Week 8 Prompts # 34

34. The things I see as I walk along the street, that's heaven to me.

I love going for walks. Where I lived in Dexter it was easy to walk all over town, and  that is just what I did with my best friend Matt. We talked and walked for hours and hours, and I got to see the many different sights in my town. Sights that from just driving around you would never see. They were the sights you had to walk to see. Matt would always come to my house and throw rocks at my window, which is how I knew it was time for our walk. He had been around Dexter for many many years, and I was new to the town. I remember seeing the bridge for the first time. It was so cute and romantic and I always wished for a boyfriend to take me there after seeing it. Seeing the trees sway in the wind, people sitting on their porches, and the smells over took me.




The green grass, the leaves on the trees, the dogs playing in the yards are all sights that are heaven to me. Seeing the kids playing in their yards, the smell of fresh cut grass, and the birds flying in the air. There are so many things to see and smell when you are taking a simple walk down the street. I thank God every day for the simple pleasures of walking down the street and seeing all these beautiful sights and scenery.

Week 8 Prompts # 35

35. Three of them sitting there in complete silence.

I was a Sophomore in high school, and captain of the varsity soccer team. I always had team get together at my house, and they were always filled with adventures.  Many nights of no sleep and lots of laughter filled my house every weekend. This one night particularly we decided to go a little crazy. We met some cute boys that lived right down the street from me, so we decided we should sneak out to meet them at the park. We made it out of the house and up the street to the park where we all met and were having a blast until the police drove up. We didn't know that there was a curfew in my town, in turn the police drove me, and my three friends back home. When we arrived to my house, the police man insisted on me waking my parents so he could tell them what was going on. I was a nervous wreck.

Once my parents came out to talk to the police man, he left and my parents wanted to find out what was going on. She sat me and my three friends down on the couch just to figure out exactly what was going on.  My parents questioned us one by one, but when it came down to taking the blame, the four of us sat there. They looked at each one of us with a curious look upon their faces. My friends and I looked at each other and it seemed as if we had made a decision to all take the blame, so I stood up only to look down to see the three of them, sitting there, in complete silence. To see the least I was pissed. Here I was taking the blame for an adventure all four of us in complete agreement decided to embark on. It was OK though, I decided that it was my house, and my family so I should do right and go with it. Take the blame. My parents decided to be a little lenient this time, and no punishment was given. Thank goodness. I continued to have sleep overs, we just decided to not take as big adventures and play it safe.

Week 8 Prompts # 33

33. "We are gathered here today to remember....."

These seven words are some of the most heart wrenching words that I have ever heard.

My best friend Dean died April 6, 2010 in his bedroom playing xbox. His heart just stopped. How the heck does a heart just stop? Why did his just stop? Why, why, why???? These questions just rolled around my head as I was trying to wrap my mind around his passing.

Dean was athletic, loud, hyper, but most of all he served for our country. He was in the 82nd Airbourne Army, and had done three tours already. He died at the young age of 25. I hate to even think about it. He received an award for his braveness and saving his whole team. He was an selfless man who put others first.

I remember sitting at his funeral. After waiting for it to begin those seven awful words came from the ministers mouth. "We are gathered here today to remember...." And I began to cry. I couldn't believe his life was over, and he was so young. He was never going to get to experience life, and marriage, and kids. This just wasn't fair.

The funeral was Catholic, it was definitely out of the norm for me.  Then I reminded myself that I was not there for me, I was there for Dean and his family. R.I.P Dean Quellette

Week 7: Character

It was a warm night in August of 2009. Mosquitoes where out, and I was all dressed up for a night of basketball at the courts. It was dark outside, but the court lights where shinning so we could play basketball. My friends where messing around and playing tennis (more like hitting the tennis balls at each other) so I decided to go shoot around. I was shooting at the furthest hoop all by myself when this guy, in a bright yellow shirt, walks up and said, "Hey, do you know who I am?" I had seen him around town before, and knew from friends that his name was Matt. So I replied, "Well, is your name Matt?" He said yes then asked if he could shoot around with me. We were shooting around, making small talk, when he offered to play horse. Of course I took him up on his offer, I am too competitive to say no. We played and I won! It was awesome! We continued making small talk, then before we knew it was time for the lights to shut off. I was bummed to say the least.

