Author: Maple

Hey guys, today I want to talk about something that has confused my brain for some time now. If you thought this was Haddaway’s “What is love?” I hate to disappoint. So keep on reading if you’re as puzzled as me.

You’ve seen those teenagers/kids that carelessly throw around the word love right? It goes something like this:

(2 weeks in a relationship): I love you, teehee. (okay it doesn’t go exactly like that, but you get the point).

I’ve even seen adults who do the same thing. It puts a bad taste in my mouth. I, for one, do not try to carelessly use such powerful words. It seems like “I love you’s”  have been simplified to this false sense of comfort people get when it is said to them. By the way, after a while it gets old if there was no substance to their words. When you hear those words, but don’t see the actions that are supposed to come with it, is it really love people?

Okay, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. Some people don’t even know what love is. I’ve asked people before, and have got responses like, “Wow, that’s a deep question.” It seems so simple, but it’s really not. I mean, think about it. These characters representing sounds in speech come together to make some type of meaning created by someone’s feelings in the past. Someone thought the feeling in their heart was so important, that they had to do something to make the other person understand- now that sounds like love to me (it also sounds a bit cheesy, but…)

I personally, have been in love romantically before. I remember wanting them to be happy. I just wanted them to feel like they meant everything to me. Their losses were my losses, their wins were my wins. We struggled together, came out of our hard times together, and were each others support. Their needs came over my needs, and I remember crying many nights for their good. That they would see a purpose in life- I rooted for them. Even though we are not together anymore, I still wish the utmost best to them. 

So yes, I do believe I understand what love is, but perhaps this will help you understand:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps not record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away”(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

I found that this was a great example. Scientifically speaking, I found some great examples for keeping long term love:

1. They maintain a sense of “love blindness.”
2. They’re always trying new things together.
3. They avoid neediness by preserving their independence.
4. Their passion for life carries over into their relationship.
5. They see their relationship as a journey together towards self-fulfillment. 

Here’s the link to the article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/psychology-of-lasting-love_n_5339457?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEUr8YxKOtsh0fh4xAYnPaIoPtXVRqUoxyKPM9l1-U_dKP1YFIT29GzlU9lVf__L5Xa2jG8v9EZPrPpbox5ET9mEBG4lL3ggF97h4SlPJvpZ-fPbDnrgqDAKSbsWRCDKbYCAKbeCy33Ks6mf94kmdr2Dn2WOaSr1Nh24wict0D7V

I hope those reading have discovered something from this, even I have. Maybe now, you see love as a more permanent thing. Love isn’t easy, and takes work, but it is worth it.  

With there being one more day after today of October, I thought this blog post should reflect on my stay here at MSA. The time has flown by, and I would love to share what it has been like.

First off, wow. Coming here in August was magical. Yes, I was filled with fear. Yes, I was awkward for a few days, but MSA became a second home to me. August consisted of orientation, and finding out who would be my friends throughout the year. It was me getting used to being around people all of the time. It was me appreciating the support given to me here. I’ll admit, I didn’t have a rough few months like most. For some reason MSA was a great fit for me- it just worked. At the end of August, my personality began to spill out. People encouraged me to be the sarcastic, and sassy person that I am.

Then September rolled around. I believe this was around the time I got my hair cut past my shoulders. I took on a different fashion sense, but I did not dye my hair. That’s the thing about MSA, it allows you to experiment with who you are. I would say that I discovered important things about who I was during that time. When I would leave MSA, I would want to come back quickly. I would miss my friends, and celebrate when I returned.

October was (and still is) a busy month. It was filled with big projects (for me) such as writing 3,000 words for a story. The most relevant thing was Artoberfest, and that is happening this week actually. There was much work put into this Haunted House. Even at the last bit of October I have another big project. So yes, it has not only been a fun month, but also the most hectic. 

