Category: writing

Theater!

I really enjoy theater! It’s a relatively new interest, one that I got into in 6th grade. When I was making the course selections for my first year at middle school, I picked theater as it seemed interesting. Unfortunately, I was fully virtual that year, meaning I didn’t get the full experience of theater. Next year through, for 7th grade, I picked theater once more and was actually able to witness it in person. I really enjoyed that year and it made me really fall in love with theater. Some of my favorite experiences that year were learning about improv and writing our own play. In groups, we had to write our own 3 scene murder mystery. I worked with some of my closest friends to come up with our play and performing it was incredibly rewarding.
This year, 8th grade, I’m currently in UIL theater, where we have a competition coming up in November and a performance in the spring. I am currently working on both production and acting. In production, I am in the set and lighting crew, where we design all the sets and the lighting needed for them. I’m also part of the chorus of the play and play as a minor, but important character. I’m also taking a part of theater classes at a theater. These classes are also lead by a musical theater school. I hope to continue learning about theater and hopefully take it during high school!

I also got to see Hadestown recently! It was such an amazing experience, especially for someone like me who loves Greek Mythology.
The story of Hadestown is based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, who were two lovers. When one day Eurydice died, Orpheus was overcome with grief and set out to the Underworld to find her and bring her back. There, he made a deal with Hades. He could walk out of the Underworld with Eurydice following him, but if he turned to look back for even a second, she would be gone. He couldn’t see or hear her, but he had to trust her, himself, and Hades. Orpheus made it out most of the way, but at the last second, right when daylight broke through the Underworld, he turned to look. And the last thing he saw was her slipping away.
This musical took that story and reimagined it in a brilliant and fun way. I loved the portrayal of the characters, especially Persephone, goddess of spring and the Underworld, and the Fates, three women who controlled your life. The costuming choices were brilliant, as were the lighting choices. The thing that dazzled me the most though, was the set. The set was intricately made, with two main levels, a spiraling staircase leading up to the top one. Some of the orchestra sat on the stage itself, giving it a very close and cozy feeling. The props used were magnificent and overall, it was a great show that I really enjoyed!

Have you seen any musicals or plays? What are some of your favorite?

Vignettes

Recently, in my English class, we read the House of Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, a book which is filled with vignettes. Each chapter is written in the style of a vignette, some short and some long. Based on this book and the writing style of Sandra Cisneros, our project was to create 5 vignettes, about anything we wanted. Here are some of my favorites!

The Track:

Walking alone through the grass, my jacket dragging behind me. A group of friends rushes past me, leaving only a breeze behind, causing me to shiver and dig deeper into my jacket. But I can’t get warm again. A red table, filled with teachers, watches me carefully. I know they like me, that they want me to play and have fun. I smile at them and move on, the smile dropping as soon as I move out of range. As I walk to the edge of the field, the blades of grass slicing my ankles as quickly as a sharpened knife, the sight of a friend catches my eye. Refuge.
As I bound across the grass, they disappear, leaving only a blank spot where they were standing. Were they ever there? Or did they choose to leave me behind? The track around the field is wide, boundless, but it is my only friend, the only one who stays with me as I carve wide roads into it recess after recess. The only one who cares even a little. The only one who is mine.
Yet as an older girl runs across the track with her friends, I’m reminded, yet again, of the fact that I’m alone, lonely, surrounded with no one except the cold wind, whipping through the air, rustling the trees.
I scan the playground, catching my friends laughing together- Aurelia, Maliha, Zoe playing family and Saveri and Selena chasing each other. And yet, none of them look at me. Was it me? Did I do something wrong? Do they wish I were cast down to the deepest depths of Tartarus?
The fluffy fleece jacket, lined with faux fur, does nothing to prevent the sting of the wind combined with the sting of betrayal.
And so I walk, alone, lonely, hoping next recess, my friends won’t desert me again.

An Idea of Love:

Birthdays. Cakes, gifts, presents. The spoken words, “Happy Birthday!”, faded to a dull note as they are uttered by person after person, year after year. 

