An ABC Poem

Aroma in t he air so sweet

Birds singing, tweet tweet

Children splashing in the pool

Diving in, the water’s cool

Easy breeze touches my skin

Fireflies approach as the day ends

Glowing of the night time bug

Horses gather, as if a hug

In the future, you’re all I see

Just you and me, that’s all I need

                                                                                                                       Courtney Gunnels

A Metaphor Poem

My heart is like a marshmallow

Soft, fluffy, pink and light

My heart is like a diamond

Cut and polished to perfection

Happiness is a thought

You hold it in your mind

Love is a feeling

You hold deep inside

Butterflies dance

When you’re around

When I hear your voice

My heart melts at the speed of sound

                                                                                                      Courtney Gunnels

A Haiku Poem

Secrets and Advice

And the one I go to first

Truly a best friend



Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley was born in Simi Valley, California to Lori, a middle school counselor, and Loni, a school principal. She also has a younger brother, Tanner. Although her parents are divorced, she claims they still spend the holidays together. Woodley had her first audition at the age of five, when her model cousin brought her to a talent-call audition. Her mother asked her it she felt like acting one day, and of course Shailene was up for it. After that, things just kind of fell into place.

In 2002, she appeared in small television roles on Without a Trace and The District. In 2005, she was nominated for a Young Artist Award in the Category: Best Performance in a TV Movie, Special Leading Young Actress for her role in A Place Called Home as California Ford. In 2003, she appeared as Kaitlin Cooper on The O.C. television series. She appeared as Felicity Merriman, in Felicity: An American Girl Adventure for which she received a Young Artists award nomination in the Category: Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special. This is one of two TV specials that Woodley appeared in with John Schneider. She appeared on Crossing Jordan as a young Jordan, as well as other television series including, Everybody Loves Raymond, My Name is Earl, CSI: NY, and Close to Home. In 2007, Woodley appeared in Cold Case as Sarah Gunden, the murder victim's younger Amish sister, who originally brought the case to the investigators' attention. Woodley currently stars in the ABC Family series The Secret Life of the American Teenager as Amy Juergens, a 15 year old who discovers she is pregnant. The show explores the effects of her pregnancy on her family and friends as well as life at Ulysses S. Grant High School in California.

Russell Puppies -Blog16

In the image above is my puppy. His name is Benji.

The Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Jack Russell Terrier originated in England in the 19th century. Their name derived from the Reverend John Russell, a hunting enthusiast, who was the first person to breed them for fox hunting. The Jack Russell Terrier is exceedingly adept at digging and burrowing into foxholes and dens.

The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely loyal, intelligent, and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. Unlike some modern breeds, Jack Russells have one type, hunting. Hunting ability is bred into them. It is their nature. The unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first time dog owners. While adaptable to to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to hunt.

Jack Russell Terriers are very energetic dogs, with a big need for regular exercise. They are working dogs, and need to have a job, whether it be keeping your yard free of rodents, chasing a ball, or going for a run or long walk with it's owner. Sitting on the couch peacefully all day is not in a Jack Russell's agenda. They require more of a time commitment than some breeds.





Blog 15 - Alan Jackson

Have a little love on a little honeymoon
You got a little dish and you got a little spoon
A little bitty house and a little bitty yard
Little bitty dog and a little bitty car

Well, it's alright to be little bitty
Little hometown or a big old city
Might as well share, might as well smile
Life goes on for a little bitty while

A little bitty baby in a little bitty gown
It'll grow up in a little bitty town
Big yellow bus and little bitty books
It all started with a little bitty look

Well, it's alright to be little bitty
Little hometown or a big old city
Might as well share, might as well smile
Life goes on for a little bitty while

You know you got a job and a little bitty check
Six pack of beer and television set
Little bitty world goes around and around
Little bit of silence and a little bit of sound

A good ole boy and a pretty little girl
Start all over in a little bitty world
A little bitty plan and a little bitty dream
It's all part of a little bitty scheme

