Bailey's Blog

Chaos

2012-01-26T23:25:00.001-05:00

I ran into a humongous dillema today, one that caught me stressing much more than I should have been. That isn't like me, by the way, to stress over something. For class, we were assigned for find a single metaphor that represents us... and then create a piece of artwork that expresses that metaphor. Pretty easy, you'd think.

But as I started thinking about it, I couldn't possibly figure out a single metaphor that could possibly represent me. Maybe I was thinking too deeply, thinking too much into the project but I couldn't find anything I was satisfied with. There's something difficult about describing yourself as it is, and finding a metahpor is even difficult because it's so simple.

It's a BIG DEAL!

Admittedly, in a moment of complete desperation, I consulted my Dad, who always seemed to have genius ideas when it came to this sort of thing. With his help, I was able to come up with the metaphor "Chaos"... and the image to represent it would be one of spaghetti roads.

What a great idea, right? Roads represent journeys, and the spaghetti made them just a tad more complicated - much like my life tends to be. But as I got working on it, I decided even that was too simple. So I made it so that some roads were blurred and jagged, some were foggy, one was broken, some were twisted, some had two ways to go and one was congested and busy. There was even an accident in the middle of it.

What do you say? Success?

2012-01-22T21:25:00.003-05:00

"Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." - Robert Heinlein

Writing is an Art Form

2012-01-22T21:21:00.004-05:00

I'm only recently discovering how much of an art form writing actually is.

The other day I caught myself putting in a word simply because it looked/sounded good. And then I saw that I was rearranging paragraphs, simply because they didn't belong where they were.

It's no different than painting a picture, it's fitting together pieces of artwork in a way that they look/sound good.

Can I call myself an artist? :)

Two More Years

2012-01-21T18:07:00.001-05:00

I re-discovered this piece that I wrote when I was 15. Amazingly enough, the two years have passed that I spoke about and I am still here! I just thought it was interesting...

“Two more years,” I always tellyou. Only you and I know what I mean; two more years until I’m 17, two moreyears until I’m legally able to move from your house.

You tell meit would be the worst day of your life, the day I move out, I tell you it wouldbe my best day of mine. We never agree.

That’swhere it always starts; the disagreement, then it ends with those three dreadedwords that we both expect, we both know are coming.

You knowit’s not you I want to leave; it’s the fights, the disagreements. Sometimes Ijust want to be independent without you telling me what to do, I know nowthough, I couldn’t handle it.

“I loveyou,” you told me, like you always do, as I left for school yesterday. Onlythis time, it was different. This time, I was imagining leaving a place of myown; you wouldn’t be there to remind me you loved me. No one would be there.

“How wasyour day at school?” You ask me as I walk through the door at the end of theday. I knew the answer, only I didn’t want to tell you. My day was good, Ispent the whole day imagining my own house or apartment, how it would befurnished – it would be just like the way you designed your house now. Instead,I tell you that my day was okay, realizing that in two years, there would be noone home to ask me that. Each day, I would walk in the door of an empty placethat looks just like yours. Each day, I would pick up the phone and put it backon the cradle, afraid to admit that I missed you, your house and our family.

I made youa chocolate pudding cake today, for your birthday, even though it was lastweek… I wanted to celebrate again. I knew you wouldn’t mind. As I pulled outeach ingredient, I imagined I was baking in my own place. I don’t think mycupboards would ever be as organized as yours are. I complained to you when Icouldn’t find the baking soda and laughed when you found it. That wouldn’t havehappened in my house because there would be no one else to misplace it, therewould be no one there to find it either. When I baked in my own house, I’d bebaking for only me. In other words, I wouldn’t bake.

“Will youempty the dishwasher, Bailey?” You ask, before adding, “please have it emptybefore we start dinner.” I argue and ignore you. If this were my own house, Iwould do that when I wanted to. When I had my own house, I’d have to load ittoo. “You don’t see my complaining when I have to do your laundry, clean yourdishes, vacuum the house, follow you around picking up what you leave behind.”You tell me, I don’t argue this time, I know you’re right; Moms always are.

We had acampfire with the neighbours tonight. I couldn’t help but imagine it if I hadmy own house. I couldn’t imagine what the campfire would be like – I wouldn’tbe there. I would be at my house, alone, only wishing I had someone to roastmarshmallows with until the early hours of the morning.

I went tobed that night smelling of fire thinking of all that you’d done for me in thepast.

When I was in bed for 2 weeks with Salmonellapoisoning, you took every measure to make sure I was fed, comfortable and safe.You convinced and took me to the clinic, then to the doctor, then to the bloodclinic. You tried everything you could to try to ease the pain, and when thatdidn’t work you called up the neighbours for some help. When my mood wasirritable due to the pain I was in, you kept calm and understood that I wasn’tangry with you. You spoke with my teachers at school to explain why I wasn’t atschool and helped me catch up on schoolwork. Overall, Mom, you took 2 weeks outof your life help me when you could have been doing something better. I don’tknow many people who would do that for me. As I think about it now, if I livedaway from you, I would have no one to care for me unconditionally like you do.At 17 years old, I’m not sure if I could handle that.

“Will youmake my lunch?” I asked you one night before I went to bed a little later thanI’m used to. You didn’t argue about having another task to do, you didn’tcomplain, you just did it. That’s what family is for; helping each other. Idon’t think you’ve ever forgotten that. I made the bus the next day, thanks toyou.

We fight,we argue, and we disagree – that’s life. We never forget to love, live andlaugh together and I don’t think we ever will. That’s what Mom’s and daughtersare for.

“Twomore years,” I may tell you, again in the midst of an argument. You hear; twomore years until I can move out, but it’s too more years that I can enjoy mytime living in your house. For that, I know I am very lucky.

Rafael Rozendaal

2012-01-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

How about using the internet as your canvas? That's what this guy did. Each piece of his artwork belongs to a domain name... It's simple, but yet beautiful. If you have a minute, check out some of his work: http://www.newrafael.com/websites/

If I were to get married... It would go a little like this...

2012-01-14T23:36:00.001-05:00

To my future husband who I know will read this at least eventually, please take notes.

Marriage. I don't know whether I love the idea or hate it. I love the idea of a huge party, I hate the idea of taking on somebody else's last name. I hate the idea of being ordinary, and if I were to get married, I'd expect it to be out of this world (on the moon?) extraordinary.

Just wanted to share these two videos, because if I were to get married, I feel that it would be reasonable to expect two similar dances to take place at my wedding. Different songs possibily.

And then... Provided the first song be Smile - Uncle Kracker...

Yeah yeah, I'm way too young to be planning this, but heck, it looks like so much fun!

Hope

2012-01-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

Dreams don't give up, only people do!

Second Guessing

2012-01-12T22:14:00.001-05:00

You know that feeling... when you tell somebody something that is really exposing to you? It's like getting out of the shower and realizing that there is a stranger standing there. That shiver that makes you feel naked, sitting there even clothed?

It's like someone has seen you in a state that you didn't want them to see? Like they know more about you than you intended on telling them?

I told somebody the story behind my novel today. Just bits and pieces, all of which were painfully exposing. And even hours later, that feeling of exposure and nakedness trails me.

So if by telling one person gives me that feeling... How am I going to feel making my story available for the world to see? Will that sort of exposure be healing or create some sort of permanent scar?

I have some thinking to do.

Zen and the Art of Falling In Love

2012-01-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

If I could tell you to buy one single book (aside from mine when they're published, of course), it would be this one. It's the most unbelievably inspiring, life changing book you will find.

It helped me to learn what love really was, and that the only way of discovering love isn't finding your Prince Charming. It's all about loving yourself, and thinking about the relationships you have with other people as well.

It makes love unbreakable, and teaches you not only receive but also how to let go.

Zen and the Art of Falling In Love.

Music: Orphan's Cry

2012-01-10T13:38:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make a music recommendation today. I recently discovered this band called Orphan's Cry. My first impression was that they do follow a sort of religious theme and I wasn't religious. My second impression was that they have some of the most unbelievable music I have ever heard.

They seem like a really down-to-earth group of people, really geniune and their music... is just pure. They've got INSANE talent or something. I honestly have never heard music so good.

My favourite song by them is called Broken Girl. It's written about girls who are said/lost/broken, and the lyrics are really deep and accurate. But the way it's sung, isn't sad and emotional... it's upbeat and cheers you up the moment you hear it. Not only that, and I have never experienced this before when listening to music, the amount of LOVE you feel when listening to this song is remarkable. I feel so loved, so special, and so inspired.

I love that they combined both male and female voices. It offers a lot of contrast and abstract. The woman's voice is purely beautiful and flawless, and I'm inspired that a guy would sing this song - gives me hope for the rest of the male population.

Overall, these people have got TALENT like I've never heard before. Definitely worth picking up their album on iTunes or downloading their song Broken Girl for free here: www.tunemylife.org

And... be sure to check out their website: www.orphanscrymusic.com

It's a Writer Thing

2012-01-08T14:30:00.005-05:00

Aside from Caramel Lattes spilled all over my laptop, I would like to call myself a very happy writer. There is something really satisfying about knowing that you are nearly finished a book.

Even more spectacular is huge shift in perception when you're writing a true story about yourself. Suddenly, you see yourself as a character, and I've decided that I don't like my character. I'm inspired to change myself back into the person I really am, and not that character. Even more so, being able to tell my story in full has given me the chance to re-evaluate the entire situation and really have a clear view of where things went wrong, and where things went right.

The ending of my book surprised me, as did life. Rather than an extremely sad ending, I was able to make it an overly happy ending. Thanks to life's funny way of throwing really unexpected things at you, and my own perception.

Every good writer knows that everything makes sense in the end... Nothing is more true than this point!

There May Not Be Romance, But There Is Love

2012-01-07T02:07:00.000-05:00

In the event of a crumbling relationship, where all love and hope is lost, where exactly do you end up? Alone is the most likely answer.

I think common misconception is that the only way to find love is to "fall in love" with your "prince charming". I had thought this for a long time, long since forgotten about the love that surrounds me by day, desperately searching for some sort of fairytale true love.

And when I found it, I seemed to disregard all else in my life. My hobbies, and even career ended up on the backburner. My family and friends ended up somewhere behind or underneath those.

So, what happens when Mr. Prince Charming decides that it's not true love and decides to run off with some other princess? It's as though there's literally nothing left.

That's when my Grandfather told me to look further. To realize that while I may not find romance in my household, I would find forgotten love - and ironically, the most unconditional form of true love on this planet.

Human beings are meant to be in love, it's almost a problem when we are not. And in a moment of complete desperation, I realized that there was overlooked love right in front of me.

I found it!

The Image

2012-01-07T01:49:00.002-05:00

I always look up to people, especially women that put up a strong front.

It is as though we are expected to put up a strong front. Like falling apart in public isn't generally accepted. But what is the use in that, emotions make you relatable? Emotions make you human? Without great pain and sadness, we would not have the gift of experiencing happiness.

So why must we hide them? I questioned that the other day as I was falling apart, tears frozen to my face in the snow after finding out something particularily devastating. I was walking along the snow, and suddenly I felt as though I really couldn't be alone anymore.

So I gave my friend Frank a call. See, Frank is the type of person that is always there for you, has the greatest advice and amazing perspective. He's also extremely good at cheering a person up. I just wanted to talk, but when he told me that he was coming over, I grew fearful.

I was a wreck! He couldn't see me like this. So I rushed home, threw on jeans and a shirt, and put a hat over my messy hair. I even fixed up the smudges on my make up... and put on a smile when I answered the door.

"If there is one thing you are consistent with, it is remaining calm," Frank told me.

Sometimes I wonder... Am I simply masking the sadness for fear of showing my true feelings, or was I actually over it? I am the type of person that gets over things quite quickly, however at that time I felt as though I was masking them. Holding back the tears because I wasn't comfortable with expressing that sort of weakness.

However, in a way, I was also forgetting about the sadness because he was helping to distract me. I also believe that there is no reason to be really devastated, when you could also be happy.

That was another think Frank admired about me sometimes, "You have the ability to cry, and then laugh,"

Maybe that's because I have healed. Because crying is a healthy way to release the pain, but once it's over you may as well be happy. No point staying depressed forever.

I guess the point is a few things. 1) A Good cry is pretty damn healthy! 2) What's the point of staying depressed forever, when in life you are meant to be happy and 3) Why do we feel the need to mask our feelings, when emotion is only human?

Lost My Way

2012-01-05T19:23:00.000-05:00

I decided to take a walk in the forest today.

You see, today wasn't exactly the greatest of days. I spent most of it writing my book, parts of which were excrutiatingly painful and devasting. In the process, I managed to reveal some things about myself that I didn't even realize and I suddenly decided that I don't like the person that I am becoming. It was a very revealing moment, but also one that brought me to tears.

So, despite the cold, I decided to take a walk in the forest. The forest has, for as long as I can remember, been one of my favourite places to be. I believe it is because it is so filled with love. You walk into the forest and feel this overwelming sense of belonging and love. It's absolutely magical. It's like a great big hug. Which is why whenever I need to think, I go into the forest.

Now, usually, I go to this rock that's in the middle, shielded by the trees. Sometimes I will sit and think. Othertimes I will sit and cry. And sometimes I will meditate. I knew that today would be a day that I would cry, because I could already hardly see where I was going as it was.

It was dark when I began my trek, and I remember standing on a hill looking up at my rock and honestly wondering if I would ever get there. It wasn't a far walk at all, but I was feeling weaker and weaker and the thought of curling up into a fetal position in the middle of the pathway seemed a lot more favorable.

But instead, I told myself to move forward. I walked slowly, sometimes stumbling until I finally made it to my rock. It devastated me to realize that my rock was covered in snow, and for some strange reason (despite favorinng sitting on the ground in the snow earlier), I couldn't bring myself to sit on the snow.

So, I decided to keep walking. I don't usually venture out much further than my rock. I knew that if I followed the path, it would lead me to a little beach. I wasn't sure if I would get that far, but I decided to see how far I would get.

So I kept walking. Somewhere along the walk, I must have lost track of the path and suddenly, there was absolutely no path infront of me, behind me or to either side. There was just no path. I figured I'd just slightly stepped off the path, and started to go to the side hoping that I would find it. But it wasn't there. I decided to move forward thinking that maybe I'd find the path somewhere ahead, but soon realized it was nowhere to be found.

This was the point that the pessimistic in me began to cry harder, frightened that there was no path in front of me, and no path in sight. It felt like the end. I wondered if that meant that my journey was over. I slumped to the ground in the snow and watched as warm tears dripped off my face and into the frozen snow.

I decided that the only way to find the path, would be to back track. To go back to the time when there was still a path. So I walked back, following my own steps until I rediscovered some sort of recognizable pathway.

I always believe that life throws sort of metaphors at us, to help guide our way. Certainly removing the path was hardly guiding my way. But it showed me that in order to find my way again, I must go back to the point in time that everything was okay.

It reminded me how the direction I was going wasn't going to get me anywhere, so now was the time to turn around, refresh, and find my way again.

Even more so, just as I rediscovered the path, I looked up to see my Dad walking towards me. He had his arms wide open, "I want my little girl to come back."

2012-01-04T21:32:00.001-05:00

Yup, its going to be a great year!

Too Happy to Be Sad

2012-01-03T21:06:00.000-05:00

The other day, my Dad got really mad at me. He said that he could never understand how we could get into an argument, and within an hour (sometimes minutes), I would be back to normal carrying about my day while he was still reeling.

He said nothing annoyed him more than the fact that I could come to him after an argument happy, and with a smile on my face while he was still stuck up on our little dispute. He said it appeared that I was heartless, but really just wanted to know what was going on my head; did I care?

