Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Redwood Haiku

Today I had the opportunity to look at some AMAZING scenery in nature, as well as another spectacular sunset! Suddenly, I felt a sense of deja vu...this reminded me of my visit to the Muir Woods, with nature surrounding me from all sides! My favorite trees in the Muir Woods are redwoods, because of their majestic height that resonates with me deeply (I'm really tall lol). So, with that inspiration, I created this poem for my second haiku!

Redwoods
The redwood dances
Swaying to the rhythm
of the twisting wind

What do you think? +1 if you like it, and as I said earlier, comment your own haiku and I'll post a hall of fame of poems at the end of the week!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Haiku Fun!

Hi guys! Late, again, wow! I'm getting so busy nowadays, catching up to things now that winter break is almost over! Anyway, we were taking a drive this morning, and it was cold, sunny, and windy at the same time. This beautiful and unique weather inspired me to write a quick poem that I wanted to share with you all. I'll try to write a poem every day for the next couple days and share it with you!

I love reading poems in general - they are such a symbolic and special way to convey a feeling that seems indescribable. A haiku, by definition is "one of the most important forms of traditional Japanese poetry. Haiku is, today, a 17-syllable verse form consisting of three metrical units of 5, 7, and 5 syllables" (www.toyomasu.com). These short and sweet poems are traditionally written about nature. 

My poem is entitled simply, "Wind". Please +1 if you like it, or comment with your own haikus! I would love to read them all and post my favorites at the end of our poetry fun


Grass shivers in wind
Cool air whistling through ears
of all seeking peace 

Friday, December 26, 2014

The Last Piece - A short (or long?) Story

Hey guys! I am writing a short (or long?) suspense/adventure/idontreallyknowwhattocallit story. I will continually update this post with more of the story. Sometimes I will post a page, sometimes a paragraph, maybe just one sentence. I am in the middle of writing it, and have no idea how it will end. Follow my blog or check it periodically to read about one boy's amazing adventures. I hope you like it...so, here it is:


I sit on the ledge of my window, questioning my sanity. Why am I even considering jumping out into the ugly, snow filled streets of New York City below me...my life isn’t that bad just a new home. I mean what’s there to grieve?


It doesn't matter what they tell me. All the lies and useless trickery. I miss it all. I want to go back. Back to my sun. My beach. My blue sky. I had a purpose, a life, a world. I could help them with their spying, and feel like I was someone.

That was the start, they had said. Then when will it end? When will they stop? When will it be enough for them?

A few days ago we moved to the loud and annoying New York City. I hate the place more than anything. The cramped, disgusting city fills me with a sick and nauseous feeling inside. But of course the secret is above all, right? Above love, above life, above my happiness. Of course it is? In twenty years it has never changed. And it never will.


Don't tell me I am selfish. Don't tell me I signed up for this. I don't care. Nobody knows the whole story. I've got enough to deal with. I've got enough on my head. Don't bother.


What will happen, if she opens my room door? She believes us all to be gone. They can all rot, but what about her? Where is she now? Does she know?

For twenty years, have been running away from ourselves. And no matter where we went, we were always found. 


And she won’t be there.


I sent her a card. Well, almost. I wrote it and everything...But of course I can’t send it. Of course they wouldn’t let me.


Ugh, what horrible people. I know they are trying to help...but sometimes I feel like forgetting everything, refusing to help the world, being selfish. Sometimes, I just want to have some time to myself, to do what I want. Can they really blame me for that?


Apparently, we’re rich - you would think we had everything in terms of supplies. But nooo, of course we couldn’t. “Too risky” was all I got when I attempted to question how in the world we were going to survive on the run with a mere 200 bucks on our hands!


All we ever do is hide, hide, hide. We are a cowardly family now, more than a rich one, sitting at home, moving from place to place, disregarding any thought of movies or fun or an education.


