Monday 29 October 2012

Reading Reflection #7


Date; October 29 2012
Book: Cell by Stephen King
- read all-

These past 4 days I’ve been reading Cell by Stephen King. It was the first Stephen King book I have ever read and needless to say, I now see why everyone reads his books. The detail he puts into every sentence is truly amazing. Although I enjoyed the book, I had many questions. I think it may be because I read entirely too fast.

One question I had was “What happened to Alice?” In the book, it says that Alice arrives all bloody and teary. I understood the tearing up part but I did not get why she was bloody. While wondering that, I had made the prediction that Alice was not who she really was and that she would turn against Tom and Clay near the end. It’s revealed later in the book that Alice had to fight against the phoners who were trying to attack her thus making her bloody. She was scared and she had to fight against her own mother. The prediction I had made about her before had not come true. Alice stays true to everyone to her last breath.
While reading, I had made the prediction that Clay’s son and wife had died and attacked by a phoner. Surprisingly, this prediction did come true. Just… not in the way you’d expect it to. It caught me off guard that Sharon had become a phoner and almost attacked Johnny. So I suppose, in a way she is dead but a different kind of death. This was very different to me. A lot of books I have read would’ve killed her off but I suppose Stephen King is a different kind of author. He puts a lot of thought into his book and I was surprised by how good I could picture the scene in my head.

My last question about this book was How does it all end?! The ending really left me wanting more. I know he probably won’t create a follow up book but if there’s anything I hate more than a badly written book, it’s a cliff hanger. The ending really left me wondering what happened to Johnny. The way it worked was the virus had everyone turning into zombies but like the way computers work, there was a worm in it. Johnny got a less insane version of the worm and is basically broken. Clay tries to reverse the process by putting the cell phone to his ear and then we do not know what happens afterwards. I really enjoyed this book. The detail is really well thought out and it’s the perfect mix of gore and suspense/mystery. I’d love to read a follow up novel but I suppose the purpose of a cliff hanger is to leave you in thought for a bit.
Thank you for reading!

Thursday 25 October 2012

Personal Addition; Somewhere In Neverland


Recently, I've been listening to A LOT of All Time low. This song is by far my favourite. It's all about how Alex Gaskarth feels that he grew up too fast and he'd give anything just to be a kid again and just relive everything he had to miss. In reality, I feel a lot of people feel that way. We all grew up too fast and now we're just clawing back to get our childhood back and experience things we missed. 

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Personal Addition; Time.

I have been told way too many times that I act older than I should. That I should learn to grow down a little because I'm concerned about my future. That I should stop and let the future happen and stop trying to control it.

Why is wanting to look forward such a bad thing? I've always been a bit ... mature for my age, If that's the word. I mean, It's always good to plan forward... Right? Right? Some people think otherwise. I'm scared for my future and I'm not even a senior yet. I don't know where I want to go or what I want to do and It's stressing me out to no end.

But I do understand why others would like me to appreciate my youth. I know there are things that I could do now that I'd just look ridiculous doing while older. It’s like… I don’t want to grow up. But I don’t want to stay young too, you know? I don’t know the balance of the two. I wish I did. I think I think too much of the future and not enough of what I could be doing now. I graduate next year, and I still don’t know what to do. I have no idea what I want to do. The idea of University scares me. I don’t want to have to worry about it, But 10-15 years from now I won’t be living here. I won’t be on my way to school every morning, bleary eyed and tired. I may be married, Hell, I may even have a few kids of my own. I’m going to be called “mom” or Mrs.(insert last name here). I won’t ever be addressed to again as “Ms. Jasmine Villanueva”. It scares me so much. I could be working in an office or as a teacher. I have no control over my future and whats in it. All the decisions I make at this time could affect and change my lifestyle in the future forever. I get scared because what if I make the wrong choice? What if I end up lonely and sad? What if I’m all alone in the world because of a single decision I make now?

I just … wish I could stop the world for a bit. Just … simply sit alone for a while and just think. 


But the clock doesn’t stop ticking. Every second goes by like a grain of sand and the only thing we can do now is move forward. ... And that's what scares me most.

Monday 22 October 2012

Personal Addition; If These Sheets Were The States

I'm lost in empty pillow talk again

This bed's an island made of feather down, and I'm stuck here alone
With little else but memories of you, on memory foam

Visions of a brighter love, I'd kill for one more day
To pool my thoughts, and find the words to say

If these sheets were the states, and you were miles away,
I'd fold them end over end to bring you closer to me.
Because I don't sleep at all without you pressed up against me.
I settle for long distance calls, I'm lost in empty pillow talk again.

