Stormy Fast

Stormy Fast

I woke up early in the morning, around 4:00 a.m. to start my fast as in not eating or drinking. It was Friday, two days after a 10 second earthquake that was felt from Virginia to Canada! My aunt had told the information on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. It happened at 2 o’ clock in the afternoon. Anyways, I ate my breakfast which was egg & flatbread. Then I did sunrise prayers & talked about what I learned throughout my practice fasts.  Then I talked to my uncle who lives in India on my aunt’s mobile phone. Then I went back to sleep. At around 8 o’clock in the morning, I woke up and I finished reading a book that I started last night. I was still kind of depressed because there had been news on Wednesday that Hurricane Irene was coming towards New Jersey and New York on Saturday, August 27, 2011. I was going to have a party that day!  That’s when we started making arrangements on Friday.

        I took a shower and changed my attire into a sea green dress and wore a scarf. My aunt made my hair into one ponytail and I wore bangles. I also wore a gold necklace a pair of silver heart earrings for my first fast. Okay, this paragraph seems to make no sense for you but I’ll explain clearly. I am going to celebrate my first fast with my family by going out and shop for extra supplies like water and food. I know that sounds funny but it was actually fun! We first headed for TJ Maxx to get some plates. Then we went to the nearby Path Mark and got some food. After wards, we went to Shop Rite, which is right in front of my street in the Renaissance. We got more food and six gallons of water. We went home and put the things in its place like pasta in the pantry, water on the table, frozen food in the freezer, etc. I then did prayers and relaxed by coloring. I watched some T.V, broke my fast, and ate dinner. I ate Panner Poppers, Samosa, which was kind of like a pocket pizza. I ate a Kabob with a flatbread. My mom then said to me that she is proud of me and so Ayaan said “I kept a fast too!” when he did not. For fun, my mother said “I am also proud of you.” I hid my face and giggled, but unfortunately, Ayaan heard me and got furious, so he was about to do the jabs punch on me. “Okay, Okay, Hands up sorry, sorry, Ayaan, sorry Everything-Man, sorry everything.” And I made a bubble face. Then Ayaan air popped it. Soon, we had our pictures taken and enjoyed the night. Then, I changed into my night suit and went to sleep.

        The next morning, the sky was gray and clouds were merging together. We turned on the weather news and it said that Hurricane Irene will come to New Jersey at night and that at Sunday morning, it would reach New York. We did our regular things, although I was a bit terrified from the news. At night time, I was really petrified. Then, my mom said to come out and sleep. I still was restless and could not sleep most of the night so I was sent back to bed. I had scared myself to sleep. The hurricane past and became a tropical storm in New York. The news reporters told us the effects and they also said that by the time the storm reaches Maine or Massachusetts (I don’t clearly remember), it would turn into a tornado. I decided then that if it still goes upward, it would just be windy and then die down and go away. It also said in the news that Hurricane Irene had broken the records as the biggest (or longest) storm after somewhere in the 1930s’. Now I was so happy it was gone but also felt a sorry for the service workers, like the police, nurses, doctors, guards, fire fighters, etc. They all had helped people and risked their own lives. They are true heroes that go through floods and other major storms. I relaxed and all my fear was gone. It was not safe to go out so we stayed home and did our work. The storm was gone and there was no more trouble. I focused and helped with housework. Night passed and on Monday, I saw daylight. I was excited because Monday, it was going to be Eid, a happy celebration in which we break our fast. Phew, that was a very, very, very big stormy fast.                

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida

                                                                                 

     

  “Anam, wake up.” My mother said. It was in the center of January, 2010. I was in 4^th grade, 10 years old. I, at that time, was in Parsons Elementary School which was in Hollywood Street. Anyways, my mother woke me up at 4 or 5 o’ clock in the morning. I was too weary and wanted to descend in to a longer slumber. Instead, I had to wake up and climb down the ladder, which, eventually, I did.                                    I went to the bathroom and neaten out myself. I already took a shower because mom was telling me about a surprise last night. Of course, I wanted to know about it. After everyone got ready, we walked to our car. I live in a society called the Renaissance and in a small condo. The condo is above a hill in which we used to play but ever since dog owners let their dog do their business in the field, we can never play outside with a ball. The used to be green field was now as dry as a bone and hideous. Now all of us just ride our scooters or play with chalk or ride our bikes, although when I was in the time that is taking place, I never knew how to ride a tandem.

