Little runts. I hate them all. Why did they have to make trouble now? Just when things were going well? Just when I had a job? Just when I could almost forget that I'm not one of those precious little Tarella snobs, destined for fame and fortune?
They just had to bring back the memories.
I remember tee-hee, tee-hee, th-th-th, THE big one, the one who could just pull out that demonic voice right out at that merchandise section at Woolworths. The memory just jumped straight into my mind, and I can still see the blood, dripping right off the bubblers. It looks like what I did didn't hurt her, though. Those perfect white teeth and little red tongue could still say "What's that word, Vonny Cooney? Come on, Vonny Cooney! You're a lazy girrrl!" in that voice. I want to forget it, forget it all. I wish I could just go far away and leave Mum behind and not worry about the kids. I wish I could just leave everyone behind. Let everyone scream and shout "I hate Vonny Cooney!" or whatever they want.
After all, I suppose everyone hates Vonny Cooney. So do I.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Romeo and Juliet: A play about love
I believe strongly that Romeo and Juliet is a play centered on love and the lengths that people are willing to go to for it. Almost all of the main events are focussed on the two lovers' actions that are made in the name of love.
This is demonstrated most strongly in the death scene of Romeo and Juliet, when the two of them kill themselves because they believe the other is dead (even though one was mistaken), and would rather join the other in death instead of living without them. Although it was extremely impulsive and a little silly of the two to suicide immediately upon seeing the other's body, it has always been known that they did it for love.
In addition, many other important events were the cause of love between Romeo and Juliet. Their marriage (obviously because the two loved each other) rendered Romeo unable to fight Tybalt, leading to Mercutio fighting in his play and being killed, which then led to the death of Tybalt. Of course, this resulted in Romeo being banished, which was the sole cause of Juliet's desperate measures against getting married with Paris, which was drinking the Friar's potion.
In short, Romeo and Juliet is a play about love and what people will do when they are in love.
Sonnet: Goodbye
A word, some sounds, in many minds still dwell
That reaches every watchful angel's ear
Not weeping nor morning can sadness quell
Nor any anger that saints would fear.
This word, for all must one day be spoken
Even our love will soon unwillingly yield.
For I must leave, I don't want to see you broken
Lying on altar named Love, by a knife I wield.
So if you are to stay your true fair self
And stay simply shielded from love's sharp sting
A task there is, must be done by myself.
I must leave you only with these small things.
This blessed word of such sweet pained sorrow
Erased only by promise of morrow.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Romeo and Juliet: Fate or human error?
I believe that in the play "Romeo and Juliet", the ending is really influenced by coincidence and human error that is passed off as "fate".
When Romeo meets Juliet at Capulet's feast, fate is thought of as being the reason they meet. However, the true reason was because the hopelessly lustful Romeo gatecrashed the gathering to see Rosaline and compare her to other women. Because he was so in love with her, he had to see her another time, thus creating the plot device for the two future lovers to meet. It is perfectly natural for both Juliet and Rosaline to be at the feast, because they are Capulet's daughter and niece.
In addition, the little accidents that befell Romeo and Juliet are simply coincidences. For example, when Friar Lawrence's message is unable to reach Romeo, it is because the messenger was delayed by a mistaken (but common) encounter with health officials, not because the lightning of fate struck him.
However, the real human errors were Romeo's impulsive choices. From killing Tybalt to buying the poison that he would later drink to kill himself, Romeo made all the wrong choices because he acted instead of waiting for a little while. Even though Mercutio and his death acted as the catalyst to Romeo's banishment, it was mainly Romeo's fault for impulsively killing Tybalt as revenge for Mercutio's death.
The other huge mistake that Romeo made was to immediately declare that he would "lie with" Juliet, and to kill himself with poison by Juliet's side. If Romeo had waited and mourned properly, instead of instantly committing suicide, he might have lived to see Juliet alive again. Of course, his impetuous character would not let him do this.
There were many other human errors, such as Tybalt's violence, Mercutio's troublemaking and Sampson and Gregory's starting fights with the Montagues. For these reasons, I believe that the ending of "Romeo and Juliet" is not the result of fate, but of the numerous mistakes that the characters make.
