Life's an Adventure, Take Notes!

6th Grade Honorable Mention, William Shakespeare

2011-05-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

Another great 6th grade essay! Gabi makes writing seem easy and she describes her love for Shakespeare. Keep up the good work Gabi, I look forward to your essay next year! Kylie

Gabi S
Ecker Hill International Middle School
Sixth Grade

What If There Was Time Travel?

What if there really was time travel? What would you do with that privilege?
Beep, ding, whoosh. Back to the year of 1592!

I opened the big, heavy doors of the library and took a step in. It was enormous.
All I could see was rows and rows of books, from fantasy, to science, to everything. I
could smell the pages of the millions and millions of fabulous books. It was an earthy
smell, more so then libraries today. I could hear the librarians, old and brittle, whispering to be please be quite. I wandered down the shelfs looking at the spines of the books, some brand new, some old. As I was running my fingers along the spines of the books one of them caught me off guard. It had a leather cover with the words “Romeo and Juliet” written in gold on the front cover...

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it
would be the extraordinary, outstanding, William Shakespeare. I want to meet him
because he wrote stunning books, romantic poems, and magnificent playwrights that blew people away! I think it would be really cool to hear him read some of his awesome books or poems in modern english. He would have so much emotion - fear, joy, love, hate, or horror in his voice! It would be so delighting! I would really like for him to teach me some of his secrets in writing. I think that he could be an inspiration
to my own writing. He would inspire me to write more often. I would also ask him how
he came up with ideas, got past writing blocks and made his way up to being famous!
William Shakespeare is the person I would meet if I could meet anyone, from any time,
anywhere!

I would want Shakespeare to feel comfortable, so I would absolutely insist that we
meet at a library in Warwickshire. The reason for it being in Warwickshire, is because he was born there and I think that most every body loves and enjoys their home town. I
think that the library would be appropriate because he wrote books and loved to read! He would feel comfortable because now a days libraries are full of his work and he loved to be in quite places.

The first question I would ask William Shakespeare would be, “Was the role of
Juliet based on someone in your love life?” I would ask that question because I have
always loved the story “Romeo and Juliet”! I have always wondered what it would feel
like to be Juliet. I would also ask him to explain exactly how he pictured the amazing,
comely, Juliet, and the buff, handsome, Romeo. Since Romeo and Juliet were madly in
love, I have always wondered if Shakespeare himself, ever felt love of that kind. If he
had, then I would insist on listening to him tell about that story of his past. It would be so romantic! That’s what I would ask him if I got to magically travel back into history, and meet the one and only William Shakespeare!

I would like William Shakespeare to know how his work changed history. I would tell him that today we still use a quite a few of the outstanding words he added to the
language, and we, very much appreciate them. I would also tell him that he is an
unmatched figure when it comes to writing breathtaking masterpieces! Most everyone in
North America knows of his prose. One of his most famous pieces, “Romeo and Juliet,”
have inspired writers of today for their own books, poems, and playwrights. They all look up to him as a fellow writer. In that library in Warwickshire, I would tell Shakespeare how he changed the future.

Going back in time to visit the superb, magnificent, William Shakespeare, I would
ask him some questions about writing, about some of his masterpieces, ask questions to
learn more about his life, and to be sure he knew of his impact.

...Then I saw him, William Shakespeare the writer of the book I had in my hand -
“Romeo and Juliet”! I was so excited, I had to hold my breath so I wouldn’t scream my
heart out! Is it really him? I don’t know. I think it is. I’m going to go up and talk to him, right now. Ready, set, go!

8th Grade, 5th Place (Tie) - Captain Kirk

2011-05-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

So, this may be my favorite essay I have EVER received. I have read Ben's essay about Captain Kirk ten times, and each time I have to remind myself that Captain Kirk is NOT a real person, however Ben has done an amazing job of making him seem real! This essay is well-written and passionate! Great job!

Benjamin D
Dixon Middle
8th

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be James T. Kirk. I want to meet James Kirk because he saved earth and was a great captain. He was the most famous and most honored star fleet captain ever and he was the captain of the Enterprise. He was also the youngest captain ever. He was promoted to admiral 15 years after he graduated from the star fleet academy.

During his career he did many important things. He stopped V’ger, an unidentified energy field, from destroying earth in 2273 by helping it to evolve so it could understand other concepts it couldn’t understand before. In 2286 he saved the world from a probe that had come to earth and started transmit frequencies that were destroying earth. He went back in time to get whales to communicate with the probe. He saved earth yet another time when Nero a Romulan from the future comes to destroy the federation. He saved three races during his career. He went on many other journeys during his career.

He had good personality traits. He was fast thinking and loyal. He had high moral standards. He inspired loyalty in people for example when he set out to save Spock his crew risked their jobs to help him steal the enterprise. He was very patriotic, he had the preamble of the constitution memorized and his childhood hero was Abraham Lincoln.

I would want captain Kirk to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet on the Enterprise. I would meet him there because he was the captain of it for a long time. He was promoted to be the captain on it in 2264 and he served missions on the Enterprise for the rest of his life. He spent a lot of his life on board the Enterprise.

The first question I would as Captain Kirk would be “What is it like to interact with other life forms?” because he handles relations with other life forms a lot. He was also a close friend with Spock. It would be really cool to interact with aliens. It would be interesting to learn about their cultures and languages. I would really like to know what aliens cultures are like, to see if cultures are similar or what makes them different. For instance are they affected by what their home planet is like or what type of animals are on their planet. Interacting with aliens would really be cool because it would show you how many different types of cultures there are.

When I met with him I would ask to see if he could take me to see the planet Vulcan because it would be cool to see another planet. I would also want him to teach me how to to fly space ships because knowing how to control something that advanced would help me become an astronaut. I would also have him teach me the basics on their machines to help me become a aerospace engineer (if I am not a astronaut). After a few days studying with Kirk I could lead the field of quantum physics.

I would like Captain Kirk to know that he saved earth more than five times. If he hadn’t humans would be close to extinct. This affects me because if he didn’t save the world most of the world’s creations in art, history, and science would be destroyed, all of the achievements of human kind would be forgotten eventually.

If I could meet Captain Kirk I would try to get Spock to come with Kirk. It would be interesting to meet Spock because he is part Vulcan. Meeting a Vulcan would be interesting because their life style is so much different from ours. The Vulcans are a lot more advanced. Volcans are very intelligent so it would be fascinating to see what Spock knew. It would also be cool because Spock accompanied Kirk on most of his voyages.

I would want Spock to be comfortable so I would insist we meet on the planet Vulcan because it is where he grew up. He would be most comfortable because he knows Vulcan. Another place we could meet is on the Enterprise because he served on her for a long time. He was with Captain Kirk for most of his missions so he would be comfortable there.

The first thing I would ask Spock would be “what is it like to be part Vulcan and part human?” because that would be weird to be part Vulcan and part human. It would be interesting to be Vulcan and human because Vulcans aren’t allowed to show emotion but humans show emotion on purpose. I would think being both Vulcan and human would be hard. I would a want to know how/if he mixed human and Vulcan cultures.

Spock and Kirk make a perfect team of reasoning and passion. Kirk is pro-active and impulsive. Quick to way risk without come. Spock is completely logical and valances that balances that impulsivity. Together they can accomplish great things.

8th Grade, 5th Place (Tie) Edgar Allan Poe

2011-05-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

I love it that an 8th Grader wants to meet Edgar Allan Poe! This is a smartly written, well researched, believable essay. Great job Trystan!

Trystan P
Dixon Middle School
Grade 8.

Who I would meet.

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Edgar Allan Poe. I would want to meet this person, because I love horror movies, scary things, anything freaky, and he was the father of scary stories. His poems such as The Raven really got me on the edge of my seat. along with the Pit and the Pendulum. A giant blade plummeting towards you while you are strapped to a slab of concrete? I was freaked. Tell-Tale Heart has such an eerie feeling to it, that you just have to read it and watch the movies they based off of it. Edgar Allan Poe would be the person I would meet because of how strongly he has influenced me.

I would want Mr. Poe to feel comfortable, so I would insist that we meet at the Poe Museum, a whole museum honoring him. I believe it would make Poe very happy to see he is still appreciated, and would make him very happy. I would be happy if I was taken to a museum honoring me and the works of art I created. I would also maybe take him to one of the huge Edgar Allan Poe birthday celebrations they hold ever year. Because Edgar was so unhappy, I'm sure it would delight him to know he is loved, and hasn't been forgotten.

The first question I would ask Edgar Allan Poe would be “What inspired you?”
Why? Because being an artist and some what of a poet myself, I would love to hear what inspired him to write such great works as Annabel Lee, Tell-Tale Heart, and Lenore. I would probably ask him what poet he thought most influenced him. I would be intrigued to know what poet or author that gave Edgar Allan Poe the drive an determination to write what he wrote. So many questions come to mind. What poem or short story he thinks was his best, how he thinks his poem affected people. I know that I want to know how he would answer.

I would like Edgar Allan Poe to know how his poems affected me. I love his poems, and think that people should read them if they already haven't. He has influenced me as an artist and a poet many times in the past, and still continues to influence me as I read his poems and short stories. I would let him know that I don't care what people label me if I read his poems, and that I love his work. I would tell him that many people all over the world read and enjoy his poems all the time, and he has a huge fan base. He has also affected my sister, as an amateur artist, she looks to Edgar Allan Poe to seek literary help. She thinks of him as a great author, and bases some of her works on Edgar's work.

I would also like to tell Edgar Allan Poe how his poems affected history. His works have inspired and influenced people to create a different type of horror and short story. His poem the Raven has gained world wide fame, and almost everyone has read it. He has affected Science Fiction with his stories, and is known as the father of modern Detective stories. He is also known as one of the first literary critics and theoreticians. If I were him, I would be proud of myself of creating such masterpieces to last through the ages.

I would love to meet Edgar Allan Poe, not only because he's affected me greatly, but because of how influential he's been to the rest of the world. I would love to share with him the stories and love notes people have wrote about him, even show him the art people have drawn of the characters he's portrayed in his poems. I'm sure this would delight him a great deal. He has affected me a great deal, artistically, poetically, and in my view on life. I hope you enjoyed my essay.

8th Grade, 4th Place Winner - JK Rowling

2011-05-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

Another great essay about JK Rowling. Nice job Chelsie! Keep writing, you do have a talent! Kylie

Chelsie C
Dixon Middle School
Eighth Grade

If I Could Meet Anyone, It Would Be…

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Joanne Rowling. I want to meet Ms. Rowling because she is the world famous author who wrote the famous series of books called "Harry Potter". Her pen name is JK Rowling. Her publishers demanded that she used initials for the first part of her name because they feared that boys wouldn’t read her book because she’s a girl. She didn’t have a middle name so she chose to use the K from her grandmother’s name. If I could meet her, then the meeting place I would choose would be the Universal Studio’s Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. There are many questions that I would want to ask her, but the first one I would ask would probably be “Do you have any secrets that have helped you write such an incredible book?” I would want to ask this question because I hope to someday be a great author and she has influenced me greatly in this desire. JK Rowling and her books have changed my life quite a bit.

I would want Joanne Rowling to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. That place has a whole entire amusement park based off of her famous series. In this amusement park, they have rides, shops such as Zonko’s, a wizard’s prank shop, Ollivanders, a wand shop, Honeydukes, a shop filled with sweets, Filchs Emporium of Confiscated Goods, a store filled with clothing, toys and other things from the book, Dervish and Banges, a store filled with magical supplies and wizarding equipment, and a restaurant called the Three Broomsticks. All of these places are based on places in Joanne Rowling’s series. The restaurant would probably be the best place for us to talk. In JK Rowling’s series, she often had her characters have important conversations there. The restaurant even created a drink called Butterbeer based off of the Butterbeer in Joanne Rowling’s book. She has approved of it herself. She created this place. It came from her own imagination, so I’m pretty sure that she would be fairly comfortable there.

The first question I would ask Joanne Rowling is, “Do you have any secrets that have helped you write such an incredible book?” I would ask this question because I hope to be a published author someday. I don’t know if it’s possible for me to be nearly as good as JK Rowling, but I can try. An author can always learn more, whether it’s tips, information, or anything else. Everything can help an author write their books, and I’m sure that the best author would have the best tips. That’s why I would ask her that question. Other questions that I would ask would mostly, if not all be about things that would help me improve my book. They would be things like, “Are there tricks that have helped you come up with the things in your book such as names of places and people?” or “What are the things you feel are the most important to know and remember when writing a book.” There are so many questions that I would want to ask JK Rowling.

I would like Joanne Rowling to know how their life, or how one of their decisions or how one of their posterity changed history. I can’t imagine how many lives she’s changed. I don’t know how many authors decided to become authors because of her. I don’t know how many people have dreams to become authors because of her. I am one of the people who have a dream to become an author because of her. In fifth grade, I was writing a biography about JK Rowling when I came across her words on how she came up with her idea for her incredible, world famous series. She said, “It was after a weekend's flat-hunting, when I was traveling back to London on my own on a crowded train, that the idea for Harry Potter simply fell into my head. To my immense frustration, I didn't have a functioning pen with me, and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one. I think, now, that this was probably a good thing, because I simply sat and thought, for four (delayed train) hours, and all the details bubbled up in my brain. I think that perhaps if I had had to slow down the ideas so that I could capture them on paper I might have stifled some of them (although sometimes I do wonder, idly, how much of what I imagined on that journey I had forgotten by the time I actually got my hands on a pen).” She also talked about games that she played as a child that she used in her books. When I read this, the idea that I might be able to write a book about my childhood games “simply fell into my head.” I hadn’t written any of it down, but I had all of the details I came up with from years of only playing that game imprinted in my head. I doubt that I would be writing my own books and even be the person that I am if it hadn’t been for Joanne Rowling.

JK Rowling has changed my life so deeply in such a good way. She is the person I would choose to meet, out of all of the people in the world, from any time period if I could meet anyone. She has changed the world and made it a better place. If it weren’t for her, then there wouldn’t be as many good books in this world for people to read. If it weren’t for her, then many of the children and people that she effected wouldn’t have imaginations nearly as good as the imaginations that they have. Reading a book, especially a good book strengthens the imagination. I am so grateful for Joanne Rowling and her amazing books. She has changed the world.

8th Grade, 3rd Place Toph Bei Fond

2011-05-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

I love this essay. Hannah did something very, very difficult...she took a fictional character, puts her in our modern world, and explains very clearly and honestly why Toph is who she would most want to meet. Hannah this is a beautifully written, very emotional essay; you should be very proud of yourself. Stay true to yourself and keep writing, you truly have a gift.

Hannah O
Mount Nebo Jr. High School
Eighth grade

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Toph Bei Fong. I want to meet Toph because she is brave, strong, smart, has a good sense of humor, and most importantly she does not care what anyone else thinks of her. She knows who she is and nothing will ever change her. Everyone can learn a lesson from Toph. We live in a world where no matter who you are, what you do, or what you look like there is always going to be someone who judges you. They are not right to judge you, but we cannot let someone else’s opinion change who we are.

Toph is an earth bender, which is someone who can move earth as a martial art. She became, at the very young age of 12, the earth bending teacher for the Avatar, (who is Aang, he is the peace keeper of the world and is learning all four elements). Toph also invented metal bending, (which is a part of earth bending but you bend metal) I admire Toph for her creativity. Toph used her new talent to escape a metal crate she was held in by two men who were hired by her parents to bring her home.

Toph has a complicated relationship with her parents, which is something that most kids can relate to. Her parents think that because she is blind she is fragile, but Toph knows she is not fragile. Her blindness taught her to use her earth bending as not only as a martial art, but as an extension of her senses, just like her teachers the badger moles. Toph and the badger moles understand each other because they are both blind. They use their bending to interact with the world. Earth bending became a part of who they are.

As Aang’s old friend king Bumi once told him, “The key to earth bending is neutral jing, where you do nothing.” Because Toph is blind she uses earth bending to feel the vibrations in the earth to see. Toph mastered neutral jing because she has to wait and listen before striking.

I would want Toph to be comfortable so I would insist that we meet in any canyon, in the Earth Kingdom. This way, Toph would be able to see because the earth that would surround us. This place would be important and comfortable because Toph would feel safe being able to see. I, for one, think that having her gift would be great, but also hard because if you were not on any earth then you would not be able to see.

The first question I would ask Toph is how do you handle people making fun of you about the way you look even though you cannot see them or the way you look? I want to be able to be strong, but it is difficult especially when other people put you down. In seventh grade I was made fun of for the way I looked, all I wanted then was to be blind like Toph, so I would not have to care about the way I looked because I would not know how I looked. I wanted to not care like Toph and make a sassy remark but when I did it still hurt inside. I want to know how she cannot care because when it happened to me, it still hurt.

I would like Toph to know how her life has changed history, she taught the Avatar earth bending. She helped to save the world, and stopped the fire benders from completely destroying the earth kingdom even though her own life was on the line. She helped to bring peace love and balance to the world and helped end the war that had been going on for over one-hundred years. She showed love, compassion, understanding, and joy everywhere she went, she became the greatest earth bender in the world with had dedication and love for her gift of earth bending.

Toph affects me because she has taught me to stand up for myself even when it is hard or is not the coolest thing to do. She has taught me not to be a push over, and when something is not right, that I can help change it for the better. I have learned that just because someone may not be the most beautiful person on the outside, does not mean that they are not the most beautiful person on the inside. I now really want to enforce the saying “do not judge a book by its cover,” because it is completely true. We do not really know a person by the way they look. We can truly know them when we take the time to understand them. No one can know what is going on in anyone’s mind no one is a mind reader. We need to be kind and friendly to everyone; I think that is something that a lot of people forget. People think that just because someone is different that they have the right to judge them but they do not, whether it is cool or not, it is not right. I know now to wait and listen before I do something because even though I think I might know what is going on, I usually do not. I have learned to be brave and strong in all I do. Toph is my hero, she inspires me so much in all that she does and even though I know she is not a real person, I want to be just like her and change the world to make it a better place with love and peace that can surround everyone. Toph has taught me so much, but the most important thing she has taught me is to be myself in every circumstance, because the best person I can be, is me.