I'd never really thought about it before. But I kind of let go of things a lot quicker than others. I can just find no reason to hang onto things like that. Life's too short. So you kind of just accept it, don't let it hurt you, move on and more often than not forget about it. I can see how this could be percieved as heartless.

Realistically, it is simply that you are only letting in the things that make you happy, and rejecting the things that can be hurtful.

But what's the point of dwelling on something that is hurting you, rather than moving on and being happy?!

Born to Write

2012-01-02T17:59:00.002-05:00

It's been in the last two weeks that I've really determined that I'm entirely born to be a writer. Writing is that state when I'm fully content, and everything is just... perfect.

And I figured this out because I was suddenly faced with having to write a novel in 3 months. I'm taking a class in school called Integrated Arts. Basically, each student in the class picks an art form (painting, music, photography, etc.) to major in and creates a final project that is expected to express a personal story for a showcase display on January 19. I began the class in September and realized that I had absolutely no such personal story that was really worthy of sharing, and certainly not devoting 5 months to telling. So I decided I would devote my time to something that was personal to me, the environment - create an art project that would raise awareness.

Then, at the beginning of October, my life took quite a turn... I'm not going to get into details because I'm not quite sure if I'm fully ready to share my story just yet... and suddenly I had a really personal subject to express. I decided to write a novel, with each chapter accompanied by photography.

You'd never believe how painful, yet wonderful it feels to relive some of the worst moments of your life. It's becoming the thing I live, breathe and sleep everyday, and I suspect I will have very strong writer's withdrawl when it is finished but I am honestly SO EXCITED to get it out there.

Anyway, just wanted to show you the cover of it, stay tuned for more updates =)

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-01T16:26:00.001-05:00

I can already feel it... 2012 is going to be an INSANE year!

I was thinking about it yesterday and realized that by this time next year, so much is going to have changed. Most particularly, I'll be a high school graduate with a future of unlimited possibilities. How fabulous is that?!

I plan to accomplish a lot this year. To not let risk get in the way of success, and to really go for it. The past year I disappointed myself in not quite being the best that I could be, but with a new start, I'm determined to change that.

There are two of my new years resolutions that I'd like to share with you.

The first is to write more. Life is such an unbelievable experience, why not document it? Not only is writing a great way to preserve memories, but it's an incredible way to get your deepest thoughts organized. You can expect to see at least one blog entry per day if I'm successful.

And the second is to hug a penguin. Take this as you will, I'm not entirely sure if I mean literally or not. What I really mean is to give love to nature, animals and the world and really let them know that I want to make an impact, I want to help end the suffering that we have caused them. One person can make a difference and I'm determined to give it my all. Whether it be this year or next, id like to put this resolution more literally and take an arctic cruise to go visit the animals and get a first hand view.

Have a wonderful year!!!

WHAT A YEAR!!!!

2011-12-30T20:35:00.002-05:00

Wait what... This year, 2011, is almost over? ... What ever happened to it?! I was still making the mistake of writing 2010 in the date... Now I have to get used to writing 2012?!

I don't even know where to start. This year has been such an adventure, so full of love, laughter, emotion, success, devastation, sadness. But all in all, it was absolutely amazing. I still cannot believe that it is over, I know that I say that every year, but this year went extra-fast. Now, to reflect...

I did my first ever major environmental presentation and decided that that is how I want to spend my life; spreading my passion.

I finished the writing and illistrations for my first ever children's book.

Learned how precious life really is when I lost my 7-year-old cousin Jaida.

Even more so, I learned the power of love and the importance of family when I saw my entire family join together to support each other.

I began my first novel - Which will definitely come out sometime in the new year (Chuggin' along... I think I can, I think I can)

I learned how to make the greatest cinnamon rolls in the world (Yes, definitely a highlight to the year).

I had to make probably one of the biggest decisions in my life.

And because of it, I learned in a lot of ways what regret really feels like.

I fell in love, with the most unbelievably amazing person on the face of this planet. And... It fell apart.

I was a contributor to a bunch of really cool projects that will be revealed in the new year - very cool experience.

I have to say that I am hardly proud of this past year. When new years of last year rolled around, I had all these great ideas... I was motivated, and ready to roll... and then it all sort of fell apart. It was an insanely hard year. One that told me a lot about who I was, and who I was to become. It showed me who was some of the greatest people in my life, and who maybe doesn't really belong there.

I think that emotionally and personally, I did a lot of growing, and a lot of finding myself.... and also a lot of falling apart. But... one of my favorite things is that I can cry, and then laugh about it... not laugh at crying, but smile because it's all over, and the tears no longer have to flow. It's exhillarating. I self proclaimed myself one of the happiest people in the world, and I'm working hard to achieve that... It's hard to be happy all the time, but it's about becoming independent and not letting outside things really get to you. It's about having confidence and control of your own emotions.

Hey, life's too short to be sad.

Overall, it was a wonderful year... Full of a lot of things, painful in some times, and some of the greatest memories were created. Some of my biggest regrets happened, some of the greatest obstacles overcome, and some of the greatest rewards were received. I'm just looking forward to seeing what's in store for next year!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! :D

P.S. I realize that this blog entry hardly does the intensity of the year justice. Do you know how hard it is to accurately describe an ENTIRE YEAR... In a SINGLE BLOG? I tried.

Christmas is... Kind of Strange if you think about it

2011-12-24T21:38:00.000-05:00

And yes, if you read that last blog entry you would think I was totally oblivious to the fact that it's CHRISTMAS EVE. Because yes, this crazy blogger spent her Christmas eve working on a novel. Well, no, I'm quite aware that tomorrow is Christmas and I'm totally looking forward to it.

I love Christmas! I love that my whole family can be totally happy, and get along like families are supposed to. Tonight, we made a gingerbread house (my personal request since I hadn't made one in probably a decade!). It was actually so much fun. Although it reminded me a bit of the time that I was in grade 6, and spent my whole Christmas break writing a 30-page novella called Detective Bailz and The Haunted Gingerbread house. I feel that whole Christmas break repeating again this time - on a greater scale.

I'm a little disapointed with one thing though... Christmas completely snuck up on me this year. Like, I barely had enough time to get into the spirit, it just snuck up. I love pre-Christmas; shopping, tree decorating, music, all the things that get you all excited, and I kind of... worked through it to the point I didn't even realize it was happening. Ah, next year will be wonderful... Next year I will take a break over Christmas.

Okay, and one other Christmas comment... Have you ever realized how totally strange Christmas is? Like WHAT IS THIS? Why is there a dead tree in my livingroom... covered in lights? And why... Are there socks hanging from the mantle?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Temptation

2011-12-24T21:27:00.002-05:00

Two weeks of Christmas break + the goal of completing a novel = some pretty desperate measures to ensure I stay focused!

I decided that my best bet was to disconnect myself from any sort of distraction (texting, Facebook, Twitter, email). I would make myself available by my home telephone only, but would turn my phone on just before bed to check any text messages incase something important came along.

The first few hours were brutal. When you actually take things like that away from yourself, you realize how much of an addiction you actually have. How it almost becomes an implulse to check these things as much as it is to breathe.

I asked my sister to change my Facebook password and turned my phone off, hiding it across the room.

The first time I caved and turned my phone on was when I realized that I had to reconfirm about a day that I was going to see someone. Last time I didn't confirm, he completely forgot and I was left waiting at a train station for an hour or so. After I recieved his confirmation, I turned my phone back off.

The next time was when I was writing my book and needed a fact from a friend. On the phone went, just to quickly text the friend for that text.

But as I was waiting for her response, someone else texted me and I felt the obligation to answer anyway.

Then, my family and I put up our stockings and I felt the desperate urge to post a picture of the Gerbil's stockings on twitter...

Followed by another urge to post a picture of our gingerbread house.

And finally... someone in the family said something funny and I just needed to post it to Facebook.

So it's safe to say that I have failed completely on removing myself from these sorts of distractions today. However, I do feel I have succeeded in the slightest. Each time my internet explorer would pop up on the impluse to log into Facebook, it was quickly closed, remembering that I no longer knew my password. At first, it was incredibly frusterating... but eventually, I simply accepted it.

I asked my sister at one point what the password was, but she held her promise not to fall into my temptations.

It's a start. I have to say I have always been a texting addict, and pretty intuned on social networking, so this is a freeing experience. I have noticed stronger conversations with my family, since I haven't been distracted by the constant buzzing of a phone, and an easier time focusing on my writing.

Here's to a more successful day tomorrow!

Dear... You

2011-12-05T21:32:00.001-05:00

People keep posting these things on Facebook, and they looked like fun but I didn't want to clog up everybody's newsfeed, so how about here:

Dear Brother,
When I was 4 and found out Mom was having another baby, I spent the next few months wishing and hoping that it would be a little brother. So on the morning of August 25, when I found out that "ITS A BOY", I was overjoyed. You were one of my favorite things, and I remember Mom let me skip Junior Kindergarten just so I could stay home and play with you. Now, I look at you, my little brother all grown up and I think of how much of an amazing guy you're going to become. You're so amazing, and I don't think you realize how much potential you have... and whoever you end up with is going to be one lucky lady. All I can say is to stay on track when you start high school next year, because you've got one hell of a future ahead of you but you've really gotta focus! We've never really been that close (probably after all those times that I dragged you around when you were a baby, or got grossed out when you had a runny nose), but I wish we were. I truly do hope you know that you mean so much to me, and that if you need anything, you know I'm here for you! I love you like crazy little bro!

Dear Sister,
You make up my whole childhood. I remember all those days that we would wake up in the morning and play bratz, or house or cars or anything all day long and those are some of my favorite memories. Honestly, sometimes I wish I had the guts to dig up our old Bratz and beg you to play just to relive those special memories. I also remember all those nights when we'd play in our room long after mom and Dad put us to bed, or the nights we'd pull all nighters just to go sneak into the treat cabinets after mom and dad had gone to bed. Now, you're all grown up and sometimes it scares me because you're not my baby sister anymore but this amazing grown woman. I can't protect my little sister any more, but I know that you'll make good choices and stay out of trouble. We've grown apart recently, and I wish we could be as close as we used to be, but I think that will come with time. You are soo unbelievably gorgeous, and I love you more than you'll ever know!

Dear Best Friends,
We have been through SO much together, and sometimes I find it surprising that we have managed to stay strong and stick together. I'll never forget all our sleep overs, make-overs, breakfasts, first crushes, everything. You guys have been there right at my side throughout everything! More recently, I needed you guys more than anything and yuor support has been so special and amazing and I'll never truly be able to thank you enough. I know that you may not agree with some of my choices, but I do hope that regardless you can support me. I appologize for keeping some things from you, but I hope you understand why I did that. I know that some of you may be upset right now, but you have to understand my reasoning for making decisions that I did and I hope that you can forgive me. In a way, I've made the mistake of putting a guy before you guys and I think it's caused some of us to drift apart but I hope you always know that no guy will ever come before you! You guys are the best! xoxox.

Dear Mom, Okay, so you drive me insane half the time, and then wipe my tears away the other half. I guess thats mother-daughter love at it's finest. After the way I've treated you sometimes, I truly believe you should leave me to suffer and fall apart on my own. Irregardless of how many awful things I have said to you, you're always at my side to make sure everything is okay, and tell me how beautiful I am as you're wiping my tears away. That is unconditional love at it's finest and you're just amazing. It may not seem like it half the time, and I know we fight like cats and dogs, but I love you so much!! I know we're going through some rough patches, but I think that's normal and I hope that one day we can be close again.

Dear Dad, You are my inspiration, my motivation, my best friend, my business mentor, my teacher... You're just everything all in one. You bring out the best in me, inspire me to do the greatest things, listen to my crazy dreams and irregardless of the insanity tell me "you can do it!". There is nothing more special than those moments when I've been up on stage giving a presentation or at a trade show, and I can see your proud-Daddy smile from accross the room. And then there's those moments when you know something is bothering me, and you always know what to say, "do you need a hug?" I'm proud to say that forever and always, I'll be Daddy's little girl and I love you!

Dear Future Husband, First of all, I want to apologize for the fact that you are going to have to deal with my crazy love of animals; yes, I talk to them and I talk for them. And sometimes, it's going to seem like I love them more than you, it's best you don't question it. I'd also like to say that I have crazy crazy dreams, and I truly hope that you're along for the ride, and support my crazy goals. Please acknowledge my love of cheese and ice cream, and don't forget it. Love me unconditionally and realize that I have flaws, just as you do; nobody is perfect... Remember that relationships and love are neither perfect nor easy, it takes work and determination. And... wear a hat. But I honestly don't plan on getting married, unless it's something totally out-of-this-world, so Future Husband, looks like you'll be planning an extravegant underwater wedding, or maybe something on the moon (One Step For Friendship, Two Steps for Love?).

Dear Girl I Hate, I don't hate people, usually. Everybody is beautiful and lovable in their own way, but if there is one person that I close to hate, it's you. See, you're a nice person, but you've caused too many problems in my life. Your silly stunts to try to take away the things that are important to me, and your need to somehow remain in some corner of my life is driving me insane. I do not trust you, and really wish you would just remove yourself from my life. At the same time, I deeply care about you. I know that you are hurting, and girl, I know how it feels! It hurts in places you didn't even know you had inside you, but the good news is, you really just have to throw your hands up and say "I'm over it!", and move on. I hate to say this, but he's not coming back, so there is no point being tied up on being sad about him when you could move on and find somebody so much greater for you. Moving on feels so great, and this is just life's way of preparing you for somebody better; be patient! Sometimes I wish we could be friends and get to know eachother so that sinking feeling of anger and hatred would disapear when I thought of or saw you. Irregardless though, don't forget that things do get better - just be free and get on with life!

Dear Boyfriend,
I love you, forever and ever and ever and a day. Don't ever forget it! This is cliche, but no words can ever describe how much you mean to me. You're my best friend in the whole world and I love that I can be my real self around you and tell you anything without worrying what you're thinking. You taught me what falling in love was really like, and that together, we could do anything. We've been through an awful lot in the past few months, but if we could get through that, we are strong enough to get through ANYTHING together. When I first met you, you told me that you had "the personality of a dry leaf," and when I told you that didn't matter because I wanted nothing to do with you, you said, "we could have been good together." You're so silly, and random and I don't think at that point I would have antipated that I would fall head over heels in love with you. I LOVE that you accept and take the time to get to know my animals (and name Melvin), and take an interest in some of my hobbies (There's something really special about seeing you hop around with my camera) and things that matter to me; that means more than you will ever know. I love how silly and crazy and random we can be together, and that (as Dr. Seuss says) our weirdness is mutual. I love our conversations to 3 in the morning, your tired voice, and your hugs, your silly sayings, and the way that I can be having the worst day of my life and just seeing you for a moment can brighten the whole day. Your smile is contageous and did I mention how much I love your hugs? You're honestly more amazing than you'll ever know, and I truly cannot wait to spend some of the greatest parts of my life with you. I just love you. Forever. That is all.

Dear Person Who I Trust,
You are a dog. And the grestest white fluffy dog ever. Humans are too human, but dogs? The most trustable, reliable living things on the planet. I can tell you anything and know that you won't (well... can't) tell anybody. You've been there for me through everything... Licking away the tears... Snuggling away the cold... Running around with excitement... And you deal with being dressed up in frilly dresses like a champ. You're my baby girl and I love you to pieces!

Dear Person Who Is Always There For Me,
You are a gerbil, and anybody else reading this will never understand how unconditional you are. We've been through a lot together, and if anything is bothering me, the first little guy I always go to for a hug is you. Through every break-up, you've snuggled with me. After every fight with Mom, you're just there to make me smile. When Petri died, you were dripping with my tears and some of your own, but you still didn't hesitate to continue to wipe mine away. I don't think I anticipated how much of an impact a little rodent would have on my life, but you honestly are one of my best friends and one of the most important things in my life.

