Career Fair

                                   Career Fair

Today at the career fair, there were many different types of jobs that the grade eights displayed as their careers. I looked around at most of the projects and asked some of the grade eights a few questions. I'm not sure which job would be best suitable for me, but when I was younger I remember at my Kindergarten graduation stating that I wanted to become a doctor. Although that is not 100% certain, I think that would be an interesting career, but I also wonder what other careers would be appropriate for me. I visited some grade eights with jobs such as: an author, a criminologist, a chef, a lawyer, and a high school art teacher. Although I don't exactly know what job I would like, I found that Jenna's project on being an author was quite interesting. I learnt that to be an author, you really don't have to have spectacular writing degrees in University. Anyone can write. All it takes is a paper, pencil, and an imagination. She told me that to be an author, you must have good grasp at your grammar and proper writing. You also need a lot of patience, determination and motivation. Most importantly you must have the passion and desire to write! Jenna told me that when you become an author, there are many pros and cons that come along with it. There are so many great advantages to being a writer. When you become an author, you are able to be free with your writing, and that you may even become famous or well known. You bring happiness and knowledge to other people through your works, and can be an inspiration to others. Where you get your inspiration for writing can be the place surrounding you while you work. This is wonderful because you are free to work wherever you wish! Some authors are even fortunate enough to have their books and ideas turn out to be best selling movies, for example the phenomenal Harry Potter Series. There are a few disadvantages to being a writer. A significant disadvantage to being a writer is that it takes a long time to complete a book. This is why patience is needed. You also do not receive much income in the process of writing a piece. It could be a great hobby rather than a full time job. Since Jenna was younger, she had always dreamed of becoming one. She told me that her favourite authors are R.L. Stine and Stephenie Meyer. She enjoys mostly reading mystery and eerie books. Her favourite books are the 'Goosebumps' books and have read every single one! When an author you receive around $20 000 for every book you publish. Being an author can be great because you're the boss of what you write. Jenna said she would like to write mystery books and other children's books as well. I personally really enjoy reading books in my free time. When being an author, you can let your creativity and imagination expand, but at the same time, you're letting your readers' imaginations expand as well.

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.  ~Sylvia Plath"

Christine .

Saint Andre Bessette was born on August 9, 1845, with the name of Alfred Bessette. He was the eighth son to his mother and father Isaac and Clothilde Bessette. They were a poor family who lived in the village of St. Gregoire, Quebec. He was born a very sick baby, and his parents had a great fear of him not surviving. His lack of physical health continued to effect him, but greatly was able to live to the age of 91. Although he and his parents had great affection for each other tragedy soon struck the family. Sadly, at the age of six, his father had been killed in a lumbering accident near the town of Farnham. Four years after this, at the age of ten, Andre's mother received tuberculosis and had to put up her twelve children up for adoption, but managed to keep Andre due to his weak health. They went to live with his aunt Mrs. Timothée Nadeau, but then Clothilde died two years after. Andre was sadly left as an orphan at the age of twelve. He continued to live with his aunt, receiving work on the family farm, but could not because he was too weak, and his physical health wasn't fit for the job. His uncle also offered him the job as a shoe-maker but that didn't work out either. Later on in life, Andre wanted to become a priest, but did not because he was not properly educated and did not have qualities of a priest. Although this happened, they had let him become the doorman to the church as he greeted the people in and held the door for them. This was when miracles began to occur. As he held the door for the people, they would come to ask him if there was a priest available. If the priest was occupied or was not there, Andre was willing to talk and listen to their prayers and pray for them or their ill loved ones. Amazingly, the people who had prayed with Andre had come to tell people their loved ones were cured and healed. More and more people came to the church to ask Andre to pray with them to St. Joseph. Praying to the Lord had helped many people, and although Saint Andre had a rough past, he soon became a miracle worker for many many people. On October 17^th 2010, he was declared of being a Saint and many people know his story. He had a very humble life and was devoted to God, and many people look up to him for his personality of never losing hope, which had helped people and made so many miracles.

