Hello from Walt Disney World! So far my vacation has been a blast. Yesterday we spent half the day travelling here, then the afternoon in the Magic Kingdom. Even though I'm having fun in the happiest place on earth, I think I'd be more excited if I weren't sick. I caught a cold right before we came. I've got some medicine, so it isn't as bad as it could be.
http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Torz123/Vacation-%20Day%201/
Here is the link to my first day's worth of pictures. I'm using photobucket to share the pics with you. I'll give you today's pics tomorrow. We spent today in Hollywood Studios. Tomorrow I think we're going to EPCOT.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
See Ya!
I am just about to finish packing up everything before we head to the hotel. We're taking the plane to Disney tomorrow morning! I just wanted to post a last message before I'm off.
I may not have the time I usually have to read and post. I'll try to show pictures as often as possible, though! <3 Tori
I may not have the time I usually have to read and post. I'll try to show pictures as often as possible, though! <3 Tori
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Thank You & Poetry
First- I want to thank people for the wonderfully supportive comments yesterday! Encouraging words like those keep me reassured that I'm on the right track. I love my path, and I really love all the amazing people I'm meeting on it. ^-^ So thank you! Even if you are reading, but not commenting, thank you! It's a comfort to know that my words are being read. Putting my thoughts and fears out there is one thing, having people hear them is another. Extending <3 to all of you!
Now I'm going to babble on about poetry.
I don't fully understand what it is about poetry, but it is one of my favorite things. It's like my brain just has a way of understanding the words. I pick up the 'vibrations' of the poems I guess you could say, because even if the words make no sense I can still get the poem. This probably has something to do with being an empath.
I recently wrote this poem for my AP English class. I think that poetry probably has all four elements buried inside it, this was my way of recognizing the water element. It surprises me that water was the element that jumped out at me, because I don't feel a special connection to water. Maybe this is a way for me to start building that connection.
Water
Poetry could be seen as getting swept up into a river.
It’s too late to get out- all you can do is go with the flow.
This is never easy, though. The current can pull you along at times,
demanding more than you believe you can possibly give.
It can almost drown you. Then it gets gentle and evens out.
You think “How nice, I’m safe!”
Then you hit the waterfall. This is white water that you can never get out of alive.
It sucks you into it and never lets you go!
You can’t recover from these poems. You are absorbed by them.
They can change you so wholeheartedly,
that it is difficult to know if you are even the same person.
Now I'm going to babble on about poetry.
I don't fully understand what it is about poetry, but it is one of my favorite things. It's like my brain just has a way of understanding the words. I pick up the 'vibrations' of the poems I guess you could say, because even if the words make no sense I can still get the poem. This probably has something to do with being an empath.
I recently wrote this poem for my AP English class. I think that poetry probably has all four elements buried inside it, this was my way of recognizing the water element. It surprises me that water was the element that jumped out at me, because I don't feel a special connection to water. Maybe this is a way for me to start building that connection.
Poetry could be seen as getting swept up into a river.
It’s too late to get out- all you can do is go with the flow.
This is never easy, though. The current can pull you along at times,
demanding more than you believe you can possibly give.
It can almost drown you. Then it gets gentle and evens out.
You think “How nice, I’m safe!”
Then you hit the waterfall. This is white water that you can never get out of alive.
It sucks you into it and never lets you go!
You can’t recover from these poems. You are absorbed by them.
They can change you so wholeheartedly,
that it is difficult to know if you are even the same person.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Epiphany
In spite of all my complaining to people that I never get to go out and do the things normal teens do, I now realize WHY that is. I'm not programmed for it. Other things are just more important in my life than staying up late, then getting up early the next day and being so grumpy that I bite people's heads off at the slightest irritation.
This past week I was just trying to do too much. I had homework in every class, a flower sale to help plan, a dance to help with, then friends I felt obligated to hang out with. I was off my normal sleep schedule, and I don't deal with that well. xD I missed out on focusing my attention on the things I find important. They might not be the things normal teenagers find important, but I think I'd rather embrace this oddity about myself than work against it. I like doing yoga, meditating, reading, learning about myself, and thinking about my path. The thing is- all work and no play makes Tori a dull, unhappy, girl with no friends. I have them, and I love doing things with them, I just can't keep up half the time!
I can't wait until Friday. I'll be heading for Disney World! I need this vacation. My body was sending me signals all last week to slow down, and, even though I heard them, I just kept ignoring them. No more! I need to sit and think about what I am willing to do if this keeps happening. What will I be willing to change or give up? I'm not sure yet. All I know is last week was not a happy one, and I don't need more like it. I should probably stop procrastinating on my homework and go do it now. xP
This past week I was just trying to do too much. I had homework in every class, a flower sale to help plan, a dance to help with, then friends I felt obligated to hang out with. I was off my normal sleep schedule, and I don't deal with that well. xD I missed out on focusing my attention on the things I find important. They might not be the things normal teenagers find important, but I think I'd rather embrace this oddity about myself than work against it. I like doing yoga, meditating, reading, learning about myself, and thinking about my path. The thing is- all work and no play makes Tori a dull, unhappy, girl with no friends. I have them, and I love doing things with them, I just can't keep up half the time!
