#BlackLivesMatter

Hello, I may be late on what has been happening all over the world, but that doesn't mean I can't speak about it. I know I haven't been active on this website and I'm deeply sorry. The stress of online school and my last year of middle school (next school year) has got to me. Other than that, I wanted to use this platform to speak my feelings and opinions about racism.




Racism. A word that scars many. The many that have to be scared just because of their skin colour. I have been pushed around, judged and hurt by other people's words and feelings towards me. But no one has made fun of my skin colour, why? Simply because I didn't have this specific skin colour. I am Varshini Thulasiranjan, a thirteen-year-old brown girl and if I'm being honest, I don't have any clue on how it feels to be bullied, harassed, hated, targeted, judged, pushed around or even killed just because I'm not black. For almost a century now, racism has been a worldwide issue that still hasn't been solved which is a shame that it has gone for this long. I've read and educated myself on the many black politicians and activists that weren't afraid of what's coming to them because they knew, their voice was still being heard. Activists like Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela have been thrown into jail but they knew their voice was being heard to the thousands, millions that knew. Long story short, their voice was being spread around the world and I think it's utterly disgusting that people still think it's right to treat black people differently. Now I have one question. How different are black people compared to us? We may have different beliefs, cultures and identities but they are human, just like everyone else on this earth. There shouldn't be a barrier between black-skinned people and everyone else.
George Floyd, an African American man who was simultaneously murdered in Minnesota just because of the colour of his skin. It wasn't a normal murder case, he was strangled to death, with his last words being, "I can't breathe." No one deserves a death of being choked to the ground. You don't deserve it, I don't deserve it, no one deserves. Absolutely no one. This needs to stop, racism must stop here. We all, internationally, need to step up and unite and revive the voice that was once silent for many years. We all have a voice inside of us that is full of belief and determination and I'm telling you, never be ashamed to let that voice be heard. Never be ashamed of what you believe in. And never be ashamed of who you are. Instead, feel proud of who you are and what you believe in and be determined to release that voice inside of you. With that, this month (June) happens to be Pride Month and this just goes to show how many people are hated and judged because of who they are their identity. Just know, when you're showing hatred towards someone who has a different sexual preference or skin colour, you are shattering one's identity. The small parts of who we are and ought to be are in our identity and shattering it, it will make them feel the world doesn't accept them for who they are. Their voice is suddenly gone just because of that and you might be wondering, how do I make my voice heard? You see, I'm just like you, a simple teenager who goes to school to learn and yet, I have let my voice join the many other voices that want to end racism. Hopefully, at the end of all of this, there will be a difference in the world. I wish to see everyone holding hand in hand and that love, happiness, peace and harmony is restored in the world.


Remember to donate, support, educate yourself and spread love towards one another during this abhorrent time. Always keep in your mind to spread love to everyone you see and interact with, even if they're not the nicest to you. You never know what they go through in their personal life.




I love you guys and I hope you are safe. I will be posting more writing pieces in the summer.


(PS. Happy Very Belated Birthday to Safa, Abizana and Abhilasha, you three deserve the world :))


-Varshini 

• ✌🏻 ✌🏼 ✌🏽 ✌🏾 ✌🏿 

World's Largest Sea Crossing Newspaper Article (with the challenge of writing it under 400 words)

Canada Chronicles

Sunday, October 13, 2019

World’s Largest Sea Crossing

Written by Varshini Thulasiranjan

Geographic Journalist


Hong Kong- The HZMB is the longest sea bridge and was able to happen from a Hong Kong infrastructure called Hopewell Holdings. Manager of HH, Gordon Wu had the idea of a bridge-tunnel linking China, Hong Kong and Macau.


The main bridge is the largest part of HZMB. HZMB connects an artificial land, housing the boundary-crossing facilities for both mainland China and Macau, to the Hong Kong Link Road. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge spans the LingDing and Jiuzhou channels, connecting Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. Those are the three cities on the Pearl River Delta.

Construction started on December 15, 2009, as it finished on February 6, 2018. The gates to the bridge officially opened on October 24, 2018, with the total cost ended up being quite high. The total cost is 127 billion yuan with a translation of 24 billion Canadian dollars. You can buy the London stadium. Yes, you heard me right. Now with all this money, how did they build it? As you know it was built over the Ling Ding Channels. Two artificial islands link sections of the bridge with a 6.7-kilometre undersea tunnel. The component was prefabricated on production lines and assembled on site. The 150m steel towers were lifted and lowered into the water. 33 tunnel elements were precast in 53 months. The tubes installed and connected all undersea.


This bridge has put an impact on tourists, the impact on the country matters too. The society especially. 70,000 people a day use the bridge, increasing from the grand opening month. But on the weekends, numbers tumble after complaints from local residents. This is from the high traffic but they had a solution to reduce the weekend day-trippers which pay off. The government. People we pay homage to. Some aggregate work mechanism was created and solved some obstacles that came up in the process.
Which made room for any political advances. The economic impact arises from Chui Sai. He states that “the bridge, as well as solving the problem of access by road traffic, will so promote the economic development of the region.” I get it because the bridge is 55km long, most cars will be there so not a lot of traffic will be on the main roads. When it comes to building a land reclamation, environmental risks go up. HZMB has serious risks to the Chinese white dolphins.

If I Could Trade Places With Someone, It Would Be...

If I Could Trade Places With Someone, It Would Be...



