My Life 7:42 am
Perhaps no one is really interested, but I thought I’d do a post on my goals for the week. On Saturday I’ll try to do a post on my success!
It doesn’t look like much, does it? It might be harder than it looks, though.
Anyhow… I hope ya’ll have a great week! See you around!
Misc and School classic literature, history, inventions 12:20 pm
I have always been a readaholic, reading and rereading books until I’d memorized some passages. Although reading is a good thing, my Mom recognized that I was taking it to an unhealthy level. Mystery was my obsession, and I was caught reading the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew when I should be doing school. Secret of the Golden Cowrie was confiscated when I failed to set the table for supper. Mystery of the Missing Stamp had to be given up for a week because I was found with a flashlight under my blanket, reading into the wee hours of the morning. And the American Adventure series? I dove into those so whole-heartedly that my Mom put a restriction on me: I was only allowed to read for 1 hour every day. TORTURE! At another time, I had to take all of my books into my mom’s room so that she knew what I was reading and when I was reading it. I’d trek in early in the morning and ask for Twig the Collie, read a few chapters, and return it to her before breakfast. So went my early life.
When I turned 13, however, Mom came up with a new idea. I must say it was rather brilliant, though I did NOT think so at the time. She told me that for one whole long month, I could not read any fiction. Her goal in doing this (I think) was to have my “must-be-reading” nature turn me towards biographies and autobiographies of missionaries and other more worthy heroes. I imagine that she didn’t want me trying to turn into a Nancy Drew, getting kidnapped every few months and being incommunicado for days on end during a case. (LOL Like that would ever happen!) Anyhow… I didn’t see the sense of her idea, so I resolved that if I couldn’t read fiction, I wouldn’t read anything. I lasted for THREE DAYS, people. Yeah. It’s an obsession. The first thing I picked up was a biography about Jim Elliot. I don’t remember which one it was, but I do remember reading it and thinking, “You know, this is kinda cool.” And then someone suggested that I read about Anne Frank. I wish I knew who it was who gave me this suggestion, because they opened a new chapter in my life. You see, my library didn’t have any books about Anne Frank that weren’t checked out. But they DID have dozens of other World War Two and Holocaust books. Memoirs, autobiographies, timelines, histories. I checked out a few in desperation: I felt that I just had to be reading! As I read, I started wanting more. These were REAL people, things that REALLY happened! I read about concentration camps and battlefields, then one memoir mentioned a pilot… so I read about him, then I had to read about airplanes. Planes can take off from onboard ships, so then I read about ships. Then I checked out books on secret codes. And the process just went on and on. It was at this time that I discovered the classics, as well. In one of the many biographies I read, I found that a girl loved Jane Austen and George Eliot. So when my month was up, I read Jane Austen. And George Eliot. Charles Dickens. Elizabeth Gaskell. Arthur Conan Doyle. Lloyd Douglas. Alexander Dumas. etc etc etc. My fiction addiction leveled off a bit, but my obsession with the written word reached a feverish all-time high. I decided to break my mystery habit in my own writing and wrote my first historical fiction. I don’t know if I’ll ever love any of my writings as much as I love that book. The story takes place during the Holocaust, and it involves finding new life at the end of tragedy. I had found a new life for myself in the world of the past. The things that really happened are often just as (or more) exciting than what authors come up with.
So here’s the thing about history: It opens your eyes. I found links from the past that explain some of my world today. I discovered just how amazing things are – things that I just take for granted. What went into the radio? The light bulb? Airplanes and cars? The people who invented these things are honored in our society today, but in their own world, they were thought of as total jerks. I’ve just written about 750 words to say something that could be said in a mere five words: “Don’t be afraid to expand” Try something new! As unwilling as I was to enter the “real world” of non-fiction, I found it to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Don’t get stuck in your little corner, ’cause another thing about history is this: people who stay in their own cozy little corners don’t make a difference.
