club penguin rewritten: a review

Ah, nostalgia. That is the one word I would pick to describe club penguin. If you were born from 1999 and above you have probably played the game. It started in 2005 and ended in 2017. Although, a new version of it called club penguin rewritten came about in 2017. It was basically a carbon copy of the old one. Today, I want to review the well-beloved game! So I hope you enjoy!


So, what is club penguin? Club penguin is a massively multiplayer online game, involving a virtual world containing games and activities. That’s the technical term at least. But basically, it’s a game where you can create your own penguin and roam around the world that it lives in along with many other players. 

The first thing that you have to do is make a penguin. You have to choose a color (don’t worry you can change it) and a unique name. I personally have created several penguins before. The one that I am using now goes by the name of MappleTree. I’ll put a picture of it right here:

You have to be really creative with these names because chances are, someone has already claimed it.

Now, once you’re in the game you have to select a server. They are titled many cute names like sleet, blizzard, and marshmallow. After you do that there is a big map of different spots that you can go to:

I would like to touch on some of my favorite places to go. Starting with the town. Here you can do many things such as go to a coffee shop, go to a night club, and go to a gift shop. At the gift shop you can buy different clothes, skin colors, backgrounds, etc. I personally love buying things from there. At the night club there is a dance floor and music. At the coffee shop are fun games and lounging areas. Here’s some pictures of the places:

Now, onto the next place: The plaza. Here you can go to the pet shop where you can buy a puffle. Then you can head on over to the theater to watch penguins reenact a scene, there you can buy costumes and put them on. Finally, there is the pizza parlor where you can play pizza games and get your order taken. Even though you won’t get actual food, it’s still fun to role-play with other penguins. Here are some pictures:

Next, I would like to tell you about the karate dojo. Yes, you heard me right the karate dojo. Is it really that weird for penguins to do karate, I mean kind of, but they have to pass time somehow. This place is very fun. It’s a card game where you pick a random elemental card to play on the other character and that penguin picks one for you. One card will overpower the other card, and after three rounds whoever has the most wins, well, wins! It is a pretty exciting game. As you go on you rank up in belts. Until, you get to the black belt and you face the sensei. Here are some pictures:

So those are some of my favorite places to go to club penguin rewritten. Overall, I give this game a 9/10. I feel like there can be some improvement, but overall the game is captivating. There are many other secrets that I didn’t talk about in the game. Like how there’s a whole secret agency, but you’ll just have to play for yourself and see how much fun it is. The game will definitely keep you there for hours. So go buy a puffle, make some pizza, and decorate your igloo!

Have a great day and drink nice tea!

Love, Maple <3

 

 

 

florence and the machine: song review

Hello everyone! It’s so good to be back posting blogs monthly! For my first review I wanted to share a favorite band of mine: Florence and the Machine. Specifically one song from them that I fancy. I have been listening to them for quite a while now, so hopefully this review may get you interested in them. The song I would like to review is Dog Days Are Over. Alright, with that being said, let’s begin!


DOG DAYS ARE OVER by Florence and the Machine:

Happiness, hit her like a train on a track

Coming towards her, stuck still no turning back

She hid around corners and she hid under beds

She killed it with kisses and from it she fled

With every bubble she sank with a drink

And washed it away down the kitchen sink

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

The horses are coming so you better run

Run fast for your mother run fast for your father

Run for your children for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your love and your longing behind you

Can’t carry it with you if you want to survive

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can’t you hear the horses

‘Cause here they come

And I never wanted anything from you

Except everything you had

And what was left after that too, oh.

Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back

Struck from a great height

By someone who should know better than that

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses

‘Cause here they come

Run fast for your mother and fast for your father

Run for your children for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your love and your loving behind you

Can’t carry it with you if you want to survive

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses

‘Cause here they come

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses

‘Cause here they come

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

The horses are coming

So you better run

One of my favorite parts of this song is the chorus:

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can’t you hear the horses

‘Cause here they come

 

One of the interpretations was that she was singing about getting away from alcohol and drugs. Which is understandable when you look at the lyrics: the dog days are over, the dog days are done. It interprets to her getting away from those days where she would do drugs.

