though.

What is your favourite blog entry so far?

'Life Or Friend' because it deals with the pressure of having to tell when someone close to you is doing something to hurt themselves.

What do you like about blogging? What do you hope to gain from it?

What I like about blogging is that many different bloggers can come and comment or make a suggestion. All I hope is that I will continue to blog and maybe be noticed by big people, like authors.

You are an author, you know. You are also a very creative person in many ways. How else do you express yourself?

I also paint. I recently painted a picture that was based on my front garden and I handed it in for extra marks in Art class.(Didn't get a mark back yet.) I draw too. I also play bass and I will be beginning formal piano lessons in September. I know a little piano now, but I want to be better.

Where do you hope your writing will go as you grow up?

Um...I guess that I can get better and be good enough to have some of my stories entered into a contest or be in my Mum’s blog. I would like story writing be more in the school curriculum so I can be graded and see how I can improve and be more confident to share my writing with others.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. I think your point of view is helpful to remind older writers about why they do what they do.

This was fun. I hope I do remind people of their younger selves.

How Alneena Got Her Name

Alneena’s name was chosen because of two things. The first meaning ‘beautiful dream’ in Greek and the second is what I’m about to tell you.

Alneena’s mother, Santina who was a mortal, had a dream about her baby growing up and saving the friendship of two girls with the names Alison and Neena. When she woke up, she told her husband, the God of Fairytale Animals, about the dream.

Later, as they were eating dinner, the couple were deciding on a name for their new child. But sadly, they couldn’t think of any good names for their child until the day she was born. Santina remembered her dream about the two girls and put the two names together to get Alneena. Santina didn’t know that name also meant ‘beautiful dream’ in Greek until her husband told her. Alneena has always carried her name proudly.

That is the story about how Alneena the Goddess of Fantasies got her name. Hopefully you will be inspired to ask how you got your name.

Uh-Oh

I wanted to laugh, but I didn't want to lose sight of him. It's been so long since we've seen each other, but he had no clue that we were at the same school. It was weird. He's in all my classes and I had thought he would remember my name by now, but nothing.

I was in science, sitting beside him. I was going to ask him if he remembered me, if I got the confidence to do so. We said our usual, 'Hello' and 'How's it goin'?'. In the middle of writing a note, I knew that it would bother me if I didn't ask.

"Hey, do you remember me? We were in seventh grade together?"

"Uh...I don't know. What school did you go to?"

"This school. I didn't leave."

"Grade seven. Grade seven." He thought for a minute. "I didn't go to this school in grade seven. I went to JJ Smither's Public Middle School."

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry..." Oh dear. I so did not do that. He so did not tell me that he wasn't the guy I sat behind in seventh grade math. That so did not happen.

Alneena, The Goddess Of Fantasies

"If you think you are worthy to be on the Council, you, Alneena, should prove it to me and your father." Zeus’ voice boomed at me. I’m such a little fairy, that almost anybody’s voice booms at me. I was determined to get a seat beside my father. I flew up to my throne, high in the sky.

I’ve done this sort of stuff before, I said to myself, If I did it before, why can’t I do again? I flung off my cloud and flew down to earth to speak with my mortal mother, Santina.

"Mother," I said, gliding down into her kitchen, "Do you know anyone who needs help with their Fantasies?"

"Do you remember the story I told you about the two girls?" Before I was born, my Mother had a dream about two girls I would help in the future. Could this be that future time that I was supposed to help those girls? I told my Mother about being on the Council and having to prove myself to Zeus.

"Well, you are the 9th most powerful Goddess in the Palace of Olympus, you know. I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding someone that needs help." My Mother was wrong, or so I thought at the time. The first thing I did was set out to find those two girls, Alison and Neena.

Before I found the girls, I helped at least 37 mortals that had minor Fantasy problems. I found a school yard full of kids, I found Alison and Neena arguing about who’s the better singer and who would be famous first. This is what I have to fix? I said to myself. I first I didn’t think it would need that much thinking, but then I realized that it would take a lot of thinking.

I flew back to my throne in the sky. They're best friends. I can’t do something that will make things worst. Who knows how long they’ve been fighting for. I only see their Fantasies. Then, it hit me. What if I made it so that one of them could have a Fantasy and fall in love with something else? Like, maybe guitars? That would work!

