Greetings ALL

Hey there my faithful students! I am very sorry that I have not been keeping up on the blog. This year has brought about many changes in my personal and professional life. First, on December 18th Rich and I are going to get married!

~claps hands~ SOOOOO uber exciting!

Second, I am teaching high school this year and really learning so many new and wonderful skills!

So many of you have e-mailed me and asked for a pic of my dress, but it's bad luck for the groom to see...soooooo you will all have to tune in on Wednesday to FOX10 news on the 9:40am segment to see!

Miss all of you and hope to hear from y'all soon!

~waves~

Ms. Lines

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mother's day to all the Mothers on this blog (or follow to be sure your child is doing homework!) In honor of both Mothers day and teacher apprecitation week, here are some prompts to use to begin your post:

1.) Write an open letter to your mom.

2.) Write a poem in honor of teacher you remember or currently know.

3.) Write about your future using this statement, "I know my future kids will really love me because…"

4.) Write one of your favorite memories of mom. It could be a special time or event that you shared.

5.) Write a post about using Ishmael's voice: What kind of poem or post would he put about his Mom. You may use his step Mom or even Ms. Laura Simms as the Mother.

See my contribution below:

Dear Mrs. Langhbein,

I know that you gave me an F on my report card, so that I would work harder, and push myself to be the best, and who I am today. I am sorry that I rolled my eyes at you about how stricked you were with me and my classmates. I am however NOT sorry that I smarted off to you about the F you gave me for "spelling". You asked me a straightforward question about my grade and I replied to you in a very respectful, calm and educated way; Here is how that conversation went:

Mrs. Langhbein: Why do you not take this seriously? Spelling counts in more than the test, it counts in every subject!

Ms. Lines: I disagree that my spelling grade should count in every subject and on every paper I turn in. Besides,~puts one hand on hip while talking with the other~ one day, there will be a program that correct all the spelling mistakes. ~casually shrugs shoulders~

Mrs. Langhbein:~Stern voice~ Well, that is no excuse to not know how to spell and then, demonstrate your ability by writing it on paper. Besides, until this program of yours is invented, you will need to keep working with pencil and paper. Your ability needs improvement. My grade stands.

Ms. Lines: That is totally unfair! ~stomping foot~ I am at least trying, and now I have to take summer school!?!?!?!?

Mrs. Langhbein: Perhaps an extra six weeks, practicing will help you be a better speller?!?

Ms. Lines: Well, I can tell you that it won't help me lose weight! ~folds arms and pouts~

In honor of teacher week, here is what I have to say now: "Look! It's amazing! My prediction came true!"

~nods head~

Yes, I know that you students have head me say this too. Who know how wise she was? *hmpht*

~looks around~

Sadly, my parents made me go to summer school anyway. So, thanks for that! I got to read my books and write book reports for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, all my friends got to swim, hang out at the store, playing at the park and riding bikes. (Yes, that is sarcasm.)

All schnarkiness aside, I do want to thank you and remember you, for all that you molded us into the adults we are today. Rest in peace and may you know that your legacy lives on: "Spelling counts in EVERY subject".

Best regards,

Ms. Lines

The end of the new beginning

In chapter 21, Ishmael says, "I couldn't return to my previous life. I don't think I could make it out alive this time." page 203.

That statement is so profound. I couldn't help but think, how many other teenagers have the same thought? While most teenagers do not become soldiers, or have to kill or be killed by the age of 12, they still face challenges everyday. The feelings of being "stuck" in a situation that you can not possibly imagine your way out of. Most adults call that a milestone in the development of becoming an adult.

I have spent some time thinking about that statement over and over this weekend. I can't help but wonder if Ishmael was talking about mentally, physically or both.

Even after his rehabilitation, he was still faced with so many challenges. What motivated him to leave his family and country and why were more people not trying to do the same? Do the countries in Africa face a similar illegal immigration issue, as we do here in America?

What are some of your thoughts?

Ms. Lines

9th grade Journal week 2

I hope that each and everyone of you had a great weekend!

This week we will be introduced to the "conflict" of the book and the rising and falling action. The story also introduces us to how Ishmaels' journey lead him to the United States and allowed him to finish his education. (The who or what that helped him).

In addition to the Journal entries, we are going to be writing him a letter. Use the friendly letter style, asking him to come visit us here at our school. I will present the details of a "friendly letter" on Wednesday.

I am working on the details to arrange his visit. I want all the letters that go out to be the best work you are capable of. The rough draft will be due on Friday. Be prepared to have to write more and one copy, as we want to stand out.

