The one time that I was really satisfied in my life is right now. I feel this way because after the loss of my uncle everything felt really strange and then to top it all off on the day of his funeral my cat ran away. I feel like everything is finally getting back to normal thanks to the help of my friends and family. I also feel this way because I am looking forward to the future including collage and getting my own house. Right now the future seems bright.
I sat back in the comfortable, metal chair, looking down the street. The piazza was filled with the gentle murmur of the night life and the soft glow of hanging bulbs. Miniature Italian flags were strong across the crooked streets between brightly painted houses. My sister sat on my right, still bubbling with laughter from our argument over the attractive waiter. My parents held hands across from me, whispering easily to each other like I imagined they had when they were first in love. The square smelled of tomatoes and bread as the sun caressed Figline Valdarno with its final golden rays. And for that moment, in the perfect twilight of a foreign country, I was at peace.
Over the weekend I worked Owen Stauffers benefit dinner. Owen is my Uncle Mike's nephew that's been in and out of the hospital. He needs a heart/lung transplant witch can only be possible is another boy his age passes away. Most children that age pass away due to a car impacted wreck, therefore the organs and bones are not good for other peoples use. At this dinner I just sat and collected money and gave out tickets for dinner. While I was sitting there I was just taking it all in. I was overcome by a warm fuzzy feeling as each person walking threw the front door. Knowing that people actually still do care about others is awesome. The amount of gratitude each person gave off when they came was magnificent. The support was great. Just knowing that whatever amount of money we got went to a good cause that could possible change Owens life made me so satisfied with my life. It was such a great experience.
We sat on the marley covered stage waiting to see how well we did. Nervous and scared. Thoughts clouding my sense of reasoning. Questioning if I did good enough for the judges. We all grasped each other's sweaty palms. So anxious, my own shaking over powered the person next too me. People would try talking to me, but I'd just block them out. I was too focused on the announcer.
"Second place overall goes to.... Mackenzie Simons."
I was surprised. My name wasn't called yet. I start to silently freak out as my name is called. My gummy legs seem to work. They guide me over to the woman holding my trophy.
"What school are you from, Kaitlin?" "April School of a Dance." "Congratulations. Anyone that wants to...."
I smiled as flashes came at me. I can't believe that I got first place overall. Who would have thought?! I was only 15 in the senior category. Wow. This feeling inside me is overwhelming, but I enjoy it. I take in every moment of my success. I worked hard for this. Finally, some recognition for it. It took a long time to get this far, but I wouldn't change the world for it.
Whenever I have made a personal success I'm always satisfied. Wether it be sports, academics, or personal I'm proud to be me. My favorite moment was when I went to states individually. I placed in the top 10 for the 100 freestyle, with a 57:43. I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. But sadly before I could go on to nationals I destroyed my shoulder, with tendinitis and an impingement.
I was encircled in the warmth of his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder. I noticed that it was bulkier than when he had left several months before. He finally felt more like a human.
We made it through a semester. It was overflowing with trials and challenges, but it finally terminated.
It was weird not having to think about him leaving the next day. He was staying for a month.
I smiled as my dad welcomed him home with a clap on the back, and a "How are you doing?".
I was shocked when my sister said, "It's actually nice to have him home. It's like our family is complete."
That was the moment I felt most satisfied with my life.
I hold the canvas up to the stream of sunlight pouring into the dim lit room. My eyes scan it's surface as my expression turns contemplative. I rise from the old, olive green swivel chair sat behind the chipped wooden tables sprawled recklessly with brushes and vibrant palettes, pencils and detailing pens, along with other miscellaneous items. I trot over to the expansive shelf and pick up a small tube of silver glitter. Returning to my work area, I twist off the cap, proceeding to sprinkle the small pinch of the gleaming substance onto the canvas. I step back and examine it once more. A small smile brushes upon my face. It's perfect. Yet another piece of my life vaguely portrayed on a canvas that was once boringly blank.
I feel most satisfied probably right now because I have amazing friends and family. I have a really good life. The one person I really wish I could have met was my grandpa he died before I got to meet him. I never got to see my grandpa. But I know some day I will.
I think the moment I felt most satisfied with my life was last year at the PIAA State Cheerleading Competition. Our team struggled throughout the year trying to develop the perfect routine and we finally got just in time for states. In the first preliminary round, we hit a perfect routine. All of the tumbling and stunting was perfection and there wasn't a fall the whole time. Usually, there are three rounds to the competition. The prelims, semifinals, then finals. However, our preliminary performance was so good, we made it straight to finals without having to preform again in semi finals. Coming out of prelims we were placed 6th in the state, which was a huge accomplishment for our team. We are from a single A school competing up against quad A schools with more girls trying out than we have in our whole school. It was an amazing feeling making it straight to finals and preforming in finals. The rush I felt preforming in front of thousands of people is one I will never forget.
