Mrs. Whitman at the Fremont Middle School is having her students write reflective essays about the following photos.
Check back here to read some of the awesome writing by the students!
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These are random photos that I thought would make for fun writing. I actually found the exercise interesting for myself. When Mrs Whitman asked for some photos, it inspired me to start looking for images in a different way. It is also very rewarding to know some of the images I am capturing are being used to stimulate creative minds!
I am looking forward to reading what the students create!
Cheers,
Dean
I am so proud of all the great work you have done - each and every one of my students tried their best on this project and I truly appreciate all you do each and every day in class! Keep up the exceptional work:)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 10:53 PM
As me and my family walk into our friends house for his cousins anniversary me and my older brother spot the layout of food and we race there. We spot what we want on our plate and as soon and we know it the cook puts this huge hog/pig, whatever you want to call it, onto the table and as soon as it hits the table people come flying to get some of its juicy and lean pork.
When I got my plate full of food I sat down and went for the luscious slab of pork just waiting for an adventure on my taste buds. My Grandpa knew the cook and talked to her about how wonderful the pork was and how he used to make it all the time for us, but not as good. As I was listening I thought in the back of my head that his was better than this, but not as tender as this one because he cooks his in a homemade pit heated with lava rocks to cook the pig.
Later it was dessert and they had all these cakes and pies and homemade treats that made my eyes sparkle just to see all of it. After that we went home and I played with my friends and from that day on I always remember seeing that ugly pig’s face when it was fresh out of the cooking area.
Kyle N. (photograph #6)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 03:10 PM
We do this everyday, all day, throughout the year. From the time that I wake up, until the time I fall asleep, we trudge across this rocky, dry land. Since I am part of a poor family, this is the only way I earn our money. This is the only way my family can eat our suppers, and sleep in a home at night.
There are a total of 46 sheep and three cattle. My job is to get them back and forth across the hilly plains. For the most part they stay together. Occasionally one decides to get off track to find some grass to graze on. I have to run after it while keeping the rest together, all at once.
I don't mind it that much, being with all the sheep and cows helps keep me company when I'm by myself. When I get older I want to become a veterinarian at our local animal shelter. I feel like I could help many of the animals in my village.
Sometimes I walk with my mother, but lately she has been very sick. I am hoping that this job will help get her healthy again and out of her bed. Sometimes other workers join in with their herd and we walk together. This way is much easier as I have another helper.
Someday I do wish to be somewhere other than here. I hope that I can earn enough to get my mom healthy again. But for now, I have miles to go.
Alex R. (photograph #11)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 03:07 PM
I was walking around in the country of Peru, wondering what was all going on today. I walked up to this family of 7 or 8 people asking them how their day was. As we kept talking we started to become friends.
One of the family members was a young girl probably around the age of 3. I went and sat by her and she gave me a big hug with a huge smile on her face, saying "Hi!". She was telling me about her little brother and her new bow that she had in her hair.
After we were talking this man in a white hat was in a wheel chair selling treats that looked like suckers and gummy bears. The little girl went crazy over it, jumping up and down running in circles singing "candy! candy!" I started to laugh a little. I went up to the man and asked him for a sucker with the bow wrapped around the stick. Once I got the sucker, I gave it to the little girl. She was so excited.
The little girl and it seemed to be her older sister started giggling about something. I walked over there to see what was going on and there was a little puppy chasing its tail. I told them that if they could go over and get it I would go and take a picture of them and the dog, but there mom said no.
There was this one couple that started to make a performance out of something. Maybe a dance performance? After they got situated they started playing the drums and singing. I went to sit by the family to watch this amazing performance. The young girl started dancing and making drum noises with her feet and mouth.
I turned back and the young girl ran back to her mom’s side. I told everyone that i had to leave but first I had to something really important. I stood back took my camera out and "click" took a picture of the family. As I started to leave that young girl ran up to me. Gave me a big hug with a huge smile on her face, saying "Bye!"
Emma J. (photograph #9)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 03:05 PM
Sunday mornings are my favorite part of the week. I get up just before the sun rises, in the time of day when its dark but you know the sun is coming soon. I stroll down the street and watch the sun come up, and the town comes alive. I love the fresh feeling of the sun warm on my shoulders, and the cool new air around me.