She is there waiting for me, and what am I doing? I am hiding in this cardboard box of an apartment, while she slowly fades out of existence. I will keep on going. For her. She needs me. I cannot leave, I cannot stay, I cannot hide.

I am selfish. I am guilty.


I will leave tomorrow.
___________________________________________________________________


I am sitting in the plane. I feel feverish, and slightly lightheaded. When will I see her? In what state will I find her? I tug on each of my fingers in turn, my mind whirling in all directions.


I stare out my tiny window, my eyes glazing over, watching the clouds swirling into different shapes.


“Looking for her, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Where do I find her?” I ask the clouds.

“I have a feeling she won’t be where you’re heading.”

“And why is that?”

“She isn’t here anymore.”

“Then where??” I was confused. The clouds didn’t reply. I turned away, disgusted. The old lady sitting next to me stared.

I snapped at her, “What are you looking at?”

“Well…” She offered me a tissue.

“What?” I stared her down.

She pointed to my face. I was crying.

“Can I help?” she asked.

“No. Leave me alone. I wasn’t crying. I’m fine. I was...my eyes were watering. The light…yeah.”

She raised her eyebrows. “I might be able to help, you know.”

I looked up. The old lady reminded me of her, the same deep wise chocolate brown eyes and concerned mashed up eyebrows.
“Say I was...looking for someone. And...if I didn’t find her, I would - I couldn’t live with myself.”

Her eyes bored deep into mine. “It’s her, isn’t it?”

How do they always know? “Yes.”

“I have a feeling-”

I was wrong to have trusted again.

“that she isn’t where you’re heading? I don’t want to hear it! I am done with this, I cannot, will not! No. No. NO. She is still here. I know. I KNOW. If there is one thing in my life I ever knew-”


And then I black out.
________________________________________________________________________________

A flight attendant stood above be, her heavily makeup coated face scrunched in confusion and worry.

“Hello. Hi. Honey? Are you awake?”

I sit up. “What?” I was feeling annoyed, and I couldn’t remember anything. “What happened?”

Her eyebrows bunched together. “Well, sweetie. I’m not sure how to say this. What seat number are your parents in? I need to ta-”

“I have no parents.” I instantly felt guilty as I said it, then shoved it off. If they put so much responsibility on one young boy’s head, then maybe they weren’t much of parents at all.

“Oh, alright…” She was looking me over, trying to figure me out. Uh-oh. If she caught me on this one, it was hello NYC all over again.

I thought fast. “My orphanage has sent me to California to...go to my new parents, yeah. Their names are Mrs and Mr Reve.” I congratulated myself. This would get me to her pronto.

“Sure, whatever, kid.” She didn’t seem entirely convinced, but didn’t care enough to press the matter.


I sighed. Whew. Somehow got out of that one.
_________________________________________________________________

My knees were wobbly…hours had passed. I got off the plane, I looked up. 

The universe shifted. Everything had changed. The center of all of existence focused onto one concentrated point.


I stared down at the little yellow rose petal at my feet.

I picked up the petal, and I looked up at the sky. I promised myself that I shall avenge this disgrace. The rose petal was a sure sign. I will not tolerate this. I shall avenge her. I shall make sure that they all die.

Tell me I have a responsibility to them. Tell me that I should go back and help. Tell me I'm selfish. I don't care. I hear mumbles behind me. I know they are talking about me. I know everyone thinks I've gone crazy. I don't care. I don't care!

The last thing I see is the checkered, smooth floor of the airport.
_________________________________________________________________________

I wake up in a new place. They tell me I have a problem. They have forced me into a room by myself. I was surrounded by white. Chained to a white bed. Looking at blindingly white walls. Staring at a machine with squiggly lines. I looked at the door. Dr. Elaine Melrow. What is this place? And when can I leave?

 I need to leave. I need to go to them. I need to be left free. The captors would understand. Though they chained me here, they must have some heart.

At least one, in this group of thoughtless people, must have a sister.