       After an hour or so, we reached the airport. Then my mom gave hints about where we are going. It was a three hour flight. “Hmmm… are we going to Florida?!” I asked impatiently. “Yes… we are going to Orlando Florida.” My aunt answered. We went inside the airport and went through the security check and went to give the baggage, which will reach the next airport in Florida. We went to the second floor in which there was Dunkin’ Dounuts.                                                      I asked for an egg and cheese croissant sandwich and one chocolate doughnut with sprinkles on top. It was palatable. Dunkin’ Dounuts has the best doughnuts. Then we washed our hands in the restroom and waited in the waiting room. Then we waited in the waiting spot. If you live in North Brunswick and in my neighborhood, then the airport would be remote, like in Elizabeth or Newark, which are distant cities. It would take an hour or so to reach there.

       Anyways, soon our departure was called. We ran to the gateway and sat in our seat. I was next to my aunt and my grandma. In front of us was a small screen in which we could watch T.V. My grandma showed me the land out the window and I tried to map the states. We past the states:

Ø Virginia

Ø Maryland

Ø Delaware

Ø Washington D.C (not really a state)

Ø North Carolina

Ø South Carolina

Ø Georgia

   As we flew, I felt a sudden urge going through me. I wanted to draw. I wanted to draw the landscapes. I wanted to write about this trip. I never knew that I was going to write about this a year later, like when I am about to go to Linwood as a sixth grader. I never knew I was going to write about this on August 9, 2011. But for now, I tried to take a siesta but the sun rays hit my face. A young lady, who was the employee, asked if I wanted orange juice or apple juice and if I wanted cookies or chips. I asked for orange juice with the chocolate chip cookies. I finished my pack and drank my juice. Then, I threw it in the garbage.

                        FL ** FL

   Soon, the airplane landed. We went down and went on this subway type of thing. We boarded off and walked around. The airport was attractive. We went out and got our rented car out of the parking. Outside the airport which we were in, the entire palm trees lined beautifully in one row. We drove through the archway and used the GPS to get to our hotel. We stopped at Sam’s Club and ate pizza for lunch. It was like summer at our first day. We were going to stay here for a week. We left our luggage in the car since we didn’t need them. The car which we rented had 8 seats and was a KIA with a T.V and a movie in it. (If you read Destination; Michigan, a fake story by me, this was the car I was sitting in and the Blu-ray was there for fun.)  Tomorrow, mom said that we will go to Disneyworld. First, we would go to Magic Kingdom, the next day Epcot, then Disney Hollywood Studio, then Downtown Disney District, and then Animal Kingdom and then a Dinner Show along with a swamp.

MAGIC KINGDOM

   At Magic Kingdom, we went to fun rides, like It’s A Small World After All ride or the Alice In Wonderland teacup ride. I got autographs from Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and your favorite characters. We got a badge because my big brother, Adeem, was having his birthday in Disneyworld. We watched a T.V shooting of a parade and I got to talk to a woman who was dressed as Ella Enchanted. We ate lunch in a restaurant and ate fish and chips and also had a yummy dessert. We watched a fireworks show and went inside the Cinderella castle. We also saw a lighted up parade show. It was magical (of course, that’s why it’s called Magic Kingdom)

EPCOT

   Well, in Epcot, you travel around the world without leaving Florida. We got a fake passport and also got to color a mask. We got our names written in different languages and ate in a Mexican restaurant. There was also a ride in which Donald Duck acted really funny. We got a signature from him too. Outside we traveled France and saw a replica of the Eiffel Tower and also traveled to China. We went inside the huge white ball and enjoyed a relaxing ride. Next, we went into a greenhouse and saw gigantic veggies. We learned about the environment and went on a ride called Soarin’. We ate dinner and I got a Tinker Bell light. We also saw a fireworks show and watched a short video in a place with screens around so if you look everywhere you could see the video. Epcot was so much fun.

