dedication

They say they love you
they say they care
but on your final day
they turn the other way

you give them dedication
you listen to what they say
we wait for them at the door
they walk away when we're on the floor

Little monsters
created by us
ignoring us
forgetting us

they forget we made them
and we Destroy them

I started this piece with clear vision, but it got a little misrepresented somewhere in the middle. if you have any suggestions to improve it, would love to hear them

18 weeks.

Recently I realized how important it is to be proud. To have pride in something is just so healthy for you. I recently realized that I don't have anything I truly am proud of and I'm worried. I want to go to Ryerson for film, statistically speaking I have a 5% chance of getting in. Out of 1700 students, they only accept 65 out of those applicants. When looking back at any artistic attempts in my life, I can only count a few that I truly respect and am proud of...

You see, I know what I want to do in life, but I'm not sure I'm quite there....maturity wise, talent wise, overall. This is frustrating, because ever since I was 12 I knew I wanted to go into film. The problem is I've never created a work ethic strong enough to make me one of those 65 students.

However, as opposed to sitting around and waiting for myself to mature, and become more talented, i'm taking a bit of a different approach. Self discovery is what I'll call it. I'm going to give myself 18 weeks to truly find myself, and develop what needs to be developed. I figure, if every week for 18 weeks, i make a video addressing my obstacles in life, and figuring out ways of overcoming them I can challenge myself by committing and also artistically.

By presenting this challenge, hopefully I can mature, and find my pride. It's very difficult to commit for me, so i'm really hoping I can do so.

what do you guys think? Am I crazy to make a video every week for 18 weeks? Am I just over analyzing myself? Or is it an appropriate experiment? Wish me luck!

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

I promise you that this year I've been good.
I've been doing my chores and homework, like I should.
I'm hoping that because I've taken extra care,
That you will be the one to answer my prayer.

What I want for Christmas, cannot be bought.
It cannot be packaged, gift wrapped or sought.
I want what is not a material thing.
It is not something that just anyone can bring.

What I want is my father, home from war.
I want peace in Iraq, so I won't worry anymore.
I don't want to wonder if I'll see him again.
I need to know he's safe, and not in pain.

So please, dear Santa, grant me this.
The presents I don't want; my father I miss.
And if you don't want to do this just for me,
Please think of all the children who also want family.

It is hard for us to have them so far away,
So help bring them home for the holiday.
If you can do this for us, we'll be good forevermore,
And if everyone's good, then in the future

there will be no war.

Fruit Salad

I am an apple.
Don't drop me,
or I'll bruise.

I am a pineapple.
My exterior is rough,
but on the inside I'm sweet.

I am a grape.
I am more fun,
when surrounded by others.

I am a watermelon.
Happiest on a summer picnic,
but sometimes you must spit out the seeds.

I am a blueberry.
I can look very tempting,
but sometimes I'm bitter.

I am a pear.
My shape is far from perfect,
but I am always sweet.

I am an orange.
My skin is tough,
so that I won't be damaged.

I am a banana.
I look like I'm all smiles,
but sometimes I'm split.

------------------------------------------------

This poem is about multiple personalities. Sometimes I feel that I could be any one of these 'fruits.'
I think this poem needs a conclusion. Any ideas?
I also think it needs a better flow. Suggestions for improvement?

Marley and Me

“Marley and Me,” based on the popular book by John Grogan, is the story of the miraculous connection between dog and owner. It stole the hearts of dog-lovers everywhere. You not only appreciate your own dog more, but you form a relationship with Marley and John.
The movie brings you through a sea of emotions as you follow John (Owen ­Wilson) through ups and downs in his life, ­including when he finds Marley, and through the adventures of married life (his wife is played by Jennifer Aniston) and parenthood. As his life changes, one thing stays the same, Marley is by his side.As John and his dog become closer, you feel yourself falling in love with Marley. The way the movie presents the bond between a person and a dog will definitely leave you in tears. “Marley and Me” also ­teaches the great lesson of sticking to what is most important to you. As the demands of work and home are compounded by the struggle of keeping up with a hyper dog, John knows he must choose what is most important. This movie allows you to bond with each character as you follow them through life and reminds you to always stay true to what is important to you, even if you’re learning it from a dog.

