Nadia

Princess of the night

I’ve gotten her a special flower and I hope she likes it, I can’t help but love her more every day. I’m on my way to our secret place, the tree house we grew up in, I decorated it especially for tonight.  

I see her, oh how beautiful she is, they have her in an ombre blue gown tonight. She smiles at me as we run toward each other. “I’ve missed you.” she whispers with her arms wrapped around my neck. “I have a plan, I know what to do.” I tell her. “Jamie don’t, you can’t trust them.”  “It’ll be okay.”

We spend the little time we have together, talking about what’s been going on in each of our lives. We stare at the stars, at each other, knowing we won’t see the other for another year. I bring her favorite foods and we read some of her favorite books. The life she breathes into me is too much, I can see it in her eyes, the pain of being with them.

When they took her from me we were twelve, I was such a fool, but how could I have known? These were things we only knew from fairy tales. I dragged her deep into the forest one night, we weren’t allowed to go there past eight, our parents forbade us, but I had gotten her to go along with it.  I made her a crown of flowers she was my princess, my best friend. That’s when they saw her, found interest in her and took her as if she was a mere flower they could pull from a garden and claim.

Its 11:49 I have only ten minutes with her, why did time pass so quickly? This day seemed the shortest lived of all days in the year. But it was time yet again to part with her. They appeared in a mist and I knew what I had to do, one of them came up to me and handed me the box, and inside I found a delectable dessert, which looked so fine in elegance that it appeared to be plastic, so beautiful but an eerie feel clung to it. I had to do this for her, and so I bit into the dessert and a warm sensation fulfilled my body but it felt completely wrong.  She stared at me wide eyed, “What have you done? You’ve eaten food of the fae! This is my burden not yours, I’d never want you to feel the longing I’ve felt these five years!” “I will take your place, you can live a life now.” “A Life without you is not worth living!” “It cannot be undone, do you understand? I love you and I’ve seen the pain it’s caused you, you will forget me, they’ve promised me that.” The tears fell from her eyes. The ground turned barren and she placed the flower upon a cactus that appeared there, something that did not belong in the middle of the forest.  “What you have done has pierced me like the thorns of a cactus but your love is here,” she said as she looked at the flower.

I brushed the flower lightly and told her “you will remember me only in this way, that every year this flower will bloom at midnight on one day and you will be drawn here by sheer sense, but that is It, understand that I did this for you, I love you, you are and will always remain my princess of the night.”

Amanda

Escape to Freedom 
We were sitting in silence in our little 1 room cabin awaiting the news of whether we had been discovered or not. We didn’t really know what we were running from any longer just that we had to keep going. I being the oldest of the children was left to tend for the five others. Our parents left to the nearby hillside to investigate one of the youngest children’s claims that he had seen other people. We thought we were the only left around for at least 20 miles.   “We haven’t been able to see anyone,” said my father Aken as he walked through the door. “However, Rebekkah, if we don’t change location soon we’ll be discovered no matter what.”   “Are you sure dad?” I asked not wanting to have to move locations for the sixth time in two months. He nodded motioned to the bags we already had packed and walked out the door.   Between the children I split the supplies that needed to be carried. I gave the twins Mathew and Marc the smallest of the bags as they were only five years old, Rory got a large bag for a twelve year old, Emma the fifteen year old carried the medical supplies, and Noel and I split the remainder. Noel was eighteen and I had just turned nineteen.   We were known as runners. Our escape began shortly after the blackouts. As soon as the power went out bombs began dropping over us we had no idea what was going on we just knew we had to leave.   “Come on children don’t be scared we’re almost to our safe place we’ve been telling you about.” My mother said to the twins as they began to get scared. I could just wonder how close. She had been saying we were close for weeks.   We had been walking for hours when night fell we were about to stop and make camp when we heard something not far from us. Two men approached from a clearing in some trees. We at first were terrified thinking we had been caught until one of them noticed the gold star embroidered onto the worn sweater Emma was wearing. The older of the men then pulled his gold necklace out of his shirt to reveal a matching star. He then stepped closer to my father with a tear in his eye and said,   “You have come a long way comrade and you have made it to Poland.” I knew what those words meant. We had made it safely out of the heart of the war to a new beginning.   “What is the date, sir?” My father asked.  “Today is March 9, 1944.” The man replied. I then realized we had been running for nearly five years, for this day. Tears began to stream down our faces; we were safe.