-Christine

    Meeting Mickey

Wouldn't it just feel so amazing and heart racing to meet your favourite actor? Maybe a singer, dancer, or an athlete? Unfortunately for Holling Hoodhood, meeting famous Yankees baseball player Mickey Mantle, wasn't everything he had hoped for. Holling was the last to get his baseball signed, but unlike other fans, showed up wearing bright yellow tights with feathers on the butt, and a blue cape. This was because he had just come back from a Shakespeare play. Because of Holling's attire, Mickey had thought he was gay and would not sign his baseball, and tossed it onto the floor, got up, and had said that he was done for the night. Holling was left in shock, nearly about to cry. Something similar happened to me when I was about three years old. My family and I had gone to Disney Land on summer, and I was getting autographs from all of Walt Disney's famous characters. Of course they were just some sweaty people in suits on a scorching day, but I didn't care. I still wanted autographs. After getting Daisy and Donald Duck's signature, Goofy and Pluto's signature, Minnie Mouse's and a whole bunch of other characters' signatures, I headed to line up to get Mickey Mouse's signature. Ironically, just like Holling, I was the last in line, and was getting an autograph from some famous "Mickey". There I was in line, waiting…waiting…and waiting as patient as ever. Finally the little blonde girl in front of me was getting her signature and photos with Mickey. After she left, I took a step toward Mickey with a smile on my face, and a blue book in my hand. The big smile on my face turned into salty tears rolling down my cheeks as Mickey and his two staff workers got up and headed for…well I don't know what it was, but I'm sure it was the change room. "OKAY! THAT WAS THE LAST ONE!" one of the staff shouted. Wait…WHAT?!? What on Earth was this?! Mickey Mouse couldn't give one last autograph to the ONLY little kid left in line? Well, that was fun…not. My mom saw what happened, and gathered me in her arms trying to comfort me. Unlike Holling, I wasn't just about to cry, and held in my tears. I was a three year old for crying out loud! Of course I cried! Even my mom started yelling to them, asking if Mickey could please sign one last book. No. No mercy shown whatsoever. They didn't even look back when I started crying! Some Mickey they've got there. I thought Mickey was supposed to be caring and fun. Eventually I did get a signature from another guy dressed up in a Mickey suit during sometime of the trip, and was pleased with all the rides and attractions. Now that nine years has passed since that experience, I don't care much for sweaty people in suits. Unless they really are a famous celebrity inside...well that's a different story.

- Christine

The Wednesday Wars

When our class first received the book, I took a simple glance at the front cover, read a little on the back cover and instantly thought this book was going to be dull and boring…but, I stood corrected. I guess that's why they say, "Never judge a book by its cover." So far I have to say I'm really enjoying this book. The author had put A LOT of humor that I actually laughed out loud when reading. I mean, who doesn't like humor? What struck me the most was the way the author really got inside of a teenager's head, and really understood how the character would respond to a particular situation. When a character like Heather Hoodhood (Holling's older sister), would speak, you really learn to appreciate the way Gary D. Schmidt composed her dialogue. This is because he would put her words in such a way a typical teenage girl would speak to a younger brother – like if she is bugged, she would speak with an annoyed, sarcastic tone in her voice. If you have an older sister, I bet you could really relate her attitude to Heather Hoodhood's. If you can't…well you're a lucky duck. You can see the way he really understands a teenager's mind when he writes. Another thing I also really liked is this way he expressed one's emotion and feeling, especially since he wrote the story from a twelve-year-old boy's perspective. He would make the reader think because when describing his characters' emotion or feeling, he wouldn't just make the character literally say how they feel, he would make the character show it through actions, describing their facial expressions, or speaking in a specific tone so the reader has to infer how the character feels or what mood they are in. He also uses similes, metaphors, and other methods to make his story more interesting. We have only read three chapters and I'm already getting into the story. I have to say, the book really shocked me, because I expected much less. I didn't expect the story to be this funny, or this interesting. It's a real page-turner for me, and I just can't wait to see what else happens throughout the rest of the novel!

