The Letter

Beach House, Missy Island

August 14^th

Dear my heart’s candy,

I once asked you about the first time that we met, right? I had a CRUSH on you since you came to talk to me .Can you remember the way you looked at me? You lowered your eyes; your cheeks were brushed with tomato red. You were look so cute, you know?

I remember the day you came to talk to me that you have to go to another city to study in the bigger university; Faraway city. I felt sad but it’s your life, right? I also remember that we went to the beach, a very beautiful beach on Missy Island, together before you go. We had a great time and I gave you the adorable Teddy Bear; you named it Lily; I like it.

Do you know where I am now? I’m writing this letter in front of the beach house that we went together. Can you remember it? I’m absolutely sure that you won’t forget it. Why? Because it’s consist of our memory around this house^^. I’m still thinking of you while I’m writing this letter.

I know that we gonna meet on August 21^st; Next week! I can’t tell you how excited and happy I am. However, I still want to write this letter to you because you can keep it as the evidence of how I miss you. And the following paragraph, I want you to pay your attention in every single word.

“How long have we been together?” It’s almost five years and I think it’s time to ask you, “Will you marry me?” Sorry to ask you via this letter because you’re so far away from me. I don’t want your answer it right now but…it might be good to answer as soon as possible.^___^

See you very very soon,

Your heart’s candy xxxxxxxx

Missy Island News

August 21^st

A serious crush in the sea!

The ALONE ship which came from Faraway city to Missy Island with 150 passengers this morning crushed into the cargo ship and all of the passengers died. All of the bodies still not be found but the diver found only the Teddy Bear with name tag, "Lily."

The Amish - July 23rd,2010

Have you ever heard the story about the Amish? I've heard it when I was a 2nd year university student. In the reading class, I read one chapter in my textbook about the Amish and felt that they were so interesting. This Friday, I had an opportunity to see the real life of the Amish, how lucky I am?Under the sunshine, along the road, I saw many lovely houses and farms which was built commonly but stably. I visited the Amish's wood industry where I found an amazing table which could be extended very large. In the tourist shop, I found an Amish woman who was a cashier. She was so shy but she really happy when she saw many international people. Then, we went to the Amish's house which has downstair as a shop and has a little barn opposite their house. In front of the barn there are some lovely puppies that everyone wanted to hug them. I can call it my dream trip because from the story in my textbook to the excursion, it's very surprising.

This is LOVE

Madison - The Capital of Wisconsin (July 16th, 2010)

When I've heard about the capital, I imagine about a big, crowded and busy place. Actually, I quite don't like this kind of city because I feel uncomfortable to be surrounded by a large number of people. However, I have to go to Madison. When I arrived at Madison, all of my misunderstandings was disappeared. It is such a beautiful and lively place. Our hotel is located near the state street which is the center of Madison. We, my roommates and I, walked along the street until we reached the river. Wow it's sooooo beautiful! Then, we sat in front of a little stage near the river to watch a performance; it's so cool! The next morning we had an opportunity to visit the capital hall of Madison. Inside the hall, there are many rooms which is used in many occasions. All of them was decorated perfectly. After visiting the capital hall, we headed to the Historical Museum which is located opposite the capital hall. In the museum, I found plenty of interesting information and experiences such as the information about the State Fair,Indian people, transportation industry, etc. Next, it's time of shopping! I think it was our luck to be here on Saturday. Huge number of people gather on the state street. Plenty of discount shops were opening for welcoming customers. We had a good time on shopping. This is one of my favorite excursion.^^

Explore Minneapolis - July 11th,2010

Starting from the morning, I felt a little bit tired because of the yesterday trip but still excited to go to Minneapolis. The first place where we dropped in was Cathedral of St.Paul. It was so quiet and miraculous place. Then we went to visit the sculpture garden which contained many kinds of interesting sculpture. I was so impressed by the big cherry on the spoon.

Next, we had lunch at Thai restaurant named, "Taste of Thailand." I felt like I was at home because of the decoration and Thai food. I had an opportunity to talk with the cook who came from Lao. The next destination which was the most attractive for us was the Mall of America. I couldn't believe that I spent all 4 hours in nordstromrack only! I went back to Chancellors Hall with many stuff (Yes, from nordstromrack!)

The first excursion - Chippewa Valley Museum (July 10th,2010)

I was so excited to go on the first excursion. When we arrived at Chippewa Valley Museum, we took pictures with the legend giant (I couldn't remember his name -_-') and then went inside the museum to explore many things that interesting such as animals in this area, the history of the tribesman, wood industry, and daily products. All section look like they were alive because I could feel like I involved in them. After that, we went to, "Sunnyview School House" which is the first school of this area. In the school we met the teacher of this school. Her experience was so awesome. Then we went to the theater to watch the presentation about the immigrant who moved to Eau Claire. It was so great! I really like this kind of presentation. This presentation contained many interesting and exciting stuff along 15 minutes. I wish I could come back here again.^^

We Wear the Mask

By Paul Lawrence Dunbar

credit: www.nathaliemadethis.com/mask.html

We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,--
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be overwise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while

We wear the mask.

We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,

We wear the mask!

*************************************************************************************

This poem has many aspects of poem. The important aspect that was used is simile.

Even though there is no word, "like", I still feel like there is a comparison between

wearing a mask and trying to hide our real feeling. It also has a repetition. Every stanza has the word, "We wear the mask," to emphasize the theme of this poem. Moreover, it demonstrates hiding our real feeling like a debt that we pay for human guile. Others aspect are rhyme and alliteration. There are plenty of rhymes and alliterations in this poem, for example,

We wear the mask that grins and lies,

It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,--
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

that makes it more interesting and touching. Not only those of aspects I've told you, but there

is also a personification of the world in these sentences,"In counting all your tears and sighs" and "Let the world dream otherwise." Furthermore, it has a vivid imagery that we can imagine about people pretend to be happy by putting a MASK on their faces.

The theme of this poem is about pretending to hide our REAL feeling behind the SMILED-mask. Sometimes, we have to pretend that we are happy to make people around us feel good and hide our sadnesses inside our hearts deeply.

While I'm reading this poem, I think about my life. Many times that I pretend to be happy even I feel so bad. Recently, I was a heart-broken person, but I had to pretend to my parents that I was OK because I was going to study abroad. I didn't want my parents to worry about me.

My story is just one of many examples about human feeling. I think everyone has your own mask depend on when you want to pick it up and cover your face!