The other huge mistake that Romeo made was to immediately declare that he would "lie with" Juliet, and to kill himself with poison by Juliet's side. If Romeo had waited and mourned properly, instead of instantly committing suicide, he might have lived to see Juliet alive again. Of course, his impetuous character would not let him do this.
There were many other human errors, such as Tybalt's violence, Mercutio's troublemaking and Sampson and Gregory's starting fights with the Montagues. For these reasons, I believe that the ending of "Romeo and Juliet" is not the result of fate, but of the numerous mistakes that the characters make.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
William Shakespeare
Born in April 1564, William Shakespeare was the eldest surviving son of Mary and John Shakespeare's eight children. Although he was born in Stratford, he lived in London for most of his life. He married Anne Hathaway in November 1582 and had three children. During Shakespeare's life, Queen Elizabeth and King James I were the monarchs reigning.
In 1594, Shakespeare joined Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theatre company. He spent 5 years working for this group, and saved enough to buy a share in The Globe, a theatre. Later, the group was ordered to change the name to King's Men.
As well as writing at least 37 plays, Shakespeare also wrote poems. These were written in Old English. Some of the genres of his plays were histories (Richard II), comedies (A Midsummer Night's Dream), tragedies (Romeo and Juliet) and tragicomedies (Hamlet). In a Shakespearean comedy, the main characters tend to live on and succeed, whereas in a tragedy, the main character dies at the end.
Often, words were shortened in his writing. For example, "it is" became "'tis", "never" became "ne'er" and "give" became "gi'". However, these contractions were not always used. Also, many of the words used have very different meanings nowadays and were swear words when used back then, like "false catepillar".
Many of the lines spoken in Shakespeare's plays became extremely famous. Some commonly known ones are "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" and "O happy dagger!" (from Romeo and Juliet), and "Et tu, Brute?" (from Julius Caesar).
Shakespeare died in April 1616, having written at least 37 plays and many other things.
In 1594, Shakespeare joined Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theatre company. He spent 5 years working for this group, and saved enough to buy a share in The Globe, a theatre. Later, the group was ordered to change the name to King's Men.
As well as writing at least 37 plays, Shakespeare also wrote poems. These were written in Old English. Some of the genres of his plays were histories (Richard II), comedies (A Midsummer Night's Dream), tragedies (Romeo and Juliet) and tragicomedies (Hamlet). In a Shakespearean comedy, the main characters tend to live on and succeed, whereas in a tragedy, the main character dies at the end.
Often, words were shortened in his writing. For example, "it is" became "'tis", "never" became "ne'er" and "give" became "gi'". However, these contractions were not always used. Also, many of the words used have very different meanings nowadays and were swear words when used back then, like "false catepillar".
Many of the lines spoken in Shakespeare's plays became extremely famous. Some commonly known ones are "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" and "O happy dagger!" (from Romeo and Juliet), and "Et tu, Brute?" (from Julius Caesar).
Shakespeare died in April 1616, having written at least 37 plays and many other things.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - Q10
'"That's the name of this house," explained Gretel. "Out-With."'
Out-With. Out with. Out with the people who had previously lived in the house? Or out with many more?
Making this word a pun temporarily disguises it as a silly mispronunciation, but in reality, it represents more. John Boyne uses this word to convey that it was out with the previous bad people (representing the Jewish people), and in with the good people (representing the Germans). In a way, this suggests that this happens everywhere, all the time, when people decide that it should be out with the people they dislike and in with themselves.
The "Fury" cannot be mistaken as anyone else, for of course it is Adolf Hitler, the Führer. Hitler's deep hatred against Jewish people is aptly represented as "fury".
Both words symbolise more than a nine-year-old boy's mistakes. They symbolise the terror that the two words represented, while veiled by innocent words. In addition, communicating these significant elements with normal words that weren't at all directly related to their real counterparts, Boyne keeps away from too much reality, and sticks to the fact that it was just a story. By using these words, he also implies that the camp of Auschwitz and the Führer were two things that had remained unknown to the world, until they were exposed for the horror that they stood for to its enemies.
Out-With. Out with. Out with the people who had previously lived in the house? Or out with many more?
Making this word a pun temporarily disguises it as a silly mispronunciation, but in reality, it represents more. John Boyne uses this word to convey that it was out with the previous bad people (representing the Jewish people), and in with the good people (representing the Germans). In a way, this suggests that this happens everywhere, all the time, when people decide that it should be out with the people they dislike and in with themselves.