8th Grade, 2nd Place - Anne Frank

2011-05-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

I love, love, LOVE IT when winners and finalists come out of small towns...probably 'cause I'm from a small town myself. This touching essay about Anne Frank is well researched and beautifully written. Great Job Casey! Keep writing, you have a real talent. Kylie

Casey M
Vernal Junior High
8th

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Anne Frank, author of A Diary of a Young Girl. I want to meet her because she was an incredibly brave, smart, deep and funny person. She went through such unimaginable experiences and dealt with them with such wonderful grace and maturity. She was forced to grow up quickly, growing from a girl to a woman in just two years, all the while writing down her witty observations and interesting insights in her diary to her imaginary friend named Kitty. I feel like I am Kitty, that Anne’s writing to me, that she knows another girl, somewhere, is listening. I like many of the same things she does; movies, art, music, nature, writing, learning. I feel the same way she does about a lot of things too, from understanding myself and discerning my strengths to knowing optimism is the best way to go. Although I don’t live in a moldy attic behind a Dutch store and I don’t know anything about the atrocities of war and prejudice firsthand, I do know what it’s like to grow and learn and think and dream and hope. That is why I would like to meet Anne Frank.

I would want Anne to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at a park in Amsterdam called Vondelpark in high summer. We could go to Hollywood or the Louvre but I think she would like to be in Vondelpark best because it’s located in her favorite place in the whole world: the city of Amsterdam. It’s is the closest park to the Secret Annex, and it’s creators wanted it to look like a big beautiful English garden. It’s great for walking, jogging, roller skating or just lying in the sun. There’s also a film museum, an open-air theater for free concerts and live performances, and within walking distance of museums housing famous Dutch masterpieces. Whatever Anne wanted to do, we could do. She loved being outside and experiencing nature, but most of all she purely loved the city of Amsterdam, and I think just being there in the sunshine and grass would make her happy. We could go anywhere and everywhere in Amsterdam, or just stay and enjoy the park, getting to know each other and having fun.

The first question I would ask Anne is “What do you think your life would have been like if you hadn’t been forced into hiding? Would you have been the same person?” I would ask that specific question because if she hadn’t gone through that extreme ordeal, would she have still grown up the same way or learned the same things? I don’t think she would have, but I would have liked to hear how she thought she may have changed. In the beginning of her adolescence she wanted to be a glamorous movie star in Hollywood, enjoying the good life with loads of boyfriends and money. By the end of her diary her plans had changed: she wanted to be a writer, to tell the world about her experiences and hopefully changing it for good. I would like to hear her thoughts about making important choices such as deciding what to do in life and how she came to those conclusions. Mostly I feel after reading the things she writes in her diary that she’s an extremely wise person that could help me appreciate what I have and help me to learn more to make the future better.

I would like Anne to know how her life and her decision to keep a diary during her confinement changed history. She has affected the world in the way she describes the harshness of prejudice and intolerance, painting a picture of truth and unfairness that she and millions of others experienced. I want her to know that Anne Frank, a thirteen year old girl, was speaking the words of masses of people explaining in clear, understandable language the unjustness of it all. But the message she wrote was not of revenge or anger against her oppressors, but of optimism and peace. She hoped people would see that, no matter what, there can still be good in the world, still be love, peace and happiness. She showed the world an attitude we should all live by.

She said in her diary that she wanted to live after she died and she has, through the publishing of her diary, but also in the hearts and minds of people who read it and understand where she’s coming from. She taught me that it’s okay to not to feel understood, that being young is part of the process to becoming a person. She’s inspired me to be happy and to count my blessings every day. She also has stirred me to dream and make goals without any limits to the impossible because she hoped and dreamed, even if she wasn’t sure if there was a tomorrow to fulfill those dreams.
I feel like we are very similar, Anne and I, and Anne has helped me to see things in a new light. Her words ring true to me, almost as if she knew people would read her story and understand what she went through. Anne has inspired me to write more and to start a journal; both for posterity and to show myself how I’ve grown. I’m thankful she wrote a diary and I’m grateful for the miracles that came about so it could be published. Anne Frank is truly one of my heroes and if I could meet her, I would thank her for everything she’s done for me and others like me. I want her to know that what she worked and hoped for do live on, long beyond her death.

8th Grade Winner - Al Capone

2011-05-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Creepy, dark, intense, however very, very well researched and very, very well written. Awesome job Chayeh, you absolutely deserve $100 for your work. Keep writing, you have a great talent.

Chayeh P
Dixon Middle School.
Eighth Grade.

If I Could Meet Anyone, It Would Be…

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country or time period, it would the infamous mob boss Al Capone. I want to meet Mr. Capone because of his reign of crime on the entire world, and because I have an interest in the minds of the criminally insane and plan on making it a career someday. I believe that he has such an influence on the mobs and gangs today because of what did and believed in, so being able to meet him would be a very big and educating opportunity. There would be many questions I would want to ask him, things I would tell him and things I would record if I was able to finally meet him. His impact on the crime world and also the well-known Italian mob is huge, and dreaming of being a criminal psychiatrist, meeting Mr. Al Capone would be a very opportune moment to look further into the mind of one of the most criminal men of all history, perhaps find one common factor between different crime lords to why they do what they do.

I would want Al Capone to feel as comfortable as ever, so I would want to meet him at his Florida home near Miami where he returned after being held in a prison institution in 1939. Personally, it would be comfortable for him because that is where he lived the remaining years of his life after serving seven years in there very harsh environment of the Atlanta Prison Alcatraz. It would the best for him, because he lived there with his wife for eight years before he passed away of a stroke and pneumonia. Perhaps if he was comfortable enough I would be able to ask the questions I wanted without any distractions.

Certainly, I would not meet him in Alcatraz because of the mental stress put on him being institutionalized. Not only did he leave with paresis (a disease derived from Syphilis); which lead him to live with the mentality of a 12-year-old, but Alcatraz was known for being strictly disciplinary, which most likely lead to the stress. The home would be very friendly and nostalgic for him, so that would be the ideal place to meet him if I were to meet him.

The first question I would ask Mr. Capone is: “Why did you do the things you did?” I would ask this question because it would let me know a lot more about his life rather than searching up the information in encyclopedias and media from the internet. This question would be very informative coming from him because the things said about him could be misunderstood and taken differently by others because of opinion. Not only could this let us know the way he rationalized it, but it could also give us more insight on why usual mobsters kill and do the things they do. There could be similarities between his gang and the gangs of today. Because I am fascinated with the criminal mind, this could give me great experience and it would also let me know how some criminals make the things they do okay.

It is a very intriguing, the mind of the criminally insane. The way some of them think and rationalize the crimes the commit is very interesting, and seeing Al Capone try to persuade into thinking what he did was right might let me understand the things some criminals do. As I said earlier, there are many other questions I would ask him such as ‘Why would you risk being executed at Alcatraz for the people you’ve killed?’ and ‘Why would you put your family’s life in danger, especially your wife Mae?’ There are a lot of things I would ask him, just like I said in the previous paragraphs.

I would like him to know that his life has affected me greatly because it has boosted me to look more into criminal insanity cases than just domestic and simple mental instability. He has affected my country in a way that no one can really describe in a concise way. Crime rates weren’t exactly sprung by him, but I believe the mob world has grown since Al Capone’s crime spree in the early years of America. He is a big inspiration to me despite his wicked motivations of the things he did such as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. No matter the intimidation inflicted upon me by his wide range of body-guards, gang members, and him added onto it, I would be elated to meet with him and see how he reacted with the changes of society since his life in the early 1920s.

Al Capone was originally the mobster I wanted to research in my elementary days, he pushed me to think that psychiatry was my trail to my future, but I never took the path because I was only a child. Crime has always been an interest of mine, but the minds behind it all always have got me researching the things that have happened in said cases. Mr. Capone was a huge inspiration to many king pin’s and crime lords that have gangs started today, I’m convinced. Because of the turn of style of the gangs doesn’t mean the violence and rivalry is different in any other way. I know that Mr. Capone was a ruthless, wanted man. But behind all his hostility towards gangs in the world then, there was a boy who hadn’t lived in society normally since he dropped out of sixth grade and turned the streets at such a young age. In my opinion his power-hungriness drove him to do everything he did, like an addictive drug it was not to be stopped or it would go somewhere that America would regret more than they did.
I believe meeting this man would change everything, my understanding, the world’s understanding if I shared with them his opinions and thoughts, and the way his story was portrayed. His reign of crime locally and not only nationally was huge and it certainly inspires me in ways indescribable. I would love to meet the well-known Italian mob-king Al Capone; if I could have been alive to meet him I would have so much experience.

7th Grade Honorable Mention Thomas Monson

2011-05-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate enough to get to read hundreds and hundreds of essays from students across Utah. I can tell when students are writing the essay for a grade, or because their teacher "made them write it". When pulling out the final winners, we are looking not only for well-written and well-researched essays, we are also looking for essays that come from the heart. Brian's essay about Thomas Monson is a great example of a well-written essay that the author truly believes in. Great job Brian!

Brian C
Diamond Fork Junior High
7th Grade

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Thomas Monson, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I want to meet Thomas Monson because he is like a modern-day superhero! He is the prophet of the church, which I belong. He was chosen by God to teach us what we need to do and how to find answers. I believe inthese teachings and because of these teachings I want to meet this great man. He is a prophet of God and all the prophets of God have been able to do amazing things: they have healed the sick and the blind. They have also taught the word of Christ in every country and every language. They continually teach that we should have a relationship with God through reading the scriptures and praying to Him. One day at school, I was having a tough time. However, I remember what I had been taught, and I prayed to God. By the end of that day, everything had turned out all right. Amazing things have happened to me when I pray to Heavenly Father and when I read His word. Prophets also teach that we need to pay our tithing. Paying tithing means giving ten percent of your earnings to the Church for the construction of other church buildings and glorious temples. There was a time I paid my tithing instead of purchasing something I wanted. When I paid my tithing, the toy I had wanted went down in price so I was able to buy it. As soon as I meet Thomas Monson I will shake his hand and feel the strength of the Holy Ghost upon me. Then I would ask him to share his testimony on the Church of Christ as well as some of the adventures he had while teaching the gospel. I want to listen to him. I want to feel the things he says rest in my heart. I wonder what blessings might come upon me from the experience and what I will experience in the days following our meeting. I am sure I would remember what he said forever. I would ponder his words in times of need. The words would help me know everything will eventually turn out all right.

I would want Thomas Monson to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at the temple. This place would be important to Thomas Monson because the temple is the House of God. In this place, Thomas Monson can see and talk with God. This would be the perfect place to meet Thomas Monson because it would almost be like standing in the presence of Heavenly Father. As the prophet, Thomas S. Monson connects us to God because he is his mouthpiece. If I were privileged enough to talk with President Monson in the temple, I think I would always be able to remember that special feeling in my heart. The temple of God would be the most amazing place on earth, and to meet the prophet of the LDS Church inside of it would be indescribable! I would always ponder how peaceful it felt being in the temple, and in addition to that, speaking with the prophet of God's Church! I would remember that experience in my heart forever! And even after forever I would remember! I would go back to the temple every chance I had to ponder the things he said to me. I would always look at the temple and remember with it, looking at the prophet Thomas S. Monson. I would hear the birds chirp and be able to remember the soft and love filled voice of this great man. I would feel the marble walls of the temple and remember shaking President Monson's hand, sensing the power of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, inside him. I would remember him speaking in the temple forever because of how glorious I felt. I would always ponder his words when in the temple. I would remember the things he felt for the spreading of the gospel and for the people of the Church. I could always recall and gain comfort from the things he taught and the love he showed.

The first question I would ask Thomas Monson is,” How do you feel teaching others about the gospel?” I would ask him this because I sometimes feel awkward when I relate things or try and teach others about the word of God. I also want to know how President Monson feels about the people around him. How is he able to quickly relate things to the gospel? I would also ask him what methods he uses to convert people. I want to know how I could help others unto Christ more easily than I would normally do. I would ask him these questions because I want to comfort and assist some of my friends who are different, lonely, and feel like no one is on their side. I know that when people come unto Christ, why are able to feel his love, no matter what their life situation might be. I would ask for help and use his advice myself. However, I would also be able to relate his advice to the people that I know. I would love to hear president Monson's wisdom. I could record his words and bring them up when I am sad or in need. I could use these words of wisdom with my friends to help them feel more comfortable with themselves. I am sure that I would be able to use these words to help people in need, especially to those who are sad and those who are hurt. Lastly, I would ask Thomas S. Monson how to make people feel more comfortable with the gospel. It is deeply important to me to have people understand my beliefs and the lifestyle I have.

I would like Thomas S. Monson to know how their life, or how one of their decisions or how one of their posterity changed history. I would like him to know how much of an influence he is on me, how he encourages me to change and how he inspires me to be a better person. With his love and christian teachings, I know I can do it. I will not just try, but I will become better by the minute. I will do my best to help my friends feel all the good feelings they ever wanted to experience. I will make them feel great with the words President Monson shares with me. I will make people think their highest thoughts around me. I will encourage people around me to want to be better. I will help them to be happier with the things Thomas Monson, the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said. I will show them how to be happier with the word of the gospel. I will live this way because I know it is what Thomas S. Monson would do. I want him to know how powerful his influence is to the people of the world. There are people who continue living through trials and do all they can for others, simply relying on what Heavenly Father can do for them. I am going to be one of those people because I know the things president Monson teaches are true. I will do whatever I can to do serve just because that is what he would want me to do. Thomas S. Monson and all the other prophets of the LDS Church have, perhaps, the greatest effect on the world. I would want Thomas S. Monson to know all of the people of the LDS church trust in his teachings and follow them faithfully. That, I am sure, will make him proud of us. I can use this desire to please the prophet and my heavenly father to be happy, to say kind things, and to help people. I would always think, “What would I do if Thomas S. Monson were standing right next to me? Would he be proud?” I will always have that thought on my mind because of the influence he has on me. I love Thomas S. Monson and these are the reasons I want to meet him more than anyone else on earth.

7th Grade Honorable Mention - Walt Disney

2011-05-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

The most surprising thing about the 2011 Kylie Klein Writing Competition? The sheer number of students who wanted to meet Walt Disney! Easily 25% of the essay's I received were about Walt Disney! I am still shocked! This essay is the best of the best. Great job Sarah.

Sarah W
West Point Jr. High
7th Grade

Walt Disney: A Truly Magical Man

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Walter Elias Disney. I want to meet Walt Disney because has made a great impact on society, not only in his day, but in today’s society. He was always optimistic and he never gave up, even when he was told that he would never make it. Walt will forever be known for his amazing imagination and his ability to be so positive and creative. I would want to meet Walter Disney not only because he was optimistic, but he certainly created a way for others to enjoy a magical place and looked for a way to make the future look brighter for others. Walt Disney loved history and the world around him. He had a wonderful imagination and he would never let anyone change that. He was very passionate about what he did. I think it would be cool to meet someone that loves their job as much as he did. He was not just an artist or entertainer. He was someone who really loved the world and history, and put his talents together to create a place that would greatly influenced the world even to this day.

I would want Walt Disney to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at Disneyland. Disneyland is important to Walt Disney because he created this theme park to be one of the first places to go with your family and to just have a blast. Disneyland and Disneyworld are magical places to visit. They are full of fantastic, whimsical characters and rides that Walt created. It is known to be called “The happiest place on earth!” It would be neat to be able to meet him in the place that he created and to be able to talk to him and see what his inspiration was behind all his amazing creations, such as Mickey Mouse and all of his other whimsical creatures. I would want to meet at the place he created and loved. He has made millions and millions of American dreams come true at Disneyland and Disneyworld. It is such a wonderful place to be!

The first question I would ask Walter Disney is what his inspiration was behind all his creations such as Mickey Mouse and Disney World. I would ask this question because all his creations were and still are very creative and magical. They made many people in the world happy and optimistic because of the imagination and creativity behind them. I would want to know if anyone in his life inspired him and how he felt about the impact he has had on society. The second question I would ask is what his childhood and family was like.

I would like Walt Disney to know how his life, or one of his decisions, or how one of his posterity changed history. Walt Disney has impacted many lives of not only the community but the whole world. Many of his decisions and creations have influenced millions of people to have a dream and then share that dream with others. The way Walt Disney has lived his life has greatly inspired many people around the world, including me. He is inspiring to me because he has such a great imagination. Even though he was told “no” in his career, he never gave up and always kept doing what he loved to do, which was to make people smile by using his imagination.

He not only had a love for creating and sketching characters, he was inspirational because he connected history with technology to create a better future. He was innovational and inspirational. His decision to create Disney World has greatly impacted many peoples’ lives. It has created so many family memories around the world. Walt Disney captures the fun and really brings out the kid in everyone! Family and community was a great part in Walt’s life. He represented imagination, optimism, creativity, and will forever be remembered for all the great and wonderful things he accomplished. He was a wonderful man that greatly influenced society, and it would be a privilege to be able to meet Walter Elias Disney.

7th Grade Honorable Mention - Neal Peart

2011-05-20T12:25:00.002-07:00

I love this essay, and I think it's cool that a 7th grader wants to meet the drummer of RUSH! Nicely written, great research, a fabulous essay. Kylie

Bryetan
Indian Hills Middle School
Seventh Grade

If I Could Meet Neil Pert

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Neil Peart. I want to meet Neil Peart, because he is the legendary drummer for the rock band Rush. He is known as one of the best drummers in the world. Not only is he a drummer, but he is also a lyricist and writer. I would like to meet him, because I think he is the greatest drummer, and I want to be a great drummer, too. I could learn a lot from Neil Peart.