I often walk down the street just to watch the people waking up to the new day. This particular morning I notice the women pulling clothes in from the window, starting the days chores. Men are walking down the dirt road on the way to the fields to tend to their crops. They are dressed in overalls caked in mud, worn from years of use. Children run with renewed energy, pails in their hands, down to the stream for water.
The sun rises higher in the sky. Now, walking through the middle of the town, I see the farmers setting up their market stands. They display the freshest fruits and vegetables that make your mouth water. I see a baker carrying a fresh loaf of bread and can almost feel the warmth on my tongue!
He sets the loaf down with the others on his stand. I walk over to him and reach for some coins from my bag. He tells me the price and I hand him the money and take the bread. It's wrapped in paper to keep it fresh, but I can't help but tear off a peice and put it in my mouth. The bread is warm and fluffy, tasting so good.
Farther down the street I see a woman. A s I approach her I see her clothes. She wears many layers and warm sweaters. I wonder if she has sat her, against the wall, all night. She seems older, and I think of how I would feel if I was that old and didn't have a nice bed to sleep in. She wears a defiant look on her face, like she wishes for nobody to help her, yet she holds out a mug, hoping for a spare coin from someone passing by.
I think of how terrible it would be to not know when you were going to eat next, or where you would spend the night. Against my better judgement I sit down next to her, leaning my back against the wall. She seems shocked that anyone would even pay attention to her. I don't say anything, just sit there, and watch the sun rise.
Then I break the bread in half and give one to her. I see the joy in her face when she realizes I'm not joking. She takes it and nibbles off a little. Her eyes light up when she tastes it. Then she wraps it up and puts it in the bag next to her.
I watch the sun rise, and then get up and start to walk away. Suddenly I hear her cry out, "Gracias!" I can see the genuine expression of thanks on her face and I smile back at her as I stroll off down the street.
Meredith B. (photograph #10)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 03:01 PM
Those sheep, they aren't easy to control. Getting to the village is getting harder and harder every day. The sheep and the cows don't like going to our small village anymore. We try to take them out every day; it seems to be getting harder for my mother though.
It's a bit chilly out today; I have to wear my sweater and stockings. The village isn't too far away now. I can see the small houses and the sky darkening behind them. I think there will be rain soon. It's a bit windy; I hope it doesn't get too cold. I don't like the cold; I would rather live where it's always warm, never cold or even the slightest bit chilly.
These hills and the dirt roads are very tiring but they are also good exercise. Going up the hills especially because the gravity is trying to pull you down. Sometimes a few of the sheep will slip and fall, they tumble down the hill and start crying as if they were lambs again. I feel sorry for them; I usually run after them and help them back to their feet.
Once one was hurt, we didn't have a first aid kit or bandages so my mother went forward with the other sheep as I stayed with the injured one. My mother came back a few hours later with a few bandages and some water for both the sheep and I. When she came walking down the hill she saw the blood, the sheep, the tears on my face. The poor sheep had died a few minutes before. I was heartbroken because that was my favorite sheep; she was gentle and never fell behind too far and never caused trouble. She was the mother of most of the lambs that were back home and I felt responsible for killing their mother. I took the responsibility and went back to our home and raised the lambs myself until I realized one of the lambs acted exactly like its mother.
I loved the lamb almost as much as its mother, this lamb was a little sillier than his mother. He would run around and jump sometimes. I was always amused by this. He and his siblings grew up in a shorter amount of time than I had expected. The saying 'They grow up too fast', I said that when my mother told me they were fully grown.
I had a hard time with letting him go up and down the hills because of what had happened to his mother. My mother told me I was being over protective, I didn't care, I wanted him to be safe at all times. I couldn't control what happened to his mother but I could control what happened to him by not allowing the same thing to happen.