The next day I decided I needed to find a way to get his number and talk to him. I texted a few friends and finally tracked down his number. I sent him a message telling him that I had fun playing basketball with him so we made plans to do it again. Matt was, and still is, a very open person. He told me his whole life story, and before I knew it, we were spending every day together. It happened so quickly, but it is not too often you find someone you can spend all this time with without getting sick of them.

I quickly figured out who Matt is and what kind of a person he is. Matt is a hard worker, goal orientated, and driven to make the best out of his life. He has had his heart broken more than once, but learned from his mistakes. Matt is caring, loves his nieces and shows his loves to them, and wants to be able to provide for his family. He has high expectations for himself, and stresses easily. It is funny watching him stress out about stuff. He makes sure to get his work done before he plays, and is very good with his money. He saves his money like no ones business, and in doing so he has nice things and can live comfortably at 23 years old. I came to find out that he his hyper, and doesn't care what people think of him. He doesn't drink or do drugs, but he loves to play the slots, and take random drives for hours not knowing where we will end up.

For a 23 year old, he has done a lot of good in his life. He has made a lot of adult like decisions and for that he has lived and learned. Matt is a strong man, but sometimes need someone to comfort him, hold him, and love him. For the man Matt has been and still is, this is why I have been around him for three years now. His personality is addicting, and when I am not around him, I feel like I am missing something and I don't know what I am missing until I see him again. He is full of surprises and does of the craziest things. For example: waking me up at 4:30 in the morning to go stand in line for a free ham. Just spur of the moment and very spontaneous.

He is a great man, with goals, a job, money, a car, and very stable. These are qualities you can't find in a lot of guys theses days.

Week 7 Prompts # 32

32. Who's the last person you'd want to remember? (This has at least two possible meanings--think about it!)

Growing up, my grammie had a best friend named Valerie. As a kid I remember Valerie visiting my grammie many times, but I never really knew her. It wasn't until much later in my life that I got to know, and soon knew Valerie. Valerie also worked for my grampie at his garage as the secretary. Valerie was a kind, loving, caring, unselfish person who always put others before herself. Unfortunately, her husband took advantage of her, and didn't see all of the great things in her as everyone else did. He cheated on her, abandoned her, and went away.
I spent many days going to visit her, talking with her, and had many lunch dates.  She was a wonderful woman of God, she had a lot of wisdom, and she always gave me the best advice. She never judged me for the things I was doing in my life, but was always there ready with any advice she could give to me. Also, she was always there with a hug. Her hugs where the best, and they always helped me get through a tough day. She was loved by many people. She gave me gifts for my birthday, but even more than that she sent cards randomly that always came to me in the times I needed the most.
One day, I received the most terrible news I could have ever imagined. My grammie called me and said that our sweet Valerie was in the hospital and it was serious. It turned out that she had brain cancer, and only had months to live. She spent the remaining time left in her home, where she soon died in April of 2010. It was a sad day, and she will forever be embedded in my heart along with many others.
Valerie will forever be in my heart. She will always be remembered as the caring and loving person she was, and I will feel her looking out for me as she sits in Heaven. So forever in my life, if Valerie is the last person I ever remember, I am OK with that.

Week 7 Prompts # 30

30. Take a look at a photo of a person. What do you see?

It was July 4th in 2000. I was 10 soon to be 11 and it was a warm summer day. I was at the beach and a nice cool breeze was surrounding me from the water. Wearing my favorite pink with black polka dots bathing suit, eating the biggest piece of watermelon that covered my whole face, I stood with my feet in the sand. My curly blond hair was up in pig tails, and my cheeks with flecks of red that was a sign of a little too much sun that day. I was waiting for the parade to start. 

