Giving Thanks

"There is no place like home."- L. Frank Baum
There is a plethora for which I am thankful. The standard stuff:  family, food, clothes, a home, friends.  The frivolous stuff:  computers, phones, TV, Netflix, iPod.  The unclassifiable stuff: a Saviour, Blood:Water Mission. 
But perhaps the things most taken for granted on this short list fall into the 'standard' category. After all, it's easy to expect your parents' love and support and the camaraderie of your siblings; even if there is family tension, there is still love. We don't get down on our knees and pray because we have a shirt to wear; we worry about being cute and skinny. We are never truly alone. There is always someone that counts as a friend. Someone to rely on. 
The point is, not everyone in the world is this fortunate. Many are homeless. Many have no family- abandoned, orphaned, deserted. People die every day because of starvation and a lack of clean water. There are places in this world where it's not safe to have a friend because there is no one to trust. No one to confide in. 
So as this Thanksgiving comes to a close, I want to try and be more grateful and thankful for the standards.  Because, in truth, they really are not standard at all. 

For S and A.

"There is never a time or a place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment."- Sarah Dessen (The Truth About Forever)

Juxtaposed Romancing

Those gentle dimples

So vastly juxtapose 

his very nature

A killer. 

But perhaps something more meaningful

beneath the surface

of that European accent

and curly locks

A true romantic. 

Stolen by a smart, 

Cunning Girl

Who fell too, 

All the same

But time is short

and Love is sweet

so cherish the moment

As it may be the last

They were intertwined

From the inside out

Running away in the late afternoon sun

racing through Paris

surviving Cuba

Two hearts as one

Suddenly stolen

Cut in half.

A Passion

Her Bright Morning Star

No more. 

A playful dance

As the memories live on

At least they say

That Revenge is Sweet

Love You, Forever.

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." -Dr. Seuss

Y'know those people who say that love never lasts?

They've obviously never met you

With your undying love

And angelic smile

The way that you touch everything with grace

And you're slow to anger

You never walk away

And, Well.

There just aren't words to describe

Your Forever Love.

So maybe I otta say Thanks. 

Work Like an Olympian

“Work diligently. Work hard. Focus. Perform as if you are at the Olympics. One day, unexpectedly, it will start paying off.”  -Joan Marques


In dance class today, one of my teachers shared her experience when she was still taking to classes. She grew up only taking ballet, but at the beginning of her sophomore year of high school she joined a competitive company. There she was exposed to new styles of dance. At first, she was reluctant to give up her strict ballet training and embrace different techniques. Once she did, though, she realized that there was so much more to dancing than just plies, tendues, and pirouettes. 


As the new school year dawns, I strive to learn as much as I can. I want to improve my technique in different styles of dance that I'm not as familiar with. To do so, I must work hard at every practice and perform every time I dance. 

Rebel Red

“War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” - J.R.R. Tolkien
The Arab Spring, a movement that has seen changes in power in Egypt, the removal of a dictator in Libya, and a civil war erupt in Syria began in early 2011.
For Syria, the whole world watched as President Bashar Al Assad led his troops to attack peaceful protesters. By July 2011, armed forces deserters had formed the Free Syrian Army. In November, the protesters were no longer peaceful. They took up arms against Assad's ruthless regime. Many rebels were stationed across the border in Lebanon. Refugees fled to Turkey.
At first, the United States of America and other nations were hesitant to become involved in the torn nation. In recent months, however, the U.S., Britain, and other allies have, through the United Nations attempted peaceful resolutions and actions. All attempts have failed thus far. The U.S. and its allies now consider sending in UN forces as the best  option. However, The Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China (allies of Syria) have permanent seats in the Security Council. This grants them veto power against anything  brought to the Council. When one of the permanent nations veto's something, the action is annulled. These nations have used this power to prevent anyone from becoming involved in Syria. 
In recent weeks, the conflict in Syria was declared an official Civil War. Also, in the past few days, Syria has threatened to use chemical weapons on any nation that attempts to intervene in the war. 
The whole world has watched as the death toll steadily rose to astounding numbers, and now many nations feel that the only option left is military action. 

Clear Water, Full Hearts

"No kind action ever stops within itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." - Amelia Earhart


Several years ago, I was reading the newest release from my favorite author, Robin Jones Gunn. One of the characters had grown up in Africa. His parents worked with a missions team that built clean water wells in villages and tribes in Africa. Enthralled is the only way I can describe how I felt. Inspired, and madly in love with helping a struggle plaguing a continent.