Remember to complete and publish your journal entries daily and for maximum points, add the passage and page number that you are referring to. Be sure to leave me a message/comment below so I know that you completed the task.
Happy blogging,
Ms. Lines

9th grades journal project.

9th Grade: you will be journaling on a daily basis. Your journal entry should include the following to get maximum points...
1. Excerpt or passages from the book and the page number it is on.
2. Your thoughts and feelings about the passages or chapters you read.
3. Thought provoking questions about the subject matter, revelations about the material and about the situation that Ishmael faces in each chapter.
4. Correct use of grammar and SPELLING!!! No excuses with a spell checker!!!!

An example is that in the end of chapter 4, he and his friends need to steal food. Despite having monies, no one would sell them anything. Do you think that was morally just? When if ever is it ok to steal? Why? What about this story makes you change you mind about stealing?

Some of you may have more questions than thoughts, and that is ok. This is a discovery process. The discovery is about you as much as it is about Ishmael.

I look forward to reading your daily posts. (Monday through Friday except this week, b/c we started on Tuesday) Each entry is worth 5 points, a 25 total each week. Remember Thursday is the field trip and you are still responsible for the entry.

Happy blogging!
Ms. Lines

The count down to summer....

Summer is almost here! Every year keeps getting shorter and shorter.

That is why it is VERY important to get in all your homework turned in on time. Don't wait until the last week of May. If the first few weeks were too stressful, here is a list of possible make-up assignments:

1. Fiction Book report.
2. Various reading comprehension handouts.
3. Geography/Social Studies worksheets.
4. Essay writing assignment: writing prompts.
5. ANY test, quiz, homework assignment can be corrected and turned back in for a possible 100%.

Students: All you need to do is see me before or after school for assignments. This will not take the place of an assignment, rather help you with your final grade. You make take full advantage of the "correct and return" policy. This is your chance to get 100% on any assignment. Remember that the correction sheet needs to be stapled to the front of what ever assignment you want a better score on. ***Tests, quizzes and homework**** ANY!!! Everyone should have an A!!!!!!

Parents: Please email me: (kmlines513@gmail.com or klines@vistasleadership.org ) or call with any questions. Corrections to the test, quizzes and homework assignments should be done weekly. The sooner I get them back, the sooner I can correct and modify the grade.

Ok, now class, we are burnin' daylight! Lets get to it!
Ms. Lines

Midterm Make-up writing prompts

There is an old adage that states, "...ask and you shall receive". You all asked for make up assignments and now *poof* YOU get them!!! ~waves wand over computer~

Practice identifying the following:
1. Subject?
2. Audience?
3. Purpose?
4. Form?

Next, create a web to help organize what your topic and focus will be. After you finish, then do a free write. Once you complete that, then write your first draft. Finally, you will turn in the piece for review from Ms. Lines and I will let you know, if it is ready to be "published" on your blog.

The following are writing prompts that you can use for make up essay questions:
1. Imagine that you have been elected as the President of our country. What kinds of new laws might you make? What would life be like? What political changes would you want to make? Us vocabulary words from unit 1-20.(Valued 20 points)

2. Write a book report on the last book you read. (50point value)

3. Write a story using the following story starter:
"Get out of the way!" said the school principal as the storm moved closer. Use vocabulary
words from all year (unit 1-20). (20 point value)

4. Write a poem: You may choose from the following formats: haiku, rhyming, limerick, "Roses are Red", shape poem, free verse, or ballad. Some suggested objects are: a mirror, rainbow, an itch, a slice of cheese, sunset or sunrise, city sky line, a balloon or a picnic. The poem should have emotion expressed such as: Jealousy, pain, anger, happiness, silly, fear, embarrassment, hope or frustration. (15 point value)

Each student who wants to complete this make up assignment needs to label the hand written page, and submit to Ms. Lines in the folder. They will be marked and returned. If they are ready for publishing, the students will add to blogger at that time.

Students will then leave me a message on my home page to let me know that the last "I" is dotted and "T" is crossed.

Happy make up work time! I am excited to read all of your submissions.
Ms. Lines

Assignments January 11-15

7th & 8th Grade: This week we will be writing Bio poems. Only Teacher approved poems will be posted to the students' blog. Here is an example of a Bio poem I wrote several years ago:

I am from the winds of the North and the Cascade Mountains to the East.