A lot of people… okay, three people… that I’m subscribed to have been posting youtube videos rather frequently with either a favorite song, movie scene, or just something funny. So since I’m TRYING to get back into blogging, and I’m tired of just staring at this blank white space… I think I’ll join the crowd (or shall I say group?) and just post a video. Don’t worry, though! I won’t make youtube the majority of my posts. I don’t think. =D
It seems as though this one has been full circle, but I never know what my readers may or may not have seen, so here’s a little humor for the day:
Uncategorized 7:38 pm
This year I’m learning Spanish. It went really well for the first 7 weeks, but now I have hit a tough spot. It’s called “right vs. left” or, “derecha vs. izquierda” (I don’t know if I spelled that right…)
I have always been directionally challenged. Even though I’ve reached the ripe old age of 17, I still use my hands to tell directions. How? Quite simple, actually. I have a mole or birthmark or something of that sort on my right hand. All I have to do is look at one of my palms and I know right from left. My right palm has this little mark on it, and my left palm is blank.
Wait, how does this apply to Spanish? Well, I’m to the part where I’m supposed to learn right from left. The problem is, I can’t even do it in ENGLISH… so Spanish has been a bit of a problem. I’m using Rosetta Stone, and as many of you will probably know, they give you a phrase and show four pictures, leaving you to click on the picture that matches the phrase. Pretty easy stuff, really. I mean, if it says “elephant” I’m not going to click on a picture of a woman. But if it says, “The ball is in the woman’s right hand…” AAAAAAAAAAAACK! Here is the problem:
1. I already have right vs. left problems
2. I’m new at this Spanish thing
3. MY right is the PICTURE’S left!!!
So if you’re in my neighborhood and you hear a scream between 10:30 and 11:15, you may just shrug and say, “Ah, Emily is doing her Spanish.” =D
Uncategorized Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice Sequels 9:37 am
This is a post which I intend to update several times over the coming months. I am going to dedicate it to one of my favorite books: Pride and Prejudice. In this post I will make a list of all of the sequels I have read and tell whether or not I would recommend them to anyone. I hope that someone will find this list useful!
1. 
Lady Catherine’s Necklace by Joan Aiken
It has been several years since I read this book, but from what I recall it had a rather poor writing style. An even greater objection to it however was the total transformation of several characters. This book was totally untrue to anything that Jane Austen wrote. The plot was a little amusing, but I would not recommend this book except to the VERY bored person. I also cannot recall for sure if there was any language or inappropriate behavior, so perhaps the best thing would be to stay away.
2.Darcy’s Story by Janet Aylmer
This is one of my favorites so far – Pride and Prejudice told from Mr. Darcy’s point of view! In most cases the dialogue comes directly from Jane Austen. Ms. Aylmer didn’t take too many liberties with the characters, either – a fault I have found with many authors of Pride and Prejudice fan fiction. The only thing that bothered me was the author’s word choices on occasion. There was no objectionable language, I just thought that she could have picked better words. Great addition to a bookshelf!
3. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon Lathan
I found myself unable to read this book due to inappropriate material. I don’t know if I made it as far as the third chapter. This book is a total failure in my standards and I would never recommend it to anyone. As with many other authors, Ms. Lathan has fallen into the trap of trying to make the Darcy’s most intimate moments an entertaining read. I find this to be an even more disgusting flaw than the changing of a character’s character.
4. Letters from Pemberley by Jane Dawkins
This book was well-done in comparison to many others I have read. Though at times it seemed a bit simplistic and the length of the book was certainly not satisfying, I enjoyed these letters from Elizabeth to Jane. I have not been able to read the sequel, but I admit that I am glad that there is one. The first book was far too short. Though this book does not reach my list of all-time favorites, I wouldn’t have a problem with recommending it to anyone.
Uncategorized 9:09 am
Hey, I’m really sorry for my long absence! It’s amazing how busy one person can be doing… nothing. LOL I’m going to try to get back into this. A promise you’ve heard all too often, I’m sure….
Uncategorized 5:04 pm
Okay… I’m a Narnia fan through and through. So even though I’m a little apprehensive about what is going to be done with Voyage of the Dawn Treader, I’m still very excited about the movie production. Today I’m excited about the Dawn Treader that is being built. I’ve seen several pictures from different sources, but none of them were as clear as these: http://www.cinefools.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=1027 I am so excited! If you’re big on Narnia, too, and want to keep up on everything, I would suggest subscribing to NarniaWeb. I love the frequent updates about everyone and everything involved.