After we had gotten home I told my mother my plan to keep him away from the rest of the sheep and take him on walks that would be less hazardous to him and that he would be my responsibility from now on. She agreed with me that it would give me much more responsibility, she talked to my father and asked his views of what I had planned, he said that if the sheep was hurt, he would cook it and then sell it to get the money back from him. I told him nothing would go wrong, and to my surprise nothing did. He was a perfect pet, he obeyed my every command and didn't run away. He and I grew up together, I was so excited that he never disobeyed me or never got hurt. Both my mother and father were impressed by how well I was doing with him that they allowed me to start taking the other sheep out by myself. I was overjoyed at that point because not even my older sister got to do that, it was a privilege.
I'm happy that I took such good care of him. He was a good sheep. I miss him terribly but it was his time to go. May his soul rest in peace.
Emily G. (photograph #11)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:55 PM
A very strange, tan man sits down across from me with a cup of coffee. He stares at me for a minute then starting speaking a strange language I don't understand that well. He smiles a nice friendly smile, I notice his teeth are missing. He must have come from a family who was in poverty. His hands look like hard leather, worn out from the work he has been doing I presume. He has little lines around his eyes, and his gray unshaved face looked hard from being burnt too much from the shining rays.
I shake his hand, and he introduces himself with a name I cannot quite pronounce. I tell him thank you for his time, and I get up swiftly, take my belonging and start heading down the narrow street. I see little children, no taller than a small table huddled around their mother. Some are crying with despair, others are simply sitting there, staring blankly at me. This small girl smiled at me and ran to me. She tugged on my hand softly, and I smiled down at her slightly. I hoisted her up and carried her back to her mother.
I set her down beside her mother gently and continued on my journey. I didn't exactly know where I was going, and I didn't exactly know what I was looking for. I traveled through the tiny streets silently; no one seemed to notice me. The main streets were noisy and people were quickly going places. I stopped a woman, asking if she knew where the closest river was. She muttered something in a very stange language and was off again, weaving through the crowd like I had bothered her.
I kept sauntering through the village streets, hoping to find someone who spoke English. I wandered into a clothing shop, everything there was brightly colored. It looked like it was all hand woven. I smiled at the shopkeeper and began looking through the small store. I paused at a colorful dress, it was sky blue with zigzags of banana yellow through it. I touched it, it was soft against my skin. I put my nose to it and inhaled deeply, it smelled sweet. Something along the lines of mango and an orange mixed.
I left and starting wandering thoughtlessly again. I smiled at people who rushed by. The smell of citrus was in the air, along with the faint smell of sheep and cattle. I went toward the smell of citrus, having my nose lead me instead of my eyes. My nose had mislead me, because next thing I knew I was at a clear, blue, sparkling river. My journey had been successful after all. I had a seat on the bank of the river. I had finally arrived.
Sara H. (photograph #2)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:53 PM
As my feet walked across the rocky soil, leaving indents in the sand, a strange figure appeared in the distance. I slowly crept forward until it was clearly visible. There was an abundance of people carrying boxes onto a big white boat. They looked exhausted, as if hours had gone by. I could only wonder why.
The sky was a crystal blue and the water was moving so calmly. There was only a gentle breeze, but the people just kept on doing what they were doing. After all the boxes were gone, they started carrying bright red crates in. It was such a beautiful day, but they couldn't enjoy it.
Some of them looked like they could faint, they were so tired. Then, they all got onto the boat and left. So, I kept strolling along the shore. If only I'd known where they were going, I guess I will never know.
Jenna M. (photograph #7)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:52 PM
One day while I was near the wilderness in South America, I heard splashes nearby. I looked through the bushes to my left and saw a woman in a pond. On a patch of dirt a few feet away from her laid two children; one of them was a baby and the other a little girl who looked to be about 4 or 5. The woman in the water seemed to be doing laundry.
I decided to help the woman do her laundry and the woman gladly accepted my help with a big smile. After she would soak the clothes I would dry them with the strainer. The woman looked to be about 24 years old. She picked up her baby, and walked away.
As I walked away I heard the woman yell thank you. I spent a few more hours just walking along the lush green forest, I enjoyed hearing the waterfalls and all of the different animals. Today had been a good day for me.
