I stand alone before an empty pit

Imagining a time still yet to come

An act of wonder sewn up bit by bit

I stand alone and hear the spirits hum

And then soft steps like cadence of a drum

The Rest behind me all in rapture breath

The time has come for ballads to be sung

I’m standing there again but it’s a dream

My goal today be loud and proper speak

Again I stand alone what will they think

I freeze to let my words form lasting beats

My partner comes across we touch and link

A bond of lasting love a cast binds fast

The night is done the story ends at last

by Traci

Ballad by Traci

What Kind of Man is This?

Based on the Story of Jesus Calming the Winds

By Traci Van Deventer

A boat at night all quiet and calm,

Four men do sit and steer,

They’re with the Man called Blessed One,

No angst, nor grief, but fear.

A fear that is unknown to them,

Until the moment’s done,

Like foxes on a hunting day,

Safe till time to run.

They left behind a hill of men,

Of whom had come to see,

The peace and joy of Jesus Christ,

But what is yet to be?

The wind started up from deep within,

The waves whipped to and fro,

A scary storm surrounded by sea,

The men yell, “Christ, oh no! “

One Man is not afraid of death,

One Man sleeps all alone,

He knows the outcome and the test,

Of trusting what’s not known.

This Man awakes at cries of fear,

Now faith must be restored,

He makes the sea bow to His will,

Proclaiming He is Lord.

I read a book...

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han.

I liked it. :)

I am a published writer.. oh yes

*clears throat*
I AM A PUBLISHED WRITER BEFORE THE AGE OF 18 BEFORE I EVEN HAVE MY AFTER 9 FOR GOODNESS SAKES! :) *so excited*

Okay, so I bet you wanna know what it is that is published??? Well, "I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure" came out today in bookstores and I have a memoir in it. :D

I might post what exactly I said, but I think you should go and get the book and read it and see for your self. Go HERE.

Oh and I got Catching Fire at the bookstore today! Well, one of my friends picked it up for me, but still.

hmm what a good day. :D

Well, here I am blogging again. I'm not sure anyone reads this anymore because I haven't been posting really anything about books or acting, just random stuff. I recently just looked through all my archives and I loved seeing some of the posts I had forgotten about and it gave me this new blogging energy. I really love blogging, it's just very time consuming.

Sometimes, more like all the time, I wish I was reading a million books a month again, reviewing them all, chatting on forums, blogging, reading blogs, interviewing authors, finding more books to read, etc. That was SO much fun and probably one of the coolest experiences besides acting in my life. One day I will do it again. One day I'm going to move to Siberia for a year with some of my closest friends and I will sit with the polar bears (don't ask) and read for hours and video chat with authors. ;):D

So..hmmm I don't wanna get rid of my blog because I love it, so I guess I will just post random things and maybe some rare deep thoughts.

I just bought my sister's ipod from her and downloaded some of my fav songs:

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson
You Found Me- The Fray
Should've Said No- Taylor Swift
What Hurts the Most -Cascada
Bless the Broken Road- Rascal Flatts
Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
Mad World - Adam Lambert
Ring of Fire - Adam Lambert
Fearless - Daechelle
My Heart will go on - Celine Dion
I Believe - Fantasia
God Bless the USA -Lee Greenwood

Eyes of the Heart

Close your eyes
The physical can be so blind
In my eyes
The innocent can be so wise
It's not about black or white
This is wrong or right
Can you take a stranger
And treat him like your brother

Love don't start with the eyes
Starts with the heart
Look deep down inside
In all that you have a chance
To make a choice, to make a change
So make the choice to look with the eyes of your heart

Close your eyes
The light of love will lead the way
In the eyes of a child
We're all the same
If we're all God's children
The logic is so simple
The one you call stranger is really your brother

Love don't start with the eyes
Starts with the heart
Look deep down inside
In all that you have a chance
To make a choice, to make a change
So make the choice to look with the eyes of your heart

No I don't mean to preach
Some may say that it's unrealistic
Cause none of us is perfect
But the way that I say it
What do you just try to see with different eyes
Could you see that what is done to you is done to me?
We want humanity yeah

Oh, love don't start with the eyes
Starts with the heart
Look deep down inside
In all that you have a chance
To make a choice, to make a change
So make the choice to look with the eyes of...

