I am a writer .I can write essays and article .The title of my essay is Good and bad and unforgettable experiences of life.The good experiences always stay with you forever and bad experiences that you forget easily.

If I remember my childhood, I was mostly a very belligerent and cheerful child. Almost every day I came home with a bleeding nose and a torn shirt. Every time I used to gossip behind the backs of my schoolmates who fought, I thought my decision was right. One day, a boy and I got into an argument about picking fruit from an ordinary tree. That boy insulted me in front of my friends, and I got angry. I couldn't control myself, and when he turned around, I threw a stone at him. The stone hit the boy on the head, and blood started to flow from his face. My friends around us ran away in fear. I was in a hurry and wanted to run away. But I decided to help him. The boy did not say anything, took out a handkerchief from his bag, and held his head. Fortunately, the wound was not serious, and the bleeding stopped after a while. As I washed my hands in the ditch near the tree, my anger had subsided, and I was thinking about why I had thrown the stone at him, because at that moment I realized that I had almost lost my mind. The boy dusted his clothes and started to leave without saying a word, picking up his bag. I was shouting after him to stop. He did not look back and walked slowly along the side of the road. The boy's curly hair glistened, either from the trail of blood or from the rays of the setting sun. I didn't know what to say to the boy as I walked by him. Both of us were walking together in silence. The boy and I were returning home together when he entered a restaurant at the beginning of the road and took out two samsas. He gave me one of the samsas. I was very surprised because I hadn't even apologized to him yet. Later, I found out that his mother worked as a simple dishwasher in that restaurant, and the boy gave me the samsa that he got from his mother for no reason. I went home and thought for a long time. I couldn't say sorry to the boy's face. I wrote all my words on a piece of paper and gave it to him during the break. He forgave me. Later, we became very close friends with him. Sometimes I think that he could take revenge on me, but he never did. Even though he was poor, he was always kind to me. But I know for sure that even if he were rich, he would not take revenge on me. But he is now dead, and I miss my friend very much. It was the greatest experience of my life. Currently, I have successfully resolved many conflicts; I have turned enemies into friends; I try not to make a decision when angry in any conflict, not to be jealous of someone, and to do good to my enemies. This experience was given to me by a friend.

Everyone knows that student life is a golden age. In 2009-2013, I also became a student of a newly established foreign university in the capital of our country. The institute where I was studying was located 300 km away from my home and I lived in the dormitory of the institute. The conditions were very good, the teachers were mostly from abroad, and there was a bank, a food market, an amusement park and a big stadium near it. There was good neighborhood. In my free time from studying, I made it a habit to go to the market and observe people and help elderly people carrying heavy loads. When I told them that I wanted to help them, some people refuse, and some people willingly agree. Those who agreed always thanked me for my help, to some even tears come to their eyes. Those days, whenever I wanted to take a midterm or final exam, I used to call my parents first and ask them to pray for me and bless me. By this way, I always got high marks from any subjects. One day, I saw an old woman walking around the market carrying a heavy load. Of course, in order not to miss this opportunity, I offered her my help. She quickly agreed and I took her loads from her hand. On the way, we talked with the woman to her house. She gave me one red apple in return for my help and thanked my parents for teaching me how to help older people. And she told me that the reward of goodness is nothing but goodness. Couple of days later, I had to take a midterm exam. I called my mother as usual. My mother picked up the phone and said that she was returning home from the market and one young man had taken her heavy luggage and was helping her. She prayed for me and blessed me. Immediately, I remembered the woman's words whom I had helped two days ago: “The reward of goodness is nothing but goodness.”