Can You Close Your Eyes After Opening Them?

2011-10-22T22:56:00.001-04:00

After being exposed to something extreme, is it really possible to turn your head/close your eyes as if you never saw it. Is it possible to move on after opening your eyes?

After seeing something devastating, frightening, reality... Can you really close your eyes to it?

If you saw something that you could change, could you really turn away as if you never saw it?

After being through something horrible... Can you really turn off that memory in your brain as if it never happened?

That exposure, and it's scar... can it possibly be forgotten?

Is it really possible to close your eyes after opening them, or is the innocence lost each time you open your eyes, scarring you to something more you will never forget?

Can you close your eyes after opening them?

This is Melvin Jr.

2011-09-27T16:59:00.001-04:00

Life goes on... People move on... Death isn't the end, but only a new beginning. It broke my heart to loose my sweet little Petri, who I loved more than words could ever explain. But I have accepted that it was his time to leave this world.

His very last gift to me came in the form of a tiny 9-week old baby gerbil who I (Well... My boyfriend) named Melvin Jr (Melvin Roo). He's the cutest, spunkiest, speediest little baby gerbil ever... Loves to run, doesn't waste time sitting around and LOVES the camera (YAY!). He also loves to give kisses and be held.

He's also got the biggest Kangaroo feet, and massive ears... So cute. Not to mention, he's incredibly smart and independent.

Best of all, he and Mocha seem to get along quite well. Mocha was so excited to see a new baby gerbil brought into the house (He LOVES babies), and the baby was pretty excited to meet Mocha.

What Is Love?

2011-09-22T18:08:00.003-04:00

What is more pure, more truthful, and more honest than the love shared between two animals? It's the kind of love that's unconditional - where flaws don't matter, and the love is so true it's undeniable.

What would it be like if humans loved like that?

There is nothing more precious than a gerbil kiss either. It sounds crazy, but I love these two more than words can ever explain. The love the shared for each other was so strong, it was just undeniable. More than that, it was inspirational.... Gave me a role model to look up to.

Is it possible for two humans to love so unconditionally? Is it possible to get to point where nothing else matters about the two people except for the love they share?

What is love?

2011-09-14T20:15:00.002-04:00

It's amazing how much of an impact not "having your own space" can have on a person.

I grew up until I was about 10 years old sharing a bedroom with my sister. She had one side, I had the other. At that time, she was my best friend and I loved sharing the room. When I turned ten, my parents decided to give me my own room in the basement. Creepy for a 10 year old, but I loved it. I had my own space, somewhere to go, close the door behind me, etc.

Eight years later, I decide randomly that I want to paint my room. (One wall lime green, three walls white, with a bunch of photography). It took taking everything out of the room and pulling out the carpet to realize that my window (or something) had been leaking and there's mold all over the wall. Yikes! That was about a month ago.

So, I moved into the downstairs family room. Get this. On a mattress, surrounded by a trade show booth... with my clothes strewn everywhere 'cause there's no closet to put them in.

I'm going to be completely honest... This lack of organization, and personal space is driving me crazy. I definitely used to take the room for granted.

How Do You Know?

2011-09-09T22:39:00.003-04:00

When...

You look into their eyes and it feels as though they've always been there, as though you know everything about them but theres still more to discover, as though they're meant to be there.

'BF' stands for not only boyfriend, but also best friend.

You trust them.

You can't imagine yourself with any other person but them; not the hot guy from down the street, and you've forgotten about your ex.

Sparks fly.

You love spending time with them, no matter what you're doing and you don't mind compromising your other priorities.

Time with them is always time well spent.

Simple flaws don't seem to matter much, in fact those silly quirks become kind of attractive.

There is nothing that they could possibly change about themselves.

You can confidently see them in your future. In fact, forever doesn't seem so far-fetched.

Their happiness is more important to you than your own. You are willing to sacrafice.

You seriously consider it a withdrawl when they leave you.

Living without them seems impossible.

They become one of the few people that you can be your true self around.

It just feels right.

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." - Dr. Seuss

Good Bye Summer!

2011-09-05T21:08:00.000-04:00

Let's hear it for back to routine tomorrow. Psst... Don't tell anyone, but I'm kind of looking forward to it....

This is the link to my latest Innisfil Scope Column on Back to School. It's a little different this year, being my final year of high school and I think the column says it all...

http://www.innisfilscope.com/news/2011-08-31/Schools/The_Student_Beat.html

Going to be an awesome year! :)

Rest in Peace Petri!

2011-08-25T07:47:00.007-04:00

On August 24, my beautiful baby boy Petri passed away unexpectedly. He was happy right up until the end. In his last night, he spent tons of time with his father, Mocha, and even more time running in his favorite wheel.

He was the type of boy that just simply loved life. Everything from hogging sunflower seeds from Mocha to burrowing, running, playing and sleeping. Petri offered a kiss to everyone who came close enough - extending his head to see if the person would move close enough to meet his lips. There's nothing more pure and sincere as a gerbil kiss, something I'll miss the most about him.

He'll be remembered by others by his signature white paws and extra-long white stripe down his chin - Such a cutie!

Baby Petri - The day after we got him.

My little man all grown up!

Rest in Peace my beautiful baby boy, Petri Simon Thompson. (Named after his uncle Sweet Pea Petri, and Simon Cowell). Love you forever!

One Thing

2011-08-12T12:53:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I wish I was one thing. Sometimes I wish I had smaller/less goals.

Who would I be if I were just a writer? Just an environmentalist? Just a business owner? Just a photographer?

Sometimes it feels as though my head is going to explode; there's almost too many things going on at the same time it's hard to keep track of all that I do.

But at the same time, I wouldn't be who I am without all those things... Would I?

Ever Watch the Sun Rise?

2011-08-09T20:12:00.003-04:00

It's the most beautiful sight you could possibly see. One that seems to represent new beginnings, starting over and most of all, forgetting yesterday and focusing on today. It's a new day.

A new start. It was 4AM when he texted me to wake up. 5AM after he'd ran for the past 45 minutes from his house to mine. We walked to the nearest beach, hand in hand. Then we waited. 6AM came, and went and the sun still hadn't made it's appearance. The water was pinkish and the world was becoming lighter. We stared at the lake, where as far as you could see, the distance was all land, except for one little slit that land couldn't be seen.

"what are the chances that the sun would come up right from the water, in that little slit and not hidden by the land?" He'd asked.

"That's impossible, that would be too perfect," I'd told him.

12 minutes later... 6:12, we could see the slit of the massively lit orange ball rise... from right inbetween the land. It began as a slit, but before we knew it, the entire sun had lit up the entire sky, with not a cloud in sight.

"I think we've discovered perfect," He told me.

It was beautiful. One of the true simple beauties of the world, but one that often goes unnoticed. Now I'm only wishing I'd brought my camera.

Ever been in a situation that you look into the eyes of the person next to you, and you're just content. It's as though that person was meant to be there, or almost seems as though they always have been. It's like you know that person, but yet there is so much about them that you want to discover. You can be yourself around them, and suddenly you realize that simple flaws don't matter anyway. That's how I felt at that very moment.

P.S. Sunrises are pretty magical!

A Human Life Experiment: Without a Control Group

2011-07-29T13:31:00.004-04:00

"That's the thing about a human life - there's no control group, no way to ever know how any of us would have turned out had the variables been changed" - Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I'd been thinking about this a lot lately, but couldn't possibly put it into words. I was reading Eat, Pray, Love.... and THERE IT WAS... Written out right there for me.

How would things be now if... I'd just done one thing differently? If I'd said something different? If I acted a little differently? Even if my thoughts were different? My mood? The list goes on.

While I'm someone who tries to live life without regrets and 100% happy with the outcome, sometimes the final outcome is out of our hands and isn't exactly what we were hoping for... so these thoughts often crossed my mind.

But there's no way of knowing, and there's certainly no experimenting.

Actually... There was one instance where I'd wished afterwards that I'd planned things a little better, thinking that maybe the outcome would be more positive. Everything from what I'd have said, what I'd have done... That kind of thing. Looking back, it was so EASY to decide what I'd change and relive the moment as though it was how I would have planned it.

Then I tried looking into the future... at another situation that I'd probably later wish I'd planned. I tried to plan it. ITS IMPOSSIBLE! I didn't know where the setting would be, what would be said, the time of day... I knew nothing that I did with the past.

I guess it just shows to live life in the present. Forget the past. Don't look too far into the future. Live in the now.

If only it were that simple!

Driving.... Or not

2011-07-22T23:20:00.001-04:00

I don't usually dwell on the negative... In fact I try to forget it because it only attracts more negative. In this case however, the amount of "bad luck" I have had with this topic has been overwelming and rather ironic. In the future, I'm sure I'll look back on it and laugh... Not now.

Driving is super important to me. It's like freedom, and especially not having to ask my parents for rides, and an ability to expand my business and become more mobile. So you can see how determined I would be to get a license as quickly as possible. Quickly, isn't quite how it happened. Instead... this is how it happened.

1. February - My birthday, I could get my G1. But I'd just spent more money than I should have on camera lenses, lights and equipment that I didn't have any left for the $120 G1 fee.

2. G1 Attempt 1: June - Got to the testing office and realized I forgot my ID.

3. G1 Attempt 2: Still June - Passed the Signs portion, failed the rules by 4 points (they say most people fail their first time)

4. G1 Attempt 3: Later June - Get to the testing office to find out that their computers are down and nobody can write tests.

5. G1 Attempt 4: PASSED!

6. Enrolled in Drivers Ed. In-Class in January.

7. Started In Car in February (Feb 22). My instructor delayed my sessions over four months (typically it's four weeks)

8. Finished my sessions - the people never returned my call about my certificate so I didn't know if they'd submitted it or not (They have to submit it before you take your G2)

9. Call them - After a month and a half and get confirmation.

10. Schedule my G2 Test for 2 weeks later.

11. Get to the test office, about to take the test when the instructor sees a crack in my windshield and says that the car isn't safe to drive and therefore I cannot do the test.

12. Reschedule.

13. TODAY: Drive 45 minutes away to a neighboring city to take the test. I got there at 3:50. I scheduled for 4:20. Get into the building, and the lady claims that I was scheduled at 4:00. I can guarentee to you that I scheduled it at 4:20. I remembered thinking that 420 was an interesting number and I thought it would be the best way to remember my time. Well she was convinced that it was at 4:00 and even though I was 10 minutes early for even my apparent 4:00 appointment, I wasn't allowed to write because they'd already gone ahead of me. I've never been so frusterated in my life.

I've rescheduled for August 15. Chances are, I'll have a vehicle before I have a license. Backwards?

Car Shopping

2011-07-19T22:46:00.003-04:00

You don't know how UNBELIEVABLY excited I am that the day has finally come that I'M GETTING MY FIRST CAR!

(Side note: Please don't use this against this aspiring environmentalist).

Anyway. Yeah. A CAR! I'm going places... and nothing can possibly stop me now. I have the POWER and the POSSIBILITY and ABILITY to go wherever I want to spread my message and thats EXACTLY what I plan to do. So EXCITING!

But I actually don't know what I want. I knew what I wanted.... a silver Mazda 3; automatic with a sunroof (preferred, not important) and low mileage.... at a reasonable price. It's not that I can't find it... It's that I've found SO many... and I don't even know what I want anymore. Definitely not leather, that's one thing I DO know.

I'm sure my brain is turning to pure mush from spending soo many hours mesmerized at vehicles.

Stay tuned; I'm sure as of next week I'll have made a decision and show you. Hopefully.

I love this dog!

2011-07-15T23:24:00.003-04:00

Hello gorgeous!

Just thought I should share some pretty pics of one of my favorite little girls in the world.

"What They Don't Know Can't Hurt Them"

2011-07-13T17:47:00.002-04:00

I was thinking about this saying a few hours ago. Really, it has a lot of truth to it. If you're unaware of something, it can't possibly hurt you at that moment. But... At the same time, if it could possibly hurt them, don't you think it's almost their right to know. Because, eventually, they're going to find out (typically) and eventually... it's going to hurt them. Shouldn't they know?

What they don't know can't hurt them, but if something they don't know can hurt them shouldn't they deserve to know?

I think this question is deeper than I think it is. Not even I know the answer, and something about that frightens me.

Gerbils & Spinners

2011-07-13T17:46:00.001-04:00

There is something I very much do not understand about life... How do gerbils or other rodents for that matter know how to use those little spinners that they can run on? How do they know that if they jump in it and start running it will continuously spin and they can excercise? I will ponder that.

Summer!!

2011-06-24T17:12:00.001-04:00

Ah, what's that?! The sweet taste of SUMMER!

Finished my last exam today... Just a forewarning; it is going to be one AMAZING summer - so many goals to complete this summer. Sure, it means lots of work, but I'm totally looking forward to it.

Stay tuned :)

So I had a dream...

2011-06-22T12:22:00.004-04:00

... and it was the most frustrating dream I have EVER experienced; but at the same time, so incredibly inspiring.

I was the holder of some information that was very important; and it was my duty to spread that information and share it. The most frustrating part? I had NO IDEA what the information was, or who I was supposed to share it with.

This dream came back over and over that night, and I kept waking up ever-so-frustrated as to what I was supposed to be doing; because apparently I was doing it wrong. I spent half the night laying in bed half-asleep trying to figure it out, getting more agitated when I couldn't figure it out.

I woke up that morning, still frustrated, when it hit me...

I AM an environmentalist. Our civilization DOES have a future to save. Why didn't I think of it before?! I have a MESSAGE to spread... and a FUTURE to CHANGE...

So Inspiring & Motivating!

Am I Only Losing Myself?

2011-06-21T14:07:00.003-04:00

Have you ever noticed something kind of common when you've lost an item and are looking for it? AS you're looking for the item, you continuously return to the most-expected places that you would find that item, only to never find it. Don't you realize that the item would have never been lost if it was in one of those expected places? But still, you keep looking where you think the item would be. When you finally find it, you realize that it's in the most unexpected location that you wouldn't have thought of looking.

Maybe this is a lesson of how to find things. Like missing glasses (which weren't on my head, by the way), or maybe... It has a deeper meaning.

We're all searching for something. Whether it's love, happiness, friendship, a home, family, who we are... or even all of the above.

We're all looking for those things that appear to be missing in our lives. Here we are LOOKING for it... But ever think that possibly we're looking in the places that we most expect it to be without realizing that we may never find it if we keep looking because we're looking in all the wrong places.

We wouldn't be looking for it... If we knew where we'd find it...

Maybe it's about letting those things find you, or about not looking for them. Maybe they're right in front of you, but you're looking in all the wrong places.

Maybe... We're all lost. Maybe we're all searching for who we are... but maybe we'll never know because we're all searching in the wrong places.

I think it's time to stop searching.

Maybe.

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T17:54:00.002-04:00

I'm a true Daddy's Girl at heart. My Dad's my best friend sometimes, my protector and one of the few men I'll ever love and trust.

Maybe this is what everybody is saying today, but I really mean it. He's one of the few people that is always there for me. Yes, we fight - but in the end, he's always there to make sure nothing bad happens to me.

I grew up with many of the same perspectives as he always had. It used to be that he would be the one that would teach me to ride my bike, help me with my science projects, and play croquet with me in the back yard.

Today, he's teaching me to drive his car, helping me run a business in an effort to change the world and reminding me every once in a while to relax.

He's one of the busiest people I know; with so many aspirations, goals and things to do... but he never forgets to make time for his family.

I think I'm lucky to say I have the best Dad ever :)

Nobody Ever Told Me To Stop

2011-06-05T21:54:00.002-04:00

I'm working on a new project now. No, it's not a book this time, or even another business. But I'm determined that it's going to sweep the world with surprise and truly make a difference.

That's what I'm all about.