 

Another was that she was singing about being scared of love: Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back, Struck from a great height, By someone who should know better than that. This is like she is being shocked by love. It is foreign to her, but now she has been hit with it. It shows her being wary of love.



Overall, the song is very catchy and interpretive. I’m sure anyone could find different meanings in this song! From the chorus to the beat of it, this song is truly amazing and close to my heart. In fact, all of her songs make me feel great inside! Florence and the Machine is definitely one of my favorite bands, and will continue to be.

 

I would definitely recommend listening to their songs! Also, take a look at the music videos! They are very fun and interesting! 

 

Have a lovely day, and drink nice tea!

 

Love,

       Maple <3



until next time my friends

Well, it’s finally here. I have been waiting for the schoolwork to end for MSA. And now, it finally has finished. Of course, I’m sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye to the seniors, but this next school year is going to be amazing (I’m positive). If you’re an incoming junior, please feel free to look at my old blogs. One of them has a list of what I would suggest bringing. Anyways, I want to reflect on some good memories that I had this year. So without further ado, here we go.


The Art Room: At the start of the year the art room was the hotspot that everyone hung out in(until we couldn’t because a lot of us weren’t visuals). But I’m telling you, the art room was chaotic. People did nails in there, played strange music, etc. 

Elizabeth: Elizabeth held a couple memories for me(Elizabeth is the white building at MSA). One time Azya and I danced outside there playing spooky songs like the Monster Mash. There was a party going on in the Phoenix, but I felt a bit uncomfortable, so we had a lot of fun doing that outside. Also, we played games at Elizabeth with many friends which was a good time.

The Literary Room: Ah, I’m telling you the literary room is the most chill classroom. We got a coffeemaker, jazz music, classical too. I wrote most of my good pieces in there. But one thing that I also did was slightly procrastinate. How? I’d be over there talking to Callie for hours about anything and everything. It was a good time for sure. I think I got inspired in my writing most of the time when Callie and I talked(Hey future roommate).

The Outdoors: Those who actually slow down enough to see the beauty of MSA’s beautiful landscaping would tell you that it has some major calming properties. Some of my favorite things I did was make ‘flower bouquets’ and hand them out to my friends. You see, I would get a leaf wrap it up and put flowers in it and shove a stick up the leaf. It took a little bit to do, but it was so nice. Also, I loved looking up at this one particular oak tree. Specifically in the evening when the lamps would turn on.

All in all, I made so many good memories at MSA, and I hope that I can make many more with you all. I wish the best for this next class coming in. May you find the peace and joy that I found and will continue to enjoy this next coming school year. Have a good break, learn a language, practice your craft, garden a little, but most importantly take care of yourself.

-Maple <3

recap of favorite poems from this year

Hey everyone, hope you guys are keeping safe during the coronavirus. I know it can be a hard time and all. Well, today I would like to share some of my favorite poems that I wrote this year. It’s been a big time of growth for me, and I am so thankful for that. So without further ado, let’s get into it.


The Colors of Our Soul

 

Grey spills into our throats.

We gargle, spitting it out,

but the taste prolongs.

It’s plain salt, moldy bread,

to our creaking bones.

 

Liquid orange is what we dream.

It’s what we want trickling 

down the vines of our veins.

It’s what we want to engulf.

 

Yellow mornings spill into our

guts, only occasionally

conversing sloppily with grey. 

Making yellow decay in our lungs.

 

Our heart is filled with pink

azaleas smelling of sweets. 

The pink sparkling brightly, 

and making sunsets with orange.

 

Still, grey washes out the colors,

it introduces black absence

who shakes our bodies into a pool

of nothingness.

 

We want yellow, we want orange, but

we have been given black and grey.

And so, we will sit, our breaths

coming out in small coughs of death.

Waiting for the brightness to spill

back into our breadbasket.

Natural Remedies

 

Maple syrup and tea spill

down into my esophagus.

I give a swallow, but recoil

in the disgust of it all.

 

It makes me think of the brittle

bark on the beauty outside of here.

Perhaps, this was her stripped into

a syrupy piece of nothingness.

 

She’s been laid out for all to see

ooey, gooey, taken advantage of. 

No one asking if she would be okay

after being left completely empty.

