Spooky Stories

I looked at Sam's, Meghan's, and Maddy's blogs today. They are great writers with very different scary stories.
Sam's was about a father who was being haunted by his dead wife. It was a mixture of creepy and sad which I really liked. You don't see stories like that often!
Meghan's story was terrifying and embodied a truly scary scenario. She spoke of a girl having a nightmare that consisted of a girl in a tattered, bloody dress. The twist that I enjoyed is that her dream turned into reality. I was really creeped out!
Maddy's story was about a girl that was being followed by shadows. It had an actual plot which I really appreciated. You can't always find that in horror stories! She describes the lingering presence following the character to her home which was really eerie.
These ladies all did a great job on their stories. I can't wait to see what else they write in the future!

My Halloween plans are to have a couple of friends over for an all day Halloween movie marathon. I plan on having pizza and cookies, as well as plenty of candy! I told everyone that I wouldn't let them in without a costume, so I will see how that goes.

Crimson

I was being followed; not by a person, but by the feeling of what I had just done. My heavy feet tapped against the wet pavement, a light evening drizzle coating my clothes and hair. My shaking hand reached up to draw the strings of my hood, tightening it over my pale face. My stomach churned; I was gasping for a breath of relief that would not come. Shadows of memories came over me that seemed darker than the night sky. My hand was over his mouth, covering his muffled screams. Crimson blood seeped out of parallel gashes on his arms and caked beneath my fingernails. I tightened my grip on his mouth, my other hand creeping down to the nape of his frigid neck. I gulped, the first audible noise I had made all night. With a swift movement, I twisted my hands in opposite directions, a snap ringing through the darkened alleyway.
Sure, I had done this plenty of times. It had become my occupation, each limp body falling to the pavement like sand in my fingers. I was used to the different types of reactions. Some greeted me with fear, others with relief. I had seen an array of human beings, each unique in some sort of way. Many had tattered clothing, nothing in their bags but syringes, sticky with sin. Some were professional, with families and beautiful white mansions. They payed thousands for the most beautiful black crystals, emerging into the light to go back to work when the transaction was made. One thing I had learned in all my years was that the tattered and the rich were no different than each other. They both had the same demons- the same sunken look beneath their smiles. 
I often found myself in hospitals, with white walls and the beeping of monitors echoing through the hallway. I took care of more children than I would have liked, standing by their side as they took their last breath. Most of the time I would put my hands on the shoulders of tearful family members, but other times it was just me and the frail container of a soul that once held so much life. 
Even with my occupation, I have come to know life as the most precious gift- one that many throw away for their own selfish desires. That is why they must pay the price of death. Many become lost souls, placing their own trembling hands over the loved ones they took for granted. Others leave the world immediately, but I never deal with them. They leave the world on their own terms. 
A shiver runs up my tired spine, the millisecond of guilt is forgotten by the sound of another frail body calling my name. I run through the alleys and back roads so as not to be seen. I approach the body, her shortened breaths graze my ears as my eyes travel down to the needle stuck into her throbbing arm. "I'm ready," she pleaded, her green eyes gazing up at mine. I reached out my hand, walking toward her slowly. She was silent as I placed my hand over her mouth in habit. Her breathing slowed and her body became freezing as I placed my free hand on the nape of her neck.  

Boo

Orange pumpkins line the streets

Spooky ghosts in linen sheets

Black bats screech in the dead of night

Scary witches scream with fright

Pounds of candy fill my bag

This Halloween was not a drag 

• My favorite Halloween treat is the Pillsbury ready-to-bake cookies with the pumpkins on them. I made some two nights ago and they were completely gone by yesterday, mostly due to me and my friends. They take me back to my childhood, because my Meme would always make them with me when I came over around Halloween. I still remember feeling like a real chef, helping her place the dough on the cookie sheet, even though that was one of the only two steps to baking them. Unfortunately, still to this day that is the extent of my baking skills.

• The best Halloween candy I ever got is at a particular house in the wealthier neighborhood next to mine. We always went trick or treating at the "rich" neighborhoods, because some of the houses gave out king size candy bars. There was one house, though, that let us pick two. They always had the best selection, too. They had all different types of chocolate candies and sour candies. I remember that I would always get two different kinds of sour punch straws. Hopefully one day I can hand out candy like that.

