The Simple Question

There are always questions about life that we want to ask people. What do you want to be when you grow up or if you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Well, I have a question that I thought about in my room one day. What does "A Perfect World" look like to you? For example: I see wide open green fields that look like they could go on forever. I see people from all over the world talking peacefully and children of all colors running around hand and hand. The only smoke I see is coming from several local bakeries. (Of coarse, that's more of the fantasy world, but I will respect your opinion, whatever it is.)

Sincerely Yours,

Sidney

A Simple Family Dinner

When some people think of family dinners, they think of take-out Chinese food or pizza, but really, there's more to family dinners than that. A family dinner is about more than the food you eat. Many years ago, dinner was when everyone came home from work or school and talked about their day and many other things. Sadly, some people don't eat with their families any more and if they do, it's not an enjoyable time. For example, the teenage brother comes in and out of the kitchen, taking a bite here and there, dad watches the news, the little sister eats with her comic books half-way under the table, while mom tries to feed baby brother, who squeals and throws food everywhere.

A good idea for a family dinner is to make the meal together because the best food is made in your own kitchen with your family at your side. Dinner is about both eating and gathering with the family to close a day.

On Thursday night my family had a family dinner . I chose this night not only because I love spaghetti, but also my Dad was home from his meeting in Dallas. My Dom got her pots, pans and ingredients out, and she started cooking. Because I had homework to do, I sat down in the formal dining room and started working. My dad worked in his office and my brother was upstairs studying. The smell of fresh meat and thick green veggies drifted like a stream into my working space. Every once in a while, my brother took a break and made his way into the kitchen. He took a taste here and there, but he was shooed away before he could eat anything more than a sample. After the food was cooked, my brother and I set the table. We gathered around the table and my Dad said grace. We sat down to a great meal, talking, laughing, joking and even gossiping.

The worst part about my family dinner night was cleaning up. Doing the dishes, sweeping the floor, and wiping all the counters was not a lot of fun. Still, it was a good night and certainly one that I'll remember.

Family dinners are a time that should be enjoyed by all families big or small. Even in these tough times, people should find comfort within their families and a family dinner helps alleviate worries. Like I said earlier, family dinners are about eating and gathering with the family to close a day.

Ideas

THESE ARE MY TWO GREATEST IDEAS. THE FIRST ONE IS A PERFORMANCE AND THE SECOND ONE WILL BE A MOVIE.

Miracle on Broadway: Alexander Bore, from Buffalo, New York, goes to perform in New York City, much to his parents' dismay. On the way, he runs into Louisa Jones, a retired Broadway Legend, Lulu Swirl, a headstrong singer, and Marcus a funny, good-natured guy, known for his comedy. Together these three friends teach him everything there is to know about Broadway and the price it often costs.

A Promise: Ann Johnson wants nothing more than to do something to help out with World War II. When her mother tells Ann that her employer will be fostering two cousins that are Holocaust victims, Ann is eager to help. Samantha Richard and Catherine Davidson arrive from war-torn England, Ann trys to make friends with them, but it's not working out like she thought. Ann is black, while the cousins are white. This story shows us that no matter what your race is, a friendship can happen.

Mans Best Friend Thier Side of The Story Part II

CHAPTER II

A LITTLE PRINCESS NAMED...BROOKE

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST CHAPTER PLEASE DO SO OR YOU WON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.

There are dogs that are pampered and then there are dogs that are PAMPERED. This dog was the second one...PAMPERED. A little chihuahua, she was wearing a pink dress with a diamond collar and black boots. She sat on a baby pink pillow, not one of the daycares I knew, near the porch. JaJa, a sweet Jack-Russell, walked past her. The chihuahua snapped with such fierceness that poor little JaJa ran as if the devil were after her.

I started to bare my fangs in anger when Tobi trotted next to me.
"Do not judge her too badly, Pippy. She is young, naive, and vulnerable."
"Well, I do not like ignorant little rats that call themselves dogs" I mumbled with a sniff. I followed Tobi as we made our way towards the chihuahua.
Just as I thought, she bared her fangs and started yapping at us like we were rodents or something. When she realized we weren't going to leave, she said in a demanding high-pitched voice, "What do you want?"
Tobi stepped forward.
"We are here to welcome you dear litt-"
She cut Tobi off. "My name is Princess Rosey Alexandria Brooke and I expect to be called Miss Rosey, Miss Brooke, or Princess Rosey Alexandria Brooke and I will tolerate no other ame!!"

She finished her little speech with a sastified sniff. I couldn't believe she would be so mean and disrespectful to Tobi. Tobi wasn't just any dog, he was THE dog. Tobi had traveled all over the world and served as a rescue dog. He was loyal, kind, patient and honest. I wanted to stand up for him becuase he was too much of a gentleman to be mean. An idea came to me. A wonderful idea.
"Well Miss Brooke, we just came by to tell you that this isn't going to be some kind of pampering pooch day. This is the day that you're going to remember for the rest of your little life!"

I turned around and said in my loudest voice, "Everyone come on over!!"
Like a magnet, all the dogs, big and small cam, running.