 

I float to the depths of her trunk, 

thanking her for the gifts she has

bestowed upon humans like us, 

who just take and take and take.

 

She smiles down upon me,

placing warmth into my body.

Wiping away my sorrowful tears,

with the unfilled roots of her maple.

 

I nuzzle up to her wooden bosom,

feeling the greatest sense of comfort,

but salty water clouds my sight once again,

for I know my love will be taken advantage of

over and over again.

Bipolar Disorder: more than a stigma

 

Grey liquid seeps from my soul.

Pupils dilating to see what’s behind.

Never getting any answers, but 

seeing the damage that has been done.

Grasping at the black void of my mind.

Searching for answers no one can find.

 

My body clenching under the weight,

getting so tense that I feel nothing but,

an endless fiery abyss of rage building.

Not being able to build the dam fast enough,

Screaming, cursing, ruining relationships.

Thinking that this is all I am now. 

 

Trapped between the highs and lows that

never let up for me to finally breathe.

Choking on the fumes of long gone dopamine.

Wondering who I am underneath all of

the waves that I am forced to ride out.

Being a prisoner in the body that is me.

 

Finding out that the negative assumptions

the majority have about my ‘annoying habits’

are not what defines who I am as a person.

Taking the steps to find who I am underneath

the trauma, the imbalances, and internal hate.

Finally finding joy in the beauty that is me.

 

-Maple 

 

 

 

 

things i am learning in therapy

Well, things have been hectic lately with the coronavirus, stability issues, and my crazy routines, but I’m managing to hang in there. On the other hand, my math grade is suffering from not being able to understand a good bit of the things going on. Either way, I’m trying my best to stay afloat. So with that being said, I would love to share some therapy tips and things I have learned over these past few weeks. I hope you find them beneficial.


1. Affirmations: Affirmations are important because they remind you of positive things. I have some affirmations for myself that I say in the mirror everyday: I am a work in progress, I am capable of amazing things, and I am beautiful. These affirmations help me stay positive in these hard times. If I keep saying these affirmations to myself, then soon I will really believe that they are true.

2. Coping Skills: This is a big one because many do not have coping skills. These are very helpful tools to have in your tool kit. It can be as simple as saying affirmations, drawing, meditation, writing, etc. Anything that gets you in a good space that helps you from the situations that are going on around you.

3. Routines: Routines are very important because they keep you stabilized. I personally have my own routine that I try to follow. If I don’t follow my routine, then I tend to want to sleep all day which isn’t healthy at all. It can be as simple as putting what you want to study beside you so you don’t have to use too much energy. You’ve got to conserve energy, but also stay active!

4. Keep a journal: Journaling is very important because it can help you release your thoughts, anger, sadness in a healthy way. There’s something I do which is a gratitude entry. It’s where I put things I am grateful for, and things that I have completed today. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on good things we have done, but doing this really helps. 

5. Question your thoughts: Are they rational or not. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself of if you’re unsure if your thought is rational or not: Is it based on fact? Does it protect my life and health? Does it keep me out of trouble? Does it get me what I want? Does it let me feel the way I want to?- If there’s two or more no’s, then it’s probably irrational. So then that’s where we can turn it into something more rational. For example: I will never get better….instead try: I will get better eventually, but right now things are hard.

-Maple <3

goals for the future

Lately, I have been asked where I see myself in a couple years by many people. You see, there’s something about goals that keeps us hoping for the better things in life. Sure, we know not everything will go as planned, but it’s still nice to think about. Sure, your situation may be unpleasant right now, but what will it look like years from now? That’s where the hope comes in. So I would love to share where I would like to be in the future. I would say I have a ton of plans for my future, so sit back, grab some tea/ coffee and join me on my dreamy path of hopes.


First, I will be going to college somewhere either in New York(ideal) or in Iowa. The University of Iowa has great opportunities for me as a writer, but so does some place like the New School where I could get an amazing internship, and more connections. I want to work in publishing, while also writing along the way. It would also be nice to dual major in psychology or something of the sort. Shoot, I’d even be down to minoring in a language(but I think I’ll do that in my free time). I look forward to my college endeavors.