Danielle

Unforgettable Experience
I felt like I was playing the best I have ever played, being on a new team, new players and coaches. My new team, the RC Flames was playing in our very first tournament in Bullhead, Arizona. We made it all the way to the championship game undefeated. Going into this game, I would have never guessed that this unfortunate event would’ve ever happened to me. It was the second half of a very hot and tiring game. We were winning two to one against a Camarillo team. As a left midfielder I tried my hardest to get the ball up the field, through the other players, to my forwards to give them a good chance of scoring a goal. Unfortunately as I tried to pass the ball through the other team’s defense line I was pushed to the right by a girl on my left, and then pushed to the left by a girl on the right. All of this happening at once caused me to step onto the ball and twist my knee a way it probably shouldn’t have been twisted. All in slow motion, I hear a loud snap and crack, the crowd gasping louder than they usually do. Next thing I know, I am on the ground, and I was then surrounded by my team mates checking if I was okay. Finally I felt the excruciating pain of my knee cap being all the way on the left side of my leg. I will never see my knee the same way after this moment. I am laying there out of breath and in shock. I see my coach running out onto the field to help me. He takes one short look at my knee a gaps, which doesn’t make me feel any better. Then, after that, all I remember was being pulled off the field on stretcher to go to the tournament’s first aid tent. As I lay under the shaded tent, I was given water as my cleats and shin guards were pulled off by the paramedics. The man took my leg and said “This will only hurt a little bit and only for a few moments.” He lied. He massaged my knee; put pressure on it then out of nowhere he straightens my knee, very quickly. I can’t seem to get the sound that it made out of my head till this day, it’s something I will never forget. I couldn’t breathe, the pain was 10 times worse than it was before, and I cried and screamed. They then said I needed to get my mind off of it, so they took me back to my game to watch the last part of it. Watching the game, and realizing there might be a chance I would never play again, this killed me. On the bright side, we ended up winning the game four to one. I was devastated I couldn’t be on the field to celebrate winning the championship game with my team. After the traditional “good game” in the middle of the field both my team and the opposing team came to me giving me hugs and their condolences. I began to cry again, all the love I was getting and thinking that I might not be able to finish the season with my new team. It broke my heart. It is now almost a year and a half since this happened and I am back on the field playing the same way I was at the beginning of the season. Even if my knee will never be the same, or I feel the pain in my knee at random times, this made me a better person and a better player. This will be a moment I will never forget no matter how hard I try.    

Chelsie

Summer Night
 It was a typical hot summer day, stuck in the house trying to figure out something to do with all my friends. As we sat there and contemplated on what to do that will be fun for us and didn’t need any money to do it. We were all stumbled and then it crossed one of my friends mind “Let’s go to the park and have a picnic” sound like a great idea. The park wasn’t too far to walk from our house since none of us had cars to drive there. So we gathered up all are necessities blankets, umbrella, speakers, and tons of food.  Walking there was an adventure kind of hot, getting tired of carrying all of our stuff but then finally we reached the park in relief. Then my friends and I found a nice spot in the shade we all just laid out and had a good time. Being at the park relished our inner child having no worries and just messing around and having a great time. We notices it was starting to get dark so we packed up all of our stuff to get ready to leave. As we were walking we were in groups of two a little distant from one another caught up in one’s conversation. Myself and my best friend Zariya were in the back walking and laughing had no care in the world. As I pushed the button to cross the street waiting for the light of the little man to come on to cross, still dying of laughter from the previous conversation I was having with my best friend, then finally the cross signal came on as we stepped off the side walk  into the street only walking three steps I see huge bright head lights and in fear I shirked and immediately grabbed Zariya’s arm. But she wasn’t paying attention and as a reflex she shrugged my pull of an arm away and the car hit her! Thank the Lord s she had a large umbrella in her hand to take some kind of the force from the car off, so only thing that really got hit was her arm. As I am just standing there so startled can’t even get a grasp for words to ask “are you ok?” She is just standing there in un realization of what just had occurred then suddenly the man who had hit her parked and came back making sure she was okay and didn’t need medical care. The impact was so hard that his side view mirror had broken off. Lucky that she had the umbrella right in her arm that is why she didn’t get hurt. I have never been in a situation like this before neither had my friend still in shock I checked her to make sure she was okay and everything. With this happening in my life made me really realize how life is so precious and to really value the time we have with loved ones. I always constantly think to myself what if I didn’t notice the car, or what if I didn’t tug her as I did to move her out of the way, and even what if I was on the opposite side.  Just this experience itself helps me open my eyes on life and always to stay careful and cautious of my surroundings. 

