“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.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
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.
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.
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