Quotes (from OTH)

I'm in LOVE with One Tree Hill. I love the quotes Lucas says in the beginning of each episode; it's as if it's the episode's "theme" . Love it! Here's one from Season 2:

Photo credit: ToniVC


"Time takes it all, whether you want it to or not. Time takes it all, time bears it away, and in the end there is only darkness. Sometimes we find others in that darkness, and sometimes we lose them there again."

-- Stephen King, author

Writing Exercise(s) Found Online Part 2

The minute I read this writing prompt, I knew I wanted to do it. I had a blast attempting to write the prose in my last writing exercise, and I can only imagine this will be even more fun. (Dialogue is hard to write...for some reason.) Here's the prompt:

Shifts in Perspective: Write about a past family gathering, the most embarrassing thing that ever happened in your high school, the best (or worst) teacher you ever had, the time you learned to do something important (swim, ride a bike, use a computer), or the biggest event you ever attended. Write the story in as much detail as possible, explaining what you saw, what you did, and how you felt. Then rewrite the same story from the perspective of someone else - a relative, a fellow student, another participant, a passer-by, etc.






My Perspective

Mr. Bob Matthews was every one's favorite 7th grade teacher...favorite teacher, period. He gave us 7th graders a reason to like Math and Science. In fact, Science was my favorite subject back then because of him. I'll never forget receiving an A+ in Science on my report card. Who gets an A+ in Science?! It was all the extra credit points he used to issue us after the actual exam. Fun little tidbits of knowledge that we'd absorb like a sponge. For instance, FUCK is an acronym--For UnCardinal Knowledge. Yup, that's something we learned from Mr. Matthews. He knew what was and wasn't appropriate.

Last day of 7th grade, someone had the idea that we'd do a nice send off to Mr. Matthews. Earlier in the year, he showed us the movie, Dead Poets' Society with Robin Williams. Everyone was captivated by the movie. To this day, I think of 7th grade when I watch or the mere mention of the movie. Last day of school...12:15 or something like that because it was a half day...the bell rings, I and 30 other classmates stand on top of our desks and say, "O Captain, My Captain". Just like in the movie, we are emotional. Tears stream down my cheeks. I look around the room and it's not an uncommon emotion. Mr. Matthews looks as if he's near tears. He bows. He says a few parting words of gratitude, and then quickly leaves the room. We got to him...and he had to run out of the room cause he didn't want us to see him cry.



The Janitor's Perspective

That Bob Matthews was every one's favorite teacher. Always kids around him staying after class with questions. I was mopping the hallway near his classroom the other day and I heard how he captivated his students. One student proclaimed, "You make Science so much fun!" He treats his students with respect and you get a sense that he's making a difference in their lives.

Yesterday was the last day of school. I was doing my rounds upstairs when I peaked inside Mr. Matthews classroom. He stood before them and the students were on top of their desks. Strange sight. Some looked very emotional with tears in their eyes. Mr. Matthews himself looked near tears. He was speaking in front of the class one minute and then rushing out the door the next. Matter of fact he almost ran into me on his way out. The students came down from their desks and cried. Hugged each other and cried. I wonder if it had anything to do with them being 8th graders now.

Writing Exercise(s) Found Online

I googled "writing exercises" and came across websites, with you guessed it, writing exercises upon writing exercises. I clicked on the very first link, and interestingly enough, came across a writing exercise for narrative prose. I haven't written much prose before, and thought I'd give it a try. Below is the prompt:

One of the mistakes beginning writers make is to think it is interesting to read about people being happy and having fun. In prose narrative, in general, negative events and situations are more vivid than happy ones. I think this is probably because narrative thrives on conflict, and conflict is sometimes-- not always-- expressive of negative emotions or situations. Perhaps it isn't so much sad versus happy or positive versus negative as it is dynamic versus static.

Write a scene with people doing something pleasant, enjoying themselves. Make it a real scene, with dialogue and action, not just a description of eating a delicious fresh cannoli! Have everyone happy and relaxed. Then, something bad or dangerous or confusing happens. The scene becomes full of strife or tension. It may not last, but it happens. Whether it is serious or funny is your business, and also whether or not things go back to the original serenity.

Photo credit: Tomatoskin

The two marveled at the rain from her office window. The down pour was quite lovely, romantic and cozy even, as they were indoors with their cups of tea.

"This is exactly what we needed. It didn't really rain like this last year either," said Lara as she took a sip of her tea.

"Uh-huh..." Danica agreed. "Look at how the rain turns into little beads traveling across the wire..."

They continue to gaze out the window. A bird flew right into the almost sheets of rain. The leaves are heavy and drooping downward. The constant stream pounds on the pavement. Solitaire drops hit the window sill and a puddle forms. The sounds and the sights of the rain are gifts for the senses.

The rain ensues, but the two had to return to work. Danica retreated to her desk to an email in her inbox. The subject title said, "Bad news". Her heart started to race. She didn't recognize the addressee's email. With little hesitation, she opened it.

Hi Danica,

I know this is not the best way to tell you, but Jordan was in a car accident. It happened earlier today during the morning rain storm. He was driving down 280 on his way to meet with a client, and he skid and lost control of his car. He hit the car ahead of him, and it resulted in a three car pile up. He was rushed to the hospital with contusions to his ribs and minor head injuries. He's unconscious right now, but the doctors say he'll wake up any minute. I know you haven't been close lately, but thought you'd want to know.