-Christine

    

Marc Lescarbot

Marc Lescarbot was a French author and lawyer born in Vervins, France in 1570. He studied in Paris where he normally had lived, but his family was thought to have come from Guise. He learned to speak Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, but also had an interest in medicine. He was interested in literature, then later on in canonical and civil law. He graduated as a lawyer at the age of 29 in 1599. In his exploration days, he was asked to accompany Jean de Biencourt Poutrincourt and Sieur De Gua de Monts (a fur trader) on their voyage to Acadia. He reached Port Royal in July 1606, and was basically the main source of entertainment for the colony, by creating stories, poems, and plays for the men. He stayed there for a year, until De Mont's fur trade licence was cancelled, forcing the rest of the colony to return back to France. When he returned to France, he wrote books and poetry about his experiences in Port Royal. His writings are part of the reason of our knowlege in Acadian fur trade and colonization. When Pourtincourt had returend to Port Royal in 1606, Lescarbot welcomed him with a dramatic presentation called "The Theatre of Neptune" directed and written by him. The mythical god Neptune, played by Marc, appeared to welcome Poitrincourt in a bark canoe. The performance was played by other French and Micmaq and also completed with cannons and trumpets. Later on in life, Marc married around the age of 50, to a woman named Françoise de Valpergue on September 3, 1619. Lescarbot died on 1642 at the age of 72. Lescarbot had also been a calligrapher, a musician, and a draughtsman. He had composed many writings, and people have learned to appreciate them. Some people have also called him "the best of the historians of New France." Overall he was a very intelligent man with great courage, which I hope too, will influence others.

-Christine

Holling and His Parents

The relationship between Holling and his parents is quite complex. His 

mother is the type of person who would skip to conclusions without the 

slightest idea of what really happened. When Holling turns to his 

mother for help, she simply takes Mrs. Baker's side. She thinks her 

son is over exaggerating and assumes everything is perfectly fine. She 

does not believe that Mrs. Baker "hates Holling's guts", when at the 

same time she wasn't even there to witness what happened. Holling's 

father was quite annoyed when he tried to tell him his problem. His 

father was what you call a perfectionist, and since he was an 

architect, the Baker Sporting Emporium owned by Mrs. Baker's family 

has considered "Hoodhood and Associates" and two other companies to 

design their new building. As a perfectionist, it did not matter to 

him what his son's situation was, it mattered how it would affect his 

career. He did not want the name of "Hoodhood" to have a bad 

reputation, therefore he told Holling to behave and cooperate with 

Mrs. Baker. It was as if he didn't have a care in the world, other 

than knowing other people appreciated the Hoodhood family. After all 

of this, Holling of course feels very frustrated and upset that nobody 

understood what he was going through. I certainly would not like to 

have parents like that.

- Christine.

Teen Ranch Essay

My Teen Ranch Experience

"I need somewhere to escape, escape from reality.” This quote had been going through my head the whole Teen Ranch experience. Before I left for Teen Ranch, I was thinking, “Oh boy, this is a perfect opportunity to find myself!” When I say this, I mean sometimes I tend to feel really lost. Life can be pretty hectic with homework, chores, extra classes, busy schedules and even social life has been going down the road for people I know. By going to Teen Ranch, we would have to opportunity to learn to become more independent, try new experiences, be away from parents, home, media, and create recreate new bond between friends with memories that could last a lifetime. Bunking with new and old friends, sharing laughs by the pond, and trying new activities such as skating, allowed us to see hidden sides of people I haven’t seen before, along with realizing how much fun new experiences can turn out to be. Absolutely everything at Teen Ranch was beyond fun. The cabins were much better than I thought they would be and my cabin buddies made the experience far much exciting. There were some pretty hilarious moments we had in our cabin. Skating was definitely a brand new experience and I guess sometimes we have to fall to learn to pick ourselves back up, or we can save the trip down when you’ve got a friend to catch you. I’ve also never expected a few small talks and laughter could really brighten up your entire day, and make the pain go away.