I remember this day as if it was yesterday. Summer was always my favorite time of the year, mostly because my birthday is during that time, but I always loved the sun! I always looked forward to the first time I submerged myself in crisp lake water, and the popsicles that would become one of my main food groups. We were at Ellis Pond where my family has a camp, and where I grew up spending my summers. We moved there in the summer, and it is the main event for many of my fond memories. Every year all of the kids that were around the area got together and lined up for the 4th of July parade. This was so much fun. Finally I got my red, white, and blue hat and off we went around the pond. Celebrating this holiday as I did the years before and the many years that followed.

Week 7 Prompts # 33

33. Imagine someone you know is taking this course and has decided to write about you. Write their piece for them!

Michala is full of piss and vinegar! She is high on life, and is always looking for an adventure. She hates to work, but loves to play.  Michala is hyper, bold, and very boisterous. She lets people know what is on her mind, and usually never holds back. Michala is athletic, I met her playing basketball as a matter of fact, and she is very competitive. Michala drives me crazy, but at the same time I can't stand to be away from her. Her strong personality may rub off the wrong way, but she has a soft heart, and a caring attitude. She doesn't let the stresses of life bring her down, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her caring attitude draws people in, and her big heart keeps them around. She is always willing to help, and she is great with kids.

If my boyfriend Matt was writing this piece, I think this what he would say....At least this is what I hope he would :)

Week 6 Theme: Place

Along with growing up, the hustle and bustle of life consumes everyone. Between jobs, coaching, different seasonal sports, school, and just life in general my family has become very busy. For most of my life my family is all I had to rely on. My mom, dad, and brother where who I had because of the constant moving around we did. Every night my family and I would gather in the living room to watch our favorite shows. We would laugh together and share the events that happened in our lives that day. Whether it be stories of school, work, or sports. Those were the times I cherished and the place I will remember the most and the place I look forward to be at when the stresses of life overwhelm me.

I am going to school full time and working full time, my dad coaches, my mom works full time, and my brother is always busy doing what he does, and I often think of the times I spent as a child and a teen spending those evenings with the people in my life who wouldn't let me down. I remember the sound of a crackling fire in the background, and the warmth of the same fire emerged each one of us. I remember the laughter the filtered out into the hall way and down the stairs, and the pure joy on our faces as we all enjoyed each others company.

Now, I am 22 and my brother 20, we reminisce of the evenings spent with our parents. This was our safe place. Our place of security, and a place where trust was not broken. This is the place I want to create with my family as I grow older and have a family of my own. Now we come back to that living room, and spend some evening with our parents doing the same things that we used to. Spending the evenings watching TV, talking, and laughing. This is what keeps us together and close and this is the place, my favorite place to be.

Week 6 Prompts # 27

27. The safest place in the world....

Hmmm, the safest place in the world....When I see this, I think of the places I go or the people I am with who make me feel safe. Growing up, I moved....A lot...I never could settle down in once place because before I knew it, it was time to move again.

My grammie has always been an important person in my life. She has taught me to be strong and independent along with many other things. Once I was able to drive, I found myself going to her house a lot. We would sit and talk, and eat sweets and the time would fly by. My work was right down the road from her house, and before I knew it, I was spending the night a lot. Grammie became my best friend because I knew she would never leave my side. She would always be there for me. We went shopping together, and I could tell her anything. She always listened, and never judged me.

So, when I hear about the safest place in the world, it make me think of my Grammie's house, and all the many hours I spent there.  She was and still is my supporter, and someone who will never leave me. Never walk away from me. She is my sagest place in the whole world.

Week 6 Prompts # 29

29. When you finally arrived, it was nothing like you imagined....

When I was 11 years old, my Grammie decided to take my family along with my Aunt Stacey's family to Florida to go to Disney World. This is every kids dream, and it was definitely mine.  It was awesome because even my cousins where going, so it was going to be so much fun. We packed up our things, and headed to the airport very early in the morning. After boarding the plane, there was not much do to but sit there and imagine what it was going to be like once I landed in Florida and stepped off the plane. I imagined that Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse where going to be waiting for me as I stepped off the plane. I imagined that the house we were staying in was going to be filled with Disney characters all of the time, and it was going to a two week Disney paradise. What do you expect? I was 11!

