Dear Freshman of 2012-1213:

Congratulations!!! You made it through Jr. High alive.

Welcome to ninth grade!!!

As a former Freshman I will be totally honest with you… it’s a tough year. Not only for grades and schoolwork but with friends as well.

My advice to you is to be yourself. How can other people accept you if you don’t accept yourself first? Its not about how many friends you have, how may people you know, or even who you hang out with. Its about surrounding yourself in the people who make you happy, and like you for who you really are.

Don’t pay attention to rumors. They are just evidence that you are awesome. The people who take the time out of there day to talk about you. They are simply jealous. Its just pointless drama.

Personally most of my friends are guys. They are low key and easy to get along with. Girls on the other hand can be nasty. You will really find out who your true friends are. Everyone is changing… whether it be for the good or bad. Just go with the flow. Making some new friends is to be expected.

The ninth grade teachers are awesome. Stay on there good side and do your homework. In all honesty homework is not that big of a deal so do it, and get it over with. Study for tests. Take advantage of class time and study halls.

Organization is important. From your locker to your notebooks and binders. You will be talking a tremendous amount of notes… keep them organized and neat. I recommend having a certain color for each class. Ex) Science: green notebook, book cover, and folder/binder. Its make it easy when you have to stop at your locker in between classes. Always be on time.

This year can only be as great as you make it. Stay positive, and make some forever long memories! Don’t stress… there is nothing to worry about. I hope I have provided you with some useful advice.

Good Luck!

Love Olivia <3

"Love Story"-Taylor Swift Shakespeare(original) vs. Taylor Swift(modern) Have you ever heard of the play Romeo and Juliet? Better yet... Have you read it? A story of two young people who "fall in love", and in the end take their lives. In reference to the modern song Love Story by Taylor swift... How accurate is the song? The Timeless love story of Romeo and Juliet has been used throughout time in poems, plays, music, and books. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift is one of many songs which are great allusions to Shakespeare’s original play of Romeo and Juliet. “Marry me Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone. I love you, and that’s all I really know.” In both the play and song Romeo asks Juliet to marry him receiving the answer yes. Though, in the play Juliet’s father doesn’t know about the marriage. It was a secret. It was love at first sight. “We were both young when I first saw you.” Romeo made his way through the crowd of people to say hello to Juliet. “I’m standing there on a balcony in summer air.” In both the play and song Juliet was out on the balcony. It was when Romeo was creeping on Juliet before he climbed up to her. The play Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare and the song “Love Story” by Taylor Swift have their comparisons. Though, the song is still a good allusion of the original play of Romeo and Juliet.

Every night I lie in bed. Closing my eyes I replay the album of memories I have with you.

Looking back to every summer I spent with you. Your smile. Sitting on the porch without a word. The silence we exchanged watching the hummingbirds. Watching the sports channel while you explained every move to me. The way you would read the newspaper everyday. In the same order. Back to front. Reading on the couch together. Our conversations that would last for hours.

It was never hello or how are you doing… it was always a welcoming question about my horses. My poppy took great interest in my riding. To this day I still laugh over the day my grandma and grandpa came to pick me up from my lesson. Riding a spooky pony named Skittles. In the viewing room behind the glass they stood. As I looped the ring again the tap against the window had me in the dirt. He didn’t know better… all he wanted was for me to see he was there. I was 9 years old, and it still seems like yesterday.

My poppy is my hero. It was the little things he did that ment the most to me. Our relationship wasn’t like most. It was different. He was, and still is my inspiration everyday. To be the best I can be in everything I do.

I cherish the time I spent with him. Though, I regret the time I could have been there but wasn’t . He was on hospice for 3 years. In those three years I witnessed the changes his body developed. The changes in his mental and emotional health. The change from week to week for 3 years. We all knew the time would be here soon. The doctors were amazed by how long he had lived with his conditions. He battled with the terrible disease COPD for a good portion of his life.

