Hey everyone!
This month, I read a really good book called Lemonade Mouth, by Mark Peter Hughes. It's about five very different kids; impulsive and opinionated Stella, determined and ambitious Mohini, dreamy and thoughtful Charlie, lovable and stubborn Wen, and shy and loyal Olivia, who meet in detention and discover they have a gift for making music together. So, at the urging of their school music teacher, they form a band called Lemonade Mouth. They become an overnight sensation at their school after playing at a Halloween party, and use their music to stand up for the weaker person and voice the opinions of the unheard. Their story is told in each band member's point of view, and tells about their journey to local stardom and the revolution they start in the name of lemonade.
I really loved this book! Ever since I saw the Disney Channel movie; Lemonade Mouth, I've wanted to read the book that inspired it. I think Lemonade Mouth is a very inspiring story. I love a good underdog story, and this book is great, because it tells about five outcasts who become the voice of the oppressed through music, even when the odds are against them. It has a good message about standing up for what you believe in, even if you stand alone. Mo, Charlie, Wen, Stella, and Olivia's different points of view are fun to read, and they are very relatable. I can see a little bit of myself in each of them, at different times. I think my favorite message in Lemonade Mouth, though, is how music touches lives.
I give Lemonade Mouth an A+. It was such a good book. Want to know more about it? Check out the Lemonade Mouth website Here: http://lemonademouth.com/. Happy reading!
Frankly,
Frankie
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
My brother, the college man
Today we dropped my brother Brad off at college. We have been helping him pack for weeks, but the day didn't seem like it would ever really get here. We loaded everything in the mini-van today (yes, we have a mini-van... LOL), and drove him up. Mom insisted we walk him to his dorm, and he protested at first, but finally agreed. So, when we got there, we set his bags down, and said our "goodbye for now's." It was sort of hard. My mom was kind of weepy, even though Brad can come home to visit often. Brad is the oldest kid in our family. I guess that's why it's so hard for her. Brad has always been sort of bossy, but he is my big brother, and I love him. The truth is, I will miss having him around all the time. Thinking about this, I sort of got a lump in my throat, and my eyes stung. I started to cry, and Brad scooped me up right off the floor and hugged me.
He said; "I'm gonna miss you, kiddo."
I said; "I'll miss you too Brad."
Just then, Brad's new roommate came into the room. He was a big guy, and seemed friendly. He slapped Brad on the back.
"Hey, Dude." He said. "Tearful family send-off. Classic."
I rolled my eyes. Brad's roommate introduced himself as Ned. I think Brad is going to have an interesting college experience with this guy around.
We helped Brad get settled in a bit, then it was time to leave, minus one brother. Sigh... it's the end of an era. I know that we'll always be a family, Brad included, but things will be different without him around all the time.
As we were walking through the parking lot, I took Charlie's hand. I'm glad I still have one big brother in the house. We started talking and joking, planning the goofy care packages we can send to Brad, now that he's a college man. Charlie also promised he'd teach me how to video-chat with Brad. I have to admit, we planned some projects I'm really looking forward to. Life is full of changes. I guess whether they are good or bad depends on how you look at them sometimes.
Frankly,
Frankie
P.S.- Have you missed Emily and my posts on the Paranormal Doll Club blog (http://paranormaldollclub.blogspot.com/)? Have no fear (non pun intended). We'll be posting again beginning in September.
He said; "I'm gonna miss you, kiddo."
I said; "I'll miss you too Brad."
Just then, Brad's new roommate came into the room. He was a big guy, and seemed friendly. He slapped Brad on the back.
"Hey, Dude." He said. "Tearful family send-off. Classic."
I rolled my eyes. Brad's roommate introduced himself as Ned. I think Brad is going to have an interesting college experience with this guy around.
We helped Brad get settled in a bit, then it was time to leave, minus one brother. Sigh... it's the end of an era. I know that we'll always be a family, Brad included, but things will be different without him around all the time.
As we were walking through the parking lot, I took Charlie's hand. I'm glad I still have one big brother in the house. We started talking and joking, planning the goofy care packages we can send to Brad, now that he's a college man. Charlie also promised he'd teach me how to video-chat with Brad. I have to admit, we planned some projects I'm really looking forward to. Life is full of changes. I guess whether they are good or bad depends on how you look at them sometimes.