All in all, my time here has been wonderful. I have met the most amazing people, and have been challenged to do my best. This has been the best decision I have made so far. With that being said, if you are an upcoming junior wanting to be a literary, apply! Seriously, I encourage you to look past your fears of being away from home/new people, etc. If you want to be at MSA, then you have to start working on your portfolio. Give it your best shot, and be authentic. I hope that if you get accepted, it will be as enriching of an experience as mine has been!

Okay, so I plan to major in creative writing. With that being said, this blog post will be most helpful to those who aspire to get degrees in that major. I’m going to put the prices, locations, etc. So if you are interested, keep reading.

The University of Iowa: Wow, a creative writer’s (me) dream. This University is home to the Writer’s Workshop. It is based in Iowa City, Iowa- it looks lovely. If you are a fan of snow, then i think you’ll love it in the winter time. Continuing, the University of Iowa has an (this is one degree) English and Creative Writing BA degree (woo!). Not to mention, it continues with a MFA if you wanted that. Those are two things that I want, so this is why it is at the first of my list. So let’s look at the numbers: It looks like the ACT scores are between 22-29. The average g.p.a is 3.76. You also need to have an Regent Admission Index score of 255 or higher (for out-of-state). By the way, their deadline is May 1st for the fall semester (just saying).  Here’s a link for costs:  https://www.admissions.uiowa.edu/finances/estimated-costs-attendance

New York University: If you’re into big cities, then I think you’ll like this University. The best news is: They have a creative writing program. But wait, there’s more! They also have a MFA in creative writing. The bad news is there is a low acceptance rate. You will most likely need at 3.7 gpa, and above a 29 act. So the stakes are high, and they are very selective. Don’t forget to take the writing section of the ACT/SAT (it’s apart of the admissions). Here’s the link for costs: https://www.nyu.edu/students/student-information-and-resources/bills-payments-and-refunds/tuition-and-fee-rates.html

Savannah College of Art and Design: Also known as SCAD, this college is based in Savannah, Georgia. It offers a B.F.A in Creative Writing (which is fantastic). Continuing, you can also get your M.F.A in writing there. It has an act score of 21-27, and the acceptance rate is about 72%. Here’s the costs: https://www.scad.edu/admission/tuition-and-fees

So here’s the thing, there are tons of college’s, but I think the most important thing you can do to filter out college’s is to visit them. You could even look on YouTube. It will give you insight on what college would be right for you. Also, consider the realistic scores that you will have before the admission deadlines. For example, if you have a 18 on the act, then it is quite unrealistic to think a college with high act standards (like a 30 plus) will accept you. That will help you apply to college’s that you actually have a shot at. So get out there, and do the work! Good luck to my aspiring creative writing major community 😉

Hey guys, my mind is constantly running with ridiculous ideas, and this is how I have come up with these two scenarios. They are most definitely wild material, and are not meant to be taken seriously. So with that in mind, read on, and have fun! 

A Toon Lagoon Toon

Ah, Toon Lagoon, the place where all toons reside. One toon in particular is Toony. Everyone knows Toony due to her moody mood, and that’s why they never pass by her pit of water.

“Wut’re ya doin in ma part of da lagoon?” Toony would question passerby’s angrily.

“We’re just parkees, we didn’t know this was your part of the lagoon. Sorry for the trouble.” the parkees would say.

“A parkee you say?! Get out! Before ye pour yer water on me.” Toony would yell in response.

You see, Toony would tolerate other toons, but could not stand parkees. Parkees were the visitors who would come through their lagoon, and Toony had some bad experiences with them. One day in particular Toony was wearing a striped shirt, khaki shorts, and a rope- belt to hold them up (Toony does not believe in shoes). Then a parkee came by and splashed Toony’s shirt.

The parkee immediately started apologizing, “Oh my, I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to splash water at you.”

Toony glared at the parkee, “Wut in squirrel migration?! You don wetted up me Guess shirt! Wut’re you gon do ta fix this?” 

“Uh, uh, I am so sorry. I could give you some money?” the parkee said.

Toony rolled her eyes, “Oh ya think this shirt you done wetted up cost as much as you got in ye wallet? Let me tell ya something parkee, this shirt here cost more than this whole lagoon.”