Well as I stepped off the plane, it was nothing as I had imagined it would be. Not even close. I remember stepping off and it was hot, sunny, and there were many beautiful flower, but no Donald Duck? No Mickey Mouse? Where could they be? Why were they not greeting us off the plane? Whatever, I thought to myself. I will just see them when we go to Disney World. In my mind I thought we were going to Disney World as soon as we landed. I was ecstatic! Then I find out that we have to wait till tomorrow, so we could get settled into our house and check out the surrounding neighborhood first. Needless to say, I was pissed! This whole experience was definitely turning into something that was nothing like I had imagined.

The next day we all woke up, and it was finally the day. They day like no other day. The day where hopefully all of my dreams were going to come true. We were heading to Disney World. The excitement was over taking me, and my cousins as well. We saw the big sign that said Welcome to Disney World and I  screamed! I was so happy to finally be there! We went to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, and did everything we could possibly do. We saw Disney characters galore, got their autographs, and got to see the lights show at the end of the day. It was awesome! The food was great and better than that the rides where so fun! The twists and turns, the tunnels, and all the spinning made for a really enjoyable day! By the end of the two weeks, we were wiped out! The fun had over taken our bodies, and now it was time to go home. We got back on the plane to head home, and as I sat there thinking about all of the fun we had had for the pat two weeks, I realized that it wasn't exactly how I imagined it, IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER!

Week 6 Pormpt # 26

26. You haven't been there since you were little. Now you go back...

My Grandma and Grandpa live in Pennsylvania. They have this huge farm house, with a barn that has at least three horses. They live on a hill and as you look down onto the yard you see a very large pond with a trail that circles around it that my Grandpa mows all throughout the summer. Across from the large pond is a very small pond that has an underground tunnel. When my family and I lived in Pennsylvania we would often go and visit my grandparents and running down the hill to the pond with the trails soon became our favorite place to go. My brother, Stefan, and I would play down there for hours upon hours until night fall came and we could hear our parents calling us from the house.

I remember one time we were feeling a little brave while playing down by the pond. We were climbing down the side of the pond when Stefan lost his flip flop. We saw the flip flop floating in the water and wasn't quite sure what to do. Me being the older child I had to prove to Stefan that I was brave and could get his shoe easily. As I got closer and closer to the shoe, I slipped on a rock and fell into the water. Petrified I tried to keep my cool as the flip flop was my main priority at this point. The flip flop was finally in my sights, I grabbed it then swam to the closest rock, and I was safe. My brother's smile on his face was well worth it.

We also saw many snakes. This really creep-ed me out. I hate snakes and everything that has to do with them. Stefan was running ahead of me when I heard, "Ewww, gross! Sis, you gotta see this!" Thinking to myself, "Oh gosh, what did he find now?" I came up closer and I saw a black snake all mangled up, looked like my grandpa had run him over with the lawn mower. It was disgusting to saw the least.

After a year or so of playing almost everyday at the pond, my dads job led us to come back to Maine. Many years went by and the memories of the times we spent playing by the ponds drifted away. Well, this past summer my family took a trip up to see my grandparents. I was super excited to see them. They still lived in the same farm house, but it seemed that over the years things have changed. Their horses were gone, and the barn looked like it had not been used in quite some time. It was sad to see. I was 21, my brother 19, and we saw it! We looked down over the hill and saw the ponds where he had spent so much time together as children. Just then all the memories swarmed both his and my heads. We looked at each other and smiled like we both knew what was going through each others minds. Just then we took off down the hill to see the ponds and the trails and play like we once had.

Although we were at least 10 or so years older than we were the last time we had played there, we didn't care because at last we had gone back to a place that we hadn't been to in so long. We pondered over the memories of the flip flop incident and remembered about the nasty snake all mangled that we found.  Going back to a place we hadn't been to in so long was a memory in it self that neither Stefan or I will ever forget.

