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| Mandarin will be represented by 'The Phantom of the Opera' |
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| Amazon will be represented by 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix' |
Prepare for more posts, readers.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Firsts to come
These are the first pictures that we have personally taken to add to PRISM. This morning, while having breakfast outside (the grass was soaking wet) we decided "yes, we will do some of our own photography". We both love blogs like 'A Beautiful Mess' that do all of their own fabulous photography, and thought we would give it a try. The problem is, both of us are horribly camera shy and we aren't the most photogenic people. Because of this, we have decided to let our favorite books represent us.
I've (Mandarin) decided that I want to work on PRISM more. I really don't do much else. I don't participate in many sports or after school activites, so most of my time I spend reading, Pinteresting, and painting the mural at my school. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy spending time with my season- not a popular trend with most sisters. When we are planning posts, or just messing around- it's fun. Don't tell her, though. She would make the weirdest face to know that she is actually my friend.
Prepare for more posts, readers.
Prepare for more posts, readers.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
20 things to learn perfectly
1. How to shake hands
2. Cursive or Calligraphy
3. A memorized poem
4. Master one sport or athletic thing
5. How to make friends ( and keep them)
6. How to make chocolate chip cookies
7. Who you are
8. How to introduce yourself properly (first impressions are everything)
9. Proper Grammar ( Peoples just ain't speakin' the way the used to)
10. How to fix minor rips and tears in clothes
11. How to repair a bike
12. First Aid
13. The lyrics to your favorite song
14. The lyrics to your best friend's/ sibling's/ family member's favorite song
15. How to laugh at yourself
16. How to work hard- work ethic is everything
17. What you want to be or want to become
18. How to play car ride games
19. Campfire songs
20. Stand up for yourself and others
2. Cursive or Calligraphy
3. A memorized poem
4. Master one sport or athletic thing
5. How to make friends ( and keep them)
6. How to make chocolate chip cookies
7. Who you are
8. How to introduce yourself properly (first impressions are everything)
9. Proper Grammar ( Peoples just ain't speakin' the way the used to)
10. How to fix minor rips and tears in clothes
11. How to repair a bike
12. First Aid
13. The lyrics to your favorite song
14. The lyrics to your best friend's/ sibling's/ family member's favorite song
15. How to laugh at yourself
16. How to work hard- work ethic is everything
17. What you want to be or want to become
18. How to play car ride games
19. Campfire songs
20. Stand up for yourself and others
Invisible (Mandarin)
The other day at school, while talking with a friend about Panic! at the Disco and good books, i accidentally mentioned my anxiety disorder. I don't like talking about it much, but I think that there should be an awareness of it. People don't really see it as a legitimate disorder. Schizophrenia? "Yeah". Phycopathy? "Yes". Chronic Anxiety? "That's not a thing."
It is actually fairly common, but not everyone has it. Anxiety disorder is a deep rooted distrust and panic about anything. We over analyze everything and believe that everyone we know secretly hates and is just putting up with us. We get panic attacks and are often hyper frightened of things. Now, I'm not here to make excuses or invite pity. I an not blaming my tendency to panic on this or using it as a tool to get sympathy. I simply want an awareness of it, and other invisible disorders like ADD/ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and Depression. These aren't super visible unless you have a brain scan and a couple of tests- not something most of us just have on hand.
That's part of the problem. How can we be sensitive to these disorders if we can't see them? A general rule of thumb is to just be kind and considerate of everyone. Who know what they are going though, condition or not? Another option is it you are close to a person, just ask them about it. I like knowing what my friends are experiencing so I can know how to help them and be there for them.
If you are a person who is living with any of these, remember this: You don't need to be ashamed. it is a part of you as much as your hair color is. You can get help with it. Medication, special school accommodations, and what not are all there for you. This doesn't make you dumb or stupid in any way either. We all live with weaknesses, it's just that ours has a medical label. This is not a matter of you being slow, too hyper, or mopey. It's physical. And you can handle it.