“Okay, I think you’re being a bit unreasonable now. It’s just a little water.” The parkee said irritated. 

Toony’s mouth sat as wide as a bear cave, “Water? Just water?! I’m shivering in me khakis! Your parkee water ain’t never gon get out me shirt. No, nevermind, you just go on bout your day. Go on I said!”

And so the parkee left in a hurry, and Toony sunk back into her pit of water.

“Raaaaaawr, them parkees done made me so angry. I’ll never tolerate them parkees again.” Toony vowed.

The moral of the story is, if you’re in Toon Lagoon at Universal Studios stay away from Toony’s side of the lagoon. The end.

Polly Pocket Politician

Do you guys remember Polly Pocket? You know, the toy line with dolls and accessories? The main one being that blonde-headed girl? Well I had sets of Polly Pocket stuff from years back, and it got me thinking: Polly Pocket could of been more than just a fashion doll. So today, I would like to share my ideas for what Polly could of done with her name to help her succeed in real life (if she was real). Keep in mind that these are just my theories for what her life may of looked like.

Polly Pocket:

1. Polly Pocket Politician: Imagine, Polly Pocket running for President. Everyone is chanting: Polly Pocket Politician for 2020! If she got elected as President she could do Polly Pocket fashion line for politicians.
2. Polly Pocket Pastries: Okay, this is a perfect job for Polly. I can imagine her making colorful, delectable pastries.
3. Polly Pocket Performer: So Polly Pocket had these games online, and in the image above she would rock out after you dressed her- it’s perfect.

Overall, I believe Polly Pocket could of had a great life, and I could of been her marketing agent. 

Hey guys, I thought it would be nice to give some insight on what matters to me, and other things to help you relate to me. I find that having a common interest/ goal between the reader and writer really allows you to understand who I am.

1. I am a vegan– I have been for a while now, and this coming April will be my two year mark. It has been a fun time, and I have learned so much from it. For some background, I thought about becoming vegan for a long time, then randomly decided to pursue that goal one day. I truly love animals, and feel like they should be respected. Plus, I am also doing better in health since I’m lactose intolerant (and also intolerant to other things).
2. I am an introvert– I have always been a quiet kid. I have tried to be more sociable, but it is still nice to be alone. Nothing beats chilling out alone watching Netflix. I also come off really anti-social/ mean, but I am actually quite goofy when you get to know me. It’s always a shock for people to find that out.
3. I am open-minded– Over the years I have come to be accepting of many things. I always try to step away, and see if there is a way I can understand someone/ something. I feel like everyone deserves a voice in this world, even if it does not match up with my beliefs. 
4. I am a Slytherin/ Capricorn– Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking: What am I suppose to do with that? I think these are both fun ways to see my personality/ why I act the way I do. Slytherins tend to be ambitious, determined, and leaders. I personally feel like this relates to me. Capricorns are also ambitious, realistic, and sensitive. Overall, this speaks volumes of who I am (so it’s not as stupid as it seems).
5. I have the advocate (INFJ-A/ INFJ-T) personality type– So instead of spewing out a bunch of facts, I rather just give a general umbrella term for my personality. The advocate personality sees helping people as their purpose in life (which explains why I would see myself being a therapist). Some of the strengths that go along with this personality is creativity, insight-fullness, and decisiveness. Some of the weaknesses are needing to have a cause, and sensitivity.

Again, I hope these things helped you relate/ understand who I am as a person. It was nice to share it, and I hope you guys enjoyed reading. Have a lovely day 🙂

The Big Easy

swoops of chocolate press lightly

and yellow kisses her skin

as she spins endlessly 

under the starry sky

jazz plays a smooth tune 

as she dances with the sax

and passes into a singer’s embrace

her body is floating on musical chords

she’s so careless, so free

and I can’t help but want to dance

with her on French Quarter

Last week I went to the MSA dance recital, and I was inspired by a dance that made me feel nostalgic. It was so lovely, and I could imagine a whole scenario with the dance. The dancer was under a yellowish light, and I believe the music was smooth.