I wanted to help this cause just like the characters in the book, but I didn't know where to begin. I logged into Facebook one day and wandered over to RJG's page. She had posted a link to a website that did work similar to what was being done in the book*. This website, Blood:Water Mission, raises money to build clean water wells in Africa. They also fund projects that help with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With the money, they can administer treatment to help control the HIV/AIDS and prolong life in Africans struggling with the disease.


B:WM has Lemon:Aid Stands, Water Walks, 40 Days of Water, and other fundraising events. Lemon:Aid Stands are simply lemonade stands that raise money for the nonprofit. Water Walks are great for large groups or a community. Everyone gathers at a church or school lot (each carrying an empty gallon jug). The group then walks to the nearest body of water (such as a lake) and fills up their jugs. Family members and friends sponsor those who walk, and all the money raised is donated to B:WM. 40 Days of Water coincides with Lent. Instead of spending money on soft drinks, tea, coffee (yes, even Starbucks), milk, and fruit juice one drinks only water for forty days. The money saved from not buying drinks during that time is given to the mission.


One of my favorite things from Blood:Water Mission is their line of products called "I Know Someone". They sell t-shirts and wristbands. On the inside of the shirts, is the name of someone affected by HIV/AIDS. I got one of these shirts for Christmas, and it was my favorite gift of anything I've ever received. As a bonus, the shirts are soft and comfortable.


There are other nonprofits and organizations similar to Blood:Water Mission such as:  People Water, Charity Water, Water for People, The Water Project, Drop in the Bucket, WaterAid, and Water.org. Not all of these sites target Africa specifically, but they do focus on providing clean water to developing nations in general.


I hope to someday visit Africa myself and help build wells. Until then, I aim to spread the word and help with fundraising. I hope you will, too.


*On A Whim by Robin Jones Gunn (Copyright 2008 Robin's Ink LLC) -Book 2 in the Katie Weldon Series

Blindsided

"Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind." - William Shakespeare


The familiar click of her stiletto heels echoed off the empty walls. A smile dances on her lips at the sight of him. She puts her arms through his, and they amble blindly down the hall filled with secrets and lies. 


He can't see it, but she's smiling at him again. An almost inaudible sigh, but his attentive ears pick it up. His brow furrows, and she fumbles a cover. 


"Long day." I see. 


Best friends are always there for one another, and this was no exception. So as they slipped out of the office and into a more elementary setting, the formal facade fell. Laughter trailed them wherever they went, but still he was unaware of the thoughts plaguing her mind. Running laps around her brain and heart. He would never see it written so plainly on her face. That's the curse of liars. 


Still, nothing changed. Her feelings grew stronger as the hurt grew larger. 


And the greatest mind still didn't have a clue.

Taking Chances Will Give the Ultimate Awards

"Taking one's chances is like taking a bath, because sometimes you end up feeling comfortable and warm, and sometimes there is something terrible lurking around that you cannot see until it is too late and you can do nothing else but scream and cling to a plastic duck." -Lemony Snicket

There is a quiet little kingdom all bright and yellow where the Queen was awarded her crown not because of name, but because of honor and perseverance. She could save the world and bring a smile to every one's face. With the raise of her hand, the crowd cheers.

The crown rests heavily on her head, yet she wears it proudly. A delightful reign, and the eve just passed. Bliss (and glitter) abounds, so let out a shout! Let your joy pierce the sky as a thousand rubber ducks fall to the ground in celebration because she's wearing a crown and she's the best there will ever be!

What can I say? I'm proud of you Bay!

Love, Your Sister

The Mailbox on the Corner

"And by the way, Monsieur Marius, I believe that I was a little bit in love with you." -Victor Hugo

She stood on the muggy corner

Of that All-American town

Swarming with foreign accents and tourists

But she didn't notice any of that

She was staring down the mailbox

Cold, blue metal with the words

U.S. MAIL

Running across the bottom

The bottom of her skirt fluttered

in the sticky wind

And Her fingers fluttered nervously

Clutching the white letter

She chewed on the once perfected nails

long since destroyed and forgotten

The wind tangled her fading curls

Her hand seemed suspended over that metal box

Not quite ready to let go