DISNEY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

   Disney Hollywood Studios in Florida is actually like an outlet and kind of gives you a feeling of California. We ate in this 70’s themed restaurant and ate macaroni and cheese along with vanilla ice cream and juice. I also saw a pink dinosaur and the wizard’s hat with white stars. I stayed outside with my mother and Adeem while my aunt, grandma, and Ayaan watched a monster truck show. We went on this Indiana Jones ride and also enjoyed eating chips and French Fries. We also saw two of the popular Cars characters, Lightening McQueen and Mater. We saw a lights show and just walked around. One time, a cart that said High School Musical came and I saw people dance.

ANIMAL KINGDOM

   Animal Kingdom was exciting. We went on this zoo ride and heard joke from the host. The animals were illusory meaning it looked so realistic. We just looked around and had fun riding rides. We had breakfast in this café and celebrated Adeem’s birthday and met Daisy Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, etc. We all sang “Happy Birthday” and Adeem cut a cake. We also saw a parade and we could boogie to the music. I was ecstatic and wanted to know what will happen tomorrow. Animal Kingdom was informational to. I saw a show in which some of the bird characters fought with each other.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY DISTRICT AND ALSO A DINNER SHOW

   Somehow, we didn’t follow the GPS and ended up in the place called Downtown Disney. It was night and every thing lit up. My mom parked the car in the parking space and we strolled along and saw the shops. There was a beautiful bridge and went on it. We ambled and went inside a T-Rex Café. There was a Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear-Workshop. I made a pink stuffed Dino and named it Hearts. We went outside with the boxes and went to a Lego shop. There was a serpent made out of Lego’s inside the water and out. We also saw a family made of Lego’s too. We went inside and everything was a Lego fantasy. Then we got back inside the car and we went back to the hotel.

   The Pirate dinner show was fun filled. We saw pirates fighting and were pleased with the dinner. I also got picked to participate as one of the elves and had a photograph taken. The funfest part was being picked. I got a bandana and the boys got one too.  

SWAMP AND A LAST VISIT TO OUR FAVORITE THEME PARK(S) AND DEPARTURE

   Today was our last day in Florida because tomorrow we will go back home. We had visited a swamp in which we saw many animals. There were alligators, eagles, vultures, and one time, we saw a crane. It was marshy land but it was beautiful. Above our heads, there was a vulture circling. We learned a bit about marshlands and took pleasure in nature’s contribution.

   Then we went to both our favorite parks. First we went to Magic Kingdom. We went on the same rides and also went to a space ride in Tomorrow land. We went to Disney’s Main Street and saw patisserie. We also had fun in the train ride and were delighted with many things. We went to Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride and other things.                                                            We then went to Epcot and went around the world again. My family and I had loads of fun. Soon it was time to leave so we gave the car back to the Enterprise company and flew home. “Bye Disney, Orlando, FL” and I fell asleep listening to Radio Disney and when we reached NJ, I woke up and my mother drove us home. Once we arrived home and were literally inside, I said “Home Sweet Home!” and fell asleep.  

        

                      

  

   

                           

My Favourite Nintendo Game

 My Favourite Nintendo Game                                                                                                                      

    Just about everyone in the world has a favorite video game no matter if it is a girl or a boy or even a grown up. Everyone likes to play something. I also have a favorite Nintendo game. It is called Imagine: Fashion Designer New York and it’s by Activision, a video-game company. It’s my favorite because it gives you a chance to become a designer in NYC. You have to do tasks in which you design, choose models, dress them up, put make-up on them, style their hair, do photo sessions, and do fashion shows. You can also choose colors from an 80 color palette and choose patterns for your dresses. You could also enjoy from a number of catwalks and songs. You could also choose backgrounds for your photo sessions.

The Story of the Game:

    You have a dream of becoming a fashion designer in New York City and decide to come to Mrs. Baker’s office. There you meet a lady named Judith who will become your friend later on. When you meet Mrs. Baker in her office, she will make you do some tasks. You also get guidance from Mr. Martin and a designer named Fabino, who will appear once or twice. Then you will make friends with Lucy, Nicole, Carmen, Helen, and Christine. If you do good work, Anthony Slater, a critical interviewer, will compliment you on the newspaper and if you do bad work, he will write bad reports. For each time you finish an assignment, you get to unlock patterns, hues, hairstyles, and more! Once you have finished the game, you could start over or just design freely!