This reminds me of that saying, “step into someone’s shoes to see how they are truly feeling.” I’m going to do that! Or at least imagine. This is really hard! I never really asked myself this question. I don’t want to pick my parents because I pretty much know their daily schedule. Wake up at 5 am, work, cook, chores, watch TV, sleep and repeat. Quite fun, isn’t it? A famous person? Too busy. Even though they probably have more privileges than me. Maybe someone in between. Oh, my cousin, *unnamed*. Right in between. I’ve just thought of 4 reasons on the spot!



I know a lot of artistically challenged people but her? A big no! If you say my artwork is good, you might want to take that back when you see hers. Yes, this is one of the reasons I wanted to trade places with her because she has a passion and curiosity in art. She has a creative spirit and she’s like a kite, flying, soaring with ideas. I always try to become a better artist every day but I want to be as good as her. I don’t envy her, I just appreciate and get inspired by her. She is probably one of the biggest inspirations in my life. Her singing growth has become stronger and for a bold and loud voice like hers is what I just need to boost my confidence. When you hear her sing, you can tell she’s really assertive. I know I will never be like her when it comes to singing in front of people. I can’t even sing in front of my best friends! She’s apart of many concerts because everyone knows she has a voice. Not so much for me. I did think of singing at the yearly winter concert but I know that would be in faraway thought, from my reach. I would like to take part in school shows and musical concerts like how she does.



Speaking of music, another thing she does in the arts is the violin. If you don’t know, I have wanted to play the violin for about three or four years and I still haven’t been able to go to classes. My parents tried to persuade me to play the piano or veena which is an ancient instrument that’s evolved in music variations like the arched harp. The violin called my name though. She is really lucky to be going because I had another weird thought of playing it in front of students at my school. As we know, a faraway thought. The love and affection from a sister-in-law is something my cousin sister and cousin have experienced. Obviously, I can’t get one out of my 16-year-old brother. I have to wait for 10 years to even get one. I can list 20 more reasons why I want to trade lives with her but there are certain negatives that you wouldn't expect right away.



When it comes to being a senior in high school, you have a lot of pressure put on you. Let alone high expectations. Especially when you are going to university next year. This would mean 2 am bedtime, no mental breaks and 5 am wakeup time. That’s quite hard and she’s doing well! Show me your ways because that seems stressful for me. Maybe because I’m just 13.



After wearing someone else’s shoes, I now see that people’s lives are not how you see it physically. Of course, she’s talented in so many ways, not only in the arts but that’s work ethic! Just typing the negative features in her life may have made me panic about highschool. That’s probably enough imagining today.




Note: Greetings my fellow readers and welcome newcomers. I hope you guys are doing well during this pandemic because it has been hard on all of us. Many people have been drowsy during this time and some have been having a tough time with mental health. Especially anyone who's coping with that. Stress and anxiety hit hard during this quarantine. As much as I, We, want to complain about the harsh year of 2020 but maybe it's time we start acknowledging the positives or memories you had this year to light up our world. I'll start off by saying what good experiences I've had this year. 

In the first month of 2020, three things come to my mind in a snap. I won a character trait award, I made a new friend who is my best friend now and my marks were increasing. On my birthday month, I obviously... had my 13th birthday where I was introduced to Teenhood. I was one of the winners for a draw at my school and watched one of my new, all-time favourite movies, Frozen II. (Don't knock it till you try it). March was honestly a great time with friends and that's when I started this website which was nerve-racking for me. In April, I started to get more inspired for the trilogy series that I haven't written yet but definitely have dreamt of.

The Top People I'm Grateful For That Are In My Life :)

The Top People I'm Grateful For That Are In My Life




For someone single like me, this is an adequate journal prompt since Valentine’s Day is this week. I’ve learned that Valentine’s Day is not only for someone who has a significant other. You can be grateful for mankind around you. I have some past connections with the word “grateful.” Every morning in our humble Grade 6 class last year, we would have to write 3 or more things we were grateful for that day. Later on that week, I would always choose more than one thing to share. After all, I’m an indecisive person. You can tell from these journal entries, can’t you? With the whole indecisive theme, it was so hard to pick a few people to type about. You can honestly font your letters about anybody. You can be thankful for the founder of UberEats, your neighbour or the lady who found you lost watch. Oh, that’s a whole other story. Your mind may stop at a few people but there are probably hundreds of people beyond that barrier. I’ve been pursuing the thought of being grateful for everything and everyone I have. Sometimes mood outs can easily make you feel like these people aren’t doing anything about your complications and thoughts. I can speak from what I have experienced. From this perk on putting more than one person into a wholesome paragraph is amazing. Maybe I could fill the hundreds in there?



If you took my last sentence for granted, I think the Sagrada Familia would have been built. Probably fully-fledged with tourists. I have a deep affection for everyone I mention but the first pair of people are my parents. Where do I start? They’ve sacrificed their well being so I can have a better life. My parents had to live apart from each other for 10 months, my dad living in Vancouver and my mom settling here. It didn’t seem like a big deal then since I was a toddler. Now looking back, how did they do that? I couldn't live apart from my parents when I was in camp. My dad and my mom connected me to God and I greatly appreciate them for that because I’ve had the pleasure to follow God’s steps through the chapters of my life. Them, having high expectations makes me hustle to do my best in school and my ongoing future. I always feel determined to do well from the loving support my parents give me every day on what I want to do hereafter. Parents have their opinions but there are some that I feel like who want you to do this specific job, just because it makes them proud that you’re pursuing the job that they want you to be. My parents have always told me that they will be proud of any occupational path I choose to follow. Whether it comes to architecture or journalism, my parents are going to be there, cheering for me. I will say that a job you work for changes your identity. It can be a simple bruise to a twisted knee, they both take time off to make sure I’m back in tip-top shape again. My mom, we can put as an example, almost asked for time off from her job even though she knew the answer was going to be “no.” Requesting for a leave of absence for someone who is not entirely permanent is sacrificing a lot as you may lose your job. Like Rousseau pencilled down in 1750, “money can’t buy you happiness.” They’ve bought many items and opportunities from their hard-earned money therefore I can feel jovial and have more open doors to things that will impact my future in a good way. I worship my parents like God since they have put a positive impact on my entire lifestyle from the early morning to the dusky night.