I admired the young man as he knocked on my door through the kitchen curtains. It's not every day that a pretty boy knocks on your door at night, let alone a famous detective. The man at the door was no other than Edward Halls. The world's youngest prodigy, who grew to be the greatest detective of all time by the age of 21 on an international scale, also, my high school sweetheart. "Lilith? Sorry to bother you. Is anyone home?" a lovely voice spoke called out from the other side of the door, snapping me out of my thoughts. Thank god he snapped me out, otherwise, these bacon and omelets were gonna burn. "I'm coming!" I yelled out to the unexpected guest as I made my way to the door, wiping my hands on my apron by habit. "What do You want from me, Edward?" "I wished to see you, you don't want me here?" By the tone of his voice, he seemed troubled. "Maybe I don't want you here.." I turned around, hand crossed behind me, leaning against the door. "I know you're lying, Lilith. Please, let me in." He spoke softly, patiently standing outside of my cottage. "I'm...afraid of letting you in again." A moment of silence passed before I heard him slide against the door. "I'll just stay here, till you feel less afraid." His words struck a cord within me, It made me miss his warmth, and all the sweet nothings that left his lips as he comforted me after the murder of my father. "I'll always be there for you, till you're ready to face your heart again, till you're ready to love again. I'll always be there waiting for you to let me in." His words were sickly sweet and so was his voice, I could listen to him speak all day and I'd never get tired, I wanted to see his face and feel his warmth, I wanted to let him in so bad. I stood in front of the door, my hands slowly reaching for the doorknob before stopping mid-air. "I'm afraid of love, but I...I will let you in." I twisted the doorknob just to see Edward on both feet in front of me. The captivating moonlight shone on his face, he changed compared to when I saw him years ago back when he was 17. He had an expensive suit and tight on, he held a beautiful bouquet of white tulip flowers, along with a couple of red roses here and there. His black hair was slightly curly, his body was bigger, taller, and stronger. I was genuinely taken aback so much that I had to take a step back and admire him. "So, will you let me in really?" He asked me, a soft smile painting his face. A smile so warm it got to my heart. "Please, make yourself comfortable." I stood to the side of the door, extending my hand to invite him in. When he stepped in, he turned to me and gave me the flowers. I took them in my hands, admiring how beautiful they are. They say white tulips present peace and serenity, meanwhile, red roses represent love and romance. He sat on the couch, and I sat on the opposite side of him. My house was small, so the distance between us wasn't that big. A comfortable silence settled in, as I looked outside of the window peacefully. However, Edward turned his attention to me, admiring me for a while before breaking the silence. "Did you read the letters I sent to you weekly?" He asked me,sparking a conversation between us. "I didn't. Why would I?" I avoided looking into his eyes since I knew he could see right through me. I was an open book to him, and he liked to read. "Still bad at lying, aren't we?" He chuckled for a moment before he leaned in closer to me. "Why are you so afraid of Love, Lilith?" Edward tilted his head, he was leaning closer to me from the opposite side of the couch, with his legs open and his arms resting on them. "Are you afraid to open up after what your dad did?" He asked me catching me completely off-guard. "You know I would never walk out on you, love." He stood up and a few steps closer to me. "I will always be there for you, I can make your pain better," Edward spoke in a hushed tone, getting down on his knees with his hands on my lap. "I know you love me, I only need to hear you say it." When my gaze met his own, I finally noticed his tear-stained face. What have I done? I was dragging this man along all these years but I never admitted to loving him as much as he loved me. "I..." My voice died down. I was afraid of getting attached, but it was too late. I was always afraid of waking up and not finding his letter under my door every Monday. I longed for him and wanted him near me. But I was afraid of love, I was afraid of him leaving me and walking out on me, but here he was, crying into my lap begging for me to love him and let him into my heart. I couldn't help but cry as well. "You?.." He looked up to me and smiled getting closer to my face, his teeth shining the same way his tears did. "I love you, Edward!" Tears streamed down my face as I finally pulled him closer into a hug. "I've always loved you, Edward.." I cried into his chest as he held me passionately, crying into my shoulder. "I love you too, Lilith."