The people in white are approaching me. Their eyebrows are touching the clouds. 

"Look," I say. "I don't know what you want from me. I'm tired, I'm trying to get home to my....parents, Mr and Mrs Reve. Please. I don't work for them anymore. There's no need to attack me."

Their eyebrows raise higher.

"Who do you think we are, Blake?" The woman took out some papers. Kristin Marello, MD, her nametag read.

What the heck?

"Blake, I'm your doctor. And we've had enough. It's time for you to go home."
___________________________________________________________________________
They were surrounding her. She screamed. Her eyes were wide open, the chocolate brown achingly beautiful. Her jeans and a blue princess shirt were ripped up. "Help," she pleaded. 

My eyes jerked open. I touched them. Wet. Must have been the light again.

Chairs surrounded me, an uncertain circle of people. I sat in the middle, my eyes wide as I took in the sight. Hundreds of people, weapons in their hands. Hundreds of people, their angry expressions twisted with hate. Hundreds of people, their eyes boring into mine.

A girl stood at the back of the room, eyeing me warily. 

"You aren't going to go monster on me, right?"

I sized her up. Green shirt. I don't trip, I do random gravity checks, it said. I laughed.

The audience behind us tensed. I have a vague idea that they want to kill me. The light is too bright, my clothes are ripped to shreds, and thoughts of my revenge dance attempt to get my attention.

But I don't care.

I glanced up at her eyes.

Deep, chocolate brown.
________________________________________________________________________________

The girl, she was all that I could look at. Everything was gone, everything left behind, except her. The world had frozen around me. Her eyes brought me towards her.

I reached into my pocket. I placed the card in her hands, the rose petal safely inside. 

She stared down at the card, and my heart filled with joy. Happiness. Everything was going to become right again. 

She was alive, she was well, she was here. My sweet sister. My best friend. My Grace.

She opened the card. She took out the rose petal. Her eyes filled with tears. She sighed, and the light hit my eyes again.

She ripped the card to shreds. And the rose petal fell to the ground.

"I am no sister of yours, you murderer," she spat. Her eyes darkened, and my heart stopped. She was just like the rest of them. She believed their lies. She had been brainwashed. 

She was as good as any of them now.

And at that moment, my heart beat for the last time. The sun stopped shining. All I saw was dark. I felt ice, and I felt hate, stronger than anything I know. There isn't anything here for me in this evil world. There is nothing left for me.

I grabbed the rose petal and ripped it to shreds. 

A flower, once so sweet and innocent and beautiful. A dying flower. I laughed, and my eyes gleamed. A dying flower.

So, guys, what did you think? +1 if you liked it and want to read more...Comment with what you think, whether you like it or hate it...what you think is going to happen next! Thanks for reading!


Thursday, December 25, 2014

2 New Bracelets on Etsy!

Hi guys! I'm really excited, because I have two new bracelets that I made on my Etsy Art4Hunger Shop (www.etsy.com/shop/Art4Hunger)!

One has that awesome lazy beach vibe, like, "I'm going to lie down in the sun for the next couple centuries". you know what I mean? It has blues, metal links, and seashells. I love it! It's price is set at $10.00! Here it is...what do you think?




My other bracelet is more dark and dangerous, with art glass, crystals, and a strong almost goth-like style. It's more serious, yet still beautiful. The price of this one is also $10.00. Check it out!


+1 if you love one of these bracelets! Which do you like better? Comment and let me know!

Fine Silver Pendant!

So, it Christmas Day, guys! What did you guys get? Did you have any luck spotting Santa Claus? :O

I made myself my favorite gift I have ever received...so, got any guesses on what my best gift is?

Yep, yesterday, I made my very first Fine Silver Pendant!!! Yeah, I made a piece of fine jewelry...with my own hands! Okay, I'm getting WAY too excited. Seriously though, it's AMAZING.

