Wednesday, March 31, 2010

No Mask I Wear
Crist Blackwell


As you go through life
and you see
myself,
I,
there being me,
What you see is what you get;
my voice is my own.
No mask I wear;
my true colors are shown.

My life with lies,
I do not defile.
My personality
is true.
I greet you with a smile.

So when you see me
don't expect me to change!
Becuase no mask I wear,
who cares if I'm strange.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

St. Patrick and Me

All St. Patrick's day has really ever been to me is a fun holiday. However, I do not like when I get pinched for not wearing green. For the past two years I have, by chance not been wearing green, but thankfully, this year, I did wear green, although I did not pinch anyone. Why do something to someone that you would not want to be done to you?

One time when I was in elementary school, in first grade I believe, at lunch time on St. Patrick's day we had green bread, green hot dogs, green chips, green everything. The lunch tasted fine, although eating all the green things was somewhat weird. Now, in hindsight I wonder, were the food items died green? Or was that the school's was of getting rid of the spoiled food?!

I personally think St. Patrick's day is a fun holiday, but some people do take the holiday a bit too far. There is one easy way to avoid the trauma of being pinched though, just remember to wear green!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Call of the Wild Review

Have you ever wondered what the life of a sled dog is like? If so, then look no further because Jack London's Call of the Wild takes readers on a wild ride through the life of Buck, a domesticated dog who is thrown into the world of mushing in gold rush era North America.

The book is set all throughout North America during the time of the gold rush. Buck originally is from Southland, in the US. He is sold by the family garderner to pay for his gambling habit and thrown into a world of dog trading, and by a twisted chain of events, into the world of mushing. Most of the book takes place in the northern parts of North America, partly in the snow covered lands of Alaska.

Buck develops greatly throughout this book. The story begins when he is a household pet, completely domesticated, thinking he is the master of the world. When the gardener sells him for extra cash, Buck is introduced to the real world, seeing how dogs are treated by some people. He learns that man is his master. When Buck is taken out to do sled work, he slowly starts to realize his true wild nature. He must rely on his instincts to survive in this harsh world. Most of the characters in this book are Static, and only stay connected to the story for a short period of time. However, Bucks character is dynamic, developing greatly from where he is at the beginning of the story to the end of the book.

The theme of this book is overcoming circumstances and finding the will to survive. Buck will die if he doesn't change his ways and learn the ways of the wild. He has to get in touch with the long forgotten instincts of his ancestors to prevail. Call of the Wild shows readers that not everybody and every place is the same. Things are done differently in other places, and we must either adapt, or be crushed.

Call of the Wild was an interesting read. I did not pick the book out myself, nor would I have probably read this work if not assigned to do so. However, after reading this book, I have become more open minded to the animal-type genera of books. I would recommend this book to all readers, however, at times the book's language has a few moments some readers might find offensive.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Being a True Winner

Being a winner is all in the eyes of the beholder. Sometimes people always look at winning as something that MUST be done. Something that they will do anything to achieve.

Being a winner does not always mean that you actually win whatever you are doing. Being a winner, in my eyes, is knowing that you have learned something from the situation, and will not make the same mistakes you did that time, the next time. True, actually winning the competition may make you an actual winner, but does that make you a true winner?

People will go to extremes to win at competitions, some people even resort to cheating. Even if that person does win the competition, are they a true winner? Yes, I know this all sounds cliche, but the truth is the truth.

I am most proud of winning my life for Christ. Everyday is a constant struggle with sin, for all of us. But, knowing that I have made the decision to give my life to Christ, and am firm and stick to my beliefs, I know I have won, better yet, Christ has won me and I know I have eternal life in him.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Commitment Like an Olympian

With the Winter Olympics underway, although now finished, I have been reflecting on the commitment and determination required to be successful in such a grand competition.

The competitors in the Olympics have all trained for months, even years of their lives in preparation for this competition. The amount of commitment and perseverance that goes into their daily practice routines is of a level very hard to match in any other area. These individuals sacrifice their time, money, and other hobbies and have committed to train and attempt to bring glory and gold home to their countries.

While nothing may seem as grand as competing in the Olympics, there are things that other people have given utmost devotion to in their lives, much like the Olympians. For example, musicians must commit time to practice if they expect to improve in their field. Like the athletes in the Olympics, the musicians sacrifice their time and devote themselves to the furthering of their chosen path.

I lean more towards the commitment of a musician. I strive to improve my musical ability in my guitar playing, trumpet playing, and singing daily. I always try to tie music into every aspect of my life.

The rewards of being committed like an Olympian are great indeed. For the competitors in the Olympics, the reward may be coming home with a gold medal and forever being remembered as bringing honor to their nation, and for the musician, the pride of a job well done, knowing that they have played their heart out and given the audience a great performance.