Ariana packed her bags in a hurry. She was going back to her parent's house for her year-end holidays and she couldn't wait to get there. Her dad would be picking her up and she didn't want to be late. After ten years of staying away from home due to her dad's constant moving from one state to another on work assignments, her stay in her paternal grandparents' home was coming to an end. She lived with her grandparents so she could attend a private school nearby their home. It was a missionary school and Ariana loved attending school there. However, she didn't stop missing her family when away from them and looked forward to the holidays when all of them could be together again. She especially missed her dad as he was the one person who would mollycoddle her and indulge her with presents and whatever she asked for. Mom was always the strict one. But with her dad, she could throw a tantrum when she didn't get what she wanted and not be punished for it. She looked forward to the year-end since her birthday falls in November and come December, Christmas and New Year celebrations made her time with her family all the merrier. Ariana had a secret passion though. Her parents lived near the seaside and each time she went back for the holidays, she would always look forward to catching the sunrises and sunsets that graced the skies there. She would count the hours to sunset just as the hours of sunrise trailed away. Before dusk, she would walk, sometimes miles down the beach, talking to the winds, hearing her voice echo back as the tides washed softly ashore in a welcome whenever she traipsed down its sands. Like her, the waters of the seas believed she belonged among them, and she whiled her hours away till the evening sun lit up the horizons in unbelievable colors of crimson and gold. Ariana had an affinity for the seas, the tides, and all of the skies' splendorous revealing. She knew them to be as mystical as they were seraphic. The colors of the skies were seraphic and blissful in nature. They created artistry and displayed the wisdom of the Gods. Her dad pulled up at her grandparent's house, and after saying their goodbyes to them, Ariana and her dad were on their way. It was at least a five-hour drive to reach her home in another state from where her grandparents lived. When they reached, it was late evening. Her mom and siblings ran out to greet her gleefully. Mom had prepared an elaborate dinner to celebrate her return. All of her favorite food was laid out on the table. Ariana had a sumptuous meal that night with her family members. They sat down together after dinner and talked about Ariana's plans to further her tertiary education since this time around, she was back to stay for good. Ariana could smell the sea from her house. So after they had finished talking, she walked out to where the beach was. It was dark but the path to the beach was lighted as were the surroundings of her home. She saw the park empty on the way when usually the residents who lived there would come out after dinner to sit around and talk or walk on the grounds and enjoy the cool breeze that blew their way from the seaside. When Ariana stood by the fence overlooking the sea, she heard the waves rise and splash against the rocks. She couldn't see the waters in the dark except for a lighthouse in the distance. And its light shone and shimmered on the waters of another part of the sea. Ariana thought about how light dispels the dark. The lighthouse was symbolic of it. She listened for a while longer to the waves and waited to catch the sunrise the next morning. Dawn was only a few hours away, she came away thinking. That night Ariana slept peacefully while listening to the sounds of the tides and the winds. They instilled a deep sense of solace and calm within her. Ariana woke up to dawn and got dressed quickly. Her mom was already up and about in the kitchen. She briefly told her that she was going down to the beach and rushed out. She sat on her favorite spot on the beach and waited to see the first glimmer of light. Like her, the skies waited their turn for the radiance from the rising sun. The sun drew an embodiment of colors across the sky and rose in resplendence. Far in the distance, the horizons came alive almost like the skies sat upon the seas and transmitted an array of visually colored clouds throughout the celestial universe. Ariana sat mesmerized as never before for the winds whispered that they would create a splendorous viewing just before dusk overtakes the night once again for her. Ariana walked back home appeased. She began her count to the hours before sunset. She had heard it in the winds and wanted to be part of the sunset's silhouette. It was going to be an exquisite, lustrous day. Ariana's embers of passion for celestial beauty would be reignited once again. The End.

Inspiring, uplifting, and heartwarming stories are wanted! With Covid-19 still lingering around, economic slowdown, social and political issues and setbacks, we are desperate to hear your feel-good stories! Pick your best story and picture to participate in our storytelling writing contest. Biopage is hosting a writing contest to remind people the benefits of writing. Each story (or one chapter of your stories) is limited to 5,000 characters or roughly 1,000 words. You can win $300, and five runners-up can win $100 each. (We decided to change the prize amount and award numbers, because we received so many excellent essays and wanted to give awards to more writers). How to enter: 1. Register for an account at biopage.com (or download and register on iOS or Android app). 2. First complete your profile, write a bio to introduce yourself, and make your profile as Public. 3. Click “Update” and post your essay there. Please include a title and a picture or video. Use "writing contest" as one of the tags. 4. On a computer copy the web address of your post, come back to this page, and click “Enter the Contest”, and paste the web address of the post. 5. Share your essay with your friends, ask them to like and comment. The winners will be determined by the quality of the writing, and the votes by other users' likes and comments. The contest is open to anyone from everywhere, every country, every corner of the world. The current contest ends July 31, 2022.