Birthdays have never been incredible in my life. I’ve brought cookies, cupcakes I’ve baked, to receive nothing more than a 
“Thank you!”
or a 
“Happy birthday!”

This year, though. I’m the one being brought the cookies and cupcakes, the one being treated to the perfect blend of sugar on sugar. The one who gets celebrated, the one whose birthday is today.

And I’ve never felt more loved than in the moment. My friends around me. Their gifts piling high in my hands, a sugar high already making its way to my brain. And I couldn’t care less, because now I have an idea of love, of happiness, of what it actually feels like to be loved and have people who care about you.

Would it be wrong of me to expect this every year? Or will it all fall away to nothing just as quickly as it built up?

Watch with me:

Is it too much to ask to want to watch the sunset with someone? Watch the giant ball of gas in the sky sink down into the grass and watch the moon come up, two total opposites, yet somehow taking up the whole sky?

I want to watch the stars go up with someone by my side. Someone who cares, who matters. Someone who, like me, wants nothing more than to watch those stars, those flaming, flickering stars. Built out of nothing more than hydrogen and helium, yet thriving. Thriving on their own in an ecosystem of space, of planets and comets and asteroids and meteors and beauty.

Why can’t we be like that? 

Look up with me at the sunset, the stars and just stay. That’s all I need. That would be enough.

I hope you liked my vignettes! If you could write a vignette, what would it be about?

Top Books of September

Here are my top books of September!

  1. Salt Magic by Hope Larson
    This was such a cute book! It has a perfect Studio Ghibli style to it and the drawings are amazing. I also loved the story line and the way the story flowed. When Vonceil’s brother, Elber, returns from war, now more serious, and proposes to his girlfriend, Vonceil is shocked. She was hoping for him to meet someone new and different. When Greta, a stranger to all except Elber, shows up, she doesn’t except for Elber to be married. In a fit of jealous rage, she curses their spring, the only thing that keeps them alive, to spew salt water. Vonceil goes on a journey to fix this, making friends, and learning new stories at every turn. This is a great book!
  2. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
    I really loved this book. Addie was cursed to be forgotten. When a new day began or a door was closed, people who used o know her would forget. That was the price of her immortal life. That is, until she meets Henry, who remembers her. Who knows who she is and loves her for it. But the creature who laid that curse on her keeps returning, asking for her soul. I really enjoyed this book! It was really descriptive and the word choice was both beautiful and perfect. I totally recommend it to you!
  3. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
    I read the graphic novel retelling of one of my favorite books, Aru Shah and the End of Time. Revisiting this book was amazing, especially seeing some of my favorites scenes reimagined and defined in color and pictures. When Aru breaks a lamp and releases a trapped demon. An ancient mentor decides to help her put the world back in order, but along she way, she discovers secrets she never thought could be true. This is such a good book and I totally recommend both the original book itself and the graphic novel to you!
  4. The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat
    This was an amazing graphic novel. When Christina first sees the cheerleaders, she is in awe. They hold power and don’t get bullied or harassed. So when cheerleading tryouts start, she and her best friend, Megan, sign up right away. I really loved this book and how it was about being a POC in a majority white school. It’s a great read and I totally recommend it to you!

Top Books of January: click here
Top Books of February: click here
Top Books of March: click here
Top Books of April: click here
Top Books of May: click here
Top Books of June: click here
Top Books of July: click here
Top Books of August: click here

Banned Books

This week is Banned Book Week! In honor of that, I wrote a poem and decided to share it with you. I hope you enjoy!

If books around the world are getting banned?
Who is there to represent?
Must we only learn about the classic,
Fair skin, straight, with no problems?

Why do books get ruled offensive?
So what if characters aren’t the norm?
Isn’t that why they were put into these books in the first place?
Isn’t that what makes people happier to see them?