When we first got off the bus at Teen Ranch everyone's faces just lit up! There were people jumping up and down, all ecstatic and super anxious for the week ahead. Cabins were what most students had been really impatient about, and let me tell you I was super curious. Now you see, some girls' cabins had a flight of stairs along with them, and with my loaded suitcase it was pretty tricky hauling that elephant up those stairs. Because the wheels kept getting jammed each time I took a step, it was almost as if the wheels were super glued to the wood! I have to admit that they looked pretty awesome along with our red and black cabins. Once we were past the stairs, my cabin buddies and I all made a left to cabin number four. When one of my friends opened the door, an awkward stench happened to fly up my nose. Bleh! I wasn't too pleased with the smell, but very shortly I got so used to it, I can still smell it this moment. It actually wasn't that bad, considering the cabins were pretty old. The second we got in the room, everyone was yelling out "THIS IS MY BUNK! -CALLED IT!!!" I was left with two options. - The bunk right next to the bathroom, or the one right next to the door. I stuck with the one next to the bathroom. I sort of get paranoid whenever I sleep next to a clear view outside the windows, or next to a door- one that ESPECIALLY isn't locked. The positive part is that there was a bunk for each of us, so there was no need to share. It was funny because shortly before we came to Teen Ranch, my friends and I were already debating who would get which half of the bunk. I had small expectations of the cabins, so when I finally got to see it I was pretty impressed. The bathroom was better than I expected too. The only thing that bothered me but I didn't mind too much, was the musky smell and the dripping shower tap. When it came down to the bathroom schedule, there surely was a bunch of chatter and debating...but yet again, this was all about compromising with other people. All together we would decide who would take their showers in the morning, and who would take theirs in the night. We would pick an agreeable amount of time we got to spend in the bathroom, but sometimes other people would go over by a few minutes, so unfortunately that time would be deducted from the next person's shower. We were very organized, and while someone would be occupying the bathroom, the rest of us would be listening to the radio while chatting and getting all our belongings and ourselves organized. The funny part was on the first night we took a shower, the two first people weren't able to turn on the cold water. The knob kept getting stuck, so those two had to take a shower in burning water...or at least try to. We occasionally heard yelping from the bathroom at random moments. Luckily when it was my turn, I found a way to finally get the knob loose and cold water running so I could even it out with the hot water. The rest of us were able to take showers in relaxing warm water. YAY! Eventually the bathroom floor became extremely wet so we all had to be very cautious when using the washroom. We all brushed our teeth at around the same time, and once that was over with, we'd either head outside at around 7:30 in the mornings, or head to bed for a night of rest. Usually we'd be in bed by 10:30 PM. The nights came and went so quickly. On the first night it was hard to fall asleep because we were just so excited we were finally here, and everyone kept chatting. We also weren't used to sleeping with four other people in cabins, away from home, and with paper-thin mattresses. The mattresses were alright...but not as comfy as my double bed at home with all the pillows I could sleep with! Oh well, one would have to do. I fell asleep quicker than I expected while my other roommates fell asleep at around 2:00 AM. I occasionally woke up at random times in the middle of the night, but that was fine. I hate restless nights because that next day fatigue just slaps you in the face. We all agreed to wake up at 6:30 everyday, and that's what my alarm what set to. Some of us were early birds, while the others were plain sleepy heads. I'm talking about the two right next to the alarm! Yes. The alarm was right next to their ears, but they were such heavy sleepers that I still had to get up myself, stumble my way across the room in the dark, and search for the off button. Well that wasn't such a big deal for since that's my same exact routine when I wake up for school. I guess they just weren't used to the alarm the way I am. That sounds annoys me so much, that at 6:30 AM when it goes off, my dreams and my unconscious mind suddenly snaps and I just need to turn that thing off. I'd have to say the memory of the first night at Teen Ranch, was more vivid compared to the other nights.