I would want Neil Peart to feel comfortable, so I would insist that we meet at a recording studio. Neil Peart has spent countless hours in a studio recording his music. This would be a great place for him to show me his work. Neil and I could also have a lot of fun in the music studio. He could show me what it’s like to record a track, and we could also record the two of us having a drum session. I would also like it if Neil Peart could teach me a few things in the studio. It would be great if he could tell me a few ways to improve my drumming. I think he would feel very comfortable doing all of these things in the recording studio.

The first question I would ask Neil Peart is, “how did you learn to play the drums?” I would ask this question, because I want to know if he was self-taught or if he had professional lessons. I take lessons from a professional, so I am curious how Neil Peart started learning. I would learn about the training he had to do to become so successful. I would get his advice about how to improve my drum skills; like how much to practice, what to practice, and what kind of equipment is best. I am sure Neil Peart would have great advice, and with his help, I know my drumming skills would improve.

I would also like to ask Neil Peart how he became a writer. He has written books and music lyrics. I would like to know how he became so talented. I think writing a book is a lot different than playing the drums, and I would like to know if it was hard or easy for him to do. Writing music lyrics seems to go with playing the drums, but I’m not sure if I could do it. I know Neil Peart could give me some tips, so I could start writing my own music lyrics.

I would like Neil Peart to know how his drumming has influenced my life. His endurance, imagination and drumming success has inspired me to work harder by practicing more often. When I don’t feel like practicing, I think of Neil Peart, and he inspires me to work harder. He didn’t make it big right away, he had to struggle, and that gives me hope and patience. It tells me not to give up and to keep on trying. I also like that he likes several music styles, and that makes me want to learn about other music styles, too. I usually only want to play rock music, but because of Neil Peart, I want to attempt other styles.

Neil Peart has had a long career as the drummer for Rush. In addition to being an incredible drummer, he is also a lyricist, writer, and a drum kit creator. He makes me want to be a better drummer, and keep practicing. He makes me think I can do many things, as long as I practice. He also has made me curious about other styles of drumming and music. He has inspired me to be better, and take my drumming more seriously. Because of these reasons, I would love to meet and learn all I can from Neil Peart.

7th Grade, 5th Place - Shirley Temple

2011-05-20T12:25:00.001-07:00

Waiting for Natalie to forward essay.

7th Grade, 4th Place Florence Nightingale

2011-05-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Shortly after receiving Tiffanie's essay, I was visiting the crypt at St. Pauls Cathedral in London, where there is a beautiful memorial to Florence Nightingale. As I pondered the memorial, I thought back to Tiffanie's well-research and written and essay, and I hoped Tiffanie would one day get to visit her idol's home country. Follow your dreams Tiffanie, and see where they take you. Be true to yourself and don't ever, ever let anyone tell you that you "can't". Kylie

Tiffanie
Snowcrest Jr. High
Grade 7

“Lady With The Lamp”

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Florence Nightingale. I would like to meet this women because she was caring enough to care for injured solders, even though she didn’t have to. She was also a pioneer for the nursing profession.

Florence was born into a rich family on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy. Her parents named her after the town she was born in. Her parents were William Nightingale and Frances Nightingale. Florence believed that God had called her to become a nurse. Her mother and her sister were very frustrated with Florence’s decision to become a nurse. Florence had rebelled against what was expected of a women, which was to become a wife and a mother.

Florence had to stand up for herself in order to educate herself. This must have been hard for her, because her family was not happy with her. I look up to Florence because she had to have courage to stand up for what she believed in and thought was important. I admire that she had that strength to take charge of her own decisions!

I would want Florence to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at one of the hospitals that she worked or learned at. One of the places she actually managed to work at some private nursing was a German school and hospital, called Kaiserworth. Florence had gotten permission from her parents to spend some time at Keiserworth, a training school and hospital for nurses and female teachers. I think she would feel comfortable here because she had spent a couple of months at Keiserworth, so Florence would already be familiar with the place we were to meet.

The first question I would want to ask Florence is how she found the courage to help all the people she did. Like I said before, Florence was a women and it was not likely that you would find many women nurses. Florence became nicked named “The Lady With a Lamp”, She did this by caring for all of her patients enough to go out in the middle of the night to check each and every one of them. Most all of the other doctors didn’t care enough to do that. By the beginning of the 20th century They established that she had reduce the death rate from 42% all the way down to 2%.

“Florence was it hard hearing all of the criticism from every body that you weren’t good enough, that you were just a women.” I would say. I bet that Florence would answer saying something like, “Tiffanie That’s just it, I am just a women, a women that is much more than everybody thinks.”

I would like Florence Nightingale to know how her life, or how one of her decisions changed history. Learning about Florence Nightingale’s life has influenced me to stand up for what I believe in and everything that is important to my life. All of he life se was put down by almost every body. Women were supposed to stay home and become mothers, wife’s and raise families. Those are all important for women to do but women are much more than that.

In school we are learning about uncommon jobs, like for a women to become a mechanic or a man being a hairstylist. I believe anything is possible and anything you believe can be possible, or in other words nothing is impossible! All of these things I have learned from Florence Nightingale and I hope her life inspires you as much as mine!

7th Grade, 3rd Place - JK Rowling

2011-05-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Another AWESOME essay from my 2010 6th Grade Winner, Cari! I received a lot of essays about JK Rowling, but this essay rose straight to the top. Cari's is well researched, well written and from the heart. Keep up the good work Cari, I look forward to your essay next year! Kylie

Cari P
Cedar Ridge Middle School
7th Grade

If I Could Meet Anyone, It Would Be…

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be J.K. Rowling. An imaginative genius, Ms. Rowling is full to the brim with creativity, and her books emanate with a blend of knowledge, mythology, and magic. Anyone who gives her books a chance is drawn into the mythical humor of the story.

I want to meet J. K. Rowling because I love how she created stimulating, thought-provoking stories that generated a reading pandemic, causing Harry Potter books to be a common sight the world over. Tall or short, wise or naïve, everyone still reads Harry Potter.

It is very rare when someone can create a story that captures audiences of all ages. Even those who were not fond of reading became bookworms under the influence of Ms. Rowling’s stories. That places Jo, as she likes to be called, in a position of remarkable power. Thankfully she accepts it quietly and doesn’t seek to hold sway over the choices of her adoring fans. In fact, she uses this power to help those in need. Throughout the course of her writing career, she has promoted and donated to many charities such as One Parent Families and Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain. One charity accorded her a special honor: she has donated so much to The Children’s High Level Group that they changed its name to Lumos, for one of the spells in her book that brings a small beam of light. There are many people who would use such a vast amount of power very differently than she uses it.

I would want Jo to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at her home in Aberfeldy, Scotland. “There’s no place like home,” is there? The scenic views and the quiet peace of the quaint Scottish town would be perfect for a talk without being disturbed. Also, the breathtaking landscape would give many conversation starters, should there be an awkward silence.

The first question I would ask Ms. Rowling is, “Are you writing any more books?” I would ask her this because I want to read more of her writing. Almost since I could hold a conversation, my siblings were telling me about Harry Potter. Every time a new book would come out in the series, my oldest sister would go to a dress-up Harry Potter party and leave me wondering why she loved Harry Potter so much.

By the time I was in third grade I had found the answer to my question and I, too, felt a strange longing for the upcoming books. Completely absorbed, I whizzed (no pun intended) through the books as though possessed. My mom would have to ground me from the novels, because I would spend hours doing nothing but reading. Books became like a secret portal that would carry me away from the troubles of my life and let me experience other worlds. The longing I felt to visit places like England would be instantly quenched as I drank in the words. I was so addicted that I finished the third and the fourth Harry Potter books in the same week.

I would like Ms. Rowling to know how her life, or how one of her decisions or how one of her posterity changed history. Joanne has had a very good influence upon me personally, and upon millions of others. Every time I read her books, I am blown away by the fact that it seems so real. I feel like I could be there, solving the problems and pointing out the obvious answers to the solutions they can’t solve. I would tell her that I am inspired by her capacity to make something so real, that you are no longer sure if reality is all there is. Thrills rush through me when I think about the influence of her books. Lonely children have found courage by reading her heartwarming story of good triumphing over evil and a boy finally finding peace with the horrible burdens he has been forced to bear all of his life.

Jo has created a world that has become almost like a reality. Almost any person you ask, biased against Harry Potter or not, knows what Hogwarts is. Children all over the world love to believe that Harry Potter could be real and spend hours playing imaginative Harry Potter games in which they get to save the world and have magical powers. Harry Potter has proved to be quite an innovative market. Big name stores like Wal-Mart and Boarders sell Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, Harry Potter Books, and almost any Harry Potter novelty you can think of. Through her talents, TV-watching couch potatoes have become bookworms, people who are realistic have learned how to be dreamers, and those in need have benefitted through her philanthropic donations to charity.

At the conclusion of the interview, I would thank her for making such a positive influence on the world and for giving us Harry Potter. Thank you, J. K. Rowling.

7th Grade, 2nd Place - Julia Childs

2011-05-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Great Job Tiffany! This is a well thought out, well researched and very well written essay. All of the judges absolutely loved it! It is obvious you truly do admire Julia Childs. Keep cooking...and keep writing, both are talents you certainly seem to excel in! Kylie

Tiffany O.
Spring Creek Middle School
7th grade

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Julia Childs. Julia Childs is a great role model and a lot like me. Julia was always happy, positive, and fearless, and of course loved to cook. Let me tell you why I think Julia Child represented these characteristics.

One: before she married Paul she was known as a very spontaneous, friendly party-girl; people adored her. Two: whenever Julia made a mistake on her show (The French Chef), she would simply put it back together. For instance, if she flipped an omelet and it fell apart, she would simply say, “Since you are in the kitchen, you can always put it back together, who is to see.” This is showing Julia Childs' positive attitude. Three: Julia Childs was fearless. During the war she got restless and decided to leave her comfortable home in California and join the WASP (Women Air Force Service Pilots). This was a program where women pilots scanned the air for enemy planes. Also, I don’t know about you, but anyone who can pierce a lobster between the eyes with a knife and not get sick or woozy is pretty fearless to me. Four: I would love to meet Julia Childs because she is a real chef, and I would enjoy learning from her. Not many people know this, but Julia was not always a chef. She spent most of her time avoiding cooking. To her it was a chore that was hard to master, but it was food that brought her and her husband together. They both shared the love of good cuisine.

Years into their marriage Paul and Julia moved to France. Julia was unable to have children and once again became antsy, so she started looking for a career. She thought it was about time she learned to cook, so she went to a cooking school called the "Cordon Bleu," where her whole life changed. Julia Childs took flight, and started to write her a cookbook with her two friends. “This is my advice to people, learn to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun!” said Julia Childs. Wouldn’t you want Julia Childs in your home? She could teach me so many things.

I would want Julia Childs to feel comfortable, so I would insist we meet at my house where I would invite her to come into the kitchen. I am sure Julia and I both share the love of the kitchen; it is a place where we can think, create, teach and say things out loud one might not otherwise say in front of others. You can create things in the kitchen that either turn out great or are a complete failure. But either way who’s to see your mistakes? The kitchen is not only a place to teach, but it is a place I learn. I learn coping skills, like when things don’t always go the way I want, I learn to manage. The kitchen is also a place to share your talents with others when you are done cooking, everyone loves to eat! This is why I think Julia Childs would feel most comfortable in the kitchen at my house.

Julia Childs would most likely be more comfortable if my kitchen were more like Julia’. I learned that Julia Child’s kitchen was designed by Paul to make it easy for Julia to have fun, stay organized and not be stressed out by the mess after cooking. The kitchen walls were a cream color and the cupboards were painted a greenish blue, easy to clean. On the right side of the room, one of the largest walls, there are many holes with hooks; each hook has a shape of a pot or pan traced around it so she knew where everything was. This was a great place for Julia to hang her kitchenware. There was also a large metal sink split into two sections, a white cutting board, an oven that was attached to a wall, and a circulator wooden table in the middle of the room with a tablecloth on top of the table for either meals or extra counter space. Julia donated her kitchen to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

The first question I would ask Julia Childs is maybe something silly like, “What is your favorite thing to cook?” “What’s it like to be so tall?” Or, "what’s your middle name?” Maybe I would ask sophisticated questions such as, “How did the war affect your life?” “Why is it that you started out hating cooking?” “Did you ever have any other interests other than just cooking?” I may even ask questions about cooking. “How is it possible for tapioca pearls to create enough thickener for a pudding?” “What is the best recipe for French bread?” “What is yeast made out of?” “And how does it make bread rise.” But the first question I would ask would be, “What does it feel like when you have reached your goals and found success?”

I would like Julia to know how she changed American cooking and how she affected my life. Julia Childs was an amazing woman in many ways; she did things not just because she had to but because she enjoyed it! She loved life very much; Julia Childs shared her joy of life with others! Before Julia Childs came around with this amazingly yummy food, American food was becoming flash-frozen, pre-packaged, with one hundred ingredients that you can’t read, garbage! I call this the dark ages of American cuisine. Julia Childs accepted this remarkably hard challenge of changing food. Julia started by cooking a simple omelet for one of her books on a TV show called the WBYC. The people who lived in Boston loved it and wanted her back! Julia started her new show called “The French Chef.” On her show it was the real deal! Julia worked with huge chunks of fish, different types of chickens, fresh lobster, beautiful vegetables, and at the time rare onions. Americans loved her and her cooking. Julia set up these difficult recipe’s for home cooks so they could not fail. When “The French Chef” was over, she visited now-famous chefs in the area and interviewed them. Julia Childs brought back to life the joys of cooking.

Julia Childs affected my life because my family and I are extremely into cooking with fresh ingredients. Healthy comfort food is always on the table at night to warm our bellies and make us forget about the busy day behind us. All of my dreams are based on cooking. I am saving my money for college, practicing my skills on different types of ingredients, and even writing my own cook book. Julia Childs taught me to strive for my dreams, think big, to be fearless, to laugh always, to be able to cope with things when they go wrong, to be creative, to share what you love with others, and to never just sit and let life make all the decisions for you. But most of all she taught me to love cooking!

7th Grade Winner - George Washington

2011-05-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Great job Tanner! This was a well-researched, well thought out essay, and well worth the $100 prize! Although I have heard George Washinton was really intimidating, I'd like to meet him too. Kylie

Tanner H
WVMS 7TH

George Washington, A True Hero

If I could meet anyone in the world from any country in any time period, George Washington, the father of our country, is the person I would most want to meet. He led our country to victory in the Revolutionary War and he asked for no pay. He served as the first president of the United States and set the standard for all the rest of the presidents. He left his beloved plantation behind for many years to serve his country.

He was brave, courteous, and kind. He even wrote some standards about what a well-mannered gentleman should do. For example, one of his rules was “show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.” Another one is “Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.” These show that he had great respect for others. One of my favorite of his rules is “When a man does all he can, though it succeed not well, blame not him that did it.”

He also treated his slaves with respect and kindness (unlike some people at that time). He arranged for his slaves to be freed when he died. He was a great American, and I look up to him. He was smart and tactical and he was determined. On Christmas day he led his troops to attack the Hessians (German troops hired by the British to fight for them). They crossed icy rivers and treacherous, snow covered land. Some of his troops didn’t even have shoes and had to wrap their feet with cloth. Yet George Washington and his troops pressed forward and completely took them by surprise. Some of the Hessians didn’t even have their pants on. He conquered them quickly and few escaped. He led our country to victory during the last battle of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of York Town. He got the French to help him with that battle.

George Washington was very smart. In fact, he became the first American president. He won with every vote. He was a true hero. He was well respected by almost everybody both in the Revolutionary War and as the first President of the United States. It would be great to meet George Washington.

I would want George Washington to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at Mount Vernon. It was his home and I am sure he would be most comfortable there. He always loved to go there. He used to farm on Mount Vernon. I think George Washington would like my choice. His mansion on Mount Vernon had twenty rooms and was 2 ½ stories tall. It was made of wood. That is a pretty impressive house especially for that day.

Mount Vernon got its name from his half-brother’s commander. He loved and respected his half-brother, Lawrence, who later died of tuberculosis. He tried to move to a warmer climate to improve his health, but he died anyway. Lawrence had a commander in the British army and his title was Admiral Edward Vernon. That is where Mount Vernon got its name.

The landscaping at Mount Vernon is also beautiful. The estate covers about 502 acres. It is covered by green lawn, flowers and trees. George Washington, himself, planted a majority of the trees. So he put lots of hard work and effort into his home and property and his farm.

The first thing I would ask George Washington would be political advice. In a few years I will be voting and I want to make the right choices. I am sure he would give good advice because he was the first president and he helped get this county get started. He knows and understands the constitution and the principles that our country was founded on. He knows why he fought so hard for these things. I am sure he would give me good advice because so many brave lives were lost in starting our government and the defense of our country. For this reason, I can’t afford to make a mistake in how I vote.

Another of my many questions would be what his policy would be on when we should go to war. Should we only go to war in the defense of our country? Should we help other countries or allies out? Should we help small countries who cannot defend themselves and are getting conquered? Should we help rebellions against a bad government, like the French helped us? Or should we do none of these, and do you have a different suggestion?

I would want like George Washington to know how his life changed the world. I would show him a map of the United States. This would show him what America has become because of what he started. I also think he would be interested in seeing Mount Rushmore where his face is carved in the rock along with other great presidents. I would also like to show him the Washington Monument to tell of the great respect and love that people have for him and for all that he has done for our country. I would like him to meet the current President of the United States so he could give President Obama some advice. I would like to show him that many of his policies are still in place, like a president serving only two terms. There is still a president’s cabinet, which he started.