After I graduate from college I would like to be working in the publishing industry ideally in New York. Although, I’m having an internal conflict. Do I want somewhere more earthy, maybe the outskirts of New York? That could be an option. Either way, I’ll need plenty of money. So I also considered staying in Mississippi, but I think that it’s best that I go ahead and head out.

After I get settled in my later years, it would be nice to get a corgi, and open up my own botanical/ plant shop. I would serve drinks such as coffee and tea to those checking out my plants in a different area, and my corgi would roam free. I would write in my spare time, probably about my plant findings and the human mind.

I mean, my main goal in life is to help other people. I really want to make a difference. I want to bring people together. I believe in the power of community, love, respect, and many other wonderful things.

So I encourage you to think of your future endeavors. They don’t have to be some magical, pretty, put together idea, but rather what you really feel like doing. Feel free to share in the comments!

-Maple <3

effects of the coronavirus

And there we were, packing up our suitcases for Spring Break. Not knowing that the world would turn upside down. That events would be can cancelled. That the world would be really unstable for a little while. And let me tell you something, coronavirus and mental health do not mix. So that’s what I want to talk about today. The effects of the coronavirus on mental health. I would also love to give you all some encouragement in these unstable times.


Has the coronavirus taken a toll on your mental health, and if so, in what aspects?

Stella: “For me because of how I normally run on a day to day basis with heavy time constraints life has slowed down. The stress of not being able to get everything done in a normal work day has become more balanced. I get to enjoy my cup of coffee instead of chugging it on the way to work. Laundry is caught up, meals at home are prepared, and I am still meeting my weekly work deadlines. Mentally I am no longer in a heavily scheduled day of going from point A to point B.”

Stella is a 44 year old single Mom who works for the military. Ever since this coronavirus has come into play, things have slowed down for her. I really appreciated her different perspective. Now, I would like to ask the same question for myself.


Personally for me, it has taken a negative toll on my mental health. You see, I have to have stability or else I cannot mentally stabilize. I need exact times, exact schedules, etc. With the uncertainty of going back to school soon, and everything being a bit chaotic it has hurt me. Also, not being able to really socialize with people face to face has been a bit hard too. I mean, I see the good in the midst of it all. It has brought people together and has made many of us much more grateful for ‘normal’ things like school, daily interaction, and many other things.

My advice, remember to take time for yourself. I know work is hectic and school is too, the world is a bit chaotic for now, but I believe that we will be okay. So hang in there, and know that I am here to talk if you ever need me for anything. Keep safe, and remember to stay inside if you can!

Maple <3

 

 

a time of growth

So lately, I have been up in my head 24/7. I have been trying to figure out the meaning of life, my purpose, etc. But my community has helped me realize that I need to take time for things I enjoy too, like writing, drawing, being in nature. I mean, it’s gotten so bad that I’ve been forgetting things. So with that being said, I want to take a moment to appreciate the little things in life, and share some things I have learned over the past few weeks.


Y’know, it’s quite ironic how it’s Spring. This is because we are all growing, just like the flowers. We have been blossoming, opening our buds until we are complete. Perhaps, this has been your time of growth. I know it has been mine. I have had many experiences in these past few weeks, and have learned so many lessons. Let me share some:

  1. Take time for yourself: We can get so caught up pleasing others, doing work, that we forget to take a little time for ourselves each day. Taking time for yourself is not a selfish thing, rather it will help you maintain yourself. And trust me, people can tell when you are running low on steam. So please, take yourself into consideration each day.
  2. Don’t assume things: Sometimes we think we know what people are thinking, or that people should know what we’re thinking, but that’s where the problem is. We must communicate with one another to truly understand each other. I can’t tell you how many times I have let my mind wander off in assumptions, instead of getting the cold hard facts. Remember, communication really is key.
  3. Writing things down is a blessing: We live in a fast paced world where everything is go go go. When we are going 100 mph how in the world do we expect ourselves to remember everything. We really can’t. That’s where writing things down comes in handy. Put down what you need to accomplish, your goals, etc. and you can always look back to see what you may have forgot about.
  4. A soft heart is not weak: I personally have quite the soft heart, but I am also a very strong individual. People think it’s showing weakness when you cry, but really it shows that we are human. We each have a story, and we should start taking that into consideration.