I'm lost in empty pillow talk again

This room's become a mausoleum, filled with relics of regret
Paying dues to every moment wasted, on words left unsaid
Collisions of a finer love, I'd kill for one more way
To tell you how you make me better every day

If these sheets were the states, and you were miles away,
I'd fold them end over end to bring you closer to me.
Because I don't sleep at all without you pressed up against me.
I settle for long distance calls, I'm lost in empty pillow talk again.

(Lost in empty pillow talk again)
(Lost in empty pillow talk again)

If these sheets were the states, and you were miles away,
I'd fold them end over end to bring you closer to me.
Because I don't sleep at all without you pressed up against me.
I settle for long distance calls, I'm lost in empty pillow talk

I settle for long distance calls, I'm lost in empty pillow talk again.
I'm lost in empty pillow talk again.


This is a song written and performed by Alex Gaskarth, Leader of All Time Low. 

I really like the way this song was written. I mean, Wow! Who knew you could compare bedsheets to a long distance relationship? That's what really got me. I don't think I know anyone who could do that. My favourite line in this song is ; "If these sheets were the states and you were miles away, I'd fold them end over end to bring you closer to me". It shows that although your significant other is far, they're never too far in your heart. 
Random thought; Why can't this be a thing? Like, bed sheets that actually have the lyrics printed out on them? I'd be first in line to buy them. 

Monday 15 October 2012

Personal addition; Short Story (Fog)

Under a lone street light I stand. Shadows are cast, distorting my short frame into a long lanky figure under the light as the yellow hue of it dances across my ratty, beat up sneakers. I stand and breath in the stale cold air as I gaze into the sea of grey that cornered me; suffocating myself with the fog as thick as pea soup. There’s no way to go without guaranteeing myself the safety, or even light. The only light I have as of now is the street light and the unpromising black night with only a speckle of stars to keep me company. 

I’ve got no idea what the hell called me here, or even what possessed me to listen to the voices that haunted me. Voices would whisper empty promises into my head while alone at night when I tossed and turned; trying to drown them out. I should’ve told someone. I should’ve told them about the demonic whispers that took over me. But I didn’t. I didn’t because I knew they’d lock me up in an asylum. An asylum of the insane and damned, of people like me who heard voices and went insane. 


I didn’t tell anyone and here I am. Under a damn streetlight in the middle of only God knows where. I dare not move, or even flinch from my only source of light in fear that I’d walk around with a sense of direction or sight in this city of fog. I try to think back to the last time I did anything but my mind turns up blank. Great. No memory or thought. I wish someone would wake me up from this insane nightmare. Why is it that I can’t remember anything? This is driving me absolutely crazy. From the distance, I hear voices taunting me into the fog. 


Suddenly, I see an outline of a person emerging from the fog. Finally, a person.  But… What if it’s not a person? I’ve never been big on horror movies but I never really got scared easily. I probably should feel something. Alarmed or confusion surely, but right now, all I can feel is a sense of warmth. Like I’m being approached by someone I know. My heart beats faster as it gets closer and I feel a grin beginning to tug at the corner of my mouth. I feel like a puppet; controlled by its master, Unable to voice its opinion, with strings attached by every limb, telling it where its loyalty should lie. 


I get the strangest sensation of excitement as I can hear its footsteps lingering closer. Finally, it emerges, waving away the fog and coughing. My mouth drops as it steps under the streetlight and I’m able to see it under the glowing yellow hue. 


It’s me. Faces identical, and complexion the same with every single freckle placed with extreme care and precision. Emerald green eyes gaze into their twin as its mouth curves into a wide smile. From the messy, sandy brown hair to the ratty converse shoes laced upon my feet; the person in front of me is best mirror I could ask for. There’s something quite off about it him but I can’t put a finger on it. 


Green eyes. Check

Brown shaggy hair. Check. 
Freckles with a dimple in the chee- Suddenly, I know what’s off. 

The dimple on my right cheek is on the left. Soon, I examine “myself” closely and realize that a lot of things are in reverse. Dimple in the right cheek instead of left, Hair parted to the right instead of left and the one crooked tooth on the left side instead of right. I start to feel a sense of dread washing over my relief from earlier. 


“Er- Um… You really have no idea where you are… do you?” his voice interrupts my train of thought. 

“I’m afraid not… I can’t remember anything I’ve done at all” I say, in a voice just above a whisper. This was just too creepy for my liking. I can’t believe there was another world, with another me. 

He laughs and starts to explain. “This is where you go when you drift off to sleep. Very few people stay here and remember it because it’s just so boring and uneventful. Usually, people go off and make their own dreams. We call this world “The Mirror”, It’s also known as a second life. After you drift off to sleep, this is where you go. Another life. Another chance, and a completely different fate. As you go to school and live in your first life, I live here” he says, closing his mouth and waits for me to react. 


This is trippy. Way too trippy for my liking. It’s really all I can say. 


