beach glass

in my hand I hold a story

washed away by the sands of time

 

a fragment of the past

beaten and forgotten

stripped from depths that never saw the light

 

lost among the wreckage

of a perilous journey for years

it somehow found its way to me

 

but I cannot retell its tale

for its origins are still a mystery

forever lost under the waves

 

through all the uncertainty,

I know that I am holding

a connection to the past

 

a beautiful piece of beach glass

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I recently took a walk along the shore and recovered a few pieces of beach glass that inspired me to write this. I began to wonder if they are a hundred year old remains from a shipwreck or simply a bottle that fell overboard… They could be anything, and the possibilities seemed endless. I think it is amazing to consider the story behind something so simple, and the history of something in my hand. What are your thoughts on this?

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Just Beachy

A blanket of sand covered our toes, and the cool water brushed our skin.

Everything was just beachy.

I used to drive by the beach on my way to school everyday last year, and I would always gaze out at the peaceful solitude. Birds would occasionally fly through the wakening sky, and a light layer of fog would gently settle on the water. The sun would peek through the clouds while boats danced with the waves… I would long for that freedom as I sat in traffic preparing for another lecture-filled day. After months of fantasizing, I finally stepped into the water for the first time this summer, and I was so lucky to have had such great company. I had so much fun; thanks y’all! 

Do you enjoy going to the beach? Anything exciting coming up? What is your favorite thing to do during the summer? Is there something that you often find yourself longing for? 

Sunshine Blogger Award

“The Sunshine Blogger Award is peer recognition award for bloggers that inspires positivity and joy.”

I am so humbled to have been nominated for this award by one of my awesome followers, rubeenafaisal. I am glad that my blog is viewed in such a positive way, and I hope that my posts continue to inspire my readers. Thank you so much for this recognition! 🙂

Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them.
• List the rules and display an award logo on your blog post.
• Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and notify them by commenting on any of their posts.
• Ask the nominees 11 new questions.

Questions for Me:

1) Name any two qualities a blogger should have according to you?

I think it is important that a blogger is considerate of other readers’ opinions when posting content, and creativity is always a good quality to have.

2) A social incident that shook your head and heart so far?

Honestly, there are a few incidents that would be a great response to this question, but they are quite personal…

3) Name any 2 of your favourite book that you recommend others to read?

I haven’t read many (non-academic) books recently, but I was obsessed with the Harry Potter series last summer. I also loved Almost Home by Joan Bauer because it was so eye opening.

4) if you could change your nationality which one will you select and why?

I have never actually been, but Greece seems like such a beautiful place! The history, artwork, and food is so awesome, so I think it would be pretty neat to be Greek.

5) A place that you’re dieing to visit for a long time?

I would love to cruise through the Bahamas someday.

6) Your favourite spot?

Does my bed count? It is so comfortable, and I could rest my eyes for HOURS if I had the time.

7)watching a movie or reading a book, which one you prefer the most?

Personally, I prefer watching a movie because I have to read so much for school that I have (temporarily) lost the patience/joy of reading a book.

8) Two of your favourite quote?

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work” (Colin Powell).

“She believed she could so she did” (Unknown).

9) An adventurous thing to do in your bucketlist?

I really want to go snorkeling by a coral reef again.

10) Name any two famous personality whom you would like to inspire?

I do not follow celebrity news or entertainment, so I don’t have a famous inspiration unless you are talking about ballet. In that case, I think Sara Mearns has been the most inspirational for me. She is so humble which has really motivated me to keep working for my goals, and her optimistic mentality has really kept me hungry for success.

11) Your favourite cartoon character?

Unfortunately, I do not watch very much t.v, so I don’t know. Sorry!

I nominate…

1. Gayle
2. T.R. Noble
3. fourtysomethingheyhey
4. Hayley
5. Maggie
6. Hannah
7. Rebekah
8. Ariana
9. Girl in the White Shirt
10. Ezra
11. Kaycee

My Questions for Nominees:

1. What is your favorite thing about the summer?
2. Where would your dream vacation be?
3. How long do you spend on your blog/reader each day?
4. Pool or beach?
5. Have you had a particular song on repeat lately? Which one?
6. Lemonade or sweet tea on a hot summer afternoon?
7. What is the latest that you have ever slept in?
8. Do you have a favorite fruit?
9. Where do you go most often when you are with your friends?
10. What was the last book that you read?
11. Do you prefer the coast or the mountains?

