The Brooklyn Bridge

Imagine yourself in a world were you need make no choices; a world where everything is decided for you. You have no worries, nothing to hide, you have no choice but to follow the rules and everyone takes care of each other. This is Jonas's world. A utopia, you may think? Absolutely not. In The Giver by Lois Lowery, Jonas is about to enter his twelfth year and receive his assignment, as everyone does as a Twelve. After a dramatic ceremony, he becomes the Receiver of his community. He trains with The Giver, receiving memories of how emotions and life was in the past when people had the power to choose. He discovers elements like colors, snow, and other every day things for us that we rarely even think twice about. Jonas thought being able to live with love was a dangerous way to live, and he was right. But he also knew it was the right way to live. Jonas most certainly made the accurate choice by bravely leaving his community and traveling to Elsewhere. Jonas's world is not a uto...

Life is like a book, there is a beginning we are exuberant to start, but an end we fear will come all too quickly. Every page comes with its own surprises, and we are eager to turn each one. Every book is unique, has a protagonist and an antagonist, and has a different ending; happily ever after or not. Every chapter’s title gives us the slightest taste of what’s approaching, but we never really know what’s going to happen until we are brave enough to read each word. Sometimes we may not know what some of the words mean, or the writing style we are given is confusing, but we must be patient and evaluate on what’s happened. Who knows? Maybe everything will fall into place later on. In the electrifying, astonishing novel of my life, I am on an unknown journey to conquer an unknown enemy, and return to an unknown place; a utopia. As I proceed on my journey, I explore new things and enjoy each page as it comes. I sample different experiences, some pleasurable and congenial, others excruc...

Today I've seen two marvelous beings. They are so grand and they shout for themselves. They are spontaneous and different, but are most certainly the greatest two knee-highs you've ever laid eyes on. They smile back at you when you take only one glance at them. The majestic purple shows mystery and won der. It is the color of question and adv enture, adrenaline and excitement. And then, complementing t he violet perfectly, comes the br ave, black and grey argyle. The argyle inspires us to stand up for wh at we believe in, go again st the crowd to pursue in your dreams. Of course, it is different and impulsi ve ,  but is comple tely consummates the outfit. The outfit expresses the person, exciting but pr ofessional . Unexpected, but flawless. These are stockings with souls.

Here it is folks- a clean slate, a fresh start. It's January 1, 2009, and it never will be again. Every single day is unique, and you have a chance to do what needs to be done in the world. Make this year your year to make a difference. No, you don't need to organize a whole big charity deal, or wait for one to come along. You can simply start with the people your see every day. Maybe you can create a more peaceful relationship with your siblings. Think of it as if you are on the same team. You are in this together, two heads are beter than one. Or maybe its that kid in school who doesn't get talked to much, or isn't really "in the loop." I know you've heard this thousands of times, but make this time different. Yes, you KNOW what needs to be done. You KNOW you need to go out of your comfort zone to help someone feel like they have friends. But just because we know these things, doesn't mean that that's enough. Go out TODAY and serve. Whatever it m...