The Things I like about the Game:

    What I like about the game is that no matter how many times you restart, you still have delight. Once I finished, I restarted and I was playing really long. I finished again and then I designed freely. Although you finish, you still get SMS on your Smart phone Mrs. Baker gives you. What I also like about the game is that I get a look at how hard a designer’s job can be. You have to work hard to finish the game and really look at small details. Another thing I like is that it pulls you in and you can’t leave it alone. These are the many reasons I like this fun and imaginable game.           

IRON CHEF

IRON CHEF

Disclaimer: All this writing is fictional although Food Network and Iron Chef is true, along with the name of the character, which is the author.

          Did you ever want to be a chef in the kitchens of Iron Chef, or even better, Food Network, a channel that is shown internationally? I also had this dream. Today was the most stimulating day! I was going to California, where the Food Network studio was. I left my restaurant called Pastries and Fatigues, which is a French restaurant in the neighborhood of Pine, near the New Jersey Pineland. Pine is a divine old neighborhood and town with an ancient General Store and also shops that you see everywhere like Wal-Mart or Shop Rite. The town and neighborhood of Pine was made in 1911, which was 100 years ago. I never lived in Pine until I opened my eatery. Before, I lived in North Brunswick. Anyways, I was seated inside my friend’s airy camper. My friends name is Sarahlee and we have been friends since 5^th grade. Sarahlee would be my associate chef and I will be the main one.

       It was us two because there would be two drivers. When we were in Nevada, we saw the majestic Ruby Mountains and went to Lake Tahoe, the highest and largest lake in North America. We had to climb Sierra Nevada to get up there. At Lake Tahoe, we fished for dinner. I got a Nevada trout and a Nevada salmon along with a Nevada tilapia.  We also camped near the lake and when the sun arose, we woke up and did what you would do in the morning. Then it was time to continue our journey.

                                  ***

       The Golden State was beautiful! We saw the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and before that; we rode on the historic Route 66. The Main Street of San Francisco was bustling with cars, ports, tourists, cable cars and more. We went to a branch of Pastries and Fatigues. You see, I have only three franchises; California, Michigan, and New Jersey (Main One). I told the clerk about me as the owner in all franchises in the three states and he let me go in the kitchen. One of the cooks saw me and knew who I was. “Anam, I can’t believe that I see the owner. Finally! It was like you were hiding as a shadow.” Her gibberishes were like a non-stop frantic train. When I left, I and Sarahlee went to Hotel de San Francisco. The next day was Sunday. We drove to the studio and the audition just begun for Iron Chef. Sweat dripped down my forehead and my palms felt num.  As my feet jiggled like trees on a windy day, there were butterflies flying in my stomach. How was I going to do this? What was the secret ingredient? As these thoughts whirled in my mind, it was show time.

                           ***

       After many introductions the host made, the chairman came. Today I was to battle Priscilla and her assistant Mac. “Today’s secret ingredient is… Squash! Now, in the words of my uncle… let the battle BEGIN!” the chairman said. The stage was intense. I took a bunch of Bottle Guard and Acorn Squash. CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! SPUTTER! SPUTTER! SPUTTER! The noises were shrill. I sautéed the Acorn Squash and cut tomatoes. Then I decorated my plate with flavors and the sweet and small squash cake plate was done with décor at the right time. The judges loved the delicacy and look of my food, meaning that they gave me full marks. “The one that will go on the next round is… Anam and her associate, Sarahlee!” The chairman said. There was applause for us. After all that extreme competition, we had won. We shook hands with our opponents and went to the nearby hotel. The TVs had all channels you would get on regular home T.V. Sarahlee and I put on ESPN to watch a game in between the Green Bay Packers and the Saints. Oops, I forgot one little detail. We were watching the 2011 Super Bowl. This year’s winner was who I voted for… the Saints!

                                         ***

       After many weeks, we were the Iron Chef Champions! That means I was going to star in the regular show. I was so happy and so excited. I was also requested to have my own show on T.V! I named my show World Aroma with Anam Aziz. I was full of joy. I won many battles with the undefeated and my show was epic. Well anyways, I was only full of elation because I and my timuchi’s dream came true. Aloha (Meaning ‘Goodbye’).