It wasn’t until this year that he became really sick. It was the hardest for me to walk into the house. I felt as though my eyes were going to burst with tears at any moment. Biting my tongue to keep in in. I didn’t want him to se me crying. My poppy was slowly slipping away. Our conversations no longer existed, and he lost interest in reading the newspaper.

Then it came to the point where he could no longer leave his bed. It killed me inside to see him in this state of depression. He was in pain, and there was nothing I could do to help him. His memory became a blur, and he didn’t want company.

I began spending every day I could sitting in a chair beside him. We did not say a word. It was the silence we shared that spoke the conversation. The look in his eyes ate away at my heart.

It was March 31^st . The day I will never forget. The memory I will always have. I was reading my book beside him when he began to speak to me. He used all the breathe he had in his lungs to tell me how much he loved me. How proud he was of me, and that I was going to go places. He told me he would always be with me no matter where I am, or what I do. He told me not to cry because it would be ok. Also, to remember him as healthy. Not laying in a bed without ability to move.

That night he woke, and wasn’t there all the way. He rambled on about me. He was talking about the blue ribbons I was going to win in the show with my pony Blaze. I know he loves me. Those were the last words he said. Those words were about me. I know I was in his thoughts that night. That’s what means the most to me.

It was April 2^nd. Monday morning. He passed. One journey had ended and another began. He is now in heaven where he can run, dance, and fill his lungs with air.

I am so relieved to know he is no longer in pain. I have a guardian angel. I will always love him. Remembering every moment I spent in his presence. His voice. And those words he said to me. He is and always will be my hero.

Make your own slideshow at Animoto.

Question: chapter 18

Are the men on the merry go round trying to hide something? Why are they on the merry go round at night when the ride is out of order?

3rd Times a Charm:

3rd person omnimist-

Cameleon and grasshopper live in Madagascar. Cameleon was thinking about the craving he had for the juicy grasshopper within reach. Grasshopper was thinking through a plan for escape from the hungry cameleon. Grasshopper looked at the scrumptious green sprout and remembered it was his turn to put dinner on the table.

3rd person limited-

Cameleon and grasshopper are in Madagascar. The cameleon was eyeing up at the grasshopper. Grasshopper was thinking through a plan to escape the hungry cameleon. The cameleon was in ready position to shoot his tongue. Grasshopper looked at the scrumptious green sprout and remembered it was his turn to put dinner on the table.

3rd person dramatic-

Cameleon and grasshopper are in Madagascar. The cameleon was eyeing up the grasshopper. Grasshopper quietly hopped to the scrumptious green sprout. He said, “tonight’s my night to put dinner on the table!” 

Cameleon said, "That juicy grasshopper will satisfy my hunger!" 

November Free-write:

The Amazon Rainforest is in danger. Deforestation is one of the most known threats facing the rainforest today. Logging companies are systematically destroying acres a day. Unsustainable expansion of agriculture and cattle ranching, construction of roads and dams, and activities such as illegal logging have the biggest influence on deforestation. This may not seem important right now, but it is. Right now we have the ability to change what is to come in the future. Ecologists have predicted roughly 55% of the rainforest could be gone by 2030. Think about it… Once this amazing place is gone, its gone forever. There is no bringing it back.

Containing a variety of plants and animals, freshwater fish, and reptiles; the rainforest has a huge . When you think about it, the rainforest is just another ecosystem of many. I say no, some of the worlds most unique and productive species of both plants and animals have called this place home. Most of the species in which thrive in the rainforest have no chance anywhere else. This means, when the rainforest is gone so are the many species that live there ass well.

As technology advances, further research is analyzed. Did you know it is in the rainforest that cures are being discovered for cancer, and other devastating diseases we face everyday? Scientists have discovered over hundreds of plant species which produce saps, barks, and toxins that when mixed with other ingredients can kill bad bacteria, and tissues in the body, and provide a chance for people to live life without worry or pain. When we are destroying the rainforest, we are destroying the plants in which hold the key to tomorrows answers. Imagine a world with a chance against diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The rainforest is natures pharmacy.