I am from where the crosswinds blow the hint of Pine, Fir, and Tamarack trees. In the Spring you can smell the apple and cherry blossoms, and the sweet smell of wheat fields on a cool spring day. Where the four seasons are welcomed like a new dawn, on a fresh day.

I am from the young love of high school sweethearts that grew into the adults that gave me the strength and wisdom beyond my young years. Who taught me that life is not always fair. They gave me the ability to earn what you want and appreciate what you have.

I am from my Grandparents Southern influence and religious teachings. Saturday mornings at church and afternoons on nature hikes in the woods. Games of Scrabble, aggravation and debates about the world, at our lake retreat. Mornings drinking coffee and playing search a words in bed.I am from wise strong women who raised children and had careers, long before it was popular, women who were not afraid to have some fun and adventures with their children and grandchildren, take kids to Disneyland and snow skiing in the winter.

I am from the warm desert wind that smells of cactus flowers and orange blossoms. I am from a sister that is a mother, a daughter, a sister and herself a wise strong women. She is a teacher for her young children, and an inspiration to me, for my future family.

I am from my Lord and Savior who would not have taught me all that I have come to know, if it didn’t have a purpose. Who has shown me that Miracles and unanswered prayers are open windows, from the closed doors. That life is not always fair, which is why he died so that I could live.

Remember you need permission PRIOR to POSTING. Have a great week and I look forward to reading your rough drafts!

Ms. Lines

Happy New year! Jan. 4-8 Assignment.

Happy New Year!

Dear students,

This term we are, "going back to the drawing board" and re-learning the six traits of writing. The class focus will be on the actual writing process with paper and pencil, IN CLASS.

~Pauses for the students reactions~

Yes, students, I know that many of you are somewhat relieved, while others are "groaning" at the idea. Don't worry, we will be posting only our "finished" final drafts here over the next semester. The writing prompts will still be posted as they are assigned, and copies to those who have a spiral journal, will still be made.

In addition to this writing practice, we will be working with idioms or words and phrases journals. The purpose of our written journals will be for the brainstorming and help constructing rough drafts. Only approved final drafts will be "published" to our blogs.

Have a Happy New Year and enjoy our writing practice!

Ms. Lines

Monday MEME! Assignment Dec. 11-18

OK Kids, here it is a Holiday MEME. What is a ME...ME...? Well in the blog world it is a group of questions that is talking about every ones favorite subject ME! In other words it is all about the "author" writing the post. It is fun to share and get others in on the MEME post. In the blog world, it is one way that authors share about themselves and "tag" other writers to share about them too. Are you all ready? I am tagging the WHOLE school.

Here is what you do. You copy and paste the questions. You then change the responses to be all about you, then post it to your page.

Ready? ~waits and looks around~

HERE we gooooooooooooooo
1. What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas

2.What is your favorite holiday song? HMMM toss up. Santa Baby or Man with the Bag....NO wait. "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas". Yes final answer!

3. What is your favorite subject? I bet you all thought I would say Language arts, but you would be very wrong. In school my favorite subject was Science. Chemistry was my best subject. Despite what they might have said about "almost" blowing the school up! ~shakes head~

4. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? OHHHHH, I haven't met a candy or cookie I didn't like, but the no bake cookie is really hard to beat.

5. What is your favorite animal? Fish. I, don't have to feed it everyday and I don't have to worry about a babysitter for it when I travel.

6. Who do you like best, Snow Miser or Heat Miser? Neither. I am a huge fan of Mother Nature. She is a wise lady and keeps the whole bunch of us in line.

7. Gold or silver? Both. Come now, kids, I can't start playing favorites...truth be told though, I prefer Platinum.

8. Presents or gift cards? OHHH I like to see people's faces when they open a gift I picked out special just for them, but I really like that a gift card NEVER goes out of style and it always fits!

9. Santa or Frosty? See I like them both. NO FAVORITES remember? I collect Santa's, so you will see more of a collection of the "old man winter" and Santa's in my house.

10. What is your favorite Holiday memory? For me, I have been blessed with so many. Last year was one of the most memorable. My Grandma and Uncle who live in Spokane, had the hardest time getting here to Phoenix. Spokane set record snow falls on ALL the day that they were scheduled to travel. One of my mothers wishes after she passed on was to be sure that the family would be all together for Christmas. It was the first Christmas without her, so of course it it was the most important that Grandma and my Uncle arrived for the festivities. Christmas Eve arrived and so did they! PHEW! Finally they made it. Christmas 2008 was complete.