The "Fury" cannot be mistaken as anyone else, for of course it is Adolf Hitler, the Führer. Hitler's deep hatred against Jewish people is aptly represented as "fury".
Both words symbolise more than a nine-year-old boy's mistakes. They symbolise the terror that the two words represented, while veiled by innocent words. In addition, communicating these significant elements with normal words that weren't at all directly related to their real counterparts, Boyne keeps away from too much reality, and sticks to the fact that it was just a story. By using these words, he also implies that the camp of Auschwitz and the Führer were two things that had remained unknown to the world, until they were exposed for the horror that they stood for to its enemies.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - Q9
After Bruno's tragic and mysterious death, Father realised what had happened, and "found that his legs seemed to stop working right". Perhaps at that moment of realisation, Father then asked himself a question. A question that had only one person to blame.
"Why didn't I tell him?"
Why didn't Father tell Bruno? He probably thought that he was shielding him from unnecessary knowledge and unnecessary burden. However, if that had been the case, then it had backfired on him, for ignorance only fuelled the curiosity of Bruno, and led to the end of his story.
It may only be a story, and that could be why we will probably never know.
"Why didn't I tell him?"
Why didn't Father tell Bruno? He probably thought that he was shielding him from unnecessary knowledge and unnecessary burden. However, if that had been the case, then it had backfired on him, for ignorance only fuelled the curiosity of Bruno, and led to the end of his story.
It may only be a story, and that could be why we will probably never know.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - Q7
The unhappiness of Bruno's mother is communicated in many ways throughout the novel. Even at the very beginning, she told Bruno that "some people make the decisions for all of us", indicating her sadness at having to move to a place like Out-With because of Father's work. Later, she remarked, "Some people and their determination to get ahead", implying that she was angry with Father's ambitions forcing them to do whatever work dictated him to do. Furthermore, Mother was obviously fond of the house in Berlin, and did not want to relocate to a place that she must have known was filled with death and despair.
When Mother says, "We don't have the luxury of thinking", she is implying that no one has the luxury of thinking, and that thinking itself is defying Father, and by extension, Hitler. Due to this, Mother is unable to displease Father too much, and only has influence over the rest of the family.
However, Bruno's mother did find a little bit of happiness in her affair with Lieutenant Kotler, which Bruno described as him "whispering alone in rooms with Mother". This affair was also evidenced by her annoyance with Gretel when she touched Lieutenant Kotler's arm at dinner, which made Mother "stare at her and narrow her eyes", as well as her obvious familiarity with the young man, calling him "Kurt" and "precious".
As their relationship went further and further, Mother neglected to keep their affair secret. In one of Bruno's encounters with Kotler, she claimed that she needed "a private word with Lieutenant Kotler" after almost giving away the act of 'friendship' between the two.
Unfortunately for Mother, the lieutenant was transferred away from Out-With, causing "a lot of shouting between Father and Mother". This could have been because Kotler's family background was not satisfactory for Father, or that the affair had been exposed.
In short, the relationship between the two was probably a result of Mother's anger at Father's Commandant rank, and Lieutenant Kotler seizing the chance at entertainment at Out-With. Nevertheless, Mother's actions prior to the affair suggest that it was mostly due to Father's career choices.
Contrary to Mother's veiled dissatisfaction, Bruno's grandmother openly attacks the idea of Father's involvement in the military. Although the rest of the family approves of Father's position, and even admires him for it, Grandmother argues that all soldiers were interested in was "dressing up and doing the terrible, terrible things [Father does]". This courage to speak up symbolises those who could see that what Hitler was doing was ultimately wrong.
When Mother says, "We don't have the luxury of thinking", she is implying that no one has the luxury of thinking, and that thinking itself is defying Father, and by extension, Hitler. Due to this, Mother is unable to displease Father too much, and only has influence over the rest of the family.
However, Bruno's mother did find a little bit of happiness in her affair with Lieutenant Kotler, which Bruno described as him "whispering alone in rooms with Mother". This affair was also evidenced by her annoyance with Gretel when she touched Lieutenant Kotler's arm at dinner, which made Mother "stare at her and narrow her eyes", as well as her obvious familiarity with the young man, calling him "Kurt" and "precious".