First Fight

 First Fight

         Y’all know that when it comes to a brother and a sister, there are arguments. But when you have a younger sibling, like for a younger brother and an elder sister, for instance, there are disagreements for anything like who came first or who came last, or even for movies. It’s the same thing in my family. Some point in your life, there was a first time for anything.        There’s a first time for watching a movie in a movie theater, the first Nintendo game you played, your first time washing your dishes. But there is also the first time you might have fought. You may have fought with your sibling or (If you don’t have one) your comrade, or may be even both. I also had a first time to fight with my little brother. Frankly, I had lost my first bicker with my brother. You must read this factual story about a quarrel for a Nintendo DS Lite, and I mean the one that was made in 2007.

        I was 7 years old when I got the Nintendo DS Lite. My mother had brought it as a birthday gift. My little brother was 3 years old at that moment.  A day later, my mother and I went to Toys ‘R’ Us to get a game. I bought the game Bratz Forever Diamonds. We took it home after we paid for it.  My Nintendo DS Lite was done charging and we activated it. It was late at night and I changed into my PJ’s. Next, I went to bed. The next morning, I freshened up, took a shower, changed my clothes, and my mother made my hair. I caught the bus and went to school to do the regular first grade things. At home I changed back into my PJ’s and did my homework. Then I asked my mom if I could play on my Nintendo. She said yes. I played when my juvenile brother toddled like a penguin toward me. He had just gotten his first tooth and was biting anything that got in his way. He was able to talk and bit me. Then he asked if he could play. “No” I refused. “Plewase?” he asked. “No!” I told him firmly. He started to cry and I went to mom. “Mom, Ayaan is crying.” She came to him and asked me if I had said something. “Well, Ayaan wanted to play on my Nintendo, but I said N0.” I explained. “Anam, share it with him, he is younger, but he will take care of it.” My mom said gently. “But Mom, I-” My sentence was cut off. “Give it to him.” She said strictly. “Fine, here you go Ayaan” I tried to say gently. My mom let me play on that computer.  I played on Barbie.com and Ayaan played on the Nintendo.

        Although that was it, I’d like to say something. My brother and I still fight but we make up again. We are scolded about not to fight. My aunt said once to us that we can not stay in one room for two minutes without fighting. Well, one day we will not fight and that may be tomorrow, or the next day, and so on and so forth.  For now, that fight will still be remembered in our lives. Well, see you soon…    

Destination Michigan

       Destination Michigan

       I was there in my seat next to my mom in the airplane reading a book about Michigan. I was so obsessed on the book that I wasn’t paying attention to what my mother was asking. “Anam, do you want cookies or do you want chips?” my mom asked me. “I would like cookies” I answered. I opened the pack and the cookies were scrumptious. I was sitting in a supreme airplane with comforting seats and an airy space with moveable seats, like those on a van. We were going to Michigan for spring break and were going to enjoy it. I got back to book called Michigan for Curious Minds.

       Before long we had reached Lansing Airport.  The first place we were going to was the city side nearby Lansing and 6 miles from one of the Great Lakes, which was perhaps Lake Michigan. I read that Lansing was filled with lavish statues, exquisite fountains, sweet fragrant flowers and much, much, more. We drove around in our rented Kia, which was a cream color and was spaced-out. It was an eight seated car and had two petite screens like a T.V. We had brought Blu-ray discs just to see if the car had a T.V and it was accurate. The first movie was Cars 2, the second was Tangled, and the third was Spy Kids, all the movies a Disney creation.  We went to malls and Ayaan chanted songs like “Magic” and this is how it sounded:

Ho, Ho, Ho

It’s magic, you know never believe in that soul

It’s magic, you know, never believe in that soul (Repeat)

       We all sang along with him especially me. Then we sang “Fireworks”, “Dynamite”, and “Life is a Highway”. We bought keepsakes like pins for my lanyard. We walked on cobblestone passageways and had lots of enjoyable time bird watching. The gardens were truly beautiful and the beaches were as sandy as can be. We went on a lighthouse and I took notes on how they work and learned a little  bit about their antiquity. I also made a friend with a girl named Amanda. We both kept an oath to K.I.T (Keep in Touch) with each other. It was time to leave the magnificent state and go to my home in New Jersey. “Bye Michigan, I’ll see you later.” And I kept looking out the window until the state was nothing but a speck in the ground.  This was a bewildering trip.

