Thursday, January 27, 2011

If a double decker bus...

Life. Hey. How've you been? Nice to have you back.

These past few days have been awesome. Well, kind of. We had exams on Monday, then a teacher workday and have been snowed out the rest of the week! That is great and all, but the thing is we haven't done anything. Other than on Tuesday, which was really good.

My mom took my brothers, sister, and me to the Marine Corps Museum. Best museum ever. My brother is in the NJROTC program at his school and loves it. He loves the regimentation and everything. He is captain of his colorguard team and is only a freshman! But we went for him. Because he wants to be a marine. That museum was so inspiring. There was a main atrium with a beam going from the ground to the ceiling, at an angle. It represented a mast, it had coins at the bottom and followed the old Greek tradition which meant that if you place coins at the bottom of a mast, you will return with honor. Along the ceiling, where the marble met the glass, there were quotes. Perfect quotes.

"In Vietnam, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

It kind of reminded me of Mormonism. So many of the things we do are uncommon in regards to the world, but when we get together it is uncommon not to have those attributes and things. That was an idea that took me way too long to discover.

ANYWAYS. It was a beautiful presentation of something very ugly. War is ugly. But this was a respectful and inspiring gallery. One of the men there was a survivor of Iwo Jima. There was a picture actually of him. He was a part of the red two beach invasion I think. The museum also held the two flags raised, the first one and the famous second one of the picture. It was incredible, all in all. I felt so inspired and proud for my country. We have such a powerful history! One we can feel pride for. The freedom that we enjoy is the result of numerous conflicts and millions of deaths. But so many of the men and women that died knew why they did and were okay with it. At least judging by the museum. It makes me want to go serve!

It was a good Tuesday. One that gave me a new perspective on life. There are so many greater things out there to live for than the pettiness of high school. There is something bigger than all of us. While that may not be our country, it is one of the best things we've got.

Well, it is late. Farewell :)

Monday, January 3, 2011

The world spins madly on

This is simply a random compilation of thoughts. I'm sorry it isn't going to be very deep. But it represents the state of my mind right now. A jumble of musings.

Here is something I wrote in AP Lit class about the black box:

"The Black Box is where I spend most of my time (when I am not in class or at home). It is filled with so many wonderful memories. On one wall hangs all the posters from previous shows along with all the graduates from each class. Thoughout the room are props from previous and ongoing projects. The room is designed to be ambiguous. Completely neutras so as not to limit the imagination of those who use it. It is a place that encompasses chaos and serenity both. This is because the thespians that utilize the space the most are those that find peace in the entropy of the universe. It is a place of creation and magic. Bonds are forged between people and also between those people and their words. The props are faint reminders of what once was, but also a strong force pushing you to what could be."

Bear with me here. There is a poem that I love. Very much. It is called: "A Finger, Two dots, then me" by Derrick Brown. I suggest you read it. It details the relationship between these two people. It follows them into outer space. That is where they went after they died. But one died before the other, and he waited. Although they were only balls of energy then, he still found her. Here is the part I love the most:

Take your time and don't worry about getting lost.
You'll find me.
Up there, a finger and two dots away.
If you're wondering if I'll still be able to hold you
...I honestly don't know

But I do know that I could still fall for
a swish of light that comes barreling
and cascading towards me.

It will resemble your sweet definite hands.
The universe will bend.
The planets will bow.
And I will say "Oh, there you are. I been waitin' for ya. Now we can go."


I think it is the sweetest thing. So beautiful. One last thing before I leave you with this chaotic assortment of memories and feelings. There is a video that fits tonight perfectly. Tonight the stars shine, and the cool breeze is the kind that keeps your body grounded while the rest of you flies off into imagination.