As their relationship went further and further, Mother neglected to keep their affair secret. In one of Bruno's encounters with Kotler, she claimed that she needed "a private word with Lieutenant Kotler" after almost giving away the act of 'friendship' between the two.
Unfortunately for Mother, the lieutenant was transferred away from Out-With, causing "a lot of shouting between Father and Mother". This could have been because Kotler's family background was not satisfactory for Father, or that the affair had been exposed.
In short, the relationship between the two was probably a result of Mother's anger at Father's Commandant rank, and Lieutenant Kotler seizing the chance at entertainment at Out-With. Nevertheless, Mother's actions prior to the affair suggest that it was mostly due to Father's career choices.
Contrary to Mother's veiled dissatisfaction, Bruno's grandmother openly attacks the idea of Father's involvement in the military. Although the rest of the family approves of Father's position, and even admires him for it, Grandmother argues that all soldiers were interested in was "dressing up and doing the terrible, terrible things [Father does]". This courage to speak up symbolises those who could see that what Hitler was doing was ultimately wrong.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - Q6
"They're not people at all, Bruno."
Then what are they? This is obviously one of the questions that spurs Bruno on to explore, discover and find out about Out-With. Father's avoidance of the subject makes it worse, while Gretel's later explanation only reassures Bruno of "facts" that had been confusing in the first place. Even having the answer doesn't satisfy Bruno completely, and definitely does not deter him from continuing his secret meetings with Shmuel. This curiosity is what ultimately brings an end to Bruno's short life.
The worst of this attitude is that if "they" are not people, then what could they be? No more than dumb beasts, that's what. That is what is implied by John Boyne, but Bruno does not read the underlying meaning in his father's words. As far as Father is concerned, the Jews are worth less than nothing. A Jew's life is incomparable to a Nazi's life. This disregard to human lives is horrible, because no one wants to be thought of as worthless. However, Adolf Hitler and many Nazis simply didn't care, and tortured and killed Jews freely just because they believed that they were superior to them.
We are all people. We are all worth something. If that had been the attitude of those who persecuted others, maybe the suffering of millions of people would have been averted.
Then what are they? This is obviously one of the questions that spurs Bruno on to explore, discover and find out about Out-With. Father's avoidance of the subject makes it worse, while Gretel's later explanation only reassures Bruno of "facts" that had been confusing in the first place. Even having the answer doesn't satisfy Bruno completely, and definitely does not deter him from continuing his secret meetings with Shmuel. This curiosity is what ultimately brings an end to Bruno's short life.
The worst of this attitude is that if "they" are not people, then what could they be? No more than dumb beasts, that's what. That is what is implied by John Boyne, but Bruno does not read the underlying meaning in his father's words. As far as Father is concerned, the Jews are worth less than nothing. A Jew's life is incomparable to a Nazi's life. This disregard to human lives is horrible, because no one wants to be thought of as worthless. However, Adolf Hitler and many Nazis simply didn't care, and tortured and killed Jews freely just because they believed that they were superior to them.
We are all people. We are all worth something. If that had been the attitude of those who persecuted others, maybe the suffering of millions of people would have been averted.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Noughts and Crosses - final week
There are many highs and lows in Noughts and Crosses in regards to feelings. The numerous deaths and murders force the characters to go on a "low". Lynette's suicide creates a barrier within the McGregor family, and puts Meggie, Jude and Ryan, and Callum on different sides. Ryan's death (or "murder", as Callum refers to it) gives the characters even more sadness to deal with.
However, the joyful events, such as Callum and Sephy's reunion, make them feel as if they are on a huge high. The times when they are able to confess their love for each other are truly the high points of the story, as Malorie Blackman communicates their feelings for each other in an amazing way.
I honestly think that any changes I could make to Noughts and Crosses would make it less interesting, rather than more interesting. Malorie Blackman's style of writing is incredibly intriguing, and the way that she set out the plot was amazing.
If there were to be a sequel (not counting the one already released) after Noughts and Crosses, I think that these things would happen:
1. Impromptu - pg. 353
Unplanned, without preparation.
2. Magnanimous - pg. 361
Noble, generous.
3. Ostentation - pg. 373
A showy display intended to impress people.
4. Speculation - pg. 411
Opinions formed without any knowledge.