Hope you all have a wonderful winter holiday! I can't wait to read all about you and TAG you are all "it".
Ms. Lines

December 7-11th Assignments

The holiday season is here! I can not believe just how fast the year really goes! It is the time of year to reflect on the good and not so good choices in our lives. This is the time of year when people start making goals for their future. I have a goal for each and everyone of you. I want to be there when you are handed your college diploma. We have a brand new year, an opportunity to "wipe the slate clean" and start fresh.

This weeks prompts will be graded on your ability to completely respond to the question, use a good lead, transition words, solid closing, express your voice, sentence fluency, and convection's. There is ZERO reason for spelling errors as there is a spell checker built into the program for you to use. You must also demonstrate your use of our vocabulary from Unit 13, by using 5 (five) words.

Complete TWO (2) of the following: (USE 5 Spelling words in EACH).
1. Write a "how to" expository piece explaining "How to decorate a Christmas Tree".
2. Write a narrative about your favorite holiday memory. Be sure to tell the story, using hyperbole and colorful adjectives.
3. Write about a "Christmas Miracle" you once witnessed. This may be something you heard from another person. Be sure to use the correct narrative (1st person or 3rd).
4. Write a letter to Santa. Be sure to use the following story starter: "You are not going to believe this." Said the elf as he or she stumbled into the toy factory.

Ok Bloggers, have a happy and fun week! Be sure to leave me a message when you are done and ready for me to grade your work.
Ms. Lines

November 30-December 4 Assignmnets

Welcome back students! I hope that your Thanksgiving holiday was restful.

We have three weeks until the end of the semester and we need to be focused on our writing abilities. This season is a time for reflection of the past eleven months and a dawn for the coming year.
In the last fourteen weeks, we have covered out six traits of writing. We have practiced out leads, used transition words and focused on the endings or conclusions of our writing. Next we worked on the making our stories better by re-writing them.
There is a saying (idiom) that "practice makes perfect". Well, that is not completely true. We should all be saying, "PERFECT practice makes perfect!" Most of the time it is in our failures that we improve the most.
Think of Thomas Edison. How many times did it take him to create a filament for the light bulb? Thank goodness, he never gave up, or our world would be much darker now.

This weeks prompts are:
1. Imagine you found a strange bottle in your backyard. When you uncorked the bottle, a Christmas fairy popped out. What happens next? (Use 5 Five spelling words from all year)
2. Ms. Lines has been called to a meeting and she needs you to fill in. What would you teach in class? Remember she teaches both Language Arts and Social studies. What would the students be graded on? (Use 5 five spelling words)
3. Imagine you believe in Christmas and you get three wishes that would effect the WHOLE world. What would your wishes be and why? (Use 5 spelling words from all year)
4. Finish the story: "How terrifying!" said the inventor as he or she climbed the creaky staircase, in the snow. (Use 5 spelling words from all year)

Remember that you need to complete 2 (two) of the 4 (four) writing prompts by Friday. Be sure to leave me a comment so that I know you are ready to have me correct and log your grade in my grade book!
have a great week bloggers!
Ms. Lines

November 23-27 Assignments

Dear Students,

We need the students to take a short quiz. This quiz is part of our Future. We would like our students to graduate with a better attitude toward life, themselves, and learning. We consider this creating hope. We need your opinions to move toward these goals and objectives. Please click on the link below to start your study:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1nmscQeZ3xH9sy28_2f_2fdj6w_3d_3d

It will take about 30-40 min. Completing this will count for one blog assignment.

This weeks assignments are:

1. " Has anyone seen my wedding ring" said the pirate as he/she took the turkey out of the oven.

(Use any 5 spelling words from units 1-11) Remember I will be grading on your use of the 6 traits of writing.

2. Imagine you have a time machine, and you have landed yourself at the very first Thanksgiving dinner. What foods are they serving? Why is everyone speaking a strange language? Write a dialogue of the conversations that you would have with all the Pilgrims. How would you explain your strange language. Be sure to use a play format or quotes. (Spelling words from Unit 1-11 and 2 Thanksgiving day related vocabulary words.)

I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Ms. Lines

P.S. I am thankful for each and everyone of you!

Assignmnets for November 16-20

Happy Monday Students!
This week we are focusing on Conventions. NO, it is not where you dress up in crazy costumes and meet at a convention center. We are talking about the ones on our six traits of writing. Conventions are the simple little things, such as spelling, punctuation, and spacing issues with words. Did you forget to title your work? If a stranger read my post, would he or she know what I am talking about?!?!?!