Sorry for posting late. The moment I used was just last night and I was fighting with the hotel wifi.
My hand clasped the metal fence to my right as I jumped up and down, my black loafers sliding off of my stocking feet with each hop. Yellowcard's music blasted in my ears, live, for the first time in my life, and with it stormed the memories of a life lived long ago. One where ignorance sheltered my innocent hazel eyes and the biggest tormenting force in my life was learning to color between those daunting black lines. Long nights on the back porch, a chewed no. 2 pencil resting in my unpracticed fingers, were scored to the soundtrack of their songs. Their music reminds me of fireflies and poker, of the smell of fresh paper and the wild life I've always dreamed for myself, seen through the white bordered edges of a Polaroid photograph. The venue was quaint, underground, and possessed a character that was entirely fitting for the band I grew up with. The walls seemed to close in on the sweating, shouting, dancing crowd, but even amongst all the people it really felt like just me and them. A personal conversation between myself and the band about my life thus far and what was yet to come. A brush against my hand or a nudge at my waist would remind me of my brother standing beside me. Our first concert together. Just like Yellowcard was our first band that we really loved and adored, together. He is preparing to enter the work force and I am rapidly making college preparations, but for one evening we had the hours to ourselves and our childhood and all the happy times it had possessed. Tears stung violently at my eyes as the lyrics of their songs flooded my ears "I hope we don't forget."
I hope I don't ever forget last night. I struggled so much to recollect a moment where I was entirely satisfied. Little did I know that raising my hands and eyes to the sky with the strum of the guitar would serve such a purpose.
The one time that I was really satisfied in my life is right now. I feel this way because after the loss of my uncle everything felt really strange and then to top it all off on the day of his funeral my cat ran away. I feel like everything is finally getting back to normal thanks to the help of my friends and family. I also feel this way because I am looking forward to the future including collage and getting my own house. Right now the future seems bright.
ReplyDeleteI sat back in the comfortable, metal chair, looking down the street. The piazza was filled with the gentle murmur of the night life and the soft glow of hanging bulbs. Miniature Italian flags were strong across the crooked streets between brightly painted houses. My sister sat on my right, still bubbling with laughter from our argument over the attractive waiter. My parents held hands across from me, whispering easily to each other like I imagined they had when they were first in love. The square smelled of tomatoes and bread as the sun caressed Figline Valdarno with its final golden rays. And for that moment, in the perfect twilight of a foreign country, I was at peace.
ReplyDeleteMolto Bello!
DeleteOver the weekend I worked Owen Stauffers benefit dinner. Owen is my Uncle Mike's nephew that's been in and out of the hospital. He needs a heart/lung transplant witch can only be possible is another boy his age passes away. Most children that age pass away due to a car impacted wreck, therefore the organs and bones are not good for other peoples use. At this dinner I just sat and collected money and gave out tickets for dinner. While I was sitting there I was just taking it all in. I was overcome by a warm fuzzy feeling as each person walking threw the front door. Knowing that people actually still do care about others is awesome. The amount of gratitude each person gave off when they came was magnificent. The support was great. Just knowing that whatever amount of money we got went to a good cause that could possible change Owens life made me so satisfied with my life. It was such a great experience.
ReplyDeleteThis is so nice. Often times, giving to others is when we are most satisfied!
DeleteWe sat on the marley covered stage waiting to see how well we did. Nervous and scared. Thoughts clouding my sense of reasoning. Questioning if I did good enough for the judges. We all grasped each other's sweaty palms. So anxious, my own shaking over powered the person next too me. People would try talking to me, but I'd just block them out. I was too focused on the announcer.
ReplyDelete"Second place overall goes to.... Mackenzie Simons."
I was surprised. My name wasn't called yet. I start to silently freak out as my name is called. My gummy legs seem to work. They guide me over to the woman holding my trophy.
"What school are you from, Kaitlin?"
"April School of a Dance."
"Congratulations. Anyone that wants to...."
I smiled as flashes came at me. I can't believe that I got first place overall. Who would have thought?! I was only 15 in the senior category. Wow. This feeling inside me is overwhelming, but I enjoy it. I take in every moment of my success. I worked hard for this. Finally, some recognition for it. It took a long time to get this far, but I wouldn't change the world for it.