_________ would like to be your friend!

To be honest, it was overwhelmingly eager to please. Hyper-active. Too happy. All I wanted was for it to bring me some bad news; some big, bold, red letters ranting about how nobody wanted to be its friend. I'd had enough of the exclamation points, the persistent emails that were sent straight to my junk email folder. I couldn't stand it's bubbly personality - I just wanted to be left alone!

Over time, however, I became less hostile. I realized that I actually enjoyed the emails begging me to be it's friend. It put a smile on my face to know that someone wanted to be my friend. I couldn't say no again, after months of shaking my head and refusing...

So, I accepted.

Suddenly, it wanted to know everything I was doing, who I was friends with, what movies I like watching friday nights, what music I listen to. I gladly revealed most everything, knowing that the word would get passed around that I love Tim Burton, going to see plays and Dr. Gregory House. More and more invitations were being emailed to me, and my keyboard-happy fingers were only too glad to oblige.

It's always interested in what's on my mind; I usually say so without hesitation. It likes to follow my conversations with people too, which I would find a bit creepy, if not for the fact that I, too, enjoy following my friends' conversations... It always makes sure to invite me to the next housr party or gig.. and it's pretty thoughtful, too! It doesn't even have to be my birthday, and it will send me surprise gifts that I can open when we next meet. And speaking of birthdays, it never fails to remind me of upcoming birthdays that I otherwise would have certainly forgotten.

I've learned, over time, that it's got my back. Always there for me when I want to do something or make plans... have a conversation... friendly interaction. It stays up with me late at night, distracting me from endless horus of homework that I inevitably have to plough through.

So, over our three/four year long friendship, I've begun to harbour a soft spot for it;
the ultimate cyborg - a digitalized best friend.
It's Facebook.



i actually am extremely annoyed by facebook and its convenience. damn technology! <_<

Questions

If i were to die tomorrow,
what would you say?
How would you remember me?
Would you care?


If i were to die tomorrow,
could you sleep?
Would you cry?
Did you care about me?


If i were to die tomorrow,
would the world sheed a tear?
Would the world stop for a moment?
Would your world stop?


If were to die tomorrow,
could someone elses life be spared?

*cough*cough*.. I'm sick

"I'm tired and I don't feel well. I don't think I can go to school today."

We've ALL used that line before. Or something like it anyways. But does it ever work is the question.

Here is my answer:

"Good try Taylor, get up you're going to be late for first period. Have a good day."

I'm going to guess to say I am allowed to stay home for about 1 out of every 10 times I try and pull the "sick" or "tired" line with my mom. And the one in ten times it works, I'm only aloud to stay home for the morning. And I have spare in the morning. Lets just say I don't use that line often. I know its not going to work. Who am I kidding, my parents aren't pushovers. And through sports and extra curricular activities, most people, like myself learn to just suck it up and get out of bed in the morning. Muscles sore, headache, cough, or just messy hair, I'll be at school. I only ever miss for sports-tournaments and things like that. I find most people whose parents this does not work on, are the kids who have actual rules and are disciplined by their parents. As much as I can first hand say, sometimes it sucks to be one fo those kids with hard ass parents, I know it will pay off. And it already has. I will be more disciplined in the future because of it, push myself, have better work habits and succeed.

VS.

"I'm tired and I don't feel well. I don't think I can go to school today."

answer...

"I called the school to let them know you won't be there. Remind me tonight to write you a note so you can hand your assignment in late tomorrow."

(Excuse my blunt opinions) These type of parents are not teaching their kids anything. No discipline, no morals, and nothing that will help your kid out in the future. Yes there are kids who don't need strict rules and hard ass parents in order to be motivated and successful. However most kids I know take advantage of their push-over parents and non-schalant lifestyle. When your struggling in university or college becasue you've been skipping and your falling behind, your profs aren't going to accept a note from your mom. Your parents are not going to be there to bail you out of all of your problems for the rest of your life. As much as I would like to swap my parents for easily manipulated ones, I know that won't benefit me. And I know my life would be SO different if I didn't have the type of parents I had. It is so frustrating to see kids-some who are even your friends, who run on their own watch and do essentially whatever they please.


So to the slackers... Your mommy's not always going to be there for you. Some people will just have to learn the hard way!

Week 9

Good responses and posts this week you guys. I like the variety (I don't often bake Lindsay, but I'll keep the recipe just in case!).