Most of all, I would like to thank George Washington for all of the great service he gave to start our country. I think that sometimes we don’t realize what George Washington and our other forefathers sacrificed to start this great country where we can live without fear of the government or mistreatment by them. So when you think about hero, remember George Washington, a true hero.

6th Grade Honorable Mention - JK Rowling

2011-05-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

I received a lot of essays about JK Rowling. This one rose to the top of the pile. Great Job Sarah! This was a great essay. I hope you continue to follow your dreams and continue to write, you certainly have the gift! Kylie

Sarah
Ecker Hill International Middle School
Sixth Grade

Her Spellbinding Story

This woman started out writing her bestselling series on napkins and later became the first billionaire writer. If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be J.K. Rowling. I would like to meet her because she inspires me every day, as she was the creator of the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter is a seven book series about a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and enrolls in, and is accepted into, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is the best school around. During the series, Harry fights evil, grows up, makes friends, and finds love, all while going through the process of becoming a powerful wizard.

While writing the books, J.K. Rowling was also going through her own personal struggles as a single mom who was striving to pay her bills, and an author endeavoring to get her works published. J.K. Rowling had her manuscript turned down twelve times before it was finally published! “It took a year for my new agent, Christopher, to find a publisher. Lots of them turned it down. Then, finally, in August 1996, Christopher telephoned me and told me that Bloomsbury had made an offer. I could not quite believe my ears. ‘You mean it’s going to be published?’ I asked, rather stupidly. ‘It’s definitely going to be published.’ After I had hung up, I screamed and jumped into the air; Jessica, who was sitting in her high chair enjoying tea, looked thoroughly scared,” from jkrowling.com. Talk about persevering! I think that it would be an awe-inspiring experience to meet the person who is responsible for my favorite books (that I’ve read four times each), my favorite movies (all of which I own), and my favorite game to play with my Harry Potter-crazy friend, Beth, and my brother Alex. I would be honored to get the chance to meet one of my idols in person!

First of all, I would want J.K. Rowling to feel comfortable, so I would insist that we meet at Nicolson's Café. I know that this is a place where she would feel comfortable meeting at because it is the café that she would go to regularly to write the Harry Potter stories. J.K. Rowling decided to write there because she would not have to heat her house and could stay at Nicolson's Café for hours for the price of one espresso (wikipedia.com on Nicolson's Café). She was a single mom who was watching her money after all. I found it interesting that J.K. Rowling thought up the idea of Harry Potter on a train, even though she wrote most of the book in Nicolson's Café. I can picture me sitting at her favorite spot, looking out a window, waiting for her to arrive. It would be fascinating to see the place where she put in long hours to write this fantastic series. The part that I think is the most captivating about J.K. Rowling when she went to Nicolson’s Café was that she would write Harry Potter longhand — not on a computer; nothing technical. Pen and paper. Now that is something that I know I wouldn’t be able to do.

In addition, the first question I would ask J.K. Rowling is, “Are you planning on writing another book or series after Harry Potter?” I would ask her this because I enjoyed the Harry Potter series so much, and she is a superior writer. I love the way she develops the characters in the Harry Potter series, how she can make me laugh out loud one moment and cry the next, and the fact that she can make me envision something in my mind without getting too descriptive. I would be so disappointed if she didn’t compose another book. However, according to brainquote.com, J.K. Rowling says, “I will carry on writing, to be sure. But I don't know if I would want to publish again after Harry Potter.” This makes me woebegone because I think J.K. Rowling has so much talent in writing, and I think that a lot of people will be disappointed if she decides she’s finished. Neverthelsss, I have read from other sources that she is considering writing an eighth Harry Potter book. Even so, the story would not be about Harry, and she would not start writing it for quite a while. I would enjoy talking to her about the development and completion of the characters, and if she misses them. I think it would be fun to talk about which characters she liked to write about the best, and if she was satisfied with the way they turned out. `

Finally, I would like J.K. Rowling to know how her life changed history. Her books opened up the fantasy genre in young adult literature like no one before her. The Harry Potter series led the way for additional book series like Fablehaven, Inkheart, Eragon, and the Alchemyst, all of them published after Harry Potter. For people everywhere, young and old, Harry Potter got us reading and wanting to be writers. The seven book series appealed to such a large audience that over 400 million copies have been sold (as of 2008) and have been translated into over 67 different languages.

As for me, Harry Potter has inspired me to be creative and showed me the meaning of friendship. As a writer, J.K. Rowling has motivated me to consider taking some creative writing classes and I have often thought about a career in writing. J.K. Rowling has showed me just how imaginative I can be, and that the sky is the limit when it comes to my creativity. This is why I chose her — not a popular singer, not some famous movie star — Joanne Kathleen Rowling.

6th Grade Honorable Mention - Archimedes

2011-05-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

This writing competition is difficult to judge, because many, many essays were very well researched and very well written. Spencer's essay on Archimedes must be included in the best of the best. Great Job Spencer, this is awesome. Kylie

Spencer
Ecker Hill
6th Grade

If I Could Meet Anyone...

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Archimedes. I want to meet Archimedes because he is one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. Archimedes was also a physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. He discovered and created many things in his lifetime. His discoveries were even more miraculous considering he lived in Ancient Greece.

I would want Archimedes to feel comfortable so I would insist we meet at Syracuse, Sicily. It is important we meet here because when he was alive people didn’t know about the new world. I wouldn’t want to overwhelm him with a lot of new sights. Archimedes lived in Syracuse for most his life. If we met there he might even be able to find some buried historical sites. I could also ease Archimedes into modern life. I wouldn’t want to take Archimedes to his house though, he was killed there by a Roman soldier who didn’t know who he was.

I would then show him modern day cars and odometers. He invented the first odometer so he would be fascinated by modern day ones. I would then show him images of outer space on the internet so he could see what astronomers now days do, him being an astronomer and all.

The first question I would ask Archimedes is, if there was anything he’d invented or discovered that was never recorded. I would ask that question because it could change history, if someone stole one of his ideas they could be credited for it. It could also change some of the modern day theories. Who know’s he may have discovered some freaky source of fuel that is twice as efficient as fossil fuels. He might have invented a machine to make metal twice as strong, it may have been destroyed when Syracuse was overrun by Romans. I would also ask him if there was anything he could tell us about history. I would ask that question because people don’t know that much about history. He might say that the Persians conquered India but where driven back by war elephants. He might say that there was actually was a library full of secret documents about Atlantis and aliens, under the Sphinx.

The third question I would ask Archimedes would be how was life in ancient Greece. This question is personal, I am really fascinated by ancient Greece and Sparta. The other two questions were for the sake of history. I’d really like to see a window into the past, he might even be able to right some really good books. We’d have to translate them from Ancient Greek into English. That question would also help more people understand Ancient Greece as well.

Those are just some of the many, many, many questions I would ask the great mathematician Archimedes, if I ever met him.

I would like Archimedes to know how his life changed history. Archimedes changed the world in many ways, probably the most famous way was by creating a way of formulating the mass of an irregular shape. There is a story that goes along with his formula. The king of Syracuse had a crown, he wanted to find out how much gold was in it, but he couldn't damage the crown. The king decided to go to the brilliant Archimedes. Archimedes couldn’t think of a way to find out the crown’s mass. So he decided to take a bath, as he got into it he noticed that the water rose. Then he realized he could use the same technique to find out the crowns volume. That is the same technique we use nowadays to calculate the volume of an irregular shape.

Archimedes also created the Archimedes screw, an efficient way to raise water. It is a revolving screw shaped blade inside a cylinder. You turn a crank at the bottom to make the screw turn and it moves the water up the pipe. The Archimedes screw pump is still used today to move solids like coal and grain. It was used to irrigate the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as well.

Archimedes created the odometer. If he had not invented the odometer the world would be at a loss and it would be much harder to take a car into a body shop for an annual repair. Nowadays people take their cars in every time it has another 5,000 miles and without the odometer we wouldn’t be able to do that. He originally put it on a cart attached with a gear mechanism that dropped a ball into the container every mile. I do not know why he created the odometer considering you don’t need to repair a wagon until it breaks. People might have just thought it cool back then. His invention of the odometer changed the world as we know it.

Archimedes invented the block and tackle pulley system too. It is when one uses two pulleys and a rope to lift heavy objects. That technique is often used today to lift heavy objects as well. It is most often used on boats. In conclusion, that is how Archimedes changed the world.

Now you can obviously see why if I could meet anybody in the world it’d Archimedes.

6th Grade, 5th Place, Jesus Christ

2011-05-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is a sweet, heartfelt essay, beautifully written and simple in its message. Nice job Jacquel, keep up the good work. Kylie

Jacquel
Lava Ridge Intermediate
6th grade

If I could meet anyone, it would be...

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ. I want to meet Jesus Christ because He is the one person who is pure in heart, unforgettably perfect, and understands who I truly am.

I would want Jesus to feel comfortable, so I would insist we meet at the manger where He was born. This manger is very important to Jesus and me. This is the place where He entered into the world. The place where His parents showered Him with love and hope. This is the place where everyone came who saw the sign of His coming.

The first question I would ask Jesus is “How does it feel to know you helped so many people reach their goals and to see the path they should follow?” I would ask this question because it touches my heart deeply. Jesus spent His whole life telling people what’s good and bad, right and wrong, and which way to go. He taught the people that wanted to learn about the gospel and how there is really only one mighty God. Most people didn’t believe Him at first, but He never stopped trying. I would ask Him a few other questions such as “How does it feel to be perfect in every way and be the good example?” and “Your love for us is so strong that you would die on the cross and take upon all the sins in the world for us, why would you do that for mankind?” I do know that Jesus loves us with all of his heart and will never stop. He is perfect in a way I will never know and cannot describe on paper.

I would like Jesus to know how His life and decisions have changed history entirely. Like how Jesus started Christianity in Roman province of Palestine or as we know of it today Jordan and Israel, and how He preached about forgiveness and mercy. He taught the Romans and Greeks of the one mighty God. He also taught people of the Ten Commandments. He said that if people followed what He said and believe in God they would go to heaven. Jesus has affected me by leading and guiding me away from sin; He has affected my family by showing us love and helping us know what to do; He has affected my community by introducing church, which church is true, and to join; and the most important of all He has affected the world by giving us scriptures which are called the Bible and the Book of Mormon and also sending out personal missionaries to teach those who are blind and need a boost in the right direction.

I know that sometimes it’s hard to stay away from temptations and you so badly want to do things that Jesus and God ask us not to do. If you plan out your life wisely and try to stay away from things that tempt you most, I believe that all of us will go to heaven. A few examples to stay away from are watching bad T.V. shows, looking at bad stuff on the computer or swearing. Another example is sometimes people gossip and it really hurts others feelings. So next time if your friend is talking badly about someone, just walk away. If we lose our way in sin, you will always be able to find the right path and get back on track. As humans, let’s make the best of life and do what feels right in our hearts. Jesus has taught me already to accept people as they are and love everyone, even if they do look a little funny or don’t dress as nicely as everyone else. Jesus loves everyone equally even if the person right next to you has sinned more than you have, Jesus still loves you both the same. Don’t put people down to make yourself feel better than them, just make the best of your day and restart tomorrow. Nobody’s perfect except for Jesus Christ, the first son of God. We all are brothers and sisters trying to get back to Heaven to live with our brother Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father.

Some kids have never heard of the name Jesus Christ. So one day I would like to possibly go on a mission and serve somewhere in the world to people that don’t know about the Gospel. I know that Jesus Christ died for all of us, and that our life here on earth is not just about money, T.V., electronics, or any other earthly possession. When we all go to heaven, your going to need to leave the X box, Wii, and DS behind. Deep in everyone’s hearts, we know it’s true, that living here on earth is not about worldly items, its about getting back to Heavenly Father.

Have you ever had that really strong, warm, tingly feeling in your heart? That is the Holy Ghost speaking to you. That warm sensation is telling you this is true. That what I am saying is right. That Christ is really there and loves us all. And I know that we really have to prove ourselves to Jesus if we are worthy enough to go to heaven.

Jesus Christ is so special. Who wouldn’t want to talk to the one man that matters the most? The one person that understands it all, the one person who understands me, and accepts me for who I am. The person who loves me incredibly and loves you too. The one person who all His life worried about you and what you really cared about here on earth. Don’t you think He matters? Don’t you think you could try to follow Him, to at least try to pay Him back for all He did for you and me? He is the one true Savior. No one could have done a better job than Him.

The life of a baby born in a manger with loving and caring parents to teach Him and guide him ended up turning into a man who saved the world from sin by sacrificing Himself on the cross for us. That shows unconditional love from Jesus to us. I know that my Savior loves me, and that the scriptures are true. That one day I really will be able to have a private conversation with Jesus Christ. If I could talk to one person privately about anything, I know I would automatically choose Jesus the Son of God, my beloved brother, and the true Messiah.

6th Grade, 4th Place, Sonia Delaunay

2011-05-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Great Job Julia! Well researched, well written, and an interesting essay on a person I had never heard of before. You should be very proud of yourself. Kylie

Julia
Ecker Hill International Middle School
6th Grade

A Bold and Unique Artist

Have you ever seen any dazzling, vivid, exhilarating paintings? Have you seen the hues pop out at you, brilliant and glowing with colors? Have you detected the bold circles and squares that scream out, “Look at me?” These are the paintings of Sonia Delaunay.

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Sonia Delaunay. I wamt to meet Sonia because she has created beautiful, alluring, contemporary paintings. It would be amazing to converse with such an amazing artist! She was known for working a lot with geometric shapes and bright colors.

Firstly, as Leonardo da Vinci said, “He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards a ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast.” Sonia existed a little like this. For a part of her life, she didn’t quite know what her style was, so she created a large variety of paintings.

Plus, do you know how interesting Sonia’s life was? She lived in six countries(Ukraine, Germany, France, Russia, Spain and Portugal), was married twice (first to a man named Wilhelm Uhde, then to Robert Delaunay, who she spent most of her life with), and painted multitudes of abstract art, including Rythme, Matra M530A, Blanket, Disk, Bal Bullier, Electric Prisms, Marketplace at Minho, Rythem Couleur, Philomene, Circus, Finnish Landscape, and Ville de Paris. Another one of Sonia’s achievements was she cofounded the Orphism Art Movement, which emphasized abstraction and bright colors (Wikipedia). I would want to learn about Sonia’s life and how it lead to her becoming such a talented artist. I really enjoy doing art, and it would be amazing to get tips on how to create my own art from an awe-inspiring artist like Sonia!

Moreover, I would want Sonia to feel comfortable, so I would insist that we meet at Sonia’s home in Paris, where she spent some of her happiest years. Do you know how much time Sonia spent undergoing good times at her home? A home provides good times the way an umbrella provides shelter from rain. Sonia’s home in Paris was the place where Sonia enjoyed life with her husband, Robert Delaunay, and her son, Charles for almost 30 years. Vincent Van Gogh said, “An artist needn’t be a clergyman or a churchwarden, but he certainly must have a warm heart for his fellow men.” Sonia was very passionate for her family in this way and spent many happy years tending to her relations and painting during her years in her Paris home. She would feel at ease because of her memories of joyful times there. During Sonia’s life in Paris, she fabricated many stylish dresses as well as trinkets for her family’s home. That was also the time she started exploring color. I think that if we met at Sonia’s home in Paris, she would certainly feel secure!

The first question I would ask Sonia is, “How do you feel about your paintings?” I would inquire this because I am very interested in Sonia’s opinion of her own works of art. I know that Sonia always thought she was working in her husband’s shadow because he was a very popular and skilled artist. I would love to know what Sonia thought of her own paintings and skills as an artist, since her husband was always more famous than her. Do you know how terrible it would feel to perceive that your relative is more eminent than you are? It is most definitely not a good feeling. One time, my younger sister and I went on a ropes course. My sister was better than I was at it, so she got much more attention. I definitely know what it feels like to be left in the shadows!

On another hand, I would adore to know what inspired Sonia to paint in the abstract, contemporary way she did. It’s extremely different than most other works of art I have seen before. It’s such an interesting, cubist type of art! Yes, it would be amazing to learn the secrets behind Sonia’s paintings.

Lastly, I would like Sonia to know how her life changed history. Thanks to Sonia’s help, the Orphism Art Movement occurred. Sonia’s paintings have also inspired many young artists to paint, including me. Thanks to Sonia, inspiration aroused inside of me to become a contemporary artist like her.

I also want Sonia to know that her art is important! She generated an abundance of delightful paintings! Since Sonia always believed she was working in her husband’s shadow, I want her to know that her paintings are just as great. Sonia accomplished things that her husband never did. For example, Sonia was a fashion designer for a part of her life! Her husband never did that. I would love to obtain fame through fashion design! I really want Sonia to understand how her work was better than she thought. According to Andy Warhol, “Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.” I want to tell Sonia that she was famous longer than that. She has been commemorated for almost 100 years, and she is still remembered today! I would love to tell her that her works of art do have importance in our world. Her art has been appreciated for numerous years, and I think that Sonia should know that!

In conclusion, Sonia Delaunay was an amazing person! Her art was phenomenal, her life was fantastic, and she should never be forgotten. I would love to chat with an artist with so many interesting experiences in life. I think I could really learn a lot from her. If I got the opportunity to ever meet this unique artist, I would absolutely jump with jubilation!

6th Grade, 3rd Place, Keith Richards

2011-05-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

I love Johnny Depp, and Johnny Depp loves Keith Richards, so anyone who also loves Keith Richards is AOK by me. Great Job Cameron!

Cameron
Ecker Hill
6th Grade

If You Could Meet One Person In The World Who Would It Be

Would you give all you have to meet one person and who would it be?

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be right now and it would be Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. I want to meet Keith Richards because he is one of the greatest guitar players in the world and The Rolling Stones are legendary. I play guitar and love Rock and Roll music, especially from the Sixties. Also, I like the blues and in a way Keith Richards is kind of a bluesy guitar player. Keith Richards also has written and composed almost all of the famous Stones songs. If I was to meet him, I would ask him if he could give me a few private guital lessons and ask him to teach me how to play like him.