Please do not feel obligated to participate, and I completely respect your decision either way. Thanks again,rubeenafaisal, for nominating me!

*** I do not own the rights to this photo, and it was copied directly from Huguette Antoun.

My Survival Kit

Lately, several people have asked me the same exact question, and I began to realize that this might make a really interesting blog post. People catch a glimpse of my overflowing list of of day-by-day tasks on my weekly planner and look at me wide-eyed…

“How do you do it all?”

My reply is always the same: “I don’t even know.” In reality, however, I guess there really is a method to manage this madness, but it is not easy! I will be completely honest and tell you that there have been many nights that I have gotten under four hours of sleep as deadlines crept up faster than expected, so I don’t want you to get the impression that I have mastered these strategies because that is far from the truth. For the most part, however, I think this survival kit has really been the reason that I have been able to “do it all,” so I thought it might be neat to share with you.

1: Staying Organized:

My agenda/weekly calendar is actually color coded so that I can quickly see the homework load for each class. I also write down the important projects, papers, quizzes, and exams for that week in a black pen and highlight it in bright yellow so that I don’t accidentally miss them or forget to study. My friends think I am a bit crazy, but I actually color code my notes as well by the units or lectures.

2: Managing Time:

I always go to the campus library at least 30 min (sometimes even an hour) before my class begins to get a head start on homework for that day. I use every free moment that I have to get things done, so I frequently work Friday nights or even weekends as well. Time management is extremely important, so use extra time to your advantage!

3: Routine:

I also think following a routine helps me a lot because my body has gotten use to the wake/sleep times. This doesn’t mean that I am never tired, but it just means that I don’t feel like a walking zombie everyday because my body has gotten into a relatively consistent schedule.

4: Support:

Family and friends have significantly influenced me to keep working hard because I know they believe in me. This ultimately helps me believe in myself too, and it really does feel good to have someone there to encourage me through difficult times with a “you can do it!” attitude.

I also wanted to let you all know that I am scheduled to get my braces off on March 15!!!

I hope that you enjoyed this post, and thanks for reading!

How do YOU manage your schedule? Would you like to know my tips for studying late at night without getting tired? What was it like to get your braces off? 

Summer Vibes Playlist

Do you know those songs that have such an irresistible summer vibe and always leave you craving a stroll on the beach with a glass of sweet lemonade? This playlist has definitely been on repeat during these summer months, and I am very happy to share a few of my favorites with all of you. Enjoy!

The Way You Do The Things You Do by UB40

Where The Boat Leaves From by Zac Brown Band

Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

One Love by Bob Marley

Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison

Did you like this post? What songs do YOU enjoy listening to during this time of the year?

The Liebster Award

I want to give a HUGE thank you to Lydia for nominating me for this awesome award. I love participating in these, because they are so fun and are a great way to discover new blogs!

~ Rules ~

• Acknowledge the blog that nominated you for the award
• Answer the questions they gave you
• Give 11 fun facts about yourself
• Give them 11 questions to answer
• Nominate 11 other bloggers for the award

~ Questions for Me ~

1- What’s one piece of advice you want to give to bloggers?

Enjoy the experience! Write when you are inspired, and read when you want to; don’t feel pressured or overwhelmed by any of this. Blogging is fun!

2- Pool or beach?

I would have to say pool, because I haven’t had much luck at the beach lately… I have been stung by a jellyfish and almost stepped on a sting ray. Aside from these freak encounters, I can’t stand the feeling of salt in my eyes (ouch)! The pool is definitely my peaceful place.

3- Do you paint your toenails?

No, because it doesn’t even last a week with dance. I paint my fingernails though!

4- What’s your favorite childhood book?

To be honest, I have absolutely no idea. I remember feeling so forced to read in school that I was so happy when I didn’t have a book in my hands… Even though I still have to read a lot in school, I have a deeper appreciation for it now than I did when I was younger.

If you were to write a book, what genre would it be?

I have always thought it would be cool to write an adventure novel.

If you could act in any movie, what character would you like to be?

Katniss in the Hunger Games. I absolutely love the strong character that she portrayed, and I think it would feel amazing to be that role model for young girls everywhere!

Who was your first blog follower?

My first ever blog follower was Jessica.

If you were to dye your hair, what color would you dye it?

I think I would probably do blonde highlights.

What’s your go-to outfit?

T-shirt and printed stretch pants any day.

Bracelets, necklaces, or earrings?

