.*.Together.*.

When I'm alone, I feel fine.  I am my own company.  I can sit and think about so many things so that I never grow bored.  I can amuse myself easily.  But being around others can be just as wonderful to me.

With my mom, I can be honest, and laugh and complain (oops) and talk to her about things I talk about with no one else.

With my dad, I can have these amazing, complex conversations about the most random things, like politics, sunsets, or weedkiller (ha!).

With my brother, we make up silly little jokes and talk about funny old memories, like the time we decided to cut eachother's hair when we were only in kindergarten, or the time we spent a whole day trying to fix a closet door so that we wouldn't get in trouble (hehe).

With my friends, I feel so at peace.  They make me laugh hard and smile so much that my cheeks hurt, but it's worth it for how happy they make me.  We remember inside jokes, quote random things, and share deep thoughts :).

With my family all together, we build each other up and do fun little things.  We all go outside and plant flowers together.  We take ridiculous pictures.  We give each other gifts and cook meals together.  We take walks every week, the four of us, together.

With someone I've just met or don't know very well, I also have a good time getting to know them.  I ask them about their likes or dislikes, and find things we have in common.  That one little smile we exchange can start a whole new friendship.

With anyone, anywhere, I can enjoy myself so much.  No one is perfect, especially not me, but I like to see our imperfection as what makes us unique, and not boring.  It would be so boring if everyone was perfect.  Having flaws gives you something you can work towards improving, and that can be fun.  You can feel accomplished, and proud of yourself, and a little bit stronger.

Embrace your strengths, find the beauty in others, and try your best to be happy no matter who you're with, because sometimes, all we need in life, is to have a little fun, together.

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Comfort.*.

We've all had our troubles
Our painful struggles
That haunt us from time to time
But some have it worse,
And experience pain,
So much pain,
That the others
Just don't understand.
How to help them?
These weary people
Who've gone through so much
Every day is a challenge
When you fear and ache the minute you wake.
I know people
Who have felt great pain
And the suffering may never end
So what do I do?
What to do
Running in circles,
Clutching my head
Every tear they shed,
Every sad word they utter
It breaks my heart
Deep inside.
To them I can't show it
Can't let them know it.
That I just don't know what to do.
Knowing they are suffering deep inside
I can't help them
I feel so useless
Wanting to bring them the happiness
I know so well
But how?
How?
What do you do
When you know so little
About how to comfort someone
How to make them happy
How to take away their pain,
And give them something nice for a change.

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Dance.*.

Five, six, seven-eight.  I draw in a breath.  Starts with a breath, ends with a breath.  The lights are all off.  The gentle, yet powerful music begins to play.  I lift my leg and step forward to the subtle beats of the song.  I pay attention to the slightest movements of my shoulders and chest as I focus my strength on my legs.  I leap and spin across the wood floors of the dance studio.  I keep my eyes forward so as not to lose my balance as I spin from one leg to another.  Turn, turn.  Another breath, leap.  Put my weight on my right leg, kick up my left, point my toes.  Lengthen my arms, extend my fingers.  Close my eyes.  I spin and spin.  I'm in another world now.  I can't hear the music anymore.  I can only hear my breathing, barely controlled as I gain momentum, gliding across the floor.  My heart pounds, my pulse in my ears.  Muscles tighten and release with every movement.  Feel the strength.  Don't forget to breathe.  Roll my shoulders back, toes curled in.  Straighten my legs.  Step, step.  The air glides over my skin in quick currents as I move.  Keep my balance, focus.  No room for mistakes.  Right, left.  Lift, land.  Spin again.  Slow down.  Right leg out, gently, then crossed.  Extend my arms, spread my fingers, close my eyes into the final pose.  The music, now only forgotten noise in the background, tinkles to an end.  I stand unmoving in the final pose for several more seconds as I am surrounded by a growing silence.  I hear my pulse slow down.  I feel my muscles relax.  I catch my breath and stare at my reflection.  After a few more seconds, I release.  My arms fall slowly to my sides.  My legs uncross.  I stand in the silence.  I feel strong, empowered by the dance.  Right before I quietly exit the room, I take one last deep breath.  Starts with a breath, ends with a breath.

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Ocean.*.

Ocean

Sweet, so sweet
Taste the beach,
Smell the sea
Sit with me
Breathe in deep
Watch the waves
Sing goodbye
Seagulls fly
Shake the sand
Feel the wind
Close your eyes
No more lies
Sun sinks low
Colors burst
Just you and me...
By the sea.

I love the beach, the ocean... The smell of saltwater filling your nostrils, the image of the endless expanse of glistening blue water, the sound of the tides rolling up the shore, the taste of fresh ocean air, the grainy white sand that sticks to the bottom of your feet, the strong, constant push of the waves against your ankles, knees, waist... I can't wait to go back.  :)

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.*.Innocent.*.

I wrote this poem today... I don't really understand it myself.  I don't know who its about.  I recognize some things about me in there, but there some things that aren't related to me at all.  So what does it mean?  I have no idea.  But overall, I'm pleased with it, I think... :)

Innocent Girl

Innocent girl,
She sits on her bed
Her life so perfect
Her problems are dead.
Innocent girl,
She's been blind
Surrounded by others
The past is behind.
Innocent girl,
What can you do?
So many troubled people
Are now surrounding you.
Innocent girl,
Don't fall down
Your life is perfect
Please don't frown.
Innocent girl,
With dreams to tell
Give them the happiness
You know so well.
Innocent girl,
It's time to stand
Help those sad souls
Go take their hand.
Innocent girl,
You were useless before
It's time to help others
You're not so innocent anymore.