“Okay… but can you please tell me how to get out? This is really starting to scare me” I say, as a huge wave of dread washes over me. “I’m really happy to meet you and all, but I’m getting freaked out” I say, with a quiver in my voice as my pulse sky rockets. 


My clone’s eyes widen and fires in the emerald green eyes take over. He’s angry but he’s trying to keep himself together. He puts his arm around me and points my face to the black night sky. 


“That’s how you get out. You have to climb that streetlight and jump” he says with a mischievous smile imprinted on his face. Before I could thank him, he envelopes me into a rib crushing hug. I hugged this stranger back. “I’ve been stuck here… Much too long…” he says in a hoarse whisper. “Free me…” he says, as he starts to chuckle darkly. Before I knew it, I could feel a sharp object being thrust into my stomach. I gasp for breath as my own blood covers the ground and my twin throws me to the ground and grins evilly. 


The last thing I could remember seeing before losing consciousness was a knife stuck into my stomach and my twin climbing up the pole as he screamed; 


“You’ve had your turn at life. It’s my turn to live now” 

Personal Addition #5 ; All Time Low




I love love LOVE All Time Low so I was completely ecstatic when their new album came out. It's called Don't Panic and I feel that it is the best album they've released so far. I think they really found themselves compared to their older music. I could honestly just listen to it over and over again. Their melodies and the way the music melds together perfectly is ... basically just amazing to me. That, and Alex Gaskarth (band leader) writes all their music, so it's completely original. I really think it lives up and raises my expectations of them. My favourite song on the album is "So Long Soldier". 

Thursday 4 October 2012

Personal Addition; Writing Prompt; Wedding Vows.

*** Hi guys! :) This was my writing prompt. 
" Write wedding vows. The bride is 35, It's her first wedding. The groom is 48 and it's his third go round at the altar" 

As you can see, I decided to add some backstory to it. It's cheesy and I suppose romantic, but um. yeah. Enjoy! :) 



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


She looks up at his handsome time kissed face. Wedding Day. Lenore Preas was finally going to be Lenore James. She had always dreamt of her dream wedding; Traditional with her own little modern twist. She had never thought she’d be marrying someone who was 13 years older than herself.


 But here she was, in her silk and lace wedding dress that had a sweetheart neckline with no straps. She had her chestnut brown hair curled and it cascaded down her neck like a waterfall. Pearl pink lipstick with a touch of brown eye shadow and mascara finished her look. She stood there, feeling like a princess in a fairytale as she looked up at the man she loved the most.


"Third time’s the charm" Franklin James said to himself in his head as he adjusted his tie, His through seemingly getting more and more dry as each second ticked by. He glanced down at his tiny wife to be. She was short, standing at 5"4 as he towered over her with his height of 6"1. He had been married before. Twice to be exact. The other times had not gone so well and he soon started thinking he'd never be able to find his true love. 2 times it took, and neither had the love he felt with Lenore.


His first wife, her name being Nancy Davis was his high school sweetheart. They married at 17, a week after they had graduated and a week before Franklin had to leave to fight in the great World War. He supposed it had been just a bit too early to be married but they had sworn forever to each other. As soon as they had won the war, Franklin came home to find Nancy 6 months pregnant with tears in her eyes. He had been gone for 3 years, 3 long years without her. He had missed her so much, but Nancy obviously felt differently. She had gotten cozy with the local barber and had a child with him. With that, Franklin threw his wedding ring into the river along with the shattered remains of his heart and dreams of their suppose-to-be future.


His second wife, her name was Amelie. She was little French beauty he had picked up when he toured France after leaving Nancy, 7 years afterwards. He supposed he let himself fall a little too fast and just a tiny bit too hard. She was a ballerina who performed in a lot of local ballets. She was graceful and just so amazing to look at. Every time she jumped into the air to perform a move he found himself holding his breath, as if taking a breath while this beautiful little lady jumped would break her. He was sure she'd be the one. They dated for roughly 2 years before he got onto his knee and proposed. They had an amazing 5 year run at a marriage but it soon started to deteriorate due to Amelie getting too involved with her charming dance partner. Franklin tried so hard to keep them together but realised it was far too broken to fix. They soon got divorced after, leaving Franklin in tears and Amelie in the arms of Pierre, Her dance partner.


He promised himself he'd never love again. Women were nothing but stealers of the heart, A waste of tears and broken promises. He stayed single for many years afterwards, Building a small company that escalated into huge branches. Soon Franklin was one of the richest men in town with one of the worst reputations. One day, Franklin had been sitting in a cafe when little Miss Lenore Preas walked in, soaking wet from the rain. He knew he'd never see her more beautiful.


They had talked for hours, laughing and sharing their life story with each other. Franklin found his heart to be melting every time this wonderful lady smiled at him. With her, He had felt this sense of security he never felt with Nancy or Amelie. She made him feel like she'd never hurt him or love him less. Every time their lips met, it took him straight to cloud 9 and kept him holding her tighter than ever.