That night, I went to Neena’s house. She was asleep. My little body allowed me to sneak in through the open crack of her window. With a flick of my wand and some dreamy words that rhyme with guitar, Neena was having a nice Fantasy about being a professional guitar player.

On the school yard the next day, Neena and Alison were talking about Alison singing and Neena being her guitarist. I was so happy that I was able to help to best friends that I almost forgot to go talk to Zeus about what had happened.

"King Zeus," I said hoping not to get a booming voice, but, you know.

"Alneena, I have been watching you from my throne all day and yesterday. Why did you go to your mother?" Why as King Zeus asking that?

"Um...Because I always go to my mother when I have a problem. Don’t your sons do that, sire?"

"Yes they do, I was just wondering. How did you know about Alison and Neena?"

"Before I was born, my mother had a dream about them and me helping them when I was older and I thought that the future then, was the present today."

"Well answered. You were smart to make one of the girls to be interested in something that was connected to what the other girl was interested in."

"Thank you, sire." I was getting scared that I would have to do something use to get a seat on the Council.

"I believe you have done well enough to get that seat beside your father on the council." He finished with a big smile.

"Oh! Thank you, sire! Thank you!" I couldn’t wait to tell my father, but since my mother was the one that helped me, I would have to tell her first. What do you know? I can even make my Fantasies come true too! I deserve that seat.

To Jaye Wells, Written With Love by Puddle

Idea from: Jaye Wells - Humans born with tails...

"My baby! When's the due date?" Robert asked when he heard the good news.

"June 24th. It's to be a boy. What shall we name him? I'm thinking Michael." The newlyweds discussed the matter some more and decided on Brian Michael.

The due date drew near and the baby's room was nicely decorated with green and blue paint. Parties were planned and relatives arrived. In just a few days, newlyweds, Robert and Jaye, would have a healthy baby boy.

On June 22th, Jaye's water broke and she was rushed to the hospital. She had a fever, deadly to herself and her baby inside. On June 24th, Jaye's fever went down, but it was still harmful. Despite her illness, she gave birth to a brown eyed, almost bald baby boy.

He had a tail.

A long tail. A really long tail coming out of his lower back. Strangely, the hospital had many different clothes for children born with tails.

When the new family of three got home, many neighbours tackled them with odd questions. Their neighbour at number 17, asked if the baby was a dinosaur. Reporters came to ask if the family was willing to be interviewed. The couple talked it over and decided that would be fine. The family were on the local news, front page of Yahoo! and newspapers across Canada. A head line read: BABY BORN WITH TAIL. FATHER SCARED FOR HIS SAFETY, MOTHER THRILLED.

One Girl's Writing 3

Hey Everyone!
As many of you know, I'm always looking for ideas, but at the beginning of this week, I had an idea to write one chapter of a 'book' a week or more. So, I am looking for the greatest, most biggest idea you guys can come up with. I can only pick one but you can still submit ideas for each chapter on the post One Girl's Writing 3. Please note that the time is really tree hours ahead. Just thought I should let everyone know that. Until that matter is fixed...
Thank you all,
*Little Puddle*

One Girl's Writing 2

Hey Everyone! I would like to thank all of those who have commented on my writing so far.

You know when your mind is blank and you don't have any ideas for a story or you think that story idea is dumb? Sometimes I need big help to think up a storm, so I am asking all of you if you have any ideas (even the dumb ones)to please use this spot to submit those ideas. I will pick one idea each week and write a story about it. You also can write a story plot if you wish.
Thank you all,
*Little Puddle*

To My Dear Mother Flood. Love your Daughter *Fluddle

To tend the sick
Is to tend a child
To feed the poor
Is to feed a family

To get married
Is to have a husband
To give birth
Is to have a family

To teach to read
Is to teach to write
To think inside
Is to think out loud

To be a wife
Is to be a mother
To be a mother
Is to be a friend

To be loved
Is to give love
Without this,
There are no mothers

And I'm glad
That there's love
Because with out that
I wouldn't have you.

Happy Mother’s day.

The Lady in the Hall part 2

That morning I was so tired. Could another ghost be living here? I had to shake it off. I didn't want to go around telling me new friends at school things that weren't true.

We had moved in this house about two weeks ago and I would be starting school soon. I didn't want to get a bad start. I think I'll go to bed early tonight. School starts tomorrow. I better get to the mall before all the school supplies are gone, I thought to myself.