I’ve apparently brought joy into these next two people’s lives when I was first delivered on Earth. They were excited to have a companion in their life and was excited to have a little sister. Yes, you have heard it here first, my brother and sister. Sister? I can tell that you have a confused look on your face from hearing I have an older sister. She’s technically not my biological sister but she is my cousin sister. They both have done so many things for me but to explain all in a sentence, it would be having my back at times when I’ve majorly needed it. They accompany me during my sorrowful times. Us occult teenagers might have that pet peeve of nosy siblings or friends. I see that as affection because they want to be with you every step of the way. Some like my brother may not give the best advice but they listen to your pain, hanging onto every word. They would do anything that’s involved with the problem. This is probably the best constructive impact that any teenager can have because it makes you feel safe and secure. I feel a lot of negative energy just typing about this and as they all say, focus on the positive energy. Now I sounded like an astrologer there. They always have fun with me and never act like a tedious grouch. My sister and brother always influence me to let go and have some fun since I do kind of study like a student who goes to University. I never have time to relax on the weekdays since that determination keeps surging through me so I can finish a few of my tasks and get ahead. “Just ignore them, they’re words don’t matter” is a satisfying mantra that my siblings have told me whenever I take someone’s words seriously. Most of the time, I don’t have people’s words rolling around my head but things like “you’re not trying… you’re a bad artist… you’re bad at math… you’re not a good friend” and phrases like that make me doubt myself. My mind clicks to go to them before my parents. They tell me the same mantra and I know I should never have been doubting myself in the first place. Seeing their past makes me realize that they developed through many things so they can be their own role model.




These past few weeks I’ve been spending more time with them from this whole strike controversy. I hope it stays this way for a long time but I know it will only last for another year or so. My inspirational uncles and aunts are truly an inspiration. I’m not just saying that I’m being real. My uncles and aunts are always available to help when I need them most. It can be drowning in the sea of struggles but it could also be staying over at their house and having fun. They’ve put a positive impact on me from making my dreams come to reality. As you know I’ve always wanted to do architecture and knowing that they said that they need to put me into an architecture program which I felt touched. Not a lot of aunts or uncles would think that about someone at 13 years. Actually, the whole concept of architecture came from my uncle. He is a senior architect and he has inspired me to do the same. Just thinking about him makes me put more time to focus on math, language and art. I take their advice when it comes to education or personal. They’ve been through many situations especially in Sri Lanka and tell me what’s best. As you may know, when it comes to living in a new city with a different atmosphere than what you’re used to, it gets scary at times but they got out of they’re way for us to live in their house for 3 months. I don’t know that many people would do that. I’m always going to be they’re precious niece even if I grow up to 25. They give the most exceptional care even if I move to a different country. Making me feel special in every way possible puts an upbeat impact on me.




This was hard to narrow down to the last pairs of people; my friends or teachers. Getting some opinions from my family, I picked teachers. I love my friends and they’ve put a positive impact on my mental health but as a studious student like me? How can I not bring up my teachers? I’m going into specific teachers like *unnamed*, *unnamed* and *unnamed*. All three of them saw what I do best and motivated me to keep doing what I love. I love entertaining my teachers with my art and language skills and they seem to appreciate it. I like that they all pay attention to my hard work and dedication because I’ve had teachers who think I’m not trying my best and gave me satisfactory marks. Now stating it in that way, it sounds callous. Them knowing what I’m strong in and encouraging me to keep it going puts a buoyant impact on me to keep doing what I’m interested in. I may be a nerd for saying this but school is another home to me because I was taught to venerate my teachers like God. The positive feedback they give back tells me that they want every student to do well so they can be successful in that grade. Probably not in that grade, for their upcoming future. As they may be twice as old as we are, I will say that they are role models that any student should follow. Especially these 3 teachers because they’ve given many opportunities for new, open projects. Their creativity inspires me to be as creative as them when it comes to projects I want to do at home. Some students might just see teachers as teachers but I see them as God.




Every E-Journal I’ve done, I realize how many people are there for me when it comes to anything. Maybe more in studies but that’s because they want me to be at the top. There were so many other people that I could have mentioned in my E-Journal like my future sister-in-law, my best friends, my cousins but how long can this E-Journal be? Another 3 pages?




(By the way, my brother is 16 but my sister-in-law is marrying my cousin brother, not my brother)

Stay Safe Y'all

Stay safe guys!

During this nerve-racking time, all we could do is to make sure that our loved ones and ourselves are safe. Stay positive and we will get through this together. In every problem, when things are dark, there's always a beckon of light shining through but with the shadows surrounding us, it can be hard to find. We need to find it so we can all be in peace. With the new online school forthcoming, I'll be back soon with more writing/reading content for you guys. Love you and AGAIN! Stay safe and healthy. :)




Sincerely,

Varshini

PS, Happy Belated Birthday Shruthi

My New Year's Thoughts and Resolutions for 2020 (update for ya'll in here)

New Year's Resolutions for 2020
Date Written: Jan 7-10

(Disclaimer: This journal is what I thought 2020 was going to be like in January, not now...)