Skating was unbelievably amazing! It was so fun and I looked forward to it every time. Monday was the very first time I had ever gone skating, and I was so anxious to get on the ice. When it came to tying our skates, I knew how to tie them but I found it really generous of the people who offered to help me. When some students were struggling to put on their skates, there was ALWAYS somebody to lend a hand. I got up and tried to walk. I walked pretty naturally but how much more balance would I need on the actual ice? I then put on my helmet, which looked, pretty goofy, but better safe than sorry. When I first stepped onto the rink I thought I'd be falling and stumbling all over the place, but it turned out that I did quite better than I thought I would. Of course I still fell a few times, was unsteady, and whenever I'd look back or got distracted, I was guaranteed to lose balance. I stayed near the side of the rink with my hand brushing across the sideboard for some support. Some people were kind enough to give me a hand when I fell, and when others would stumbled and fell too, they wouldn't be left on the ice, but be helped get back up by a friend. There were my friends Ashley J, and Marc to encourage me and give me help on the first day. By simply holding my hands for balance, and giving me tips, they were able to make me a much better skater. They had to skate backwards in order for them to help me. I knew they both probably got frustrated when I'd say, " I can't" or anything negative, but now I thank both of them for helping me so much on my first day. Watching people be so kind to others just made me really happy. What really surprised me was the way other people skated. As I looked around the rink, I noticed that even the boys, who knew how to skate, actually looked quite...graceful. I'm serious when I say this. I know it sounds a bit feminine but it's true! They were gliding so effortlessly and they were so smooth when they skated, on their turns and crossovers, skating backward, and all those other things I couldn't do. Yet again, they do have experience. Not a bitter face was shown on the ice, even when people fell. They just laughed it off and were willing to get back up and try again. It was very entertaining to watch everyone skate and I'm sure they all had a blast!



What I found that was really relaxing was free time at Teen Ranch. The place I mostly hung out by was near the pond. The more people there, the better. It allowed talking and laughing without anything bothering us. If you had a really patient friend that would be willing to listen, you could vent to them about any problems. We would be sitting on the bench thinking or be dragging some sticks through the water watching the ripples expand. Some people were lucky enough to spy a few fish, tadpoles, and frogs. I found this place really peaceful, and I unfailingly went down there everyday. Even in the mornings at around 7:30 it would be the same place I’d head down to and meet up with my friends. The scenery was gorgeous along with the waterfall, and the many plants. I'd love looking at the pond in the morning because everything would be so frosty and peaceful, but then come alive when the sun shone in the afternoon. When the water would be still, it would be like looking at a mirror. The reflection of the sky in the water was crystal clear, until something would hit the surface. I’ve talked to a few friends about how they actually felt during free time and I remember Tiffany H. mentioning that even by wading sticks in the water could make you feel like the mellowest person. I also remember Ashley C. going on about how there was just way too much going on back home, and this was a great way to relieve that. Coming here to Teen Ranch was a great way to experience life away from the media and all the things we sort of depend on. You make a closer connection to nature. You don’t realize it, but sometimes you get so dependant on computers, televisions, and iPods for information that you kind of get attached to them without knowing. Everything done here was totally productive! I really enjoyed also feeding the horses. There was a mother horse named Ivy and her baby horse named Zoë. They were really cute and their hair was soft, but whenever they’d eat apples, it would be so gross! The apples were so juicy! They’d drool a slimy pale liquid, and whenever you’d try to feed it another one, there was no doubt that your hands would get slobbered all up. Whenever my friend and I would go by the fences to see the horses, they’d always be grazing on some hay. It’s crazy how much hay these horses eat in a day. They would even mistake a pair of brown mittens for food, and begin to nibble on them. Observing others feed the horses grass was quite interesting. When people would stick their hands out holding a bundle of grass, I wondered how the horses would eat, due to their large heads and jumbo mouths. When they’d eat, they sort of lick the grass and pull it into their mouths using their tongues. I also noticed that some people were a bit hesitant at first to feed them, and would jerk their hand away when the horses cam near. After a while they really weren’t nervous at all and they were feeding them so naturally. One time I looked over to Zoë and she was running like crazy!! The horses were a nice way of spending free time at Teen Ranch and I can tell Zoë is going to be really fast when she grows up. Aside from the pond and feeding the horses, I spent a generous amount of time on the trampoline. I can be a really hyper person at time so he trampolines were great for me! I didn't remember the last time that I've been on one, and when I started jumping on the trampoline I just felt so energetic! It was really fun bouncing up and down, and I remember the first time I jumped on that trampoline, I experienced that feeling when you go down a roller coaster. As I was jumping Ashley J. yelled out, "Do a flip!" At that moment I was thinking..."Oh, no...I'm not trying a flip!" I remembered that a few years ago I was on this big trampoline with a cord attached to my waist for safety. I attempted a flip and, well...failed. When I finally decided to do a flip on that trampoline with Ashley's encouragement, it felt really good. It felt even better knowing that I did it without a cord or anyone helping me. I jumped high and just went for it. I did the flip, didn't land it, but it was really fun! It was even exciting watching others so a bunch of flips and tricks on the trampoline. Now I wish that I had a really big trampoline in my backyard!



