Paraphrase: "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"

"'Twas the Night Before Christmas"

On the eve of Christmas,

when all lay in waiting,

the house was in silence,

the world was sleeping.

When children were dreaming

of presents and candy,

I lay there just thinking,

trying to get sleepy.

But before I could conquer

the battle of sleep,

a loud crash was sounded,

and up I did leap!

To my wonder there came

a sleigh and it’s carriers,

driven by one who

just couldn’t be merrier.

On the roof he did park,

and soon he emerged,

from the chimney in ash,

on his back a sack perched.

His face was aglow

with a smile and his belly

shook when he laughed

like a bowlful of jelly.

Then quickly he turned

to the fireplace there,

and emptied his load

into all the kids’ stockings.

Then winking at me

he went back up the chimney,

and as he flew away

he shouted out cheerfully,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Sea of Snow (updated)

The Sea of Snow          

            

Sparkling crystals,

A glassy show.

Icicles dripping,

Into a sea of snow.

An ocean of white,

A gale of wind,

A sea of crystals,

Outside and within.

A mini blizzard,

For miles around,

Flurries and snowflakes,

Covering the ground.

Icy blasts,

A storm of white.

Snow so cold,

In the cover of night.

Now it is calm,

The sea of snow,

A silent wonderland,

With a crystal glow.

With shimmering ice,

The trees are coated,

Joy to the world,

Sings a robin, red-throated.

The waves are still,

The sky is blue,

On snow so bright,

The sun shines true.

I am afraid,

I must confess,

I could go blind,

In this dazzling mess.

So from the window

I will go,

Leaving behind a sparkling,

Shimmering, icy,

Sea of snow.

          by Caroline Meek  

The Brain

Hello Friends, this is a review I did of four different articles. At the end you can find links to each article. Enjoy!


  “Personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower.”
~Charles M. Schwab

Caroline Meek

11/25/12

  Everyone has a different character and personality type, and, much like the way each flower has a different look and scent, no person is exactly alike.  What is the cause for such a diverse world?  A flower is suited to its environment; after all, you would not find a sunflower in the middle of the Gobi Desert, or a palm tree growing naturally  in the heart of downtown Kansas City.  People are also affected by their environment and surroundings.  Many things determine their makeup and disposition, such as their childhood, job situation, or social life.  But there are also biological factors in a human’s personal qualities.  

  The cerebrum is the center of thought and it plays a significant role in determining personality.  It occupies a large percent of the brain’s space, lying on top of the brainstem and surrounding other parts of the brain.  Also referred to as the cerebral cortex, the cerebrum is folded into many ridges and grooves, called gryi and sulci, which allows it to expand without having a greater volume.  Axons, long slender projections of nerve cells, make up the nervous system.  A bundle of them is called a nerve. These axons make up the white matter of the brain.  Gray matter, the cell bodies of neurons,  also affect the cerebrum.  Very complex, the cerebrum is considered the most developed part of the brain.    

  A large gap divides the cerebrum, creating the right and left hemispheres.  This split is from the front of the cerebrum to the back, and both halves are almost identical, but for a few variations.  Each hemisphere also specializes in different functions, although some characteristics are controlled equally by both sides.  
 
One area in which significant hemispheric domination is noted is language.  Both of the major areas that affect language skills, Broca's area and Wernicke's area, are in the left hemisphere. Also, when information is received from one side, it is sent to the opposite hemisphere, so both sides participate in the processing.  In the same way, commands sent out to the body are sent to one side from the opposite hemisphere.  For this reason, hand preference is also connected to hemisphere lateralization.  Keep in mind though, that many people’s hemispheric dominance is the same as their hand preference, this is not always the case.   Another difference is that in the right hemisphere, longer axons (white matter) can be found, whereas on the left side, more cell bodies (grey matter) are located.  