Are you with me? :)

Guess What?

2011-05-24T22:14:00.005-04:00

So, I got my nose pierced.

Just wait, before you label me as a typical teenager just trying to get attention, I really do have some explaining to do.

It wasn't about attention. This was a piercing I got for myself. It was the type of sparkle that I wanted to add to my face because I found the little stud so beautiful. It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision either, in fact, I waited a full three years before going through with it. Of course, I wanted to make sure I was fully ready to stick a hole through my nose.

I think it's wonderful. It's a great form of self expression and I think it really suits me. Like I said, many people would assume I was doing this type of thing for other people, but I did it for me.

By the way, there are different meanings for where you get your piercing. While I considered them all, they kind of confused me. I ended up getting mine on the left hand side because I'm right handed so I thought I'd spice it up a little. By the way, it's a stud, not a hoop. Right now, it's just silver but eventually I'll change it to be sparkly!

So, now for the whole scenario of how it went because I know you'd just love to know.

After school today, my friend Heather and I drove downtown to the piercing parlor. I met with the piercer who was super-nice and quite energetic. He seemed like one of the fun type of people, and not scary or creepy like you'd expect (haha).

He began getting the utensils out and spread them around the counter. All of which were covered in little bags or whatever (This is important to make sure of because you don't want to contract some disease from unsterile equipment. He pulled the needle out and it didn't seem quite as big as I was expecting.

Then he told me to move forward and he shoved this little tube in the inside of my nose. VERY quickly, he pushed the needle through from the outside of my nose.

Let me pause and tell you, the internet isn't kidding when they say it hurts. It has a long sting to it. Worse than a papercut or what it feels like when they take you blood, but the pain only lasts so long and eventually it's over. Once the needle has broken through the skin, everything seems fine.

Let me also add, your eyes WATER like CRAZY. From what I understand, it's because there is a nerve in your nose that is connected to your eyes. It wasn't just a bit of water either, it was straight out tears that fell down my face - but that was the least of my worries because I was sure to leave out the mascara in my makeup routine.

Then came putting the ring into the hole. He, very quickly, pulled out the needle and shoved in the ring. That hurt a little more than the needle did. Actually a lot more. But... It was so quick that it was just a surge of pain and then it was over.

I was in the room probably less than 5 minutes before it was all done and then I went shopping downtown.

The afterward pain is just an occasional sting every once in a while and it kind of feels bruised. But not bad. Like nothing that you can't handle.

One other thing... Because part of the ring is in my nose, I seem to have the impulse to sneeze quite often. HAHA! I guess eventually my nose will get used to it.

All in all... It wasn't as bad as I was expecting... and the pain was generally tolerable. (To be honest, I get more nervous when I have to get a blood test than this).

For anyone else, I just wanted to say that this is the type of thing that you need to make sure you're ready for. You also need to ensure that you are doing it to make YOU happy and NOT to impress others. Also, be aware that this is kind of permanent, so you need to make sure that this is totally what you want. Sit on the idea for a few months (or years!) until you're 100% sure.

Either way, I'm happy. It was just one of those things that I had to do for myself. Every once in a while, I think everybody needs to do those things!

If The World Ended Tomorrow... Would You Be Satisfied With Today?

2011-05-20T22:59:00.004-04:00

So, rumor has it... The world is supposed to end tomorrow. I'm the type of person that does my best to live each day like it's my last... but how good of a job am I really doing? If you knew that today (tomorrow) was your last day... What would you be doing with your life?

If today was my last day, there are only three things I can think of that I would have done differently...

I would have spent less time doing web-design and more time with my family.

I would have spent more time outside in the beautiful weather, in the forest with my camera.

I would have called him, told him that I love him and I always have.

But other than that, like I said, I live my life without regrets. I do the things I truly love. Today, I spent the afternoon web-designing (something I truly enjoy), and when the evening came, I enjoyed a dinner with my family and then watched the sunset in the forest with my camera taking pictures. To me, that's the best kind of day... one that you spend stress-free doing the things you love.

So if the world ended tomorrow... Would you be satisfied with the way you spent today?

Sometimes I think these world-ending scares are simply a way to knock some sense into people and remind them to enjoy life at it's fullest because you truly never do know when it's going to end. That's all it is.

If You had To Loose One Sense, what would you choose?

2011-05-13T16:09:00.003-04:00

My one-hundredth blog post on this blog... brings a question that randomly popped into my head as I was getting ready for the day. If these thoughts don't come to me when I'm in the shower like most people, they come when I'm poking myself in the eye with an eye-liner pen.

So. My question. If you had to loose one sense and could choose, which one would you pick? (Sight, Smell, Taste, Touch or Hearing).

At first, when this random question popped into my head... I considered it as deeply as my tired self would. Smell or hearing I decided instantly.

Sight is the very last thing I would ever want to loose. I love colours, art and the beauty of the world, and I am a photographer. Can't loose sight. And... I just like being able to touch things, I think that's an important part of life.

I thought over my decision again. Smell was the only thing that brings back some of my deepest memories. Ever smelled something that brings you back to a point in your life so vividly it can be frightening? That's something I don't think I'd ever want to loose.

Then there's hearing... How could I choose hearing? I live for music. Again, music defines parts of my life to such an extent, I almost don't know what I would be without it. Obviously, I couldn't loose my hearing.

That leaves only taste. In spite of the beautiful things of life, and memories, I think I could give up tasting my favorite foods again.

So... If I were forced to choose to give up one of my senses... Taste would be it. What would you choose?

Business, and WRITING

2011-04-28T09:45:00.004-04:00

So, I haven't been writing much lately. Kind of fallen out of my routine. I never realized how much of my life running a business would take. Can I tell you a secret? Tell nobody else? Guess what? I'm launching a SECOND business. Yeah, sometimes I think I'm pretty crazy too.

That wasn't the point of this blog. Back to writing, and the fact that I haven't sat down and leisurly written any short stories for longer than I can remember. I was talking to a friend about someone we both know. As we spoke of this person, I was intrequed by the mysteries of the person that we didn't know, or the reason for many of the events that had happened in relation to this person.

The wheels started turning and within half an hour, I had a character sketch written out and plot in my head. It was about 9PM and I had intended on going to bed at 10. Well, I didn't go to sleep until 12:30 because... I got a little caught up in that story.

I'd forgotten how much I loved writing. But I got so caught up to the point that I was completely into it. Fellow writers, you may recognize the feeling of losing almost your own reality and becoming mesmerized with the setting of the story, and the characters. So I guess I kept writing without realizing the time and becoming mesmerized/hypnotised that I was completely out of it.

I snapped back with tears streaming down my face and forgetting completely who I was. Even in my own reality, I was still trying to figure out how I was going to solve MY (the characters) problems. CREEPY.

Long story short, I missed writing =)

Disconnect to Connect; So Profound!

2011-03-24T13:40:00.001-04:00

The video says it all. Thanks to Katherine Parent for sending this to me :)

2011-03-18T10:30:00.005-04:00

As many of you may know, I have discontinued sending out my personal newsletter. If you would like to continue following the types of things I am up to, I would love it if you would follow my business, Green Like a Frog's newsletter.

To make it easy - there's a simple sign up right below!

A Real Eye Opener

2011-03-02T09:31:00.003-05:00

Just some things I wanted to address, things I've been thinking about and more things I've observed.

1. The other day (actually, more like a month or so ago), I went to see The David Suzuki Movie: Force of Nature. First observation - It is a MUST-SEE movie. I'm not one that usually enjoys movies (the thought of sitting, doing nothing for hours straight just doesn't appeal to me). However, this was one movie I just didn't want to be over. MUST-SEE movie! Second observation from this movie; I walked into the theater and was so impressed; the whole room was FULL, barely a seat available. Then I looked around, and there was one thing I noticed... There were no more than 5 other people under 18 (myself included). What happened?! Something needs to change, or at least I know I need to start to inspire change in the young people (THE FUTURE) of today.

2. Another GREEN comment. I was at the National Home Show this past weekend. This is one of the first shows I've done that wasn't "green", just "regular". Our booth, however, was in the green section. This show (Yes, it was a great show, well organized with a large quantity of people walking through), really opened my eyes to reality. People "don't care" about Green. The majority of people didn't even walk through the green section and if they did, they weren't as interested as I was expecting. Yes, they all thought it was a "good" or "creative" idea... But none of them showed a genuine interest in anything green. Conclusion: SOMETHING HAS GOT TO CHANGE.

Where do I start?

Some Things Never Change...

2011-02-20T18:07:00.006-05:00

Like for example... my love of frogs (look at how tiny he is!)...

This one's a little bigger. But yes, I still fall in love with the animals I encounter. No,

I never want to put them back. But, I don't cry anymore when my mom tells me to! Hahah! (Look at how concerned my sister looks!) Aw... P.S. There is a frog in my hand

A close-up of the little guy. Such a cutie!

Just a little flash back in time - back to the beginning!

At A Loss For Words

2011-02-16T20:29:00.002-05:00

Help the Environment & Celebrate David Suzuki's 75th Birthday!

2011-01-25T21:05:00.001-05:00

Sponsor Link: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2857027&Lang=en-CA

www.greenlikeafrog.com

Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

bailey@greenlikeafrog.com

(705) 734-6258 Ext. 21

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-02T16:45:00.003-05:00

What can I say? 2010 was an AMAZING year. It was a year filled with so much happiness, success and chasing so many dreams I can barely believe it was real.

What else can I say? 2011 is going to be even better. It is the year that those dreams will finally come true.

Today, is January 2, 2011. Why make a new years resolution on Jan 1st? Why not go over and above, and be unique; make it on January 2nd?

All I can say is... I know mine!

Best of luck in the new year everybody!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-24T22:26:00.001-05:00

It's that time again...

2010-11-29T22:12:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year again; the time of colourful bright lights, rejoicing, generosity... and most importantly, looking back on the year before.

I honestly, cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. It feels as though it was just yesterday that I woke up on January 1, 2010, only to find the bright fluffy snow outside and spent the morning taking photos. That day, I remember sitting on my living room couch, alone, watching the snow as it fell, and listening to a sleeping house. I remember deciding that this year was going to be amazing. I can't remember a time when I was more excited.

Tomorrow, December first, there is one month of 2010 left, and despite how devastated I am that it is over (much too quickly)... So many amazing things happened this year.

This year, I decided to turn my life around, and I learned what the word Euphoria truly means through experience. I learned that life is too short, and to make the best of it, and this year, that is exactly what I did.

I did the things that made me happy. I stayed up until the early hours of the morning writing until I was too tired to lift a finger. I worked my butt off, doing the things I loved. I rarely put my camera down. I spent the time to make a difference in the environment.
This year, I became an entrepreneur and launched my first business, Green Like a Frog.

I succeeded further and focused a lot of time on improving my writing.

I got a job at one of the most amazing places in the world, Bodystream.

I wrote a book.

I set up a photography studio and started taking professional portraits.

I succeeded, and I did so many great things this year, it was increadbly exciting.

This year, I learned the true meaning of friendship.

I fell in love with the most amazing guy. And... I lost him.

Even in the busiest of times, I give my family the time they deserved. I didn't do a very good job.

I was reminded that if anyone, the animals in my life will never ever leave my side.

This year....
I managed to keep my room acceptably clean (Although my Mom would argue that)

I learned that Facebook, Sims 2 and MSN are simply the greatest/worst time wasters ever and that life is too short to waste time.

I learned The Secret to Life.

I learned that sometimes, a game of cards can be the most amazing part of your day.

I decided that I wasn't going to stress as much over school, because suddenly, my own happiness and health was more important than the 95 average I was striving towards. 85 is just as fine to me!

I can't do everything; I'm not Superman, and as much as I try to tackle everything that comes my way, it's impossible to do everything.

I discovered what it feels like to be truly exhausted and burnt out. I also discovered the importance of sleep and forgetting about those all-nighters working.

Life is beautiful, and I feel like I'm missing out on most of it.

Irony seems to really like me

This year, I decided to start over; I decided to chase my dreams, and do what truly made me happy. I can truly say I made the best of this year so far...

And there's one month left, and as much as it scares me how quickly this year went by.... Man was it a good one!

I Have Something To Show You!

2010-11-21T14:26:00.002-05:00

There's not much to say, but I do have an article that I think you should read. I didn't write it, but I'm in it! ;-)

P.S. - Also see Barrie Business newspaper (Not only am I on the front, but the same article is featured on page 4) - Pretty cool!

P.P.S - I believe this is the first time I've been in the newspaper without writing it.

http://www.baileythompson.ca/files/BARR11-NOV-2010B6.pdf

http://www.baileythompson.ca/files/BARR11-NOV-2010B7.pdf

http://www.baileythompson.ca/files/BX64507324(3).pdf

I hate endings

2010-11-09T19:46:00.002-05:00

and there's nothing else left to say.

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-31T19:21:00.004-04:00

What can I say? I have the coolest, most artistic Dad ever.

This is this year's pumpkin for Halloween.

Incase you can't tell, it's a hockey mask, with a smaller pumpkin face inside.

And... Here's some pumpkins from past years....

Darth Vader

My Dog, Angel

Spiderman

Winnie the Pooh

One year, he did Laurel and Hardy, but I can't find the pictures. (Maybe later)

Latest Column Published: Teen "Relationships"

2010-10-17T11:43:00.004-04:00

It almost seems as though my life could not possibly be plain and simple, and uneventful. It always seems to have some kind of twist, some kind of catch to everything. The writing and events of this column were no different.

When I first explored the topic of this column, I will admit I was incredibly nervous. Not only was it a very personal topic, but it was required to be written in first-person to really get the feeling across. Diving into it, I was a little hesitant, but I knew that this was my chance to potentially grab the hearts of readers.

Even more nerve-wracking? I was basically admitting to anyone who reads the column how much some dude meant to me. It wasn't that I wasn't confident in my own feelings, because I was. When I started column-writing, I knew that one day, the day would come that I would want to publish a column about a guy I'd fallen for. This month, I knew that the time, and the guy had come.

The first two versions of the column were sent back to me by my editor requesting that I re-do it to sort of meet his expectations a little more. I'm not saying this is a bad thing; in fact I absolutely love it when he sends back columns requesting rewrites while providing feedback of how I can improve. I have attached the second version of the column at the bottom of this entry because I put my heart and soul into it and I definitely want people to read it!

The day came that I was just sitting down to write the third version of the column. I was in a great mood and quite confident this version would make the cut. As I began writing, I also began talking to him on the side, for motivation. As I wrote about how much he meant to me, he admitted that his feelings for me had kind of changed, among other things. While whatever we had together wasn't exactly "over", things were just a little different.

Struggling through a little bit of a broken heart and mild devastation, I continued writing the column as though nothing had changed. Part of me wanted to change the direction of the column, but I knew in my heart that wasn't fair to him, and I also knew that while his feelings may have changed, mine hadn't.

I submitted the column. The day my editor accepted it, I asked the guy what he wanted from me. He told me he could do with everything, and deal with nothing.

I felt like I was in a movie; everything so perfectly (horribly) timed.

I tried to grasp on the only thing we had left; hope. I considered pulling it back, and my editor even gave me the opportunity.

But then the guy said something that made me change my mind, "nothing can change the past"

I feared losing him. I feared losing what we had. It was almost denying reality to publish this column, almost... but I published it without regrets. While his feelings have have been a little changed, Chris Angelatos still means the world to me and I would have no problem telling that to anyone.

I only hope that everything can work out for the best.

Version two of this column wasn't published in the paper, but I want you to read it anyways. Then, you can view the published column on The Innisfil Scope website, or by clicking the link at the bottom.

There was just something about him.

We met sitting around a large table playing the card game, Signal. While I probably should have been focused on my partner, it was him I couldn’t take my eyes off of.