I recall resting on the couch,my fingers scrolling through the news,as I stared at every headline with droopy eyes.It rained heavily,I felt drowsy.My gaze rose up to the screen on the walls playing the same news which bored me.My finger advanced towards the power button,yet halted,as my orbs caught sight of the headlines.'Coronavirus'.My attention peaked, as my dangling legs touched the floor.My gaze travelled on the map, as the small  spot, showed the new virus attacking civilians in China.My heart thumped yet I didn't fret. I knew it wouldn't last long. It killed thousands. A year passed.It spread like wildfire. Looking back,I was on the prayer mat, sobbing, but the flames burnt my heart with every cry.I mind the time, I thought it was a minor spread, yet I never comprehended that it would conquer the world. It terrified me. The sky dripped, as it cried tears with me.The virus swarming outside,hunting for another host to claim.I recall the last time I watched the news.It was hectic. Economies collapsed,people faced budget issues.Some fought the virus themselves.The whole world was cut off. My face hit the pillow. I flinched as I heard a knock. My swollen eyes met my mother's, filled with concern.I gazed down at the mouth-watering food she held, as my stomach churned, mouth dripped for its taste.I looked away. Mom:"At least eat a little. You'll get sick." She was right. I did feel sick. But I was stubborn.To my lack of response, she approached the bed cautiously as if trying not to startle me. I felt the bed dip as tears escaped my eyes, cascading my face. I felt her hands caress my back.I broke down. She embraced me. Mom:"Have patience. All will be well."She soothed me with her words.I finally spoke. Me:"Everyone is dying. She's in the hospital and I can't do anything!" My voice cracked as I whispered. My friend was fighting the virus. Mom:"There are always good reasons in the worst times." Her words made my heart drown. 'Every time, you're in your worst know that you are being tested.Tested for how much you can take, so you can face life.That is why there are good reasons in your worst times.' That's what grandma told us.She died when I was five yet I remember her like flames of a candle burning a dark room. Mom:"Do you want to go meet her?" I looked up to meet Ma's expectant eyes.I knew whom she was talking about.Of course I wanted to go meet her, but I was traumatized to even step out of the room, let alone go outdoors. I had lost a lot including classmates, teachers and closed ones.It felt as if I lost a part of me. I didn't feel like going out. I was depressed. Yet, I knew I needed to see her. She was the only one who could take me out of this misery, I just knew it. Flashback: 10 years ago. Multiple doctors gathered around her frail body, as I stood by the door, not being able to accept what was happening.My mother sobbed, and I didn't sense a thing. I knew  gran had left us. Her last breath was deep, as if cherishing the fresh air for the last time. I was paralyzed. I just couldn't believe it. She'd left me.Forever. It was beyond my brain's capacity. The day before she was here, smiling and that day, she was no more. She died on 19th of July 2010.It was the first time I experienced the pain of losing love. End of Flashback Here I stood. Before my guardian's grave.My hero.My world. My grandma. At the end,she was the one who made me see the sun. Me:"Hello gran. It's been a long time. Sorry I didn't come.." I broke down as I sat before her. Me:"My friend's in the hospital. She's sick.." I recall letting it out. It felt ...good. I wasn't terrorized of the virus.I felt relieved.I felt the weight lift. I literally felt it. We sat in the car.I could feel ma's gaze through the rear mirror, as I met her eyes. Mom:"You feel better?" She knew I did. I didn't reply. I heard her sigh. Mom: "You know why you feel better when you're close to her?" My orbs caught hers, as I stared at her with curiosity. Why did I? Mom: "She always saw the good in every bad. That's why you feel better close to her.  You know she'll always be there for you, even if she's not here with you." Tears appeared in her eyes as she smiled at me, before looking forth. I felt it. My mother was in pain, yet she always smiled, looking the best in everything. I remember hugging her.I remember feeling the breeze. It felt...good.I wasn't afraid anymore. Many had lost loved ones. I recall seeing my friend in pain, as I stared at her, helplessly. Now she's here, healthy. Every occasion is a test to see how far we could go. It occurs for a reason. That's what I believe. If someone close, left you, it just means God wanted to bring them to the world of closer to Him. I lost several loved ones yet I gained another star watching me from above just like gran. 'There are always good reasons in the worst times. If I am successful today, it is because these words made me strong.