Greeting my fellow readers, how has your March break going? Mine has been going extremely well but I would be lying if I said that. My break has been a bit boring...maybe a little TOO boring. All I have been doing is watching DanTDM livestreams (recommended) on the new Animal Crossing: New Horizons game and I've been enjoying it since it's quite close to his Tomodachi series he did a couple of years ago. Other than YouTube videos, I just have been daydreaming about random things and just lying on my bed, taking in my blank ceiling. Self-isolating myself for the last 9 days haven't been the greatest as I was sick an hour ago for not getting fresh air. What can you say? I'm a hummingbird when it comes to nature. 

I have been thinking of doing some type of Q&A for you guys so you can get to know me beyond my writing and adequate profile. Maybe leave in the comments on what questions I can answer for you guys. 

But on the real side, 2020 has been not been going as we intended. We all thought 2020 was a fresh start to everything with a whole new decade. The 2010s are going to be behind us as we settle in for a new future and generation. It's only been the third month of the year and all I can say is, "why?" Why did 2020 have to be this bad on everyone's part? Habitats, homes and lives have been taken from many. All we can pray for is a healthy recovery from the tragedy that has occurred in the past months. The bad thing is is that it hasn't even ended. 

I hate to bring it up but COVID-19 has taken many things from us. It cancelled out school for an extra two weeks after spring break and made us stay home and the government might extend it for a month now! Canada hasn't gone through lockdown but I soon know we will go through the harsh procedure that many cities and countries have gone through. Many celebrities have been affected so hopefully people will take this more seriously. All I can say is stay safe and be there for your loved ones. I hope you enjoy this <3




- Varshini






“Bye 2019, hello 2020” is a saying that my best friend, Vaishna adduced and I couldn't agree more. I can’t believe it’s 2020! It’s the start of a new year, a new decade and a new era. Well, a new era applies to a lot of social media influencers that I love. This is the epoch on where new inventions will be made, competitive choices on prices for the environment will be established and Japan building a robotic moonbase. I’ve been exquisitely excited for this year for some reason. Maybe it’s the reason that I'm attending 2 marriages this year and I’m going to be 13! A teenager!!!



Everyone sets New Year’s resolutions but do they stick with it for the next 366 days? I think there’s an obvious answer. No. 80% of people fail at their New Year’s resolutions. I am ashamed to say that I’m part of that 80%. I’m pretty sure I’ve done my New Year’s resolutions without knowing it was my resolution. I feel like I know why so many New Year’s resolutions end in failure. One of the biggest reasons people fail to keep up their resolutions is because they’re not specific enough. For example, resolving to “exercise more” or “lose weight” are the easiest ways to set yourself up to fail. That 2-word unspecific goal lacks ways to mark progress and is unlikely to keep you motivated for the year. Another problem people face when making resolutions is framing them with negative language. When people resolve to stop eating junk food, for example, it often backfires because it makes them think about the very thing they’re trying to avoid. A further obstacle people face is the tendency to make New Year’s resolutions that don't reflect what they actually want. They say that the biggest culprits are dieting and exercising.



When 2020 struck, my creative juices started flowing through my head with 4 New Year resolutions! I feel like 2020 is going to be my year and I will try super hard to keep these up. My goal is to keep my marks steady at the place I want them to be. It might be a ritual that my marks slope down near the end of the school year since the eleation of getting out of school fills me. That’s not going to happen this year. This is mostly in math and science, two subjects I want to do very well. You might be in confusion since I’m very good at math but I never seem to get perfect on quizzes or tests. It’s mostly careless mistakes but focusing on these two subjects will make this goal concrete and measurable. What’s my plan, you may ask? I plan to concentrate a lot of my work at school, go to open-study for three out of the five days and review any worksheets we got. These are some easy steps to be successful in my goal. A big support system is my dad since he’s the mathematician in the family and whenever I don’t understand something, I’ll go over to him. I made a deal with him that when I get 3 perfects on tests or quizzes, he will buy me a big ice-cap. I will taste victory in that ice-cap.



This next goal is something I have never attempted to do. A few of my cousins and one of my friends have done this. It’s public speaking. Yes, an introvert does public speaking in front of people she doesn’t know. I did a presentation in October in front of my class and I’ve realized that public speaking could be a thing for me. I’ve tried making a speech that has my voice, strength and ideas. I haven’t done the best of that yet but not to worry! I think my goal is concrete and measurable if I follow through with the plan. I got this journal where I will first put speech titles. Then what I want in that speech and after order on how I will say it. There are many public speaking events and competitions so I can apply to any. My teacher, friends and family can all support this because I’m doing something that you wouldn’t catch me doing with a dead eye. I’m not that person to stay in the spotlight and show off to everyone so I’m coming out of my cocoon for this one. I feel like if my first speech goes how I attended then the excitement for that will make me want to do more speeches. That would be my reward; pursuing a hobby.