The Diary Of Anne Frank

Both Friday and Saturday I had the privilege of seeing Sinclair’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Simply put, if you didn’t get to see it, I truly feel sorry for you. In every possible way, it met and surpassed expectations. Technically the show was excellent, performance wise it was phenomenal, and the set and costumes were unbelievable. The Diary of Anne Frank is the story based on the diary Anne Frank kept during her time hiding from Nazis during the second world war. It’s a very emotional story, that has it’s highs and lows, but overall is quite sad.

When I say Sinclair’s production of this story was phenomenal, I mean it completely. I saw it twice, and loved every second of it. I couldn’t get over how natural everything felt, with such a difficult play that required so much talent. I was thoroughly impressed with the acting. Many times throughout the show, only a few characters out of many that were on stage would be talking, and those not, were playing their roles perfectly, not breaking characters once. It was amazing how well rehearsed everything clearly was.

Another thing I adored about this play, was the set and costumes. Eveyrhting seemed so authentic, I couldn’t quite get over how authentic it truly was. The clothes fit perfectly, the characters all seemed to be real. With the pairing of excellent acting, it was hard to distinguish the difference between this school play, and a professional play. The set worked perfectly, and it was obvious how hard they had worked on it, I loved it.

Lastly, the discipline in the acting was truly unique, after seeing it a second time, I noticed where there had been so me errors, some lines missed, or objects knocked over, that sort of thing. Instead of seeing panic, or a stutter on their faces, they simply flowed with it, as if it were natural. It was flawless in the sense that even when they would miss a line, it still flowed perfectly. That takes a lot of chemistry to be able to continue to flawlessly communicate, especially in front of such a large audience.

So, all in all, Sinclair’s The Diary of Anne Frank was a remarkable show that I absolutely adored! Jordan, Diana and Mrs.Hathaway, I understand you were all apart of the show, so just sending my complaints your way, great job!

When Life Hands You Lemons...

I was going to write a crappy poem, but i think i'll take a moment to talk unceremoniously about something else instead...



I guess the cold/flu bug, having finally made its rounds, had a score to settle with me. I'm usually one to get strep throat at least twice before the winter break of each school year, but I am happy to say that I have not yet been graced by its presence. However, with my friends and family members suffering from relentless coughs and exhaustion, it must have been a matter of time until I caught what they had.

And caught it, I did.

It is no surprise, therefore, that this weekend consisted of a few choice hot drinks in order to soothe my throat and headache. I took each one gladly. The first, was Friday afternoon's Hot Water and Lemon order, courtesy of Boston Pizza. It was without a doubt, the best part of my meal.

The next Saturday morning was a bit of a blur. While frantically driving around Whitby in what seemed to me to be the early hours of the morning (but was only, in fact, 12:00 noon), I decided that Maddie and I deserved a nice warm drink for our throats - both of us were, by then, half-heartedly fighting off our colds. We had two shows to do that day, and there was no way we would allow ourselves to fall victim to the dreaded cold. We ventured into starbucks, waited in line and hastily asked the server behind the counter if they had any lemon. They did not. Sigh. Well, it was worth trying. Maddie and I ordered teas instead; I had a Tall Organic Chai Tea, which, until the last 15 minutes before our matinee show, proved to be a wonderful comfort.

It wasn't until 2:45am on Sunday morning that I had my next hot beverage/lemon fix. To say that it was much appreciated would be an understatement. After a long day of emotional performances and a night of tears and celebration, it felt unimaginably relieving to finally curl up on my basement couch - still donning a pair of jeans and a tank top - and sip the ultimate remedy to cold-induced insomnia: NeoCitron.

I sit now at the computer desk feeling exhausted, congested and a little feverish, all too gladly thinking that this was a weekend that I will not soon forget. Thanks to hot drinks and lemon, I was able to not only live through it, but to juice it for all that it was worth (pun completely intended).

Duplicity

We stepped outside ourselves and started looking in.
Your endless stream of counterfeit ideas took me in.
The train has left, your time is up, you know that this was hard...
But don't expect a postcard.