That night, he told me he was in the Queen’s E=MC2 psychology course, he has a passion for running, and to my disappointment, he doesn’t really have any creative hobbies. What I didn’t learn that night was his name.

That was Tuesday, I regretfully assumed I wouldn’t see him again that week.

Wednesday, I walked into the social sciences workshop I was signed up for that afternoon and noticed the only empty seat in sight was directly beside him.

I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason.

Something about him had caught me by the end of that day; it was indescribable, and while I tried to convince myself otherwise, I knew I was falling for him.

There was something different about him. He wasn’t like any of the guys I’d dated prior; not only did he care about education, but he was also fun to be around. Better yet, he was already demonstrating that unlike most guys, he cared about and respected the real me.

The week didn’t seem long enough and on the night of May 13^th, 2010, we found ourselves walking around Queen’s E=MC2 end-of-week celebration, hand in hand as though nothing could tear us apart.

Aerosmith’s “Don’t wanna miss a thing” filled the room as we both smiled and said in unison, “I love this song”

Holding each other, spinning in circles, I don’t think I was prepared for how much he was going to send my own world spinning.

Looking up into his deep brown eyes, I’d never felt the same way about someone before, and it seemed frightening how quickly it happened.

It was almost too good to be true.

It kind of was. The next day, I was returning home to Barrie, while he was heading home to Burlington.

I couldn’t imagine what the future held for us.

The first three months were a little rocky, and soon, it seemed as though we’d both lost all hope, and each other.

Then, we decided that wasn’t an option.

July 28^th, 2010, he and I were found hand-in-hand walking together along Wasaga Beach, my favourite place in the world, as though nothing ever had, and nothing ever could tear us apart.

It hadn’t been easy to convince my parents to allow me to bring some guy they’d never met before on our family vacation for four days, but they trusted my judgement, and I think they knew how happy he made me.

During those four days, he became one of the first people I’d ever trust with my dreams, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I’d found someone who I wanted to share them with.

That part scared me.

Even worse, I feared him distracting me from my typical career-driven, school-focused and determined life. Instead, he did the opposite.

He was becoming my inspiration, my motivation and if I had to pick one person, he became the one I want at my side when I reach my goals.

The distance may be intimidating but I’m confident a little struggle, combined with a little extra effort to make things work will be more than worth it for the both of us.

Whether it’s Chris Angelatos’ addictive smile, backwards hat or amazing personality…

There is just something about him.

♥♥♥

Published column viewable here: http://www.innisfilscope.com/news/2010-10-13/Editorial/Maintaining_a_loving_relationship_takes_work.html

Everything. That. Matters.

2010-10-03T17:37:00.005-04:00

Hello.

My name is Bailey.

I am a teenager.

I go to a high school.

I live in a neighborhood.

In a bungalow.

I live with my family.

A Mom, and a Dad.

A brother and a sister.

And... A dog.

I'm obsessed with music.

My parents have jobs.

My siblings are just plain annoying.

I don't play any sports.

I care too much about what other people think.

I rarely see my grandparents.

I want to travel.

I wish I could drive

Teachers don't always like me.

Parent's don't always either.

I wish I lived someplace else.

I hate movies.

I like to party.

I wear what's in style.

I'm searching for love.

I have a cell phone.

I have a laptop.

Two cameras.

I wish I had more money.

I have a job.

I have friends.

I have big dreams.

Hopefully, a future too.

.... Sometimes, I think that's all people see...

Am I normal?

Sometimes, I wish they saw everything that matters.

Thriving Ivory

2010-09-20T14:29:00.003-04:00

How many times can I say it, I LOVE Thriving Ivory.

Here's another song. It doesn't have quite the connection to me as Kiss the Rain did. But I like the beat, and I love the passion.

"so no one told you that a heart could be forever, well I'm not leavin' cuz we're in this thing together."

"See, I'm not ready to go alone"

"I'm always on your side"

I'm in a Book! I'm in a Book!

2010-08-22T21:36:00.005-04:00

The title really sums up why I'm so excited to tell everyone this news!

As of August 3, 2010, I am published in Danica McKellar's latest book Hot X: Algebra Exposed!

Yes! 16 and published in a #5 New York Times Best Seller... This is only the beginning!

It all started with my December 2008 student column in the Innisfil Scope titled Gym class changes a students outlook on life. I loved that column and I still do because I poured my heart into it, but what it led to made it even better. It was my third column too!

A website called I Hate Gym Class read it and asked if I would do a similar article with the same sort of perspective for their viewers. I agreed and the article was put on the website within a few weeks time.

A few weeks later, I got an e-mail from Danica McKellar's "Webmaster" saying that they liked my writing style and perspective and wondered if I would be interested in submitting a piece of writing, and filling out a questionaire for possible publication in Danica's next untitled book for possible publication.

I believe I got that e-mail... Ran into my parents office (both of which were probably on the phone with important clients), paced until they both hung up their phones and finally said, "You would not believe the e-mail I just got!"

I wrote a piece, submitted a questionnaire and then got talking with Danica over e-mail; some of which actually turned into quotes published in the book!

In conclusion, I now have 5 pieces (that I've found!) in her book.

The coolest part of the story, is that most contributors only had their first name due to privacy. I asked if they would be able to include my full name (just because I like the recognition), and on one quote they did! That is pretty neat to know that my name is in a book hopefully going to inspire many young women! In fact, it's a whole page of me... Which is also pretty neat since a lot of the other quotes used are simple paragraphs or even sentences!

In case you have the book, my quotes are found on the following pages:

- Page 20

- Page 21

- Page 115

- Page 256 (Bailey Thompson, FULL PAGE!)

- Page 377

and before you ask, yes I'm pretty excited!!!! I've been waiting to see the book for over a year now, so finally being able to see it, including my name is pretty exhilarating.

It just shows the power of getting out there, with your name, writing, talents... whatever it is.

If people see you, and they like you, there's always a chance for amazingly unexpected e-mail to come your way offering the path for even more success.

Like I said, this is only the beginning.

I love love love... This Song

2010-08-19T21:21:00.006-04:00

Sometimes, I think I should be a songwriter I love music so much. It's not just any music, and usually not the typical music, it's the lyrics that are so passionate, so strong they just hit you like a tonne of bricks. Maybe the lyrics that have more meaning, or at least stronger meaning than a lot of the popular songs.

I have a song to show you! =) I've recently discovered how much I love Thriving Ivory's songs, lyrics and music. One song in particular stood out to me.

It's called Kiss the Rain. If you scroll down, I wrote more :)

This song left me speechless. It's just one of those songs that caught me, and at first I wasn't entirely sure why.

Maybe, I just miss him.

The worst are those moments when you just wish he's at your side, sharing it with you because it's so special. Then you realize how far away he is. It makes the world seem like a big place. Then again, my favorite lyrics; "keep in mind, we're under the same sky"

"Cuz I'm so close, but it feels like you're so far. Oh, would it mean anything, if you know what I'm left imagining?"

Alll I can say is; 6 months, babe, we can do this ♥ ♥

"Can you hear me? Am I gettin' through to you?"

All I can say; this song says it like it is... says it exactly how I was feeling it... Speechless.

HEY!

2010-08-01T10:57:00.003-04:00

I'm home.

Guess where I was?

The best place in the entire world... With the best guy in the entire universe.

Happiest girl ever?

I wish

I learned a lot this week, actually. Maybe I'll tell you later.

All I can say is... "Can I keep you?"

Another Media Arts Project: The House

2010-07-12T03:58:00.002-04:00

It's four in the morning and I'm wide awake... Should be sleeping, I'm sure. Instead, I have this house to show you.

I made it in my media arts class. The grass kind of goes out too far, I apologize, but other than that, what do you think?

The Truth About Global Warming

2010-07-11T19:36:00.002-04:00

I am more than pleased to announce that Green Like A Frog's column kicked off in the Springwater News this past Thursday. From now on, I will have a monthly column in newspaper(s) and on the Green Like A Frog website, so be sure to check it out.

The first column explores the two different sides to the global warming argument, but makes a conclusion that can be accepted by both sides of argument.

The main question, is what is happening to our planet?

You can read it online, on our website by clicking here:http://www.greenlikeafrog.com/articles/column/truthglobalwarming+1.php

P.S. Yes, this is the same blog entry I posted to the Green Like A Frog Blog. For those of you who aren't aware, Green Like A Frog is my newest website, and newest initiative to express my passion for the environment and make a difference in the world. For more information, visit the website at www.greenlikeafrog.com

I got my G1 Drivers License & Column on it!

2010-07-02T20:31:00.003-04:00

The news IS true; Bailey Thompson has her G1! I have a veryy interesting story to go with it too.

First of all, I also did a column on the G1... and I would love it if you would read it: http://www.innisfilscope.com/news/2010-06-30/Community_Columns/The_Student_Beat.html

I didn't have enough words in the column (and my editor would probably think I was insane) to tell the whole G1 story... so here goes:

I went to the test office for the first time on a Wednesday. Let me tell you, the line ups are INSANELY long. I think I was waiting 2 hours before I got to write. As you know, you're allowed to get up to 4 wrong per page (There are 2 pages). Considering I barely studied the first time, I was super-excited to pass the signs test (3 wrong OR 17/20) and I wasn't really surprised or really disapointed when I found I didn't quite make it for road rules (13/20). No big.

Attempt 2: The following Friday. I went directly after school. My mom and I were driving along the road... Half way there when we got caught in heavy traffic. We're waiting in this traffic when my mother exclaimed, "Oh my!!! Look at that guy!" And she pointed out my window. I looked towards where she was pointing and saw a short, fat guy with a red beard who was standing on the sidewalk on the side of the road. I can't remember if he was walking or just standing there. I guess it was amusing... but just a guy, whatever, right? We drove by and eventually I'd completely forgotten about seeing him (Sorry, red-bearded short guys aren't very significant, Or so I thought). We drove to the testing place and pulled into the parking lot. We were inbetween the car and the door of the building and my mother exclaims "Holy sh*t, is that the guy?"

"Not a chance. There's no way. He couldn't possibly have gotten here before us. He was walking. We were driving. No way. No way!" I told her.

Sure enough, we walked into the building and there he is! HOW IN THE WORLD DID HE GET THERE BEFORE US?! He was walking. We were driving. Even if he got into a car, he wouldn't have gotten there after us?

It was as though he'd been there a few minutes because just as we got there, he was walking out.

How did that possibly happen?

I came to only one conclusion that makes sense; he is a leprechaun!

Proof: Red head, short & fat, magical (able to transport to random places) and you can't catch him (You know how you're always trying to catch leprechauns... Well, he was running out when we were coming in!)

Yes, I know I'm crazy; but let me tell you this was an intense experience.

We walked into the testing place after the whole deal and were notified that the company's computers were down, province-wide. Only that kind of thing would happen to me, especially when I'm on a deadline. LOL.

No big deal though, I went in the following Monday morning (Early when there were NO line ups!) and passed... Just in time!

It was quite the experience... The whole leprechaun, fail and computer problems...

But on the first day (Wednesday), I said to my mom when we were waiting, "I kind of wish something interesting would happen to make a good story for this column."

I lucked out?

Whatta story!!! :)

Lets Play Pretend ♥

2010-06-21T19:32:00.003-04:00

I was organizing my notebooks yesterday when I uncovered a very old journal. Naturally, I had to pick it up and take a peek inside, and I realized very quickly that it was from 2002... GRADE TWO!

That was about the time I decided I wanted to be a writer, but I can assure you that I was not a very good one!

I had to read through it and it didn't take too long - I wrote big and double spaced! There was one thing consistent about every entry; I would talk about what I did during the day (play, eat, play, eat, sleep, go to grandma and grandpas, swim, play, eat etc.), but never considered my feelings. In other words, it seems like a very emo-journal entry.

At first, I thought that was strange (Did I not have feelings when I was in grade 2?), but eventually I realized that that was a point in time when I was happy - always happy - there was never any disapointments or sadness or heartbreak or fights to report my feelings on, and I suppose it would have been strange if I described how happy I was in every single entry!

Do you remember when we were little, we all used to play pretend? We used to pretend we had families. We had stores and we went shopping. We all had jobs, but they were fun and we wanted to go to them. We each had cars - car washes, and even police officers for when someone in a car misbehaved. We created our own currency for use with all of our games. We paid for things and we worked for our "money" in our games. We played Tim Hortons (But we weren't angry to be working there).

Do you notice the pattern?

All we wanted to do was grow up and be like our parents, but when we finally did grow up, we realized how much we wish we could go back and just play pretend all over again.

Heartbreak

2010-06-05T17:07:00.004-04:00

I get the same feeling of heart break when I lose a guy I'm in a relationship with or have feelings for, as I do when a piece of my writing gets rejected...

Does that seem weird to you?

I have a feeling that whoever I end up with will be really wondering who I love more... Him... Or my writing.

Hopefully I'll be able to say it's him.

♥ ♥

Everything's Okay... Everything's Going to Be Okay... REALLY?!

2010-06-01T20:50:00.002-04:00

Everyone is perfect. Everyone has the perfect life. Everything is okay. Everything is going to be okay. Everyone is happy. Everyone has one big happy family. No one is left alone. No one cries. No one is heart broken. Everything... Is... Okay...

That's what they want us to believe. That's what we want to believe. It's easier. The world is perfect. We can just relax. Ignore everything. Because, everything is okay.

But is it?

I was walking through the hallways at my high school today when it hit me; that's what it looks like. Everyone has this face, this mask, that any outsider percieves as they're okay. But, sometimes, you have to wonder what's going on behind that mask. Whose heart broken? Whose depressed? Who had a fight with their parents this morning? Who doesn't have parents? Are they really okay?

Maybe it's none of anyone else's business. But I realized you can't judge a person by what they look like.

I grew up in a world where everything was perfect. Families stuck together. We never fought. Everyone had a Mom and a Dad. No one was struggling. No one was sick. There wasn't a single worry about money. Everyone was happy. Everything was okay... and always would be. But I guess, not everyone is so fortunate. It was kind of a eye-opener when I started high school.

I met a girl. She lost her mother three years ago. I met a guy. He lost his father three years ago. I met a girl; her father's hanging on for his life. Someone just broke up with someone they still loved. Before walking out the door this morning, a girl had a fight with her mother. One girl lost her sister... Less than a year ago. A bunch of people lost a friend.

But they still smile. Or at least, pretend to. No one knows the difference.

It amazes me how strong they can be, to put on this mask when they come to school and give off the impression that everything is fine.

That's until you meet them, talk to them and maybe if they're comfortable with you, they'll tell you... that's when you realize you can't possibly judge someone from a first impression or glance.

Is everything okay?

I don't think so.

I wish it were though.

GREEN LIKE A FROG

2010-05-29T21:52:00.003-04:00

How many times have I said it before? I have got HUGE goals, and I'm totally chasing them.

So, I'd like to explain my latest dream-chasing success (Even though it's been out for a month), called Green Like A Frog.

Basically, it's an eco-friendly website designed to help people understand why they should be green and how they should do it.

In other words, it's environmentally-crazy Bailey Thompson's way of letting her voice be heard when it comes to the environment!

The coolest part is knowing I can influence other people's choices when it comes to being eco-friendly. I've spoken with tons of cool people and it's been quite the experience.

Right now, I'm working on selling a line of organic, natural mineral make up by Blusche through the website. Soon, more products will appear on the website.

I also get to do a "green like a frog" column in the Springwater News. My voice will be heard!

The plan is that eventually Green Like A Frog will become known for everything green; especially trusted information, and our unique directory of products, services and companies in Canada and the United States that are Green Like A Frog APPROVED.

I'd like to explore doing presentations to schools and organizations to help spread the word. I'd also like to take the name to many green-events to get known.