My third goal is carved deep in my heart. That sounds very dramatic. This part of them is probably carved deep in everyone’s heart. It’s my language. Yes, speaking my language. I should be speaking Tamil at home but I speak English because it’s easiest for me. Now thinking about it, I regret not doing it sooner. I’m going to India and Sri Lanka for a reception. They speak no other language than Tamil. How can I communicate with them if I don’t know the language that well? This goal is quite strong concrete and measurable since there's only one step. Speak Tamil at home and my relatives’ parties. I will say that I do know the words I have a big problem with pronunciation. An obvious support system is my parents and relatives because they keep telling me to speak Tamil but time for them to think I changed? That sounds horrible. My favourite cultural drink I LOVE is falooda. It’s this pink sweet creamy drink with rose syrup, sweet basil seeds and ice cream. I mean who wouldn't love that? I haven’t had one since the summer so it will be nice to have that refreshing taste of success.



My last resolution is something I’ve been working on since the summer. I don’t understand how I will get this done in a year since it would be the biggest accomplishment I’ve ever done. A 13-year-old girl publishes her original novel. I wonder who that would be? I’ve been working on a romance novel over the summer and the idea came when I was lying on my bed. I thought of the next seven chapters in my head like it was a movie. It was like an all-day daydream. Everyone around me told me I was a gifted child when it came to writing. I want to make my parents proud of me, knowing I’m an author. This goal may not be that much like concrete whereas there would be writing the book, editing it, revising it, sending it over to a publisher, making the cover and spending over a hundred dollars for it to be in my hands. I expect from myself to have a finished novel by July. Edited, revised and cover made in August and sent to publishers in October. My teachers, family and friends can support me as I start a new chapter in my life. I’ve seen that authors make a launch party for their book so I may do the same.



I truly feel bad for you guy reading this seven paragraphed journal but I honestly put the hours in, day and night. Hopefully, this would be the year where I accomplish some of my goals. Now knowing how to tackle my resolutions and what to expect, I am ready for the upcoming months. That’s how you know I am ready for 2020.

Forgone Ancestors (Inspired by Chicken Girls on Brat TV)

Forgone Ancestors

3 Girls on a Quest to Discover their Vatican Ancestors

Varshini Thulasiranjan

Inspired by the YouTube Series "Chicken Girls" on Brat TV

One in a Thousand Opportunities

March 14, 2020

Dear Diary,

You are probably waiting for another lame excuse of “Sorry, I’ve been busy.” That’s an excuse that everyone scrawls down first before telling anything that’s motioned through their lives. It’s true though, things have changed here in Attaway. Between T.K being here for good ever since the big divorce, having Britney as Co-Editor and Chief, and trying to manage schoolwork, the Chicken Girls, and my relationships with Astrid and Wes, it’s been a crazy start to 2020. A new age. A new age for me, Rhyme McAdams. Editor and Chief Rhyme who would 've been totally over T.K if he didn’t show up out of the blue.

“Out of the blue,” did I just concoct a pun? Am I getting old? I’m only in my sophomore year of high school. Well, I’m more in blue, with Astrid and Harmony. What it felt like a couple of years ago, feeling like everyone is moving forward with their lives and I’m just stuck in one place, unable to reach open doors? Oh, that changed. I’m zooming through with writing opportunities. Too fast for me to handle. But this is a one in a thousand opportunities. I, Rhyme McAdams, am invited by Joandra Zachary, Rome’s most famous writer to Vatican City.

Lots of Love, Rhyme



Sunset City Brings a New Dawn


March 15, 2020

Dear Diary,

I know I left you in a shocker but I was in blue. But I felt more above the horizons with the rich hues of pink, periwinkle and purple. It was a long journey of a non-stop 12 hours flight. It’s at least I can do for Astrid. I know that sounds uncanny for me to write down in words, let alone say out of my own mouth. When Astrid’s mom (Aunt Colleen) abruptly arrives at Attaway to seize Astrid’s paycheck she earned from Junior’s, I’m beginning to think if my life will line up exactly like Aunt Colleen. “You remind me of myself when I was your age. I loved writing!” I soon found out she was exaggerating by Astrid. As you know Astrid and her mom don’t really get along anymore with the whole family drama that eventuated at the beginning of last year. In the starting point of her moving in and making a mess, I thought Aunt Colleen would come back for her again and before, it would’ve been a relief. I would have my room uncluttered, my best friends and Wes back again. She peculated them under my eye but me being selfish I could ever be, I misunderstood. I never knew how it felt like to go through such drama. Especially with people who I truly love.

I haven’t lost my memory, don’t agonize. If I did lose my memory, I would be going back to middle school when things were completely normal. When the biggest drama of my life was not making the dance team. When Ellie would go back to her Henry days. You know that I think things were better then but I don’t want to go back to when Ellie was obsessed with Henry. The last year of middle school is when it all started. The Drama. The worst but a special chapter of my life. The Chicken Girls paths were like a diamond. We all stuck close with each other but then we all went through a separate trail. It was as if each path had its own fortune but each fortune brought us back together at the end. Besides the past, I hope this is a simple vacation because Astrid is grief-stricken that her mom has been bailing her to do something else “important.” Mom has been like another mother to her but sometimes, it just doesn’t feel the same.

Writing about the past brought me to the point that I’m homesick. Maybe that’s because we haven’t done anything exhilarating. Like meeting Joandra Zachary or seeing the Vatican museum. Wes gave me his blessing to be safe and he’s proud of me, getting to where I was meant to be. 2 entries ago, I asked why it was impossible to get over first love. I can say this is another one of my getaways from Attaway. Our view from the hotel is pulchritudinous. I peer through the big-screened window and what I saw; it took my breath away. The most prestigious buildings were made with a glossy stone, alive with lights as if someone through a handful of softened glitter. The olden stone bridge with specks of dirt was over the clear azure water that rippled in the tranquillizing air. The lights gleamed off the river, exposing the marbled pebbles underneath. I sighed, amazed at the view laid before me. This is what I call Sunset City. The Sunset City that will open me to a new dawn. Hopeful dawn that won’t leave me in regret. Wish me luck.