It is actually fairly common, but not everyone has it. Anxiety disorder is a deep rooted distrust and panic about anything. We over analyze everything and believe that everyone we know secretly hates and is just putting up with us. We get panic attacks and are often hyper frightened of things. Now, I'm not here to make excuses or invite pity. I an not blaming my tendency to panic on this or using it as a tool to get sympathy. I simply want an awareness of it, and other invisible disorders like ADD/ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and Depression. These aren't super visible unless you have a brain scan and a couple of tests- not something most of us just have on hand.
That's part of the problem. How can we be sensitive to these disorders if we can't see them? A general rule of thumb is to just be kind and considerate of everyone. Who know what they are going though, condition or not? Another option is it you are close to a person, just ask them about it. I like knowing what my friends are experiencing so I can know how to help them and be there for them.
If you are a person who is living with any of these, remember this: You don't need to be ashamed. it is a part of you as much as your hair color is. You can get help with it. Medication, special school accommodations, and what not are all there for you. This doesn't make you dumb or stupid in any way either. We all live with weaknesses, it's just that ours has a medical label. This is not a matter of you being slow, too hyper, or mopey. It's physical. And you can handle it.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a secret battle.
Be nice, readers!
Humans of New York
My, my, it's been a while hasn't it? I do apologize, readers, but for a while I was thinking I (Mandarin) wouldn't come back to write. I will though. This blog is my baby.
Recently I went to the library (shocker!!) and found this new book called 'Humans of New York'. It's a collection of photography from the blog 'Humans of New York'. Author Brandon Stanton wanders around New York City snapping interesting people's photos then getting to know them. It's beautiful, inspiring, and now I really really really want to go to New York.
'Humans of New York' not only explores interesting people, but also seemingly average people. Living in Small Town Michigan--these are the kind of people I see daily. I don't often get to see someone sporting a multicolored mohawk.
It's awesome when I do, but it's still pretty rare. It's so interesting to think about even average people though. To think about how complex their lives are. They have thoughts, mistakes, accomplishments trailing behind in their past. They have whole lives, epic back stories, and amazing aspirations. How many things do they know that I don't? It's not very often that we turn outside ourselves. So many are concerned with looking inside and discovering themselves. How do we know what to call ourselves without the labels and names given by others? I know that I am a blogger, artist, fashion and history lover, and a friend--but only because those words were invented and passed to me by others. Instead of digging around more in my brain- a place I am already so familiar with- why not discover new things in new places?
I started observing people more. Call me creepy, but I glanced through car windows. I looked at people across rooms. I wrote notes in my journal about the people I saw at the mall. Suddenly the whole world seemed much more interesting. Did you know that there is an old man who wears a hat with a turtle on it who comes to pick up his kid at the elementary school every day? Did you know that the obnoxious kid who sits next to you in math class writes poetry?
I honestly get bored with just myself sometimes. Others are so new and colorful.
Recently I went to the library (shocker!!) and found this new book called 'Humans of New York'. It's a collection of photography from the blog 'Humans of New York'. Author Brandon Stanton wanders around New York City snapping interesting people's photos then getting to know them. It's beautiful, inspiring, and now I really really really want to go to New York.
'Humans of New York' not only explores interesting people, but also seemingly average people. Living in Small Town Michigan--these are the kind of people I see daily. I don't often get to see someone sporting a multicolored mohawk.
 | |
| This takes guts |
It's awesome when I do, but it's still pretty rare. It's so interesting to think about even average people though. To think about how complex their lives are. They have thoughts, mistakes, accomplishments trailing behind in their past. They have whole lives, epic back stories, and amazing aspirations. How many things do they know that I don't? It's not very often that we turn outside ourselves. So many are concerned with looking inside and discovering themselves. How do we know what to call ourselves without the labels and names given by others? I know that I am a blogger, artist, fashion and history lover, and a friend--but only because those words were invented and passed to me by others. Instead of digging around more in my brain- a place I am already so familiar with- why not discover new things in new places?
I started observing people more. Call me creepy, but I glanced through car windows. I looked at people across rooms. I wrote notes in my journal about the people I saw at the mall. Suddenly the whole world seemed much more interesting. Did you know that there is an old man who wears a hat with a turtle on it who comes to pick up his kid at the elementary school every day? Did you know that the obnoxious kid who sits next to you in math class writes poetry?