I can't wait until Friday. I'll be heading for Disney World! I need this vacation. My body was sending me signals all last week to slow down, and, even though I heard them, I just kept ignoring them. No more! I need to sit and think about what I am willing to do if this keeps happening. What will I be willing to change or give up? I'm not sure yet. All I know is last week was not a happy one, and I don't need more like it. I should probably stop procrastinating on my homework and go do it now. xP
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
I made this card for you all this morning! =D I had a friend over last night, so it was a late night. A really late night. We went to see a new movie that we all wanted to see- He's Just Not That Into You- it was good! Perfect for the night before Valentine's Day. When we got back I put in an Eddie Izzard DVD and did my homework while she watched the movie. I ended up staying up until 2AM. Then we had be at the town hall to set up for the V-Day Dance at 10:30. When we got back it was time to frost cookies. The cookies rock by the way! The frosting goes great with them. I may actually get the chance to relax for a few minutes soon. The dance doesn't start until 8:30. I wouldn't mind a nap. xD
I expected to be annoyed with V-Day. It's a hallmark holiday made for couples. We were joking about it yesterday in school. The 14th is for couples, but the 15th is when all the single people get to go and buy the 1/2 price candy! I'm not annoyed though. So what if that boy I've been crushing on at school is taken? I'm spreading the love. I made cards for loved ones, gave flowers to my friends, and I made some kick-ass cookies that everyone at the dance gets to enjoy!
Have a good day, be happy! <3
Friday, February 13, 2009
Woes of a Teenage Girl
The woes of a teenage girl really aren't that interesting, are they? I've been struggling to find things to blog about that seem interesting enough. Well, I don't think this is any more interesting, but I'm gonna go ahead and blog about what went on today at school.
Today two bands came to play during 6th and 7th period. The ticket money went to charity, so a lot of people just bought one because of that and to get out of class. It was a fun concert; both bands rocked! I was right up there, standing in about the 3rd row. There was a lot of jumping, clapping, and screaming. Of course most girls were staring at the bass player and singer, 'cause they're right up front. Me? I was looking further back- at the drummer. At the end of the concert the bass player throws something into the crowd. Then the drummer throws one of his drum sticks. Emmy- my French friend- catches it! Then later he signed it for her. I'm glad she caught it, but I won't deny that I'm jealous too. I'd like to keep my little fantasy that he threw it near me on purpose. xP
The two bands were The Ready Set and Backseat Goodbye. I got all their autographs after the concert! The drummer's is the one that says MILK under it. xD Why? He likes milk. And one of the other band members told him to.
Today two bands came to play during 6th and 7th period. The ticket money went to charity, so a lot of people just bought one because of that and to get out of class. It was a fun concert; both bands rocked! I was right up there, standing in about the 3rd row. There was a lot of jumping, clapping, and screaming. Of course most girls were staring at the bass player and singer, 'cause they're right up front. Me? I was looking further back- at the drummer. At the end of the concert the bass player throws something into the crowd. Then the drummer throws one of his drum sticks. Emmy- my French friend- catches it! Then later he signed it for her. I'm glad she caught it, but I won't deny that I'm jealous too. I'd like to keep my little fantasy that he threw it near me on purpose. xP
The two bands were The Ready Set and Backseat Goodbye. I got all their autographs after the concert! The drummer's is the one that says MILK under it. xD Why? He likes milk. And one of the other band members told him to.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Cookies
These are the cookies I am making for the dance on Saturday. I'll make the dough tonight and let it chill. I can't wait to eat them, though! Below is the frosting recipe. This frosting is wicked sweet, so a little goes a long way.
Frosting
8 Cups confectioner’s sugar
2 Cups white shortening
½ Cup milk
Dash salt
1 Teaspoon vanilla
Mix well until creamy
Frosting
8 Cups confectioner’s sugar
2 Cups white shortening
½ Cup milk
Dash salt
1 Teaspoon vanilla
Mix well until creamy
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Spring!
Today it was so warm I actually went for a walk. If I had known how much mud there was going to be I would have worn different shoes! I can't complain, though. Mud means Spring is almost here! After how cold and harsh this winter has been, I don't think anyone is going to complain about the mud.
My walk was to the store to buy milk and eggs. I am going to use the entire dozen eggs I just bought tomorrow. I'm making sugar cookies for the V-Day Dance my class is having on Saturday. What a recipe! The original recipe takes 3 sticks of butter and 6 egg yolks. I am doubling it for the dance. I forgot to buy confectioner's sugar (for home made frosting) while I was at the store, so I may have to take another walk. I'll share both the cookie recipe and the frosting recipe tomorrow.