Well, it's alright to be little bitty
Little hometown or a big old city
Might as well share, might as well smile
Life goes on for a little bitty while



Under the Influence, Alan Jackson finds the much-awarded self kicking back to relax with his buddies in the studio. He says he did the album for fun, without heed to commerciality. Somewhat to his surprise, the executives at Nashville have embraced the project as enthusiastically as they have any of his previous works. When he first began to sing country music in Georgia, Alan Jackson was especially influenced by the songs of Hank Williams Jr. The rowdy superstar was quite moved by Jackson's "Midnight In Montgomery," which paid homage to Hank Williams Sr. in 1992. Now Jackson salutes Hank Jr.'s songwriting prowess in a powerfully emotional reading of "The Blues Man." Jimmy Buffett's songs were a staple of every club entertainer of the 1970s and 1980s. Jackson not only revives "Margaritaville," he harmonizes with the enduringly popular Buffett on the tune. But unlike many who carry traditional country's banner, Jackson allows his music to grow and evolve. Indeed, his songwriting seemed to gain depth and insight as each new album was created. As a composer he has been behind such contemporary-country masterpieces.

Blog 14 - It's the little things that count.

On April 1,2011 my boyfriend bought me the roses and had them sent to me. How do you know your boyfriend is worth keeping around? He remembers the little things. Josh remembered that roses are my favorite. The card read "Just Cause". This was the first time anyone had ever sent me flowers, except for my daddy. Dad only does it for my birthday, because he has to, not because he wants to. It was a total surprise when Josh sent me these roses. It was definately the best surprise I have ever had in my entire life. I couldn't have been any happier, because that let me know that he cars.
When I saw him later that night he asked me what I thought of them and I talked about them all night. Then he asked me how I liked the balloons, and I didn't get any balloons. He called them and got his money back. I guess one balloon said "Just Cause" and the other one was supposed to have a Diabetic joke on it.

Blog 13 - Above The Influence

Warm weather is here again! Teenagers anticipate the warm breeze and sunshine. The thought of sitting around a bonfire and spending time with friends is exhilarating. What teens don't realize, is deaths caused by drunk driving is ever present and increasing every year. Crashes cause death of drivers, passengers and the people on the streets. People die in drunk driving accidents because of the driver. The driver could kill himself and the passengers. He also could kill the people in the streets. Alcohol affects the part of the brain that makes decisions and actions. So, a drunk driver can not decide what to do next and at what time. So, he causes the accidents and therefore, could kill many people. Drunk drivers become impaired and they are not in a correct state of thinking to drive. All teens should think twice before drinking and driving. You're best friends life would be on the line, as well as yours and other civilians on the raod.

Avril Lavigne 2011

Been seein’ to much of you lately
And you’re starting to get on my nerves.
This is exactly what happened last time and it’s not what we deserve
It’s a, it’s a waste of my time lately.
And I’m running out of words.
If it’s really meant to be than you can find a way to see

[chorus]
Maybe you should just shut up
Even when it gets tough
Baby ‘cause this is love.
And you know when push comes to shove
It’s gonna take the both of us
Baby, this is love
Baby, this is love

Love
Love
Love

It’s really great to be with you
This is how I spend my life
But I’m capable of taking care of myself
So if you fuck this up than go take a hike
It’s a waste of my time
Shakin’ it up,
Goin’ out to search if it’s really meant to be
Then you could find a way to see


[chorus]
Maybe you should just shut up
Even when it gets tough
Baby ‘cause this is love.
And you know when push comes to shove

It’s gonna take the both of us
Baby, this is love
Baby, this is love

You and me
We can both start over
Just the two of us
We can get a little closer

So follow me
Honestly
And you will see - Yeah

[chorus]
Maybe you should just shut up
Even when it gets tough
Baby ‘cause this is love.
And you know when push comes to shove
It’s gonna take the both of us
Baby, this is love
Baby, this is love