 Even though the left side side of the cerebrum is typically considered ‘logical’, and the right,‘creative’, both hemispheres tend to have some of these characteristics, contrary to the popular belief.  Some people are seen as ‘left-brained’, which generally implies that they prefer to think logically and are objective, often analyzing things.  Left-brained subjects also tend to be good at different aspects of language, such as grammar, critical thinking and reasoning.   People can also be perceived as ‘right-brained’, which typically includes a creative, thoughtful person who is more subjective in their decisions.  This side is also deemed good at music, intuition, and expressing emotion.  Although these generalizations are often made, bear in mind that many abilities are controlled by both hemispheres, such as math, which is strongest when both sides work together.

 Hemispheral domination can be seen strongly in people, it characterizes them, and knowing your dominance can be useful in understanding your strengths and weaknesses.  Also, even though a person may be considered left-brained, this does not necessarily mean that they are not capable of being creative, they are not doomed to only logic and language for the rest of their lives.  Being left or right brain dominant simply means that that side of the brain is more developed, a person can still exercise their less dominant side and strengthen it.  


  I am always amazed by the complexity of the human brain, and cannot even begin to comprehend the depth of every function.  I thought these articles contained a lot of information and addressed the topics I was seeking.  I hope you enjoyed learning about this special and absolutely necessary component of the brain - the cerebrum!  It is an irreplaceable factor in our personalities.   Indeed, the human brain is as unique as a flower.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebrum 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateralization_of_brain_function 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_hemisphere

Also, to see if you are right or left brained, see this website:
http://frank.mtsu.edu/~studskl/hd/hemispheric_dominance.html

Ripples: a Collection of Poems

Hello Everyone!!  My friend Olivia and I are soon going to be self-publishing a book together!!  This will be a collection of our best poems, many of which have never been posted before!!  To see a preview of the book, visit this link:  https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1112266
We will be self-publishing on Createspace, where we can design our own book!! We are planning to have it finished before 2013, in the next 2 months.  The book will be titled, "Ripples".
Thank you for all your support!!
Caroline Meek (and Olivia Rogers)

Stuck in an Elevator with an Elephant - by Caroline Meek

I'm stuck in an elevator with an elephant.
Don’t ask me why.
I’m sure he’s faring as bad as I.

The corner I’m in isn’t that comfy,
and this elephant’s nose
is really quite lumpy!

I’m not complaining, but this bell keeps ringing,
and the elevator music
sounds like a frog is singing.


This animal must weigh a million pounds,
I must report him
to the zoo’s lost and found.

My socks are wet from a janitor’s mess,
or perhaps a hippo’s drool,
I couldn’t care less!

I sorta got stuck ‘round his ample behind,
so if you plan to come up,
I hope you don’t mind!

Don’t ask me how I got in this jam,
it involves two giraffes,
and a yodeling lamb.

I’m losing my mind, I can’t last much longer,
remind me to visit that
misleading gopher!

The door finally opens at the very top story,
and in comes two cows,
and a very fat pony.

Love - by Caroline

Hopes can be dashed,
and conflicts will clash,
Joy can be slashed,
and triumphs may crash.
But in the hurt
there is purpose,
And through the pain
is a goal.  
Never lose sight,
keep you eyes fixed above.
On the magical, wonderful,
thing called- Love.

Poem - by Caroline Meek

A poem is Wise,
taking you to places
seen never before
by human eyes.
 
A whole new World,
where thoughts
are expressed simply
in a single word.

Deep meanings are revealed,
and the words hold truth,
that can be discovered,
but some things remain concealed.

It is an Art,
that reaches deep and far,
grabs hold and latches on,
to one's very heart.

A Mirror of the mind,
it shares with others
your feelings,
the thoughtful kind.
 
An Idea constantly
seeking an outlet
accept it, embrace it,
and let it spread freely.

Different Worlds - by Caroline

The variety of perfumes
in different words,
the contrasting color,
playing its part.

It redefines individuality,
setting new standards
but each bring new life,
the spice into quality.

Not one is excess,
they all fit the picture,
the puzzle's not complete,
with one missing petal.


Each has a place,
in their own different worlds,
How I wish I could be,
like a flower-
but I am.