I have a feeling I'm in for a ride; but I also have a feeling it's going to be a BLAST and I really can't wait.

Oh, check it out? www.greenlikeafrog.com

Dreams do come true: Queen's University E=MC2 2010

2010-05-20T18:39:00.007-04:00

It's amazing what can change in a year. Amazing how perception can be completely different than the truth. Amazing that 1 year ago, I was writing in my blog, "Hey, from Queen's University". Amazing, that today, I'm able to do another entry about the most amazing experience ever. I was so unbelievably fortunate to be able to attend the program again this year. So... If you're ready, here's a recap of the week. I couldn't possibly describe in words how amazing it was, but I'm totally going to try :)

One week before the course: The plan was; I was going with a friend. He would drive there. I would drive back. It would be all good. No worries about not finding friends because we'd have each other. (If he reads this, it's totally not to make him feel bad, because I totally understand... but just for the sake of telling the story in it's entirety...) A few days before departure, he approached me looking mildy concerned. "Bailey, I'm so sorry, I had to cancel Queen's." I was in shock. Of course the reason was beyond his control, but I was still a little disapointed. "Who would I eat lunch with? Who would I find my classes with? Who would I do my activities with? What about the dance, I don't wanna be a loner!" went through my head.

I totally considered cancelling too. In fact, I was on the phone to cancel, when I changed my mind. Whether it was just time to think, or luck, I realized that I'd regret cancelling and I had the strangest feeling ever that this would be a good thing.

Good? GOOD? You're probably wondering... You're gunna be a loner, Bailey!!

Well, yes. But somehow that was okay with me. It would give me the chance to explore without a reputation forbidding me from doing certain things. No one knew who I was at home, and I could be who I truly was without people cringing.

I arrived at the University at about 6:30 P.M. To be completely honest, I was hoping that I'd arrive with all my bags, approach the stairs, realize it was impossible to carry them up and have some cutie come help out. Nah, those sorts of fairytale dreams never really happen. My Dad helped :)

So... I got my bags up... and kind of forgot to breathe for a minute. I knew the drill, I'd been through it last year. I found my room with little trouble (well, that's a lie, I ended up in the completely wrong floor in the right building, and then the wrong wing on the right floor, and eventually, I found it!) Dropping my bags to the floor, I kind of organized myself. Then, sat in my room debating when I would go out an explore, hopefully find a friend and maybe even the meeting for 7:00

At 6:55, I opened the door. The moment I opened the door, the girl walking by noticed me and turned towards me. "HI!" She said.

"Hey" I responded, a little awkwardly.
"Are you here alone too?"

"I am" I said, still a little confused.

"Me too! Let's go find the meeting together."

"Alright then." I responded, relieved to say the least.

We found the meeting spot together and were welcomed by other students.

I think this is about the point that I started to realize something; it TOTALLY is not like high school at all. Everyone's just plain friendly. There's no cliques, no exclusion, we're just one big massive group of friendly people who want to be there and probably want to make friends too. I don't know how many times I've said this to people, but I truly wish high school would be the same way.

By the end of the first night, I'd made a hand full of friendly friends (which is more than I can say for my first day of high school... Yikes!) By the second day (First day of classes), even more people. It was exhilarating!

The class I took, the world through different eyes, was pretty cool, but it was the people I met that really made the things amazing.

On the Tuesday, my friend and I were in the downstairs lounge when two (cute ones, if I must admit it to the world right now) approached us and began randomly talking. To be completely honest, I was a little too out of it to realize what they were saying, or at least, I can't remember. Somehow, they ended up playing cards with us. I was like, hey, whatever. Then... more people joined. It was kind of cool... You just don't join random groups of card-playing people at a high school, especially people you've never met before. THEN AGAIN... WHO PLAYS CARDS @ HIGH SCHOOL?!

The week continued and the amount of friendships and new people grew. I can honestly say I met an amazing group of people. It was not what I expected.

About the classes... It was a very interesting class. Not at all what I expected, but sometimes that's the best way. There was a large amount of sociology, which isn't my interest, but I realized it's an interesting topic especially for a writer.

By the final day, good-byes were painful... and it was amazing to think that a week could go by so quickly and that the very thing I'd been waiting for since the day I'd left it the year before was actually over. But, how many times can I say it, it was totally amazing.

I came home a little depressed, but somehow with such a huge smile on my face that my mother was questioning what was wrong with me (HAHA)

Great people. Interesting class. Literally sunny mornings. Everlasting smiles. Beautiful setting. Good food. Memories. What could be more amazing?

Oh, and before you ask, best part of the week? I think it's safe to say I met the most amazing guy everrr there. I think it's also safe to say that I miss him a little too much... already. To end it off, maybe that fairytale, perfect guy I was imagining I'd meet when I arrived came a little later than I'd expected...

P.S. Shortest summary ever, I could write a whole novel about the week... but this is the shortest version possible.

P.P.S. I can't wait until next year!!!! :D

2010-04-17T13:34:00.002-04:00

There are times I want to give up. Give up everything, my dreams, everything I'm working towards just to be a normal teenager.

I want to hang out with my friends at every waking hour of the day. I don't want to have to worry about deadlines, doing things right, developing my professional side, learning about marketing and advertising or doing all the stuff that I grew up watching my Dad do.

I want to wake up in the morning without a lengthy to-do list on my whiteboard, without people to respond to, e-mails to check.

Just for a day.

But... I realized that life is too short for giving up. I also realized that these are the things that make me happy. Sounds strange doesn't it?

As I sit here, I am mid-website making, mid-business card design, mid-handout ad printing... and when I think about it, I wouldn't be who I am without it all.

And despite the fact that maybe being a normal 16-year-old for a day would be interesting, I can guarantee I'd probably come back to all of this by the next day. Or... Maybe the day after that :)

P.S. Speaking of alll that, I CAN'T wait to show everyone what I'm working on... It seriously blows my mind.

New Photography Blog!

2010-03-21T22:46:00.003-04:00

So... Believe it or not, photography has become a HUGE part of my life now. No way, right?

1 year ago, I wouldn't have considered photography interesting. When I was little, (Maybe 5-8 years old), I wanted to be a photographer, but eventually I gave that dream up when I discovered writing was much more fun. Writing kind of took over.

But THEN....

I went to Queen's University. In order to take the writing course, I had to take the photography course. The instructor, which was David Bell by the way, must have taught it in a way that inspired me because ever since then, my love of photography has increased.

Increased to the point where I put all of my savings towards a Canon SLR Camera. Increased to the point where I bought a professional photography studio for my basement. Increased to the point where I bought a green screen and green screen software. Increased to the point where I am currently saving for more professional lighting.

AMAZING

And now, you will rarely see me without a camera. Obviously, I don't take my Canon everywhere. But if I don't have it, I probably have my Fuijifilm 8MP camera with me. Or, worse comes to worse, I have my 2MP cell phone camera.

So... I decided I should do something about my love of photography. Maybe show people some of my pictures?

I created a new blog. It's called Bailey Thompson's A Photo A Day.

The title says it all; basically, I will upload a photo a day to the blog (Sometimes, I might miss a day if I'm a little overly busy or my computer is acting up, but for the most part...)

So... If you will, check out the blog at: www.baileythompsonsaphotoaday.blogspot.com

And... If you want: follow it, comment on the pictures, or just let me know what you think! I would love it!

Hey You, Yeah You... Where Ever You Are...

2010-02-26T17:01:00.003-05:00

Hey you,
Chances are, I don’t know who you are. If I’m right, you probably don’t know who I am either. But… I just wanted to let you know that I’m here, waiting for you to come. I don’t know where you are right now, but something tells me you’re out there somewhere. Where you are, and who you are, exactly, I probably won’t know for a while. But somehow, that’s okay with me.
There’s a chance you’re in my life right now, isn’t there? Maybe we went to elementary school together? Are you in any of my high school classes? Or maybe, we have yet to meet. In that case, I’m still waiting for the days that I will be able to set my eyes on you. And then there’s the day that you’ll tell me you love me, the whole me, the real me, everything about me, and you’ll mean it. I will too.
Remember one thing for me, I am not perfect; I never have been and I never will be, but then again, neither will you. Somehow, that’s just fine with me and hopefully, you don’t mind either.
We both have our own little flaws, but then there’s also those little amazing things that are just right. That’s part of it though, the whole big picture.
It would take forever and be impossible to tell you everything about me. Can two people even get to the point where they know everything about each other? That’s a question to ponder.

But sometimes, it’s just the simple things that matter. At least right now, the bigger things you will learn as we get to know each other.

Just so you know, I like the smell of a fresh rain, the sound of an intense thunderstorm and the sight of a new snowfall. I love rainbows and I always have. When I was little, I drew them on paper, or chased them in my back yard. I never did find the end, but little did I know, it doesn’t exist. I know that there is no pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, whoever thought of mixing beauty, nature and money, anyways?

I have big goals, and I have a feeling you’ll be along for the ride.

I hate being bored and always have something to do. I like having a busy life, so I’m hoping that doesn’t bother you.

I could spend hours writing and I certainly have before.

Speaking of that, it bothers me when people hang over my shoulder as I write. I promise, you will be the first person to read it anyways, just be patient.

Your smile is beautiful. Did you know that?

I love nature. Sometimes, you’ll find me staring at the beauty of a large tree to a cherry tomato. There is no such thing as words to describe their beauty. Maybe, you can join me?

My camera and I go everywhere together. You just never know when you’ll see something beautiful. If you ever see me without it, please take a picture, the separation won’t last long!

You will never see me without a pen and paper. I’m a writer, remember?

One day, I want to breed two dogs. One yorkie and one maltese. Not for the money, but for the beauty of life – it’ll be an experience.

Spiders scare me – protect me from those insanely furry 8-legged things, please?

I love music. You will be able to pinpoint my mood by what type of music I’m listening to. Just a heads up!

I will always own a fish. Have you ever watched fish grow from the day it was born until the day it’s colours fill in? Now that’s beauty!

My gerbil taught me more about life than anyone else has.

Never critisize my love for animals, sometimes it may feel like I love them more than you, but don’t doubt that I don’t love you.

I love self-expression.

Did I mention that I am a very passionate person? If there is a topic or idea that I have become involved in, chances are, you will hear my piece of mind on it.

Oh, and before I forget, I’d suggest you don’t debate them, you’ll just get frusterated.

I don’t understand life or death and chances are, I never will, but I suppose I can handle that.

People who are negative drive me insane – be positive!

I don’t like getting drunk and I hate drugs. Sometimes, I don’t understand why people do that to themselves. I like having full control of myself, and no regrets. I am happy most of the time, and I don’t need anything to fake it. Did you know you can have fun without getting drunk? I think we should try it.

I don’t remember what my real hair colour looks like.

I care about the environment. I kind of hope you do too.

I would cure hunger, poverty and global warming if I could. But, I’d need a whole planet to step up and help….

I hate war

I also hate arguments and disputes. Why can’t everyone get along?

I can be superstitious, sometimes.

I sing when no one’s listening. I have a feeling you won’t get the chance to hear it though.

I am curious about space and the universe… but the thought scares me.

I will never understand a guy’s way of thinking. Care to explain?

I love my family, but sometimes I forget to give them the attention they deserve.

Secret messages and metaphors tend to grab my interest.

Technology amazes me. Did you know, I can reach you no matter where you are in the world with just the click of a button?

I love you means a lot.

You should wear a hat. I will explain why later.

I try not to judge people by their appearance. Everyone is beautiful in one way or another.

Everyone deserves a second chance.

I’ve never liked hugs, believe it or not. Maybe you can change that.

I am, undoubtedly, a germaphobic. If you’re sick, it's probably best we stay away

I cannot seem to work for a boss, unless they allow me to express my own creativity.

I love artwork, but I cannot draw.

Sometimes, silence is the best thing.

I want to see you laugh and cry, don’t worry, it doesn’t bother me.

I see people for who they are, and not who they are said to be.

Don’t judge my friends or me because of the friends I have. They are amazing people, maybe a little crazy at times.

I will be afraid to let you meet my family. Can I warn you, they’re insanely crazy!

I dislike calling people I don’t know on the phone.

Cancer scares me, inspires me and makes me wonder. Why?

I try to live in the moment, each day like it’s the last.

I like to help people. Especially, people with talent that don’t know the next step. Maybe, I just like to see people succeed.

One last thing, wherever you are, I guess I'm waiting right where I am to finally meet you :)

Xo,
Bailey

Best of Both Worlds - What REALLY Matters?

2010-02-19T16:58:00.002-05:00

I have something to show you! Just for some background info: I've recently started a media arts course at my high school (It's really neat, by the way!) and I want to share my first project.

The project was to use a painting by Rousseau and take pieces of it, use them to make a new image while applying your own artistic ability to some parts of the new image.

The original picture:

Before you take a look at what I created, I want you to read my quick summary and reasoning for my work.

In an effort to create good, the result is undoubtedly bad. We have constructed a largely technological planet, overcome some of the biggest obstacles and created a life people 100 years ago could barely even imagine, let alone dream of. As we focus on innovation, creation and moving forward, we've forgotten and left behind the only thing that matters; nature, the environment and the planet itself.

People now live a life of their own, emersed in their technologies, booming businesses and selfishness. While many are able to name many brand names, few are able to remember the titles of many things in nature, creating even more of a divide between ourselves and our lifeline.

The image I created demonstrates all of this. The picture is surrounded by the very thing that surrounds our very lives, regardless of whether we know it: nature. The center of the picture, what catches your eye, is what we experience every day; pollution, distruction and human innovation. You will notice, there is no human in the picture, instead we are immersed in our homes, technology and whatever else, seldom experiencing other sorts of life around us as we destroy what's left.

But at the end of the day, we need to consider what really matters in life. While the buildings may stand out at a first glance, you will notice that their colours are dull and boring. While, the nature is colourful and hopefully, standing out.

While looming businesses, technology and innovation may seem like a lot in life, it is the nature that holds us together and keeps us alive. And yet, we continue to destroy it.

Is what you pictured kinda sorta what I've created?

It's a different idea, but it's also the same as the original. The original displayed something that not many of us get to see (I'm talking the nature portion, boys!). Mine displayed the reality of what many of us are used to. Sad statement, isn't it?

Thanks for taking a look. I will upload more of my work as I work on it.

ALSO, I am behind on my blogging. I do have a huge afterthought blog on my latest column in the Innisfil Scope. Please stay tuned and if you haven't already check it out at http://www.innisfilscope.com/. Published Feb 10th.

Dreams + Failure = Just another attempt! :)

2010-02-16T21:16:00.001-05:00

There are times when you just want to give up. Give up on the very thing you've been striving for, the thing you've put so much effort into. It's like science experiment. So much trial and error, over and over again. There is no text book answer, or even the slightest word guiding you. There's no guarentee that you'll even find the answer, reach the destination. Maybe you never will. And yet, you keep trying. You never stop, and yet you still ask yourself why.

And then there comes a point where there is so much failure, you begin to wonder if you'll ever get there, or if you're willing to keep working towards it because it's so much work and you don't even know whether you'll get there. It's never easy, but do you give up?

Some people do. But others, keep going. Because, they know in their heart that eventually, they will get there, no matter what it takes.

I will get there. One day, somehow, I will get there; no matter how hard it is, no matter how much trial and error, no matter how much failure, I will do it.

Now where do I start?

I can answer that one... Right where I left off before starting to write this blog.

Is it really a big deal, honestly?

2010-01-17T15:19:00.001-05:00

I think we need to watch what we complain about from now on. Those simple things we get upset over, and meanwhile, someone in indefinitely experiencing something a lot bigger.

I signed onto Windows Live Messenger today and this is what I saw in people's little messages.

