Blackmail

Author’s Note: Summer was just beginning and Dylan was on a plane flying to Hawaii: where she would spend the rest of her summer. Dylan needed something fun to do this summer, so she decides to learn to play tennis. This piece is my re-telling.

In the book, The Summer Collection: Dylan written by Lisi Harrison, Dylan blackmails a Russian tennis star to teach her to play tennis to impress a boy. Since the boy only dates tennis players, Dylan thought she needed to learn how to play. Even though she knew nothing about tennis, she was willing to do anything to learn. For Dylan to impress him she had to do everything the tennis star asked her to do, but was Dylan ready for the job?

One Cold Season

Author’s Note: I have decided to write a piece about my favorite season, winter. I wrote about winter because it may be spring outside, it still feels like winter. Throughout this piece I worked on my comma usage with fanboys, since it was a goal of mine.

One particular season people complain most about is winter. This season is a very peculiar season not knowing what the weather could be like. One day there could be snow falling on the sky, but the next day the sun is shining. Winter is complained about because of the weather and especially snow. I always enjoyed snow when I was younger and still do. I still wish for snow days and probably always will. I will set a spoon under your pillow, flush ice cubes down the toilet, or sleep with my pajamas inside out just wishing for snow days. I enjoy snow but it is dangerous to drive in and easy to slip on.Winter may be something people complain about, it is also a season they can not resist.

Snow is a big part of winter. Without snow , winter would not be the same. Everywhere you look, ice crystals, snow, or  ice sparkling. Snow is an interesting thing; it is water but colder and frozen. The reason water turns into snow is because when the temperature is 32 degrees or below, water freezes and then becomes snow. It is just a magical thing to see floating down from the sky and try catching it in your mouth. One of my favorite memories with snow is having a snowball fight with your neighbors or even making a snowman with your family. Snow is a very wonderful thing, but everything has its ups and downs. If there was a huge blizzard or the snow has stuck to the ground, you would have to go out and shovel your driveway. I truly love snow and without it, I don't even know if winter would be winter.

Even though snow is a big part of winter, so are the holidays. During the winter season we celebrate Christmas, New Years, and St. Patrick's Day. These holidays are the three main ones people celebrate. To me, Christmas is something people correlate with winter. Every year people say they want a white Christmas, but many years it does not happen, as temperatures are too warm. Also, during Christmas you can sit around the cozy fire place in footie pajamas sipping a warm hot chocolate. Although, Christmas is important to winter so are New Years and St. Patrick's Day.

Furthermore New Years is celebrated throughout the entire world along with St. Patrick's Day. During New Years almost all of the U.S.A is sitting around their homes waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square. Sometimes at midnight I run around my house banging pots and pans; then coming in with ruby red cheeks and chattering teeth. When you come back in to your house, you could look outside and see your footprints in the glistening, pure white teeth colored snow. Only on some St. Patrick's Days can you see your footprints. Even though snow might not be on the ground, the weather proves the temperature in winter. Walking around the streets on St. Patrick's Day seeing snug winter coats, yet wearing green. Winter is one of the longest seasons in Wisconsin, yet one of the most national. From snow to the holidays there is something about winter people can not resist.

Time to Ride the Pony Express

Author's Note: In social studies we had to write about something that happened during the Westward Expansion time. I decided to choose the Pony Express. One of my goals in L.A was to write in a different Point of View. In this essay, I wrote in the point of view of the mail carrier. 

“Alright boy, this will be your last time ever delivering mail along the pony express.” spoke Alexander Mayors. He was one of my many bosses that I truly enjoyed working with, but when the first telegram was sent out, we were shut down (Pony Express Debuts). My other two bosses were William Bradford Waddell and William H. Russell (Pony Express Debuts), and I truly loved working with all three of them. Everyone that worked here was like family to me. We all traveled together; along with the ponies, of course. Today is my last day, but I wish it wasn’t over yet. On my journey today, I will taking mail from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri (Pony Express). I am John, a 15 year old boy, and this is my story.

Thinking back to myself, I remember the first time Mayors had come and asked me to be one of the first 200 riders (Pony Express), and being excited to be one of the first people to work on the Pony Express. I almost felt as if I was on top of the world. Those words had meant so much to me since my family could have used the extra $25 per month I make (Pony Express Debuts).  My family wasn’t very rich and we lived on the outskirt of a tiny little city. We owned a farm so I knew animals really well, especially horses. On the farm, I always was the one to clean the stables and feed the horses. Once I had finished all my chores for the day, my ma and pop would let me ride a few of the horses all over the farm. One horse that I would always ride was named, Brownie. He was a tall, muscular horse, and always friendly. Even though, he was a young horse he was wise for his age. We would do everything together and when I was offered the job as the rider, I knew he wasn’t going to be able to be with me. Every time I think about leaving him on the farm, I know I have to do something for him to come with me.