"Uh...Mum? Can I go up to the mall after breakfast and get some new clothes and supplies?"

"Why do you need clothes? New supplies I can understand, but your clothes still fit you."

"Mum! I wore those clothes last year! I want a fresh start! I'm going into middle school, you know. It's not elementary school anymore." My mum sighed and shook her head saying, "All right. I'll give you seventy-five dollars, but that's it. Now eat your beakfast, it's gonna get cold."

As I was in front of the rulers, looking for a green one to match everything else, I saw the most beautiful girl coming in from the beginning of the aisle.

She noticed that I noticed her. She walked over to me. No girl has ever walked over to me.

"Hi," what a nice voice, "You new? I haven't seen you around here. Did you move into the beaten up house down on Polk crescent?"

"Uh..." I have never had a conversation this long with a girl before. I didn't want to mess it up. Act cool, Jason, act cool. "Yeah, my dad is fixing it up for us. You here for last minute supplies?" Oh yeah. I'm so acting cool.

"No. I was supposed to meet someone here, but she didn't show. I can see that you are."

"And clothes." I added.

"Well, if you dress like that everyday, you need some fashion help." She took my arm with a green ruler with it. I have never gone shopping with a girl before. This is getting pretty weird.

"I'm Tairin. I'm starting middle school tomorrow. What about you?"

"Jason and same goes. "

Tairin helped me find some outfits and when I tried them on, she would either say good or bad. My total came to $58.67. I had enough to buy Tairi and I lunch and a soda.

When I got home, I dumped all my clothes on my mum's bed for her to look through, then climbed up my ladder to my attic bedroom. Time went by and soon it was dinner. We had some potato salad and hamburgers as we always do before school starts so I can have a hamburgers for lunch the next day. After dinner, we watched America's Funniest Home Videos and had great laughs. At nine, it was take shower and go to bed time.

I laid in bed for about a half hour and started dozing off and then... Oh-No! Not this again. Moaning. The night before school and I can't sleep again! I'm not going to put up with this again! I'm gonna find out where this ghost is coming from! Then I'll be able to sleep. I hopped out of bed and, first, looked around my room. I looked in my closet last. On the ceiling, there was another attic-looking door. It was hard to open it and when I did, I was full of dust. Great. Now I have to take another shower tomorrow morning!

"Noah? You there? Is that you Noah?" the ghostly voice was louder now. I must have found where the ghost was. "Noah?...Noah?"

"Hey, um, ghost. What's your name?" Okay, asking a ghost's name must have been pretty lame, but I had to be nice, right? I didn't want it to kill me.

"Uh? My name is Carson. Who are you?" The way he said Who are you? sounded like the caterpillar from Alice In Wonderland.

"My name's Jason. Who's Noah?" I really wanted to know who this Noah kid was so he could take his friend out of here like that other girl did.

"Noah? Oh, your talking about a bad dream I had." Okay. I couldn't s ee this guy but he didn't seem so ghostly now.

"Where are you. I want to help you."

"Oh, you wouldn't want to help a ghost. I'm scary looking. You'll be afraid of me." I told him about the other ghost I helped. He laughed. I didn't. I still don't know why that's funny. I decided to go back to my room and get a flash light. When I was in my room I heard the "ghost" yelling for Noah again.

"Okay. If you not going to tell me where you are, I'll just have to find you." And turned on the flash light. I flashed it on every corner and then the walls. I did the same thing three times. One the fourth try, I found and guy wearing all black and curled up in a ball.

"Hey! What are you doing in my house?! Mum! Dad!" I couldn't believe this! A guy was living in my house. In my
room! My Dad came rushing in first. My Mum after, taking her time.

"Jason where are you? I can't see you," called my Dad.

"Go into my closet and look up" My Dad did just that and climbed up. My Mum sat on the bed, yawning.

"Oh-My! Martha! Call the police! We have an intruder!" My Mum did just that and within five minutes of the 9-1-1 call, the police were in my room, crawling up into the second attic.

In another five minutes flat, the police were gone with the mysterious man. I got to sleep. I was sure glad that I didn't let that guy bother me.

The next morning, my Dad made pancakes for the first day of school and for me, who pretty much saved their lives. Today was going to be a good day and no "ghost" was going to stop me from having it.