.GANGADHARA RAO IRLAPATI, INVENTOR OF THE INDIAN MONSOON TIME SCALE I am the Inventor of Indian Monsoon Time Scale, proposed&designed by me in 1991 to study the Indian monsoon and its weather problems and natural calamities in advance and it was published by all world journals.But our India was not recognize me. Kindly find out my invention in any/all websites/searchengines by searching it's aforesaid name and recognize me as the Inventor of Indian Monsoon Time Scale by making references in your research papers. Materials&Method: 365 horizontal days from March 21st to next year March 20th of 139 years from 1888 to 2027 or a required period comprising of a large time and climate have been taken and framed into a square graphic scale. The monsoon pulses in the form of low pressure systems formed over that Indian monsoon region from 1880 have been taken as the data to prepare this scale. Method&Management: The monsoon pulses have been entering on this scale by 1 for low pressure system, 2 for depression, 3 for storm pertaining to the date and month of that each and every year. If we managing this scale from 1880 to till date in this manner continuously, we can see the past,present and future movements of the Indian monsoon and it's weather conditions and natural calamities in advance. Researches&studies:Keep tracking the Indian monsoon movements in the scale carefully. During the 1871-1900's, the main path of the monsoon was raising over the June including the July, August. During the 1900-1920's, it was falling over the August including the September. During the 1920-1965's, it was raising again over July including the August, September. During the 1965-2004's, it was falling over the September. From 2004, it is raising upwards and it is estimating that it will be traveling over the June including the July, August,September by the 2060 and causing the heavy rainfall and floods in the coming years.. Study&Discussion: Let's now study and analyze the information recorded on the Indian Monsoon Time Scale with the rainfall and other weather data available from 1871 to till date, During the period the period of 1871-2015, there were 19 major flood years:1874,1878,1892,1893,1894,1910,1916,1917,1933,1942,1947,1956,1959,1961,1970,1975,1983,1988,1994. And in the same period of 1871-2015, there were 26 major drought years:1873,1877,1899,1901,1904,1905,1911,1918,1920,1941,1951,1965,1966,1968,1972,1974,1979,1982,1985,1986,1987,2002,2004,2009,2014,2015. Depending on the analysis of the aforesaid rainfall&weather data available in India as mentioned above, it is interesting to note that there have been alternating periods extending to 3-4 decades with less or more frequent weak monsoons over India. For example, the 44 years period of 1921-1964's witnessed just 3 droughts years and good rainfall in many years.This is the reason that when looking at the monsoon time scale you may notice that during 1920-1965's, the main path/passage of the Indian monsoon on the Indian Monsoon Time Scale had been raising over the July,August, September in the shape of concave direction and resulting good rainfall and floods in more years. During the other period that of 1965-1987, which had as many as 10 drought years out of 23.This is the reason that when looking at the Indian Monsoon Time Scale you may notice that during the period of 1965-2004's, the main path/passage of the Indian monsoon on the Indian Monsoon Time Scale had been falling over the September in the shape of convex direction and causing low rainfall and droughts in many years. Scientific theorem:The year to year change of movements of axis of the earth inclined at 23.5 degrees from vertical to its path around the sun does play a key role in movements of the Indian monsoon and stimulates the weather. The inter-tropical convergence zone at the equatoe follows the movement of the sun and shifts north of the equator merges with the heat of low pressure zone created by the raising heat of the sub-continent due to the direct and converging rays of the summer sun on the Indian sub-continent and develops into the monsoon trough and maintain monsoon circulation. Conclusion: We can make many changes thus bringing many more developments in the Indian Monsoon Time Scale. GANGADHARA RAO IRLAPATI Email me: girlapati@aol.com WhatsApp me: 91 6305571833

In the year 2020, lots of disasters have taken place but the most popular and terrible one is the pandemic CORONA that taught us to stay at home and forced us to rely on technologies for our work but technology has been proved as a boon to us and especially for children. Due to this pandemic, a term of technology that was very unusual proved its necessity i.e. Digital communication and meeting. Schools opted this plan to teach students by staying at home and it is good for students to interact with technology nowadays because we all know that in future, technologies will take over the world and will become a basic requirement. For the better use of technology it should be in better hands too. As every coin has two faces, a positive or a negative one and it depends on us which side to choose. Like, some students make technology a matter of distraction and do unnecessary activities instead of study. Earlier in offline classes, they had pre-planned routine, followed discipline, punctuality in attending classes, better and interactive way of discussion and there was a little push from the teachers to make them more sincere and responsible. But in online classes, some of the students do not care about time, attend classes very late and leave whenever they want, that is improper and it can have adverse effects on their future . It is the responsibility of students to do their classes properly, maintain silence, create a study environment and thoroughly involve in the discussion. So, it is the role of students to be a good and attentive listener. Only this way the new idea of digital classes will be effective and productive.