Frankly,
Frankie
P.S.- Have you missed Emily and my posts on the Paranormal Doll Club blog (http://paranormaldollclub.blogspot.com/)? Have no fear (non pun intended). We'll be posting again beginning in September.
Friday, August 26, 2011
New year, new teacher
In a week and a half I'll be back in school! I'm excited but nervous, in that odd empty-feeling way. Paige is visiting her Yia-Yia (that's Greek for Grandma) outside of Chicago this week, and I really miss her, although I'm sure she's having a great time. She'll be back Thursday. She took a plane by herself! What a great end of Summer adventure. I'm happy for her, but I can't wait for her to come home.
Yesterday I was really bored, and I figured Paige's mom probably misses seeing my adorable face around the house while Paige is away, so I decided to stop by for a visit. I rang the doorbell, and finally Ms. Shepherd answered. She was cooking when I came to visit. She offered me a plate of cookies. They had raisins in them, and they were spicy. I ate them while we chatted. She seemed kind of lonely. Paige is her only kid, and the house seemed very empty and big. We got to talking about the new school year. I said I was happy that Paige and I are in the same class this year.
"Is Miss Reese nice?" I asked. That's my new teacher's name.
"Ah! You mean Mr. Reese." Ms. Shepherd said, smiling.
"He's very nice. This is his first year teaching at our school. You'll like him."
Paige's mom is the music teacher, so naturally she has the inside scoop. I trust her opinion. She's a very cool teacher, so I'm sure Mr. Reese will be cool too. I've never had a male teacher before. I think it'll be a breath of fresh air. I can only imagine the silly names Mason will think up for Mr. Reese though, because he's in my class as well. Last year, he got lunch detention for calling Mrs. Applebaum "Mrs. Applesauce." I think Mr. Reese's potential nicknames write themselves, unfortunately. I told this to Paige's mom, and she said;
"I'm sure he's heard them all, teaching elementary school."
Then, I heard my mom calling me from the porch for dinner, so I said goodbye, and left feeling a little bit better about the school year ahead.
Frankly,
Frankie
Yesterday I was really bored, and I figured Paige's mom probably misses seeing my adorable face around the house while Paige is away, so I decided to stop by for a visit. I rang the doorbell, and finally Ms. Shepherd answered. She was cooking when I came to visit. She offered me a plate of cookies. They had raisins in them, and they were spicy. I ate them while we chatted. She seemed kind of lonely. Paige is her only kid, and the house seemed very empty and big. We got to talking about the new school year. I said I was happy that Paige and I are in the same class this year.
"Is Miss Reese nice?" I asked. That's my new teacher's name.
"Ah! You mean Mr. Reese." Ms. Shepherd said, smiling.
"He's very nice. This is his first year teaching at our school. You'll like him."
Paige's mom is the music teacher, so naturally she has the inside scoop. I trust her opinion. She's a very cool teacher, so I'm sure Mr. Reese will be cool too. I've never had a male teacher before. I think it'll be a breath of fresh air. I can only imagine the silly names Mason will think up for Mr. Reese though, because he's in my class as well. Last year, he got lunch detention for calling Mrs. Applebaum "Mrs. Applesauce." I think Mr. Reese's potential nicknames write themselves, unfortunately. I told this to Paige's mom, and she said;
"I'm sure he's heard them all, teaching elementary school."
Then, I heard my mom calling me from the porch for dinner, so I said goodbye, and left feeling a little bit better about the school year ahead.
Frankly,
Frankie
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Decisions, Decisions...
Hey everyone!
Have you ever had a hard decision to make? I have a really important decision to make right now. Last week, my mom said that when school starts, I may quit taking ballet if I want to. At first I thought I might stick with ballet. I haven't improved too much, but I'm not terrible at dancing. I've even made a few friends. Then... a complication came along. Yesterday, I got my back to school info in the mail, and in the envelope was a list of extracurricular activities I can choose from this year. One club really caught my eye; Art Club. I love to draw and make craft projects. This club would be perfect for me! The only problem is, Art Club is the same day as ballet. It starts at 3:05, and ballet starts at 3:15. Ballet is halfway across town from my school, on top of that. What's a girl to do? I can't be in two places at once. So I have to choose between the two.