It is Wishcasting Wednesday! Jamie asks us this week- What do you wish for yourself? I could wish for a little more self control. With all the cookies I've been making lately I'll have two new cavities by the time I go back to the dentist! Lol. But no, with V-Day coming up and all, I wish for love. Family, friends, pets, this is where I get my love from. Right now that's enough for me, just as long as it keeps on coming! <3
I was messing around with my camera and kaleidoscope yesterday and I got some awesome looking pictures. Check it out! I'm definitely going to take more.
My walk was to the store to buy milk and eggs. I am going to use the entire dozen eggs I just bought tomorrow. I'm making sugar cookies for the V-Day Dance my class is having on Saturday. What a recipe! The original recipe takes 3 sticks of butter and 6 egg yolks. I am doubling it for the dance. I forgot to buy confectioner's sugar (for home made frosting) while I was at the store, so I may have to take another walk. I'll share both the cookie recipe and the frosting recipe tomorrow.
It is Wishcasting Wednesday! Jamie asks us this week- What do you wish for yourself? I could wish for a little more self control. With all the cookies I've been making lately I'll have two new cavities by the time I go back to the dentist! Lol. But no, with V-Day coming up and all, I wish for love. Family, friends, pets, this is where I get my love from. Right now that's enough for me, just as long as it keeps on coming! <3
I was messing around with my camera and kaleidoscope yesterday and I got some awesome looking pictures. Check it out! I'm definitely going to take more.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Dreamboard
I am feeling inspired lately! It started yesterday. I was just in a bubbly mood. I felt like baking something, so I grabbed the apron, my cook book and my iPod. I always listen to music while baking. I started dancing around and I've just been dancing since! Nothing can ruin my mood right now. I came home and I just felt like drawing. Amazing for me! I usually hate drawing, because I think I'm so bad at it. I wanted to make my dreamboard. I drew this, and I love it! It looks better looking at it in person, but the idea is there. =D
<3 had become my favorite thing lately. Maybe because my mind is on the fast approaching V-day? I don't know, that doesn't seem like a good reason. I have the usual single person's hatred for V-Day. I <3 everyone right now, though.
Poem
We read this poem in class today, and I thought right away "This is one to share with my blog buddies!" Tell me how you like it. =D
The Life of Trees
By: Dorianne Laux
The pines rub their great noise
into the spangled dark, scratch
their itchy boughs against the house,
that moan’s mystery translates roughly
into drudgery of ownership: time
to drag the ladder from the shed,
climb onto the roof with a saw
between my teeth, cut
those suckers down. What's reality
if not a long exhaustive cringe
from the blade, the teeth. I want to sleep
and dream the life of trees, beings
from the muted world who care
nothing for Money, Politics, Power,
Will or Right, who want little from the night
but a few dead stars going dim, a white owl
lifting from their limbs, who want only
to sink their roots into the wet ground
and terrify the worms or shake
their bleary heads like fashion models
or old hippies. If trees could speak,
they wouldn't, only hum some low
green note, roll their pinecones
down the empty streets and blame it,
with a shrug, on the cold wind.
During the day they sleep inside
their furry bark, clouds shredding
like ancient lace above their crowns.
Sun. Rain. Snow. Wind. They fear
nothing but the Hurricane, and Fire,
that whipped bully who rises up
and becomes his own dead father.
In the storms the young ones
bend and bend and the old know
they may not make it, go down
with the power lines sparking,
broken at the trunk. They fling
their branches, forked sacrifice
to the beaten earth. They do not pray.
If they make a sound it's eaten
by the wind. And though the stars
return they do not offer thanks, only
ooze a sticky sap from their roundish
concentric wounds, clap the water
from their needles, straighten their spines
and breathe, and breathe again.
The Life of Trees
By: Dorianne Laux
The pines rub their great noise
into the spangled dark, scratch
their itchy boughs against the house,
that moan’s mystery translates roughly
into drudgery of ownership: time
to drag the ladder from the shed,
climb onto the roof with a saw
between my teeth, cut
those suckers down. What's reality
if not a long exhaustive cringe
from the blade, the teeth. I want to sleep
and dream the life of trees, beings
from the muted world who care
nothing for Money, Politics, Power,
Will or Right, who want little from the night
but a few dead stars going dim, a white owl
lifting from their limbs, who want only
to sink their roots into the wet ground
and terrify the worms or shake
their bleary heads like fashion models
or old hippies. If trees could speak,
they wouldn't, only hum some low
green note, roll their pinecones
down the empty streets and blame it,
with a shrug, on the cold wind.
During the day they sleep inside
their furry bark, clouds shredding
like ancient lace above their crowns.
Sun. Rain. Snow. Wind. They fear
nothing but the Hurricane, and Fire,
that whipped bully who rises up
and becomes his own dead father.
In the storms the young ones
bend and bend and the old know
they may not make it, go down
with the power lines sparking,
broken at the trunk. They fling
their branches, forked sacrifice
to the beaten earth. They do not pray.
If they make a sound it's eaten
by the wind. And though the stars
return they do not offer thanks, only
ooze a sticky sap from their roundish
concentric wounds, clap the water
from their needles, straighten their spines
and breathe, and breathe again.
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