The Conventions were friendly competitions that Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.) students from all over the world took part in. By attending these conventions, I got to travel outside my home country, Tanzania, and go to countries like Kenya (regional), South Africa (national) and even the United States (international). I got exposed to different cultures both inside and outside Africa and made lasting friendships with people halfway across the world from where I call home. The Conventions are places, like their motto goes: "where one week can last a lifetime." Come October 2016, I knew that this would be my final chance to make a mark at the AASC. How would I pass up such an opportunity? I had been practicing. I had been memorizing. And it all came down to this: will I bring home the gold, or will I be a mere spectator to surrounding victories? I was content to do whatever it takes. That year I did: Singing (mixed duet and small ensemble), Group Bible Speaking, Golden Harp (memorization of the book of Psalms), Preaching, and Expressive Reading. When I wasn't at singing practice, I was practicing my Expressive Reading, and if I wasn't practicing for that, I was at Group Bible Speaking practice (a Biblical theater form of sorts), and if I wasn't at either of those, I was memorizing yet another of the 150 chapters of the book of Psalms. The victory was mine; I could almost taste it. When our trip commenced, I was nervous, excited, and terrified all at the same time. I obviously could not wait to perform and put all of my hard work on display, but I was not ready for the rejection. “What if I don't place?” became a constant visitor in my subconscious. I knew I worked hard, but doubt has a way of creeping in when you least expect it. I was sure of one thing, however, because I had memorized the book of Psalms, there was one medal and ISC nomination out there for me regardless. This thought held me together throughout all my performances. And as Lorri Faye said, “even a single thread of hope, is still a very powerful thing.” Furthermore, by nightfall of every day, we all gathered for what we called “evening rallies.” I looked forward to these. The auditorium became filled with 1000+ students: chanting, shouting and just being themselves. I felt at home. I was surrounded by people who understood my joys and struggles both academically and spiritually. It was idyllic. As the Convention progressed and performances drew to a close, judges would welcome to the stage, students who did exceptionally well in different categories. These were called "command performances," and although it did not mean that these students placed, it was still a great honor. On a particular night, as we made our way to the auditorium, word got to my friends and I that our small ensemble group had gotten a command performance, and we were due on stage soon. “This is it,” I thought, even if they said we don't necessarily place when we got command performances, I hoped that we would (spoiler alert: we did). The thrill of being up on that stage with my friends, all eyes on us as we belted lyrics that we had worked long and hard to memorize was exhilarating. I felt like I was on top of the world, however old and typical that phrase is, I felt it that night. And it felt good. Soon enough, we had two days left and the Convention would be over. When Friday arrived, the air seemed to buzz in harmony with the excitement of the students. Piled to the rafters in the auditorium each one held their breath as the winners and runner ups for each category were announced. The memorization categories went first. I leaped from my seat as soon as I saw my name and by the time it was called out, I reached for my trophy with trembling hands and bowed my head as the medal was placed around my neck. Animated, I ran up to where my school was seated, everyone beaming and clapping me on the back, wishing me a hearty congratulations. I was happy. Moments later, the singing categories were displayed and I saw my name. Doing a double take, I almost tripped as I rushed down the stairs and into the waiting room. My friend Victor and I had placed second in the mixed duets category. Soon after our small ensemble group was called out, I went on stage to collect my third medal. It felt too good to be true. However, since it was my first time doing Expressive Reading, I wasn't as wounded when I didn't place. To conclude, they called out the names for the female preachers (a more recent development in the Convention) and imagine my shock to see my name on display. I got first place. I placed first. And I was in every sense of the word: elated. Shortly thereafter, the Convention ended and it was in every bit fun and nerve wracking. It really did last a lifetime. And even though that chapter in my life is closed, I now have “memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.”

https://www.wdio.com/news/duluth-author-survivor-incest-michelle-barry/5801116/?cat=10335

Live a coloured life. Be an inspiration. Bring unexpected joy. See beauty in life's curves. Be someone to look up to. Live in the moment. Reflect your true nature!