EARRINGS! I am obsessed with earrings…

Where do you see yourself in 11 years?

In 11 years, I (hopefully) see myself dancing as a soloist in a professional ballet company.

~11 Fun Facts About Me~

1: I have had my poetry published in a national poetry competition.

2: I have only met ONE person who has the same name as I do.

3: I have been bitten by a lizard.

4: I am starting my freshman year of college next year at 16 years old.

5: I had been home schooled since 7th grade.

6: I performed in the Moscow City Ballet Nutcracker.

7: I have just recently started reading the Harry Potter series (oof).

8: I am learning to speak French.

9: I have a lot of freckles

10: I love mangos

11: My favorite colors are Purple and Aquamarine

~I Nominate:~

Maddy, Zeta, Mark Anthony, Raf, Bekah, Coastal Twins, Didi, Ria, Brad, Maggie, and Kaycee

~Questions for Nominees~

1: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

2: What is the story behind your blog name?

3: Do you have a summer goal? If so, what is it?

4: What are your top three song obsessions right now?

5: What stresses you out the most throughout the year?

6: What is your dream job?

7: How long have you been blogging?

8: Do you have a t.v series that you just can’t miss?

9: What is your favorite thing to do (other than blog)?

10: What inspired you to begin your blog?

11: Is there a quote that is special to you?

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Wow, this is a very long post! Thank you, if you are still there, for reading. I have nominated 11 bloggers, but please feel free to participate if you are interested! I am excited to read your responses, but please don’t feel obligated to participate if you are not willing. This is just a fun award that goes around the blogging community to “discover new blogs”. Have fun, and be sure to post your response in the comments section so that I do not miss anything. Thanks and enjoy! 🙂

Mystery Blogger Award!

“What is the Mystery Blog Award?

It’s an award dedicated to bloggers out there who are deserving of their undying love and passion for what they blog about. That somehow inspire you and motivate you when you read their blog.”

I am incredibly thankful to have been nominated for this award by one of my lovely followers, May. I love reading her blog, Ballet.to, and I highly encourage you to go check it out! Also, be sure to visit the creator of this awesome award here!

RULES

1. Put the award logo/image on your blog
2. List the rules.
3. Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
5. Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
6. You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
7. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
8. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
9. Share a link to your best post(s)

3 interesting things about me:

1) I love to travel, and by the end of summer I will have been to 20 states.

2) I have been deep sea fishing, but I quickly learned that I get very sea sick.

3) I have been stung by a jellyfish when we were visiting Key West one summer… I was pretty young, so I remember screaming to my mother and telling her “a puffer fish got me”.

I frequently find that many of my followers do not like to be nominated for awards/tags. Therefore, I nominate any of my readers who would like to participate! 🙂 Please feel completely free to attach your post in the comments section so that others can read your post.

5 Questions for me:

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In 5 years, I hope to be in a professional ballet company. I hope that all of my intense training in this professional trainee program will get me where I really want to be… Dancing full time as a company member.

• What is your favourite place on earth?

I absolutely LOVE the beach. I visit the beach as often as my schedule will allow, and I enjoy every second of the salty midst, the sand between my toes, and the fresh ocean breeze…

• Why is your passion your passion?

I have a special connection with ballet… I am not even sure how to describe why it is my  passion, but I just feel like it is what I am meant to do. I feel like it is a part of me, and I couldn’t see myself ever being the same without it.

• Where (a place) does your heart draw you to?

THE THEATER!! I absolutely love dancing on that stage, and my heart leaps whenever I hear the audience roar. As much as I perform, it never gets old. Every performance brings something new, and I don’t think that I will ever get tired of it.

• What is the wildest dream you ever dreamed?

Quite honestly, I am not sure!

5 Questions for my participants:

1. What is the story behind your blog name?
2. Where is your dream travel destination?
3. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? Why?
4. Would you rather live in the city with skyscrapers and busy streets or the country-side with corn fields and cattle?
5. Food choices: Sweet VS. Sour. What would you choose?

My Best Posts:

I have placed a few of my recent top-hit posts below in order of the most views/likes.

1st Place: Standards

2nd Place: Escape

3rd Place: Motivation on Monday!

4th Place: We dance

5th Place: Flash Back Friday

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Thank you so much for reading!!! I hope that this has encouraged you to participate as well, and I am looking forward to reading some of your posts. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 🙂

*Photo credits to my great friend and wonderful editor. (This turned out lovely! Thank you.)