Lots of Love, Rhyme



Small Boated Writer


March 16, 2020

Dear Diary,

My writing opportunity, my writing confidence, my writing dream feels like it’s barely clinging on to the cliff from cascading down the void of mishappening dreams. “A person falling off a cliff to certain death will stretch out a hand even to his worst enemy” is a quote Wes poetically texted me during the hour when I nearly thought I cascaded into the void. I guess this certain death is failing in my accomplishments and my worst enemy is her words. Yes, her words. These certain words felt like someone turned off the lights in my head, feeling panic-stricken by the darkness and the imaginary monster that awakened at 3 am. Too much? It’s a story I typed for Ms. Zachary to read. It has a better storyline than the vague sentence I summarized it in, anonymously. At least I thought it had one. I think I’m leaving you in anxiousness about what really happened.

Vatican City during the day looked like every day to day city but the ashy grey roads were packed with tourists as we passed by them in an old-school cab. Harmony pulled down the window and started sermonizing people with her lavishing Hollywood lines from a few years ago. I evoked here that we weren’t in Attaway or Milwood. Milwood? Harmony was mysteriously moved to Milwood middle school and she hasn’t been enjoying it that much as she’s teased by the dance team that she’s from Attaway. At least we don’t disclude people even if they were our “rivals.” No offence to Autumn. The early spring weather was giving the aroma of summer-infused breeze, as the rays of the sun reflected on my sun, bringing out my roasted almond eyes. Until we got there, I scrolled through the photos Wes and I took before I left. I will say it’s been a great time so far with Astrid and Harmony but I miss Wes. Even more heading to Joandra’s writing studio. Maybe he is my second love because every time I think of him, my heart melts to a puddle of gold. My heart rate was quickly surpassing its beat, my stomach dropping down to the floor as we pulled over to the sidewalk in front of her studio.

The building was quite spacious and glossed over. It was a brick building with tiling around the arch windows and entranceway. The marble staircase was contrasted by the heat from today’s weather. Inside had an arched ceiling with gemmed grooves, filling it with its pattern. There were grey and beige marbled columns that went high up and down were the interesting tile floorings. Many of the walls were glass, clasping her different writing projects and work. An elevator trip later, I entered her room, leaving a sweaty hand impression on the handle as I walked in. I adjusted my blue jumpsuit as I let out a nervous breath and sat down on the chair. It was quite casual between us first which gave me more credence. But the credence slowly crumbled, crumpled and crumbled until it was like the remains of rust on an aged car. Her face drooped as she read through my work and my face started feeling internally hot as if lava was lining through my mind. Astrid and Harmony came back in the room, and I will say that Astrid’s cheeks were flushed. What’s happening, Astrid? Right away, the first thing that Ms. Zachary does criticize my work. Then she went on to my focus and well-being. Did she have the highest expectations that I couldn’t reach? Were Attaway’s expectations lower than I anticipated?

An hour later, we were downstairs in the lobby and Joandra came back and she acted as nothing happened between us. Like she had a fondness for my work and Appeal newsletters. Tell me again about a grey face. We went back to our hotel, but I was feeling timid, unsure and most of all them incapable. It felt like my hard work was on a small boat, slowly sinking down to the trenches. My work was on a paper boat not on a yacht-like Joandra’s. I don’t want to lose hope but am I a small boated writer? Wish me luck!

Lots of Love, Rhyme



The Obscured Side


March 17, 2020

Dear Diary,

The family had a deeper meaning than I apprehended. I thought the whole meaning of family was parents, siblings, relatives and of course, friends. I only like the writing part in history class, I never noticed about past ancestors. I know everyone thinks this but I thought my ancestors weren’t that interesting born in some part of America, building their lives of Attaway and here we are. How intriguing, right? My parents recall haven’t grazed upon where we actually came from that much. They always just said, “someplace in Europe.” Quite interesting on my behalf. Now thinking about it, are my parents embarrassed about where they come from? That should be a Hey, Harmony forum for me to write about in the Attaway Appeal. I haven’t been checking Hey, Harmony that much but Britney imparted she will take care of the Appeal for the week I’m off. I feel bad she has to deal with Arthur’s amazing topics on pills, medication and cafeteria food. This is definitely a getaway.

I went out on the balcony to feel the sunny sensation on my skin. I savoured it as long as I could until my mind knew it was time to get ready for another round of criticism. Is this how Ellie felt in middle school when Robin Robins reprobate her voice. Ellie was considered the best singer at school and since Tim left, I’m considered the best writer at Attaway High. They bumped me up to the Junior and Senior level when I’m only a mere Sophomore. Considering this was vacation is mostly spotlighted on Astrid, she’s distracting herself with something. More like someone. Ever since Astrid and I both liked Wes, she hasn’t really been chattering about guys, especially to me whereas I’m fully committed to Wes. I think you can see where I’m going with this unconventional topic. Yeah, she’s occupied with another guy, Marcus, the son of Joandra. I don’t want to seem like I’m crashing her parade but if he’s anything like Ms.Zachary, I would stake a “Steer Clear” sign on his foot. Maybe a bit too brutal.