Teen Ranch was THE most exciting, educational, friendly, school experience EVER. It had taught me so many things. By agreeing to come on this trip, all of us had to be willing to step out of our comfort zone in one way or another, to learn something new. By being with a few other people sharing one cabin, we all had to find a way to compromise with each other. It was all a matter of getting to know people better and being patient with each other. New bonds between friends were created, and most of all we had an amazing time. With skating I learnt that you aren't going to be naturally good at everything to take a leap at, but it's always worth the risk. People's kindness and consideration just shined specifically in this area. When you'd fall or stumble they would be there to catch you. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and by falling and tripping was a way to gain strength. You'd get back up with will power and enthusiasm wanting to skate some more! Last but not least having fun. Free time was a great way to become more connected to nature without all the electronics and technology we depend on. Everything we've done was productive. By sitting by the pond and having laughs and chatter, we were able to get to know each other better. We were able to vent about anything that bothered us and just let it all out. That feeling of relief is just amazing, and I think that was the feeling I had all week. Teen Ranch, is an unforgettable experience and truly I say just warmed my heart.





By Christine

My Worst Halloween


I usually find Halloween such a fun and amazing time, except for one Halloween that took place during my younger years probably in grade 1 or 2.
It was Halloween and I planned to go trick-or-treating with my cousins. We were all rocking our awesome Halloween costumes and taking pictures before it was time to go. This was such a long time ago that I don't clearly remember my costume. I think I was a cow...or some sort of animal. I don't really remember. At 7:00 or so, we set off to collect our candy. We were having fun going around knocking on the doors of the scary and funky decorated houses. Whenever a person would open the door, I'd be so excited to recieve those scrumptious delights. After getting the candy, my cousins and I would hop in the wagon we brought if we were tired and our parents would pull us around the neighborhood. We were having an awesome night, and we were nearly done trick or treating, but when it came down to the the lasat few houses, after I got my candy I realized that the group was beginning to leave. I didn't want to get lost so I started running. Maybe running in the dark wasn't such the best idea. I tripped on a crack and fell. I scraped both my knees and they started to bleed. I stumbled to get up and tried to walk to the rest of them. When they knew what had happened, they plopped me in the wagon and we headed for home. 
When we got home my knees STUNG. My cheeks were still wet and I couldn't walk properly. They tried to clean my knees up with water but that made it burn even more! We let it be for a while until I felt better. The cuts started to fade after a few days. The positive side about that Halloween was I did get a lot of candy...excluding the ones that we threw out because we didn't trust them. Anyway, that would be my worst Halloween. Just so you know, the rest of my Halloweens were all so much fun! Oh! I almost forgot. Don't run in the dark on Halloween night!