• The first thing I ever was for Halloween was a pumpkin. After that, I don't remember every costume, but I do remember being a dalmatian, a bunny, a "diva", (which consisted of a sparkly blue dress and sunglasses), a cat, a "candy corn" witch (my first and only home-sewn costume that was not even sewn by my family), a Japanese geisha girl, (which now that I am more culturally aware, was total cultural appropriation), a princess, a 50's sock hop girl, superwoman, and the mad hatter, (which I make from taking my mom's atrocious blazer from the 80's, black pants, and a top hat.) This year I finally made my own costume. I plan on being a cow, which I made from a white shirt and shorts, black fabric paint, felt, and balloons. I am very excited to wear it because I have not dressed up in a couple of years, nor have I made a homemade costume by myself. 

• I always thought being sushi would be really cute for Halloween, and you can make that pretty simply. All you need is plain white or textured clothing, chopsticks, a salmon colored pillow, white fabric paint, and a thick piece of black fabric. Paint the pillow with white stripes to resemble raw fish and place it on your back over your white outfit. Wrap it with the black cloth, put the chopsticks in your hair, and you're sushi!

 

Rightness to our Wrongness

• I feel like all adults want their kids to have safer and happier experiences than they did in their childhood. Most parents feel like their kids are the only thing they have control over, so when children rebel or start becoming distant, it turns into a very frustrating experience for the parent, and this turns into a "do as I say, not as I do" mentality. People that live their lives this way personally bother me. Setting examples is one of the most important and influential parts of parenting. Of course, adults make mistakes, but those can always be turned into learning experiences for both the parent and the child. I think it is very difficult for people to accept when they mess up because of pride.
• Illicit love is very appealing, especially to teenagers and young adults. "Alternative" relationships are slowly becoming less taboo, but since the beginning of time, certain types of love have been forbidden. This creates an almost secret society or group. I personally believe that most younger people romanticize love. Today, people usually meet their significant others on social media or dating apps, so when you are able to meet someone and real life and keep it a secret, it almost makes it even more romantic, even though there can be a very real danger of being caught. Everyone today is an adrenaline junkie for love. 
• My perfect day would definitely be in the fall. I would sleep in, but it would be a weekday where everyone else has school so not as many places are crowded. It would be a nice low 60s or high 50s outside. My close friends would be with me, and we would go on a drive to a playlist we made with a bunch of nostalgia-inducing music. My parents would be out of town so we could all hang out at my house whenever we wanted. We would watch movies and then go to dinner downtown, but there would be a maximum 10 minute wait. We would drive to the Verona corn maze and have a bonfire. When the stars come out, we would go on a hay ride and hang out until we get tired. Then, we would go back to my house and go to bed. 
• Three tips I would give to parents of teenagers are to 1.) Not ask so many questions about their plans, ask them how their life is going instead. 2.) Never force them to stay at home with you when you don't have plans. Wanting to spend "family time" is fine, as long as you aren't planning on sitting in the living room and being on your phone all night. 3.) If they tell you that a friend needs their help or comfort, let them go, even if it's late at night. This way, they won't sneak out anyway when you tell them no. Teenagers adore their friends, and they will stop at nothing to be there for them. 

Quoted

Cinema

• My favorite movie is The Breakfast Club. I love the music and the simplicity of the set, but mostly I love the story. It takes someone from every high school clique, but they all realize they aren't very different at all. 
• I hate science fiction and chick flicks. I feel really weird watching science fiction. I guess I just don't like alternate universes. I prefer relate-able movies. That is the exact reason why I hate average chick flick movies. None of those are the least bit realistic or moving to me. Weeping women and angst filled average romance stories do not interest me in the least.
• I usually don't have the attention span to pay attention to a full movie. When I do, I like watching them at home in our family room. I prefer to watch them alone so that I can really pay attention to the plot. 
• The survey said I was 67% EXTROVERTED, 67% AGREEABLE, 100% CONSCIENTIOUS, 8% EMOTIONALLY STABLE, and 83% OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES. It said the main reason why I watch films is for the nostalgia, catharsis, artistic, or adrenaline. I feel like this is true because I am a chronic movie "rewatcher".  I also love indie or foreign movies because they force me to pay attention. I also love horror movies so that is where the adrenaline junkie in me comes out.  
• If my life were a movie, I would probably have Emma Stone play me because she cracks me up in everything she's in. I would probably highlight some of my most embarrassing moments, the adventures that Caleb and I go on, and some of my personal struggles to add some drama. There would definitely be a happy, "John Green-esque" ending.  
  

Your Future Started Yesterday

In one year, I would like to be settling in to college, getting good grades, and figuring out what I'd like to do. I am planning on moving in with my best friend, Caleb, and that is a huge dream of mine. In five years, I want to get my college degree in something that I love, and I want to begin my career. It would be great if I could meet someone and start a serious relationship. In ten years, I would like to be happy and content in my career, doing something I am passionate about. I want to see Caleb pursuing music and I would love to go on trips to watch him. I want to travel, own a home, and adopt an animal from a shelter. In fifty years, I would love to see myself still being friends with Caleb. I want to be content with everything I have done, and I'd like to feel like I've made a positive difference in people's lives.