Yesterday, I showed my previous English undertakings but now it’s the undertaking in front of her. A harder plummet to the ground, through the chair. My hands were shaky when I started typing, already yielding for the incoming aspersion. I pegged my story title on the keyboard and contemplated on a hook to hang the reader with my mellifluous words. “We don’t have time to daydream,” Joandra derived over and over. It’s like she thinks I’m full of ideas on how to start and end. If I don’t have a good beginning to inspire me, I don’t feel motivated to flow my ideas out of my head and on to a document. Ten minutes go by and she gives up on me, thinking that I wanted to be like her, wanting to ditch my life in Attaway so I can become a notorious writer. How can I ditch my “dreary” life in Attaway just so I can become a famous writer? The thought of it eats me up inside. I trotted out of the room, dejected of the decision. Until I got the idea of doing a story that put my 500% into it, not my normal standards that everyone knows I have. Astrid and Harmony came through the entrance, with a scroll in her hand. A scroll from the Vatican archives. The scroll is mentioned in an ancient language but had the name of McAdams. A light in my head zoomed back to when I had the thoughts of my ancestors. The obscured side of the forgotten family history. The exploit begins. Wish me luck.

Lots of Love, Rhyme



The Conscious Possibilities


March 18, 2020

Dear Diary,

The quest buzzed me with electricity, bringing me back to when Tim did the article, exposing Robin Robins. I didn’t take part in it as Harmony set me up with 4 diner dates and it didn’t go as intended. But the past is the past and that escapade may as well stay there too. After a nostalgic dream of mine, I slowly opened. At first, everything was blurry and for the slightest second for the first time in so long, I asked: “who am I?” I whined myself up, breathing heavily. I remembered who I was; Rhyme McAdams. Tell me again about amnesia. My arms felt weak, like my energy. I let out an exasperated sigh as I rolled off from the bed and my marbles clicked; ancestors. I quickly got as I quickly typed up to Attaway’s genealogical database to type my surname. Astrid and Harmony followed me on to the bed as tension builds up in my head. The heartbeat in my chest was taking over as the only sound I heard in my ears, pounding. The numbness in my wrist orbited to my fingers, sparking in anxiety. As if my fingers were getting nervous too. I extended them and typed in, M-C-A-D-A-M-S.

“Server did not identify the surname,” it recalled. Not identified frightened me, not having a chance to show Joandra that I’m a young writer who has capabilities. Now don’t get me wrong, everyone has capabilities but my writing orb could evolve into something new. They both lost hope but then I adduced, “What happens if McAdams wasn’t originated from Attaway?”

They both looked up with a twinkle of hope in their eyes. There is a likelihood that my prophecy is right. I was enlivened by the idea of this quest but I had that gut feeling that McAdams wasn’t us. I just didn’t want to neglect the thrill of this. I asked Astrid for the scroll and tried to understand the somewhat English in its form. The word “Lincaway” caught my eye as it had the same ending as Attaway. I quickly searched up Lincaway and it was a 17th-century city but later renamed as Attaway. Our mouths dropped from this discovery that the whole town has been living under a rock for. I staggered in this new information. Now, this is a good article for the Attaway Appeal. I got off and my body’s momentum felt like it was collapsing into heaps.

The day passed by to the evening as the sun went down the horizon. The evening sent the birds away to their roosts and the crickets to sing in the swaying grass. The cloudless caliginous sky promised an unfettered view of the heavens of the city. The lights looked like the fireflies that lit up during the 4th of July parade back home. I gave an oath to my grandparents that I will video call them every now and then. I think now would be a good time, especially after getting the revolting news. We talked and Harmony urged us to ask about our Vatican ancestors and I held her back from telling, gripping her wrist. She prematurely asks and they first pretend like they didn’t know even though Astrid heard them talking about it when she was a tween. We talked about the scroll and the fact that it had McAdams and Lincaway on it. Then they decided to leak the truth.

“Your grandfather had a research project occurring before you were born. It was a high scheme in his life but he couldn’t get enough information to make a confirmation. Lincaway was Attaway in the 17th century and for half of the 16th century, they were making the agreement for America, the states and our town. Our very town was the first town made in America’s history. Our ancestors are certainly from Vatican City whereas they were involved in the world-famous Sistine Chapel and-”

On the spur of the moment of getting more information, the connections cut from the distance our call was. I closed the laptop, respiring the breath I held in. There can be conscious possibilities of how they were involved. One thing I knew for sure is our next destination was the Sistine Chapel. Wish me luck!

Lots of Love, Rhyme



The Divulged Ménage Truth


March 19, 2020

Dear Diary,

What a week! Well more like an adventure since this week is not over. The amusement could have lasted longer but I’m not starting a life here. I only have so much more time until I fly back to reality. I don’t talk about flying back to Attaway to Astrid considering all the fun she has been having with Marcus. All we need is her heart to tear again. To fill you in with Astrid’s love life, she’s been having her thoughts up in the fluff topped clouds. A lot of small talk, stares, cuddles and arm around each other. What’s next, kissing? Hope not, it would pull her heartstrings at the end. Now you’re probably asking how we got into the Sistine Chapel. Marcus actually had some tickets he bought 2 months in advance and was saving it for a few of his friends for the break until they had their own plans. We went in a beehive yellow cab and had a 20-minute drive of the beautiful sights that appeared. Even if they weren’t tourist attractions, it was still divine. Bands blared in the distance and crowds cheered enthusiastically. The marble buildings tower over the hordes of people. I pulled down my window to whiff tantalizing scents of the bakery that waft through the breeze. I imagined the creme brulee from here. The stiff creamy, sweet and cold taste lingered my tongue till we arrived at the Vatican Museum.