To see yourself reflected in books,
Isn’t that a marvelous thing?
But banning books, the opposite
Removing all the reflections

Moving forward, past these bans,
Seems impossible, a nightmare to face
But we keep reading banned books
And we keep learning, and growing, and being reflected

What are some of your favorite banned books?

6 Word Memoirs

Recently, in my English class, we created 6 word memoirs. They were really fun and easy to create and so, I thought it would be nice to share that over here! 6 word memoirs can either be 6 words that sum up a big part or your whole life, or they can describe one specific event. With the way that my English teacher led us through it, there are 4 main steps to writing a 6 word memoir.

Step 1. Take anywhere from 3-5 minutes and write down a big list of life events. These events don’t have to be in order or make sense to anyone but you. Make sure you keep writing and let your subconscious bring up some of the major events you have experienced.

Step 2. Pick any one of the events and write 2-3 sentences about it. You can add any details you want, but don’t let it become a full paragraph.

Step 3. Cross out any unnecessary information. This step can sometimes be hard, but try to think of the main points of your event. Also make sure to keep the mood of the event intact when you cross things out (for example, if you’re writing about a scary moment, don’t cross out all the scary parts of it).

Step 4. Using the words or phrases you have left, experiment with different wording choices and ideas. When you have one you think that fits best, congrats! You’ve written a 6 word memoir.

Here’s an example that I made in my English class:

Step 1. I had around 32 events written down in the span of 5 minutes. Some of my most important/memorable were the Austin trip, COVID/google classroom, online lunch, PUPS potluck (all grades), my mock algebra STAAR, Murder on the Sea (my group’s theater production), and getting into leadership. All of these events definitely influenced me a lot and helped me become who I am today.

Step 2. I chose to write about Murder on the Sea, a theater production my and my ensemble created last year. My 4 sentences were:
My first look at theater performances. I had practiced all weekend and probably wore my grandfather out as he listened to me practice. I remember being extremely nervous, but also ready before the performance. It was the time I decided to join UIL theater.

Step 3. The next step was crossing out unnecessary information. Below is what I had after step 3.
My first look at theater performances. I had practiced all weekend and probably wore my grandfather out as he listened to me practice. I remember being extremely nervous, but also ready before the performance. It was the time I decided to join UIL theater.
At the end, the main phrases I had left were “first look”, “practiced all weekend”, “extremely nervous, but also ready”, and “decided to join UIL theater.”

Step 4. Some of my ideas included:
– practicing all weekend, UIL the goal
– first look at theater, in love
– never forgetting shining on the stage


Finally, I chose this one- “Memorizing done, am I good enough?”

I picked that specific one because it not only ties into theater, but also dance, a huge aspect of my life.

Have you ever written a 6 word memoir? If not, will you give it a try?

Entering 8th Grade

This year, I’m going into 8th grade, the last year of middle school. I’m really excited for this year and the opportunities and activities it’ll bring.

First of all, I’m going to be a leader this year. Leaders help educate 6th and 7th graders about everyday lessons in the mornings and create a bright and positive attitude for the school. I’ve already been involved in some training for that over the summer and I’ve also been helping out around the school as everyone’s been starting to get ready for the next school year. I am really excited to take my role as a leader this year and do my part for the school.

Secondly, I am going to be in UIL theater this year! UIL stands for University Interscholastic League and it is overall a competitive field. There are many subjects that are UIL, for example UIL English or UIL Math. Out of these, my school offers UIL Theater as an option for 8th graders. I was accepted into UIL theater and therefore, will be able to compete this year. I’m super excited to see what my friends and I can come up with!

Along with UIL theater, I get to do theater classes next year! These classes are run by the Theater Under the Stars program (aka TUTS). This program regularly puts on amazing musicals and plays, so I know this camp will be really fun. In the camp, I’ll learn how to develop a character better, along with tips for improv (making up a skit on the spot) and cold reading (reading material that’s just been handed to you). I am really excited!

What are some things you’re excited for that are coming up soon?

Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse is when the moon moves directly into Earth’s shadow. The means that the Sun and the moon are on either side, with the Earth sandwiched in-between. The astronomical term for this occurrence is a syzygy.

When the eclipse “reaches totality” (when the moon is totally covered by the Earth’s shadow), you can see the moon become what’s known as a Blood Moon. Because of sunlight being scattered by Earth’s atmosphere, the moon doesn’t completely go dark as the sun would in a solar eclipse. Instead, based on the proximity of the Earth and the Moon, and the specific alignment of the syzygy, the Moon appears in a shade of red, orange, yellow, brown, or copper, which is where the name, Blood Moon, comes from.

A lunar eclipse usually takes a few hours to happen, going through 7 specific steps as these hours progress.


The first stage is the penumbral eclipse. This happens when the outer part of Earth’s shadow (the penumbra) starts to cover the moon. It’s not something that you can see with the naked eye.
The second stage is the partial eclipse. The main part of Earth’s shadow (the umbra) starts to cover the moon and therefore, the eclipse is more visible.
The third stage is the total eclipse. The umbra completely covers the moon, and you can see the moon as an actual Blood Moon.
The fourth stage is the maximum eclipse, or the climax of the lunar eclipse. It can last anywhere from up to a few seconds to an hour and 40 minutes.
The fifth stage is the total eclipse ending. Earth’s umbra starts to leave the moon’s surface.
The sixth stage is the partial eclipse ending. At this point, Earth’s umbra has completely left the moon’s surface.
The seventh, and last stage is the penumbral eclipse ending. Now, the eclipse ends and all of Earth’s shadow has moved away from the moon’s surface.

Have you seen any total lunar eclipses?


My Favorite Greek Mythology Books

Here are some of my favorite books that are based on Greek mythology!

  1. Circe by Madeline Miller
    This is probably one of my favorite books, both Greek mythology based and in general! The first glimpse I got of Circe was from the 2nd Percy Jackson book, where she is written as a minor antagonistic character. This was backed up by other Greek mythology books, but this book put it in a totally new perspective.
    Circe has never been pretty or melodious, like her siblings, but when she meets a fisherman and falls in love, then everything else falls away. She realizes he doesn’t reciprocate those feelings, instead loving Scylla. Seized by jealousy, she uses her knowledge of the plants that grow by her home to transform her, then steals away to live her own life. I loved this book and how it was beautifully written. I totally recommend this book to you!
  2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
    This was another great novel written by Madeline Miller! Patroclus’ name means “glory of the father” which is ironic, since he’s anything but. When he accidentally kills a child of noble birth, his father exiles him to Phthia, where he meets Peleus and his son, Achilles. Achilles and Patroclus instantly form a bond when they’re kids, and become lovers when they’re older. Achilles, one day, receives a prophecy that he will kill Hector, but then die himself. Achilles doesn’t believe this, but prophecies always come true… This was such a great book and I totally recommend it to you!
  3. Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
    This was such an interesting book! Unlike the 2 previous books, this one is less of a retelling and more of what was actually done, but this time, through Ariadne’s perspective. Ariadne’s life has been stifling, to say the least. So when a handsome man shows up and promises to take her away, she believes him and helps him do whatever it takes. But when he abandons her, she has to learn how to live by herself and create her own life. I really enjoyed this book and how, even though it stuck more to the original myth, it was just as enthralling! I totally recommend it to you!
  4. The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
    This was such an interesting take on The Odyssey. In this retelling though, we get Penelope’s perspective, using choruses from the maids and a unique form of storytelling. In The Odyssey, there’s always been one unanswered question- What led to the hanging of the maids? This book answers that question in such a refreshing way and I loved how the book continued to flow. This is such a great book and I totally recommend it to you!
  5. Lore by Alexandra Bracken
    This was a Hunger Games- like story, with Greek Mythology based characters. Every year, 9 of the Greek Gods are forced to wander the Earth, danger at every step, since they could easily be killed and their immortality taken by the killer. Lore left that life many years ago when her family was killed. But when a childhood friend and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, come to her, looking for help, she decides to get revenge. I really enjoyed this book and the way that the story was written. I totally recommend this book to you!