Truth - by Caroline

Amidst the grass, of an open field,
Stands a cross, a steady Shield.
Adorned with love and faith and trust,
Never will this Stronghold rust.

Among the mountains strong and true,
There rests a stone, both old a new.
This miraculous Truth, so concrete,
Is a steady Path to guide my feet.

Through the clouds, a Light shines down,
Revealing hope for miles around.
A leap of faith is all it takes,
To enter the Kingdom that never shakes.

hang on to your dreams

dreams,
only last so long,
before they shatter,
taking with the remains,
so many
h
o
p
e
s
.
although uncertain,
don't fully release them,
for given time,
and much faith,
things can
c
h
a
n
g
e
.
the destruction
of dreams
can result,
in a beautiful
emergence,
a new essence
called,
r
e
a
l
i
t
y
.

The Writer- by Caroline Meek

A word,

A thought,

A flash of inspiration,

Fills my head with longing,

and then,

They won't stop coming

The plot,

The layers,

The effortless flowing,

And constant striving,

the dream, 

So close to grasping

A beam, 

A hope, 

A new light rising,

The finishing touch,

finally,

Triumph arriving.

A Tail of Tragedy: Part 2

Searching for my two beloved pets, my eye suddenly caught on something lying near the bottom of the steps leading upstairs.  It was Margaret.  The body lay there, and as I stared at it, a piercing wail suddenly filled the air and progressed to an-all out howl without hesitation, steadily growing louder.  I turned in time to catch a glimpse of a lump on the couch, which promptly rose and started up towards me, keeping up its haunting yowls.  Something inside me snapped, and I fixed the advancing Fluffy, my once loyal cat, with a withering glare.  A mixture of emotions boiled up in my throat and threatened to spill over.  I yelled.  "Fluffy!!  Bad kitty!!  You-you've killed m-my- goldfish!!!!!!!!  How could you??!!"  The cat meowed pitifully.   "Oh well.  So much for Margaret.  I can always buy another for 25 cents at the pet shop up the street.  But shame on you!!  Just in case you haven't learned your lesson, next time- I'm buying a Piranha!!"

The End

A Tail of Tragedy - Part One

"Well, my day started out out as I was leaving for work.  I bid farewell to Fluffy, my cat, and Margaret, who flicked her tail in return.  They watched together from the window as I got in my car and drove away. My day at work was virtually uneventful, and I left, ready for a evening with my two beloved pets.  As I pulled into the driveway,  the house seemed unnaturally still.  Silence was in the air, and the curtains were dormant.  As twilight settled in the horizon, I tried to shake off the uncanny feeling of foreboding.  I unbolted the lock on the door.  I turned the knob, then pushed open the heavy wood door.  I was greeted by a draft of chilly air followed by an erie silence.  "Fluffy," I call, "Margaret?"  Nothing.  I was met with absolute silence.

To be continued:)

A Short Story: The Price to Pay

The man panted to a stop, then looked back over his shoulder. He had foolishly taunted a beaver at work and was now being chased for his blunder. Suddenly, the beaver himself crashed through the thicket, running as if his life depended on it, barreling through bush and brush alike. The man shot a quick glance at him and began to run. But it was in vain, for the beaver had already spotted him. At the last minute, the man scrambled up into a tall oak and was temporarily safe. Thanking the tree for its shelter, the man began to look around. All he saw was the fuming beaver, pacing and growling as if he wished to tear him apart. In his hurry, he had neglected to think about a way to get down. Now, he wished he had. Thankfully, after a while, the beaver appeared to have calmed down and went away.

 The angry animal, though, was far from through with harassing the man; his mind was on the tree, which had helped the man make his escape.  He had a different plan on his mind.

The man, who was relieved to be alive, was about to climb down when he heard a incessant chopping sound that got louder and louder, ever increasing. He payed no attention until, four minutes later, the sound hadn't ceased.  Looking back on the moment later, he realized he had faintly noted the remote noise of a tree swaying, its leaves brushing against each other, but had not associated this with his present predicament.   But now, to his horror, he looked down on an awful sight.