Love don't start with the eyes
Starts with the heart
Look deep down inside
You have the chance
To make a choice, to make a change
So take the chance
To make a choice, to make a change
So make the choice to look with the eyes of your heart

Picture of the Week 23,24, and 25

Life is busy and I love it! I have kind of lost track of some of my photos and at one point I didn't have my camera cord, but here are some pictures from the last 3 weeks. Enjoy! My friend and her mom in Williamsburg. My mom and I went with them for a mother and daughter weekend. It was a lot of fun!
Last week I was in Arizona visiting ERIN!! The picture above was of a note on a trail we walked on...

Other Photos of the Week

Just Me

Breakaway

Sweet Hearts by Sara Zarr

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Change, one word that most people fear or just refuse to acknowledge. In Jennifer Harris’ old life things hadn’t been so good, but at least she had Cameron, her true friend. Even though Cameron’s father was abusive and Jennifer was having problems at school and social life, as long as they both were close, it made things tolerable. Problem was, one day Cameron disappeared, tearing Jennifer apart. Multiple years later he reappears, but by this time Jenna has a new name, new life, is popular at school, has friends, and “change” is her middle name. Will she have room in her life for him or will she refuse to help a friend because it requires her to look back into a past life which brings up painful truths and secrets.

Sweet Hearts was a very different book. From the beginning Sara started addressing drama in schools, abuse, bullying, big moves, parents, boyfriends, emotions, etc. All things which individually or united are dealt with by teens on a daily basis, especially today. I applaud books such as this one because it has a message of hope while staying in reality. One of my biggest pet peeves is books or movies at that matter that try to reach out to people or broadcast messages and completely overdue it to a point where the book will be put down or movie turned off. Please bear in mind this is a young adult book, so there was some mild language.

Photo of the Week 21 and 22

Thank you Sookie for the photobucket tip!!!

My mom recently unpacked all of my Magic Tree House books ( I have ALL of them) and I was thrilled to put them back on my bookshelf. :D

We have some really cool second cousins that live about three hours away and so last week we made the trip up to visit them. We had a lot of fun swimming in their pool and hiking in the mountains.

Other Photos of the Week:
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week 21 and 22 ( not really)

HELLOOOO.. :)
So, sadly, for some unexplained reason, blogger won't let me post pictures. *sadness*
I have been trying everyday, but it just won't work. When it eventually comes back I will post all my pictures, don't worry! :D

Story and End of School

I am finally done with school and exams! Wahoo! I am so very happy because this means I can relax and enjoy life and also start reading more! I have missed it.. :)
I'm very excited about this summer and have a lot planned. Here are some of the things I hope to accomplish.

1. Review algebra 1 and algebra 2 ( oh joy..)
2. Party and hang with friends
3. Work at school and earn lots of money $$$
4. Go to Arizona and visit Erin (highlight of the summer)
5. Attend a 5 week (8 hour a day) summer acting camp. We are doing Charlotte's Web!
6. Memorize 5-10 minute selection for Oral Interpretation (for debate competitions once school starts again)
7. Memorize 5-10 minute selection for Dramatic Interpretation (for " " " " " ")
8. Drive around lots (I have my license now!)

Lastly, go HERE to read a story I wrote for literature class. My assignment was to write about some kind of myth, saying, tradition, way, or instinct. I chose to write about the saying, Break A Leg. Enjoy!

Picture of the week 19 and 20

Last week my school put on the play, Pride and Prejudice. It was lot of fun and a really good experience. I played Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth Bennett's best friend. This is my last weekend as a Sophomore!! I have exams on Wednesday and Thursday, summer break, and then Junior year! woot woot! I was in a crazy mood and decided to draw on my mirror this morning.. :)

Other Photos of the Week
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week 18

Other Photos of the Week
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week 16 and 17

Sorry, this one is late. Anyways, Amy and Laurie participated in the 8th grade tea at school. They were escorted down by a random guy and then had a lunch prepared by the 9th graders.