I honestly get bored with just myself sometimes. Others are so new and colorful.
 |
| Now that's art. |
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| Brandon Stanton |
Friday, April 10, 2015
Express yourself
Hello Readers,
Amazon here. Sorry I haven't written in forever. It's all Mandarin about now. Life's a little chaotic for me right now. With volleyball practice every night for two hours, then homework and eating, youth-group occasionally and showers. Volleyball is almost done though. Lately, I've been noticing big changes in people. I'm not sure what's in the air or what sickness is going around but, everyone is changing it seems. And I'm not talking small changes A girl I've know since the first grade and has worn a ponytail and a sport shirt everyday of her life came to the school science fair with cascading curls, lovely lipstick, a skirt and flats. Another friend I've know for almost two years now has gone from preppy to dying her hair black and white and listening to heavy metal. A guy I've know to be a little lazy, shy and slow on the up-take is now a jock, outgoing, and with all A grades! I'm not saying any of these are bad, what I'm saying is that I am astounded and so, so, so, very glad that my friends, my dear friends are expressing and committing to their selves. A good friend once told me that when we are babies we decide who and what type of person we are going to be and when we try to be someone else we are refusing ourselves, we need to just be who we are and not some mask with a smile. I have first hand experience with this, I always wanted to be the cool kid that could play sports and acted like one of the guys. Only this year I've started acting like a girl again. Since like second grade, I only wore boy shirts and my hair in a ponytail with a couple exceptions. Please don't ever refuse yourself always express yourself.
-Amazon
Amazon here. Sorry I haven't written in forever. It's all Mandarin about now. Life's a little chaotic for me right now. With volleyball practice every night for two hours, then homework and eating, youth-group occasionally and showers. Volleyball is almost done though. Lately, I've been noticing big changes in people. I'm not sure what's in the air or what sickness is going around but, everyone is changing it seems. And I'm not talking small changes A girl I've know since the first grade and has worn a ponytail and a sport shirt everyday of her life came to the school science fair with cascading curls, lovely lipstick, a skirt and flats. Another friend I've know for almost two years now has gone from preppy to dying her hair black and white and listening to heavy metal. A guy I've know to be a little lazy, shy and slow on the up-take is now a jock, outgoing, and with all A grades! I'm not saying any of these are bad, what I'm saying is that I am astounded and so, so, so, very glad that my friends, my dear friends are expressing and committing to their selves. A good friend once told me that when we are babies we decide who and what type of person we are going to be and when we try to be someone else we are refusing ourselves, we need to just be who we are and not some mask with a smile. I have first hand experience with this, I always wanted to be the cool kid that could play sports and acted like one of the guys. Only this year I've started acting like a girl again. Since like second grade, I only wore boy shirts and my hair in a ponytail with a couple exceptions. Please don't ever refuse yourself always express yourself.
-Amazon
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Thanks!
I'm here to rant about stuff a little bit (heheh clarity) I remember when I first moved here to Michigan in seventh grade how INCREDIBLY excited I was. I wasn't in the least bit too sad to leave where we had been. We had been in middle of nowhere Illinois where the big problem on everyone's sixth grade mind was "Oh gosh, who will be my new boyfriend? I've already dated the only eleven boys here!" When my dad got a job here I was practically packed five minutes after we got the call confirming it. And so here we are.
When we first arrived I was set, let me tell you, I was ready to meet my bestest friend in the whole wide world minutes after walking through the door. That didn't happen of course. For the first few months here I wasn't happy. I felt so disappointed that I was just as lonely here as I was there. I became shy, and wore the same sweater every day not because I didn't have any other clothes but simply because it was comfy and I was uncomfortable. I didn't work hard in school, and often would bounce around tables looking for friendly people. We have all been there. It's called seventh grade.
I'm not here to complain though. My point here is that soon enough at a school dance I met a sweet short girl with long brunette hair who played monopoly with me in the library. She invited me to sit with her group at lunch. At that same lunch I met another girl who I had band class with who was smart and funny. After that I met a bold and nerdy girl and a blonde quirky dancer in my art class. These four were literally the first REAL friends I had. They were kind, understanding and yanked me by the hood of my purple sweater out of a really lonely time. Seventh grade sucks folks. I'm just writing this post as a thank you to them and a message to lonely people that help will come. It always does. It will probably come kind of slow and awkward though, but don't mind that. It's worth it. Thanks, founders!!