Miss Brooke seemed flattered, but nervous.

Good.
I turned to Miss Brooke. "Everyone this is Princess. She'll be staying with us for a while and I thought it would be nice if we greeted her with a little fun activity."
Most of the dogs looked at me like I was speaking alien. I smiled and turned to one dog in particular.
"Siren!! How about a little competition?"
A gasp rose above the crowd, while they quickly opened a path for Siren. The strongest and toughest German Shepard I've ever known, Siren was the reigning winner of any competition at daycare. Being a retired police dog, she was very headstrong and didn't hesitate to throw her weight around, earning her 2nd in command and head dog of sports and activities.

Siren walked forward, her head held high, full of self- importance. She looked at me for a second and then looked Miss Brooke up and down. She then tilted her head to gesture towards the field. Brooke looked as if she had been asked to jump through a hill of dog poop, but when Siren didn't move, she was smart enough to hop off her "throne" and follow.

We could all tell she was scared, with her tail tucked under her bottom. In a way I felt a little bad, but this is what happens when the little dogs try throwing their weight around. A gruff next to me brought me out of my short daydream. Tobi was starting follow the crowd towards the field. I trailed behind wondering and worrying about what I had started.

Would this little devil be too much for even Siren or would Siren's attitude cause her to snap at this pup?

Stay around to find out!!!!

Chapter 1 "The News"

On my second blog, I talked about my story

MY WONDERFUL SOME WHAT CRAZY GREEK FAMILY

(If you haven't read the prologue, read before this)

"Ridiculous!!" Dakota’s voice bounced off the cafeteria walls." Ridiculous" she repeated, although this time she sounded more exasperated than angry.

"What is it?" Macy asked, her voice barely containing her innocent curiosity.

"These magazines lie way too much," Dakota mumbled tossing a People magazine in front of my tray.

There was an article about her. Dakota Latki (Lot-Key) Living a Double Life?! I sighed. In the last few months, the media had been pressuring Dakota about her aloof attitude. She simply told them she didn’t want to be bothered, but that made the media more suspicious.

"Just ignore them," Macy encouraged. "They’ll leave you alone once they get used to you."

Poor Macy. Ever since her sister became famous, Star and other magazines wanted to know all, but she did things that attracted less attention.

My daydreaming was cut short when Kate burst through the doors. She stopped automatically in front of my table.

"Marcia..the principal wants to see you." She looked nervous. "I think it's something about...you know."

I sighed again. Two days ago, a sphinx tried to attack the school. In self defense I split her in half. I mean... if you see a cat person running towards you and she's about to slit your throat, then yeah, I'm going to defend myself. Plus I don't know what the mortals saw. Because of mind-manipulation, monsters and gods can change what mortals see and do. For all I know, they could have seen an icecream lady being attacked by some juvenile delinquent that was an escapee.

"Come on Marcia! He's not patient!!"

Kate clamped a cold hand onto my shoulder and nearly dragged me out the door. When we got to the office there were police officers everywhere and even an FBI agent. They all moved out of our way as we walked to Mr. Fredrick's office Kate stayed in the hallway.

He was sitting down in his "throne chair." His slit eyes looked up from his papers.

"Oh...Ms. Marcia!! Pl-please take a seat." He took a hankie and dabbed his forehead that was trickling with sweat.

I swear I could here his heart skip a beat.

"I uh...hope you wont react to this to quickly." He started. "But your mother has disappeared in a terrible plane accident. Her plane was found in the Amazon. I'm very, very sorry. Your father is waiting for you."

I must say that I took the news rather well. I pushed back from the table and I spun on my heel and marched toward the door. In the process I ran into my father who was walking in with Persephone (my younger sister.) Her brown eyes filled up with tears.

"Is it true? Is Mama gone?" her question hung in the air like a black cloud hovers over a funeral procession.

What could I say? What could I, a tenth grader say to my 9 year old sister? Mother will never come home her plane crashed in the middle of no where.

I stared her in the eye and said in a simple voice "Mother's plane had to do an emergency landing. She possibly parachuted out and is on her way home."

That was such a stupid thing to say. I was talking to a fourth grader with a college reading level and the brain that was as straight forward is a locomotive. Thankfully she bought the story and ran into my arms. Her hair smelled of sweet strawberries and jasmine. My father who had been surprisingly quiet cleared his throat. He walked over us and with a nod to the principle steered Persephone and I towards his car. Kate looked at me eyes confused and questioning. All I could do is shrug.

After we were on the freeway, my father looked at me his golden eyes boring into mine.

"I'm taking you to Isles Rose" his spit out.

(For those of you who don't know, Isles Rose is an island that is one of the pocket fulls of Immortal Safe Havens (ISH) in the world. Isles Rose is the head quarters of the organization.) It was so random and so sudden, I didn't even know what to say. Persephone was different though.

"Why?"

"It's time to stop living in fairytale mode."

Apollo's eyes were dangerously bright and he was gripping on the steering wheel like it was a stress ball. He continued

"Persephone, your mother was kidnapped by a man...a demon named Guss."