According to Webster's dictionary, nostalgia means "a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to some past period or irrecoverable condition". When asked about college, many graduates reminisce with a sense of nostalgia. The funny things about looking back is sometimes the smallest, most simple memories scream into the abyss of the so-called "college memories" folder in my mind. We should take pictures of such moments, perhaps as a way to feel big in the wide world by the vastness of our own memories. Not just for social media but to be able to nurture nostalgia one day. If I had captured snapshots of nostalgic moments in college, then they would have evoked memories such as the following: 1. A Friday on Campus As if looking back at a series of sepia prints, I see a tornado of backpacks among brick walls, printed-out lecture notes appearing as the latest fashion staple, and roaring group circles. Walking to my last class of the day on a late Friday afternoon, the sun dances on my skin as the Friday feeling builds inside of me like an inflating balloon about to burst. The first warm day of the semester graces the campus and one thing's on everyone's mind: spring is here. You can see it in the way people skip down the sidewalks. You can hear it in the way people talk. You can smell a freshness in the air that dusts away the brutal complaints cried out the past few months of coldness. You can feel it in the palpable oneness of the students. Music blares out the speakers of fraternities. Rowdy guys in t-shirts and shorts are either sipping beers or throwing a ball around. It seems their weekend has already started. Well, actually it started as soon as 9am when I heard the speakers chanting the lyrics, "my girl wants to party all the time, party all the time, party all the tiiime", before entering the library. I think that little bit could be their motto. Beep beep. "Happy Friday!" a bunch of girls packed into a compact car shout out the window. Only one more class, I tell myself, although every cell in my body refuses to sit in the gray computer lab and work on a statistics assignment for a whole hour. After turning my assignment in and bolting out the door, my soul dances, floating above each "have a good weekend" exchanged around me, feeling lighter knowing the weekend has finally arrived. 2. A Beloved Study Spot A quiet place to study on a Monday serves as a nice retreat from the beer-littered lawns and people raving about their bumpin' weekend or whatever the college kids say. People raving about their "man that's sick dude"-weekend. People talking about getting trashed and having to walk their overly drunk roommate back to the dorm. Based on personal experience, it's not the best background noise for studying kinetic energy. Sinking into a cozy cafe chair, I can dig into my science textbook uninterrupted. Sometimes the background chatter comes from wannabe philosophers. "Why is this important?". What a great diversion from earlier discussions. Of course, I can tune it out and focus on my work. As usual, I savor my safe haven of note-taking and productive energy thanks to the sea of students studying around me. 3. A Fun Club Activity After class, I find my roommate sitting atop the steps of the tiny front porch while jotting some notes down. "What are you studying?" I ask her. "Oh just organizing my French notes." "That's funny," I reply, "I was actually going to ask you if you wanted to come to the French club party tonight." She squeals, "Oooh!!! I would love to! Let me get ready." Cue the French music. We go inside along with the sound of pre-party entertainment playing from her iPhone, and she announces that she has the perfect shirt, a striped shirt with the word Ibiza, known for its European nightclubs. Then, we walk about 10 minutes through campus to the small party where we enjoy some finger foods and a glass of wine while chatting and taking turns choosing the music. "Did you know she's a good dancer?" my roommate puts me on the spot while twirling her wine. Laughing, I awkwardly shake my hips a few seconds to the beat of the foreign song and mention that we both do swing dancing together. The variety of college activities facilitated the process of connecting with people. Making connections was so much easier. I took this luxury for granted. Looking back is like steeping a green tea as memories diffuse out of our brains, spreading like tea aroma. After a few minutes, there's a warm cup of happiness. If steeped too long, there's a bitter after-taste. Time frames can be recalled by music, smells, pictures, and even the power of your own mind. According to Scientific American, a healthy dose of nostalgia provides an increase in self esteem, sense of purpose, optimism, and ability to cope with obstacles. However, there's no reason to fixate on the past, neglecting to see that the present could be equally cherished. What are you nostalgic about?