Lucas T. (photograph #5)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:50 PM
I was traveling to Peru, South America, I was excited to go to a different country for the first time. When I got on the plane and sat down, I was disappointed by the seating arrangements. The person next to me was a middle aged woman with a crying baby in her arms. I sat down on the soft seat and put on the seatbelt. The flight took a long time, but thankfully, the baby stopped crying about a fourth of the way through. When we finally came to a stop, I walked out of the airport, looking forward to finding out about the cultures of these people. Right when I stepped out, I was hit by a blast of searing heat, making beads of sweat appear out of nowhere. I took a long drink of water and took my camera out of my bag to start taking pictures. At mid-afternoon, I went to the village square to buy some food. None of the things there looked familiar, so I just bought a random thing, which turned out to be a small piece of a roasted pig. I ate it and continued to snap photos of this village.
While I was taking my pictures, a man came up to me and asked if I could take one of him. The man had very little facial hair, and he had broken teeth which stood out at odd angles. He was wearing a striped shirt, and was had a hat on his head. I said I would, so he stood a few feet away and smiled. I took the picture, and a few more just in case I lose some. The man asked if could have one. I asked why and he said that he won't look the same forever, and wants to be able to remember how he looked. He also said that he wanted to remember meeting an American. I let him have one.
As the day went by, I realized that I had nowhere to sleep. I wandered around, wondering if there was a hotel or something. I saw the man I took pictures of, and asked if I could sleep at his house. He said it would be an honor to have an American sleep at his home. We walked about half of a mile, and stopped at a small house. We walked inside and he greeted his wife. He told her that I would be staying at their house for the night. She said it was okay, and he showed here the photo. She asked if I would take one of both of them together. I said okay, stepped back a bit, and took a photo of them next to each other. I gave them the photo, and his wife asked what I was doing in Peru. I said I saved up money for a vacation here. I said I was tired, so she led me to a small room, just big enough for a bed. I crawled in, thinking that this would be a fun vacation.
Bryan K. (photograph #12)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:47 PM
I am taking a photography class in South America. As I walk through the city I was focusing on taking pictures of the pigeons since I see lots of them around the city. I am walking slowly, taking pictures around the city and I see the central part of the town come into view.
I hear lots of people talking and I see kids running around while their parents are resting on the benches. I see pigeons close to the people, they are not even afraid of them, they only want the food or the crumbs of whatever that is left. Gray and white pigeons with red feet and eyes just strutting around.
I see the pigeons flying away as a guy in a wheelchair comes up behind them. He is yelling “Candy, gum, and seeds”. He is selling candy and goods for his living, he can’t work many places with his wheelchair. He looking at the baby crying and it looks like he is enjoying life because he is smiling.
Right next to him is a mother and her baby. The mother is feeding him and hugging him, I can see mother and son love. The people that are sitting look tired because it seems really hot, lots of people are wearing hats just to get shade. Some people are eating popsicles to cool down. The little girl looks like she’s enjoying that popsicle as she sits and relaxes in the flavor of it. So I take this picture because it looks like people enjoying life!
Gonzalo V. (photograph #9)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:44 PM
I was walking down to the marketplace to get some food. It was a warm summer day, with the sun right above my head. I see many people around the markets. Being new to this place, I have no idea which shop is for food. I walk to the middle of the circle of shops, staring aimlessly around. One man notices me and asks me what I am looking for. He looked in his mid-50s, with tanned skin, long hair under a hat, and a black shirt with pink stripes. I tell him food, and he leads me to the food shop.
After buying my food and eating a carrot I had just bought (I was very hungry from the walk to the market), I thanked the man and shook his hand. I could tell from the texture of his hand that he was a farmer. As an additional thank you, I tell him a joke about a sheep and its mother. As I reach the punch line, I see his mouth grow into a wide smile and his eyes become slits. He opens his mouth to laugh loudly, where I see his broken teeth.
We stayed and chatted for awhile, about the harvest, the celebrations in the village, and how people are. I told him about my life back home, with large buildings a mile high, loud machines running up and down the streets, and apartments lining every block. I find his stories to be amazing, with the small, simple life of a farmer. He finds my stories to be incredible, as he had never heard of machines that ran on gasoline. We both say our goodbyes and leave the market. As I head home, I see the sunset on my pa th. I hadn't realized I had been talking all day long. It was a good day, however, because I had made a new friend.