I love stories like this! It was almost as exciting to hear it second hand!
DeleteWhenever I have made a personal success I'm always satisfied. Wether it be sports, academics, or personal I'm proud to be me. My favorite moment was when I went to states individually. I placed in the top 10 for the 100 freestyle, with a 57:43. I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. But sadly before I could go on to nationals I destroyed my shoulder, with tendinitis and an impingement.
ReplyDeleteBut that does not take away the victory! Congrats. When hard work pays off, it is very satisfying!
DeleteI was encircled in the warmth of his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder. I noticed that it was bulkier than when he had left several months before. He finally felt more like a human.
ReplyDeleteWe made it through a semester. It was overflowing with trials and challenges, but it finally terminated.
It was weird not having to think about him leaving the next day. He was staying for a month.
I smiled as my dad welcomed him home with a clap on the back, and a "How are you doing?".
I was shocked when my sister said, "It's actually nice to have him home. It's like our family is complete."
That was the moment I felt most satisfied with my life.
That's nice. Sometimes other people make us feel satisfied. Missing someone is so hard.
DeleteI hold the canvas up to the stream of sunlight pouring into the dim lit room. My eyes scan it's surface as my expression turns contemplative. I rise from the old, olive green swivel chair sat behind the chipped wooden tables sprawled recklessly with brushes and vibrant palettes, pencils and detailing pens, along with other miscellaneous items. I trot over to the expansive shelf and pick up a small tube of silver glitter. Returning to my work area, I twist off the cap, proceeding to sprinkle the small pinch of the gleaming substance onto the canvas. I step back and examine it once more. A small smile brushes upon my face. It's perfect. Yet another piece of my life vaguely portrayed on a canvas that was once boringly blank.
ReplyDeleteI insist that you show this to Mr. Winklebauer.
DeleteI feel most satisfied probably right now because I have amazing friends and family. I have a really good life. The one person I really wish I could have met was my grandpa he died before I got to meet him. I never got to see my grandpa. But I know some day I will.
ReplyDeleteI think the moment I felt most satisfied with my life was last year at the PIAA State Cheerleading Competition. Our team struggled throughout the year trying to develop the perfect routine and we finally got just in time for states. In the first preliminary round, we hit a perfect routine. All of the tumbling and stunting was perfection and there wasn't a fall the whole time. Usually, there are three rounds to the competition. The prelims, semifinals, then finals. However, our preliminary performance was so good, we made it straight to finals without having to preform again in semi finals. Coming out of prelims we were placed 6th in the state, which was a huge accomplishment for our team. We are from a single A school competing up against quad A schools with more girls trying out than we have in our whole school. It was an amazing feeling making it straight to finals and preforming in finals. The rush I felt preforming in front of thousands of people is one I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteYippee! I love a good win
DeleteSorry for posting late. The moment I used was just last night and I was fighting with the hotel wifi.
ReplyDeleteMy hand clasped the metal fence to my right as I jumped up and down, my black loafers sliding off of my stocking feet with each hop. Yellowcard's music blasted in my ears, live, for the first time in my life, and with it stormed the memories of a life lived long ago. One where ignorance sheltered my innocent hazel eyes and the biggest tormenting force in my life was learning to color between those daunting black lines. Long nights on the back porch, a chewed no. 2 pencil resting in my unpracticed fingers, were scored to the soundtrack of their songs. Their music reminds me of fireflies and poker, of the smell of fresh paper and the wild life I've always dreamed for myself, seen through the white bordered edges of a Polaroid photograph. The venue was quaint, underground, and possessed a character that was entirely fitting for the band I grew up with. The walls seemed to close in on the sweating, shouting, dancing crowd, but even amongst all the people it really felt like just me and them. A personal conversation between myself and the band about my life thus far and what was yet to come. A brush against my hand or a nudge at my waist would remind me of my brother standing beside me. Our first concert together. Just like Yellowcard was our first band that we really loved and adored, together. He is preparing to enter the work force and I am rapidly making college preparations, but for one evening we had the hours to ourselves and our childhood and all the happy times it had possessed. Tears stung violently at my eyes as the lyrics of their songs flooded my ears "I hope we don't forget."
I hope I don't ever forget last night. I struggled so much to recollect a moment where I was entirely satisfied. Little did I know that raising my hands and eyes to the sky with the strum of the guitar would serve such a purpose.
OMG! Well worth the wait. Please let your brother read this. I am begging you. Oh, and send a copy to the band, and to Teen Ink.
Delete