Every morning I have to remind my children to get out the door on time for school, making sure they have everything and are ready for the day. One goes to elementary, one to middle, and the other to high school. Every morning we wait impatiently for my oldest boy to get finished fixing his hair and get out of the bathroom and in the car. I give him the same speech over and over again to manage his time more efficiently. This morning was no different and getting into the Monday groove is hard, I know. I find myself being frustrated but forgiving and always sending them out the door with love and good vibes, trying not to ruin their day before it starts. While pulling out of his high school, I noticed a beautiful red Oldsmobile with a teenage girl behind the wheel struggling to turn into the school. Frustration and anger were evident as she turned over the engine only to have it die on her over and over again- she willed it to move. But it wouldn't, despite her reving the engine and shifting gears. To make matters worse, she was in the middle of both lanes-stuck, blocking traffic on both sides with honks coming from every direction. You could see her panic. Instinctively, I knew I had to help. For a second, the thought of “But I am one person, and not that strong, how can I push that big car by myself?” I didn't know and I didn't care, but I felt that I was there for a reason. So I jumped from my car, left it running and in place, ran to her window and asked, “can I push it?” She was scared and told me, “it's okay, I will get it.” I don't blame her for being cautious in this world. The car wouldn't budge, as she stayed inside trying to get it to turn over. I turned to go back to my car when the man behind me jumped from his. He asked, “ do y'all need some help?” To which I said, “she needs a push!” We both got behind the car and urged the girl to put it in neutral and she did. Still the car wouldn't budge. The man tried to get in and work the gears, but to no avail. Rain started to fall but we needed to get her out of harms way. The man lifted the hood and started working quickly, he asked me to hold a light and I did. I checked on the girl to make sure she was okay, she was staying in the car. She told me she was fine, just a little embarrassed. I understood and I assured her that everything was going to be okay. I couldn't imagine being a scared parent on the other end of her phone line. The man needed to go under the car to fix the switch where the gears could shift. At this moment two more good people came to help. The man asked if they could direct traffic while we were on the ground. They did as asked and traffic began to move closely around us. I held the light under the car as he crawled under it, it only took a few minutes for him to pull the gadget out that controlled the gears. At that point we saw the car beginning to move forward. Immediately we sprang into action, one man stopped traffic and the three of us who remained ran to push as the girl jumped to steer. We pushed her out of traffic and into the school safely. I made sure they were okay before grabbing my car and heading out. Life gives you lessons when you need them, just listen. 1. Time is precious and everything is on God's time. Because my boy is always running behind, I was put in that spot at that time. I should be more mindful that I'm not on my time, I'm on God's time. 2. What if that was my child and I couldn't get to them? I'd want to know that they were in good hands and there's still good people out there that would help them. 3. How dare I question if I can do things on my own, how dare I have such small faith. Thank you for the reminder that you are always with me God. He also strategically placed those other people in that spot as he did me, the man knew exactly what to do with that car to get it going. How incredible it was to see all of this. 4. A new appreciation for my children and their time. 5. God is greater than any of our problems and he may be answering someone else's prayers by placing you in their path. This was something I felt that I needed to share because I'm guilty of being frustrated with my kids/family at times but I needed the reminder that we are put places at times for a reason. God has us where he wants us and he will put you somewhere to pause your chaos to show you something beautiful and give you a strong reminder of hope.

Yes it's so nice when you're trying to get a new life together and you've got a million things running through your mind like; how to market yourself in a diverse market and how to fund myself for this new change in career focus that I'm embarking on, when the flu hit me and sent me straight to the toilet. It's never fun! lol So here we are now a few days later and I still feel crummy. I didn't get a wink of sleep and all I can do is sit and write which is a good thing right now. For 15 years it has taken me to strengthen my back and get myself to where I can sit up and write for awhile without too much pain providing I sit up a straight as possible. That gets hurt some too at times and then I take a good break. Good thing I get up frequently to stretch my limbs! But in all honestly the flu has me writing. I'd love to be helping someone right now. I wish I could offer my services in support work. I loved my PSW position with Paramed Oakville. But that was 18.5 years ago now. Wonderful people to work for and my job was fulfilling and my patients delightful. Last night, I laid in bed and thought about many things and the one question came to mind was, "How many people have a version of the flu right now?" I guesstimated that probably in my city at least 300 people. Thank goodness I'm not in need of the ER. I feel for the people who do. Well, I just needed to say Good Morning to you and I hope you're feeling well! LOL Thanks for the chat! :)