Jeremy M. (photograph #12)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:35 PM
I walk into the market filled with people. I find some green, leafy lettuce perfect for my soup I am making and buy it. Walking home and thinking about what else I am going to put in my soup I found someone selling fresh carrots on the side of the street. He is also selling potatoes so I buy both of them. This soup is going to be for my family coming to dinner tonight. We eat together every night. Tonight is my turn to cook so I am making my special soup. I hope they like it.
I walk the rest of the way down the street to my house and into the kitchen. I dice up the potatoes, carrots, and lettuce and put them into a hefty yellow pot. I fill up the pot halfway with water and find some salt and pepper to add as a little flavoring. I put the pot on the stove and start cooking it. Now I set the table with glass bowls and big soup spoons.
The soup is done and my family is here now. We all sit down at the enormous table and start filling up our glass bowls with my soup. As we're eating I hear people in my family talking about how good the soup is and that they want my recipe. I am so glad they like it, I was worried they wouldn't. We all help with the dishes, say our goodbyes, and everyone leaves. Now it is time to go to sleep after a good night with my family.
Megan G. (photograph #13)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:31 PM
Today is a great day. I woke up feeling nice and refreshed and ready for what the day brings me. I walk into the front yard of the orphanage and see that my friends are playing a game of gaga ball. I can never go a day without getting into the circle and joining in.
Everything went as usual until a man with long hair and a big camera came by. At first I thought he was just another person coming over to make fun of us, but he wasn’t. He had us all line up in front of the building while he was smiling and holding up his black camera. I couldn’t understand him, but I just started smiling too. We all gave thumbs up to the man as he took a picture.
People always say being in an orphanage is terrible, but I think they are wrong. This is a place where you can enjoy yourself when you want to be alone, but always find someone to talk to when you need them. It is everything but sad and boring here.
Every day is better than the last. When people walk by us and give us dirty glares or laugh at us we just ignore them and act like they aren’t even there. I know someday I will get to leave and start my own family and live life exactly the way I want to but for now I’m going to make the best out of my time here and always have a positive attitude.
The older kids really have an impact on us and our lives. Thanks to them we know when and where to do things and also how to live once we're on our own. One girl in particular is so close to me I could almost say we're sisters. She is always there for me. Every now and then I need a stern talking to and she is the one to do it. I will be mad and angry with her in the moment but it never lasts long,
Without her and all of my other friends here I don’t know where I would be. I am really grateful that I got to grow up here and I hope when I leave they will let me come back and help out.
Emma S. (photograph #1)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:29 PM
The sun hadn't yet risen over the horizon when she went to work. She was lead by her brother to the fields where the cattle and sheep roamed. It would be a long day of work for the two siblings. The animals had mowed down the grass surround their relatives village, meaning they would have to head farther outside of the village to the grassy plain beyond.
Climbing over the hill behind the village, the two of them herded the sheep across to the small valley below. The woman's multicolored skirt twisted and wound around her legs in the wind. The soft tinkling of her brother's bell was overcome by a howl in the distance. There were wolves in the area.
"We have to leave...." She whispered, voice hardly carrying over the wind. The wolves were dangerous. Judging by the howling, they were also nearby. Her brother nodded inaudibly, and waited for her sign to leave. Time passed quickly, and noon soon arrived. She stood from her crouching position on the rim of the hill, and her brother began to herd the animals back toward the village.
As they entered the village, they were stopped by a man with camera. They explained what had happened in the valley, and he asked for a picture of the family. As the shutter closed, she turned and looked directly at the man with camera. She wondered if anyone would ever know of prairies, wolves, and protecting what’s dear to them. She knew she would.
Diane N. (photograph #11)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:26 PM
A long, windy day with nothing new in my life. As I walk along the side of the rocky beach of the sea, I see a ship coming in to dock. The ship is the largest I have ever seen. It has to be at least half the size of the whole city! The ship is getting closer and closer. When the ship finally arrives, people immediately begin picking up boxes and bags of things and start loading them onto the ship. The items look so heavy for those poor, weak people. They struggle to walk up the planks with pounds of objects on their backs. Then as soon as they set the load down, they go back for another. And another, and another!
