Don't Quit Your Daydream

     We all daydream. We all have dreams. We all wonder with "what ifs" and "maybes". I love daydreaming, but I find myself living in my head many moments through the day. One thought that has been running through my mind lately, although I don't like to think on "what ifs" because it's never reality, is my dad. Just a slight background history on my life: My dad passed in 2005 when I was 9 years of age. 

     I honestly don't mind talking about it. I've had people ask about my dad and when I inform them of the reality they always seem upset and cautious in what they say. I'm never offended anymore or believe that it is a touchy subject, simply because it's a fact that no one can ever change. It's reality; it's my life. I always try to tell others about what little bit I do remember about him and try to lighten the mood a bit. One big thing that I try to do if someone has recently had a parent pass, is help that person out. Whether they are older or younger... advice has no age label.

     My daydreams recently have been involving him. The three major questions I've been asking myself are:

     What would he be like? How would my life be like today? What would I be like? I know I will never get the answers to these questions, and that's alright. I'm totally fine with that. But, yes, I do wonder. 

     What would be his favorite recent movie? Would he like my favorite genre(s) of music? How would he look at me? Would he agree with my life choices and goals? What advice could and would he have given me? Most people say only what one wishes to hear:

     "Oh sweetie, he would be proud of you! He would support every move in your life and stand behind you every step of the way. And he would look at you as his son and would accept whatever you want and who you are." 

     Well, gee thanks! I could have created up those 'answers'. But how do you know? If my mother's and father's life would have been switched, I could say the same about her, but knowing how she truly is, it would all be one huge lie. She wouldn't like most of my music preferences; she wouldn't completely support me, and she would look at me as an outsider. Although, I would hear what I want, it wouldn't make it true. So, I ask again, how do you know? We don't, but like I said, I'm okay with that. 

     My life may be different. Instead of being placed in DSS custody, perhaps I would've lived with him. Maybe I wouldn't even have had the chance to even have that option to go into DSS (I probably wouldn't have skipped school). Would he have been stable enough to even take care of us (my brothers and I)?

     We always attempt to imagine the most possible outcome. Which is only natural. But, look at it from both perceptions. It's not a crime to do so. It may make you feel like a bad person because you think of it that way, but it's not uncommon. The person I am today may not even exist. His impression may reside within me. His advice may have been taken and put into action. I may be a total wreck due to the realization of having no parents who truly act as parents. Or maybe I may be at my prime.      

     Wishing only gets you so far - it only keeps you moving. Dreaming is only an escape. But, realization allows you to mold your character. Never assume the best only to get the worst. See your life through both eyes (great and horrible) and that will really show you where you want to be and where to start to get there. That said, I'm not saying it's going to be easy. We all need help and will continue to make mistakes and achieve small goals, as well as big ones. 

     As long as we remember where we came from, where we are going and who we are, we can stay honest and true to ourselves. Stop every once in awhile and realize life. Your life. What you are thankful for and things within yourself you can and want to change. This is a practice only one can encounter with honesty in their hearts. Only one who truly wants to see, can see. 

     Always carry yourself with self-love and self-respect! 

(P.S. If you don't know who this stunning, talented and gifted woman is. . . please search her name and find out who she is. Her song "Daydream" off her Foreword EP is amazing, and it sort of inspired this post.)

Mockingjay (Part 1) Movie Review

If you're like me and read books before their movie come to theatres, then I believe, one hundred and ten percent, that you can agree with me on this: No movie is ever better than the book! The book is allowed to speak on a more emotional and descriptive level than a movie. 

With that said, there are movies that can conjure the same affect. But, in order for a book to be installed as a movie, they must rewrite and screen-write and so forth and so on (I am no expert in this field, this is just from what I know). Therefore, they have to add in different elements to the scenes to capture that emotion. Whether it's extra words, or someone else describing something or even music, the book's emotional feeling is attempted to be transferred on screen. This can be difficult and confusing. This is what most readers, like myself, nagg the movie industries for. 

The Hunger Games series is an amazing book collection. I can't deny that. The effortless composure of the overall storyline is quite astonishing. The connection you feel with the characters keeps you on edge and you begin to create you own alliance. Some may dislike Katniss Everdeen, because she is so stubborn and always on her "own mission". While others may dislike like President Snow for his overpowered authority. Whatever the case, that's what grabs the emotional connections to you and the book. 