Araceli

 The Beautiful Game 
 No words can describe the feelings I receive when I step onto a soccer field.  The smell of the dirt and the freshly cut grass, the butterflies in my stomach, the prayer that is repeated one hundred times in my head, a team I could call my own; and when that whistle blows, that’s when I instantly know I am home. Soccer has been a talent, and an accomplishment I have acquired for most of my life, which I still wish to carry on for more years to come. Soccer has shaped my life ever since I started playing the beautiful game, and has turned me into the persistent, diligent, faithful person I am today. All these qualities I now currently uphold are all needed to be successful in soccer, and I have learned to take my knowledge of the game, and connect it to the real world. I am proud to say soccer has not only transformed me physically, but mentally as well. The word teamwork is very important in all sports, especially soccer. This sport has brought me friendships, and close bonds with all my teammates. Teamwork is not only important in soccer, but in the real world as well. To succeed in life, many have to learn how to cooperate with others, and learn that the more people who learn to work together as a team find that the job gets done, and accomplished more efficiently. Soccer is a great example for that because when I first joined my Riverside Impact team, I instantly knew I was devoted to that team, and will always give it my all to never let them down. Everyone relies on every single player on a team to do their job, and to do it well, otherwise the team won’t be as strong as many others. It never takes the effort of one player to make a goal, it takes the effort of the whole team to make a goal, and win a game. “I’ve worked too hard and too long to let anything stand in the way of my goals. I will not let my teammates down and I will not let myself down.” My teammates and I live by this quote said by Mia Hamm, the best woman soccer player to ever live. We feel that statement defines us as a team, and reminds us that the name in the front of our jerseys will always be more important than the ones on our backs.  I see my teammates as my second family; we see each other five days a week, have a close bond that can never be fully described, go through hard times together, and may sometimes disagree with one another,   however in the end we will always be faithful to one another, and always have each other’s back no matter what is thrown at us. I am proud to call myself a soccer player, because this amazing sport has taught and directed me on how to live life successfully. Soccer is my comfort zone, whenever I feel overwhelmed, hurt, or have too much on my mind I love to just go outside and let the lovely game take over my mind, and leave my emotions on the field. I can honestly say I have learned about life with a ball at my feet, and am glad I have not learned about it any other way. 

Bianca

The Big Day
So today is the big day I am moving out of my dad’s house but I know it will not be easy. As I am packing my bags he walks in and says “What are you doing?!” and I answered “I am leaving God doesn’t want me to live in this house anymore” he says “I DON’T CARE ABOUT YOUR GOD I AM GOD IN THIS HOUSE AND I SAY YOU ARE NOT LEAVING” i looked at him and I chuckled I could not take this man seriously what do you mean I cannot leave I am nineteen years old I make my own decisions. So I continued to pack my bags and as I started towards my bedroom door he jumps in front of me and I say “please move dad’ (just to be nice) but knowing him he wasn’t going to move so I prepared myself for a fight. We began to struggle he snatched one of my bags out of my hands and threw it across the room he yells again “YOU ARE NOT LEAVING” he grabs me by the arm his grip was so tight that I could feel my circulation being cut off. I used the second bag in my hand and smacked him across the face I yelled “LET ME GO” he fell back frazzled I saw that as my chance to escape so I bolted towards the stairs I could hear him running after me. The only thoughts that were running through my head were “HANNAH YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE NOW” “RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN THIS MAN HAS THE ABLITY TO KILL YOU RIGHT NOW” I continued down the stairs and on the very last step I tripped  and landed on my face “Damn It” I said I quickly tried to pull myself back up but I felt a familiar grip again this time it was tighter and stronger there was no way I could escape now my dad stands towering over me I see a nasty smirk on his face I looked down at his hand and I saw and object he lifted it up and I lifted my hand to block my face and  yelled “NO”…….. everything goes BLACK