Hmm.. to explain this one. I guess you either get it or not. :) haha

Other photos of the week:
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week (15)

Well, this week I was playing with my self timer and this picture came out. I wanted to show Erin my new shirt and also wanted to show people my wall of acting stuff. It has posters, programs, tickets, pictures, awards, cast lists, scripts, etc and I'm very proud of it! :D

Other photos of the week:
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week (14)

This weekend, my Dad, Amy, and I went over to Charlotte (3 hours away) for a special basketball tournament. Amy plays on a AAU team outside of school that travels on weekends and competes. They didn't win, but played VERY hard. It was fun watching her play! :)

Other photos of the week
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week (13)

He's BACKKK!!!! I found my lizard on a cool bush! :) I love these creatures!

Other photos of the week
Just Me
Breakaway

Bookshelf Meme

Tell me about the book that has been on your shelf the longest...




I can't remember the exact book, but this one comes the closest. The Pinhoe Egg is very dear to me because it was the first book I received from HarperCollins and the first I reviewed for a company. I loved the story and thought it would make a great movie!







Tell me about a book that reminds you of something specific in your life (i.e. a person, a place, a time, etc.)...




I just found this book on my shelf and it reminds me of something specific in my life because I just recently got cast as Mrs. Arable in Charlotte's Web. It is for a 5 week summer camp. I love this story and Templeton the rat will always be one of my favorite characters. :)







Tell me about a book you acquired in some interesting way (gift, serendipity in a used book store, prize, etc.)...





A couple of years ago, while we were visiting my grandparents in CA, my grandfather gave me this book. He had a collection of Tom Clancy books. This is special to me now because he has passed away. I have not finished the book yet, I guess I don't want to quite yet. :)






Tell me about the most recent addition to your shelves...



Graceling. My newest addition. The cover is absolutely amazing and the sword with the eye just begs you to the read the book. :) haha











Tell me about a book that has been with you to the most places...




I'm kind cheating and putting a series of books as my answer but it fits the description the best. When I travel I normally bring about 5 books with me every time, they are pretty much always different. But when I was younger, the Magic Tree House Books were the books that I traveled with and that I read multiple times. Jack and Annie are amazing kids! :)







Tell me about a bonus book that doesn't fit any of the above questions...




Book of a Thousand Days. This book is my bonus book because it more than does not fit in any of the questions it does not fit in any category or any groups, etc. It IS the group. Ok, that maybe is going a little far, but this book rocks so much and it is by far one of my ultimate favorite books. *sighs* Just the thought of reading it again makes me happy!








The Rules:

1. Tag 3-5 people, so the fun keeps going!

2. Leave a comment at the original post at A Striped Armchair, so that Eva can collect everyone’s answers.

3. If you leave a comment and link back to Eva as the meme’s creator, she will enter you in a book giveaway contest! She has a whole shelf devoted to giveaway books that you’ll be able to choose from, or a bookmooch point if you prefer.

4. Remember that this is all about enjoying books as physical objects, so feel free to describe the exact book you’re talking about, down to that warping from being dropped in the bath water...

5. Make the meme more fun with visuals! Covers of the specific edition you’re talking about, photos of your bookshelves, etc.

I was tagged by Christy at Hyperbole

I'm tagging.....

Emily
DeAnna

Picture of the Week (12)

The other day I was looking outside my window and I noticed a lizard. It was really pretty and so I climbed out onto my roof for a better look and got this shot. :)

Other Photos of the Week
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week (11)

Other Photos of the Week
Just Me
Breakaway

What is beauty...