I could just picture the whole scene in New Orleans. A person under a streetlamp dances freely, while jazz plays in the background. Perhaps, it’s even raining while they dance away. It doesn’t matter because all the person can focus on is their love for jazz, and dance.

I have such a deep love for New Orleans, so seeing this piece was truly beautiful. I used to go to New Orleans every summer, and stay at my Uncle’s house. We would go to the aquarium, the zoo, and the mall as well. I had so many amazing memories from there.

Though, after a while I did not appreciate New Orleans as much. It seemed boring after a while. I suppose that is because my 8 year old self already did the fun stuff.

Until I randomly decided to go last summer. I originally wanted to go to New York, but New Orleans was much more realistic. My mom and I went, and I felt a sense of joy entering the city. There was art everywhere you turned, and people doing their daily tasks. We stayed at a hotel nestled in the back of the French Quarter. Behind that hotel was a tasty Greek restaurant called the Halal Guys. The front of the restaurant was fully opened, and you could see the trolley pass by as you ate.

Speaking of the trolley, I was also infatuated with it. I never realized the seats could actually change different directions (it makes sense now because the trolley goes back and forth in different directions). My mom and I would just sit and look at old houses while it continued on the tracks. It was the most relaxing feeling I had experienced in a while.

Overall, the trip made me gain back my appreciation for New Orleans. So every time something reminds me of it, I am hit with a sense of love. Oh New Orleans, I can’t wait to go back to you <3

Howdy folks, we all have some type of dream for our future. Some may want to be famous, while others may want to farm. It is quite diverse. Today, I would love to share what I would like to be doing in the near future. Perhaps, this will allow you to think about your future.

When I was in preschool, my dream was to be a cheerleader. Later on, it was to be a veterinarian, then a writer, a makeup artist, then back to being a writer. It’s funny how dreams change/ how people think of their dreams for the future. I might ask someone what their dreams are for the future, and they might mention a place they want to live. Others, might mention a college in mind. I suppose I think of all of those things when someone asks me.

Lately, I have been seriously thinking about what colleges I want to apply to. After all, I am in my junior year. After this year, I have one more year in high school-that’s literally it. I know I want to go to college out of state, but it is way too expensive. Hopefully I’ll be able to pull my ACT score up. I’m either thinking about majoring in English or Creative Writing (most likely creative writing). Then after four years of college, I will try to have a book done. After that, I don’t think I will move back to Mississippi. I think I could find some great opportunities in the world. 

Speaking of the world, I think it would be amazing to study abroad. I was thinking like Europe, or Japan- I don’t know. I just want to be able to live a full life filled with adventure. Who knows? I might even get into journalism while traveling. I am just so excited, yet nervous to see where the world takes me. I can’t imagine just staying in one place for my whole life. Although, I know some people are happy with staying right where they are, and I think that’s great. You should do what makes you happy. Life is full of choices, and that’s the beauty of it.

So yeah, I am looking for the most out of life.Ii know it won’t be easy to get there, but I am going to work my hardest to be not only successful, but happy. 

The question is, what are your dreams for the future? I would love to know, and discuss the matter. I am always thinking about the future, and how I can achieve my goals- maybe that’s just the Capricorn in me 🙂

Howdy folks (that’s going to be my new intro). I cannot express how many times this question has been asked to me- “So what do ya’ll do at that school (MSA) anyway?” Here’s the thing, for some reason MSA is not really talked about in Mississippi. So I have received  all types of questions when I told people that I got accepted. I would love to address the questions I have heard, and also the general thoughts of MSA.

#1 “Wow, you must be a great drawer!”

To that I answer: No, I am most certainly not. If anything I am just okay at it. In fact we have several disciplines to choose from: media, literary, theater, vocal, dancers, and yes, visuals. This allows for many people of many talents to come.

#2 “So is this a college/ do you guys just do arts?”

Okay, so this is just like public school, except that it is more like a boarding school. We have dorms that we stay in, or you could commute too (if you are within the mile radius). We have normal subjects, and art subjects as well. We also go to Brookhaven High if we need to. Overall, it is just like any 11th-12th year (besides the discipline part).