Michelle

I remember the first day I put my foot on a gas pedal. It was the year 2007 and I was
eleven years old. I was initially excited to drive because it seemed so fun and freeing.
My family and I were in vacation is Carlsbad and my dad suggested my brother –Matt,
who was seventeen at the time- and I go cart racing. After my parents paid and it was
time to put on the helmet the instructor gave me, the excitement was building.  The
instructor then gave my brother and me basic instructions and safety rules. Then, it
was time to go on the track. It was louder than I thought and disorienting, but I tried to
focus. The instructor told us to sit in our carts and wait for instruction, which I did
reluctantly. I noticed that there were other racers ready to go. My excitement was
starting to leave as nervousness took its place. I sat in my cart and tried to pay
attention to the man right in front of me. He was saying something about the flags he
had in his hands, but it was loud and it was difficult to hear. Plus, my heart was starting
to pound, making it impossible to focus. Suddenly, the instructor moved to the side and
I started to panic, and looked over at my brother who seemed cool as a cucumber.
Next thing I know the green flag went up and everyone around me including Matt, took
off. I hesitantly put my foot on the gas pedal, a little more, more, more, then I flew
down the track. Wow, what a rush, the wind in my face was amazing. It was going
great up until I had to turn, not knowing I was supposed to let up on the gas. I was
going the same speed and skimmed the barrier that separates the lanes of the track.
Whew I thought, not too bad, not too bad at all. I was starting to feel the adrenaline and
getting into a good vibe. I was a little shaky steering on turns, but other than that it was
going pretty damn well. I noticed my cart was coming up behind another driver’s. I tried
to slow down but bam, ended up hitting their bumper. I yelled sorry hoping that they
weren't upset. Fortunately, they turned around and waved signaling it was okay (at
least I think that’s what they meant). Anyways, I got back into my zone and continued
driving. As I passed my parents on the sideline, I noticed they were cheering for me. I
was in high spirits and kept on driving thinking, “Here I am eleven and driving like a
pro”. Somewhere in the corner of my eye I saw a flag waving and wondered what it
meant. I just looked for my brother, but didn't see him. So I just kept driving past the
finish line again, and happened to look to side of it and saw my brother. I suddenly
knew something was wrong and tried to get his attention, but I passed and turned my
head around, forgetting my foot was on the gas pedal. BAM! I ran dead into the barrier.
I closed my eyes and it was as though time stopped and the whole world was looking
at me. When I finally opened my eyes, I figured everyone hadn't really noticed and I
was just being ridiculous. But, my family and the instructors were laughing and any
other soul that witnessed. I was mortified and will never forget the look of humor on
everyone’s face. I never wanted to talk about what happened ever again, but
unfortunately it became a family joke. Because of this experience I was scared to ever
drive again. Hell, I didn't even want to be near the front of a car for a long time. My
parents just thought it was a funny thing that happened once but it affected me for a
long time. So much so that three years later when my dad was trying to teach me how
to drive -in a car this time- I couldn't stop shaking. I was sincerely afraid to drive and it
took me a year after that to get behind the wheel. To be honest I didn't think I would
ever drive just because of one bad experience. But, after I learned the basics (and
didn't crash), I made a promise that I would never hold myself back because of a bad
circumstance. This event signified my will to never give up on something no matter
how tough or intimidating it seems.

September Thank You

A big Thank You to our September Writers!  There were some compelling reads this month.  Great job.  The September Poll has closed and there is a tie for your favorite author.  Sydnee and Alani are the favorites!!!!!  Thank you to all who voted.  October Featured Writers post tomorrow, Monday, October 28.  Check out the blog.  You know the routine--Visit, Read and Comment!  There will be a new October Poll too.  Don't forget to vote.

There are seven writers this month.  October comments will be due by Tuesday, November 12.

Hayleigh

Safe Haven Book Review

                  Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven is a suspenseful romance involving a courageous woman named Katie who finally decides to take control of her life. An unhealthy marriage that could ultimately lead Katie to her death leads her to become a runaway in a town near Southport, North Carolina. New to small town life, Katie is not prepared for the attention that she would draw being the new girl in town. However, she especially draws the attention of the widowed grocery store owner, Alex and his two kids, as well as her new neighbor Jo.

                   As she becomes acquainted to small town life, Katie begins to build relationships with her new friends. The relationship that develops the most, however,is that of her and Alex. Her walls that she has been holding up begin to come down, and the reader begins to see the vulnerability and fear that she has been keeping locked up all this time. This is probably a result of Alex’s kids making her feel so relaxed. Alex’s walls also come down, as he is unsure how to decipher his feelings for Katie when he knows his wife is looking down on him from Heaven. As Katie falls harder and harder into love, the secrets of her past haunt her and she knows that they have to come out sooner or later. Meanwhile Katie becomes a part of the family, going on family trips and beginning to appear like a mother figure to the kids. The events that transpire begin to test the relationship of Alex and Katie, as they try to prove their undying love to eachother while dealing with the fact that not all the truth has been told. As the lives of all four members of this makeshift family are put on the line, the loyalty and love of all four members is put to the test.