Here is my video for Justina Headley's True Beauty Challenge:

Picture of the Week (10)

This past Saturday, I decided to go and compete at a Debate Competition a couple hours away with some people from my school. I competed in oral interpretation, which is basically presenting a passage of prose or poetry. You are judged on your poise, voice, way you present, etc. I did pretty well considering my lack or preparation and am excited for the fall (when it all starts up again). It was so fun! The picture above was my passage and it was a section from Anne of Green Gables.

Other Photos of the Week
Just Me
Breakaway

Picture of the Week (9)

Our high school girls varsity basketball team got into the state finals this weekend. Amy who normally plays junior varsity was invited to go along and helped them get to the final championship game. Unfortunately they lost, but it was a good game, and Amy played more than half of it which is insane considering she hardly played with the varsity team during the regular season. This picture is of her recieving her medal for second place (in the state!!) along with her teammates! GO KNIGHTS!
Okay, this picture takes some explaining. My friends (who are totally awesome) arranged a surprise 17th birthday party for me and DeAnna, our birthdays are six days apart... for my present they designed and ordered a pair of ORANGE AND BLUE CONVERSES WITH MY INITIALS ON THE HEEL!!! *falls over with excitement* This completed my birthday celebrations and I will probably sleep with them under my pillow tonight, haha. Just because I can :P

Other photo of the weeks:
Just Me
Breakaway

Thoughts on Night by Elie Wiesel

In history class we read the book Night by Wiesel. It is his personal account of his experiences in World War 2.
Review Coming Soon. The following is a short essay I wrote as an assignment. The prompt was to write your reactions, feelings, and thoughts after reading this book.

Night by Elie Wiesel

All alone, darkness, death, unfairness; these are words we as human beings in the twenty-first century shrink away from and prefer not to experience or use. These words are triggers for unpleasant feelings and locked up memories. Wiesel, in his book Night writes about his experiences as a prisoner in World War 2. His thoughts blast open these words and creates new meaning to them. He redefines what it is to be afraid and how it is to feel alone. When I read this book, I was inspired because of the strength it took to survive this kind of ordeal is incredible, but the pure courage and faithfulness that was abundant in the author is indescribable.

Night is a very intense and powerful read. The characters are as real as can be possible and the events are exact truths. This stuff is not made up and it is not fake or pretend, like some think or to a certain extent want to think. The question is, what makes this particular book stand out with descriptions pertaining to being powerful, life changing, intense? The reason is, Wiesel writes his story to us, the reader. At one point, Wiesel begins to describe how he feels, “Through the blue-tinged skylights I could see the darkness gradually fading. I had ceased to feel fear. And then I was overcome by an inhuman weariness”. (.p. 33) He had “ceased to feel fear”. He is saying bluntly and matter-of-factly what happened and how he is feeling. He's not adding fluff, additional characters, or other plots to make it more interesting, because it is his story. The story, the pure raw truth. The truth is powerful and that is what makes this book powerful.

One of my hobbies is reviewing books for publishing companies. I read a lot of books based for teens and young adults. One of the pros to this is the knowledge received is irreplaceable and completely filling and satisfying. One of the cons is that it is common to read a teen book written at an average teen level, which is pretty pathetic nowadays. With Night, the writing is mature and it is written to those who will understand and get the full rewards, which are first account knowledge of the conditions and actions during World War 2. While running between camps, Wiesel states, “We were masters of nature, masters of the world…Stronger than cold or hunger, stronger than the hosts and desire to die, condemned and wandering, mere numbers, we were the only men on earth”. (.p.83) This type of writing is just incredible and when I read this and think about what he means when he says “desire to die” or “masters of the world” it helps me begin the process of understanding how he felt when all this was happening to him. The way this quote is presented also makes a person rise above what they are capable of and think, instead of degrading themselves as readers.

To conclude, this book made me feel thankful for the way my life is right now and opened my eyes to some situations and circumstances that I was unaware of happening around World War 2. The writing was powerful and told the truth which is one of the main reasons this book will stick with me hopefully for the rest of my life. Those were dark and horrible times and one can only hope and pray that times like those will never happen again.