Call me if you want to stop by the hospital. I know it would mean a lot to Jordan if you stopped by.

Mark
555-5232

Danica had not seen Jordan in five months. Their breakup was amicable enough, but perhaps that what made it hard to move on. She still loved him, and wondered if he still loved her. She didn't know if showing up at the hospital was a good idea. They said that with time, they'd try to be friends, but it hasn't materialized yet. She needed reassurance, so she called Mark.

"Mark, it's Danica. Is he awake yet?"

"No, not yet." Mark answered. "Are you coming by the hospital?"

"I think so. I'll stop by after work. Is he at CPMC on Webster?"

"Yes. Room 2433. You'll have to register at the nurses station for a visitor pass, but they should grant you one."

"Okay, sounds good. I'll see you soon. Mark, I'm scared. He's going to be okay, right?"

"I hope so. He's in stable condition as far as the doctor's say. He just needs to wake up."

"Okay. I'll see you."

She became somber. Every other email in her inbox seemed unimportant. Meeting on Thursday. Deadline next Monday. She could barely stay focused enough to process any other information. She packed her bag, turned off her computer and bid farewell to Lara.

"What's wrong kid?" Lara asked.

"Something big. Jordan's in the hospital. I have to go. We'll chat tomorrow. Stay dry and take care."

"Oh no. I'll be thinking of you. Take care and call me if you need to, honey."

"Thanks, I will. Good night."

The next 20 - 30 minutes in transit were a blur. Her mind raced. She was so full of different emotions. Scared. Sad. Anxious. "He has to be okay...he has to be okay," she almost chanted.

At the hospital, Mark greets her. "He's awake. Literally after I got off the phone with you, he opened his eyes."

"That's great news. So, he's okay?"

"Yes...but he has amnesia. He doesn't remember the accident. And the doctors don't know how far back of his memory he's lost. As far as they know now he doesn't remember anything that happened today. Do you want to go see him?"

"Sure. Come in with me?"

"Sure thing, Danica."

The two walked slowly into the room. Nurses and doctors were prodding and poking him. Jordan swatted the nurse. "I'm fine. I'm fine. I feel great." He looks up and sees Danica.

"I'm better now that my girl friend is here," he gestured and pointed to Danica.

Danica and Mark stop dead in their tracks and both shared a look of bewilderment.

"Huh?" said Danica. "He doesn't remember that we broke up..."

Second Try

Still having a hard time evoking the happiness of my past relationship. Really beginning to think I suppressed it well, and it's deep, deep in there...somewhere. Here to my second try at it:

In love. Together forever. Not so.

Promises of together forever...just ended...

Life without you...hard to fathom.


That's all I can or care to muster up for now. Normal blog entries will resume tomorrow...I promise!

Six Word Memoirs

I'm inspired!

Apparently, this magazine had a challenge to sum up your love life in six words. Hundreds rose to the challenge...including yours truly. (Go here for the full story: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100510986)



Here are my humble attempts:

Love exists. But his depression's stronger.

Missing him hurts. Only time heals.

Wonder--where does the love go?

Brunch--fine. Me bubbly. Him awkward.

I tried to think of a happier time and write a 6 word memoir, but sadly, I couldn't. Can I not think back to happier time in love? Blocked it out? In any case, maybe I better not dwell on the past anyway.




Parting is such sweet sorrow...bye!

Days Off

**Original posting on Live Journal on January 25, 2009**

I bet a lot could be said about a person based on how they spend their day(s) off. For instance, Saturdays are reserved for visiting my dad. He waits all week for all three of us (me, my mom and bro) to come visit. We come bearing snacks, some he eats instantly and others he'll save for during the week. Sunday is my day. As of late, I've been the poster child for lazy Sundays. I'll stay in bed past 11:00, watch television (mainly series DVD sets), chat with my sister on the phone and MAYBE make plans to meet a friend for a meal or coffee at 1:30pm or later. This is my day for doing any type of shopping, including grocery, clothes, and the like. Ideally, I'd like to cook a nice meal on Sunday, start early and eat early. Wind down the weekend and enjoy the last hours of relaxation before the work week begins.

If what I do during the weekend has any reflection on the type of person that I am, then I'd say I'm someone who likes to spend time with family and friends. I'm somewhat committed to a schedule and obligations, but take time to do nothing and play the day by ear. Simply put, I most enjoy a balance of fun and relaxation.

Writing a Little Everyday

**Original posting on Live Journal on January 23, 2009**

I promised myself that I would write a little something everyday. I'm prefacing this entry by saying that this is a writing exercise that was introduced to me. I haven't tried it before, but it sounded really intriguing, and hey, I'll try anything once! (Part of my risk taking new year's resolution, I suppose...) You think of a word. And you go with it and write about it. The word I choose is LOVE.

Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

I'm being dramatic, right? I could have chosen a more uncommon and esoteric word like egg (my coworker's example) or lake or dress or even family. But here I go with my choice: love.

Until late, I was convinced I knew, I lived amongst and I breathed love. And just like that, I wasn't. The thing is, love changes and evolves; goes through ups and downs, and ultimately exists in the everyday. The honeymoon stage, or the highs that exist early on in relationships turn into love for the the individual as a person, friendship, respect, and admiration. This is the type of love that lasts, and what I believe the type of love I had, knew, lived amongst and breathed...