Maybe you should just shut up
Even when it gets tough
Baby ‘cause this is love.
And you know when push comes to shove
It’s gonna take the both of us
Baby, this is love
Baby, this is love

Love
Love
Love

I chose these lyrics, becuase this is my favorite song on her new CD; Goodbye Lullaby. This album, unlike her others, is mellow. Half of the songs on this album were written by Avril herself, and she co-wrote the rest of the songs. When asked what the significance of the album was, Avril replied; "It represents the record and me growing, moving forward, opening a new chapter in life and closing the door on another." Avril wrote the  song "Darlin" when she was fifteen years old. Avril also admitted that being part of the song writting process makes the project that more closer and important to her. Avril also hopes that the next big hit single is 'Push'.  

Blog 11 -Nicki Minaj (Being a Role Model)

I drove for miles just to
find you
and find myself
all these screams
all these voices in my
head
you gave me strength
gave me hope
for a lifetime
I never was satisfied

This time won't you save
me
This time won't you save
me
Baby I can feel myself
givin' up, givin' up, givin' up
This time won't you save
me
This time won't you save
me
Baby I can feel myself
givin' up
givin' up
givin' up
givin' up

It's not your fault
I'm a bitch
I'm a monster
Yes I'm a beast
And I feast when I
conquer
But I'm alone
On my throne
All these riches
I came this way
All this way
Just to say hey


I'm givin' up baby
(Feels like I've been driving for miles)
I'm givin' up baby
(And I can't seem to silences these voices in my head)

This time won't you save me
(Please save me)
This time won't you save me
(Please save me)

Nicki Minaj : "I want girls to get confidence listening to me. I want them to feel like they don’t have to play second fiddle to a boy."

Blog 10 -Pink "You can't move mountains by whispering at them."

Made a wrong turn, once or twice.
Dug my way out, blood and fire.
Bad decisions, that's alright.
Welcome to my silly life.
Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood.
Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down.
Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated.
Look i'm still around.

Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel.
Like you're less than fuckin' perfect.
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel, like you're nothing.
You're fuckin' perfect to me!

You're so mean, when you talk, about yourself you were wrong.
Change the voices, in your head, make them like you instead.
So complicated, look happy, you'll make it!
Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game.
It's enough! I've done all I can think of.
Chased down all my demons, i've seen you do the same.

Woah ohh, pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel.
Like you're less than fuckin' perfect.
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel, like you're nothing.
You're fuckin' perfect to me.

The whole world's scared so I swallow the fear.
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer.
So cool in line, and we try try try, but we try too hard and it's a waste of my time.
Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere.
They dont like my jeans, they don't get my hair.
Exchange ourselves, and we do it all the time.
Why do we do that? Why do I do that?

Why do I do that?

Yeah, oh, oh baby, pretty baby!
Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel.
Like you're less than fuckin' perfect.
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel.
Like you're nothing, you're fuckin' perfect to me yeahhh.
You're perfect, you're perfect!
Ohh pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel.
Like you're less than fuckin' perfect.
Pretty please, if you ever ever feel, like you're nothing.
You are perfect to me...

Pink's newest hit single Perfect co-written and produced by Max Martin.

A personal not from Pink:

Cutting, and suicide, two very different symptoms of the same problem, are gaining on us. (the problem being; alienation and depression. the symptoms; cutting and suicide). I personally don't know a single person who doesn't know at least two of these victims personally. A lot of us have seen certain starlets showing off their latest scars on a red carpet somewhere, usually right before they head back to their favorite rehab.

Its a problem, and its something we should talk about.
We can choose to ignore the problem, and therefore ignore this video, but that won't make it go away.
I don't support or encourage suicide or cutting.
I support the kids out there that feel so desperate/numb/powerless, that feel unseen and unheard, and can't see another way.. I want them to know I'm aware. I have been there. I see them.
Sometimes that's all it takes.