Not only are we destroying ecosystems in which don’t exist anywhere else in the world, and plants holding future cures for disease; but homes which belong to our people. More than 350 indigenous and ethnic groups live in the rainforest. These people depend on nature. Agriculture, clothing, medication. Some of these groups rely on the rainforest solemnly for their basic needs; food, water, and shelter. Are we willing to take away homes of our people to get something of short term gains? These people may live in a different perspective, but why change their ways. I believe it is incredible that today there are still Indian like groups that live off the land. Live organically, and have no idea of the world around them. Why not preserve our rainforests, and keep these areas protected?

To replenish what we have damaged would be impossible. Though, learning from our mistakes and creating change is more then possible. The rainforest is an amazing little world in another. It has so much to offer. With this granted advantage we have the ability to make a decision. A decision based on the future. Generations to generations to come. With this decision we have to dedicate ourselves to change and sacrifice for the plants and animals, medicinal uses, and people in which call the rainforest home.

October Free-Write:

"I have often been asked why do I like horses so much. Look into one's eyes. There you will see generations of horses who have served the humans for thousands of years faithfully for nothing in return. Beaten horses, starved horses, horses who no longer possess a spirit. They deserve to be loved and respected as much as humanly possible. Let them run free again. Let them no longer be a faithful beasts, but embrace them as you would a dear friend, for that is what they are.” ~author anonymous

Love. Trust. Friendship. Poeple and horses both want these three features. All my life I have been involved with horses. Still to this day no one understands the true meaning behind them. People don’t understand why they are so important to me. Without horses I would be nothing. Not only are they a hobby, but some of the best friends I will ever have. Horses listen with silence, and understanding. Keep secrets. Have no reason to judge you. No matter how you walk into the barn they look past your mood, and see the person they know and love.

Horses are more like people than you would have guessed. They have feelings, need love, and someone to be there for them. A true horsemen shows no aggression toward his noble friends, and understands they have good and bad days as we do. The only one who can truly say they understand a horse, is the one who has a bond with one. This bond is a symbol of trust, friendship, and love that no one else but you can feel. Sharing a bond gives you the ability to communicate, and become one with the horse.

Like a person a horse has good and bad memories, not one horse is exactly alike. When a horse is starved, beaten, or neglected they are scared for life. They will always remember what a human has done to them, and it takes a very long time for a person to gain trust, and friendship again. Horses were our second hand in battle. Horses led us through history.

This quote means a lot to me. When I read this quote it makes me think of my life. Having my equine friends has made me a better person; given me something to strive for. They are like my daily vitamins. Without them I would be weak. Everyday I put my foot in the stirrup I am risking my life. But with that risk I know no matter how hard I tried to quit I couldn’t. Horses give me a feeling of security. If everyone could experience what a horse has to give I strongly believe the world would be a better place.

Mouse-Trap Racer

The Djinn Who Lives Between Night and Day

Theme: A lie can be both possitive and negative.

Story- In the story Tayab the bad guy separated a family. Convinced their kids were dead the mother and father were not togther. Saving the day Al-Faq the good guy creates a lie to help help the mother ans father. Telling the mother the kids were alive, and that they would be ok as long as she didn`t look for them. Then telling the father who had thought he had lost his whole family that his wife and kids were alive. Though, he was never to see his wife again.

Real Life- Making up a lie to benifit someone else is ok. For example: saving someone from the forever long pain of knowing your family was gone. The mother and father both thought their kids were alive, ok.

 Attention Grabber #1

Boyfriends. Girlfriends. Throughout high school relationship statuses are bouncing around. Though, only few high school relationships engage to marriage. Romantic love does not create an appropriate basis for marriage because love is bigger than romance, marrying one another you want a real life bond, and romance only happens in fairy tales. 

