Fun Works:

If you don’t know, fan fiction are fiction stories written by fans of a show, game, movie, concept, and so on. They also tend to be short stories, collections of short stories, and sometimes have graphics with them. 

The year I took Mr. Banger for Creative Writing, I just discovered the anime, InuYasha, and fell in love with it. I even made a character for the show! The first two fan fictions are based on the InuYasha series.

“Rays of the Blazing Sun” is a retelling of one of my favorite episodes in the series and it stuck with me, so I wrote it as a creative story for Mr. Banger’s class. He liked it, even calling it gothic! For any InuYasha fans, let’s see if you can guess the episode! Fall 2004.

Rays of the Blazing Sun:

My heart began to pound heavily, my left eye hurting terribly.  My legs ached with pain, bleeding from the thrones I passed, but I had to keep going.  I head a crash. Someone may need help…

            I stopped behind a thin elm tree. There, in the tall grass, was a man. This handsome man was young, strong, with long and lovely white hair. I looked at him; he was not moving.  The ground under his delicate body was completely burnt. He was bleeding badly through his Japanese robe…His chest! A huge, purple gash was above his right peck.  He needed help and fast!

            I stepped closer to his feet. His boots were almost burnt to a crisp! I got a little closer, step-by-step, the whole time, staring at his beauty. Then, from out of nowhere, he woke up!  His eyes became evil red, his mouth had fangs, and he growled viciously.  Slowly, he stood and our eyes met. Again, he growled, a sign for me to leave him be.

I do not get scared easily! I could not leave him so hurt. I would surely die knowing I did.  I swallowed hard, shaking my head no. He must have had enough because he was charging right at me with long, ugly claws!

            I had no choice, but to run to protect myself.  How quick he was with so many injuries!  I ran away from the patch of forest, watching for him over my shoulder.  After I was out of his range, he stopped and watched me run. Still, the same look he gave me, yet it had a more calming type of nature this time.  Was he trying to save me from something?  Suddenly, he fell to the ground. I could see he was still breathing, yet it sounded hard.  I decided to go to the village to get him some medicine and food.

            The closest place to the forest was the village lake. The lake water was so clear and crisp. It felt chilling yet delightful to have little waves run over my feet.  I easily got fresh water for the man. Not, for the food. A fish swam by me, swimming circles around me…Perfect! I quickly grabbed him. Another soon followed.  He was a bit faster, but I grabbed hold of his slippery gills.

Something hard hit my head randomly.  I fell on the sharp rocks at the bottom of the lake, losing the fish.  I slowly turned…It was the villagers!

The leader of the pack grabbed me from the lake and kicked me to the ground. All the men circled around me, each getting a turn to kick me or hit me in the face.  When I could not move, the leader grabbed me with one hand and punched my left eye. I could not see out of it at all anyway and now, it really hurt!

“You stupid girl!” The leader yelled, “This is a private lake, so get out of here now!” My face was now in the dirt. I grabbed everything I had and limped to the forest. Whispers were among the men now. People always talk about me.

When I found him again, he was on the burnt patch of grass instead of the place he fainted on after he awakened. The shirt part of his robe was off. He must have woken up. Yet, his eyes were closed, probably sleeping now.  I quickly and quietly set the food and water in front of him and tiptoed to his chest when I heard a powerful, yet weak, gentle voice come from his mouth, “Thanks, but I do not need your kind gesture. I am not helpless.”

I stared at him, but dropped to my knees in front of him so I could begin to be hazel oil on his wounds.

“Like I told you,” he said, “I do not need your help.”

I looked up only for a second, but disobeyed his command and began to heal his left arm. The whole time, he watched me from head to toe, making me blush.

“Where did you get those scars?” He asked. I looked at them. The ones from the villagers. “You do not have to tell me if you do not want to…”

He actually cared? No one cared about me since…just the thought made me laugh and smile wide.

He saw I was happy, so he quickly changed his pace of heart, “I am not worried; I was only wondering…” He said, but I could not help it. I kept smiling.

I walked back to the village when I finished. It was near sunset and I wanted to rest at my house. When I looked, there was an ugly man, begging for his life and a dark young man, half-human, half…wolf?  He slashed his claws, cutting the man in half! I stood there in horror! He grabbed a small jewel from the dead man and then snapped his fingers. He was gone as quickly as the wind.

A howl. I noticed the smell of blood in the air…There has been a massacre!  And the wolves were heading right my way!  There they were, coming down the hill. Half a dozen of wolves, all coming this way. Then, the half guy must have been the leader who summoned them! I ran as fast as my hurt legs could carry me. The wolves got my scent and ran after my quickly. I then thought of the man in the woods. Maybe he could save me. I ran inside the deep part of the woods.