#3 “Oh, MSMS, you must be so smart!”

If you didn’t know (which you most likely do because everyone knows), MSMS stands for Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Okay, so that is not us. Although, you do have to have a 2.5 gpa to at least get in here. Personally, I don’t feel like a genius, and my math scores know I’m not a genius. So yeah, we work more with our right brain over here.

#4 “So, what do you guys do for fun?”

I actually like this question. Although, I can only talk from my friends and my own experiences. There are some pretty good thrift shops down here. At Yard Sale you can get good prices (I love you student discount), but The Honey Pot has to be my favorite. They play music from Elvis, sell local items, and have real vintage stuff. Occasionally, we will go to Fox’s Pizza to hang out, and eat (it’s kinda pricey though). The main thing we do is just socialize, watch Netflix, and visit each others dorms. There’s also tons of clubs, and events-so you’re never really bored.

#5 “So you’re gonna live with someone…in a dorm?”

Um, yes. The rooms can have three people max in them. It is usually just two people in a room. There are two bunk beds; one has a desk under it. Living with someone is not as scary as you think. You actually fill out a form of your preferences/ interests, and you will be paired up with someone who has commonalities. I find it nicer than living by myself.

Yes, these questions have been asked to me in real life. I’m sure there is many more questions that people have, but these are from my personal experience. I hope this answered your questions on MSA, and feel free to comment further questions that you may of heard. I think it is beneficial to ask questions to be further informed. Anyway, have a lovely week everyone 🙂

Howdy folks. I find it humorous to say howdy because I live in the South, and people don’t actually say that here(I would be interested to know who seriously says that). Anyway, that’s off topic. What we are really talking about today is why I’m spontaneous. It may also answer why you are spontaneous (if you consider yourself as such). So I’m going to breakdown the spontaneous situations in my life, and explain my reasoning.

Spontaneous Situation #1

At my old private school (before I went to public school in high-school) students were not allowed to get multiple piercings. This was fine with me because I only had my lobes pierced, and I didn’t want anything else. Until later in May I started obsessing about getting a rook piercing, as well as a helix piercing. Here’s the thing, I didn’t know what those two words meant before-hand, but I researched for hours on piercings (so now I have useless information about different types of piercings). 

After I wasted my life on researching piercings, pain level, and piercing places, I found a place to pierce my ears. Keep in mind that this happened all in one day. So I presented to my mom the idea of me getting multiple piercings. Her question was:

“Why do you want this all of a sudden?”

I honestly had no clue other than the fact that I just wanted it. So, after some convincing, I got my ear piercings, they healed—it was a good time.

Spontaneous Situation #2

Throughout my whole life I typically had long hair. During freshman year I had hair down to my waist. You wanna know all the cutesy styles I did with said hair? Two words: pony-tail & bun. That’s it, because I hated my hair being down.

After a while I got sick of wearing the same style, and one random day I wanted to get it cut. So I began obsessing over the thought of getting my hair cut. 

I didn’t care if I had to go to Walmart to get it done. I wanted it gone. So, I told my mother, and she was confused why I wanted to do this all of a sudden.

“I just want to be able to stop putting my hair up. I want to make an effort.” I said to her.

The next day we got my hair cut at some hair place, and boy did they screw it up. Tufts of my hair were sticking out, it wouldn’t go straight. 

“Aw, ain’t that a cute cut. That looks real cute.” The barber lady said.

Yeah, I regretted that spontaneous decision…

Spontaneous decision #3

It was sophomore year, and it was about time for me to do some random mess. This time, it was bangs. My hair had grown out from the demon barber lady’s work, and I wanted something new.

This time my mother talked some sense into me, and we went to the lady that does her hair. She gave me long bangs, and even fixed the mess that the last hair-cutter did. When she was done, I was in love. It really added a lot more to my face. It was a great decision.