By the time late afternoon hits, those poor people are still working. Hard to the bone, sweating, tired, and very hungry. They are pushed and pushed to carry more items. They are so tired they barely have enough strength to keep walking. I then think to myself how long those people will be put to work. And only for such little pay. I glanced again at them feeling sorry, then continuing on my walk.
After I passed the ship, I looked out above the bright, shining sea. It was a gorgeous blue-green with a light sparkly tint. It was as clear as the sky, the most amazing thing I had seen in my whole life. I then walked a little closer to the water. When I was so close, close enough to touch the water I gently stepped into the briskly cool water. It felt kinda good on my foot, as it had been a hot, hot day. Even being late afternoon now, it was still quite hot. After sitting there for a good hour or two admiring the seas beauty, I decided it was time to head home. On my walk home I realized that the sea would be my new place to go to, to clear my mind. You always feel oh so special when your there. It just gives you a feeling that there is no care in the world. I will treasure this memory and feeling forever. When I returned home, I knew I couldn't wait to go back tomorrow.
Jordyn S. (photograph #7)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:24 PM
It’s a warm day today, sweat running down my face as I carry my belongings and my children, they are getting hungry, same with me, I can probably eat a horse right now... In the jungle it’s scary, anything can pop out and kill me. I cautiously stop at a lake and I put my kids down to wash their clothes. I dip my Tippy Toes in the water and it tingles because the water is cold, I go down slowly wondering if there are snakes or anything in the pond.
I pull the clothes out of my backpack, and as I start to scrub and scrub I hear a noise, sounds like a hissing sound. I start to panic and I start to scrub harder and faster. When I looked up, there was a snake on the other side of the small pond. I backed up slowly, it went into the water. I hurriedly ran out of the water and grabbed my kids and ran. I thought I was seeing things, it could have been Insanity.
I stop at a stream and gather some water for us, now we are really hungry, I don’t think I can take it. I’ve been out in the jungle for about 2 days with only 5 meals. When I fall asleep I start to worry about my kids; if we are going to die out here, the only thing we can do is wish for the best. I wake up with a gasp coming out of my breath, my kids are still there, I’m starting to get more worried. I woke them up, I’m starting to think I’m getting crazy. I’m trying to find the closest town as possible for food, and somewhere to live and support my kids. I start to run with them on my back, I run as fast as I can for about 5 miles, and I burst out of the jungle. I see a town in the distance, I can already taste the food in my mouth!
I had a bit of money left so I can get some food; I got my kids and I some fish, it was the only thing I could afford. We ate like we hadn’t eaten anything ever in our life. Thankfully, Ifound a hotel, I walked in and asked the man, "Sir, can I please have a room, I’m poor and just got out of the jungle.... I can pay you back doing some labor work?" The man didn’t say anything for a bit, then he finally replied, "you can have a room for free for a night." I had joy in my heart once I heard that, my kids can finally live a good life.
Jordan W. (photograph #5)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 02:04 PM
I walked behind the sheep, wanting them to move faster, since I needed to get back to the village before sun down. The sheep picked at the grass that was under our feet. I sighed and motioned them forward lightly hitting them on the back, making them go faster. The sun was setting rapidly behind me, over the lake.
We were almost there, in the village, the colorful huts beckoning me closer, I wanted to be there, instead of rounding up the sheep. I looked down at my colorful dress that was more like a rainbow than anything else. My tan shoes caked in mud, and who knows what else. The man I'm helping was at the front, just walking along, making everything worse, he made them move slower, it seemed. The dirt ground crunched as I walked, we haven't had rain in a while, we never get rain, it seemed. The setting sun warmed my midnight black hair falling in a braid down my back. I breathed in through my nose, and wished I hadn't, the sheep never smelt friendly, they stunk. I waited for the gentle breeze to brush against my face, giving me some fresh air. I grinned slightly when I felt it caress my cheeks, I breathed it in, it smelt like grass, and smoke. Someone must be starting supper, I smiled.