It was hard to run with all the scars all over my body and the forest was dark, hard with my one seeable eye.  I had to get to him and help him as well. Something grabbed my foot and I had a mouth full of leaves and mud. A shadow was above me, a wolf jumping for the kill. I cried a scream and covered my head…

***

            “OH! My lord! You have done it! You have realized the true power of your sword…”

            I slowly opened my eyes to a small, very ugly green thing with a staff, going on and on about some sword in a real annoying voice. I looked to see I was being held, but by whom? It was him! The man of the forest. I was in his arms and a sword was down his side. He carefully put my down on the ground and walked off.

            “My lord! You are going to leave me again?! How evil of you master! And why did you use your ultimate attack to save this ugly, weak excuse for a human?”

            All I could do was stare at the man, his long graciously shifting in the breeze. He…he saved me? I slowly walked behind him while the annoying toad thing was going on about an episode he was having. The forest man stopped and turned to face me, not speaking, but only looking.

            Then, for some reason, I did something I have not done since my parents were killed by demons four years… “Th…Thank…Thank you…very much…for saving me…sir…” I bowed me head for respect.

            He only stared harder at me, “Get up!” He demanded. I did as I was told. This man, he made me happy, something I thought I would never feel again. I could see in his eyes he understood my feeling. He must be lonely as well.

            I quickly bowed again, “I…I wish…I wish to serve you now, my lord, as thanks for…well…for saving me…” I grinned.

            He looked at me funny. I knew I needed some place to go, but I really did want to serve him and, well, be with me.

            He turned, not facing me anymore, and whispered, “If you wish to come along, you may, but if you get bored, do not blame me!”

            I laughed with joy! I had a place to stay and maybe even a new family!

            I heard the annoying toad cry insanely loud about how I would slow them down, die within their travels in a day, how I was a brat, and such until my lord hit him hard with a rock. It was funny in an evil sort of way. It still made me giggle. 

My lord walked me over to where his horse was. He said it would be my job to take care of it since it tried to eat the toad all the time. As we walked out of the forest and to the lovely meadow where the horse was, my lord whispered his name to me.  It was eleven characters long! I starched my head and told him, “I will call you my lord since that is too hard for me to say.” He almost actually smiled at me, a true smile! His beautiful brown horse must have been done eating grass for he galloped to us, smelled my toes, and then licked my face.  He was cute!

The toad thing finally caught up, falling to the ground, still chatting about a magical sword of rebirth that my lord’s father gave to him and how he was so worried about him. I looked up at the beautiful sky, the clouds so welcoming. A scented breeze blew my long black hair towards the flowers’ wind dance. I had to laugh. I had to dance. I never guessed I could be so happy! My heart was as light and as happy as a thousand rays of the blazing sun.

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I know I made these in high school, but I don’t recall when.  I was trying to make something called fan listings, where fans get together to support something or someone and they post a button on their site stating they like it. I was working on multiple projects for fun back then and made these awesome sounding fan listing titles for all these sites I “knew” were going to come up from my work! How naïve I was! Still, when I found them and typed them all up, they made like this collage of words and ironically enough, their placement sounded good! O.o The writing gods must have been on my side.  I include two of these ‘collages’ in my collection. 

This first one is for my character from InuYasha, Aino.

Collage: Fanfiction InuYasha

Lovely light

Elegant grace

Evil Tamer

Sharp petals

Star charm

Hidden by the dark

Destined dream

Watching the stars

Desiring passion

Wrapped around you

Hearts of one

Kawaii

Hello my beauty

Thieves of hearts

Time to shine

Must protect

Yummy

Silent war

Wake up

Living in paradise

Love’s child

Stargazing memorizing

Black lining

Silver legends

Crystal angels

Fuzzy feelings

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As you know from above, I dabbled in fanfiction, my passion for anime really starting around the same time as my writing in high school.  It heavily inspired me in all I do, Japan fueling my soul today.  My first anime that I knew was anime, my first manga, and one I deeply am still in love with and live up is Clamp’s Cardcaptor Sakura.  In fact, I made my first website based on my favorite couple, Sakura and Li (called “Sakura and Li’s Dream Cloud,” on geocities…those were the days!), meeting several lifelong friends along the way.  I wrote this fanfiction below, Enchanting Melody, in 2006, after researching the Japanese episodes (since the WB English was heavily altered and dubbed).  Even though they were not my favorite couple, I got fascinated with the pairing of Eriol and Kaho, but I also adored the fan shipping of Eriol and Tomoyo.  This fanfiction was one I was exceedingly proud of (sorry to sound vain), but later when I found out fanfictions cannot be published, I hid it away, a treasure.  Now, I am thrilled to reveal it. ^_^ I hope you guys enjoy.