P.S. Yes, yes, I’ll post those books reviews and pics someday….
Uncategorized 9:15 am
I’m still planning on doing a post on the fourth. In fact, the post is written. I just need to find out where my pictures were misplaced to. So don’t despair… I hope to be back soon!
Email forwards 7:32 pm
Here is an email that has been forwarded to me a couple of times. As I’m still working on last year’s school, I don’t foresee myself taking this just yet… but maybe someday. Or not?
Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895?
This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina, Kansas , USA.. It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina , and reprinted by the Salina Journal.
8th Grade Final Exam: Salina , KS – 1895
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications
3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of ‘lie,”play,’ and ‘run.’
5. Define case; illustrate each case.
6 What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
7 – 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.Arithmetic (Time,1 hour 15 minutes)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. Wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold? (oh look — a chicken!)
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs, what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs. For tare?
4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. Coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft.. Long at $20 per metre?
8.. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods? (and now I have a headache)
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a ReceiptU.S.History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.Orthography (Time, one hour)
[Do we even know what this is??]
1. What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals
4. Give four substitutes for caret ‘u.’ (HUH?)
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final ‘e.’ Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis-mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last…
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane , vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks
and by syllabication.Geography (Time, one hour)
1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas ?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia , Odessa , Denver , Manitoba , Hecla , Yukon , St. Helena , Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.Notice that the exam took FIVE HOURS to complete.
Gives the saying ‘he only had an 8th grade education’ a whole new meaning, doesn’t it?!
Also shows you how poor our education system has become and, NO, I don’t have the answers!
My Life 1:23 pm
Thursday night I fell asleep on a trundle bed at Mrs. Larson’s house, listening to Jim Brickman’s album Picture This, reading Eldest by Christopher Paolini (book review to come). I woke up in the morning with a pain in my cheek. May I just insert a little advice to ya’ll? I do not presently recommend going to sleep with thick hardcover books in your bed, for if you sleep soundly enough, the corner can stick in your cheek all night and leave a painful indention in the morning. For what it’s worth.
Anyhow…
On Friday morning we went to visit Miss Grace, a dear elderly lady whom we used to give rides to church. She’s in a nursing home now. She was one of the people who prayed very hard that Seth would be a boy. So we decided to get a picture of Grace and Seth together. Well, although some of the pictures that I have posted on here might lead you to believe otherwise, Seth generally does NOT like to have his picture taken. So in the end, Dad and Seth went out to the car, and I was left with only one picture… with Seth obviously not cooperating.
Yeah. Not very flattering.
After our visit, we went out to Johnny B. Good’s for lunch. I ordered the BLT and think I should’ve ordered the turkey sandwich instead. LOL I usually love BLTs, and I used to get one every time we went to JBG’s, but the bacon didn’t even really taste like bacon and was mostly fat… so it wasn’t the best I’d had there. Anyhow… After that we went to Fish Creek Falls.
This tree was taller than anything around it and was up kinda high… so I took a picture, but the picture doesn’t really do it justice at all.
Not the greatest pic… but I guess it’ll have to do.
We went back to Mrs. Larson’s house and helped get supper ready. The Sistos came over (Mrs. Larson is Mrs. Sisto’s mom) and we spent the evening together. It was lots of fun! We played (or started to play) Chinese Checkers, but then we got off on the topic of iPods and Narnia and youtube and converting videos and all that jazz. I’m always afraid that people will get mad if I’m always taking pictures, so I generally don’t even end up with a group picture. Which I always regret, but never fix. So I don’t have any pictures. =( Maybe another time.
Well, that’s all for now, folks!
Soli Deo Gloria!
P.S. If you want to sign a letter to Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, and Will Poulter… (Main cast of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader)… go to http://www.narniaweb.com =D
I'm a seventeen-year-old Christian girl from Colorado. I've been homeschooled my entire life and am hoping to graduate this year. I love reading, writing, history, piano, and movies. I hope you enjoy your visit to my blog and come again!