Week 5 Theme: Narrative

Well, it was early January back in 2010. My boyfriend Matt, his best friend Brendan and his fiancee Sam decided it would be fun to go on a snowboarding trip to Sugarloaf. I had never been snowboarding before, so I was petrified. I mean the  mountain is huge! The whole drive there, I was contemplating jumping out of the car and running for safety, but I stayed in the car and waited it out. My boyfriend kept reassuring me that I would be OK, and that he would protect me and teach me. He is a fantastic snowboarder and not much scared him. We arrived, and the closer to the mountain we came, it seemed as it got bigger and bigger. We got all our equipment on, and headed to the mountain. I was shaking in my boots....literally! We started at the bunny hill for me and Sam. I fell at least 100 times, almost breaking my face 99 of the 100 times! They all laughed, so I laughed even though it hurt a little.

Next we decided to take it up a notch, I was feeling a little more confident. Sam and Brendan decided to venture off on there own so Matt and I headed to a different trail. I was really feeling like I could do this! We jumped off the ski lift, strapped our boards back on, and down the trail we went. I was really getting the hang of it! I was ecstatic! I hadn't fallen yet, and was cruising down the mountain. We got to this little bridge and for a moment I forgot how to steer. I was heading for doom and the edge of the mountain. All I could hear behind me was Matt screaming, "Steer, Steer, Steer." I screamed with fear, "I can't, I cant't." Next thing I knew, I was sliding down the edge of the cliff! Luckily the snow was so deep, I stuck to the side of the mountain, because I hadn't, I wouldn't be here today! I looked up with my arm in the air and called for Matt. The fear on my face matched the fear on Matt's face! Strapped to my board there wasn't much I could do, so with arms stretched I counted on Matt to rescue me. He did! I was so grateful he saved me! After he pulled me back up, he gave me a huge hug and said. "I'm so glad your OK! You really scared me!" Well I was scared too!

Now, we decided it may be a good time to head back to the lodge, grab some hot coco, and relax for a few minutes. After we sipped our hot coco, we headed back out for a couple more runs down the mountain. Matt thought it would be a good idea if he held on to me down the mountain. We were hand to hand, foot to foot, and got going pretty fast. Fear set in again, and I looked to him with  a worried look. He said, "You are fine, just hold on to me, I got you." I was thinking ya right, I already fell down once! Next thing I knew I moved my feet a little too much and took both Matt and I out! Head first he dove into the snow, legs tangled together. By that point, he was a little ticked off. We decided to call it a day before either one of us died. We headed back to the lodge, returned our equipment, and headed to our room. He reflected on the day played Phase 10 then headed to bed to rest for the next day ahead of us. Our next day of snowboarding wasn't as dramatic, then we packed up and headed home. All our limbs and body parts still intact.

Week 5 Prompts # 17

17. You’ve lost It! Where is It?


I lost my cell phone one time. It was just about the most traumatic experience of my life. I searched high and low and it was no where to be found. I tore my whole room apart trying to remember the last place I had it. Where could I have set it down? I looked under my bed, on my dresser, behind my dresser, in my bathroom, everywhere I could think of it. I checked downstairs, in between couch cushions, under the couch, even in the refrigerator. I have done that before believe it or not. Nope, wasn't in those places either. I looked in the laundry basket, in my pants pockets, and tore my whole car apart. Wasn't there either. Now, at least three days have passed and I am still cell phone-less. Life as I knew it was coming to an end. Then all of a sudden, I decided to wear my new sneakers, a bright light shined down as I place my foot in the left shoe, bells were ringing, and a great choir was singing as at last MY CELL PHONE WAS FOUND! It was in my shoe! The search was finally over! 

Week 5 Prompts # 25

25. Everything you thought you knew is wrong, nothing is what it seems.

I spent two and a half years with a guy. I thought what we had was love, was real, and would last forever. I knew he was the guy for me. I knew I wanted to be with him for the long run, but deep down is that what I really wanted, or was that what I kept telling myself? Did I need him? Was he the only guy for me? I almost felt mesmerized by him. Or mesmerized by the thought of him. Who knew....Then I took a deep look inside of me and a deep look into the relationship. Were we happy? No. Did we love each other? Yes. Was the love strong enough to make this work? I don't know. Could we stick together through the thick and thin? Yes, we have had to so many other times. Were the struggles worth it? No. Did the good times outweigh the bad times? Not really. I had to weigh all of these questions and thoughts and had to see what really worked for me. I deserved to be treated better as did he, but how was I going to get over this long relationship? I mean spending all of our time together I became very attached. As anyone would. He had been there for me financially when I needed him to help me, but emotionally wise I never felt so alone. Which is hard for me. This relationship I had invested so much in, and gave so much up for was not what it seemed on the outside. When I examined the inside I realized I was missing some very important parts. Like me. I could see that, family could see that, friends could see that, but to me it seemed....normal. 