Enchanting Melody:

A soothing and gentle breeze hit her delicate arms as she stared blankly at the piano.  It was beautiful; shining its black ivory color to show the world the lovely reflection within the cover.  To everyone who gazed upon it, they would see it was like any other black piano, but to her, it was more.  You could not help, but wonder if she loved it so much, then it must be extremely special to a pianist.  A wry smile crossed her face as she gracefully twirled her palm over the smooth service.  A pianist; something amazing that she could never become, yet could only dream of being that special…

“Miss Kaho?  There you are!  I thought you were going to taste my new cookie recipe.”  Startled, Kaho looked up to see Nakuru leaning against the door frame between the kitchen and music room.

She started laughing at Nakuru’s attire.  “Is there any cookies left?  It looks like you got them on you instead of on the cookie sheet”.  She laughed harder.  Her sides ached and tears stung her eyes from the sight of her dear new friend.

Insulted, Nakuru dusted the flour and cookie dough on her frilly pink apron onto Kaho’s clean and polished wooden floor.  “Oh!  This is the last time I try to be sweet to this family!”  She paused; leaning on the door frame side ways, armed crossed to show she was enraged with anger and tapped her wooden spoon against her chest.  “You know what Suppi said when I told him about my new recipe?  He said he was coughing up seaweed through his nose from the last recipe.  I didn’t even use seaweed!”

Kaho tried to control her laughter.  She smiled warmly at her friend and told her “Ignore Suppi.  Eriol has punished him from eating sweets.  You know what it does to him…”  She winked as Nakuru looked at her with belief.  Kaho held her hands together in front of her.  “Why don’t you go in there and I will try some when they are finished”.

Nakuru turned around to leave back into the kitchen when she waved her right hand in the air without facing Kaho saying “Fine, fine”.  Then, she vanished into the sunlight.  Kaho sighed lightly, still with a little smile on her face.  The sun was shining brightly and made an elegant ray of whites and yellows flow into the room.  She felt as if she were in a magical land were only happiness was allowed in.  Thinking of happiness made her think of Sakura.  She was the vision of love, kindness, beauty and happiness.  Last time she saw her was three years ago, the day her, Eriol, Nakuru and Suppi left to go back to England.  All had been quite since then, according to the letters she received monthly from the three children (Kero only wrote to Suppi about video games).  She wished she could see how they were doing and see if they were with their number one like she was.

“Miss Kaho.  The cookies are ready, but I’m about to fall from the slippery floor.  Can you help me?”  Nakuru yelled in a semi-panic voice.

Kaho laughed and smiled as she, for the time being, turned her back on her memories.

***

            After dinner, Kaho and Eriol agreed to clean the table since Nakuru had worked so hard on her unique cookies.   Eriol brushed crumbs off the delicate lace white table cloth into his pale, but gentle palm.  Kaho blushed at him, watching her beloved do something so simple still made her flushed; I must be in love she thought, smiling and bending down to pick up the plates.  Shocked, Eriol stood up, turned to look at her and gave her a sweet smile.

“Is something wrong, Kaho?”  He said kindly.

More embarrassed, her face reddened to a brighter shade “Oh, no!  I just think you look so adorable in this light”.

Eriol chuckled hardly.  “So do you, Kaho”.

“Hey, Eriol?”  Kaho said shy like and almost regretted speaking.

Eriol nodded towards her to continue speaking.  She stared into his sparkling eyes, breathing heavily to build confidence in herself.  “You know…you have not played the piano in a long while and, well…I was wondering…would you play the piano…”

Eriol sighed sadly.  “Oh, not tonight Kaho.  I am not in the mood”.

Disappointed, she tilted her head to not make eye contact with him.  She quietly smiled and was about to tell him it was fine when the doorbell rang.

Nakuru yelled at them, telling them she would get it.  Kaho was arranging the silverware to make it easier for Suppi later when she heard Nakuru scream so loudly, she dropped the forks, as they made a crashing metal harmony on the waxy kitchen floor.  Kaho ran to the dining room with Eriol, who was just as startled.

Nakuru jumped out of the door frame to announce some exciting news.  “Eriol-kun.  You have some visitors” she said laughing and bowed out of the way to reveal Sakura, Tomoyo, and Kero.

Pleasantly surprised, Kaho and Eriol ran to them to give them hugs and exchange welcoming greetings.  Kaho grabbed the girls’ hand; she could not believe how old and beautiful they have become, yet they have not changed a bit.