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Puddles.*.

I carelessly stamped my feet around in the puddle of rainwater.  It rippled and sparkled as the last remains of sunlight reflected off its shimmering surface.  I blinked in surprise as I felt the cool water of the puddle splash against my bare ankles and toes.  That's what I get for wearing flip-flops.  "Whoa, cold!" I exclaimed.  My brother turned to me and rolled his eyes, our dog's leash gripped firmly in his right hand.  "Then why are you splashing around in it?" he asked.  I shrugged with a smile and continued to make ripples with my feet in the puddle.  "It feels good in a way," I finally replied.  He sighed and went on walking with our dog, leaving me behind for a minute.  I smiled to myself even more as I took in a deep breath while standing in my puddle.  I could smell the fresh mountain air that I had become accustomed to.  It's an indescribable scent.  The smell of pine, wind, and rain filled my nostrils.  Wonderful.  I exhaled, feeling better than ever.  I looked up at the afternoon sky.  Fluffy gray clouds as far as the eye could see.  I silently pleaded for the rain to start trickling right away.  I looked back down at my puddle and saw my smiling reflection staring back at me.  This is a special kind of happiness I'm feeling right now, isn't it? I thought to myself.  "Rebecca!"  I heard my brother call.  "Coming!" I shouted back.  I hopped out of my puddle and jogged down the sidewalk, feeling absolutely at peace.

I love taking walks. :)

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Sunshine.*.

Dear Sunshine...

Let me feel your warm embrace
Your friendly glow, light on my face
Golden rays dance on my skin
Shine right through, I'll let you in
Sunshine, my friend, make me whole
Warm my heart, cleanse my soul
Help me breathe, help me smile
Even if only for a little while.

I stood out in the sunlight for a while yesterday.  It felt wonderful.  It feels like the sun warms me up outside and in. :)  Right now, there's just so much going on, and I'm up to my eyes in piles of schoolwork and 300-point projects that will determine my final grade for third term.  I really need to get organized.  Maybe I should start by cleaning out my backpack... something I should have done months ago... ahem...

Anyways.  I know I just have to keep working hard for just a little longer.  A couple more weeks till the end of the term.  Then just one one more term to go.  It'll be a term filled with tests and final projects, but it will also be a time of reflection and rewards.  I can't wait to be free! :)

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Motivation.*.

What is motivation?

Is it something telling you to keep going?  Is it just encouragement?  Is it a feeling?

For me, motivation is something that inspires you to go beyond your normal effort, testing your limits, taking risks, giving it your best, spreading your wings.

I've found that many things motivate me.  Some things are big, some are little.  Yet each one has a significant impact on my performance in any given situation.  Some examples.  A picture of skinny girl may be motivation to lose weight.  A book about a uneducated person growing up to be an inspiring figure may be motivation to do better in school.  An article about a disabled child who excels at a sport you claim yourself to be terrible at may be motivation to try a little harder when playing that sport.

These are examples of motivation for me, at least.  I'm sure you have your own.  Everyone does.  But the one that seems to affect me the most... is when I see someone who has gone through the worst and somehow bounced back.  Bad times come to all of us, but for some people, its worse.  They go through experiences that those with weaker hearts could never endure.

My dear cousin.
My best friend.
My favorite aunt.
My wonderful mom.

They've had beyond it rough.  But you know what?  They all turned out well.  Their experiences made them that much stronger, that much wiser, that much happier.  It is their new-found strength, hardened resolve, and unwavering will that inspires me every day.

They are my motivation.

It's thanks to them I tell myself to keep going, to never give up, to learn from my mistakes, to keep away sadness, and above all, to help others.

Thank you.  Everyone.  For being my motivation. :)

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Winter.*.

I'm SO glad that winter is supposed to be ending soon.

Sure, snowflakes may look pretty falling down gently from the heavens as you watch through a window from inside your warm house with a mug of hot chocolate in your hand, but when you live in an area where you get the worst of winter, you tend to dislike it.  A lot.

I'm personally ready to plunge right into spring.  Green grass, wild flowers, blue skies, fluffy clouds, the occasional drizzle of rain...  I want it now.  Spring means change and new beginnings, and I'm sure many people could use some of those.

I'm ready for spring. :)

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  `· B E C C A

.*.Inspiration.*.

I was inspired.

That same inspiration is what sparked my interest in writing to express, reading for fun, and basically... the idea of blogging.

I don't know if I'll blog often, or at all for that matter, but at least I can use this account to read the magnificent works of talented bloggers and hopefully learn a thing or two from them about managing my own blog. 

Who inspired me?  My dear friend Ashley.  She's a brilliant, beautiful, and insightful writer who can literally touch your soul with her almost-poetic words and style.  I was offered the chance to read her wonderful blog posts and after reading only one sentence, I was addicted.  I had never been so compelled to read on, so moved by simple words.  There's a special kind of wisdom behind her writing that no one can ever replicate.  And so, I will continue to read her every post.

If you want a taste of something original, something real, and something amazing... then you should definitely check out her blog. :)  Click here.

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