This week we will have two prompts. You may choose these two or pick one or two posts from earlier this year and correct the conventions. Either way you should have TWO (2) posts by Friday.

1. Write a letter to a friend, relative, or teacher about the following: "What are you thankful for and why?" Be sure to use the "friendly letter style" when writing your letter.
2. Finish the following story: "I can explain" said the student as he or she tripped on the box that stuck out of the closet.

Happy Blogging!
Ms. Lines

November 9-13th Assignments

Hey there my super excellent writers! Since we have a short week, I would like us to continue on our focus of sentence fluency. This week, I need you to re-write ONE post from earlier in the year. You are going to cut and paste into a "new post". Then you need to bring it to life. Revision is a part of the writing process. Remember that everyone, even famous writers have editors. Here is your chance to make a story, narrative, expository or persuasive writing piece better!

Here is what you will be graded on:
1. Use the previous spelling words and try to ADD this weeks words. (FIVE from Unit 10).
2. Creating a complex sentence. (using a conjunction to combine two smaller or like sentences together.)
3. A strong introduction (LEAD)
4. Variety of transition words
5. One or more Idioms
6. A strong conclusion

Happy Blogging everyone!
Ms. Lines

November 2-6 Assignments

OK my eager beaver students, here is this weeks assignments.

This week we will be focusing on Sentence Fluency. Just like learning a new language, using words, connecting them the correct way is important too.

Why?
~looks around~
Well, I am glad you asked!

Sometimes ya just gotta go with the flow...at least that's the situation most readers find themselves in.

When we write, sentences it is important to start the beginning with a capital letter. Then we wind our way over words and phrases until we’ve expressed a complete thought, and then finally, we mark the endpoint with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark.When we read out loud we practice the shape of each sentence.
The writer starts with a topic sentence and then from beginning to end, takes the reader to understand what the author/writer is expressing.

In order to move phrase to phrase, word, to word and sentence to sentence, we practice what is called "sentence fluency". This means that the writing flows smoothly. A picture should begin to form in your mind.

Some examples are from our fiction novels. We read out loud about a painting. The sentences then goes on to describe it. Some readers jump to favorite painting in art class while another is thinking of a Van Gogh exhibit at the fair.
This week, you are going to practice your grammar and sentence fluency. We have the following prompts. You pick TWO of the four. Be sure to leave me a message when you are ready for me to grade it!
1. Imagine that you are Principal for the day. Ms. Gaitens had an important meeting and needs you to fill in. What three(3) school rules do you think are important to enforce? Why? What consequences would there be for the students who broke those rules? (USE FIVE SPELLING WORDS)
2. Pretend that a producer for a famous TV show is coming to our school! The producer is looking for script ideas for the show. Sadly there is a buzz in Hollywood to end the popular show "The O.C." Create and write a drama/reality based dialogue (script) that could get picked for the replacement show. Remember you might be the next reality TV show. What would you want all of America to watch? (USE FIVE SPELLING WORDS)
3. Finish this story: "Run for your lives" said the store owner as he or she stood in the store aisle. (USE FIVE SPELLING WORDS)
4. Write a MEME about yourself and then "tag" some of your friends in the post. You should have 10-20 questions about you. These questions should help us to get to know you better. IF you are the person being named in the post. You need to cut and paste the questions, change the response to be about you, then tag others. REMEMBER this is part of your school project and should be school appropriate. (USE 5 SPELLING WORDS)

Let's have a great week blogging and having fun learning!
~waves hands~
Ms. Lines

October 26-30 Assignments

Word Choice. We are continuing to work on our very important "Word Choice". Some students have been very quick to point out, that this part of the six traits is very similar to "Voice". Yes! ~nods head and smiles~

Now, this week and next I would like you to look up idioms. For example: "A picture is worth a thousand words". This idiom in the literal meaning might look like the picture I chose above. However, idioms are the "secret ingredient" to making the blue ribbon winning essay.

Remember, voice adds the spices, and YOU the author make it the winning essay. It will be your assignment to look up a few that you like, and use them in your writing posts.

You need to write 2 posts from the following prompts:

1. People get along better when they follow rules and laws. Imagine a place without rules or laws. What could go wrong in such a place? (Use 5 spelling words).

2. Finish this story: "How terrifying!" Said the kangaroo, as he or she pushed the red button. (Use 5 Spelling Words)

3. Write a tongue-twister Poem) about a Greek God/Goddess that should express excitement. (Use 5 Spelling words)

4. Imagine that our school could have a pet. What pet would you choose? Why? Who would be responsible to care for it? (feed, keep it clean, pick up after it, walk it so forth.)**(Use 5 Spelling Words)

If you can not find any idioms to use, you may see me for a list of some of my favorites. Each post needs to have at least ONE idiom in it!