                  Sparks maintains a simple theme throughout the work: trust. It is a simple idea that is constantly put to the test as relationships are constantly being built and torn apart. Sparks also uses flashbacks throughout the work in order to tie her past to the present, showing the reader that it is not fully gone. The flashbacks give the reader a sense that these ideas still haunt her, and become a precursor for events related to her past that will transpire. Sparks also does a good job of making the reader feel like they are a part of the story. He achieves this through syntax and diction throughout the novel. He does this with the goal of the reader obtaining an emotional attachment to the story and its characters. He achieves this perfectly, as it becomes hard to put the book down because of great emotional attchment. The reader begins to feel the emotions that the characters are feeling, almost like these tragic events are happening to them. The suspense that Sparks creates makes Safe Haven a perfect book regarding reader interest. The reader gets the opportunity to feel a rollercoaster of emotions as if the characters themselves were popping out of the book.

September Featured Writers

Check out our September Featured Writers.  Read, Comment, Enjoy!!!  I'll post a new poll.  Keep a look out.  There are seven writers this month.

Jerine

Anyone Can Be a Great Runner

If there is one thing that I hear many people complain about constantly it would have to be running. I know running can be hard but it is really not that bad.  Once you know the basics you would either be able to run a marathon or even work to run as fast as the Olympic winner for track, Usain Bolt. All it takes is a little technique, self discipline, motivation, and a relaxed mind.  You can be any size or shape to be a great runner all it takes is dedication. You don’t have to run many years of track as I did to be a great runner.

            The tools to the accomplishment of becoming a great runner are simple and inexpensive. All you need is some workout wear, whether they are running shorts, running tights, a t-shirt, or a workout shirt, any brand or any style you desire. Of course you are also going to need some running shoes (Nikes or Adidas are highly recommended) however, any brand of running shoes are okay.) NOTE: Any shoes worn while working out or running that aren’t meant for athletics will cause shin splits and will add an unnecessary obstacle to your journey of becoming a great runner.  Any other athletic attire or accessories like headbands or wristbands are fine as well; just remember that the less weight you have the faster and easier you can run. One of the most important factors of running is to stay hydrated so make sure to grab your water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the whole day. Side effects of dehydration may be: passing out, gasping of air, dry throat/mouth, cotton mouth, exhaustion, or lack of dedication to run. THEREFORE, STAY HYDRATED!

            If you are interested in building your endurance and prefer jogging the steps are easy. First have a good mind set and be ready to run. Second, find a good running location, whether it is a treadmill, a park, a track, or even just around the neighborhood. CAUTION: If you are running around the neighborhood watch out for moving vehicles and any other obstacles that might interrupt your journey of becoming a great runner.

If you are planning to run for a specific amount of time remember to bring a watch or timer to keep track. Now that you have your running attire, water, running location, and a great mind set you are ready to be put into action. Start your timer and get going.

            Whether you want to sprint or jog there are a couple of mechanics that you must know.  When running try to keep your arms at a 90 degree angle and swing your arms from the shoulders. NOTE: Keep in mind the faster your arms move is the faster your legs move.  Try not to extend arms out to far or there is a high possibility you might smack yourself in the face while running.  When running, you do not run on your heels or your toes, but the balls of your feet, which is the portion of your foot in between your toes and your heels.  When running, also remember to step over. You might be asking what step over is, well I have an answer. Stepping over is making sure that as you run, your foot passes right over the opposite knee. (If you were standing still your thigh would be in a flat tabletop position and your foot would be parallel with the ground placed right over the opposite knee.)

If you want to be more of a sprinter (fast runner that runs shorter distances), remember you cannot run a long time at a very fast speed. Therefore, the distances you run are going to be a lot shorter. For example, you might run 100 meters 10 times at a fast speed with a 3 minute rest in between each 100 meter, whereas someone that would rather run at a slower pace and a longer time and or distance. In that case it would be better to run for 30 minutes to an hour at a nice comfortable pace, where you are not huffing and puffing for air. Or you might just want to run a certain distance between 1 to 5 miles.

Another important factor of being a great runner is to make sure you breathe. This may sound irrelevant but you might be surprised at how many people run’ whether it’s fast or slow and forget to breathe.  For the best air circulation through the lungs, try to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.