It looked like a serene palace made from Asia, the side buildings were like tall houses with the same rectangular windows going up to down. The middle was a masterpiece made in the architectural world. There was a paved trail up to the high doors of the museum. I can’t explain it, it still makes me speechless. We walked in and I was even more mind-blown from the inside. An arched roof hung above us with different frescoes, wall carvings and gothic art pressed against the wall. Statues and sculptures were on display with their matte stones. The floor tiles were line fine art with aged colours rather than the more modern colours like teal, Fushia and such on. The museum is crazy packed with tourists and we made our way to a crepuscular corner all the way at the end of the museum where no one was around. Harmony hid behind me as even she was scared. Harmony! The boldest and confident sister you can ask for. A high-security guard was in front of a semi-functional door. Marcus showed him his credentials and there we went in. Into a dim hallway that smelled like decade-old newspapers.

An attic shutter sealed the smell in from the rest of the hallway. Marcus got the creaky splintered wood ladder down for us to climb. First me, then Harmony and obviously Marcus and Astrid together at the end. I rolled my eyes and my eyes widened at the view I was set on. I couldn’t move my feet. It was the Sistine Archives filled with crazy amounts of old pictures, files, military records, diplomas, report cards and a pile of course diaries, letters and postcards. We started scavenging away through the piles and files. It was like a treasure hunt until Astrid yanked out the file that was fonted in an inky pen “Magnus McAdams.” They insisted that I read it, handing me the dusty envelope. I clenched it tightly, digging my nails in the soft woven envelope. I slowly opened it as my heart was throbbing against the cage of my chest. I bit my lip while I was unfolding the paper. I read it with my pulsate eyes and found out that Magnus McAdams is our ancestors from the 16th century.

“He was an interior architect for the Sistine Chapel and was a Catholic until he mysteriously disappeared from his job and fled off to the US to be with his beloved, Cassia McAdams. He was the interior architect for another church connecting to the Sistine Chapel but they threatened to leave the love of his life when she fell ill. It was either his career or love but he chose Cassie,” I read out loud. Everyone stood in their places dazed upon the discovery. This was the divulged ménage truth that 3 sisters discovered for them. Us but what will I do with this? Wish me luck with this

Lots of Love, Rhyme



The Liberate Chronicle Orb


March 21, 2020

Dear Diary,

I promised I would write in you every day of this trip but I was focusing on writing something else. Don’t worry, I’m not replacing you. I was writing the adventure down so I can show Joandra that I’m habile enough to be the writer I need to be. I renamed all of us, I’m Annie, Harmony is Hailey, Astrid is Pilot and Marcus is Romeo. I know, these are the most random names but it was the first names that popped into my head, weirdly. It took me day and night to finish it and it was worth it at the end because I wrote like a totally different person. In a good way. I wrote like a high experience author who can write about anything. Even though I know she can’t turn this down, I still had a feeling her expectations are at the end of my fingertips, barely reaching it but not holding on. I was sweating profusely, unsure if I really put mine all into this. Not my all, my LIFE into this. I exhaled deeply and strutted out confidently and when I was in front of her door, I took another deep breath and headed in.

At first, she didn’t give me attention from the impression she’d seen before but I cleared my voice and she looked up as I read the words with character, hooking her on every word, just how I intended. When I finished, she stood up clapped loudly, pleased by my work. She thinks I got it from her but I explained it came from my heart, my voice and my strength. No one else. Just me. We talked more and she admits she shouldn’t have put me down at the end. That’s how a feminist speaks out and I’ve learned that from last year when I was unaware that I started a movement against Home Economics. I hid in the shadows while everyone stood out on the big stage. I’ve learned there's always room for everyone, not certain people. Each person has their own talent and brawn like how Ellie has her talent for speech and debate or how Rooney has a talent for photography. I wish I can travel back in time and give my younger self advice then I would have been so much farther than I am now. But I couldn’t sulk on where I’m at now. The place I’m at is somewhere I should be proud of not pouting that I’m not where I expected to be. So many unexpected things happen to my writing aptitude like being Editor and Chief, having many cover stories on the Appeal or getting invited by Joandra.

Living life spontaneously is what I’ve struggled with but now I’m just flowing along with it. Controlling how things should be is not the point of life, it’s to be pushed forward. As it’s my last full day in Vatican City, my writing orb had freed itself on starting a new era. Wish me luck.

Lots of Love, Rhyme



A Journey’s End


March 22, 2020

Dear Diary,

I’m back in the blue again. It’s mournful when it feels like you ran away from your reality. Living in a dream is only temporary while we’re only stuck in a dream for hours. At some point, we need to wake up. This has been a week though, not as comparable as a dream. I will say that Astrid is not as melancholic as expected. Harmony and I were waiting for Astrid to say farewell to Marcus and we knew she liked him but to take 10 minutes? We sneaked to them, clasped Harmony’s mouth so she wouldn't even mutter a word. Astrid and Marcus stared into each other's eyes and their hands slid into each other as he kissed on her cheek. What a view for me to glimpse at. Harmony and I pretended like we just came and she came over easily. So long story short, they are doing long distance at least until Marcus visits which will probably be next month. We all had some sort of journey throughout this trip. Harmon just enjoying, Astrid being single to dating and me being a totally different writer from what I actually am. They might say in movies that a journey could last as long as they want but at some point, they need to go back to their regular lives. A journey has its end. Wish me luck for tomorrow!

Lots of Love, Rhyme