Making this video was a very emotional experience for me, as was writing this song. I have a life inside of me, and I want her or him to know that I will accept him or her with open and loving and welcoming arms. And though I will prepare this little munchkin for a sometimes cruel world, I will also equip this kid to see all the beauty in it as well. There are good people in this world that are open-minded, and loving. There are those that accept us with all of our flaws. I do that with my fans/friends, and I will do that with my child, whoever they decide to be.

Blog 8 - Young "Love"? I don't think so.

             Only 43% of teenagers say they have not had sex. By age 15, 13% of students have already had, or are indulging in oral sex. Of girls having sex before the age of 15, will more then likely end up teenage parents. Many teens say that they would be less likely to have sexual intercourse if the could have open conversations with their partners. About 12% of teen males and 10% of teen females have had heterosexual oral sex but not actual sex by 17 years of age. An estimated one in three girls, in the United States, get pregnant before the age twenty. Teen pregnancy rates are much higher in the United States than in other developed countries, and twice as high as in England and Wales or Canada, and eight times as high as in the Netherlands or Japan.
            Twenty percent of teens, ages 13-19 say they have been sent or posted nude pictures online. Twenty-one percent of teen girls and thirty-nine percent of teen boys say they have engaged in "sexting" with someone they wanted to date or "hook up" with. Fifty-one percent of girls who send or post naughty pictures and send dirty messages, say it's because pressure from the person on the other end.
           Reseachers say the best ways to avoid things like this, is to take things slowly, get to know the person first, hang out in a group your first time, and talk to this person, you want to make sure you really know them. Relationships should be based on that emotional and mental connection, before the physical, sexual level. You need to know that you can trust this person, and that if something were to happen that they wouldn't bale. Be safe, have safe sex!

Blog 7

The South Central basketball team played a great season. Being on a team is like being part of a second family. They hold you up when you are down, push you to do your best, and they are always there when you need them the most. Their final game was against the North Clay Cardinals. A close game from the start, we only lost by three. The team knew what they had to do, support eachother as they played their last game of the season. This situation was very upsetting for the seniors. That very game, is the last game that some of the will ever play. The hardest part was saying goodbye to their team. They will no longer be cougars after this year, and it didn't hit them until the final buzzer weny off. They had a great run the past four years, and the best of luck to the them in their futures. They will always have the memories of playing a sport they love, for a school they love. South Central is one big family, and we support eachother whether we are winning or losing. Great Season Cougars!

Blog 6 - Who influences you?

What does it mean to be an influence?
To me, an influence is someone who you want to be like. When trying to be like someone, you copy what they do. Whether it be a good influence or a bad one, you imitate them. When I was little, I was daddy's little girl. I would follow him when he went out to do the chores and attempt to help. We went fishing and hunting together. I would follow him around on days he would let me go to work with him & boss the machanics around, because that's what he did. As I got older, I became Momma's little shadow. Cleaning house and baking with her, because it made me feel older. I'd do the dishes and dust the living room. Now that I'm getting older, I have taken on both responsibilities. My parents have raised me this way, to prepare me for my future. Reality is setting in and I'm going to be out on my own in about a year. Carrie and Matt Bushue have also influenced me. You see, Carrie is like my big sister and she lived with us since she was sixteen. I have seen her grow as a person, and move out on her own with her husband, Matt. Seeing the struggles and the complications they have went through has taught me to do things in another way. Carrie has taught me to be a better person, and to not let anyone push me around. She is definately the best influence in my life. Matt, on the other hand, I can go to him whenever, with whatever problem, and I know he will always know what to say. These four people are the most important people in my life. Other influences such as friends, come and go as we get older. Interests change and we meet new people. Some people change for the better, and some for the worst. Whether you change for better or worse, someone influenced you to make the change. You, and only you can take responsibility for the changes made.