As I was walking to school, Tairin cought up with me. We walked to school together, we were in all of each other's classes, ate lunch togther and even hung out together at the mall after, for some smoothies with some other new friends. I was welcomed almost everwhere and so was Cory, so I heard when I got home. And that night I got to sleep with no disturbances.

One Girl's Writing 1

Well, I hope that all who have read the below stories are enjoying my work so far. In the near future, I will be adding several more stories and perhaps some poems.
Thank you all,
*Little Puddle*

THE LADY IN THE HALL

I wrote this story in grade six...

"Good news family! We sold the house!" Said my father.

"When are we moving?" asked Cory.

"Tomorrow!" He replied excitedly.

The next day came and I was so surprised! The doors of the new house were falling off, the siding was brown and falling off and the windows were broken! Man you should have seen the attic! Man, I loved the old house, but this house was cool!

By nine o'clock everything was unpacked and the family went to bed. I got the attic as my room.

"Click, click, click, click....." I heard something in the hall.

"Mom? Is that you?"I called out

"Mooooo........" Moaning. I hate moaning. I decided to go and see what it was.

"Mom?" I called out.

"Sara is that you?" said a deadly voice. I was so scared that I ran back up to my room.

That morning, I asked my mom if she had heard anything last night, and she said "Yes the man who used to own the house said that his daughter was friends with a ghost..." She paused to take a sip of coffee.

"I guess the ghost is sad."

Later I knew just what to do. I called the previous owner's daughter to come to my house. So she did.

"I want you to take your friend home." I commanded her.

"Okay," Sara said.

"KellAnna? It's me, Sara!"

"Is it really you?" The ghostly voice called.

"Even come and see!" Sara said.

Then a ghostly figure came flying out. They lived on......

That night everything was going perfect. Then all of a sudden...

"Noah? Are you there?" A ghostly voice called out. All night I heard moaning and groaning...

THE END!!!
TO BE CONTINUED...

I never did continue this story, but I may do so in the future...

One Girl's Writing

Hey, Everyone! This is Little Puddle and I am new to blogging so you may find that there isn't much yet.
I enjoy writing on my own time and will post every story I finish from beginning to end no matter how bad they are. Please feel free to leave comments and I look forward to reading them and taking them into consideration.
Thank you all,
*Little Puddle*

Little Pink Shoes

Here is a monologue I had to do for a drama class in 06...

Have you ever thought what it would be like with a new baby in the house? Well most of you probably have because most of you have younger siblings. But have you ever thought of a baby being three years old and coming into your family at that age? Well, I know I have. You all must be thinking ‘What is she talking about?’ Well I’m talking about adoption. You know, when a kid doesn’t have a mom and dad and they either live in an orphanage or foster care and the kid gets adopted into your family. Can you imagine how different life could be?

You would have to help your parents help the new kid get used to their rules, like saying ‘Yes please.’ and ‘No thank you.’. The new kid would get extra attention, your parents will once again have no time for you. All their time in the next year will be spent on the new one in the family.
Your parents will be buying her new dollies or they’ll be buying him new ‘Tractor Toms’. In the next year, you will become just a kid that is living in your house, not getting noticed.

Okay, so let's think about some of the good things about adopting a new kid into the family. If it’s a girl, you can dress her up and play with her hair. Hey, she’s your living life-sized doll. And if it’s a boy, all you guys can get him into the hockey thing and show him how to spike his hair just the right way. When your older, you can take them to ‘Rocking Johnny’s’ for a banana split, milk shake or onion rings. You can buy her new shoes with little pink bows. You can buy him is first ‘Hockey News’ magazine.

I just hope adopting a new kid into the family isn’t going to be as bad as I think it is. Hey, maybe she’ll be my mini me. How ever it turns out, please just pray that I won’t die in a pile of plastic dolls and pink shoes.

I got an A- on this! :)

Seeing Santa

This is one of my older stories from Christmas '05...

Welcome to Santa News. I'm Tarya Gonwayzie live from Pickle Lake, Ontario with Tyler Gogner. Now Tyler you claim that you saw Santa with your very own eyes?

Why, yes of course! I was lying there in my brother's room, on the spare bed, when all sudden, I heard a loud 'Clunk!' on the roof of my house. I thought 'Oh my Gosh! It's him.' But I didn't really believe myself so I got my shoes on and looked out side from the front of my house. I looked up and there I saw, Santa crawling out of my chimney. I stood there in stunned silence. Then I heard from above 'Merry Christmas, Tyler. You've been a good little boy this year. Please tell your family that they've all been good. Even tell your Aunt Jennifer that as well.' And I just stood there nodding my head yes.