            Now you have every step and tool of what it takes to be a great runner. Whether you want to train to be in the Olympics, stay fit, or just loose weight, just know you can do it.

Photo credits by Google

Alani

Pusher

                  So Cold. Why is it so cold out here? I shouldn’t be cold right now. I should be at home, in my dingy one bedroom apartment, sitting on my torn sofa, eating dinner. Why can’t I feel my hands or my toes or my legs? I don’t understand. Everything should go perfect tonight. This is one of the most important nights of my life. This could make or break me. If this goes as planned, I’ll be saying good bye to my little apartment. It’s a real shit hole, but it’s my shit hole and I’m proud of it; I bought it all by myself with the money I earned. Sure it wasn’t exactly earned the proper way, but I still earned it. Where is this guy? It’s almost 11 o’clock. So cold. My boss is going to be so mad. He said that the guy was going to be here by 10:30 p.m. Why isn’t he here yet? I miss my mum. I should go see her tomorrow. I haven’t seen my mum in ages. She worries about me. “The streets are no place for a lad like you Harry,” she would say. “How am I supposed to help support you and Anastasia if I don’t sacrifice something,” was always my reply. See, I love my family. I would die for them, especially my younger sister. She really is my whole entire world. I was only five years old when she was born. After she was born, my father left. I vowed from that moment on I would do anything to protect and support my sister and mum the way my father wouldn’t. My mum is the strongest person I know. She struggled to raise us and did a great job too.  My sister is 17 now and that worries me. She’s beautiful and I see the way men look at her. I’d die before I let anyone hurt her in anyway. When we were younger we would always go to this pond behind our house and sit there and talk for hours. She would tell me about—Where the hell is this guy? I’ve been standing here freezing for almost an hour. Why can’t I feel my arms anymore? Oh there’s the guy! Wait. Why is walking towards someone else when I’m clearly right here. He knows what I look like. No! He was supposed to give me the bag not that other boy! Oh no. oh no. oh no. He shot him. He shot him. Should I help this kid? Dammit! This wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I hope this kid is okay. “Hey kid are you—“ Oh my god. This isn’t right. This can’t be right. I’m dreaming. That can’t be me on the floor. I feel so cold. So cold.

Alyssa

How to: Throw (Baseball/ Softball 101)

Have you ever been in a very embarrassing situation where you could not throw a ball? Well I am here to help! By the end of this guide, you should be able to throw like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Trout, Yasiel Puig etc. This step by step throwing guide is so simple even a cheerleader can do it!

In order for you to achieve the ability to throw a ball, you will need a baseball or softball (whichever you prefer) and a glove. If you wish to play catch with another person, they too will need a glove. If this is not the case, then you can just throw into a fence or net.

Please carefully read each step to make sure of a full success. Below each step are diagrams to help you further understand each step. Now let’s get started!

Step 1: Identifying Your Throwing Arm

            Identifying your throwing arm is quite simple. If you are a left handed person, then the glove will be placed on your right hand leaving your left hand to be the one throwing the ball. For a right handed person, the left hand will be your glove hand and the right hand will be the one throwing the ball. Thou there are some people that are vice versa, it is your own preference to be left handed or right handed when throwing a ball.

(Left handed model)                                                                                      (Right handed model)

Step 2: Foot Work

            Thou many may think that throwing is all about your arms, your legs play a very important role! You will want to have your feet about shoulder width apart, with your glove hand facing the fence or the direction you are throwing the ball in.

(Feet are shoulder width apart)

Step 3: Function of the Arms

            Now with your arms you are going to raise them from your sides into 180° or more so at your shoulder height. With the ball in your bare hand and your glove hand pointing at your target, you are almost ready to throw the ball!

(Arms at 180° and legs shoulder width apart)

Step 4: The Final Throw

            Time for the most important part! While you have your feet shoulder width apart and arms at 180°. You will now take a step toward your target, with the foot that is the same as your glove hand. As you take this step forward, allow your glove hand to come into your body and the hand throwing the ball to come over your shoulder like a sling shot and bring through your back foot so that it now becomes parallel with the foot you stepped forward with.

            Now that you have all four simple steps to throwing a ball, the only possible way to become a master of the art, is to practice every day for at least twenty-thirty minutes. If you enjoyed this guide on How to: Throw try our How to: Throw like a Pro!