5. Coerce - pg. 427
To compel by using threats or force.
However, the joyful events, such as Callum and Sephy's reunion, make them feel as if they are on a huge high. The times when they are able to confess their love for each other are truly the high points of the story, as Malorie Blackman communicates their feelings for each other in an amazing way.
I honestly think that any changes I could make to Noughts and Crosses would make it less interesting, rather than more interesting. Malorie Blackman's style of writing is incredibly intriguing, and the way that she set out the plot was amazing.
If there were to be a sequel (not counting the one already released) after Noughts and Crosses, I think that these things would happen:
- Jude forces Callie Rose to become part of the L.M.
- Sephy dies in an attempt to stop her daughter from committing a crime.
- Jasmine Hadley reveals the truth about her husband, but no one believes her.
- Kamal Hadley becomes President, speaking out against the L.M.'s activities to boost his popularity.
- Jude becomes "The General" of the L.M.
- Callie Rose decides to take revenge on the Crosses with Jude's help.
1. Impromptu - pg. 353
Unplanned, without preparation.
2. Magnanimous - pg. 361
Noble, generous.
3. Ostentation - pg. 373
A showy display intended to impress people.
4. Speculation - pg. 411
Opinions formed without any knowledge.
5. Coerce - pg. 427
To compel by using threats or force.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Noughts and Crosses - Week 3
The main themes that are presented in Noughts and Crosses are racism and forbidden love.
Racism in the world of Noughts and Crosses is made apparent by the black and white of the cover and descriptions of Crosses' antagonism towards Noughts. However, instead of writing about white-against-black racism, Malorie Blackman chose to reverse the usual positions so that black ruled over white. This unusual situation helps to further develop the theme of racism, forcing the reader to think harder to become used to that kind of racism. The Crosses' actions towards the Noughts are expected by the Noughts, and though they know that they do not deserve it, most never fight back.
Forbidden love is explored by the Romeo and Juliet kind of relationship between Callum and Sephy. Similar to Romeo and Juliet, Sephy and Callum's familes are wary of the other's family and race, displaying more prejudice. The two also are desperate to be together, but other conflicts come between them, such as harassment at school, deaths of family members and a harmful crime being commited.
Five interesting words:
1. Subpoena - pg. 265
A writ commanding someone to appear in court.
2. Corroborate - pg. 279
To give supporting evidence.
3. Dignitary - pg. 291
A person of high rank or position.
4. Reprieve - pg. 315
Postponement of a punishment.
5. Dogsbody - pg. 325
Someone who does menial tasks.
Racism in the world of Noughts and Crosses is made apparent by the black and white of the cover and descriptions of Crosses' antagonism towards Noughts. However, instead of writing about white-against-black racism, Malorie Blackman chose to reverse the usual positions so that black ruled over white. This unusual situation helps to further develop the theme of racism, forcing the reader to think harder to become used to that kind of racism. The Crosses' actions towards the Noughts are expected by the Noughts, and though they know that they do not deserve it, most never fight back.
Forbidden love is explored by the Romeo and Juliet kind of relationship between Callum and Sephy. Similar to Romeo and Juliet, Sephy and Callum's familes are wary of the other's family and race, displaying more prejudice. The two also are desperate to be together, but other conflicts come between them, such as harassment at school, deaths of family members and a harmful crime being commited.
Five interesting words:
1. Subpoena - pg. 265
A writ commanding someone to appear in court.
2. Corroborate - pg. 279
To give supporting evidence.
3. Dignitary - pg. 291
A person of high rank or position.
4. Reprieve - pg. 315
Postponement of a punishment.
5. Dogsbody - pg. 325
Someone who does menial tasks.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Noughts and Crosses - Week 2
The character Callum McGregor is one of my favourite characters. Callum has dreams of being something important to the world and making a difference, but is held back by the limitations on Noughts that have been set by both Noughts and Crosses. I can't really relate to him, as I probably won't be in that kind of serious situation in my whole life. However, I think that what motivates Callum to do things the way he does is his determination to find a way to be with Sephy and make her happy. Even when he turned Sephy away at school, it was to protect her from others who would persecute her for associating with Noughts in a friendly way. Also, Lynette's suicide made him swear to live and never give up on life.