I looked behind me, looking at the glittering lake. Wild flowers spurted up, around the lake, making t seem like an oasis. The sun dipped down in the horizon reminding me my task at hand. We were almost there, I can see the opening of the gate, that I have to remember to close.
The man, slipped through, at opened it wider, for the sheep, I wrangled them in the gate, the man had disappeared like he did every other day, no one knows where he goes, I doubt anyone will.
I closed the gate and wrapped and tied the cloth around the links so it was locked. I walked towards my families hut. I opened the door, and the smell of fish and rice filled my senses, mother must be already cooking. I slipped off my shoes by the door, and walked towards the fire. Looking at the food cooking, I smiled, happy to be home.
Emily L. (photograph #11)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 01:56 PM
The heavy load on my back weighed me down as I walked up the ramp to the ship. When I boarded the ship the pack on my back seemed to get even heavier and I felt my body sway from the waves lapping the ship’s hull. I set down my load of boxes and take a small break from all the heavy loads I've been carrying for the past few hours. As I step on the plank to retrieve another heavy load I feel the board wanting to buckle under my weight and when I step onto the dry hard-packed dirt I felt a little dizzy because I had been sitting on the ship for so long.
When I picked up a second load I saw it was a bunch of boxes so without complaining I positioned it on my back and started to carry the cargo. When I stepped on the ship I found a place to set the pack down and got a drink of crisp, cool water. When I got off of the cargo ship all of a sudden I heard a small clicking sound and not knowing where it was coming from I just ignored it. After picking up a very large bag I got ready to put it on the boat.
After setting down the bag I kept growing curious as to what the clicking sound was so I set out to see if I could find where it was coming from. When I could not find the source to it I just gave up. When I got back to the ship I carried another load on and the clicking started again, I glanced over my shoulder and saw a guy with a camera.
Harper Z. (photgraph #7)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 01:53 PM
I stepped out of my home into the hot midday sun, as I trudged along the small stoned path I began to wonder what my day would hold. I walked the few streets separating myself from the market and I was suddenly overwhelmed with the noise that was coming from the people selling food, clothing, and other items. I placed my hand into the pocket of my pants and walked quietly as little children played around their parents that stood at the stands. I went to adjust my cap so the sun would not blind me from seeing, I wiped the sweat from my forehead and placed the hat back to where it sat covering my long gray and white hair that matched the stubble on my face. I nodded to the vendor as she handed me a small cup filled with mango and banana juice. I drank the liquid slowly savoring the sweet taste, I handed her the cup and went on my way.
I came to a small bridge that ran through the market place that leads to other tables. I stepped onto the old dark wooden bridge and made my way across; a woman was talking to the young man that was standing there looking at the different foods. I walked over slowly and sat down on the metal stool that was in front of the table. The young man had on a brown hat and tan shirt, not very colorful compared to my dark blue shirt with pink stripes going down the front back and sides. He had a black camera attached to a strap that was dangling from his neck. He looked at me and smiled; I returned the smile and began to talk to him.
We talked quietly. He lifted up his camera and asked me if he could take my picture. I shrugged my shoulders and leaned on the counter so my head was at a tilt. He lifted the object up and I could see myself into he small glass, I smiled showing my teeth, happy that someone would be able to see me from where I live. The camera made a small click noise and he placed it back down on his lap, still hanging from his neck. I stood up slowly and told him I must go, he nodded and thanked me for talking with him. I smiled again and bid him farewell as I continued my way back home.
Elizabeth H. (photograph # 12)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 01:49 PM
"How much longer?” I ask my grandmother. "My arms are getting tired."
I've been carrying the heavy bags of vegetables around for around an hour now, and it's making my arms cramp. Grandmother hushes me and tells me we can sit and rest at the nearest bench. We arrive there after about 10 more minutes of walking. Finally, I can gently drop the bags on the ground and rest upon the bench. The daily task of getting groceries is always a challenge on a hot and sunny day like today.
Grandmother sits beside me and wipes the gleaming beads of sweat from her forehead. She tells me we need to try to get home soon because the family is going to be hungry when they return from their day of farming and hunting. After a long day, Grandma always makes a big pot of her delicious stew. It's the one thing to look forward to when you're doing chores around our home.