I would also want to know how he composes and thinks of the music for his these awesome songs like "Gimme Shelter" and "Symphony for the Devil". It would be interesting to know if he works by himself when he writes the music or if he teams up with Mick Jagger and they work together at the same time. I would ask which comes first, the music or the lyrics? I wonder if when he was a child if he liked music and did his parents play instruments and encourage and influence him to play and learn. It seems that someone needed to offer up the knowledge in order to get a kid interested, or maybe it was just the music on the radio that peaked his interest. How old was he when he learned to play guitar? What was his first guitar? What was so fascinating about playing music to him? What was his first song that he wrote and when did he feel like music would be his life and career? Was it hard to become famous and stay with one group so many years? Did fame have a price?

I would want Keith Richards to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at his home in Connecticut. His home has fruit trees that he planted, I think they are lemons and he seems very open and relaxed at his home. His home is his private space and has his history with his family there. He appears different there than when he is on stage performing with the Stones, which is why I think his home would be the perfect place to meet and become friends.

The first question I would ask Keith Richards is, what was your favorite stage moment? I would guess it was when he and the Rolling Stones were being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But maybe it is something more simple like he and Mick Jagger having a great time on stage. I think that maybe my question would lead to him opening up and offering thousands of other stories of his life on stage and on the road performing with the Rolling Stones. Maybe he would open up enough to tell me what it has really been like all these years with the group. I would hope to find out if he feels that the Rolling Stones are close like a family or just guys that work together. It would be incredible to learn what music influenced him in his prime and who he idolizes and respects in the music industry and just in life in general. Who does he listen to now? Does he like acting? Does he ever think of having a new career or job? Does he like being an author? What are his politics and beliefs?

I would like Keith Richards to know how his music and art has impacted and changed many people, especially me and my family. His music and art has affected me and my family in the most positive way. We listen to his songs almost everyday and sing and dance together. Every road trip has the Rolling Stones playing in the car, every beach day or ski day has the Stones playing on our iPod or singing in our heads. Special times bring memories of Rolling Stones songs to my head, I associate good times with his music. Movie soundtracks have used his music to help give a feeling to the stories. The music and the lyrics never get old and still have meaning today even though they may have been written over 30 years ago. In the Sixties, His music was a big deal and impacted many people and made a change when change was really needed. The music was honest and different at the time and seemed to help everyone. Did he understand at the time that he was making such an impact on society, especially in the Sixties? Was that important to him? Making a change? What is most important to him? Is it the music? Is it the fame and money? Or was it all just for fun? His life seems like it has had a lot of ups and downs, drugs may have been a down but what was a up? Is his family musically talented and artists? Is it hard to be famous?

I really hope that he is as honest a person as he appears and that my time with him would be as much fun and positive for him as it would be for me.

“You can’t always get what you want but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need.” It seems like Keith Richards has tried and succeeded. My goal would be to play and write music just like Keith Richards and live a life full of music. My favorite albums are "Beggars Banquet" and "Let it Bleed". The songs "Sympathy for the Devil", "No Expectations" and "Salt of the Earth" you can really hear Keith Richards guitar playing and talents. He sometimes has a real blues sound, sometimes rock and roll and sometimes almost Rockabilly. "Not Fade Away" is a good example of the Rockabilly sound.

It does not matter to me how old The Rolling Stones are if I was given the chance to meet Keith Richards I would always remember the experience as one of the best times in my life.

6th Grade - 2nd Place - Torstein Horgmo

2011-05-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

All of the judges loved Skyler's essay. None of us know anything about snowboarding, but it is fun to read about his love for the sport. I hope you bump into Torstein one day, Skyler! Kylie

Skyler
Ecker Hill Middle School
6th Grade

If I Could Meet Anyone in the World, it Would be... Torstein Horgmo

If I could encounter anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be Torstein Horgmo. Wouldn’t it be cool for you to come across the first person to ever get a frontside triple cork? Ya it would! I want to meet this person because he is really good at snowboarding, and he seems like he would be a chill person to meet.

I would want Torstein to feel comfortable so I would insist that we meet at his hometown, Trondheim, Norway. This place would be important because it is his hometown and he would know the environment around him. Or we could meet at his home mountain, Vassfjellet. Here he would feel like he was going snowboarding with his friends.

The first question I would ask Torstein Horgmo would be, how does it feel when you are in the air on a frontside triple cork 1440? The reason I would ask this question is out of curiosity. I mean, imagine how it would feel if you are doing three flips in the air?

I would like Torstein Horgmo to know how his life changed history. Torstein affected me, my family, friends, the snowboard community and the world of snowboarding. He was the first person to successfully land a frontside triple cork on snow. That is pretty impressive. Still he has been the only rider except Mark McMorris to land a frontside triple cork 1440. That completely changed the progression of snowboarding. Now everybody is trying to catch up with him.

Torstein Horgmo started riding his snowboard in 1999. DC Shoe Company recognized his talent when he was young and sponsored him. He remained a amateur rider for a pretty long time. He was in the Park City's “I Ride Park City” video, which really kicked him off. He had the last part to the video. Having the last video part or first, means that you have some of the best talent out of the riders in the movie. Now today, Torstein is one of the best riders on the planet, and one of the two people to ever land a frontside triple cork 1440.

Torstein’s career has been amazing! He has won a number of events. One of Torstein’s favorite and one of his best events is the XGames. In 2008 He captured gold in Big Air. In semi-finals, Torstein beat his teammate, Travis Rice and then beat Kevin Pearce in the Finals. Also in the Dew Tour he won a gold in 2009. Unfortunately this year in Mens Slopestyle he placed sixth, but fell on both runs. However, he walked away with a first place medal in Big Air so he must be pretty happy with that. This year he placed third in the last Dew Tour stop and he won the overall Dew Cup. That means that in all of the other stops he did good and got the best scores total. Close behind him his Mark McMorris who is one of those two people to ever land a triple cork.

The progression of the sport right now is at an amazing height. At XGames last year, Halldor Helgason threw the first double cork 1260. Now if you don’t have a double cork, you can't get the top three. It is amazing how fast these riders are pushing the sport farther and farther and I think it is pretty cool to see. When Torstein did his triple cork, people had to step it up if they wanted to win. That is exactly what Mark McMorris did. Mark does not want to lose, he wants to win! No one I can think of would not want to win. That is what these guys do. They come into these competitions and they want to win!!

Torstein Horgmo is the most brave and the first person to ever do a triple cork. Thats why I would want to come face to face with him, wouldn’t you?

6th Grade Winner!!!! My Birth Mother

2011-05-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Bridget! Thank you for sharing your touching story on adoption. I hope one day you are able to find your birth mom, but until then, love and enjoy your adoptive parents. Kylie

Bridget
Ecker Hill Middle School
6th Grade

The Cold, Dreadful Train Bench

You look up into those deep, brown pools of eyes staring down at you. Tears stream down
the face peering at you. The cold nips at your small nose as you’re set down. Wrapped up warm, you lie on the cold metal of a train station bench and watch the miserable figure bustle away sadly.

Soon, all you see of your mother is a small speck far, far away in the distance. Now you’re all alone with the cold threatening to take your small, young life away...

If I could meet anyone in the world, from any country, during any time period, it would be my real, Chinese mother because, since I am adopted, she has rocked my world. I’ve always wanted to meet her and see what she is like! I’m not even sure if my mother is alive or well, but I would still, no matter what, want to meet her! My adopted parents are working to take me back to China for vacation with them as soon as possible. Even though it seems impossible to find her, I’m still hoping that
someday in my life I will at least get to see what my birth mother looks like.

One of the reasons that I’d like to see her is because obviously she IS my mother, but I don’t even know her! I’d like to know all the small things, like where she has traveled or maybe meet one or two of her friends...it would brighten my life so much! Knowing whether my birth monther is alive or not would surely bring lots of emotion. If I found out she was alive I would smile so big and bright you’d have to shade your eyes to stand near me! If I learned my mother was dead you would surely see a rainy storm cloud form over my head pouring sadness over my soul.

I know that my birth mother probably wanted me to be happier and safer than I was when she left me on that train bench for the police to find. What do you think your mother would want for you? Surely the best for you?

I was born in China, and moms and dads were only allowed to have one child, and I’m guessing I was the second. Even if my mother didn’t want me or was happy to get rid of me, I’d still love her no matter what!

How would you feel if you just met someone who’d dreamed of meeting you ever since
they were little, but you were in a dingy basement at the bottom of an abandoned hotel in the middle of a desert? If I ever got to see my mother in person, I would want my mother to feel comfortable, so I would insist that we meet at her house or somewhere that she is familiar and cozily snug in. If you think about it, it would probably make the person you want to meet open up and be more relaxed if they were somewhere they were already familiar with. Also, I’d want my meeting with my mother to be nice, not creepy and tense! If I were to meet my mother somewhere that was unfamiliar, frightening, and eerie she would probably be rigid and panicked, even if she were thrilled to see me. I think that meeting at my mom’s house would be a nice and significant place because almost everyone around me seems to feel jovial and safe when they are at home. Also, it would be important to my mother because (hello!) it’s her
home! After a long day of working hard, home is where you can sink into something soft
and relax, the place where you can bury your face in your pillow, the place where you go when there isn’t any other place to go. It’s home!!

The first question I’d ask my mom is if I have any siblings. I would ask this because
when I was born you could only have one child, and I always guessed that I was the second sibling because I was left behind. Of course I’m happy with the life I have now, but I would want to know the exact reason why she had to give me up the way she did. I’m not mad...but wouldn’t you want to know!? This specific question would be pretty important for me to know because it would help me fill in another gap of the puzzle of my Chinese babyhood.

Imagine, you know nothing about why you are here, you know that you like where you are but that horrible “why” gnaws at you randomly in your mind. Why was I left alone on a bench? Why is my mother so anonymous? Most importantly, why am I living the life I have right now!?

I would like my mom to know how her decision to leave me to be adopted has changed my
life so much! My whole life is the way it is because of her decision! I wonder what would have happened if she had chosen to do something else, like hide me away or lie about my birth. That would have made my life SO different, it would be nothing like it is right now. My adopted parents wouldn’t know that I even exist, another girl would have take my place. Sitting in my classes, sharing family fun times, sleeping in my bed, being with the ones that I love, my neighbors, my friends, my family...I don’t know what I’d be. I could still might have been happy, but everything would be different. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and in my opinion, I am SO
grateful for my birth mother making the decision to give me up. I am very grateful to her, and owe so much to her for letting me live the life I have now! I always wanted to thank her, and explain that it was good she made the decisions she made, and that no matter what I love her, but I don’t ever think I’ll get the chance. She IS completely anonymous to me and to my family, friends, and even the orphanage, so it would be near impossible for me to find her and explain the things I’m explaining on this page. My birth mom has done so much for me I will always be appreciative and
thankful to have such a good mother. I know that making the decision she did might have been hard for her, but she did the right thing for me! I wish I knew a way to somehow tell her that she did the right thing, sometimes when I see the moon I think of her because I know that she can probably see it too. I wouldn’t hesitate to see my mom, ever!

5th Place Winner, 6th Grade - Mexico

2010-06-16T20:33:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Alejandra from a middle school in northern Utah. Alejandra is a first generation American who wants to get in touch with her roots and visit Mexico! This is a delightful essay. Alejandra, I genuinely hope one day you get to meet your Grandma!

If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be the wonderful country of Mexico. My parents grew up in Mexico, but I've never seen it for myself. I have listened to stories about Mexico since I was little, and I would love to see what life was like for my parents when they were my age. Unfortunately Mexico is ages away and I don't want to be in a hot, stuffy van that smells like cheese for a few days.

I hear from friends who have been to Mexico that it is very tropical there. My mom has told me that close to where she lived there were a bunch of grapefruit trees, and when the fruit ripened all she had to do was reach out and grab a free snack. My mom loves grapefruit and her favorite drink is grapefruit soda. However, grapefruit is the last thing I would eat on a deserted island; I prefer oranges. If oranges were the last fruit on earth, you wouldn't hear me complain.

Many people grown their own food and raise their own animals in Mexico. I wouldn't mind working for my food, so long as it's fresh and tastes like Mexico. I love Mexican food, my mom cooks it everyday. My sister hates onions, so there isn't much she can eat without grimacing. My parents claim that if we ever have the opportunity to visit Mexico, I would enjoy the food, but my sister would suffer. I love tacos with lots of hot sauce. My sister would rather eat a raw onion that eat tacos with hot sauce.

I would like to visit Mexico because my parents say the sky shines with bright stars all year long, a treat that an astronomer can't see in the United States. Mexico also has beautiful sunsets. You have probably seen the beautiful lightening storms in Utah...well, our lightening storms are NOTHING like what they have in Mexico. Their storms are fiercer. In the winter it doesn't snow, it rains, and it rains hard. My mom says that when she was little she would play out in the rain, it was as warm as a sunny day.

Mexico has beautiful tropical forests to explore. I'd better bring some sunscreen lotion and insect repellent! I wouldn't want to get sunburned or bitten to death on my trip.

Mexico is notable because it is where the majority of my family lives. I would like to visit my grandparents. They live so far away I haven't had the chance to meet them yet, however they are really nice on the phone. I would also like to visit the rest of my family in Mexico. It is really hard to make a living in Mexico, so I'm glad I don't live there.

When arriving in Mexico, the first thing I would do is meet my relatives! I want to see my grandpa, and I want to see where my mom and dad lived when they were kids. I want to find out more about my ancestors (I suspect I'm part Aztec, part Mayan). The Aztec were complete savages, but I also want to find out of my family came from Spain, or if Aztec blood runs through my veins. I could also be party Mayan! My dad claims we are both, but I'd like to learn which part I am most of.

I hope one day I am able to visit Mexico to discover where I am from.

Alejandra, your parents should be very proud of you! The sacrifices they've made to make a better life for you are definitely paying off! Your essay was so well written, it was very entertaining and you have a cute sense of humor. I hope you enter the Kylie Klein Writing Competition again next year. Nice job!

6th Grade 4th Place Winner - BYU

2010-06-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

This essay by Aaron, a 6th grade student...and please keep in mind he is in 6th grade, from a middle school in northern Utah was one the most believable and entertaining essays I received. This kid, from the depth of his soul, wants to visit BYU so badly, I swear he is bleeding blue. If any of you know someone at BYU who could give this kid a tour, please email me, I am sure it would make his entire life. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading Aaron's essay as much as I did.

Provo, Heaven on Earth

If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be Provo, Utah. I have been in love with Provo ever since 4th grade, mainly because of BYU. I love BYU more than practically anything. I have a shrine to them, I have a lot of their attire, and I would do anything to go there for college. I truly believe there is no greater University than the "Y". Some people call me obsessed, and I probably am, but BYU is on the top of every category there is. In fact, my favorite movie has Provo in it:

Sons of Provo

. It is amazingly funny and there is nothing bad in it. I have been to Provo before, but I have never seen the BYU campus for myself.

I would like to visit this place solely because of BYU. When I grow up, graduate from the "Y" and get married, I plan to live in Provo and become a basketball coach for the "Y" or a coach for a high school in the Provo-Orem area. I think Provo would be a good place for my kids to live, and for my family and I to support and donate to the "Y". Provo is truly Heaven on Earth. In all the places on the Earth, I do not think there is a more beautiful, safe and secure place than Provo. There are truly great people in Provo. And like former BYU football and NFL player Chad Lewis says, "Do everything to surround yourself with greatness." As long as I go to BYU, my life will be as close to perfect as you can get.

Provo was named after an early trapper, Etienne Provost. Provo was settled in 1849 by the Mormon pioneers. Provo is historically important or notable because the university in Provo was named after Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church who led the pioneers across the plains. Brigham Young was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the on-again, off-again governor of the territory of Deseret, which would later be called Utah. Brigham Young was one of the greatest men ever to live on earth. He surrounded himself with greatness. Provo is surely worth a visit and tour to view some of its main attractions including: BYU, the Provo Tabernacle and the Utah County Building.

When arriving in Provo, the first thing I would do is introduce myself to Cecil O. Samuelson (President of BYU), Bronco Mendenhall (head football coach) and Dave Rose (head basketball coach) I would ask each man for his autograph and then ask for advice on how to become a great coach, leader and person. I would go to the BYU creamery, BYU bookstore and BYU library. I would have the best time of my life. I would go to every BYU athletic event. And on every Tuesday, I would attend the weekly BYU devotional at the Marriott Center. I would introduce myself to Jake Heaps (the next BYU quarterback destined for greatness) and the whole football, baseball and basketball teams.

There have been so many marvelous people from BYU who have surrounded themselves with greatness. One of my favorite BYU alumni is Danny Ainge. He was the starting point guard on arguable the best NBA team ever: the 1985-1986 Boston Celtics. He played in the NBA for twelve years and is now the General Manager for the Celtics. They won the NBA title two years ago. Danny is also the Bishop of his Boston ward. He has to be one of the busiest guys in the world! Yet his faith is unshaken and he has truly surrounded himself with greatness. He is the type of guy I want to be; he has achieved both on and off the court success. Danny grew up in Provo. Provo produces some of the most wonderful people and families. Danny is just one of many examples.

In the end, nobody beats Provo. It truly is Heaven on Earth.

Well Aaron, (Kylie here!) It sure sounds like you have a significant goal in mind. You are going to have to keep your grades up, so while it sounds like you LOVE sports, remember that BYU is first and foremost an academic institution, and they like their students to get A's. So stay in school, stay off drugs, and be sure to study hard. I look forward to hearing back from you when you get your BYU acceptance letter! Thanks again for a great essay. I look forward to reading your essay next year.