Sakura hugged her as they began to chat kindly about old times.  Tomoyo giggled happily until Eriol approached her.  She grinned warmly as he gestured for her smooth and elegant hand.  “Tomoyo, my, you have gotten so beautiful!”

Tomoyo laughed softly as her glittering blue eyes shinnied brighter at the sight of seeing Eriol again.  “It is wonderful to see you again Eriol.  You look extremely handsome yourself.” Eriol lifted her hand to his tender lips as he placed a sweet and longing kiss upon it.

Kaho turned to see the passion heat between them.  Wide-eyed in nightmare horror, time seemed to stand still around her as the sight in front of her went into slow motion. Each second made her heartbreak harder and the shards poke her stomach.

“Come on everyone.  Let us retire to the living room to catch up.” Eriol said smiling as he still held Tomoyo’s petit hand.  He led her into the forest green and rose pink living room glowing enchantingly with the wooden light and the moon peeking through the navy blue, lace curtains.  Eriol sat Tomoyo at his side, looking right at her.  Sakura sat on the other side of Eriol as Kaho, feeling ignored, sat on the arm of the antique rose chair across the couch where the others were.

The old gang was reunited again and no one could be happier, yet Kaho felt the others were in a spotlight as she was pushed into the shadows of rejection.  Sakura told them about being in the 9^th grade and captain of the cheerleading squad.  She told how Syaoran was in a Chinese sword competition with Meiling, but sent his love to everyone.  Sakura blushed cheerfully thinking of her number one.  Eriol and Kaho looked at her at the same time and smiled widely, since they knew they would admit their feelings to each other someday.  Kaho was about to send him a wave, yet he turned away quickly to again stare at Tomoyo’s angelic face.  Tomoyo told how she made the top teenage choir in the country and next year, is offered a spot in the top adult choir in Japan, making her the youngest to ever get in.  Kero and Suppi were arguing over video games.  Sakura finally explained they are on a vacation with Sakura’s father for he was on a dig at Stone Hinge.

A swirling formation of clouds covered the moon, proving it was late.  Nakuru suggested it was time to show them to their quarters.  Everyone exchanged good nights and friendly hugs.  Kaho turned near the window when she felt a hand rest gently on her shoulder.

She turned to see sweet Sakura gazing at her with concerned eyes.  “Mizuki-sensei, are you alright?  You seem so sad and it makes me worried…”

Kaho smiled at her loving kindness and patted Sakura’s head that she ducked in shame, then tilting her head to look into her eyes.  “I’m sorry for worrying you young Sakura.  I was only thinking is all.  I am really happy we get to spend one day with you guys.  Please, get some sleep for me, alright?”  Sakura jumped up to hug her, her cheerful smile restored as she skipped off into the darkness leading to the hallway.

Kaho frowned once Sakura was out of clear sight.  Slowly walking towards the slightly opened window, she felt an elegant breeze, yet it chilled her body, her soul and her heart unlike that early afternoon’s.  The pitch-black room cased a shadow on the beautiful piano, the one thing Eriol loved to do and she loved to lose herself too; he has turned his back on the two things he loved, that’s how she felt.  Tomoyo was wonderful and the perfect dream girl…is that what Eriol wants?  Kaho leaned against the cool glass of the window, staring at the moon, the thing that has always guided her and been her comfort.  She prayed silently He loves me, He loves me; please show me that he loves me…  The dim stars shone lightly to carry out her prayer to the heavens, the heart of the moon.  A ray of white hope sparkled down like a spotlight sent down from an angel, yet half of her face was in disbelief, taken by the cruel of emotion called jealousy.

***

            Sleep became Kaho’s enemy during the cloudy night as she tossed and turned in her lovely Victorian style bed.  At five, the sun was beginning to rise, bring in the most beautiful ray of warm hues into the house.  The sight made Kaho feel at peace and even smile a little towards the new day.  She decided to get some steaming coffee to also warm her soul on this chilly morning.  The steam lifted into the air as she sleepy walked back up to her bedroom.  As she left the kitchen, a slight sound caught her ears.  A pretty, graceful sound that danced happily around her ears and kiss away the sadness of her broken heart.  It seemed to have a hypnotic spell that made her mind want to find it and led her feet to the right path.  With each delicate step, the comfort became louder.  Kaho felt like a ghost with her hair tied in a messy side ponytail and in a soft, fuzzy white robe; a spirit pulled into happiness by a light beyond her control.  Suddenly, she picked up the purest and sweetest sounding voice singing scales along with the melody.  Her quest ended as it led her to the living room where there, in front of the window creating the beautiful sunrise, was Eriol playing on the piano and Tomoyo singing along with him.  Kaho’s eyes grew wide in disbelief that Eriol was playing the piano and did not include her since more than anything, she wanted to bond with her beloved with its mysterious wonder.  Then, the music stopped, making the house so lonely once again.