Happy Blogging

Ms. Lines

Assignment October 18-23

Welcome back students from our fall break! We are so blessed to live in such a wonderfully warm part of the United States. This week we have a choice of four prompts. It is your job to pick your favorite two and write about them. They are as follows:

1. Were you ever asked to keep a secret you DIDN'T want to keep? How did it make you feel? Did you tell someone? Try to use five (5) vocab words.
2. Do you think that states should have the death penalty? Why or why not? Would you consider that a form of murder? Why or why not? (5 vocab words)
3. "Oh no." said the clown as he or she saw the plane fly into a barn. Remember those five (5) vocab words.
4. Imagine you created a recipe to save the world. Write out what ingredients you need and the directions to make it. (Use 5 vocab words)

I am grading you on your lead, type of conclusion, transition words, spelling(USE the SPELLCHECKER!!), and this weeks focus WORD CHOICE. I will be passing out reminder handouts about "Word Choice". Read your post out loud to a friend or have them read it to you. I often find my "oopses" that way.

When you complete your assignment leave me a message so I know you are ready to have me grade your work. Happy blogging!
~waves hands~
Ms. Lines

October 5-9 Assignment

Yeah! We made it nine weeks and here we are at our very first Quarter together. *sigh* OK, so this week, it is your job to get caught up on getting your blog complete. You can write about anything you want. You get to pick your own prompt. You may see me for idea's. You may choose not to post anything. Keep in mind that, if you are missing any work...I am offering some "make-up" work here!



Now, I will share with you one of the prompts that I asked you to write about: A time when I was really sad.



Title: Two Hours and twenty minuets.



The flight was two hours and twenty minuets. TWO hours and TWENTY minuets. *sigh* It might as well have been two days, as far as my sister and I were concerned. Didn't they know? Why couldn't this plane travel faster? Hurry, I pressed in my mind. Hurry! i squeezed my sisters hand, as the plane began its ascent into the sky.


I kept trying to tell myself that, this was the time that we all had been preparing for. I couldn't cry anymore. I had to be strong. The tears continued to pour out of my eyes, like a water fountain. There is no magic wand in this fairy-tail. I had to prepare for the worst. Sadly, I don't think any amount of preparation is ever enough. Death knows no boundary.


Two hours and twenty minuets. The*tick*tick*tick* sound echoed in my mind. I looked at my watch again.

The seconds were ticking away, like a stop watch at a track meet. * tick* *tick* tick*

Finally, as if we were transported by a time traveler, we sat, one on each side of her. It was so surreal. My sister held her hand on one side. I held the other. I could only, look on, as if it was some made for TV moment. I really just wanted to run away, cry, leave this space, with all these people gathered around her. How could I be so selfish.
*gasps*
*gasps*
*gasps*
Is this her last breath?
How will I know?
Why is THIS her time?
My heart felt as if it would explode.
My breathing matched my sobbing. OH god, this is really it.
*gasps*
*gasps*
*gasps*
I can't ever get that image out of my mind. Death wasn't a thief in the night. The grim reaper just stepped right up and took her. "HOW RUDE", I thought. Death has no right. Why this young and wonderful Mother and Grandmother? Why am I being so selfish? Maybe Death will bargain? Maybe I could offer Death something else instead, perhaps my soul?

*Gasps*

With that last gasp, her soul was free and her weak, frail body finally stopped fighting. Death, was the only victor today. Death, you cruel and horrible thing. I am left to grieve. I am left to mourn the loss of my dear Mother, so young. I am left sad, because I will have had two hours and twenty minuets less.

Assignments for Sept. 28-Oct..2

In honor of moving to our new site I would like you to pick TWO of your favorite writing pieces and RE-WRITE them.

Try using the skills you have learned so far with organization and voice. What would have made your story, or entry better? Look at the beginning, did it start off strong? Would the story take on a different flavor if you used a different lead?

Revising and rewriting is something that even professionals do. This is why newspaper and book editors have jobs. Take it in stride and know that your next attempt will be better, and you might even like it more than your first draft.

Use spelling words from the last 5 weeks, and don't forget about those challenge words. I think, they should get a bonus. In fact, I will be giving one point per challenge word used in each rewrite.

Have fun class and happy blogging!

~waves hands~

Ms. Lines