Five interesting words:
1. Scepticism - pg. 141
Disbelief of claims of ultimate knowledge.
2. Patronizing - pg.155
Condescending in an offensive way.
3. Audacity - pg.177
Aggressive boldness or daring.
4. Ineffectual - pg. 177
Not able to produce intended results.
5. Cretin - pg. 203
An idiot.
Five interesting words:
1. Scepticism - pg. 141
Disbelief of claims of ultimate knowledge.
2. Patronizing - pg.155
Condescending in an offensive way.
3. Audacity - pg.177
Aggressive boldness or daring.
4. Ineffectual - pg. 177
Not able to produce intended results.
5. Cretin - pg. 203
An idiot.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Noughts and Crosses - Week 1
My first impression of Noughts and Crosses is that it has an intriguing plot that will no doubt have many twists and turns. The prologue alone conveys a sort of tension in the atmosphere, as if a bomb is about to go off (as it mentions in the blurb, although it is not known if it is figurative or literal). The last line of the prologue: "And that was the night that Lynette disappeared..." immediately made me want to read on, instead of boring me with details, as many prologues have.
So far, the characters of Callum and Sephy have been outlined excellently. Both of their families have dark pasts, some of which has already been explained (for example, Callum's sister, Lynette). I believe that later in the story, both Callum and Sephy will have to choose between the other, and something else of great importance (most likely family or friends).
Five interesting words:
1.Prospect - pg. 17
Something that is expected.
2. Fracas - pg. 69
A noisy fight.
3. Hypocrite - pg 127
A person who pretends to have morals or values (eg. honesty) when they actually don't.
4. Blanker (used throughout)
Extremely offensive slang for a Nought.
5. Dagger (used throughout)
Offensive slang for a cross.
So far, the characters of Callum and Sephy have been outlined excellently. Both of their families have dark pasts, some of which has already been explained (for example, Callum's sister, Lynette). I believe that later in the story, both Callum and Sephy will have to choose between the other, and something else of great importance (most likely family or friends).
Five interesting words:
1.Prospect - pg. 17
Something that is expected.
2. Fracas - pg. 69
A noisy fight.
3. Hypocrite - pg 127
A person who pretends to have morals or values (eg. honesty) when they actually don't.
4. Blanker (used throughout)
Extremely offensive slang for a Nought.
5. Dagger (used throughout)
Offensive slang for a cross.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Peaceful Warrior - Q1
Are there no ordinary moments in life? How would you explain this idea to a friend?
There are no ordinary moments in life. Life is everything and everywhere, and every single moment something amazing is happening to someone or something. There are about 6,852,472,823 people living on this planet. Whether you are feeling happy or sad at this moment, it is not ordinary at all. Life in itself is truly amazing, and can never be called ordinary.
There are no ordinary moments in life. Life is everything and everywhere, and every single moment something amazing is happening to someone or something. There are about 6,852,472,823 people living on this planet. Whether you are feeling happy or sad at this moment, it is not ordinary at all. Life in itself is truly amazing, and can never be called ordinary.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Peaceful Warrior - Q7
How do you "Take out the trash. Clear your mind of everything you don't need" (doubt, past failures, future victories,... etc.)?
To "take out the trash", you must think only of this moment.
It can be hard to clear your mind when you doubt yourself, or think negatively. Instead of dwelling on something that you did in the past, or dreaming about something you want to do, you have to think of the moment, and live in it.
When you get up in the morning, think of your life as something that's brand new. Take a look at everything and everyone as if you had never seen them before, instead of judging them by something that happened yesterday, or what might happen based on last week.
"Take out the trash. Clear your mind."
The whole new outlook on life that this can bring you is one of the best things that you can have.
To "take out the trash", you must think only of this moment.
It can be hard to clear your mind when you doubt yourself, or think negatively. Instead of dwelling on something that you did in the past, or dreaming about something you want to do, you have to think of the moment, and live in it.
When you get up in the morning, think of your life as something that's brand new. Take a look at everything and everyone as if you had never seen them before, instead of judging them by something that happened yesterday, or what might happen based on last week.
"Take out the trash. Clear your mind."
The whole new outlook on life that this can bring you is one of the best things that you can have.
Peaceful Warrior - Q5
Why would you give the advice "Don't fall into the trap - If only I had this, I'd be... If only..., I'd get to be happy." What is a better way to think?