6th Grade 3rd Place Winner

2010-06-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our 3rd place winner is Amanda. She is from a small Middle School in Southern Utah. Her essay titled, "Anyone Need Help Out There?" is a gem. It is touching and heartfelt I hope you take a moment to read it! Congratulations Amanda, I hope one day you make it to Guatemala!

If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be the miniature country Guatemala, it's located right under Mexico. I know a lot about Guatemala, and I think it would be alright if I visited there. Guatemala sounds like a gorgeous country with many kind people. It would be a magnificent opportunity for me to get to leave the United States and explore a small portion of this immense world. My mom and dad have been to Guatemala, and I hear it is a wonderful place to visit. There is one problem with Guatemala; I will have to be extremely cautious about everything. There are a lot of people who aren't very ethical down there. Most of them are so awful that there are armed guards outside every store, even a store as simple as Subway.

(Kylie here! Amanda, you will find that crime is high in most third world countries, and there are guards outside most stores. It is unfortunate, but it does keep businesses, tourists and residents a little safer! We have a similar thing here in America, have you ever notice how every business...and some street corners....have cameras watching our every move? Our technology is a little more advanced, but the concept is the same....)

I would like to visit Guatemala because there are many amazing sites to see. I also want to learn a new language and in Guatemala the people speak Spanish, so I would have to learn Spanish before I could go. I would like to save up enough money to start my own company to send money down to the not-so-fortunate people. If I couldn't send money, then I would at least send food, clothing, pets, shoes, house supplies and I would send builders to build homes for the less fortunate people.

In Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, there are many things to do for fun, such as go to museums, Tikal National Park, visit zoos, theaters, church ruins, the Antigua Bridge and many other sites.

When arriving in Guatemala, the first thing I would do is gaze around at the terrific, warm scenery. I would head straight to get a room at a casino in Guatemala City. After arriving in my room, I would unpack my belongings and rest for an hour or so after spending all day on a stuffy airplane. Joyfully, I would catch a tour bus to go visit all of the beautiful site that are around Guatemala.

I would visit the ancient Mayan ruins on Tikal. Tikal is a beautiful place, and I have always looked forward to going there. Tikal is made up of an old temple and other buildings made from stone. The buildings are extremely tall and massive. My parents were going to go to Tikal, but they were robbed. Then they didn't have enough money to go there anymore.

I would then go and find some of the families that my parents met, and talk to them about their visit. I would help and care for those people first, and then I would go and assist the less fortunate. For dinner that night I would eat a nice meal that included fried bananas and rest my head for a good night's sleep.

At some point in my visit, I would meet the young lady that liked my Uncle Justin. I would have to break the sad news to her that he was killed in a car accident in 2009. He rolled his truck down a steep mountain and was killed. Justin was in his thirties and had three young kids, his oldest was four. He went on an LDS mission to Guatemala. Justin was a good father, uncle, husband, brother, son and grandson. We all love and miss him just as much as she, his friend from Guatemala, will miss him too.

I will be very gloomy when it comes time for me to travel home. Before I leave, I will visit all of the families that Justin taught and see what they have to say about Justin that I don't know.

When I arrive home from my long flight, I will go to Justin's wife, Tacy, and tell her all of the stories I heard about Justin from the people he knew in Guatemala.

I am so obliged that we have all of the many places around the world to explore. I love adventure and I love helping people. If I ever end up with a company to help struggling countries, it will primarily be for Guatemala, in memory of Justin, but I would also love to help others across the world. I would send help to Guatemala, Haiti, Chili, and any other country that needs help.

I look forward to one day visiting Guatemala.

6th Grade Second Place - New York

2010-06-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

The Kylie Klein 2nd Place Winner for 6th Grade is Riley, from a middle school in northern Utah. Congratulations Riley, for a well-written essay!

If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be New York City. I do believe I've fallen in love with 'The City so Nice, you Name it Twice', even though all I've seen of it has been through movies and Google Maps, and of course, all the classic songs.

I would like to visit New York City because of, namely, Saturday Night Live. One day I hope to be one of the writers behind the show. I also love the New York attitude. In the small town where I live, nearly everyone is the same. Frankly, the thought of a bustling city where everyone minds their own business and you could meet your soul mate, your killer, or your idol on any given day, gives me excited goose bumps. New York, a city of beautiful lights, where there is always somewhere you can go (and you can get there quick, even without a car) and something you can do, comes up constantly in my dreams. Moreover, a city that Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra considered great enough to sing about HAS to be good.

New York is historically important or notable because, well, firstly, it invented toilet paper. Can you imagine a world without toilet paper? (Don't answer that.) Joseph C. Gayetty invented it in 1857, and he had his name printed on every sheet. Franklin Roosevelt, the only president to be elected four terms, was from New York City (I could meet a future president on the subway!). The Empire State Building has 73 elevators, and one can take you to the 80th floor in 45 seconds. What else...Saturday Night Live...oh, this is cool, the first mini-golf game ever played was on tip of a skyscraper in New York City in 1926. The first baseball game ever played was pretty close to New York City, in Hoboken.

When arriving in New York City, the first thing I would do is catch a subway to Times Square, where I'd buy a long, dreary trench coat. Then, blending in with the natives, I'd proceed to catch a taxi cab with a perfect whistle (I'm still working on it!) to 30 Rockefeller Plaza. I would spend a few minutes staring at the building. If it were winter, I would ice skate or admire the gorgeous Christmas tree, and of course, take tons of pictures. I would take one of the tours, no matter what the season, making sure to check out the gardens in autumn, spring or summer. I would go to the top of the building and take pictures like the nerdy tourist I am with or without my black trench coat. I would run through the halls of the NBC studios like a little kid, my trench coat flying behind me.

Then I'd buy a ticket for the taping of Saturday Night Live. I would stay all night to see the show. After, I would walk outside a take a deep breath. Then I'd go back inside to see if I could find Lorne Michaels. If I met Lorne Michaels, it would be the best night of my life. Extra points if I got to meet any SNL actors. I would talk with the pages until I was kicked out! But I wouldn't go to sleep yet, no sir! I'm in the city that never sleeps, darn it! I would stay up all night, walking around town and saying "Hi!" to my future husband/killer/idol. I would find a karaoke club where I would make a fool of myself singing along to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." I'd go to Central Park and watch the sun rise from a skyline. I'd walk across the street and buy a hot dog from a street vendor for breakfast. Yummy! Then I would empty my purse in my hotel room and walk along Times Square. If my bag is stolen, my day would be complete! I would go mini-golfing, watch "King Kong," throw stones into every river I came across, watch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, see Madison Square Gardens, buy thirteen rolls of toilet paper (in honor of Mr. Gayetty), and read the New York Times fresh from the newsstand. I would go for a boat tour of Ellis Island, and go to the top of beautiful Miz Liberty. I would ride every single elevator in the Empire State Building, timing them all. If I were fortunate enough to visit during Thanksgiving, I would absolutely have to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! I would catch a taxi to Broadway and see as many shows as I could. I would visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I would go shopping! I would visit the Ground Zero Museum and reflect on the awful tragedy that struck New York City on a few years ago. I would visit the New York Stock Exchange and Niagara Falls. I would make sure to walk through more than one alley. I would have a New York style pizza and make sure to visit the other boroughs while I'm at it. Late at night, I would go see one of the many late night shows; Letterman, Leno, O'Brien, Fallon, Kimmel or whoever happens to be the rage when I'm an adult.

(Note from Kylie: Niagara Falls, while beautiful, is in Albany, New York about 400 miles from New York City. The falls are prettier from the Canadian side, so go to Toronto to see them, or cross the border. Also, Jay Leno is filmed in Burbank, California, Jimmy Kimmel is filmed in Hollywood, California. Most late night comedy shows are filmed during the day, with the exception of SNL, which I believe is still filmed at night!)

And then in the middle of Times Square I would stop.

And stand.

And breathe.

I would look at the lights and allow a dreamy feeling to overtake me. I would look at the horizon. I would look at the people. I would smell all the scents, good and bad, and listen to the sounds, be it cabbies swearing at one another, or vendors calling out their wares, or children crying or people singing. I would take a picture of the sky and whisper:

"I love New York!"

Then I would start singing as loudly as possible. No one would even look at me because we're New Yorkers, and we mind our own darn business. (That's simply my own explanation, I'm sure they would think I was just another one of those weird tourists, intoxicated with the beauty of New York.)

Finally, exhausted, I would go back to my hotel and crash on my bed. The next morning I would find myself an apartment so I could stay in New York for my whole life. There is just too much to see and do for one day, heck, for one lifetime.

But I'm going to try.

Our 6th Grade 1st Place Winner

2010-05-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Cari, a 6th grade student from a middle school in northern Utah! Cari won $100.00 in the Kylie Klein Writing Competition for her essay on England. This essay accidentally ended up in the 9th grade pile and Cari nearly won the 9th grade essay competition as well. Please, congratulate Cari on her winning essay!

Where in the World I Would Like to Visit

If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be England. On a north European isle it lays, shrouded in mystery, dotted with castles, and laced with historical intrigue. In England's golden age, it was the jewel of Europe. Its vast empire stretched across more than eight countries from coast to coast!

I would like to visit England because of the mysteries that have not yet been solved, like Stonehenge. The great pillars of stone are like a jigsaw puzzle with no picture. Even the most advanced historians and technology can't figure it out!

Along with Stonehenge, I'd love to see some castles: the ancient homes of royalty, some of which are at least as intricate as the Old Catholic cathedrals. Tall and majestic, they rise like mountains. Can't you see it? The banners dance to a wind off the sea, the mist surrounds the towers like a scene from a fairy tale, and white clouds overhead begin crying softly. I would love that.

England is historically important or notable because of the Kings and Queens of England. For example, Queen Elizabeth I is one of the most beloved Queens that England has ever known. The "Virgin Queen," they called her. She lived in the 1500s when men were considered the stronger of the two sexes. Although many people believed women were weak, Elizabeth was such a good ruler that her reign was later called the Elizabethan Age.

Her father, King Henry VIII, was considered a tyrant. King Henry VIII married six times and only his third wife was allowed to live all her days with him in peace. Most likely it was because she bore (and died giving birth) to his only son, Edward VI. Edward only lived to age sixteen, he died of tuberculosis. In short, many of the English royalty didn't lead very happy (or long) lives.

"Romeo, Romeo, wherefore are thou Romeo?" is a quote from William Shakespeare's famous play, Romeo and Juliet. Did you know that Shakespeare was also from England? He is considered to be one of the most famous play writers in the world. He wrote a total of thirty-seven plays and one-hundred-fifty-four sonnets! Shakespeare left a huge mark on history.

When arriving in England, the first thing I would do is find my hotel and lose myself in a dream. The flight from Utah to England is thirteen hours long! After resting and eating, I would visit an old castle from the 1300s and on my way there, I would wish for rain. After visiting the castle, I would make my way to Stonehenge.

Later, I would visit Jane Austen's house and enjoy the peace I found there. Jane Austen, as you probably know, was a famous realistic fiction author who lived from the 1700s to 1800s. Some of her more popular books are Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility.

England has long been favored with talented authors. Jane Austen isn't the only English author who has left her mark on history. Some other famed novelists include J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) and C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia).

(Kylie breaking in here...After reading this part of Cari's article,I'm wondering if I should follow the example of all the famous English writers and go by my initials.... K.K.Klein? No, no, that is a terrible idea. Sorry Cari, back to your well-written essay.)

England in the 1800s is one of my absolute favorite time periods. It was when men were gentlemen and women were properly educated and did not believe in slurping, burping or making other disgusting noises.

The next day I would go to Westminster to see the cathedral Westminster Abbey. I would be utterly amazed as I stared at the gothic architecture, the meticulously carved statues, windows and walls. After visiting the graves of the famous Kings and Queens of England, I would tour Westminster Palace, then the Westminster tower clock, commonly known as Big Ben. Tic-Toc! Big Ben's hands turn tirelessly and at the beginning of each hour, he sings!

Later I would visit the famed Buckingham Palace where Queen Elizabeth II currently resides. If I'm lucky, I might see the Queen, Prince Charles or one of his two sons, Prince William or Prince Henry!

Outside the palace, uniformed guards stand at attention. The guards stand there all day, doing nothing but looking forward. They don't even acknowledge your presence!

At lunchtime, I would try some English cuisine. Fish and chips anyone? Although I personally wouldn't drink it, tea-time is a daily custom. While the English drink their tea, they eat biscuits (cookies) and they chat. If there was one sweet in England I would have to try, it would be English Trifle (layered cake, pudding, cream and fruit.)

Exhausted after a long day in London, I would return to my hotel bed and fall asleep the moment I hit the covers. Inside my head a tiny voice would say, "I'm in England, finally!"

Nice job Cari. Your essay was well-researched and well-written. I read this essay right after my own trip to London was canceled (because of the spewing volcano in Iceland), and this Cari reminded me of all the fun I would have had in London. Cari, save your money and try to do a study abroad in college for a semester. I'm sure you would have all these experiences and more.

Again, congratulations to Cari! I hope you enter the competition again next year.

Winners of the Kylie Klein Writing Competition

2010-05-31T16:34:00.001-07:00

In addition to my weekly blog, over the next four or five weeks I will be posting the winning essays from the 2010 Kylie Klein Writing Competition. Prepare to be amazed by how talented our Utah 6th through 9th graders are! I will try to post a winning entry every day, but because of the nature of my job (and my life!!!!) this may not always be possible. The winners will be watching both my blog and my Facebook, so please comment on their work, especially if you have been (or want to go) to their city of choice.

The subject this year was, "If I could visit anywhere in the world it would be...."
The first place winners all received $100.00, not bad for a three page essay. I only included Utah in the 2010 competition, however for 2011 I plan to include students from Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee and in 2012 I plan to open the Kylie Klein Writing Competition to the entire United States.

(If any of you own a business and are looking for a worthwhile charitable donation, please consider the 2011 Kylie Klein Writing Competition. It is my goal to award $700 in prize money to each participating state, so I need to raise $8400 by next January. I have NO DOUBT I can do it!!!! I appreciate your support, even if it's just a good-luck-with-that email.)

But back to what is important, which is encouraging good writing and education! We need to encourage our youth to stay in school (and stay off drugs) and to learn to write intelligently and passionately. I've noticed that adults with good writing skills, backed by an education seem to have an easier time with life. Although I am not a teacher, I am trying to do my part to encourage students across American (and maybe one day across the globe) to learn these valuable skills that will help them excel in life.

I hope you enjoy these essays as much as I did. And please, take a moment to post your comments. I'm sure the winning students would appreciate your support.

Machu Picchu Part 2

2010-05-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Although the smell of insect repellent permeated our room, the roar of the river below our window lulled me to sleep. Before we turned the lights out for the night, I watched in horror as huge mosquito-like insects continuously bumped into the lamps which dimly lit our room. Fortunately we had read several horror stories about Machu Picchu visitors who woke up with huge, itchy red splotches all over their bodies. Mitch and I were prepared, we had brought insect repellent with us. It wasn't the best smelling, but it kept us protected from bug bites.

The alarm went off at 6:30 and poor Mitch had the chore of patiently encouraging me to get out of bed and into the shower. I was absolutely against waking up, but after some prodding, Mitch was finally able to convince me that we should visit Machu Picchu; we had, after all, made an extraordinary effort to travel deep into the mountains of Peru.

There are two different options to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you can either hike up, which takes about two hours, or you can take a bus ($14 round trip) which takes about fifteen minutes. The bus ride is on a tiny, winding road with sixteen switch backs and lots of long drops down. Mitch, who is a pilot, has a terrible fear of heights, so while I spent my time looking out the window admiring the view and taking pictures, he spent his time bravely looking forward. We held hands, it was sweet.

We made it to Machu Picchu without incident. We climbed off the bus, walked past locals residents who offer tours, handed over our tickets (and showed them our passports) and entered Machu Picchu. We climbed up a small hill and looked to our right. The view took my breath away. It had been such a long journey; we'd finally arrived.

Then the clouds rolled in, and we spent much of our day in Machu Picchu in a hazy, creepy, daze, often unable to see the gigantic mountains that surrounded us.

From a distance, Machu Picchu is an impressive, overwhelming ruin. Perched on top of a mountain, the view took my breath away. Initially I genuinely believed the Inka's were architectural geniuses. As Mitch and I wandered around the city, we were both amazed by the structure itself until, I asked Mitch the all important questions which altered our feelings about our entire trip:

“Hey Mitch, what year was Machu Picchu built?”

“1450.”

“B.C.?”

“No, A.D.”

“You mean like 500 years ago? Not 3500 years ago?”

“Yeah, 1450 AD.”

“As in 1500 years after the Colosseum?”

“Yeah,”

“As in 200 years before Versailles?”

“Yeah.”

“So this place is about as old as The Mona Lisa?”

“Sure.”

“So it was built when Henry the 8th was the King of England?”

“Um, I guess . . .”

“It's as old as the Louvre?”

“Yeah,”

“You know the Vatican was constructed in the early 1500's, right?”

“No, I didn't know that . . .”

“The Notre Dame in Paris was constructed in 1100 A.D.”

“Okay . . .”

“Christopher Columbus landed in America in 1492, that's when he sailed the ocean blue . . .”

“Kylie . . . “

“Mitch, the Inka's were way, way, way behind in their technology. This place is cool to look at, but you have to admit it's kind of archaic for something built as recently as 500 years ago. I know that the Inka's are considered excellent stone masons, but I'm having a hard time being amazed by this. I'm sorry.”

Silence ensured for a few, long tense moments as Mitch considered my comments.

“The Inka's, they were kind of isolated people . . .” Mitch said in their defense.

“It's still cool because it's on the top of a mountain,” I agreed. “I'm just not sure it deserves to be on the same list as the Colosseum, the Great Wall of China or the Pyramid of Giza. And I'm also not sure it was worth six days of travel to spend one day here."