Week 5 Prompts # 19

19. You’ve done something terrible and know you will go to Hell.


I was 13 years old. Freshman at a new school. The outcast. The new kid in town. Everything was against me. All I had was my brother, my mom, and my dad to depend on. No friends...yet. I was confused, lost, and trying to figure out the secret password to fit in at school. My piers were either total bad asses or rich. I was just me. No label, no sense of welcomed arms. Within in the first month I found myself with the bad asses of the freshman class. Not the ideal place for the new kid. I was their experiment. How far will she go? What will she do to fit in? They soon found out that I would have done anything to feel accepted. Maybe a little to desperate, but it is every teenager who wants to fit in. They group I was in smoked, drank, had sex, and all the other things I was not ready for at 13 years old. What kid really was? Well, I let peer pressure consume me and before you know it I was cutting class with some of the others to sneak somewhere and smoke. I hid it from my family which was the hardest thing for me. Being so close to your family makes it harder to be so dishonest. Especially since for most of my life, they were all I had. So, one day I decided I needed a cigarette at home, right then and there. I thought well maybe if I act like I am taking a bath and open the window and light some candles I should be all set. So I did. Soon after I got out and headed back to my room and my mom headed into the bathroom right after. I was like, Oh Crap!" I was a nervous wreck. She came out and said, "Why does it smell like an ash tray in there!" I knew I was busted. We talked and I told her the reasons why, and we agreed that I would never smoke again. Until the next day....I swore I was going to go to hell for what I have been and still was doing. My family had a conversion van, but we didn't use it much. Me and another girl decided that would be a good place to smoke during school. I felt like such a horrible daughter and sister. What kind of an example was I to my brother? Soon after numerous times being caught, I decided that I was not in the best group and that my "friends" didn't have the best intentions for me. I found other people to hang out with and enjoyed not sneaking around. 

Week 4 Theme: Truth...or Concequences.

1. This week, I realized why I feel down a lot. I believe this happens the most with the person you spend the most time with. You tend to become very comfortable with this person which sometimes can lead to destruction. It could be a girl friend, boy friend, best friend, or even a family member. When this happens to a person, it can sometimes lead to a break down or lack of focus on the things in your life that are most important. I know this because it has very recently happened with me. Getting over this feeling takes a lot more than just saying I am fine.

2. This week I have been feeling really down. As I reflected on my life for the past few months, I came to fully understand why in fact I was feeling so down. I think that when you are with someone every single day, you start to not be able to stand them. You become comfortable with them, they become comfortable with you and before you know it you know everything about each other in a short amount of time. Things come out that you didn't necessarily need to know about them and before you know, you know each others insides and outs. This becomes to much for both of the people and before you know it, you can't stand being in the same room with each other, and if you are you fight constantly. You can really lose yourself in this type of relationship also. I know I have to a point. Your personality kind of leaves you for a while and you forget the amazing person you used to be. Then as you lose yourself, you also lose the people around you. You start to remove yourself from your friends and family, stop answering phone calls, and before you know it you are alone, which is one of your  worst fears.

3. This week has been a hard, tough week for me. I realized the reasons as to why I have been so down lately. I realized that I have been spending way to much time with someone close to me. We became very close, but too close. I believe it is OK to know someone so well, but when it comes to the point of knowing everything about them,the mystery is gone. You start to test one another to see if they will react the same way or a different way as to what they had in the past. You are constantly pushing each others buttons to see how far each of us can go. Until finally we reach our breaking points.