Spontaneous decision #4

When I was at camp last summer, I got someone to pierce my cartilage with a safety pin. It was late at night, and all the girls started getting their lobes pierced by this lady. So I wanted to get one as well. 

So I grabbed an earring, and got my left ear pierced. It didn’t hurt, and I have really enjoyed having it (I want my daith done next).

Spontaneous decision #5

Last weekend I looked in the mirror, and wanted my hair cut up to my ears. I started looking at pictures of people with the hair-cut I wanted, then I talked to my mom.

“I think we should cut my hair really short.” I said to her.

“No, you’re not going to cut your pretty hair. Why are you saying this all of a sudden? Are you okay?”

I was perfectly fine, and was just being impulsive. So after some convincing I got it done that day at Sports Clips (a men’s barber shop). It was race car themed, and they had football playing. Two things I could care less about, but they had massage chairs!

Now my hair is cut short, but not up to my ears (you’re welcome Mom)

Here’s my reasoning for why I am so spontaneous:

In my past, I have been restricted to stay the same way, and in the same mentality. By changing things about myself, it helps me feel like I’m not controlled. It really eases my mind, and also allows me to try new things. 

My question for you is (if you are spontaneous), why are you? Think about it. You may be surprised by the answer.

From an early age I was scared of new  people. I have multiple stories of embarrassing occurrences because of this. I want to share them with you, and also show you how I have changed over the years.

Embarrassing Situation #1

It was the night we were to take my brother to karate. I brought my coloring books, and my brother brought his karate clothes. At the time, my brother was trying to convince me to join karate. I always made up the excuse that I was mean enough to protect myself. I was only around 7.

So I sat outside the dojo with my coloring books. I even acquired a new friend who colored with me. Until, the urge to use the restroom came (oh no).

You would think that I would just go in there and ask my dad to take me. In fact, I did walk in there, but I got really scared. Scared of what? The sensei, because he frightened me for no real reason.

I headed back outside, and was in distress. My coloring books could not keep my mind off of my bladder. So then, the sidewalk turned into liquid.

I lost my new friend that day (which is understandable). I was mortified, and my dad wondered why I didn’t ask him. It seemed simple to him, but I was extremely shy.

Embarrassing (just sad actually) Situation #2

In 3rd grade I went to a private school. I grew up with the people around me, and became close to them. It was a church-school, so I went to church there. It was like my safe place. Until we went to another church.

It’s sad really, because I was in 8th grade back then (which wasn’t long ago). I was so awkward when I went to this new church. I despised going to their youth group. Why? Because everyone had their cliques, and I was over there being friends with the teacher. Now that’s pretty sad.

You could argue that I was more mature than my peers, and I preferred more intelligent conversations. That’s not the case though. I wanted to make friends, but I never did. I always made things uncomfortable.

Sad Situation #3

Yeah, I cannot call this embarrassing anymore because it is just sad…

It was 2019 in the summer, and I was at an event with several people I didn’t know. I started to look around, and all of the sudden my breath started to quicken. My eyes widened, and I teared up. I drank my drink a little to fast. My mom was concerned.

I had to go to the restroom. I couldn’t let people see me cry. I closed the bathroom stall and cried. It was too much for me. I couldn’t take it.

I went back into the event room, and my breath started to quicken again. My mom realized it was because of the people. We went outside and I started hyperventilating, and apologizing.

Maybe I wasn’t just shy after all. Maybe it was more than that…

Me Currently (not a sad situation):

I have been doing much better since I have been at MSA. Sure, there is a lot of people, but they are my people. It has really allowed me to be myself, and not think too much about my social anxiety.

Yes, it is much more than just shyness. It does not define who I am though! My social events throughout life have been awkward, but I am okay with that.

Although, I still have a rough time, I want to encourage others like me to not discredit yourself. Even though you may be the one that sits in the corner, or even uses your phone as a crutch, you are much more than your anxiety (or even shyness). You have your very own lovely personality, and don’t let anyone cover over that with the label: shy person.

Social situations are too much sometimes. I understand how you feel, but I know you are more than that. You’ve got this, I believe in you 😉