Phone taken away, don't text until Feb 14 :'( (crying face)

Right below this person, I see:

R.I.P. Grandpa :'( (Crying face)

In your opinion, which one is worse? Or more importantly, which one are you going to remember and care about 10 years from now? Really makes you think about the little things you complain about, don't you think?

Just something to think about.

And to the person who has something actually worth a tear, my sincere condolences

Do YOU have an opinion on 2012 or H1N1? Let it be heard!

2010-01-11T19:15:00.001-05:00

Let your opinion on 2012 and H1N1 be heard! For those of you who don't know, I write for the Innisfil Scope (Newspaper) and I need your opinion on both subjects for my next column.

If you have a minute, I'd love it if you would take my poll and let me hear your thoughts. All answers will be used anoymously in the column, so feel free to leave your name out if you don't want it to be shared.

www.baileythompson.ca/poll

Thanks in advance for your input!

Happy New Year & Pictures

2010-01-02T22:43:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

You're never going to guess what the first thing I did in the morning of Jan 1 2010 was!

I woke up early, well... 10 a.m. isn't really early, but after new years eve, it's like 5 a.m. on a regular night. My plan was to find out who else was awake and go back to bed. I passed my crazy brother and his friend who had been up since 8, and went upstairs to find everyone else still in bed. What I found instead was much better... It had snowed overnight and the forest behind my house was just stunning. It's the fluffy, calm and pretty snow - the kind you'd expect on the first snow fall, or the fairytale Christmas. It's the type of snow I have been waiting for since Novemeber and have been brutally disapointed with each snowfall before this day.

Needless to say, there was no way I was going back to bed. Call me crazy, but I headed back to my bedroom and dressed myself in the warmest clothes I had, grabbed my camera, jacket and my sister's boots, and the dog (who, also required a sled) and was off. It wasn't cold like I expected, it was mild, but not uncomfortable. In fact, I really didn't notice the cold like I usually would on a winter day. I wrapped my dog in her new coat and pulled her along on the sled, regardless of the fact that she probably didn't want to come. By the time I got into the forest, I could barely contain the constant clicking of the camera.

I've put a bunch of pictures below, with captions :)

This is the pretty sight I saw when I woke up that morning. The snow all fluffy sitting perfectly on the trees. I don't think you can tell from the picture, but it IS snowing, which made it even more perfect.

This is the beautiful girl who is unbelievably tolerant to my crazy little adventures. That's the sled she struggled to stay on throughout the ride. You can't see from the picture but she's wearing a baby blue coat, with white fur around the hood (What a cutie!)

Oh hello there, Random Branch. This is the tree that we were considering cutting down for our Christmas tree. We couldn't bring ourselves to doing it. I love how the snow sits on the branches, it's so perfect!

Dead leaves. Well, yes. But I liked this because winter scenes are basically white and brown and black - kind of colourless, and cold (both emotionally and brrrr!). So when I saw this, it was the most colour I'd seen all morning (It is kind of orange, don't you think?) Just the nice splash of colour in a somewhat colourless photo.

Two stories with this one. I saw this random laying tree and wanted a much closer picture than this. However, inbetween the tree and myself was a hill. I DID attempt to go down the hill. Half way down, with Angel sliding down on her sled and myself clinging to a tree, I decided it was a bad idea (too late!). I was in the middle, couldn't go up and didn't want to go down (I really didn't enjoy the thought of sliding down on my butt). So for a minute I was sitting there wondering which way to go when I realized I could just take the picture as I clung to the tree.

You'll also notice in the background: HOUSES. Those darn things weren't there when we moved in. When we moved in the forest was thick and beautiful. It was so filled with nature that we found deer in our back yard at times (What a beautiful sight!) Then, the houses came and distroyed the beauty and innocence of the forest (a common story in a growing city, I suppose). While taking all of the pictures you see, it was a struggle to get pictures that did not show the houses, but this one I failed (After all, there were no other angles because who can change angles while clinging to a tree?)

Nothing special really, it just surprised me how much snow could be on such a thin branch.

The summary of the forest.

My favorite for last. I spent a long time trying to figure out how to get in between the trees in focus and the trees out of focus. I think it turned out great though, I definitely love it. It's unique, different.

If you've reached this far, thanks for reading! Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year. 2010, can you believe it?!

First Snowfall

2009-12-12T22:52:00.001-05:00

It came without warning, the snow that suddenly appeared one night. Like magic, I went to bed with barely any snow and woke up to a huge blanket accross the once-green lawn. It fell quickly and at a first glance, it looked graceful and beautiful, much like the first snowfall was supposed to be. But as I opened the front door, it proved me very wrong. The wind blew viciously, throwing the snow towards my direction as I tried to get to the bus. I kept my head down and wished I'd brought a scarf, or a hat or something. My eyes began to sting as the snow, or what felt like ice shot itself towards me. It almost seemed that as I turned the corner, happy that it was no longer coming towards me, that it changed directions. Still throwing itself at me.

The first snow fall was not graceful at all. The vicious little snowflakes covered the ground with anything but beauty. Within a day, it had frozen and had soon became a hazard (still not enough to cancel school buses though!)

My experience of the first snowfall is usually huge snowflakes falling gracefully to the ground, creating a fluffy blanket. While it never stays, it's always beautiful as it covers tree branches, grass and kid's heads! I love it, it's just like a picture on the front of a Christmas card - beautiful.

Haha, not this year!

The Latest Column

2009-11-02T19:12:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I haven't published this post yet! I thought I'd published it ages ago... but obviously not. First of all, my column was published a few weeks ago. If you haven't already read it, you can read it here: http://www.baileythompson.ca/columns/Oct14-09.php

I put my heart, soul and then some into this column. It's one of those ones where I wasn't JUST writing for my readers. I wasn't JUST writing for my friends, my family, or my editor. I was writing about a specific person, and I was writing it for him. And quite honestly, I just had to get this one right. And guess what? It really wasn't that hard.

I've always been a better writer at things that I can get into (At least, I feel that way anyways). Those things in life that have the greatest emotional impact on me are the things that I can write like BOOM!

I remember the first time I sat down at my laptop to start this column. I hadn't done my interviews yet.. so eventually I decided there was no way I could start... Yet. Regardless, almost on impulse, my word processing program opened and I began to write. The first, the second and the third paragraph. What's published is what was written that night. I stopped there. There was nothing more I could do :)

As I wrote the entire column, I thought about Adam and what I thought he'd like written about him. When I asked him what he wanted people to think about him, he told me that people are entitled to their own opinions. So he offered no direction there.

I don't know if you'll agree with me on this one, but as it appears to be when reading about people will illnesses, talking with others about someone with an illness, that ill person is always referred to as "the sick kid" or "That kid with leukemia.". I hate that.

So I decided to avoid any mention of illness. Instead, I'd like you to meet Adam Fedosoff. He's this great kid who goes to my school. But guess what? He's fighting a battle.

I don't know about you, but I think that gives him a little more respect. Because yes, he's sick I'm not going to deny that. But he's still Adam Fedosoff. Get the idea?

Anyways, that's my after thought for this column. Hope you enjoyed it! :)

YCDIA ! You CAN do it Adam !

Website

2009-10-26T22:03:00.000-04:00

Website re-designed, completely re-done and FINALLY relaunched.... Check it out? www.baileythompson.ca

Going Back

2009-10-09T18:59:00.001-04:00

You were about four years old when you started the journey. Each morning, you probably woke up, got ready and headed out the door. The first day was most likely how it is for everyone, nervewracking and frightning! But eventually, your little four-year-old self would get used to the place you may spend the next decade of your life at.

After however many years, your graduation would appear. For you, it was the biggest day you've experienced. You would have bought an expensive outfit, maybe had someone do your hair, and you would do your best to make the day absolutely perfect. Your mom may have gotten teary-eyed, your Dad would be snapping pictures and your grandparents would be there in celebration of your accomplishment. Hopefully, you'd be amongst your best friends and your graduation for elementary school would be a memory that would remain forever.

Then you'd leave.

You would start all over again at what's called high school. Unless you attended middle school, high school would be a huge leap. You now had your own locker, you had more than one teacher, you had TONS more freedom, but also a lot more pressure. You would have met MANY new friends, had many more experiences and opportunities. For the first time ever, your studies would be extremely important.

Would you go back?

After being in grade ten just over a month, I decided it would be nice to visit the place where I began. The small lobby doors opened into the welcoming lobby. I'd never really spent much time in that lobby or walking through those doors. Although, I could remember walking in those doors when I'd been late for school, and on the night of graduation.

The lobby was welcoming but for some reason I got the feeling, I didn't belong here.

It was a little different; there were little kids everywhere... these were not the kind of hallways where you pushed through the swarms of people, the hallways were unbelievably thin, everything was different than the place I go to everyday now. But it sure did bring back TONS of memories. Each hallway, many of the classrooms, there was a memory.

I still can't believe we lined up for class every day - that just doens't happen in high school! The days when the rules were strict, the caf was non-existant, the teachers were more on top of you, the pressure wasn't on you as much for marks...

It was easier then... but I still wouldn't go back if I could. While high school is more difficult to stay on track, there's also a lot more freedom to make your own decisions and decide what you want to do, and I like that. However, I still wouldn't give away those memories of elementary school.

The only bad part about the visit is that the board decided to have a meeting that day... Meaning, the intermediate teachers I went to see... Weren't there... I guess that gives me one reason to go back! ;)

2009-09-11T23:51:00.001-04:00

Okay, so tell me this: Are you bored of me talking about my gerbils every few entries? Hah, I don't blame you, one bit. Not everyone is interested in RODENTS. But if you are, I have created another blog to devote to my creatures. So if you're interested in reading about Mocha, Petri and some gerb tips and trickes, take a look at http://gerbtunnels@blogspot.com.
:)

First week of school OVER!

2009-09-11T17:14:00.001-04:00

And it wasn't even a full week. I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I'm glad I'm back in school. The only downside is waking up at 6 a.m. Yikes!

You'll be happy to know that I seem to have gotten 4 amazing teachers (I only have 4 total, by the way). At least for this semester. None of the teachers seem to uptight, and they all seem to be fun to be around. Not to mention, I think they're good teachers.

That being said, I am missing my Summer vacay a little. I like the freedom. Ah, oh well. What is it, like 41 more weeks?!?! Haha. Not even about to start the countdown now.

There's not really much to say... but I did publish a column recently on back to school! The title is Big changes between grade levels and you can view it here: http://www.innisfilscope.com/news/2009/0902/schools/026.html.

And I would like to appologize in advance - my website has not been updated in the longest time. I'm working on improving it, and moving it to another server, so it will be a while for any more changes. Sorry! If you'd like to keep up to date, the blog is probably the best way. But no worries, the website IS still there, so you're more then welcome to view it at any time.

Thanks for stopping by! With school back in, I plan to spend a little more time blogging. Summer took a lot out of me. I think the laziness and relaxing got to me this summer. Gosh!

Music

2009-08-27T18:47:00.001-04:00

I think music has more importance to it than many of us think. Would it be too intense to say it's a portion of the definition of life.

As I listen to certain songs, portions of my life are brought back to me in a flash. It's only natural that my taste in music changes ever so slightly sometimes. Old favorite songs are always replaced with the new, and yet, never forgotten. Each piece of music was my favorite for a portion of my life, and listening to it brings back that portion to me. It's like a little connection to the past. Sometimes it's just a memory of an event, other times it's something as intense as the thoughts, feelings, smell or even dreams. Sometimes a song reminds me of a story I wrote in the past while listening to it. At times, I can listen to it and remember exactly what part of the story I was writing when I was listening to the song.

So for me, music can be a definition of my life - each song a different portion.

Why else would music be a definition of life? Music comes from the soul. Most songwriters write their pieces from the heart; expressing a feeling, opinion, thought or idea. It's a songwriter's way of expressing themself to the public, for everyone to see and hear.

It's a way to connect people together. When people like/dislike something, they talk about it. It brings people together, because it brings one more thing for people to have similar interests. It brings groups of friends together as a band.

Have you ever noticed that when you're watching a slide show of pictures of an event, the music in the background. If it was picked correctly, the music helps describe the event to the viewer. The sounds and voices express, maybe a feeling, that is similar to the event being displayed.

Combining music with anything tends to give it more character, more thought and more feeling for the viewer/listener, because of the way we hear it, I guess.

Thats just my opinion, what's your idea of music and how has it affected you? Comment below or e-mail me: contactbaileythompson@gmail.com

Mocha's a star!

2009-08-24T18:40:00.001-04:00

My baby boy's a star!

Check it out: http://www.twinsqueaks.com/potw/2009/082209.php

Dog Wedding

2009-08-12T00:56:00.001-04:00

Since when are dogs required to get married? Never.

Not in my household.

As some of you may know, I have a little 6 pound shi-tzu, poodle, bichon. Yes, she is exactly what most of you would consider to be a mutt. Turns out, mutts are becoming all the rage (meaning "in")! And yes, she fits perfectly in my designer doggie bag, thank you! (not! But she LOVES the stroller)

Well... At 4 years old... (What's that 28 dog years)... This little cutie was still single.. And no, for her beauty, it wasn't right. My sister with the craziest ideas decided to do something about my dog's lack of boyfriend. In fact, one day I found an invitation being put in my hand "You're invited... To Angel and Yoda's wedding".

Yoda... Is my sister's friend's chihuahua. It seemed right, they were only a few pounds different!

You can imagine what happened next... My whole family in the back yard. My white dog walking down the cobblestone pathway in a black dress (white doesn't show on her white fur!) and veil. And from the other end of the pathway... a naked groom.

It didn't turn out well. They brought them together in the middle and my dog laid down with her butt facing the groom. After "barking" their vows... A kiss was forced (had my sister put their faces any closer it would have been a bite!)... then, as soon as she was free, the bride RAN from the groom, her black dress flowing like a cape! (What's that? SUPERMAN!!!)

To come were some fights over their supposed to be shared bone. Some food stealing. Some butt sniffing. Some playing. No love. No kisses. Nothing like that.

Now... THAT'S what I call a forced marrage!

Do I hear doggie-divorce in the near future?

The best part... I got VIDEO! (Maybe I'll post it... later!)

Breaking News!

2009-07-25T21:05:00.001-04:00

BREAKING NEWS! (okay not really)

www.baileythompson.ca version 3.0 is FINALLY up and running to my personal perfection. I got it up WAYYY sooner than I expected and it looks great, I think. Opinions are welcomed, please check it out and let me know what you think.

New website design & article!

2009-07-22T13:37:00.001-04:00

"Bailey's updating her website... AGAIN"

Yeah, that's true. Yeah, it's my third major change since I launched the website in December 2008. The difference? The whole website, literally, is recieving an overhaul.

The entire colourscheme is different - so it's a lot of playing with colours and graphics. There will be NO black what so ever, except for text. I'm really excited about that part because I never really liked the black.

If you're thinking, "then why'd you put black?!" I'll answer the question for you; I put black because I didn't want to seem too colourful. I thought black and white would look good and for the most part, it looked decent. Although, now that I think of it, It made it look very boxy and too colourful. (because all the buttons were different colours)

I've removed the black and it's mostly white background...

If life goes right, www.baileythompson.ca version 3.0 will be launched by tomorrow evening. If things go PERFECT, it will be by afternoon. And not to focus on the negative, but if things don't go the right way, it will be launched by the end of the week (haha), Friday.

The other thing I wanted to mention is an article I wrote for a website. I have a friend named Karry. I think I've known him ever since we were babies. Well I was two, he was a baby. You know how there are some teenagers (or almost teenagers) who are extremely determined and excel at what they do. And then there are the ones who don't have a goal, mostly just to get through life. There are also the ones that are inbetween, but whatever.

Karry is a person who is extremely determined - I think. I'll let you read my article, http://sportales.com/skateboarding/12-year-old-skateboarder-has-big-dreams/ to decide what you think. He also has a YouTube channel - link in article.