“Tomoyo-chan, that was certainly wonderful.  You’re voice as gotten lovelier than ever.  I’m sorry I am a little rusty…” he said blushing a little and rubbing his forehead.

Tomoyo tilted her head to look at Eriol with the kindest eyes and giving him the sweetest, yet simple smile that made her face glow and make her look even more beautiful.  “Really?  I thought you sounded grand.”

Eriol gave her the same look, looking directly into her sparkling eyes “Thanks.  I have been looking for the right inspiration and now, I found it…”

Eriol loves her!  Kaho dropped her coffee cup, making it break on a floor; shattering into a million pieces like her heart was.  She covered her mouth and ran up the stairs before they had time to react.  Her dreams were crushed, her soul crushed, her beloved had fallen for another.  Kaho plopped on her bed at great force after slamming the door.  She slightly bounced up, but landed quickly and cried her pain out on the pure white cover.

***

            As everyone waved good-bye to their old friends, an awkward and chilling distance between Eriol and Kaho and filled the room, making the air damp.  Kaho, in a crisp forest green suit with a rose on the right of her coat, looked like a zombie from depression and all the stress that she put on her sweet face.  What good is it to see the future if I could not protect my heart? Kaho said in her mind, which was lost in black abbes.  Once the friends became memories again, Eriol, without talking walked to the living room.  Kaho ducked her head down with pure sorrow, biting her pretty lip to not let tears escape.  Her body shook in fright of her future when she suddenly, a familiar and beautiful music flowed into the foyer, making her slowly stop to listen.  Once again, she was under its spell and crept into the living room, where Eriol was handsomely playing the piano in the shining noon sun with a shy smile on his angelic face.  Kaho walked behind him and without turning, he spoke to her.

“Kaho, I am sorry for making you sad, but I need Tomoyo’s help…”  Surprised, Kaho gasped while Eriol paused to collect the right words.  “I have been working on this song for a while, but I needed a professional opinion because, well, I was embarrassed about asking you.  I wanted the song to be perfect because I wrote it…for you…” Eriol said blushing.

Tears came to Kaho’s eyes, but they were not from despise; they were pure happiness.  “Eriol, I…I feel so awful.  I really thought that you and Tomoyo-chan…”

Eriol giggled lightly and grinned while continuing to play.  “I understood it looked wrong, but she decided to sing along.  I hope you like it beloved; it’s meant to describe you.”

“Oh Eriol, it’s simply beautiful in every way.  It makes me seem better than I could ever be.  I really missed you playing the piano, darling.  It fills my heart with glow that we can share this elegance together as a symbol of our love.”  She said and passionately kissed the back of his silky black hair.

The sun peeked through at full blast, shining a spotlight on both of them.  The angels are proving to them they are meant to be together now and forevermore.  Eriol was really getting into the rhythm of the song now as he moved back in forth to the offbeat.  “Well, I promise there will be lovely music in this house from now on…”  He slammed the final harmony for a stunning and breathing taking finish.  He twirled his stool around to face Kaho, both giving each other the best smile they could.  “Because you are my inspiration to this enchanted melody.”

The End

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My brother Miles had to make up an award for his eighth-grade language class and explain why so and so should get it. I remember I was a freshman in college, and I helped him edit it. Dad and I were really impressed! All the ideas and word choices are his; I helped with grammar and a little with sentence structure all those years ago.  I even started calling myself The Japanese Junkie at college…until I got too many strange looks! Oh well! Bro-bro, I am honored to accept this fictional award and proud of your work because I know you did not really care for school. This is all for you! J

The Japanese Junkie Award:

By: Miles Straughan (2008)

            When most people think of Japan, they think of karate, sushi, and sumo wrestlers. However, there is much more to it than that, and no American probably knows more than my sister Morgan.  Although she has other creative interests, none seem closer to her than learning the Japanese culture. With her oriental clothing style, obsession with graphic novels, and the time she puts into personal research, my sister should definitely win The Japanese Junkie Award.

The first reason why I think my sister should win The Japanese Junkie Award has to do with her love of Japanese clothing and accessories.  She takes great pride in her authentic kimonos, waitress shirts, and dresses.  In addition to these items, she owns and often wears necklaces and bracelets made in Japan.  Finally, she has many shirts and jackets bearing symbols and culture icons that she wears on a regular basis.  My sister’s favored Japanese clothing style not only proves she should win the award, but reflects on her true enjoyment of Japanese culture.