Blog 5 -Reece Matthew Bushue

February 13, 2011

12:50 a.m.

A baby was born. His name is Reece Matthew Bushue, & he's perfect.

7 lbs. & 13 oz.

He has dark hair and deep blue eyes.

Reece has his daddy's nose and his big feet.

He has his mommy's lips, and long fingers.

How can you love someone so much that you just met?

I can't even explain how much that baby boy means & I don't even know him yet.

Crazy how things work like that.

I hope he is:

Healthy

Strong

Intellegent

&

Athletic

Mommy and daddy are doing great. They have waited for him for too long.

Congratulations, Carrie & Matt

Blog 4 -What is a Best Friend?

What does it mean to be a best friend? To me, a best friend is someone who you can confide in. Someone you can trust with all your secrets, & know it'll always stay between just the two of you. A best friend is someone who will comfort you when you cry, someone who will hold your hand when you're scared to go it alone, and someone who will stand by your side through the good times and the bad. A friend is someone who will always be by your side when it hurts to look back and you're afraid to look forward. When the whole world walks out on you, you're best friend walks in. They stand up for you and except you just the way you are. My best friend and I can stay up for hours talking about the most meaningless things ever, and we never get bored. We would rather be bored together, than bored apart, because that's when we take pictures of ourselves making faces infront of the mirror. This week I have been with Torri ALL week. She came home with me Monday, because we got out of school early. Since we ended up not having school all week, she stayed with me through Thursday, & we stayed @ her house through Saturday.  Throughout the week, we colored, played games, drove around going nowhere, & talked about everything you could ever imagine. We shared secrets, we cried together, and we held hands too, actually. We never get tired of eachother, because we are so much alike, & that is what makes her my best friend.

Blog 3 -Taylor Swift

On my way to school today I listened to Taylor Swift. Taylor writes 90% of her songs based on boys and break ups. Her theme for her most recent album is Love. Why do girls look up to her so much? Taylor is the perfect rolemodel. She writes about her personal life. That goes to show young girls she is real, and they are just like her. That is inspirational to young girls, knowing that someone so great feels the same way they do. Girls all over the world can relate to Taylor Swift, because when we are going through a hard time, Taylor can put that problem into words in ways that we can not.

*"You are the best thing, that's ever been mine.."

*"I never thought we'd have a last kiss, I never imagined we'd end like this.."

*"All you are is mean, and a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life, and mean, and mean, and mean, and mean..."

*"Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you, you're gonna believe them.."

All of these song lyrics are relateable to some girl out there, at this very second.

Blog 2 -Innocent Girl

Two years ago,
From today
I gave you my innocence.
You stole it away.
Innocence taken from a little girls heart,
Replaced by mistrust; you thought you were smart.
Innocence fade like a cloud before the sun.
Innocence taken from girl much too young.
Now, she's full of hatred and fear
Innocence gone, no one come near.
She knew she wasn't ready,
But she played his games.
She cried to herself, feeling so ashamed.
There was no goodbye,
He just up and left.
Today, she is independent and on her own.
Laying on her bed, staring at the cieling,
No one cares, she's all alone.
She can't help but love to hate the feeling.

Don't let innocence go so easily. You'll never regret anything more. Once it's gone, there is no getting it back.

Blog 1

What is it like to be a teenage girl? Throughout the rest of the 2011 school year, I will be blogging about what it is like to be a teenage girl. It is not just school and what brand of clothes we wear, it goes much deeper than that. We worry about our future, and who we're gonna be in 10 years. Where will we go to college? Will our best friends be there with us? These are some things that we think about during our teenage years.
We also have pressure put on us by our parents, on top of worrying about school, sports, boys, and jobs. They only want what is best for us, but the constant nagging is never ending until you do what they want. Mom will never be satisfied with anything lower than an "A", and dad will never be okay with you having a boyfriend. This is life, and no one is ever going to make everyone happy, but you have to do what is best for you.