I would give this advice to anyone, whatever they were doing. We all think like that at different times in our lives, but learning from and enjoying the journey is just as important, or even more so than the goal.
I believe that a better way to think than "If only..." is to think in a way that also gives thought to the journey. For example, for Dan's goal of getting the gold medal at the Olympics, he could have thought something like "Even if I love gymnastics this much, it's going to be tough to put in enough training to help me become even better than I am now. But if I give this my best effort, I'll be able to reach gold."
Instead of concentrating on just the goal, we should be thinking of how to get there, and doing it.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Mind Over Matter
To anyone, the words "mind over matter" might just be a saying. Three words. A touch of alliteration. However, to me it means to not just use your brain, but your mind to overcome any obstacles in the way, whether they are physical or mental.
Those who use only their brain, or don't use them at all won't get far in challenging situations. For example, when I play Speed, I can't concentrate and use my mind because I am too caught up in playing quickly, which is why I usually lose. This is usually the most use of mind over (or under) matter for me.
But to many other people, mind over matter can mean using their minds to save possessions, homes, family, or themselves. Thanks to using their minds, people can save what is most precious to them. Athletes, students, gamers, professors and literally everyone in the world need to use mind over matter to succeed with whatever they are doing.
In this way, mind over matter is not just a saying. It is a lifesaver, and that is what it means to me.
Those who use only their brain, or don't use them at all won't get far in challenging situations. For example, when I play Speed, I can't concentrate and use my mind because I am too caught up in playing quickly, which is why I usually lose. This is usually the most use of mind over (or under) matter for me.
But to many other people, mind over matter can mean using their minds to save possessions, homes, family, or themselves. Thanks to using their minds, people can save what is most precious to them. Athletes, students, gamers, professors and literally everyone in the world need to use mind over matter to succeed with whatever they are doing.
In this way, mind over matter is not just a saying. It is a lifesaver, and that is what it means to me.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Bruno Torfs
Bruno Torfs was born in South America, and lived there with his family until the age of fifteen. Bruno's main inspiration for creating paintings and sculptures was his father and a young sculptor. He trained and worked as a signwriter.
In Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden, there are over one hundred and fifteen sculptures on display.
However, on the 7th of February, bushfires swept through Marysville, including Bruno's sculpture garden. Through the support of family, friends, acquaintances and strangers from all around the world, Bruno and his family were inspired to stay in Marysville and rebuild their beloved home and garden. Helped by friends and volunteers, the process of rebuilding the garden took two months.
The words of Bruno were full of connotations, such as "the fire deeply touched us all in many ways", indicating the devastating effects of the bushfires on many Australians, "people had a heart for each other, that when things really got dark, the best in us comes out", meaning that people would help each other even when disasters were happening, and people would show their good, caring side. When Bruno said "life also provides us opportunities to gain a new vision, lots of new friends and a blank canvas to play", it meant that there are chances to see life in different ways, gain new friends and a fresh start in life. "The green is slowly returning and the rivers are flowing, finding new ways" is his way of saying that Nature is recovering and becoming stronger by itself while humans also recover from the fires.
Bruno's story suggest that when we are faced with something terrible, we will find something good in ourself and become stronger and kinder in order to help ourselves and other people, as well as gaining insight into the world and ourselves.
In Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden, there are over one hundred and fifteen sculptures on display.
The words of Bruno were full of connotations, such as "the fire deeply touched us all in many ways", indicating the devastating effects of the bushfires on many Australians, "people had a heart for each other, that when things really got dark, the best in us comes out", meaning that people would help each other even when disasters were happening, and people would show their good, caring side. When Bruno said "life also provides us opportunities to gain a new vision, lots of new friends and a blank canvas to play", it meant that there are chances to see life in different ways, gain new friends and a fresh start in life. "The green is slowly returning and the rivers are flowing, finding new ways" is his way of saying that Nature is recovering and becoming stronger by itself while humans also recover from the fires.
Bruno's story suggest that when we are faced with something terrible, we will find something good in ourself and become stronger and kinder in order to help ourselves and other people, as well as gaining insight into the world and ourselves.
Despite the obstacles he has faced, Bruno has maintained a positive outlook and is determined to keep sharing his love of art and life with the world.
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