Secondly, my sister should receive The Japanese Junkie Award because of her extensive collection of and interest in Japanese graphic novels. She owns and has read books from forty-two different manga (graphic novels) series). Furthermore, she has already read a total of one-hundred and sixty individual mangas.  Also, she spends a considerable amount of her free time writing and illustrating her own manga stories.  Her love of the culture clearly shows her devotion for Japan for not only does it take time, creativity, and money, but she has to read from right to left.

Finally, my sister should receive The Japanese Junkie Award because of her dream of going to Japan.  She has done extensive research into Japanese culture and society, including places to go, things to see, and important details like hotels, stores/markets, and restaurants.  She has also joined an internet pen pal program to gain personal viewpoints into Japanese culture. Meanwhile, she is independently studying the Japanese language and wants to take a formal class at some point in the future.  The hours she spends doing research prepares her for a fun dream and to truly win this award.

The “land of the rising sun” is a very unique place and special to my sister.  Her time, focus, money, and heart goes into her love of anything of the Japanese culture.  There are even more than listed; one can tell by viewing the walls of her room!  With her love of oriental fashion, obsession with graphic novels, and the time she uses to do research, my sister deserves this award and really is a Japanese Junkie.

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Mr. Banger strikes again! In his creative writing class, we had to do the assignment where you have to start a story and then pass it along after a few minutes and keep going. By the end, you have no idea where your story went! HA! He made us do this and I got to keep this one. I even drew a picture of Megpira! I wrote the first part and the next font is what the next person wrote. It just shows how we all write differently.

 

A Round of Writing (2004)

In the age of enchanted creatures and magic, there was a young girl named Magpira. She was the daughter of a witch and vampire. Though unique and shy, she was extremely smart and received an amazing gift to go to school in the mortal world. Excited, she took her pet raccoon, Tip, and her broom, Skippy, on her quest. To her surprise, the mortals were all pale and talked funny. Magpira decided to try to act as normal as possible. So, she took off all of her witch clothes and found some Hollister clothes and wore them around and she picked up many guys; she couldn’t believe it! She told her parents about it…

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Back to a Mr. Banger assignment, this one a basic freshman year! We were talking about the assembly line and Mr. Ford in my dad’s class so Mr. Banger did a co-teaching assignment with Dad about where we had to write to someone in that era who wanted to work with us at Mr. Ford’s assembly line.  This is what I came up with. You will notice I use a lot of the same, Japanese sounding names…I liked Cardcaptor Sakura A TON, what can I say? 2004.

March 16^th, 1925

            Dear Clow,

How are you doing dearest brother? It has been awhile since we have talked. How is Mother? Still weak from the flu I am sure. Or has she recovered? What of our dear four sisters? Oh, please tell Ling and Lia congratulations on their engagements!  Lisa and Lilly will get some fellers in no time.  What of our little brother Li?  Still upset because I left?  I know it was hard for him, but since Mom’s bills are so high, I have to leave to help.

Is Yang all right? And how are your children doing? Is Ruby liking her new school? Tell Suppi, Kero, and Julian to stop eating so much!  I cannot believe you’re taking a job at Mr. Ford’s automobile factory! I don’t understand why you would come here and miss dear old Wei growing cherry blossoms in our shrine garden. I guess money is hard for you and Yang.  I will be happy to tell you as much as I can about my job, but I will be very honest.

My job is to screw the lug nuts on the tires and on the automobile.  I work eight hours at a time, six days a week. My day starts at six ends at two. I get five dollars a day, which I know is really great, but believe me, I earn it brother! It is hard work and can be boring.  You can never slow down for a second. There is not much time to rest, only at our ten minute at noon. You must bring your own food with you every day.

Your hands are always red and hurting. You skin becomes rough and sore. Your body becomes different. Your eyes are used to the darkness, so when you get out into the light, your vision is blinded.  Your legs become lifeless since you hardly move them.  Your lungs are filled with smoke because people smoke behind Mr. Ford’s back. We are always being watched by the fancy folks like monkeys in a zoo. They make comments, saying we can do better, making us feel bad. But, our heads are always down, like we have no pride. Your ears can take any noise because you always hear the rapids hit the walls with all their might or the train circling you like a dog.

And Mr. Ford! He’s a hardworking man, but he also is hard core a lot of the time. You must be quick since he’s always trying to make his assembly line faster. You also need to be healthy as much as you can. He does not take kindly if you are sick or sleepy. Oh, and the level of knowledge you need? None. Anyone can do this, but he could also fire you for no reason.  And he will hire you if you cannot speak English, which is good for you. But, it is better so you can know his directions.

