The Scene

 Blood

Stained Carpet

Easily cleaned by

Clorox... repeated 12 times

Add hot water and scrub

Then when done, dry with towel

Jack shouldn't have killed the neighbors' kid

But it satisfied him, how could he resist?

-Memento Mori

this i believe

 One thing thats been made undeniably apparent to me in my short 16 years on this earth is that ignorance is bliss. I’d like to think everyone has a good grasp on whats going on around them and how it could effect their future but the truth is that we don’t. None of us. Considering the world I’ve been born into you can just about imagine how hard it would be to ignore such blatant issues. Issues including (but not limited to) shootings, rape/sexual assault, forest fires, global warming, deforestation, racism, abortion rights, terrorism, and factory polution, leaving the past few generations responsible for creating such a hostile world to grow up in. You’d think they'd notice the havoc they’ve wreaked but many of us choose to ignore it because there are “more important things to worry about”. Many claim that these issues are out of their control and go about their daily lives failing to see the bigger picture. The bigger picture being that not one person in history has ever overcame a hardship or conquered something massive without the help of an army behind them. I believe people refuse to join the army because they're too overwhelmed to start with and think focusing on the bad will hurt them. When I was 14 I was scrolling instagram and saw a “sensitive content” post that was blurred until I click “view post”. I prepared myself for a pimple popping video or maybe a deep cut some would get queasy over. Instead, it was at least 50 seals lined up on a beach, with men in all black chopping of their heads one by one with a large hatchet knife. The man in the background filming was giggling. This was the first time in my life I realized the extent of how damaged our world was and felt the need to do something. From my small home in the country of Nebraska there wasn’t much I could do besides raise awareness. I reposted the video to help people understand the extent and horrors of animal poaching, and large industry fisheries. Only 10 minutes later my friend of a couple years from omaha replied “why would you post that, thats not something I want to see on my feed, it makes me sad.” Exactly. It makes everyone sad but if it doesn’t make you feel something than you wont be inclined to change it. I explained to her that it’s important to acknowledge it’s happening in order to do something about it. We haven't spoke since then. I understand first hand how much easier it can be to ignore all of the things that need to be changed, but ignoring it only causes more damage. While ignorance is a something I understand, It’s not a trait I can respect or tolerate. Real strength is acknowledging the problems at the very least. Ignorance is bliss, this I believe.

-olive

My First Bike

 It was a summer day in Lincoln Nebraska.  I was at my grandparents' house with my mom and dad when they brought me a bike.  This bike was not like the other bikes I had ridden because this one did not have training wheels.  This bike only had two wheels, one in the front and one in the back.  I was ecstatic until I saw that it wasn’t like my other bikes. This one was quite intimidating but my dad told me I’d be fine.  As I got the bike up and tried to pedal it only fell over, me almost going with it.  I didn’t think I could ever do it but my dad helped me over and over again until one time he let go and I didn’t even notice.  As soon as I got to the end of the block I realized that he let go and that I had done it.  I couldn’t believe it.  I had learned to ride a bike without training wheels.  I took off again and again going faster and faster until I hit a bump in the sidewalk and crashed.  Luckily I was wearing a helmet but that didn’t save my knees or my hands.  So my mom took me inside to clean up and I spent the rest of the day playing Lego Star Wars on my Wii.  Well at least until dinner.  Then I went back outside to play some more.

Remembrance

 The first song lyrics I had ever memorized was the song Last Dollar by Tim McGraw. I really dislike country music but this song stuck with me. My dad would play this song whenever we were in the car. I have this treasured memory of me and my brother playing on our swingset, singing the words to this song. My feelings about my dad are very mixed, but there are some good moments. Some days I hate him and some days I miss him more than words can describe. I’m still getting over what he did, it’s something I’ll live with for the rest of my life, but it’s refreshing to keep the small, happy memories. 

-Allitini

If only...

If only you got what you needed.

If only you got what you deserved.

If only life gave you an instruction book for help.

If only we were given a chance at being us. 

If only life wasn't so... demanding.

If only....

-KZ100

This I Believe

 I believe that our world needs to slow down and appreciate the beauty that is being displayed all around us, big or small. 

Amongst the craziness of my senior year, I found myself getting immensely caught up in college events and deadlines. This caused me to be more distant to the ones I love and to somewhat neglect some of my core values. Stress can be both healthy and unhealthy, although it should never control one’s life. There is so much more to our lives than getting caught up in our work and additional events. 

The glory of a watercolor sunrise deserves to be deeply cherished, as sunrises are like people: each is beautiful in their own way and not one is the same. I hope that when a breath of fresh air on a crisp fall morning is inhaled, it brings one the sense of being refreshed and relaxed, while releasing negativity and stress.

Moments are precious. Go see the ones you love and don’t take anything for granted, as life can change in the blink of an eye. Help others to find their inner peace, so their wounds can heal and they can begin to live their life to the fullest. The simplicity of a smile can warm the coldest of hearts.

Humanity should recognize that a bloomed flower is like a human life: the vibrant colors only last if the plant is taken care of. Similarly, One needs to ensure that they are taking care of themselves, as well as others. A gem shines more brightly in various lights, just like how one may have their strengths and weaknesses. 

Never be shy towards the ones you admire the most. Remind them that you love them as often as you can, as you never truly know what they may be going through. Kind words can go a long way. 

                                                                                                        -Squid

Hi, Hello, I am on this ethereal plane again.

 Ah! Hello again, dear readers, It is your humble Narrator. Though I won't be taking up too much time. I am here to say that we are back and we will provide more entertainment for all of you. Whether it be weird, funny, or ridiculous, we have it all. Welcome, to Advanced Creative Writing, we love to have you around.

-Memento Mori