Besides, I heard that they took 500 of the best horses (Pony Express)around and I knew he could be one. The next day had come and it was March 28, 1860. I was told that the Pony Express was to begin its first day on April 3, 1860 (Pony Express Debuts) so I had to hurry and talk to Mayors. I figured it would be a good idea to ride Brownie to Mayor’s house. Hopefully, I had thought right. Brownie trotted along to Mayor’s house and within an hour or so we were there. I jumped off of Brownie and headed to the door. Mayor’s had opened the door and to my disbelief looked very stressed out. I didn’t have to time to ask any more questions then I needed to so I questioned him, “Hello there Mr. Mayors. I know that is unexpected but I would just like to say that my horse, Brownie, would be a perfect fit for the Pony Express. He is a tall and muscular horse, sir. Would you mind if he could be one the horses?” To my disbelief again, he was thrilled and said “Yes, he can John.” I shook his hand with dignity and pride, knowing that my best friend and I will be going through this together.” 

Today was finally April 3, the first day of the Pony Express. I hopped out of my bed and began my daily routine. After I had finished brushing my teeth, I had to get Brownie ready for the day ahead of us. Once, that was all finished we headed off to Mayor’s house to grab the mail we were to deliver. Brownie was going to have to carry 20 pounds of mail (Pony Express Debuts) along with me. We had arrived at Mayor’s house and had grabbed the mail we were to deliver. The trip was going to take about 10 days and 1,800 miles (Pony Express Debuts). Although, it was 1,800 miles the horses were switched out every 10-15 miles and the riders were switched out every 75-100 miles (Pony Express Debuts). I knew we were prepared for this day and the rest to come. 

Eventually, 18 months passed and now we are here back to present day, the last day of the Pony Express (Pony Express). I had made a total of $450 and was very happy with that. The money had helped my family in many ways. I feel that the money was a good amount since the initial cost was $5 per every half-once of mail (Pony Express Mail). I was very satisfied with the time I had and the journey I had made, although the Pony Express lost over $200,000. This is something I will truly never forgot and hopefully no one ever will. It was the beginning of something new and I hope that America keeps pushing forward with new things.

Four Little Words

Author's Note: This piece is my creative writing piece and I chose to write a short story. I wrote this piece about how my uncle had cancer and how together my family and I went through the tough time, yet made it out okay. 

Hearing four words that you never want to hear are hard to realize if the person is just trying to mess with you since you are just so in shock. The words I dreaded to ever hear were, ‘your uncle has cancer’ yet I still heard it two summers ago, I clearly remember hearing those words. Sometimes they just replay in my mind and I still to this day become in shock. Two summers ago I found out that my uncle, also my godfather, had melanoma and they didn’t know if he would survive.  It was hard for me to actually realize he truly had cancer, it was all shocking. He was someone I had known my whole life and I wasn’t ready to lose him. I had lost my Grandma one year before that and I didn’t want to lose another family member.  My sister had started bawling right then and there so I went up to her and hugged her, not knowing what to do. I had nothing to say or nothing to do except stand there and hug her. I couldn’t get out one word or one motion.  I still didn’t believe what was happening and how it was his time to leave or that I may never see him again, breathing or walking with me. It was hard for my family and me to cope with this issue, but together we kept each other going.

During this time, my dad and my other uncle went out to St. Louis to be with him, until he was okayed to come to a hospital in Wisconsin where everyone else could see him. After a few days passed, he was okayed to come down in an ambulance, so my dad called my uncle’s best friend, and asked, “Would you come down to St. Louis to be driven in an ambulance back with Rob to Wisconsin.” The guy replied with a quick “Yes!” I was extremely grateful that I would be able to see him again! When my uncle’s best friend showed up at the hospital, I heard that my uncle just lit up and had a smile on his face. It brought a smile to face and still does to this day.

Another few days passed and it was finally the time for me to see him. When my family and I showed up my cousins, aunts, and uncles were all there waiting because my uncle was sleeping. After he woke up, we all got to see him. I walked into the hospital room with a big smile on my face, making sure not to let him see the pain I was hiding deep down inside from him seeing him lay there helpless, not even being able to take a drink of soda without help from somebody, made me even weaker inside but I could not let him see that. I told myself not to let him see me like this because I didn’t want him to feel like he was the reason I was sad. I also wanted him to stay happy with the time he had left of his life.  My sister, Laura, could not hold it in anymore and she left the room running straight for the bathroom. I closely followed behind her with my cousin, Elisabeth.  My cousin and I did everything we could to get to smile and stop crying. I  simply told Laura, “He will be a better place with no more pain and that’s exactly what we want. Laura, this may be the last time we see him on this Earth, but just remember we will all be together again someday for the rest of eternity.” She smiled with tears rolling down her rosy cheeks, but she simply opened the bathroom door as we walked back to his room.