Although I wanted to find my mom I couldn't help laughing. A guy named Guss? Come on!! But a look from m dad made me shut up.

"Anyway, he has detested the gods for who knows how long. He has tried to attack Olympus at least three times. He is not a forced to be reckoned with and that is why I am taking you both to Isles Rose. It's safe and the last place he'd think of looking."

I could tell that that was the end of the conversation. I turned to look out the window. Mother... Where are you?

HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT!!!!

-SIDNEY

Mans Best Friend (Their Side of the Story)

Dogs. They are America's #1 pet from, yapping Chihuahuas to proud Great Danes. Everyone loves dogs, but have you ever thought about what they're thinking? Well, that's what this story is about. It starts with a dog named Pippy -based on my real dog- that is on her way to daycare...

Chapter 1 A New Pup in Town

I looked out the back window of my owner's car and stared hard, trying to rush the dirt road along.

"Pippy we're almost to daycare!!" My owner squeked looking in the rearview mirror. "It's going to be so much fun!! Two weeks of being with all your friends, and having nice mud baths -"

I gave a deep sigh. Why does she have to talk like that? I can understand her when she talks normaly!! I'm not a puppy for kible's sake!! I thought to myself.

My thoughts was soon put aside as I looked up and saw it- The Daycare!My heart started a beating fast as we pulled up to the front door. The engine's rumbling stopped and soon the back door opened. I jumped down and, not missing a beat, ran to the door. My owner opened the door and I ran through, up the stairs and into the "Dog Entrance."

Several of my friends were waiting at the gate barking and yapping happily.

"Is that Pippy?" a friendly human voice came from the side door.

It was the owner. I thought she was pretty cool. She was tall with skin like copper and hair as dark as night itself, with brilliant red highlights zigzagging and peeking through. She smiled at me and opened the gate. While she talked to my owner I trotted happily through the sea of dogs who never gave me any breathing space. "

"Pippy" a familiar bark came from behind me.

I turned to see Tobi, the oldest dog at the daycare. I ducked my head respectfully as did all the other dogs whenever he spoke.

"Pippy" he started in his throaty voice, "there is a new dog at the center. A very... young dog. Because you are one of the few dogs that I trust 100% I would like you to be her mentor."

I nodded like no dog has nodded before. I was proud to be asked to help Tobi.

"Where is this new dog in town?" I asked looking around for any unfamiliar dog.

"Over there all by herself" whispered Buddy, a tall yet quiet black lab.

My eyes followed his and my heart felt like it would drop.

TO BE CONTINUED.................

Be A Home Planet Earth

By: Sidney .M.

Be a flame, Mother Earth
May your voice rise high and loud
To shield her from dangers that will come her way

Be a river, Father Sky
May your strong currents lift her
And guide her through light and darkness

Be a breeze, Sister Moon
May you protect and guard her as he sleeps
May your soft lullaby sooth her worries and troubles
And your gentle whispers bring her hope

Be a road, Brother Sun
Lead her through crossroads
So that her path may be free of indecisions

Be a home, Planet
Let her travel throughout your kingdom
Through the vast earth up the endless sky with the bright moon and radiant sun watching over her
Be a home, Planet

My Wonderful, Somewhat Crazy Greek Family

(This article is one of my earliest ideas)

THE STORY STARTS HERE......

When most people look at me, they only see the outer layer of the two lives I live. My mother always told me that there’s always two sides to every story. One side, usually every one knows and the other side is usually forgotten. Take Cinderella for example. Compassionate, kind, and well mannered. Her step-sisters, Anastasia and Drizelda, were the exact opposites. But, one might ask, why? To be honest, you can’t really blame their mother for their personal problems. So, what caused them to be so self-centered? Anyway, back to me. In my outer life, I’m a famous teenage actress who’s already won three Tony Awards for Best Child Actress and three Emmy awards in the last six years. And if that’s not enough, I’m the center of attention at school with both students and teachers. It took the State Board of Education all their patients and power to keep the 10th grade teachers from going to war with each other about what classes I was going to take. In the student area, I’m the president of the student council and vice president of Cheer for Change (Cheer for Change is a program where kids go out and raise money to help charities.) I have a sister named Persephone. She’ll be on her way to fifth grade after summer. Joy. Another year of Ashford Elementary won’t kill her. Although it would probably kill me. This is where my other life starts. In my second life, I’m still famous but, not in the way I want to be. My parents would tell you that their names were Charles and Samantha Meyer but, in truth, their real names are Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto, and Ignisha, oldest daughter to Poseidon and Amphiridite. This is the life of a Greek Goddess-In-Training. So this is the age when Greek gods and monsters thrive in the mortal world of the 21st century. To make things even weirder, Mt. Olympus is on top of the Sears Tower in Chicago , while the entrance to the Underworld is smack in the middle of Death Valley. I mean to me this isn’t weird at all, since I grew up in the middle of it, but when you start to think about it, it’s really something that’ll make you dizzy. But as I said, this is my life as a Greek-Goddess-In -Training.