I always leave a little comment at the end, don't I? Heheh. This was kind of a weird post. My attempt at inspiration I guess. I also thank my readers!! THANK YOU MUCH FOR MAKING MY TIME ON THE INTERNET NOT LONELY!
When we first arrived I was set, let me tell you, I was ready to meet my bestest friend in the whole wide world minutes after walking through the door. That didn't happen of course. For the first few months here I wasn't happy. I felt so disappointed that I was just as lonely here as I was there. I became shy, and wore the same sweater every day not because I didn't have any other clothes but simply because it was comfy and I was uncomfortable. I didn't work hard in school, and often would bounce around tables looking for friendly people. We have all been there. It's called seventh grade.
I'm not here to complain though. My point here is that soon enough at a school dance I met a sweet short girl with long brunette hair who played monopoly with me in the library. She invited me to sit with her group at lunch. At that same lunch I met another girl who I had band class with who was smart and funny. After that I met a bold and nerdy girl and a blonde quirky dancer in my art class. These four were literally the first REAL friends I had. They were kind, understanding and yanked me by the hood of my purple sweater out of a really lonely time. Seventh grade sucks folks. I'm just writing this post as a thank you to them and a message to lonely people that help will come. It always does. It will probably come kind of slow and awkward though, but don't mind that. It's worth it. Thanks, founders!!
I always leave a little comment at the end, don't I? Heheh. This was kind of a weird post. My attempt at inspiration I guess. I also thank my readers!! THANK YOU MUCH FOR MAKING MY TIME ON THE INTERNET NOT LONELY!
Saturday, April 4, 2015
D.I.F.Y (Do it for yourself)
Does anyone read this? I know that i have given out this address to friends and family, but honestly on the little graph that shows how many times your blog has been viewed, there is like two here and that is because I have been looking at it. I don't mind if it's not read often though. This blog is kind of like my baby. I'm writing this for myself so I can practice my writing skills and give the world a little slice of Mandarin.
I think that's how the best things start. When you start a project or adventure to fill something in yourself rather than please the crowds. When you are doing somethings simply because it brings you joy and you would die if you didn't have it, that's when you do your best work. I watched a cool documentary recently about the author and artist of the HUGE graphic novel 'Bone'. 'Bone' is a massive, beautifully drawn, epic fantasy that pleases all from second graders to grown adults. It's that good. In the documentary Jeff Smith, the creator, kept talking about how he wrote 'Bone' for himself because he wanted to write something he wanted to read. It wasn't a story dispatched to him from some company. It was an idea that he came up with and nursed to fame. There are countless stories of artists, scientists, and many others who succeeded because of their own curiosity and ideas. They weren't doing it for anyone else. So that's why I don't mind that no one reads this except for Amazon and I. Prism is preparing me and my talents to get better and succeed. I am writing for my best self, not someone else. But I'm not saying that I don't appreciate those who bump up the Times Page Viewed up to two! Read any time!!
That totally contradicted everything I previously said. Sigh, Enjoy my contradictions!
I think that's how the best things start. When you start a project or adventure to fill something in yourself rather than please the crowds. When you are doing somethings simply because it brings you joy and you would die if you didn't have it, that's when you do your best work. I watched a cool documentary recently about the author and artist of the HUGE graphic novel 'Bone'. 'Bone' is a massive, beautifully drawn, epic fantasy that pleases all from second graders to grown adults. It's that good. In the documentary Jeff Smith, the creator, kept talking about how he wrote 'Bone' for himself because he wanted to write something he wanted to read. It wasn't a story dispatched to him from some company. It was an idea that he came up with and nursed to fame. There are countless stories of artists, scientists, and many others who succeeded because of their own curiosity and ideas. They weren't doing it for anyone else. So that's why I don't mind that no one reads this except for Amazon and I. Prism is preparing me and my talents to get better and succeed. I am writing for my best self, not someone else. But I'm not saying that I don't appreciate those who bump up the Times Page Viewed up to two! Read any time!!
That totally contradicted everything I previously said. Sigh, Enjoy my contradictions!
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