Ashley

Coincidences

Since I was little, I have always wanted to have a sister or a brother to play with. My friends would tell me how lucky I was because I did not have an annoying sibling. I’d tell them how lucky they were because they were not so lonely. And then it happened, it was as if someone in heaven had heard me. I was 10 years old when we were in our backyard and my mom confessed to me that the father I had grown up with, whom I love with all my heart, was not my biological father. I was so shocked; I nearly fainted. All I remember was yelling “WHAT?!”, then everything was spinning and I almost hit the ground. I was able to control myself enough, though, only to then be filled with curiosity. I wanted to find my “second” father because that meant that I just might have siblings out there somewhere. However, there was one problem: my mom had lost all contact with this person, Roger. Four more years would pass until this grand mystery was solved.

            It was summer vacation and my mom and I were visiting family in Mexico. When we got off our bus, my mom tripped in one of those potholes and sprained her ankle badly. As a result, she had to use crutches for a few weeks. During that time we visited a plaza (mall) and were enjoying enchiladas and mole when a stranger came up to us. He was trying to sell my mom a walker to replace the tiresome crutches when my mom recognized his accent and his similarity to Roger’s best friend, Ivan, and asked him if he was related. The man, surprised, told her that they were indeed brothers. I was anxious to contact Ivan so that we could reach Roger.

Eventually we met with Ivan and spend the day at the plaza along with his family. I remember bombarding him with questions, asking him what Roger looked like, if he had any children, etc. Unfortunately, Ivan only had his sister’s number, my aunt Martha. After calling her and sharing all the excitement, and realizing that I had just discovered countless new family members, I finally obtained Roger’s number. My mom made the first call; they talked quietly for some time. Even though they talked for only a couple of minutes, it felt like an hour to me. Eventually my mom passed the phone to me and we talked. I remember it feeling awkward; I was talking to a complete stranger and I did not call him dad yet; it just did not feel natural, but what really mattered is that I learned that day that I have a brother and a sister.

Since that day, I knew I was not alone. I had siblings to have fun with, to get annoyed at, to party with, but most importantly, to share a bond that only exists between siblings. I talked to my sister first, then to my brother. I was so overjoyed, yet our talks were paused, short, even awkward. I realized it would take time for us to be comfortable with each other, but I didn’t care; I had finally found them. When I first met them in person, it felt wonderful to just hug them and know that I was not alone; it was a feeling I will never forget. This life-changing experience made me feel like the luckiest girl ever because, through a series of coincidences, I now have two fathers whom I both love, a sister, a brother, and countless other family members, from aunts to uncles to cousins and a grandma. I can give thanks to my mom because if she had not sprained her ankle, we would not have met Ivan, my aunt Martha, my father Roger, or my brother and sister. The puzzle would still be unsolved.

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It has now been 3 years since that event. To be honest, good and not so great feelings have sprung from it. For starters, I have not spoken to Roger for well over a year, it does not matter though            because I already have a father: the one who raised me, the one who has been with me in the hospital when I have gotten sick, the one who has always supported me in all schooling, the one who actually cares and loves me. As for my brother, he lives relatively close and surprising I see him only about once, maybe twice, a month. He is also a teenager and likes playing video games and hanging out with his friends. We are not very close, but I guess that is normal since we never grew up together. My sister and grandma live far so I see them even less, only like 4 or 5 times a year. All in all, this experience did not turn out as expected. I wish I could see my siblings more often, but I don’t even know if they feel the same way. Life is life and in the end, I am glad I did find them or else I would still be dying to know the truth.