It was 21 years after Amelie and he had found her. The woman he'd spend forever with. There he stood at the altar, looking at her like it was the first time he'd ever seen her. He felt tears trickle down as he held her hand she spoke out her vows


"Franklin Mario James, I vow to love you with everything I am. I know you've gone through times where things were hard and other women only failed you. I know it took 21 years for you to even look at another women but I vow to love you forever. You're my guardian angel. I keep my heart with you. I leave it with you to hold and love. I love you Mon Cherie" she said, with tears sparkling in her eyes.


He looked down at her, Tears threatening to take over him as he spoke in a loud and strong voice


"Lenore Kathleen Preas, I vow to love you. I vow to cherish and to love you in all your forms. This is a once in a lifetime love and let it be known that yes, I have had 2 failed marriages but I know those don't even hold a candle to what we have now. Before I guess I never knew what love was. I suppose 3 times really is the charm, I would know this because you're mine now. I promise you, when we're at our dying ends, you'll know how it feels to be loved every second for the rest of your life.  I promise I'll be yours, present and future and forever. I love you my darling"


He ended his vows in a tear choked sobs as the Priest finally said what he had been waiting for for a long time. Franklin felt like time was standing still as he tried to picture this moment forever. Lenore, looking beautiful and up at him with happy tears in her eyes. All he could smell was her perfume. Lavender, vanilla and just certain freshness she seemed to carry.


"You may now kiss the bride" said the Priest as Lenore and Franklin smiled at each other and he took her in his arms and promised their forever.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

6 Word Memoir #5


Writers note; He was the first one I thought of when I saw the "love" category. This boy has been amazing to me. I've known him for 4 years now, but now he's been my boyfriend for close to 4 months.  I know it may not seem long to many of you but for me, these 4 months have been everything. He's my best friend, He's the person I trust the most, and He's my boyfriend and just so much more. We went from honestly hating each others guts in middle school to being practically inseparable in High School. We made each other miserable beyond word just to repair it all with a single smile or laugh. 

Monday 1 October 2012

Personal Addition; Writing Collaboration

// This was a writing collaboration that I did with my friend Ryan about a year ago. I'm pretty proud of this, considering writing hasn't always been my thing.  

WARNING! This is also a bit violent with just a touch of gore. 

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

I sat, voluntarily paralysed, in a small chair, in a corner. I dared to speak.

  “…Calm down, come on,” I pleaded. I tensed, immediately regretful, bracing myself for a hit -

 But the man didn’t do much, simply applied more pressure to the pistol he held to my head. Bruises from previous hits ached with the pressure. I allowed myself to let out a soft sigh, relieved. I didn’t know this man, nor the reason behind his violence. I looked around the the apartment, looking, searching for a way out. Nothing. It doesn’t matter, anyway, I thought to myself. Had I found a way out, I would have been dead only a few moments after deciding to take it into action. I felt confused and terrified for my fate. Why me? Was I just a candidate along with everyone else and I was the lucky one he picked? I don’t understa- I refuse to understand this. I refuse to believe this was happening, and yet. Here I was, stuck and petrified in this small chair with no escape, with my life hanging by a thread as it flashed through my eyes.

1 second. I could be dead.
10 seconds. I could make an escape.
1 minute. I could talk him out of killing me.

I’m not hoping for the best. I can’t believe I was the one stuck to this chair with this strange man holding the cold steel against my head.  My bruises were pulsating as it started to turn the slightest bit purple.
ba dum – ba dum – ba dum

It’s all I could hear. My heartbeat thumping against my eardrums. It’s all I care about, keeping the pulse and staying alive. I can’t hear anything else, it’s just the heartbeat, over and over again.


He glares at me, and all I see is coldness. Eyes as cold as stone as he pulls the trigger. Suddenly, the world turns black. Blood splattered across the once white and pristine wall, and my body is slumped over the chair. Last thing I remember is the man’s heavy footsteps walking away and slamming the door.

Scarlet red blood is splattered.

Red. White. Simplicity.

6 Word Memoir #3

Writers note; I immediately thought of this moment when I saw "Growing up" in our categories. When I was younger, I got my head stuck in a fence. Enough said.

6 Word Memoir# 4

Writers Note; I'm pretty sure everyone has done a 6 Word Memoir about music. I feel that music is an extremely powerful thing. It can express so much in simple melodies and rhythms, and it can describe exactly what you're unable to explain. Music is extremely important to me. I can't imagine going a day without listening to it.

6 Word Memoir #2


Writers note: This honestly speaks to me so much. This was a lesson that I had to learn myself, the hard way. I feel that this will speak to a lot of other people the same way it spoke to me.