Did you guys know that there is such a thing as metal clay? Metal clay is a mixture of particles of silver in an organic binder which when fired makes 99.99% pure fine silver. Basically, what I did was texture, shape and form metal clay, and then when it's fired, it magically transforms into metal. +1 if you think that's really cool!

So, here's mine. I chose a cicuit-board kind of texture, and a teardrop shaped lab created ruby, then put it on a pre-made chain. It's not perfect...I made some mistakes, but overall, I think it's okay for my very first time. So...what do you guys think? :) 




Please comment below if you have any interest or curiosity about how I made this pendant step-by-step, or if you want to make it yourself. I will give you the steps, and let you know what materials you need to buy. Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Card Descriptions

Wow. Christmas Eve, already? My wonderful winter break is slipping away! Nooooooooo! I need more free days!+1 if you agree!

Now for some close ups of some of my first designs of cards. I created each of these cards with an inspiration in mind, and therefore have a story to tell on each one. On the back, I wrote these descriptions. For instance, on my signature winter card, The Snow-woman (Note the earrings on her!), I write the story that I had in my little kid head when I created it. I think that the back inspiration adds a little uniqueness and a homemade, real quality. The cards are bright and neatly packaged, yet have a special feel to them that I love! What makes me smile isn't earning money for myself, but that some people out there will have a happier life because of our efforts. :)

What have you guys been doing lately? Comment below to tell me about your holiday break and which card description you think is the coolest!


 Happiness snow-woman 
in the winter!
Made at age 5.

 The optimistic rose!
Made at age 5.
 3 Hearts - a special 
Valentine's Day card!
Made at age 11.



Monday, December 22, 2014

Changing the World - one Teen at a Time!

Somehow, today, you have arrived at my new blog. Maybe you spotted it on the internet and thought it looked interesting. Or perhaps you've seen my cards before. Maybe you recognize me from school.
However you arrived here, I created this blog so that I can share my mission with you. So here is my story:

I was a little girl, around seven years old. I believed in rainbows, sunshine, and the ghosts on Halloween. I was extremely excited when I arrived in India on vacation, taking in the shops full of bright clothing and unique merchandise. The rain was pouring down hard, but that didn't dampen my spirits. In a split second, everything changed.

A little girl, around the same age as me, was approaching us. She was practically skin and bones, with sticks for arms and legs. Her eyes looked tired and dead. Walking through the rain towards us, she softly asked, "Do you have anything to eat?" 

That night, I cried. 

In my short life, it had never occurred to me that some people didn't have food. I wondered where that girl was now, and whether she got enough to eat. I thought of her, battling through the rain, begging for food.

 I researched world hunger, and saw frightening numbers. While researching world hunger I was shocked to learn that our planet has been producing enough food to feed every single person since 1970. So, why are so many people starving? They don’t have the money to pay for sustenance. I was determined to find a way to make a difference.

At the same time,  before I knew how to read or write, I was telling stories. I would paint on large pieces of canvas. I had a zest for art and writing. It made my heart fill up with joy. It was something I loved then, and continues to be so to this day.

I put my overwhelming feelings gratitude and joy into my new nonprofit company.  I started this store as a sixth grader who is passionate about ending world hunger during my lifetime. 

I set up an Etsy store called Art4Hunger (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Art4Hunger ) that sells unique greeting cards to anyone around the world. These cards are made with photos of my original artwork starting when I was five years old. They are individually autographed by me. The back of most cards briefly describe my story behind the painting or my thoughts that inspired that artwork. 

I decided that 100% of the profits from all sales go to the Sacred Heart Community Service that feed thousands of hungry people.

That is why I created this blog. I made it to inform people about world hunger. I made it, knowing that every drop of water helps make an ocean. Together, we can eradicate world hunger. I can do this - with all of your help. Whether you decide to buy a card, comment below with suggestions for other ways to raise money, or simply tell your friends about me, I appreciate it all. Because I know that what one person cannot do alone, we ALL can do together. :)