Did you say anything to him?

Well of course I did. Did you think I would see the REAL Santa Clause and not say anything to him?

*Shakes head no*

What I said to him was 'Of course I will pass that message on to them all. But How do you get around the world so fast? And what do you do if you have to go to the bathroom' And he answered that he would very quietly use the family's house's bathroom that he was in and that he's just really fast. Then I asked him 'Do you go to the poor people on the streets and give them gifts because I always see or hear about people who don't get any gifts from anyone and their all poor. But he didn't answer me. He hesitated and said 'I should be getting off to the next house. Merry Christmas!' And he flew off.

Wow! That's an amazing story! Back to you Bob.

Life Or Friend

Here is a story I recently wrote. It is NOT based on anyone, it is a story about dealing with the pressure of choosing a friend or their life...

Sindy was going through a hard time. Her grades were at average, but the bully system and home were getting rough. Yeah, she’d been bullied before but it was getting intense. Her parents were already divorced, but still fighting about who should get custody of Sindy. Sindy, as my parents would say, was in the depths of despair.

I was her best friend, but I didn’t find any of this out until I heard her crying in the girls’ room. At first she refused to tell me what was going on. I took the bus home with her that night to see if I could get anything out of her. Nothing. She just said ‘Nothing happened!’ I told that she might as well tell me now or I’ll have to call her when she got home. Still, nothing. So when I got home I tried to call her. The phone must have rung at least twenty times. I still didn’t get an answer. She would be going to her father’s for the weekend, so I’d call again tomorrow to get his new number.

I call the next morning and talked to her sister, Olivia. She gave me her father’s number. I quickly dialed Sindy’s weekend number. Five rings went by. I didn’t think anyone would answer but by the seventh ring, Sindy answered the phone.

"Sindy, what’s going on? I’ve tried to get ahold of you since yesterday!"

"Nothing happened! I’m fine, everything is fine!"

"Everything is not fine, Sindy. If everything was fine, you’d tell me, your best friend, what’s going on! What? Do you not trust me anymore?"

"No, I trust you, I just don’t want to tell you." There was a brief silence, "You don’t have to know everything that goes on in my life, okay?"

"Well, best friends do know every single thing about their best friend at some point in life! So I guess that we’re ‘Just friends!’" And hung up.

Taking the bus to school Monday morning was hard. I had to avoid talking to Sindy because I couldn’t talk to her until she told me what happened. Kelsey came to sit with me instead.

"Hey, do you know what’s up with Sindy?" I asked hoping she did.

"Alls I know that she’s been bullied more than usual and that she’s having a rough time at home. Don’t know any details, though. Why don’t you ask her? You’re her best friend, you talk to her." I didn’t say anything, I just sat there.

When I was at my locker at the end of the day, Sindy came up to me, lifting up her left arm sleeve. I was hoping she would talk to me.

"Are you going to talk to me or what?" I asked.

"No, just show and you’ll be able to piece things together. But I am sorry for not telling you sooner." She put her wrist in front of my face. Cut marks. I could not believe this! Out of all the things to ‘Make yourself feel better’ was for her to cut herself! I slammed my locker door shut and walked away with a tear ready to fall down my cheek. And the way she told me made me feel worse.

The next day, I decided to walk to school. I wanted to get there early. When I got there, I skipped going to my locker and went straight to Student Services.

"Yes, what is it dear?" The lady behind the desk asked.

"Um..." I thought it over again, "I was up late last night thinking if I should do this. Um... My friend, Sindy Bell, showed me cut marks yesterday. And I don’t care if she hates me for telling this, I want her to get some help." The lady nodded and took me to a room with another lady in it. I told her the same thing and what homeroom Sindy was in, then she dismissed me.

When I was walking to my locker, Sindy was waiting there for me. I didn’t say anything to her. I just got my stuff and went to my homeroom.

Just before lunch, over the PA system, a person from the office called Sindy down. Sindy quickly glared at me. I continued to do my work.

I don’t know what happened at the office. We haven’t talked since the day she showed me the marks on her wrist. She hangs out with the popular guys and girls now. I hope she got help. I may have saved someone’s life.