I just thought I'd share that article with you. It was a quick article. Quick e-mail interview, write and submit. But I think it turned out well.

Anyways, enjoy. Keep your eye out for new and improved website!

Latest Column Published!!

2009-07-18T19:00:00.001-04:00

I'm back... Even though I never really mentioned I was leaving. My family always rents a cottage at the beach for a week each Summer. So... That's where I've been for the last week. We got a lot better weather than we expected (It's weird, we always seem to get good weather when we're on vacation!) and I spent a lot of time soaking up the sun and swimming in the lake. I've got two pretty sweet story ideas. One of which will become a short story and one of which seems to be destined to be a novel - we'll see! I think I'll work on articles before I get on that. WOW! So much that I want to do, so little time to do it. "Get to work, Bailey!" I tell myself as if I haven't already spent my whole Summer working... Blahh, I love it, no worries there!

While I was away, my column was published! Special thanks to my grandfather who picked up some extra copies for me.... and bringing them to the cottage for me to read! AND if you'd like to read it, here's the link to it on the Scope website: http://www.innisfilscope.com/news/2009/0715/schools/033.html

Unfortunately (Fortuntely, for me) there's no funny story to go with this column. Except for the fact that I was able to mention my grandfather's name in it! I like giving examples of other people who have done something that I've mentioned, I guess to prove that it's been done, I'm not really sure why. My grandfather DID know that I was going to include him, but I think he forgot because he seemed very surprised when I pointed out his name in the paper! Surprised, and happy - I'm sure it brightened his day a little.

I think it makes a lot of people happy to see their name in print. I know that it really brightens my day when my columns are published. Wednesdays have always been my favorite day and the columns just give me one more reason why!

Anyways, for anyone reading this today (Saturday), enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a good rest of your week!!!

Petri

2009-07-08T22:01:00.002-04:00

I was just reminded that I hadn't introduced my blog readers to my new gerbil! You may remember my blog on Sweet Pea, my gerbil with cancer (If not, click here: http://bailey-thompson.blogspot.com/2009/04/sweet-pea_11.html)... and you may remember the blog entry I did after his death (If not, click here: http://bailey-thompson.blogspot.com/2009/04/rip-sweetpea.html

Here's the story after his death: You may remember his brother, Mocha. Mocha became REALLY depressed after Sweet Pea's death and I was spending a lot of time socializing with him, trying to make him happy. He became very snuggly and slow and this was very scary because he used to be non-stop runner and impossible to snuggle with! Although I enjoyed this, it did scare me.

For the next two weeks after Sweet Pea's death, I contacted every pet store in my area to locate a new baby for my mourning gerbil. I read on the internet that this would give Mocha a friend and help him get over his sadness. Unfortunately, for two weeks I had no luck.

Finally, I got in contact with a pet store who had babies coming in that Friday (it was Monday when I called). On Friday we rushed to the store after school. I'd cleaned up the cage and set up a split cage (which is a screen in the middle of the cage to separate the gerbils to make sure they learn eachothers scent and Mocha didn't get territorial).

We went into the store unsure whether we were going to buy one or two babies. Since gerbils are usually purchased in twos, I didn't want to buy only one and make one lonely - but the pet store associate strongly encouraged us to get only one, due to the situation. We selected a beautiful black gerbil with white paws and a white stripe down his neck. (More pictures below) We decided to name him Petri, for one reason; Petri was Sweet Pea's middle name (yeah, we gave our GERBILS a middle name!).

For the next weeek... The split in the tank remained to ensure they were fully aware of eachothers scent before we tried anything. I was at Queen's this week, so I can't say much of what happened.

As soon as I got home, we mixed them and immediately, they loved eachother. Mocha took on being the father of the baby (like I expected) and cleaned him, slept with him and overall watched out for him.

They're still like that. At this moment, they're snuggled in the corner of the cage. Although Petri (or as I call him, Pete) has grown to be nearly full grown... He was a tiny creature when we bought him. So much, that I called him BUG because he was so small! lol ;)

And... Incase you're wondering... Petri's middle name is Simon. For some reason, he reminded my sister of Simon Cowell, maybe it was the black fur? I'm not sure, because he sure does have a very NICE personality. Not an insult inside his tiny body... then again, he's speechless. ;)

See how small he is?

** More pictures maybe coming soon... I just have to find my camera :P **

P.S. I know I'm crazy... They're RODENTS to you, but they're my lil babies - they're like a dog... just smaller, just so you can half-understand! ;)

Latest Column

2009-06-28T11:37:00.001-04:00

I didn't forget... I promise... I just misplaced the idea of writing about the latest column and I just found it.

If you haven't already read my latest column, you can click here to do so: http://www.innisfilscope.com/news/2009/0617/schools/029.html

This one was neat. It was my last column for the 2008-2009 school year and I wanted to make it kind of special and memorable. You may remember my very first column was on the first day of school - or beginning grade nine in high school. So, naturally, my last column was about grade 12 graduation.

I had huge plans for this one. I was going to interview many grade 12's, many teachers and parents - well... my plans backfired. What I didn't realize, was it is the end of the year, people would be busy especially graduates preparing for their last exams and getting ready to say good-bye to their high school. Parents would be nervously working for their graduates making sure everything was in place - if the graduates hadn't already perfected everything themselves. Teachers would be preparing for exams, and the end of the year.

In other words, everyone was busy and finding an interview in everyone's busy schedule was quite tough.

In the end, I interviewed my friend's older brother who was obviously graduating this year. Although, that wasn't easy either. She had asked me to send her the questions since her brother was usually at school, working or hanging with friends and getting to talk to him myself would be unlikely - an e-mail interview would have to do. So I did, a few weeks in advance of my due date. I got them back 3 days before my due date after pestering my friend once again about where those questions were. Turns out, she forgot to even give them to him!

Well... It wasn't easy... but I pulled it off. In the little time he had, her brother answered the questions well and gave me all the information I needed to complete the column.

So thanks Joseph for your last minute help. And thanks to Alissa for finally sending the questions to him!

Fortunately, that wasn't my FINAL column and I will be continuing through the summer, and hopefully the next school year. So you can check my website for the next column or the Scope website www.innisfilscope.com or of course, my blog!

And... Yeah, it's Summer!!! You can expect TONS and TONS of new things from me as I finally have 2 months of freedom to sit down and write whenever I want.

Morning & Short Book Reccommendation

2009-06-24T12:18:00.001-04:00

Good morning... Or should I say, almost afternoon since it's 11:53....

Guess where I am right now? Either you guessed it or you didn't... I'm outside. I woke up this morning and realized that it was just as nice outside today as it was yesterday. With that in mind, I couldn't bring myself to work inside all day today. So instead, I gathered all my stuff, stole my Dad's extension cord and set up office. It's better out here than my room anyways... the table is bigger. And knowing me, I like to spread all my stuff out. My mom is happy with that too, because I'm not righting off the living room, office, kitchen table, or even my room.

I don't believe I've ever talked about books here.. so here goes.

I've been reading a book lately, titled Some Great Thing by Lawrence Hill. The book is about a "fledgling reporter" who is working for his hometowns local newspaper, the Winnipeg Herold. The book hit's home for me for that reason alone. It gives you an idea of what goes on behind the scenes at a news room, bringing some unique twists and humor along the way. Before I began reading this book, I had a stereotypical idea of what reporters and editors were like: strict, extremely professional and hard to talk to. When I read the book, I was led to believe that this was far from true. In fact, I learned that editors are people too. It helped me become more comfortable when speaking with them. Praise to Lawrence Hill for completing a realistic news room in the book when he is not a reporter. Enjoying a book this much for me can be very rare, but this one was one I enjoyed throughly. I would reccommend this book to just about anyone, regardless of whether they have dreams of becoming a writer. It's tasteful story would suit just about anyone, in my opinion.

If you feel like taking a look at the book on the web, visit www.lawrencehill.com

Enough Said

2009-06-17T18:11:00.000-04:00

So much I need to do, so much I want to do, so much I have to do... So little time to do it all. Enough said.

1 more week!

2009-06-14T11:49:00.001-04:00

"Did Bailey fall of the face of the earth... again?" You might ask.

"Not quite," I'd tell you, "I've just gotten really busy."

"What's new?" You would ask sarcastically.

I'd laugh.

The good news is that in a week and one day I will be screaming SCHOOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!

The bad news? Well for the next week, I'll be studying and writing exams. In other words, my writing is going to have to be put on hold.

"Bailey Jade Thompson?" You would say to me, "Do you actually think that YOU are going to be able to stop writing for a whole week?"

"No... Absolutely not," I'll tell you, "but for the sake of the possibility of my teachers reading this... yes"

You'd sigh when I said that and ignore me, knowing that it is next to impossible to stop me from writing... for a whole week.

The truth is... You're right.

"Do you remember last time?" You'll remind me.

I'd nod and look away.

"You FAILED!"

"I failed at not writing for a whole week," I'd insist, "But I passed every single one of my exams"

"True" You'll tell me.

"But do you remember last time?" I'd ask you.

"No, what?"

"I over studied." I'll tell you, "In other words, it would be counter productive to literally stop writing for a week."

You would sigh and walk away... that's fair.

Like I said... One more week... and I'm free for two whole months to do literally whatever I want to do without the thought of school or homework getting in the way. As I said before, "Get ready for the ride!!!!!!!!" (Because I'm JUST getting strapped in!)

Three New Videos Published

2009-05-30T16:08:00.001-04:00

New videos published on "Kleep".
Please, check it out - the more views the better!

Click the titles to view each of the videos:

Water Conservation

Angel - Leona Lewis - Music Video

Footprints in the Sand - Leona Lewis - Music Video

Thanks!

YCDIA

2009-05-24T12:08:00.001-04:00

Today.

It's different for me.

It's different for him.

As I fight with my parents over them wasting my time.

He fights for his life, wondering if he'll have time

As I complain about all the work I need to do.

He can't complain, he only wishes he could do it.

As I worry about the small stuff.

He doesn't have small stuff to worry about

As I look in the mirror.Does my hair look perfect?

He avoids the mirror - hair doesn't matter anymore.

As I fight with my sister and run in the opposite direction as she does.

He doesn't. He worries about when he'll be able to say 'I'm sorry'

As I care about what others think when they see me

He wonders if he'll ever get to see others again

As I take life for granted...

He worries about how much time he has.

As I hope tomorrow will be a better day.

He wonders whether tomorrow will be okay

As we all live our lives

Worries

Anger

Complaints

He fights for his.

He has it. We all do.

Hope

Faith

Courage

You CAN do it, Buddy!

Update from Queens University

2009-05-12T19:13:00.005-04:00

Hey from Queens University! For those of you who don't know and are wondering why a grade 9 student is at university... I'm attending a WEEK LONG writing and photography course. As promised, I do have some pictures from my photography course, as well as a little update to what I've been up to.

Mainly, the Queens campus is MASSIVE. It's like a little city! I've already gotten lost a few times, I completely forgot where my dorm building was after my last class. But I found it, thanks to the map. Then, I got lost IN the dorm building - you can always count on me to get lost, that's foresure!

Other than getting lost, it's crazy awesome. Each class is 3 hours long - it seems like FOREVER, but it's fun. I'm used to 1 hour and 15 minute classes, so this is a little crazy. But, like I said, it's school, but it's not really.

The photography class, we spend half the time talking about techniques and things we can do. The other half, we're outside taking pictures and exploring. Yesterday, it was taking pictures of scenery. Today - taking portraits (YES, I have one of me that my friend took... I'm SO not photogenic!)

The writing course is after lunch. The last 2 days, we've been working on poetry. Not my favorite, but it's always awesome to learn new things. I'm not quite enjoying the idea of non-rhyming poetry and cheated a little putting hidden rhymes in my non-rhyming poetry. Haha! Not a big deal, for me, it's just hard to write without rhymes to sort of direct the direction. (Kind of like a map... It leads the poem usually where it's supposed to go) ANYWAYS, the next few days, we're working on fiction short stories - my favorite!

Tomorrow though, we have workshops. So... I'm doing one about beginning university and another that I completely forget what I signed up for (I hope they'll tell us in the morning!)

We arrived here at like 9:30, and signed up for things at like 9:45, so I was beyond tired from all the travelling, packing, shopping, all that stuff. But, I loved the bus ride, it gave me time to sort of sit there and think - something I don't get much time to do.... unless you count sleeping!

What I find really neat is the cafeteria. It's like an all you can eat, buffet style. It's awesome. They have any type of food you want, different foods on different days - making it easy to select. Not to mention, they have pumpkin pie and cheese cake for desert - my favorite!

Alright, that's enough talking, I hope I haven't made you bored out of your mind. I did put some pictures below for your viewing, if you feel like looking at some of the totally awesome (sort of) pictures I took.

I'll try to blog maybe once more while I'm here... So keep checking!

Here's my pictures:

This is my portrait. It was one of the last ones we'd taken. The first few, the photographer (another student), made me sit on a railing... I had a very uncomfortable looking face on me, so I thought this one was the best one that turned out. I'll upload more, a little later, maybe.

I'm not really sure what this is. I liked the way the sun was coming, and the branches looked pretty cool, so I took the picture!

I LOVE this one. It looks so awesome! In my opinion. There's the branch and the building faded in the background!

Another mildy random picture

More pictures to come! I promise - I'll add some more ASAP. I have to head down to an activity right now (I'm participating in a game called Family Feud and I have no idea what it is!)

Bailey's Blog

Chaos

Writing is an Art Form

Two More Years

Rafael Rozendaal

If I were to get married... It would go a little like this...

Hope

Second Guessing

Zen and the Art of Falling In Love

Music: Orphan's Cry

It's a Writer Thing

There May Not Be Romance, But There Is Love

The Image

Lost My Way

Too Happy to Be Sad

Born to Write

New Years Resolutions

WHAT A YEAR!!!!

Christmas is... Kind of Strange if you think about it

Temptation

Dear... You

Can You Close Your Eyes After Opening Them?

This is Melvin Jr.

What Is Love?

How Do You Know?

Good Bye Summer!

Rest in Peace Petri!

One Thing

Ever Watch the Sun Rise?

A Human Life Experiment: Without a Control Group

Driving.... Or not

Car Shopping

I love this dog!

"What They Don't Know Can't Hurt Them"

Gerbils & Spinners

Summer!!

So I had a dream...

Am I Only Losing Myself?

Happy Fathers Day!

Nobody Ever Told Me To Stop

Guess What?

If The World Ended Tomorrow... Would You Be Satisfied With Today?

If You had To Loose One Sense, what would you choose?

Business, and WRITING

Disconnect to Connect; So Profound!

Newsletter

A Real Eye Opener

Some Things Never Change...

At A Loss For Words

Help the Environment & Celebrate David Suzuki's 75th Birthday!

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!!

It's that time again...

I Have Something To Show You!

I hate endings

Happy Halloween!!

Latest Column Published: Teen "Relationships"

♥♥♥

Everything. That. Matters.

Thriving Ivory

I'm in a Book! I'm in a Book!

I love love love... This Song

HEY!

Another Media Arts Project: The House

The Truth About Global Warming

I got my G1 Drivers License & Column on it!

Lets Play Pretend ♥

Heartbreak

Everything's Okay... Everything's Going to Be Okay... REALLY?!

GREEN LIKE A FROG

Dreams do come true: Queen's University E=MC2 2010

New Photography Blog!

Hey You, Yeah You... Where Ever You Are...

Best of Both Worlds - What REALLY Matters?

Dreams + Failure = Just another attempt! :)

Is it really a big deal, honestly?

Do YOU have an opinion on 2012 or H1N1? Let it be heard!

Happy New Year & Pictures

First Snowfall

The Latest Column