Nicole

The Accident: A Personal Narrative
We made it. We were no longer the underclassmen or the bottom-of-the-foodchain freshmen;;
we have evolved over the past three years. Finally, the Class of 2014 would be the seniors of Etiwanda High School. The summer before the beginning of your final year of childhood, is supposed to be the most imaginative and life-embracing out of all the summer experiences prior. My closest friends and I had beach trips planned and a list of amusement parks and small adventure-like schemes we wanted to partake on. As the heat of summer was setting in, our plans finally took off and this past summer was everything we had imagined it would be. In a perfect world, that is how the story would go;; and unfortunately this world is far from perfect.
Before our first adventure in mid-June, I received a phone call I wish I never had to have. On that sunny Tuesday in June, I found out my best friend was in a car accident. I had never felt so much pain in a matter of seconds that made it feel as if the ground was crumbling into smaller pieces with every step I took. Instead of having roasting marshmallows while sitting in the cold beach sand, taking pictures, and creating everlasting memories, my closest friends and I spent our summer driving back and forth to different hospitals hoping that the situation at hand would get better. Every day that passed and our peers were having amazing pre-Senior year endeavors, we were hanging onto the smallest bits of good news and felt ten times more joy by it than our classmates having a good time at the beach and Six Flags.
It is nearly impossible to understand the value of life and its precious amenities, until everything begins to fall apart. Visiting a hospital for two months was not part of my summer plans, but it was. After coming home from the hospital on the days that I went, I realized that I am lucky to be healthy, alive, and loved. Although, I felt selfish and undeserving of these treasures. Reflecting on the frivolous manner that I was living, I believed that circumstances should have been different and that I should have been the one hospitalized for two months. No one should wish for these events to happen to them. I could not stop these thoughts that were flooding through my head. I could not help but have those thoughts running through my mind every day that I walked through the cold hospital doors. Being in the face of disaster and death- nearly losing someone- makes the most miniscule objects in your life feel luxurious.
Today, on September 20, 2013, I felt blessed. The missing and broken puzzle pieces were all put together, although they were once scratched and tarnished. Lying down in the grass, listening to music, and releasing balloons into the sky with the rest of the Class of 2014 with my closests friends, everyone back and healthy, was the “perfect” venture my summer never had;; however, it was well worth the wait.

Sydnee

It was finally the day I had been waiting for all summer long.  The first episode of the new highly anticipated anime of the summer, Free! Iwatobi Swim Club, was posted with English subtitles.  The plot line of a few friends starting up a swim club at their school did not really interest a lot of people; but to me, I could not wait to watch it.  Finally! A realistic anime that I can connect to because of being on a swim team myself.  To add more to the realistic feel of the anime, places around Japan can be seen as places the characters in the anime visit.  Over the rest of the summer, the plot developed little by little and sparked an interest in me to think more about my life and what exactly swimming meant to me.  One of the main characters in the anime, Haru, explained how he liked to swim because he liked the way water felt.  As weird as it sounds, I started to think about how I felt in the water as well.  I had been swimming since I was about five years old on a competitive swim team, but I had started so early that I did not really join by choice.  Being a Pisces, water makes me feel comfortable and safe.  Several sets of a few laps of "no-breathers" and underwater dolphin kicking do not cause me to swim faster than normal to make it; I like to take my time to enjoy how quiet and peaceful it is underwater.  I decided that, like Haru, the competition side of swimming was exciting, but it was not the reason I continued to swim for so long. 

            While continuing to question what swimming meant to me, the distraction of k-pop summer comebacks began.  This group of seven boys, known as Bangtan Boys or BTS, began to change my life just as much as Free! did.  Their unique concept, vocal talent, and lyric writing talent caught my eye almost as immediately as they did with their good looks.  Their most recent comeback with their title song "N.O" spoke the most to me.  After I googled the English translation of the lyrics, I started to, again, analyze my life.  The chorus of "N.O" shares that "Adults tell me that hardships are only momentary To endure a little more, to do it later Everybody say NO! It can’t be any later Don’t be trapped in someone else’s dream".  These lyrics in the chorus made me think about what the career my parents had always led me to believe I wanted to pursue.  The more I read these lines, the more I felt I had let my parents down in wanting to make them happy by pursuing the career they chose for me.  For once, I decided it was best to not put others before myself this time and face my fear of what they will say about my own career choice is.  When applying for colleges came up, the more they mentioned "my career," the harder it became to accept my current situation after listening to "N.O".  I came to the conclusion that if I did not tell them now, I would live "[being] trapped in someone else's dream."  I spoke in a shaky voice about my true career choice, afraid of them not accepting what I had began to dream about doing for the rest of my life.  They fully supported my decision and began to search for more information on the career to help me in any way they could.  The past summer of 2014 will always be the most memorable; I found my true self through the help of people who spoke two different languages on the other side of the world.

Thank You

I have had so much fun this past month on our blog!!!  I really can't put my feelings into words.  I hope you did to.  If you haven't done so, just yet, read through the comments, especially our August featured writers.  There are a lot of cool threads and discussions going on.  So check it out!!!  Also our August poll ended in a tie.   Not everyone voted, but for those of you who did, it was between Sierra and Marcus with Chris close behind.  My hat goes off to the first six writers.  Job well done.  You six jumped in, feet first, not really knowing what to expect.  I am so proud of you.  Thank you!!!!!

September writers are right around the corner.  We will also have a new poll.  Keep checking back!!!!!