Soir Bleu

The glow of the paper lanterns reminds him of home. He missed the dirty streets, the scent of baking bread in the air. The bitter taste of alcohol penetrates his tongue, each drink easier than the last. It was a long night at work, the screams of little children still rang in his ears. A smile crept upon his bright, painted lips. So often he forgot what he did it for. The children. They were the ones that brought him the most happiness. He felt so out of place in the company of men- with their gruff voices and rowdy jokes. A wave of disgust came over him. He was alone in this world. The heart of a child beat inside of his broadened chest. Tomorrow he could live his dream again, his pounding headache going away with each child's joyful giggle. The thought of coming back to the cafe at night entered his head as he let out an exasperated sigh. He hated the smell of cigarettes. He hated the fowl language that escaped their mouths. His vision grew obscured as he shot up from the table, the subtle clink of silverware shaking from the impact. No one questioned his sudden behavior. They watched him as he stumbled out of the cafe, vodka on his breath.
He looked in the mirror, swiping a meaty hand across his painted face. The real man was revealed behind the clown, as it was every evening. He had to come to terms with himself, staring at the sunken, aging face that peered back at him. It felt inhuman. His hand grazed across the postcard from Paris that he took with him all those years ago. He smiled, thinking of his limber body, riding his rusting bicycle through the square, he would set his straw hat on the cobblestones, performing tricks as he heard francs clinking into it. He felt a sudden pain in his head and was brought back to his dirty apartment, open pots of paint all over his dresser. A yawn escaped him as he stretched his worn joints. He got up and sank into his spring mattress, a loud creak emerging from beneath him. He closed his eyes, dreaming of twinkling paper lanterns.

Big Electric Silver Clouds

Silver Clouds

They float above me lazily,

rolling in the haze of yesterday's storm.

Like an old friend, reminding me that peace is soon to come.

A deep rumble emerges from the haze.

It feels as if I could touch them,

as if they were made of pure silver.

The morning dew cakes my eyelashes.

I reach out a trembling finger,

no longer afraid of the storm to come.

Big Electric Chair

Gunshots and screams

wake me from my deepest slumber

my eyes become heavy again

I read the morning paper

coffee on my breath

two people I do not know are dead at the hand of another 

They take him away, 

his grunts shake my home as they drag him to their car

I thought justice was served

I was wrong

he too, will be dead by the morning

his last words were a whispered "I'm sorry."

The chair stares back at me

its hulking wooden frame grinning slyly.

It has taken its victim.

Artist Profile

Andrew Worhola Jr. (Andy Warhol)

Born: August 6th, 1928

Died: February 22nd, 1987

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Father: Ondrej Warhola

Father's Occupation: Immigrant coal miner

Mother: Julia Warhola

Mother's Occupation: Stay-at-home mother, artist

Siblings: Pavol (Paul) and Jan (John) Warhola, both older

Education: Graduated from Schenley High School in 1945. He enrolled in the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, where he studied commercial art. Warhol earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in pictorial design in 1949.

Marriages/Romances/Friendships: Warhol was gay but never acted upon a romantic relationship. He used many of his friends in his art and managed the band The Velvet Underground, making several of their album covers.

8 Historical Events During Warhol's Lifetime: 

1962- British Invasion, death of Marilyn Monroe

1967- Summer of Love

1968- Assassination of MLK Jr. 

1969- Moon Landing, Woodstock

1975- end of Vietnam War

1984- HIV recognized as cause of AIDS

3 Struggles Warhol Faced:

• Warhol was gay but he was also a devout Catholic.
• On June 3rd, 1968 Warhol was shot in an attempted murder and barely survived.
• Warhol died due to an allergic reaction to penicillin after a gallbladder surgery. 

1 Thing Most People Do Not Know:

Andy Warhol died a virgin.

Mediums:

• Drawing/Painting
• Sculpture
• Audio
• Time Capsules
• Television
• Fashion
• Photography
• Graphics
• Theater

Movement: Pop Art

3 Famous Works:

"Marilyn Diptych"

"Campbell's Soup Cans"

"Eight Elvises"

2 Pieces That I Like:

"Silver Clouds"

Made in 1966, Silver Clouds showcased many balloons filled with helium and oxygen. The 

piece was interactive, so viewers could be touched by the artwork.