What are some of your favorite books based on mythology?

The Taj Mahal

Recently, I got to visit the Taj Mahal, in Agra. It was a marvelous opportunity and I really enjoyed walking around the grounds and learning the history of the magnificent tomb Shah Jahan had built for his wife.

The Taj Mahal, along with its surrounding architecture, took 22 years to build (around 1632-1648). This work was completed by around 20,000 artists along with a team of architects who supervised them. These dedicated and hardworking builders lived in small rooms constructed around the Main Gate. The building itself combines Persian, Islamic and Indian styles, as Mumtaz (the wife Shah Jahan had built the tomb for) was Persian. In the tomb, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz are buried together, deep underground, in a small cavern that visitors are only allowed to see in the spring months (the month fluctuates as it is decided based on the Islamic calendar).

During this time in which the Taj Mahal was being built, Shah Jahan didn’t pay much attention to the politics and how India was running. Because of this, his son, Aurangzeb, put him under house arrest in the Agra Fort, where he could see the Taj Mahal being built. There is a tradition that states that Shah Jahan wanted his own mausoleum, made of black marble, opposite Mumtaz’s. Unfortunately, he was imprisoned and therefore was unable to ever construct this structure. Therefore, he and Mumtaz were buried together.

Have you ever been to the Taj Mahal?

My Top Reads of July

Here are my top reads of July!

  1. Loveless by Alice Oseman
    This is such a great read. Georgia has never had a crush, only one that she’s forced onto herself. So when university starts, she is determined to date someone. But when no one, male or female, appeals to her, and she joins the LGBT+ soc in her school, she realizes that maybe she’s a little different. I really loved coming along on the journey of Georgia figuring out who she is, while navigating her friends and their own feelings. I really enjoyed this book and I totally recommend it to you!
  2. Out of Range by Heidi Lang
    This was such a good book! Abby, Emma, and Ollie are done with each other. Even though they’re sisters, each one seems to hate the others more. When they’re dropped off at a wilderness camp together, they know it won’t help the situation. Until they’re forced to go on a hike together and Abby leaves the guide behind. Soon, they’re lost and none of them know what to do, especially after Emma almost drowns. This is such a great book and I really enjoyed it! I totally recommend it to you.
  3. Grounded for all Eternity by Darcy Marks
    This book was so enticing! Mal and his friends live in Hell, a generally safe place. So when the bells go off and the fire wall is raised for more than 5 minutes, they realize that someone has escaped. After being stuck at home, Mal, Lilith, Crowley, and Alistair find a portal that’ll take them to another dimension and soon find themselves tumbling through it, but unable to get back without capturing the escaped spirit they bought with them. I really enjoyed this book and the way that it flowed. It’s a great read!
  4. The Rise of The School For Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
    This prequel was so satisfying and amazing! Usually, there is one School Master. But this time, two brothers, Rafal and Rhian, have been named, one for Good and one for Evil. Soon Rafal leaves and Rhian is forced to carry the burden of leading two schools, a task he soon realizes isn’t easy. He soon realizes he needs help. But who he chooses sets a grim fate for the rest of the students. I really enjoyed this book and the way the ending was twisted! I also love how Rhian was queer-coded and totally recommend this book to you!
  5. The Prince and The Dressmaker by Jen Wang
    This was such an empowering read! Frances has always loved designing powerful, silly dresses, so when she gets called to the castle to design for them instead, she is shocked. Soon she learns that her client is the very own Prince Sebastien who loves dressing up and going out. Soon, he is himself, but Frances she decides she’s had enough of an anonymous life and leaves. I really enjoyed this book and the powerful message behind it. I totally recommend it to you!


    Top Books of January: click here
    Top Books of February: click here
    Top Books of March: click here
    Top Books of April: click here
    Top Books of May: click here
    Top Books of June: click here