It is not the greatest life, but it is better. Kaho is happy to meet you. Oh! You do not know Kaho! She is this wonderful flower I am seeing now. I do love her dearly. She is ten years older than me, but it does not bother me at all.

I am afraid me pen is going dim. I will hope to hear or see you soon, my dearest brother of mine.

Bless you.

Love,

Eli Moon Reed

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This writing is one of the most important to me. Music soothes my soul and high school choir changed my life in so many wonderful ways. I grew more confident, got to sing my heart out, meet new friends, have lasting memories, and I met Derrick through choir as well.  Our director, Sue Bauche, is what made this choir for me, for all of us, so special. You could not ask for a woman who would do anything for you more, who would make you laugh and love to come to school every day. 

She passed away after a hard fight with cancer fall of 2013. I still cannot imagine a world without her love and music.  When I was going through all my folders for my collection, I found these two entries and her handwriting. She wrote to every single one of us and just seeing her writing made my heart leap for joy!  I want to share her with the world and I hope these two little glimpses of that help. Thanks for watching your Bauche babies still in Heaven!

 

Journal for Knightingales (Girls’ Choir)

March 9, 2005

Knightingales has meant a lot to me. It’s fun, makes me work hard, and allows me to do what I really love to do. If I didn’t have music in my life (I can’t play anything to be in band, unless a guitar counts), I would be heart broken. I have met some new friends, learned how fun it is to save your money for a trip, and get to wear a pretty dress. I even get to improve my music skills and hand signs!

Choir is a breath of fresh air for me; it’s relaxing. The best thing is to have the greatest and silliest choir teacher ever! You always crack me up and when I’m near you, I feel peaceful and have to smile (with my ugly braces).  Thanks for allowing me to be in this group. It also allowed me to talk to Derrick and now, we’re going out! That’s a huge thank you! J

“Hey Morgan—it sounds like Knightingales has filled a spot in your life.  I’m glad Knightingales is a release for you…And I really don’t notice your braces! Keep smiling— before you know it, they’ll be history!—Mrs. Bauche”

March 21, 2005

Knightingales is a successful and great group because we all work together. Not one person makes it what it is, yet every person is needed. We all try to help each other and be like best friends or sisters to the other. I would love to get to know most of the girls more, but I’m so shy and the ones I don’t know are older. I feel as if I can’t live up to them. There are all my senpais in choir (senpai—Japanese word for respected or loved upper classmate).  We try hard because the choir is so meaningful. I know, a lot talk too much, but they are girls!  I also know I write too much. Sorry!  I love all the choirs, but I think we work best as one. If Men’s Chorus could do that instead of hitting each other, I know they would be so ready for sight reading!  They’re all so cute. I love guys that can sing well…OH! Mrs. B! It’s such a major turn on factor to us girls. They don’t believe me when I feel them this either…Oh! I’m so sorry! I got off subject, but it’s all true! You need to tell them that. They all love you so much; I know. We love you a lot too! You’re one of the reasons we are as great as you say we are: You are our shining light that guides our journey to greatness…

“That’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts. It means a lot!—Mrs. Bauche.”

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As a writer, we thrive on creating new tales.  It’s our mission.  So, freedom of speech comes with the territory.  But, it is often questioned for the sake of feelings.  As a teacher of young children, I understand this.  I will be honest with my kids, but I have to say things carefully, in lightness.  I want them to know the world, but not to have their youth swallowed up too soon.  Still, this doesn’t stop real issues from occurring no matter how hard we shield them.  One said example I have to think about daily is someone coming in to harm my students or co-workers.  No child, no teacher, no parent, no ONE should have to worry about this!  But, in our world, I am trained on so many measures on what to do in these situations, especially with active shooters.  It honestly terrifies me.  

Driven by this during a heavy year of safety plan training, I felt defeated and looked deep inside myself, wondering what would happen if I was in that situation.  What would I do?  For my students, friends, and myself?  So, I wrote this story in 2015-2016.  I had a half dozen people read it and they were mixed if I needed to include it.  Could that be stifling my free speech?  Perhaps.  But, I am a teacher, a role model in society, so I understood.  But it’s BECAUSE I am a teacher that I felt I needed to write it.  I ping-ponged for years about adding it to a collection and in the end, for my reputation, I didn’t.  

However, I want it shared for those who think they can handle it.  It is extreme, at times almost too action flick/thriller, but those feelings, those concerns, how we react in a crisis, are so raw and real.  So, this story is HIGHLY 17+ due to school shootings, violence, death, terrorism, and potential defiling.  This isn’t a story I wanted to write, but I needed to write.  I hope you still see me as a caring teacher who would be what she could for her kids, her students, afterward.