As we thought about Machu Picchu's place in world history, we both felt let down. We had journeyed three days to spend a few hours at one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, and we still had a three day trip to get back home. Neither of us felt quite sure Machu Picchu was historically ready to be given the all important "Seven Wonders of the World" title.

We wandered around the rest of the day, intrigued by the the craftsmanship and marveled at the beauty of the cloudy mountains around us. If someone were determined to build a city in the sky, Machu Picchu was a beautiful place to do it.

At the end of the day, Mitch kissed my forehead. “It was nice spending the week with you, but I'm not sure it was worth it either. Damn volcano ruining our London trip.”

“I'm just sorry I slipped on that rock and hurt my back,” I said wincing. “Can you help me off this ledge?”

The next day we spent nine hours in the pouring rain waiting for a train which would take us to a bus that would take us back to Cusco.

Back Next Week....

2010-05-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

I know I promised to tell you more about my trip to Machu Picchu, but I am swimming in essays from the Kylie Klein Writing Competition. I must get through them, the kids are anxious to discover who will win the $100 cash prize! Tune in next week for part II of my Machu Picchu trip.

Until then, remember,

Life's an Adventure, Take Notes!

Machu Picchu -

2010-05-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

After the erupting volcano in Iceland spoiled our trip to London, Mitch and I made a last minute decision to visit the recently opened Machu Picchu ruins in Peru. This week's blog will focus on how to get to Machu Picchu, next week I will discuss Machu Picchu itself and week three will be our return trip home. For my flight attendant/pilot friends, I hope this blog is both helpful and interesting.

When it comes to traveling, Mitch and I both have strengths and weaknesses. I am good at finding inexpensive, safe, clean hotels and I usually plan the details of what important places we should visit. Mitch is responsible for ground transportation, which usually includes bus, car and rail. When our trip changed last minute from London to Peru, Mitch suddenly had his work cut out for him because he went from needing to plan a few subway transfers to a trip full of extensive, exhausting travel. A word of caution . . . for those of you planning to visit Machu Picchu, I would advise you to wait until the trains are fully operational.

On the morning of our grand adventure, we woke up at 3:30 am (yes, that is in the morning) to ensure we would make it to Atlanta before 5:05 pm. We were not brave enough to wait around for the direct flight to Atlanta so we hopped on the 6:00 am to Denver and then got on a flight to Atlanta without any trouble. We arrived in Atlanta with plenty of time for lunch and then wandered down to our gate. Because we were flying space available, I was thrilled to learn that the only spaces available were in Business Class.

Whoopee!!!

I love flying Business Class! On the Delta planes, the seats lay all the way back, the meals are always delicious, and they serve ice cream! You have your own TV and a huge variety of movies to watch. There are also comfy blankets and pillows and a little Delta gift box with eye shades, socks, lip balm, tissues and a teeny, tiny toothbrush and toothpaste. I'll be honest, if I'm going overseas, I'll plan my entire trip based around how many seats are open in Business Class. I've become a little spoiled, but on a long flight it's the best way to fly.

Grateful that things had gone so smoothly, after my airplane dinner of steak and shrimp, I put on my eye shades, unwrapped my fluffy blanket, laid my seat back and went to sleep. I'm still not sure what Mitch did during the flight; I woke up a few hours later at 11:00 pm as the flight crew was preparing for landing. We got off the plane, quickly cleared customs and went through the Lima airport to check in for our next flight, which was scheduled to leave six hours later.

Mitch and I were both surprised to find that the Lima airport is open and incredibly busy all night. I can't think of an airport in the United States that has flights scheduled to leave regularly all night long. Mitch and I went into the food court, which was also open all night (who wouldn't want Papa Johns and a Duncan Donut at three in the morning?) and found a place to sit on some uncomfortable metal chairs. I immediate fell asleep, and at 2:00 am Mitch woke me up so we could pick up our tickets.

With our tickets in hand we went through security. Airport security rules are different in every country, but I was still surprised that we weren't asked to pull out our liquids nor were we required to remove our shoes, yet they insisted we take off our watches. Behind the security guards were huge, clear tubs of contraband removed from passenger's luggage. There were a lot of scissors, pocket knives, fingernail clippers and files, scalpels, a leatherman and even a closed-ended wrench.

Seriously, who would put a wrench in their carry on bag?

Regardless, we both managed to get through security without getting arrested. We got to our gate and fell asleep for another hour or so before our flight left for Cusco.

If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, but don't want to fork out cash for a plane ticket to Cusco, there is a bus you can take from Lima to Cusco. It is an eighteen hour bus ride which Mitch and I were prepared to take if for some reason we were unable to get on a LAN flight. The bus ride is $44.00 each way, however now that I'm back home and thinking about our trip, I'm not sure I would ever, ever, again, for any reason, get on another bus in Peru. So a bus ride would not be something I personally would consider, however if you are cash strapped, it is an option.

Sometimes the flights to from Lima to Cusco are weight restricted because of fruit cargo. Although we were prepared for the worst, there was no reason to worry, we got right on the plane. Mitch and I both promptly fell asleep before the plane took off and and hour later we were on the ground in Cusco.

Needing a ride to our hotel, we mistakenly hired a “tourist” cab driver. When we got to the hotel our cab driver spent fifteen minutes trying to convince us to take one of his special tours to the “Sexy Woman”. Although he was showing us the Sexy Woman on a map, I'm still not exactly sure where he wanted to take us. Once we were able to convince the cab driver that we were not interested in any tour, he finally left.

After twenty four hours of traveling Mitch and I were exhausted. Although it was 7:30 in the morning the Hotel Emperador staff were incredibly hospitable and they allowed us to check in. I would highly recommend the hotel (http://www.emperadorplaza.com/index_2.html), it is near the town square, the beds were comfortable and they had hot water. Our rate was only $51 a night, and they prefer you pay in American cash.

If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, at least twenty four hours in Cusco is necessary. As I curled up in bed, I found I was having trouble breathing. Regardless of what I did, I couldn't get enough air into my lungs. Mitch reminded me that Cusco is nearly 11,000 feet above sea level, a full 6,500 feet higher than Salt Lake. We had journeyed to Cusco early so we could acclimatize, so I shook off my discomfort and went to sleep.

We woke up a few hours later and spent some time wandering around Cusco. Cusco is a cute town, but there is a lot of poverty and the street vendors won't take NO for an answer. One kid working as a shoe shiner actually told Mitch that his shoes were ugly and that he should not be wearing them around, which made me laugh because I had made the same comment about Mitch's shoes earlier. (In Mitch's defense, he was wearing them “one last time” so he could destroy them in Machu Picchu.) After a relaxing day, we went to bed early, the next morning we had a long trip to Aguas Calientes.

In January the Cusco – Aguas Calientes rail line washed into the river leaving thousands of tourists stranded in Aguas Calientes. Because of this disaster, transportation to Machu Picchu had changed drastically and the information available on the internet doesn't exactly describe the new traveling process, which, as you can imagine, is frustrating. We were able to secure two backpacker train/bus tickets to Aguas Calientes (about $100 per person) and although Aguas Calientes is only sixty miles away from Cusco, it takes nearly four hours to get there.

From Cusco, we took a bus for three hours to a train station which was located up in the mountains, literally in the middle of nowhere. The last forty minutes of the ride was on a winding, cobblestone and dirt road which overlooks a long drop into a river. From the bus station we had another ninety minutes on a train. Both the train and bus rides were breathtakingly beautiful, and we were able to see where the rail lines had washed away into the river.

We arrived into Aguas Calientes in the early afternoon and we checked into the Waracocha Hotel (no web site and you have to call to make reservations. Our room was $65 a night and they prefer American cash). The owners of the hotel spoke little English, but the hotel was clean, the water was hot, and our room overlooked the river. Mitch and I had a nice linner (lunch and dinner) and went to bed early so we would be refreshed for our day at Machu Picchu.

Tune in next week to see how our day at Machu Picchu went. It was an interesting day, but the historian in me isn't convinced Machu Picchu should be considered one of the new seven wonders of the world. If you've been to Machu Picchu, I'd appreciate your thoughts as I consider the best way to present my opinion to you.

Until next week, remember,

Life's a Journey, Take Notes!

Itchy Pooh Pooh...I Mean Machu Picchu

2010-04-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

I would like to clarify that I am the master of taking a cheap vacation. I love to see the world, I love history and I love to learn. Being a flight attendant is the perfect job for me because it allows me access to the world, which is something I value. I know I'm lucky, and please believe me, I don't take my life for granted.

I've learned that to travel safely and cheaply, it all boils down to doing your research, planning ahead and visiting www.tripadvisor.com. For those going to Europe, the most current Rick Steves' travel guide doesn't hurt either. I get my travel guides from the library, which is a simple way to save $20-40 before I leave home!

I try to take three international trips a year, and lately Mitch usually comes along with me, most of the time willingly. Our last trip to Paris, one of the most expensive cities in the world, cost us less than $600.00, and we were there for five days! (Granted we don't have to pay for airfare . . .) I have also gone cheaply to Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan, and if I need a break for a few days and don't want to spend a ton of money, I head on down to Puerto Vallarta.

In January, I asked Mitch which international cities he would like to visit this year. I patiently waited for a whole 24 hours, and when he didn't offer any suggestions, I told him that we were going to visit Machu Picchu in Peru, Toyko and London. He didn't scoff at my suggestions, so I began planning.

I would have never actually visited Machu Picchu on my own. In fact the first time someone mentioned the ancient ruin to me, I thought they said “Itchy Pooh Pooh,” which apparently isn't a common mistake. I have a bunch of flight attendant friends who visited Machu Picchu last year and they all RAVED about it. So Mitch and I did a bit of research and we learned that Machu Picchu had recently been named a new Wonder of the World and a place that must be seen. We also heard reports that there are plans to permanently close a section of Manchu Picchu (I can't remember if it's the top or the bottom), but all of my flight attendant friends have encouraged me to visit ASAP because the closures are scheduled to happen within the year.

Originally Mitch and I decided to go to Machu Picchu in the spring, Tokyo in the summer and London in the fall. In January I picked up my Machu Picchu guidebook from the library and began planning our trip. As we were about to book our hotels, the worst news came across my Yahoo homepage: the rail lines in and out of Machu Picchu had been flooded and two thousand tourists were stranded! I was naturally saddened by the devastation and concerned for the thousands of stranded tourists who were eventually extracted by helicopter, but I was equally irritated that the natural disaster had foiled our spring trip! Although I was deeply disappointed, we still had two other places on our agenda, so I took my Machu Picchu book back to the library and picked up Rick Steves' London.

London is notoriously expensive. However, I had visited Rome, Venice and Florence on a shoestring, I had confidence I could visit London and not drain my 401k. I knew we needed to find cheap, safe accommodations so I visited www.airbnb.com, which is a worldwide Bed and Breakfast Web site that I would highly recommend. In my research, I found the most delightful, affordable flat in London, it was only $377.00 for a whole week! The best part was, it included a cell phone! I couldn't believe our good luck! I booked the flat months in advance, Mitch and I discussed the London sites we wanted to visit, and we watched the flight loads every week, happy to see that there were consistently plenty of available seats both coming and going! It appeared we had made a perfect choice and we were both so excited! (I've included a lot of exclamation points, we were really jazzed!)

Last week, (ten days before we were set to leave for London), an ill-timed volcano began spewing over Iceland, closing the airspace over Europe. Initially Mitch encouraged me to be patient, to wait and see what would happen, and I tried to be hopeful that the airspace would open up quickly and we could still go on our trip. However, as the days ticked by and I read more and more news stories detailing the hundreds of thousands of passengers stuck and the tens of thousands of flights that had been canceled, I began to realize that London wasn't going to happen. Disappointed, I had to cancel my perfect bed and breakfast and our trip to London was officially canned.

Over and over I asked myself (and anyone else within earshot), how was it possible that two different trips, in two separate parts of the world could be canceled because of two totally different natural disasters?

Discouraged, Mitch and I, once again, went back at the drawing board. Since Europe was out of the question, we decided to look south. As we contemplated where to go, I noticed an article on Yahoo boldly declaring that Machu Picchu had reopened! So, Mitch and I decided that, once again, we were, as originally scheduled, going to head to Lima, Peru. Because I had to work, Mitch planned our entire trip (awwww, what a sweetie!). Fortunately he likes to plan “transportation-y trips” because our trek to Machu Picchu appears like it's going to be quite a journey.

We are finally on our way, and what a way it is! Salt Lake to Denver, Denver to Atlanta, Atlanta to Lima, Lima to Cuzco...that's right, four flights plus a four hour combo train and bus ride to Aguas Calientes to actually get to Machu Picchu.

Will our pilgrimage be worth it? Will we be able to get back home on schedule?

Tune in next week to hear my tale (and to get some travel tips), because it sounds like getting to Itchy Pooh Pooh, I mean Machu Picchu will be an adventure in itself!

Until then, remember,

Life's a Journey, Take Notes!

I'm NOT a Granola...and I'm not sure what to do about it....

2010-04-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Although I was born and raised in Utah, I've never been to any of the Utah National Parks. A few weeks ago, Mitch and I had a couple of days off so we packed up the car and hit the road for an impromptu road trip. Mitch and I are preparing to climb to the top of a couple of mountains and thought a hiking trip would be a nice way to break our legs in. We drove three hours south and spent the first night in Cedar City, woke up early the next morning and made our way to Zions National Park.

Zions National Park itself is beautiful. It is a geological wonder, and if you take a moment to really read the informative plaques strategically placed throughout the park you can learn quite a bit about how the natural formations were created. Mitch and I spent two full days hiking around the park. Because it was during the work week there were a lot of retirees at the park and more than a few Grandmas breezed by us as we strolled up the trails. Mitch and I pretended like we weren't fazed by being passed by “old people”, and to save face we took our time and explored and enjoyed the area. We took a billion pictures and had a really great time.

That being said, I am not here to talk to you about Zions National Park, other than to encourage you to visit, because it truly is a natural wonder. What I am here to talk about is pants-that-zip-into-shorts, and other (atrocious) hiking attire.

Mitch, who is not a Granola, proudly brought his pants-that-zip-into-shorts pants on our trip. He opted not to wear them (I'm not sure if it was because I giggled anytime he put them on or for some other, unexplained reason), so we both wore levis, short sleeved shirts and tennis shoes during our visit to the park. Although I felt we were both casually, properly dressed, we were, by far, the best dressed pair at the park. As I looked around me, people had on their hiking shoes, there were lots of pants-that-zip-into-shorts, special, fussy Columbia and North Face shirts, Camelback backpacks, Indiana Jones explorer hats, wool socks, North Face Jackets, hats that covered the head and neck and walking sticks. If REI makes it (and sells it for a ridiculous price), we saw it.

It's cool that the people like dressing outdoorsy, but Zions National Park is a simple park to navigate, and to me, most of the tourists had gone a little too far with their outdoorsyness. I can completely understand the extreme gear for those hiking the Narrows, but the majority of the people were just wandering around the park; wilderness attire really wasn't really necessary. Which brings me to my “bigger” problem.

It was my idea to climb to the top of Nebo and Timpanogos, and I managed to get Mitch,my sister Farrah, and her husband Dallas to agree to climb with me. As the hike gets closer, I am finding myself less stressed about the hike itself and more stressed about the pressure to dress like a Granola. The problem is, I am innately NOT a granola. I buy the majority of my clothes at Macy's, my shoes from Famous Footwear (I'm a sucker for their buy one get one half off sale), and I pick up my every day t-shirts at Target. I'm not a fussy gal, but I try to dress fashionably.

However, Mitch, who is also not a Granola, has been dragging me into REI and Dick's and making me try on “real” hiking shoes. He has spent hours looking up the proper Camelback for me so I have enough to drink on our hikes. Mitch is incredibly sweet, and he has offered to carry most of our “gear”, whatever that means. While I am so grateful for his help and his excitement for our hike, I am incredibly uncomfortable in outdoorsy stores, and I always feel really over dressed, even if I'm just wearing a t-shirt, jeans and running shoes.

I don't wear a lot of green or brown. I flat iron my hair. I wear some make up. I think you understand what I'm saying.

So what should I do? I genuinely find all hiking shoes to be incredibly ugly, and I don't understand why Merrill can't make ONE pair of their hiking shoes in black. Is there some hiking shoe rule out there that says hiking shoes must all be green or brown? I don't have any clothes that match my new hiking shoes, so I have two options, not color coordinate, or buy a new “hiking wardrobe”. Mitch says I have to buy a special shirt that absorbs my sweat. I have to have special wool socks, which has turned into quite an ordeal because I don't want my socks to come above my ankles and I don't want them to be crazy colors. Mitch found some special socks for me that met my special requirements and he gave them to me as a gift. Isn't he sweet?

That being said, Mitch genuinely believes I should get pants-that-zip-into-shorts.

Unbelievable!

I told my non-granola sister that Mitch says I should get these ridiculous pants and she said, “Oh I love my pair.”

Has the world around me gone mad?

When I decided to climb the mountains, I thought I would just have to physically train. If I had any idea I would need special shoes, socks, shirts, pants and a camelback, I might have kept my great idea to myself.

Why is this such a problem, you might ask? Because Mitch LOVES to take pictures. I am going to end up with 300 pictures of me crawling up a mountain looking like a Granola! He's gonna post the pictures on Facebook and the entire world is going to see me dressed in brown and green, and the whole world is going to think, “Oh, look at Mitch's girlfriend, she's a total granola.” I can't have people think that, especially strangers!

Oh dear, I'm afraid I have serious issues.

I'm gonna buy my hundred dollar shoes, and then with the advice from my friends, I'm gonna Bedazzle my shoes so they look pretty and sparkly. Maybe I will Bedazzle my hundred dollar Camelback, too. I can hear the other hikers now, “Wow, I really like your sparkly shoes, they are so much cuter than normal hiking shoes.” “Thanks,” I will reply. “They've been bedazzled.”