As we sit, we take out the food and inspect it for any bugs or dead leaves. This is something we usually do at home but seeing that we may be here to catch our breaths for awhile, we may as well do it now. While we inspect, we watch the people of the village have their endless conversations with each other. I see children running around playing, an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand, and shop owners trying hard to convince their customers to buy their foods and decorations. It's a pleasant sight to watch, and me and Grandmother enjoy people-watching, every once in a while we smack bugs from lettuce heads or pluck dead leaves. The first batch is finished and we decide to pick up the heavy bags and start again on our journey back home.
Kia J. (photgraph #13)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 01:45 PM
As I walk in the entrance of the grand carnival the first thing I smell is all the amazing food. I see little kids running gracefully to go ride more of the rides, on the other hand I can see the little kids that don’t like the spinning ride so much. I can hear the laughter of parents watching their kids have fun.
As I hear the parents laughing I approach them and ask them why they aren’t riding the rides with their kids. I get the same answer every time I ask, I’m too old. You’re not too old I say, everyone needs to have fun some time. As I try to coax them on the rides they refuse and say they just want their kids to have fun, that’s what they brought them here for.
After I ride a few rides I start to get hungry and my stomach is saying I need to eat. So I start walking to the stands where they have all the food and I can see a giant roasted turkey keg staring right at me. My mouth was drooling saying I want it, but on the other hand, next to it there is a softly glazed powdered sugar funnel cake. I know for sure that I want that. I tell the man that’s sitting at the counter that’s I want the scrumptious funnel cake and he asks politely for the money I give.
As I left the carnival to go home with my funnel cake in hand, I looked forward to the next time I would get to spend a day like this and I remember the wonderful times from the afternoon.
Devon H. (photograph #9)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 01:44 PM
As I glance out my bedroom window, I see quite a few kids looking at me. I realize that they have been waiting for me all morning so they could say “good morning!!” These kids are probably around the ages of 5-13. They know I have been coming visit them, so they are very excited! So I hop right out of bed, get dressed, and hurry outside.
When I get outside, we welcome each other for this new day and we are all ready to begin an exciting journey! We all get to know each other so that we are not strangers, and we play games and eat a snack or two together, I feel so welcomed! These kids/teenagers seem to be as excited to meet me, as I am to meet them! We will be friends for about two months and afterwards, we will consider each other family.
They wear such different clothes than I do, baggy shirts and dirty jeans. If they aren’t wearing jeans, it’s either holey shorts or skirts or just dirty clothes. Makes me think of how I think I don’t get good enough clothes. It seems as if they don’t care at all, they are happy to be alive and able to see their family and friends. What a joyful group of kids they are! I had a lot of fun with them!
Two months have gone by too fast, and now it is time for me to go home. I am so very sad, but I’ll be glad to see all my friends and family back home. I have had such a great time here meeting everyone, but this journey has ended and it is now time to start another brand new journey for my life.
By Alayna A. (photograph #1)
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 07, 2012 at 01:39 PM
Essay Winners for Dean Jacobs' South America Photography Contest:
Congratulations to the following students on being chosen to display their winning essays on Dean Jacobs' International blog site for thousands to read! These essays were written in response to photographs which Dean sent from his recent trip to South America. The students were asked to write a descriptive essay, telling what they thought was happening in the picture. The essays will be printed in this section soon, but for now, congratulate these fine writers! Look for their essays to be posted to Dean's website as well: http://thedeanoftravel.typepad.com/blog/
Students:
Devon H., Kaitlyn S., Alyana A., Kia J., Elizabeth H., Harper Z., Emily L., Alex S., Jordan W., Taylor S., Jordyn S., Diane N., Alexis B., Emma S., Megan G., Stephanie G., Morgan C., Kenna R., Jeremy M., Abby A., Gonzalo V., Bryan K., Hanna M., Lucas T., Jenna M., Sara H., Emily G., Sadie B., Meredith B., Alex R., Kyle N., Alyssa E., Emma J., and Savannah B. - You guys ROCK!!!!
Posted by: Mrs. Whitman | February 03, 2012 at 09:45 AM