I called Paige and asked her advice. Paige said she think Art Club would be more fun. She is joining, and we can be in it together. Plus, her mom can drive us home afterward, since she is a teacher. If I pick ballet, I'll have to take an unfamiliar school bus to class, and that makes me a bit nervous. Being in this club with Paige sounds like so much fun, I have to admit.
Next, I asked my mom what she thinks. She thinks art Club would be something that I could really excel in, but she says she'll miss seeing me dance. She said it's ultimately my choice, though she is more comfortable with the transportation arrangements for Art Club.
Then, I asked my brother Charlie what he thinks. He said he thinks I'd like Art Club much more, but he knows deep down that I do enjoy ballet. He also said I should ask myself what to do instead of other people.
So I did. I closed myself in my room, and thought, and thought, and thought about it. I already take piano twice a week. And I have to practice a lot to stay proficient, since I'm not exactly a natural talent. Then, I am also taking Spanish this year. I know I will have to study for that pretty hard. Then I have my morning and evening chores. I also need "me time," to do all the things I do, like hang out with Paige, play with my dog, swing on my tire swing, watch TV, read, etc. I consider myself a well rounded individual, but sometimes I just like to chill and do nothing. Will I have time for everything with ballet in the mix? Maybe not. I know Art Club will be fun, and I'd still have time to do other things. I'd be sorry to see Paige going to meetings without me. I would have joined Art Club without even thinking twice, if I wasn't taking ballet. And although I like ballet class, I don't feel very dedicated to it at all. Ballet is all about dedication and discipline. If I don't feel like I can put all it takes into ballet, why take it? After taking all this into consideration, I made a decision. I decided that I'm going to quit ballet, and join Art Club this year. As you can see, it wasn't a very easy decision, but I know it is the right one for me.
Frankly,
Frankie
Have you ever had a hard decision to make? I have a really important decision to make right now. Last week, my mom said that when school starts, I may quit taking ballet if I want to. At first I thought I might stick with ballet. I haven't improved too much, but I'm not terrible at dancing. I've even made a few friends. Then... a complication came along. Yesterday, I got my back to school info in the mail, and in the envelope was a list of extracurricular activities I can choose from this year. One club really caught my eye; Art Club. I love to draw and make craft projects. This club would be perfect for me! The only problem is, Art Club is the same day as ballet. It starts at 3:05, and ballet starts at 3:15. Ballet is halfway across town from my school, on top of that. What's a girl to do? I can't be in two places at once. So I have to choose between the two.
I called Paige and asked her advice. Paige said she think Art Club would be more fun. She is joining, and we can be in it together. Plus, her mom can drive us home afterward, since she is a teacher. If I pick ballet, I'll have to take an unfamiliar school bus to class, and that makes me a bit nervous. Being in this club with Paige sounds like so much fun, I have to admit.
Next, I asked my mom what she thinks. She thinks art Club would be something that I could really excel in, but she says she'll miss seeing me dance. She said it's ultimately my choice, though she is more comfortable with the transportation arrangements for Art Club.
Then, I asked my brother Charlie what he thinks. He said he thinks I'd like Art Club much more, but he knows deep down that I do enjoy ballet. He also said I should ask myself what to do instead of other people.
So I did. I closed myself in my room, and thought, and thought, and thought about it. I already take piano twice a week. And I have to practice a lot to stay proficient, since I'm not exactly a natural talent. Then, I am also taking Spanish this year. I know I will have to study for that pretty hard. Then I have my morning and evening chores. I also need "me time," to do all the things I do, like hang out with Paige, play with my dog, swing on my tire swing, watch TV, read, etc. I consider myself a well rounded individual, but sometimes I just like to chill and do nothing. Will I have time for everything with ballet in the mix? Maybe not. I know Art Club will be fun, and I'd still have time to do other things. I'd be sorry to see Paige going to meetings without me. I would have joined Art Club without even thinking twice, if I wasn't taking ballet. And although I like ballet class, I don't feel very dedicated to it at all. Ballet is all about dedication and discipline. If I don't feel like I can put all it takes into ballet, why take it? After taking all this into consideration, I made a decision. I decided that I'm going to quit ballet, and join Art Club this year. As you can see, it wasn't a very easy decision, but I know it is the right one for me.
Frankly,
Frankie
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