Oh my, what have I got myself in to?

So my Granola and non-Granola friends, am I making too much of this? Am I silly to not want ugly hiking shoes? Is it terrible that I find the-pants-that-zip-into-shorts unbearable? Did I take on too much instigating two mountain climbs without first learning I would have to change my wardrobe?
I'd love your feedback, I want to find out if what I am feeling is normal.

And poor Mitch! When we go shoe shopping for his shoes, he shows me shoe after shoe and asks me what I think about them. All I can do is look at him blankly and nod my head because the truth is I HATE ALL OF THE SHOES!!!

Why is it hiking shoe makers are unable to make cute shoes? I don't understand.

I think I need professional help.

Oh, I gotta go. I'm being taken to an REI Map and Compass class. If you don't hear from me next week, you'll know I got lost and obviously failed my wilderness resourcefulness class.

Stay tuned next week when I will discuss how two separate natural disasters nearly sidetracked my Spring vacation this year. It is a tale you'll have to read to believe.

Until then remember,

Life's a Journey, Take Notes!

My Visit to Arlington

2010-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I traveled to Washington DC to do some research for my second Mason Montgomery book. I was only able to spend a couple of days in Washington DC, but I had beautiful, perfect weather, comfortable shoes and a load of research that had to be done. I managed to see everything on my agenda, but the stop that moved me the most was Arlington National Cemetery.

My trip to Arlington was for a specific purpose, I was scouting locations for a critical scene in my book. I also happen to love cemeteries and I had always secretly wanted to visit JFK's eternal flame (I don't know why, I wasn't even alive when he died). As I left JFK's resting place, I took a wrong turn and happened upon a funeral procession. Curious, I stopped to watch. I absolutely did not want to be disrespectful to those in mourning, but in my research I had learned a great deal about Arlington funeral processions and thought it could be an interesting, insightful, good research opportunity to see the well known ceremony first hand. Had I realized how the ceremony would affect me, most likely I would have walked away instead of creeping up to get a closer look.

As I politely walked closer and hid myself behind a tombstone, I heard a military officer shouting commands followed by the constant chut-chut of his troops' rifles. More than a dozen men stood in formation performing an intricate rifle routine. Next to the drilling men was a lone coffin covered with an American flag.

I immediately became mesmerized by the soldiers and their perfectly synchronized precision and timing. Once they had finished their rifle drill, the funeral director drove out, followed by a hearse (which I was confused by because the coffin was on the back of a horse drawn trailer.) Then, a black car drove by, which I assume held immediate family members. Once all of the official cars left the area, the soldiers once again began a rifle routine, their guns rotated this way and that, not one gun ever out of place. Interestingly the ceremony felt very respectful, instead of mechanical.

For a moment the entire cemetery was completely silent. Suddenly two of the soldiers began drumming and all of the soldiers began marching. The noise of the drums reverberated throughout the cemetery, and the soldiers looked mournful as they marched away from the funeral home and up the winding road. The large group of soldiers passed by me and it was interesting to see how serious, yet respectful they looked. As the last soldier walked by me, the horse drawn trailer carrying the coffin begin to roll out.

Even the horses seemed to walk with respect for the fallen soldier. As the coffin began to move, for the first time I cognitively realized I wasn't watching some random ceremony, I was witnessing a funeral procession, that there was a a body in the coffin, and all the pomp and ceremony was to honor an actual person. The soldiers and their rehearsed routines gave the funeral a more theatrical feel, however it was a funeral all the same. Whoever was in the coffin had died for our country, to keep our country safe, and to keep me safe.

As the coffin rolled past me, the military band began to play, announcing to all those in the area that a soldier had fallen and was receiving the highest burial honor our country could bestow upon him. The air around me was full of music and the scene before me suddenly felt very tragic. As the stars and stripes rolled by, my eyes welled with tears.

The person in the coffin had died, he had lost his life to help preserve my freedom. He was receiving the highest military burial possible, which suggested he was an honorable soldier, but still a precious human life had been lost. His family and friends grieved for him. Surprisingly, I grieved for him.

I couldn't stop myself. Between the music and the loss of life, I began weeping, huge tears rolled down my cheeks. I stood there and watched as the funeral procession continued on. The fallen soldier must have been a local young man because a never ending trail of cars followed behind the horse drawn carriage. Realizing that a bawling tourist was not the spectacle mourners really wanted to see during their time of grief, I turned around and and tried to wipe the tears that wouldn't stop falling from my eyes.

I walked in the opposite direction, determined to get back to my research. I took a wrong turn and bumped into another funeral procession, this one with a black covered coffin and a horseless rider. The tears didn't spill again, but my heart had been touched.

I meet military personnel nearly every day. I always try to remember to thank them for all they do to keep our country safe. Usually they are taken back, they are not used to being thanked for their work. I try to make it a point to talk with all the military personnel I meet. Every single soldier I've ever come in contact with tells me they believe they are doing good in the Middle East. Their work is hard, but they all assert that they are seeing progress. I've also met and talked with several consultants who take the media into the front lines. I have yet to meet a media consultant who has claimed that any media outlet has told a fair and balanced story of what really goes on, choosing intentionally to only film the bad and ignoring any good they come across.

Right or wrong, I firmly believe that if our military forces were not in the Middle East, terrorist activity would become a common occurrence here in the United States. It is my conviction that the men and women who have left their families and loved ones to serve our nation truly make it safe for me to go to work and fly around in an airplane. For their sacrifice I will be eternally grateful.

Most of you don't have jobs where a terrorist would love to blow up your building. While I love my job, when I go to work I am fully aware that a crazy person could possibly come on board and try to make a big statement with my aircraft. I have the utmost respect for our Armed Services and I truly believe their work helps to make my job safer.

Looking back, I can't help buy ask myself why I cried for the fallen soldier who was a stranger to me. Part of me felt like the fallen soldier died a bit for me, to protect my freedoms. Part of me cried because of the general loss of life. Part of me cried because I felt like the band was announcing to the entire cemetery, “Out of our way! The most important man of the hour is coming through and we are going to honor him the best and only way we know how! Watch our pomp and circumstance!” It was touching and emotional, and I suspect Arlington funeral ceremonies were intentionally designed to bring out emotion in all those who happen across one. I hope you all have the experience to witness an Arlington funeral. It will change your perception.

Whether or not you agree or disagree with the war, next time you see one of our brave men or women who serve in the military, take a moment to say, “Thank you for your hard work.” They will look at you with confusion, and then a smile.

If you've had a similar experience at Arlington National Cemetery, or if you would like to honor your military hero, I'd love to hear from you, Feel free to post here or you can email me at kylie@kylieklein.com

Tune in next week when I will discuss my recent trip to Zions National Park and why I don't like pants-that-zip-into-shorts. As you may know, we are preparing to do some mountain climbing and the pants-that-zip-into-shorts issue has become a highly contested subject in my circle of mountain climbers.

Oh, and one last thing. I am headed to London in a couple of weeks. If you have any must-see recommendations, please let me know what they are! I always try to visit the places people suggest.

Until next week, remember,

Life's a Journey, Take Notes!

My Opinion on the Catholic Church Abuse Scandal

2010-04-04T19:21:00.001-07:00

I would like to start this blog with a short rant, which is unusual for me because I am not a big ranter. I steer clear of the “news” and I find politics to be boring. However, even with my head in the sand, I haven't been able to avoid the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal. I have one thing to say:

Catholic Church, I am ashamed of you.

You know what should happen here? If a Catholic Priest or a Catholic Nun has molested a child (or several), then the Catholic Priest or Catholic Nun should be turned over to the local police and, if enough evidence has been collected against them, the Catholic Priest or Catholic Nun should stand trial. And if they are found guilty, they should go to jail. I don't know how it works where you're from Pope Benedict, but in my world, once a child molester is caught and found guilty, they are jailed....where they belong.

It's time for Pope Benedict to stand up and say, “Hey you know what, we are sorry, so deeply sorry. We cannot imagine the pain and suffering our Priests and Nuns, who were in positions of authority, have put on our faithful, impressionable children. We will fight for the rights of the children, we will remove the guilty from power and see they are justly prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, because child abuse is not something we tolerate in our church. And to make things right for the victims who suffered in the hands of those in authority, we will sell off some of our priceless Vatican Museum pieces and use the proceeds to pay for counseling, because the last thing we want in our church are members who are scarred from our priests who have abused their power.”

Unfortunately what we received today was a, “Please pay no attention to the man behind the curtain who spreads 'petty gossip'.”

I know that there are thousands of Priests and Nuns who serve in their positions faithfully, and I commend those Catholics, and any individual who is in a position of authority in their church, or their school, who can positively influence the youth. But today's teenagers have enough problems to deal with, the ABSOLUTE LAST thing a teenager needs is someone in authority abusing their power and doing it in the name of God.

What irritates me is the Catholic Church's refusal to stand up and do what's right, especially when it comes to dealing with the youth. Worse, what kind of example are they setting for their church members. In a world where people seem to have such difficulty accepting responsibility for their actions, the Catholic Church could do a lot of good by accepting blame and helping to find solutions.

I recognize that it isn't “the church's” fault that so many children have been sexually abused, However, the men and women who violated church policy (and common sense), and who took advantage of children...the same children they should have been leading, are the men and women who claim to represent what Catholicism means. Their guilt, unfortunately, resonates badly on the church as a whole.

Pope Benedict seems like a nice fella and I would agree that he is dealing with a very difficult and sensitive situation. That being said, it is my sincere hope that Pope Benedict climbs out from the rock his head is stuck under and creates a positive conclusion to this terrible scandal. Abuse should not be tolerated in the Catholic Church, and as the Pope he is the only person in the world who can exert influence to make sure the abuse stops.

Moving forward, to ensure this doesn't happen again, the Pope and Cardinals need to set, and enforce clear boundaries. I know when I'm on the airplane and a passenger refuses to turn his cell phone off, when I say to him, “If I have to ask you to turn that off one more time we're going back to the gate and you're getting off the plane,” the passenger always, unconditionally, turns his phone off. The Pope could consider sending a strong worded message like, “Okay Priests and Nuns, if you sexually abuse a child you'll be defrocked, turned over to the authorities and you'll go to jail.” There, clear boundaries set, everyone know what the punishment would be for the crime.

So, if anyone knows the Pope personally feel free to forward this blog to him. If he has questions, or would like more unsolicited advice on anything, like what priceless Vatican pieces to sell, he can e-mail me at kylie@kylieklein.com.

Wow, I was a little more irritated than I thought. I apologize if I have offended any of my Catholic friends. I mean no offense. Whether you agree or disagree with my stance, I'd like to hear your opinion.

Be sure to tune in next week when I tell you a bit about my surprisingly emotional experience at the Arlington National Cemetery. Oh man, I get weepy just thinking about it.

Until then, remember,

Life's a Journey, Take Notes!

Put the Phone Back Down!

2010-04-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

So, you can't sleep at night because you've been thinking about that new special person you've met. You say you've lost your appetite? You can't concentrate on anything because you keep thinking about Mr. Perfect.

Isn't that cute?

Congratulations, you are the beginning stages of dating ,when things are hectic and strange and new and frightening but above all, exciting. You've got constant butterflies in your stomach. He (or she) is the last thing you think about at night and the first thing you think about in the morning. Every phone call, every text message, ever instant message, every email is saved and treasured. You can't help yourself, you really, really, really want to call this new guy and talk to him, to see what he's doing. You reason his voice would bring you comfort, and besides, you want him to know you're thinking about him.

DON'T PICK UP THE PHONE!!! STOP YOURSELF!!!!!

Please, take my advice. Do not call him, let him call you. This may be the best piece of information I could offer anyone in the cusp of a new relationship. I know, you've read this a million times in books and across the internet. I know, you are still thinking to yourself, “Whatever Kylie, it's not going to hurt anything if I call him, I will only talk to him for a minute.”

Trust me, pause for a moment and allow me to tell you why you should put the phone back down.

A while back I began dating a new guy named Max. Max and I had gone out a few times, and he was a nice fella. I will be honest, I wasn't crazy about him, but we had a nice time together. He was always talking about money which, was sort of a turn off to me, but aside from the obsession with wealth, he was nice enough. One afternoon while I was on a flight Max left a message for me to confirm a date. After I listened to his message, I called him back, aware that he was in class, and I left a message for him, something like, “Hey, it's Kylie, Friday will work great! See you then!” and then I hung up my phone.

As I drove down the road, I turned up the radio and Miley Cyrus' “Party In the USA” was playing. I couldn't help myself, I sang along, at the top of my lungs. Then, Whitney Houston's “I Will Always Love You” came on the radio, to which I also sang along, loudly. As I finished up, “and I-I-I-I will always love you . . . .” I remembered I needed to call my mom. I picked up my phone, and much to my surprise I had made a ten minute phone call.

My phone hadn't hung up. I had left a ten minute phone call of me singing at the top of my lungs on Max's phone.

I was mortified.

I only had one option. I had to call his phone back, break his security code and delete my voice message. I could NOT have him hearing me singing on his cell phone.

I called his number and pressed pound. I entered 1234 as his code. I entered 1122. I entered his birth year. His phone locked me out and hung up on me.

I called his number again and pressed 1111. I entered the last four digits of his phone number. I began typing in random numbers. Again the phone locked me out.

I hung up and tried again, typing in random four digit numbers. Again, the phone locked me out.

I decided to try one final time. Of course I couldn't guess his secret code. After all, that's why it's “secret”.

I contemplated my many errors of judgment. I had called Max's phone five times, one message was me singing for ten minutes, the other four calls were made within three minutes of each other.

It took me a while to calm down. All I could do was wait to hear back from him to see how crazy he thought I was.

Two hours later the phone rang.

“Hello?” I said.

“Hey, I noticed you called me like five times in ten minutes. That's kind of weird.”

“Oh, sometimes my phone sometimes calls random numbers, I'm sorry,” I said.

“Yeah, well about Saturday...”

“You need to cancel?” I asked.

“Yeah, I need to cancel.”

I knew where Max was coming from. A few months earlier some guy had called me 56 times in one day between 9 am and 5 pm while I was at work. It freaked me out.

Needless to say, Max and I never saw one another again.

So gals...and guys.... you can learn many lessons from my mistake Girls, resist making the phone call. Guys, don't be funny about making the phone call. Everyone should resist making five phone calls in ten minutes. It's a bad idea to try to break into someone's voice mail. Never, ever, ever, for any reason call someone 56 times in eight hours. If you must sing in the car, make sure you aren't calling anyone. Follow these simple rules and you'll thank me in the long run.

If you have any funny or embarrassing phone call experiences, I'd love to hear them. Post here, or you can always email me at kylie@kylieklein.com if you don't want the entire world reading your mistakes. As always, feel free to friend me on facebook.

Until next week, remember, life's a journey, take notes!

Welcome!

2010-03-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Kylie Klein and I am from Salt Lake City, Utah. This year I am a writer/world-traveler/mountain climber. It's a lot to juggle, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

I love my life!

I am a flight attendant, which is a job I love! I can't imagine doing anything else for a living. I love being responsible for the safety of the passengers, and it's fun to visit different cities each week. During a typical working day I might have a bacon-and-egg breakfast in San Francisco, fried chicken lunch in San Antonio and deep-dish pizza for dinner in Chicago.

Wow, I'm surprised I'm not as a big as a house!

My job is great, however, the people, at times, can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Sometimes my co-workers have a bad day. Sometimes the airplane breaks. Sometimes the weather refuses to cooperate (making the passengers even more difficult to deal with). That being said, most flights run smoothly, and while most passengers behave like grown ups, the passengers who are bad can make my job really miserable. The passenger's bad behavior isn't only unfair to the gate agents and flight attendants, it's unfair to all of the “nice” passengers on board the aircraft.

Don't worry, bad passenger behavior will only be a small part of my blog. My blog is meant to be fun! I plan to share with you my experiences as a traveler, a dater, a writer, and a mountain climber. However I promise I will throw in crazy passenger stories here and there, (always purely for your entertainment). Trust me, you won't believe some of the things that happen!

I am a teen fiction author. I am currently seeking a publisher for my first book, “The Amazing Adventures of Mason Montgomery,” and I hope to see my first novel on bookshelves later this year. I am currently writing my second book, a follow up to “Amazing Adventures”. If you have teenagers, please have them join my Facebook page, they can follow my progress as my “Amazing Adventure” novels are published. I host a yearly writing competition for teens from 6th to 9th grades (cash prize of $100 for each grade's winner). You can find more information about the writing competition on my web site, www.kylieklein.com.

This year I have spearheaded the task of climbing to the top of both Mount Nebo (the peak above Mona, Utah) and Mount Timpanogos (the peak above Provo/Orem) in June. I have three climbing buddies and we are all actively preparing for our ascents. If you are a mountain climber, or if you have climbed any of these mountains, I would appreciate any tips or advice.

Of course I will also talk about my travels in my blog! This year I will be visiting Savannah, Georgia, Charleston SC, Wilmington NC, the Great Dismal Swamp, Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York City. Internationally I am planning to visit London, Tokyo and Manchu Picchu (assuming the flooded-out road is rebuilt before Fall). I have recently been to Venice, Florence, Milan and Paris which are all beautiful cities. Don't be surprised if travel tidbits about those trips show up in my blog as well.

So my followers know what to expect from my blog, each Sunday I will post a longer, meatier blog. I will post smaller blogs three to four times a week.

Be sure to check my blog next week, “To Call or Not to Call...”. I will share with you one of the most important dating tips I've ever learned AND because I refused to follow my own advice you will be mortified and embarrassed by the consequences of my impulsive behavior.

Until next week, remember,

Life's a Journey, Take Notes!