The lies, the lies, you took me by surprise
With your duplicity
The lies, the lies, they all fell for your disguise
But you're no longer fooling me
With your duplicity

I've started liking public places, brushing against strangers
Makes me feel more human though I do realize the dangers
As humanity is the part of me -
The part of me that fell for your duplicity

The lies, the lies, your hands covered my eyes.
You and your duplicity.
The lies, the lies, you think you're very wise...
But you're no longer fooling me;
I've moved your hands and I can see
Your duplicity.

You threw me off course - but you won't win this time
I can see the daggers hiding in your eyes and I'm sorry
that I ever thought you knew me.
I've moved your hands and I can see,
You are no longer fooling me
With your duplicity.

The lies, the lies, these things that you devise...
Oh your duplicity.
The lies, the lies, I've said my last goodbyes
To your duplicity.

**************************

So, I wrote this solely based on the fact that I really like the word duplicity.
I wrote it probably close to a year ago now, and it is a song so it's kind of hard to read it properly without the musical accompaniment - but alas, I am too lazy to record anything. Nor do i have the proper equipment.
So critique based on the lyrical content.
(although some of the flow issues would make more sense if you did hear it with music)

chocolate for the soul

The most sinfully delicious chocolate chip cookies ever.

When you think of comfort food what is you first idea, chocolate cake, Apple Brown Betties, grilled cheese? Most Canadian say that they will choose “anything chocolate” when they are in need of comfort and this recipe will do just the trick. This award winning recipe is none other than the wonderful creation of Margaret Burton, well known baker. She has been featured in numerous recipe books and is admired for her talent in creating some of the most treasured family recipes.

Margaret Burton’s famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat oven to 365 degrees.

Cream together:
1/3 cup of butter
1/3 cup shortening
Mix in a medium sized mixing bowl

Add:
1/2 granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
Add slowly to butter mixture on low, or fold sugar in to the mixture

Cream well and add:
1 egg (well beaten)
Bea egg prior to adding to the mixture. Continue on low speed when adding egg.

Mix Together:
1 ½ cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Finally when the entire mixture has reached a smooth cream colour, add half a package of milk chocolate chips, or 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Additional options include adding 1/2 cup of diced walnuts.

Grease the top of a single layered cookie sheet.

Drop a large teaspoon sized ball of dough on the greased sheet,
approximately 2 inches apart from one another. This will allow
them to be removed with out disruption of other cookies.

They will take 8 – 10 minutes.

With sinfully delicious combination of butter and chocolate, this recipe is sure to please the chocolate lover in your life.
Bon Appetite.

It's hard to place it... but it smells like christmas.

As the weather gets colder and the trees become bare...
The one thing that's on every one's mind is Christmas.
Presents, decorations, vacations... there's so much to think about.
One of my favourite parts about Christmas is - unsurprisingly - the music!
I've already begun making a Christmas mix CD to enjoy while warming up beside the faux-fireplace under the sparkling lights of the faux-christmas tree. Here are a few interesting additions to consider squeezing in amongst your favourite classics!

Goldfrapp - Winter Wonderland
Goldfrapp applies their signature 'trip-hop' sound to this classic winter song, making it an ambient trip down the snowy city streets covered in blinking lights and technology.
This groovy electronica song fits perfectly with our fast paced Christmas season, and makes you want to dance and go carolling all at the same time.
That's what I call a job well done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdBOPTGs9KU

Imogen Heap - Just For Now
This masterpiece by Imogen swirls with beautiful harmonies and gentle synths. While it isn't the most traditionally 'Christmassy'-sounding song, it still effectively outlines the tension of this season's family get-togethers. Imogen persuades you to leave all your differences at the door, (just for now,) so as to make this Christmas an enjoyable one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpkKPimVjm8

Flyleaf - The Christmas Song
Here, Flyleaf loses their usual harder rock edge and gives us a heartfelt acoustic track showing us the Christmas story in a different light. Lacey Mosley's distinctive voice retells us the age old story of Mary "the frightened virgin teenage girl" who has been chosen to give birth to "this baby, who's precious brow is ready for thorns". Despite the darker, more mellow tone, this song is still an enjoyable addition to any Christmas soundtrack with beautiful guitar and heart wrenching strings as accompaniment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SfD-2my4uw

Now, my love of Christmas music is so great that I could not fit it all into just this post. I'm sure there will be more posts in the future outlining some more great Christmas (and New Year) selections for your listening enjoyment ;)
And I know that it's not even December yet but...
That's no reason not to start preparations early!