There is a small sample below.  You can read the WHOLE short story for FREE on the Wattpad link after the sample.

“Confessions of a Guiltless Heart” Sample:

The sound of our ceiling air vent hummed, stirring a rustling, refreshing chill to float down into the classroom.  It graced our students so much that some grabbed jackets on their way to turn in their grade check sheets to Mr. Jacobson’s desk in the back of the room. He looked over each paper with care and thoughtfulness, his close shave cut reflecting the manmade luminescence above.  It sent a pattern on the sleeve of his silver-colored wrestling sweatshirt. One could tell he was the ringleader in our admission-free circus, as he referred to our goofy, but a good group of students.

By the door, Mr Rocksilk, young and overflowing with charm, sat in the center of the table by the whiteboard, conversing with three of our students, munching on beef jerky. Each time he threw his head back to laugh at a part of a story one of our female students was joyfully telling, his golden-brown hair would sway. His eyes went ablaze with energy that matched his wrestling camp short-sleeved shirt, red as a hot pepper that showed his flexing biceps. 

I smiled shyly to myself, organizing my documentation files on my desk near the left wall. It figured that the bashful to adults, happily peppy with her students, overly organized teacher would be working in the same room as the two high school wrestling coaches. Mr. Jacobson was a seventh-grade special education instructor for our beloved middle school, focusing on inclusion.  Mr. Rocksilk and I were his assistants: I, the one focusing on documentation, work modification, and rapport building with Mr. Rocksilk acting as the behavior and courses of action resource. This was his first year, my second, and Mr. Jacobson’s fourth, all of us under the age of thirty. We were young, approachable, accepting challenges, connecting to students, and daring to make them citizens of character. I felt like our circus worked well.

As if sharing a wavelength, Mr. Jacobson and I exchanged looks when one of the boys threw his pencil on the floor, going into an unspoken routine. I made the student pick it up and help me place it in the proper drawer in my labeled pink organizer, focusing on him tuning his fine motor skills. He clapped, laughing to the point he coughed, squeezing my hand playfully. I walked him back to his seat, a sense of purpose fueling my soul as if I was inhaling a gulp of delicious, fresh air. I focused on this feeling of achievement, a calling in life, as I went over to our calendar to change the date.

April 6th.

A few minutes went by, seemingly streaming into time, weaving a comfortable routine of classroom chaos and school policy paperwork that was the norm in our building of pre-teens to teenagers. I stood once my desk was clear, making sure the stack of papers in my hands were all straight. I did not need my O.C.D. kicking in during our morning procedures.

Pfft…Pfft…pow…pow…

My actions halted in mid-air as if someone had held the pause button down on a TV show. My insides were buzzing with static similar to the no signal screen. Mr. Jacobson’s head shot up faster than mine, his brown eyes deep with alert, an urgency I wanted to dismiss, The sound was muffled, down the hall. Were the bells messed up, off their timed schedule? Did one of our carts or trash cans have a messed-up wheel? Were science projects going on? Our school always had something going on, even early during  first hour. So, surely, we could be mistaken. The bells blaring in our heads were only—

You can read the whole story at the link below:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/269241241-confession-of-a-guiltless-heart

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We had to make a fake school in my senior survival class (2006). I was in charge of writing the school song for my group. Everyone in my class voted it the best song and said I should rewrite our school song…No thanks! I love our FHS song! Go Knights!

O.H.H. School Song:

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh…

We sing in harmony,

That is who we are.

We work towards our future,

No matter how far.

We show our colors:

Blue and Green

To show you we work

With might as a team.

Pride runs through our veins

We’ll never show pain

Our hearts work together

We’ll be dolphins forever

We swim as one

Work as one

Act as one

And will become number one

Proud to be a dolphin

We sing loud and proud!

Proud to be a dolphin.

Say it here and now.

Oh, Oh, Oh…Orlando Harmony High!

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First Con Fun List (2012):

• Animal Cracker vs. Gummy Worms fight (for car ride). Maybe Goldfish crackers too.
• Card Games (hotel)
• Annoying songs (car)
• Filming Adventure (car and con)

To buy at the store: Fun Noodle, Markers, Shredded Cheese, Yoo-hoo, and Lunchables…ALL IN OUR COSTUMES!

Games to play at the con:

• What color is Greg Ayres hair today?
• How many Soul Reapers and Captains to we see?
• I spy a ninja! (5 second bowing rights to winner)
• Who can stay in character longest?
• Sword (marker) fight.
• Yu-gi-oh cards (in hotel room)