Maple <3

 

how msa auditions went from a junior’s perspective

Hello everyone, it’s lovely to be back with another blog. Over the weekend I had the privilege to see the potential upcoming juniors audition. I would love to share with you my experience seeing them, and the hopes for our future here at MSA.


It was a Friday afternoon. I was so pumped to be an arts ambassador. I waited patiently for the people auditioning to arrive. When it was around 2:30 they came. Sure, I was a tad bit sleepy, but was thrilled to see them. You see, I was in their place the year before too. It was scary, trust me, but the arts ambassadors made me feel so comforted. I knew I wanted to do the same for these wonderful people. So when the first auditioner came, everyone was so excited. We talked to each person that came in. That night there was only visuals and literaries. I, being a literary, was super excited to see the future literary class. 

It got to the time when the literaries had to audition. I’m pretty sure I was more nervous than they were, haha. They were all so mature, and chill. This one group talked about anime with me, and I wished them the best of luck for their auditions. After I left them, so they could get to writing, I sat downstairs hoping for the best. 

Then there was the visual auditions after the literary auditions were up. I went back upstairs to grab those who were visuals. I had time to talk to them, and ask them about themselves. Then, they went inside to draw for auditions. At the end of the day, I was so worn out, but snacks helped keep me afloat. I led most of the people back from their interviews, while eating gold fish graham crackers. After it was all finished, I was fast asleep in the bed.

On Saturday, I woke up at 7 a.m. I went down to eat breakfast, and people were already there. They said that this was a small group auditioning this year, but it seemed pretty large to me. I talked to several potential students, and was pleasantly surprised with how talented each one of them were.

Throughout the day, I was rooting for everyone to give it their all. I found some friends that I had met beforehand, and escorted them to auditions. I was so proud of every single one of them. They had the courage to give it their all. To put their raw work out there. It was so inspiring. It made me feel nostalgic about my time auditioning. 

All in all, I’m looking at a bright 2022 class next year. I think they are going to bring much positivity back to MSA. They are already so talented, and I know they will grow so much. Good luck to everyone waiting on your audition letter! And know that you gave it your best shot.

Maple 😉

being an asexual do be complicated

Woah, Maple getting personal about her sexuality on the blog? Yes, and this is a good thing. Many people hide these things, and for valid reasons. Fear of being hated, disowned, etc. But I feel an intense need to show my community. We are often not recognized, and are seen as outsiders. So without further ado, here’s the struggles of being an asexual (for me particularly).


So, are we friends or more?: THIS! Since I only have my romantic interest in people to go off of, it’s really hard to tell if I have a close bond with someone, or if I like them. I mean, who knows? I’m always too scared to find out, which leads me to my next point.

Societies expectations: Uh, I don’t know if you guys realized, but being with an asexual is something to seriously avoid for many people. It’s like if someone is asexual it means they are not capable of emotions(not true). We are capable of loving! 

You’re what?: I am asexual, yes. I don’t just go around saying that, but I do want asexuality to be more recognized. Many times I will get these responses: “So you don’t like boys or girls? Is it because of past trauma?” No, no, this is just who I am, and I am happy with myself.

Discrimination: Uh huh, asexuals face discrimination too. If you are wondering why in the world people would think asexuality doesn’t exist, or why they would be bothered by it, me too. It’s wild, but it’s mainly because we are not talked about.

A plant: No, we are not plants. That is not how we reproduce. In fact, some may choose to reproduce. That’s the beauty of it, asexuality is like a spectrum. You cannot just assume that because a person is asexual they don’t want x, y, and z. That’s why communication is key.

You should see a doctor: You see, for the longest time I thought something was seriously wrong with me. I really felt like I was left out. Looking back now, I realize that I was/ am not broken. I deserve love, you deserve love, we all do. Don’t let someone tear a part of who you are away from you.

Overall, I’ve had my frustrations with being asexual. Yes, it is a part of me, but it is not all that I am. I accept this part of me, and just know that I accept you too. Whatever label you feel comfortable with, or not a label. Just know that there are good people in this world who have their arms open to you. You are loved, you are appreciated, and you are amazing being the real you.

I love my fellow ACESkeep being you. (and keep rocking your black rings)

Maple 😉