The time had finally come to leave the hospital, so I went up to my uncle to say goodbye: knowing it had to be the perfect goodbye from feeling that it could be the last. I slowly gave him a hug, making sure not to hurt him, as he reached up and gave me a kiss. At that moment, I was overcome with emotions running through my entire body, not being able to say anything, not even I love you. To some people a kiss may mean nothing, but that kiss was a reminder to me that he loves me and he will always be with me. I had tears in my eyes, so I simply walked out of the room with a huge smile on my face. The tears just came out so fast, I was so overcome with emotions. A little gentle kiss gave me such a relief, yet I was still sad knowing I was losing him.

When we walked into the car I said, “Mom I want to see Uncle Rob again. I know he will make it. I want to see him again, Mom.” I begged. She probably didn’t know what to say to that because no one knew if he would make it another day. “If he can make it sweetie, I promise you will see him one more time.” spoke my mom. In my mind I knew he was going to make, but in my heart I didn’t know if he would or not. A couple days had passed and I woke up from a dream, looked at the clock and saw the time 5:06 A.M. All of sudden I heard a ringing and it turned out to be my dad’s cell phone.  I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was going on, but I did not want to admit to myself that he was gone, so I kept thinking it was just a big work dilemma. “He did? But he can’t!” I heard my mom whisper shout. I had fallen back to sleep with tears rolling down my cheeks and woken up the next morning to my sister home from school. My mom then spoke slowly, “Uncle Rob died this morning.”

“Mom I know.”

 “How do you know? It just happened this morning.”

“I heard dad’s phone ringing this morning. I feel like I was woken up for a reason, like I was supposed to hear the phone call or something.”

After I spoke those words my sister, my brother, and my mom all looked at me like I was crazy, but I knew that I was meant to hear that call, no matter what anyone says. Sometimes I think to myself that maybe it was my uncle who wanted me to hear that call, almost as if he was trying to tell me everything is okay and that he will be watching over me. I just slowly smiled to myself and look up to the sky when I think about that because I believe he is always watching over me: cheering me on during sports, tucking me in at night, or even hugging me.

Throughout my life, my uncle was always there for me cheering me on, making me happy, and being about the greatest uncle a person could have. He was never married or had any kids, but he still knew exactly how to make me from gloomy to cheerful! I love him so much and still do. Without my family, I could have possibly gone through depression, but I did not because my  family was there for me.  I truly don’t know what I would have done without my uncle. He was a blessing to me and always will be. I will truly never forget him.

Forgive Me?

Author's Note: Going through a tough breakup can make make people mad, sad, or many other emotions. In this song, you can really feel the point of view of Taylor Swift's song, We Are Never Getting Back Together. This piece is my point of view piece.

Real Lyrics:
 

 I remember when we broke up the first time
Saying this is it, I've had enough, 'cause like
We haven't seen each other in a month
When you, said you, needed space, what?
Then you come around again and say
Baby, I miss you and I swear I'm gonna change
Trust me, remember how that lasted for a day
I say, I hate you, we break up, you call me, I love you

Oooh we called it off again last night
But Oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you
We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

Like ever...

I'm really gonna miss you picking fights
And me, falling for a screaming that I'm right
And you, will hide away and find your piece of mind with some indie record that's much cooler than mine

Oooh you called me up again tonight
But Oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you
We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

I used to think, that we, were forever ever ever
And I used to say never say never
Huh, he calls me up and he's like, I still love you
And i'm like, i'm just, I mean this is exhausting, you know
We are never getting back together, like ever

We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

We, oooh, oooh, not back together, we
Oh, getting back together

You go talk to your friends talk
And my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

 I’m breaking up with you. Throughout your life, you will say those words or even hear them.  In the song “We are Never Getting Back Together,” written by Taylor Swift, she sings how much those words have hurt her. Taylor Swift is a role model to many young people. The lyrics that she writes relates to our own lives, no matter what the time we are going through. In this song, Taylor wrote about how her boyfriend and her kept getting back together, but after a while she was done with him.

  

Baby, I miss you and I swear I'm gonna change. Trust me, remember how that lasted for a day I say, I hate you, we break up, you call me, I love you. In these lyrics Taylor is mocking the guy saying how constantly he is saying how they’re always going to get back together, but she knows they fight and then a day later they’ll be done. After that the whole relationship starts all over again. Their relationship is a repeating motion. If this song was written is the guy’s point of the view, the song could have a whole new 

meaning. 

Throughout the song, you can tell how Taylor feels about the way the guy treated her. Although Taylor feels like the relationship was bad, we never heard the guy’s point of view and he might have thought more of it. If Taylor were to put the guy’s point of view in the song the lyrics should be, If you were to give me one more chance, I can make everything better.  With just those little lyrics, you can tell that the guy liked Taylor a lot and wanted another chance.  Also, adding another point of view, such as the guy’s to this song, adds different meaning to this song.

The Guy's Lyrics: 

Taylor, I love you and everything will be right.

You are my other half, my missing puzzle piece.

We go together perfectly. I don’t know what I did.

Help me understand, I miss you.

Every time we talk all you say to me is

We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together
Baby, I truly love you. I never did anything wrong to you.

Your just a girl who always needs her way. Maybe it is better we broke up.