The movie installment on the other hand, it felt very dragged out. The book had much activity going on constantly. Not necessarily action but something that kept you waiting. While I sat in the theatres waiting for the title screen to appear, the first five minutes felt dull and lifeless. It didn't really catch my attention. As the movie proceeded (or prolonged, shall I say), I actually caught myself dozing off. 

That's not suppose to happen! 

While they went by the book as best as possible for the film, it felt like they stretched out the not-so-important parts and converted the emotional content into a lousy portrayal of such, just to make a part one. To me, personally, it wasn't worth seeing. I feel as if they could've just made it all into one movie, instead of keeping the franchise going an additional year. But I'm also giving them the benefit-of-the-doubt and predict that part two of the saga collection will be more exhilarating. Because, like I mentioned, there is action in the book, so I'm expecting action in the last movie. 

I rate it an honest seven out of ten. And that's because I'm expecting the second part to be more promising. I believe if it weren't for the second part, I would rate it a lot lower. The first two movies in the collection were good. Very good indeed. I'm just not convinced about this particular one.

I wouldn't recommend seeing it in theatres. I wouldn't even recommend buying this one. But, if you're like my friend, you will buy it to complete your personal collection. I would rent it and be done. You're getting some information to prepare you for the second part of MOCKINGJAY; but if you decided to not watch it, it's not really like you're missing anything huge. In part one there are about a total or three or four scenes that were great ad the rest were a disappointment. 

"Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever. In. Your. Favor." ***whistles and raises the tribute salute***

The Tree of Life

A tree. So simple, elegant, and beautiful. They come in many different shapes and sizes and so many astonishing varieties. All born from a tiny seed that's been blessed and nurtured. Always on time for spring and never late for autumn and fall. Yet, they have no sense of time! No clocks; no one to advice them; nothing going off with an alarm. These simple creations are undoubtedly functionally complex that it's perfect. 

They continue to provide oxygen and bare the fruit we consume. The roots that hold the trees intact to the ground we dig, through vicious winds of many natural disasters, grow deeply into the soil in which it was conceived. As autumn and fall approach they slowly and beautifully say goodbye to the leaves they've provided a place to reside. They let go only with the knowledge that they will be blessed, once again, when the time and conditions are right. 

They do not rush; they do not complain. The leaves, happy to touch and feel the ground their parent was born in, show their appreciation by changing colors. Once their color fades, they are composed into nutrients for their parent to produce more leaves. The water from the clouds above and the light from the sun contribute to the growth of fruit and leaves in spring. Trees know that everything will happen in time. 

They do not worry; they do not hurt. Instead, they love endlessly: giving air to the suffering, enjoying every moment with their leaves as possible, so when it's their time to part the tree isn't selfish. The tree simply encourages and lets go proudly as the leaves settle on the ground. Once the tree, itself, is ready to pass over it does so willingly, knowing their purpose has been served. 

An energy pulsates through this organism like no other. Yet, we overlook it everyday. Life and people are much like trees. People come in different shapes sizes and are each uniquely and perfectly different. We are the seeds taking root in the soil. One day, some will produce leaves and others will bare fresh produce. Naturally, these leaves and produce will embark on their own journeys. When this moment comes, do no partake in selfishness. Encourage and guide them. Love often and know your purpose has been served. Continue to give often with the expectations of receiving nothing in return. Most importantly, do not rush time away that is guaranteed to never return! 

Live in the moment! Live in the present! Live in the present moment! 

***Dont forget to comment your creative ideas for Friday's drawing! It's simple: come up with a short-story plot (it can be weird, funny, twisted, or complete nonsense) and post it in the comment section! Thank you!***

 

Submit Your Creations

I want to practice my creative writing! As a result: Comment a story plot or scenario below! It can be anything — crazy, twisted, even complete nonsense. In return, at the end of the week I will write each scenario (word-for-word) on a slice of paper (yes, I said slice. People say a piece of pizza when it's a slice. . . So who's to say it's not a slice of paper?) into a jar or hat (which ever is available at the time) and draw one out! I will announce the winner every Friday (this weeks drawing will take place on 11/7/14) and Saturday I will post the story. So, here's your chance! Comment your best, or worst, ideas below! Thank you! :)