-Christine

The nest reflection

Text To Self - The Nest

In the story of "The Nest" I really think I can relate to Jimmy. I can relate to the way he spoke to his mother.  It reminded me of all the times I would get into some arguments with my mom. I would ask her if I could do something like...go out somewhere or go to a friend's party. When she'd say, "No" or, "I'll decide later", I'd have the tendency to reason with her and persuade her to allow me to go. My parents say I'm stubborn, and I don't disagree. Sometimes I'd ask her so much, she'd get annoyed. When I'd finally give up of trying, and her final decision was a firm, "NO", I'd be so upset, but not upset to ignore what she said and go out and do the wrong. Most of the time I'd just go upstairs to my room or walk away and slouch myself down on the couch, go on my iPod, and ignore the world. Yes, you heard me. I would just be all depressed after that. I know some people give advice like, "Look at the bright side!", but seriously? When that happens, I'm not able to find the bright side. I know this is making me sound all negative, and I'm not too much of a drama queen either (I hope), but don't worry. After ten minutes or so, I'd be back to me loud, awkward self. When a situation happens like this, yes I'd be upset but afterwards I'd realize that the situation wasn't such a big deal.
If somehow the situation turned out that I was right about something or I proved a point to my mom, you can't argue that it DOES feel good to know you were right. (:

-Christine

Van Gogh Blog

One Painting Speaks a Million Words

        Vincent Van Gogh is a very famous post-impressionist painter. He was born on March 30, 1853 and died at the age of 37 on July 29, 1890 due to suicide. What I found very interesting about him was the fact that his masterpieces of art only became famous 'til after his death. It was quite disappointing to know that Vincent never got any fame in his lifetime and people did not realize how much brilliance this man had and such beauty he included in his work. He didn't have the most successful life, and I can understand how frustrating and sometimes even furiating it would have been if I had made thousands of creations and only one had been sold. Van Gogh went mad at one point of his life but I still think Vincent was very detirmined and was born to be the person he was for a reason. Even when his paintings weren't sold, he still continued to do what he loved. I like the fact that he had tried multiple careers in his life, but eventually found something that was his true passion! Something that he was born to do! In my opinion, I love being creative and doing art. Whenever I do art I prefer to put myself into it; meaning I want to be inspired by something, so that whatever emotion I'm feeling can be spilled out and be present in my work. I prefer to do landscape and still-life art. Sometimes you also tend to say more things in the art than you could in words. I took a look at more of his paintings and I honestly can't explain how much it got me thinking. I realized the different emotions you get when you look at each different one. Each one gave a different mood, and they somehow told a story like each one was speaking. One of my favourite paintings of his is "Starry Night" which makes me think of one of his quotes, "I often think that the night is more alive and more richly coloured than the day."The painting seems so lively with swirling colours at one point, then at another so mysterious and dreamy it makes me feel like I could just wish upon one of the stars in the scenery. There's just something fascinating about that picture that just draws me into it. I would like to know the meaning of his art pieces and why such a brilliant man ended his own life the way he did. Why exactly did he go mad? Was there no other way out of the depression he was experiencing? I think Van Gogh's life story is one you don't hear everyday, and we should understand that he put his heart and soul into his paintings. Maybe Van Gogh and some other people's bad thoughts and problems would just disappear for even a few hours while painting. For them it's a joy that makes them feel like they're running away from their hectic lives in the process without actually leaving home. I think art can be an adventure for everyone, and when that adventure starts it never ends...

                              - Christine C.