The clever old animal had devised a plan that was bound to prevent the man from ever again having the audacity to venture in to the dark forest, and he meant to go though with it.  The fearsome animal had set about resolutely gnawing on the trunk of the rebellious tree that kept him from his revenge on the man who had so rudely interrupted his important work.

The man looked down on the undaunted animal with awful realization.  Only now did he fully begin to grasp the consequences of teasing nature.  If only he could get down from the tree, or convince the beaver to let him free.......

The beaver however, was in no such mood to discontinue his ferocious onslaught on the tree.  One thing was clear: he would not let this intruder disrupt the forest and get away with it.

His mind racing, the unfortunate individual competed with the beaver, desperately willing his mind to come upon a plan worth taking.  As he looked down on his enemy, his foot slipped into a hollow, and while he struggled to regain his footing, an idea came to him.

With the sun well overhead, both beaver and man were tiring.  The tree now had a fair-sized dent in them, and strewn around the chipped trunk were piles of splintered chunks, the result of the faithful beaver's effort.

The beaver looked up at his quarry, hoping to see him suffering in the brutal heat, but the man was nowhere in sight, and the branch upon which he had been resting had been well in the open, impossible to hide on.

The man, cramped and aching, glanced around in the dark, his sore neck bruised from the arduous work of bracing himself.  He was listening for the telltale signs of a certain beaver beginning to get anxious.

The beaver, sure enough, stopped his work for the first time in hours.  It was significant, this, that something would succeed in halting is tireless toil.  He cautiously circled the tree, wary of attack.  But there was no sign of the man, no trace of his scheming whereabouts.  The beaver was incredulous, could the man really have snuck off while his mind was bent on felling the tree?  It was possible, but not likely.  His senses highly alert, and his nose pasted to the ground, he reluctantly began to prowl the surrounding area.

Adjusting to the dark, the man could make out the figure of the beaver, wandering away from his faithful post.  He contemplated the easiest way to get out, and decided on the forthcoming action.

Shortly, a shaggy head was seen protruding from the tree, which turned to each side, cautiously, and then raised revealing the rest of the form.

 The man emerged from the hollow trunk, bruised, but alive, landed softly in the wood shavings, and sprinted off to his little cottage, where he was safe.

By and by, the beaver heard the noise of running feet, in the direction of the little house and knew he had been outsmarted.  Resignedly, he trudged back to his river home, and went back to his work.

Both man and beaver went to bed that night peacefully, each with new knowledge and a fresh understanding of certain consequences.

Spring

Spring

 by Caroline

The Spring breeze sweet,

It gladdens my heart, 

To see new life,

 So joyous in part

As birds sing out,

And blossoms unfold,

Revealing new beauties

Such treasures untold

The sky so calm,

A cloudless blue scene,

With prancing lambs,

And swans serene

A glimpse of this, 

A land without care,

The world once sweet,

Will fade to despair

Sin is darkness,

It also can spoil,

And so it did,

Beginning great toil

Enjoy Spring now,

Because fade it will,

Plunging the world,

Into dark and chill

Thank you O God,

For sending your son,

To right the wrong,

Long since begun

Hello again!!

Hi everybody!!  Sorry I haven't posted in so long!!!  We have been super busy with L.I.T., piano, home school, and other activities!!  Annie and I started choir 3 weeks ago, and we are going to be in a 'play' about the parable of the Sower and the Seeds.  It should be really cool, and we have been wanting to do something like this for a long time!!  We had try-outs 2 weeks ago, and last week the director announced the official speaking parts.   While I didn't get a speaking part, (I wanted to be 'Meg', an independent bold, farmhand) I am going to get to participate in some solos!!  (All the solos are only like 2 lines, but there are a lot of them in each song)  So that has been really great!!  I have also been working on a composition on the piano, which is turning out pretty good!!  I hope to post another essay soon!!  :)
Caroline :)