"Big Electric Chair"

This work made in 1967 took a picture of several electric chairs after they had been used to execute criminals. This was a very controversial subject in New York, where Warhol lived at the time. 

The Blogs I Looked At Today

Today I looked at Ben's, Taylor M.'s, and Jordan's blogs. They are great writers with interesting and funny things to say. I really enjoyed getting a taste of their lives and their thoughts!

On Ben's posts, I wrote:

Well, here I am in lab 237 smirking like an idiot. This story takes some pretty heavy first and last quotes and spins them into something completely original. I kind of sensed a Madagascar vibe when I started this but I thought it was clever how you actually mentioned the characters in that movie. "They were hiding out because they didn’t want to make another movie." This line almost made me laugh out loud, and trust me, you don't want to hear my cackle. 

Great job!Laura


Okay, so this is a reoccurring character. Nice. I like how the story ends on a mysterious note. I have never been enthralled with knowing how a giraffe's life works out until now.

I love Kurt Vonnegut! I follow his quotes account on Twitter and he always has insightful things to say. The quote of his you posted here is especially beautiful. I've never seen it until now.

I agree with you, Ben. Goal setting is so important and it makes the achievement of your goal a fun and insightful experience. In speech and debate, we have to set goals for each tournament and for the long term so we can check on them throughout the year. It's pretty cool to see which ones you achieved and which ones you can work harder on. I hate math more than anything, but we need people who can do it and I'm glad that there is someone out there who has a passion for it! Good luck with everything! We are rooting for you!

I love the line where you describe being guided by the stars. Your story follows a theme while also describing the colors which was really hard to do for me. I like how your last paragraph adds humor with your colors. 

On Taylor M.'s, I wrote:

I really resonate with your last memoir. I am an extroverted introvert as well. It is really hard for my friends to understand that even with my talkative and energetic personality, I need time to be alone and be calm. 

This is a beautiful prose, Taylor. Your imagery perfectly describes the intensity of your story. I love the line, "when I look at my past self, I see a stranger, reeking with the purity and ignorance of youth." The little bit of humor about Mrs. Paulson lightened up the dark theme. I'm not sure I would miss her, but hey, you do you. 

Laura 

This puts such a humorous twist on something that isn't humorous in real life. Isn't it funny how we will only provide quality higher education for thousands of dollars in tuition and board and then hundreds for books? I just think the fact that almost everyone attending college has debt for decades says a lot about our educational system. Just a little mini-rant that ties into your story.

I cancelled Donald Trump too! I would be totally okay with more donuts and parking spaces. Preferably more parking spaces next to Hurt's Donut. I literally forget to dry my clothes all the time. I think I'm going to make you in charge of the world...

This almost sounds like you could turn it into a song. It is beautifully written and describes the idea of the need to be free and live life for yourself really well. I like the like "I wasn't made to be caged." This line is so simple, yet it speaks volumes. 

On Jordan's, I wrote:

This is a great motivational quote, Jordan. I can apply it to speech and debate, so it is pretty multi-purposeful since you can apply it to sports. I struggle with doubting myself a lot, too, and I know how self-deprecating it is. I think it's important to believe in yourself because you are the only constant in your life. 

I totally agree with everything you've said here. Having your hobbies and your job separate can be a good idea because you can do what you love on the side and then focus on professionalism in your career field. I also agree with the idea of balance between dreaming and realism. Dreaming big can be a beautiful thing, but also setting realistic goals is rewarding. 

I'm writing a lot here, but I am wanting to be a psychologist or a therapist myself. I've been to therapy, and it is such a wonderful way to express yourself and not have any filters on what you are saying. I don't care what I do in the future, as long as I help people.

Keep doing what you love!

Laura 

I like how you incorporated the quote you used earlier into your poem. It is a nice touch and kind of keeps with our theme of "stealing artistically".

I love the imagery here. The line, "the light turns and smoke flies, leaving side by side but later all I see is an ashy speck in the rear view" is really great. The laid back theme of this story reminds me of lazy summer days with my own friends. 

I love the imagery here. The line, "the light turns and smoke flies, leaving side by side but later all I see is an ashy speck in the rear view" is really great. The laid back theme of this story reminds me of lazy summer days with my own friends. 

I love how you take a color and turn it into a story. I like the imagery with the smoke in the crowd's eyes.  

6 Word Memoirs

• Talks too much or not enough
• I still count on my fingers.
• Seventeen years and still no relationship.
• I'll always cherish the quiet life.
• Music takes me to another world.
• Excessively talks about my best friend
• Don't make me just a sidekick.
• I thought 140 characters wasn't enough.
• I'm just a number to them.
• I regret living without any regrets.