Attention Grabber # 2

The lights go out; the chatter of people around you softens. Anxiously you dig into your candy, and gulp your soda. You wait relentlessly for the movie to begin. Later, after enjoying the movie you pick up the book. Soon you will be trying to picture the characters as they reappear on the page in different quality, scenes, and settings. Frustrated by the immense outburst of detail you are trying to interpret; you are wishing you had skipped the movie, and picked up the book all along. Books are always more enjoyable then the movie because there is more detail, better structure, and better characterization.

September Free-Write:

Have you ever thought about the effect a flood could have on you? Do you have neighbors who are flooded out several times a year? Having neighbors down the road is something almost everyone can say.  Though, I know most can not say they have neighbors down the road who are in the highest risk of flooding every year. Although they only live down the road they have the risk, we don't. Whatching our neighbors year after year replace everything on the first floor of their homes is heartbreaking.  We are just out of the flood plain. It is amazing the difference in risks when you live up the hill. Everyone was getting used to these flood seasons, and adapted. Building their homes on stilts, moving everything across the tracks when the season came. To live near the river means living to the extremes. It was a usual flood season, until September 7.  

This past September has been a month of devastation. I live on Sherwood Rd. in Meshoppen.

Wednesday, September 7 we were dismissed from school. Everyone was forced to evacuate on the road below us. Though, some people did not believe it would get as bad as it did. When my dad got home from work we went down and helped people out of there homes. Listening to the radio our one neighbor said it was going to be a replay of Agnes. By eleven-o-clock the river was in most basements. My dad was on his tractor till at least three in the morning dragging vehicles, boats, lawnmowers, and other equipment to the other side of the tracks.

Thursday, September 8 My dad left for work at five-thirty as usual. Knowing most people would be unable to go in due to the flooding. before he left he checked the water levels. The water was almost to the tracks. Around eight-o-clock my dad was told he could go home or be stuck. Living ten minutes from P&G, it took almost an hour to get home on back roads. When he got home the water was over the tracks, and well over the wheels of a Kubota tracker. Rescue boats were out all morning rescuing families who did not take the flood seriously. Wyoming county was under state of emergency.

Friday, September 9 all we could do was watch the river rise, taking out the beach of houses with its significant force, The horrific smell of propane, and gasoline from exploding tanks going down the river was awful. Many of our close neighbors lost their houses to electrical fires. The sound of trees snapping, and houses coming off their foundations versus the furious rush of water in the background.

Saturday, September 10 most of the houses on our block were gone, and the water hit its highest crest. Once it was at its highest crest the water began to go down at a constant rate. Surviving houses were not worth repairing. Most people said they were done with the river; this was where the line was cut.

Finally on Sunday, September 11 the National guard was sent to prevent looting, and help the people who needed food and shelter. The river was receding feet within hours. This natural disaster has caused devastation and emotional discourage to our friends and families. It will forever be remember as an event in history; breaking the record of the 1972 flood, and setting a new one.

My name is Olivia Vosburg

 This is my binder project the visual representation of me.

The famous quote or phrase I chose is from my favorite book A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks. “Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.” This phrase means to me happiness, and not having a negative outlook on life. I feel if I can take these words with me throughout my lifetime it will make my life more fulfilled. The four pictures I chose to represent me are: a hummingbird, Sugarland (band), a picture of wild horses, and a picture of my pony and I. I chose a picture of a humming bird because it is my favorite bird, and it represents my free spirit. Sugarland is my favorite band for their inspirational lyrics. I chose a picture of wild horses to represent a book that was read to me when I was young; the bond between Indian and Horse. My final picture was of my pony and I. This picture is most important to me because it reminds me of the day my life began with him. The day Blaze was officially mine. Also, of the long journey it’s been with him including pony club, 4H, and shows. This is the visual representation of me, I hoped you enjoyed it.