Choco and Amber

 Choco and Amber

It has been months ever since I found Choco. Our waterfront was being decorated for autumn. I had planned to redecorate my room for each season. Right now, my room is being painted a deep crimson. Mum was making a special preparation for some clients. The smell of crisp apple tarts was coming from downstairs. I went outside to the Great Woods. Choco loves taking a stroll through the woods. I wore my wool sweater that was of all autumn colors and black jeans. The air was flexible today and the leaves on the land were brittle. Mum said that she will make two apple tarts, because there are many visitors coming. She had asked to pick out some scarlet apples so she can make the next tart. I walked along, up to the apple orchard.

      I climbed up the brushwood and picked out some ready apples. That’s when I saw an ocher kitten. Her eyes were hazel and she was striped yellow. She was looked dazzling like the sun. I took her down and she sniffed around me. She seemed to like me. Then Choco woofed at once when he saw me bring down the kitten. Then, I checked for a collar, the same way I did when I saw Choco. Then, the kitten started playing with Choco. I picked some apples for the next batch of apple tarts. I took them both with me and let them have fun under the sleeping willow. The fact that she was amber had been planted in my mind. I decide to keep her and name her Amber. I called Mum outside after she made the small apple tarts. “Mum, I found a cat. I decided to name her Amber.” “Oh, Anam, not again! You really found a kitten?!” She said, her forehead creased, her eyes worried. She came outside to see and almost instantly, she kind of smiled. “Well, you did manage a dog, you could manage a cat.” She realistically said.  “O.K, fine, you could keep her.” Just then, out of nowhere, my dog and cat started to quarrel. You wouldn’t say that it is queer, but it was. They drank water and stated to fight. But instead of hearing a “Meow” or a “Woof” We heard an “I can drink faster” and a “No, I could drink faster!” Then my cat came up to me and complained. She whined something that sounded like “Anam, Choco is competing with me even though I am reluctant to compete!” which was like me and my little brother fighting and him telling on me although he was lying.                                              
This time, I had to handle a dog-cat situation. This time, it was not me or my brother. “Choco, come here boy!” I said unwillingly. I was too jaded to handle any situation. “Okay, you two say sorry to each other and tell me when you started talking human.” I stated impatiently. It was now evening. Soon, the clients will be coming. “Sorry” they both chorused. Then Amber said “The stream water is a miracle. Those made us both talk human.” She replied.

                             

      It had been two days since both Choco and Amber stated speaking human. Today, when we were walking through the woods, an azure bird came up to me. Its feathers sparkled and its beak shone. Its head had hair that was crimped. Beneath its clawed feet was a papyrus scroll that was tied in a burgundy ribbon with a ruby in the middle. The bird dropped the scroll and flew away in the morning’s haze.

The scroll said:

      If you want to seek a Meow or a Woof, follow a        rainbow path with diamonds that gleam and stones      that blaze.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   From,

                                                                                     Anonymous

          “Where was the rainbow path with stones and diamonds?” I thought out loud. Choco sniffed and Amber looked. “There” they both said together. I looked ahead and I also saw it. Before, although, it wasn’t there. It just appeared. As we walked along the path, we all started singing preposterously. “Follow the rainbow path! Follow the rainbow path! Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow the rainbow path. We’re of to see the person, the wonderful person of all…” We all chorused. (This was sung in the tune of ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ from The Wizard of Oz.) The same bird came to me again and dropped another scroll. This time, it was a green ribbon with an emerald in the middle. The scroll said:

       You past the path! You next have to go up the biggest                 sacred olive tree in the orchard of olives. Then meet the      purple cardinal. Along the way, one letter in my name      will appear. Once you get them all, read it backwards.

                                                                                      From,

                                                                                      Snonymus

          I knew my town so well, that I could amble through it with my eyes closed. The olive orchard, I mapped, was a left, a right, a left from where I was. I took all the turns and could see the biggest olive tree from the olive tree labyrinth. If I was to climb up there, I thought, I would be able to see the whole town, including ports and industrialized factories. Like I said before, I knew my whole town so well, that I could walk through it with my eyes closed. I also knew the orchards so well, that I could also saunter through them with my eyes closed.

                             

      The lavender cardinal was humongous. He had introduced himself Leo. He was going to fly us. Amber got scared and hugged me. Soon, he landed and handed me a scroll. This time, the scroll was tied in a violet ribbon and had an amethyst in the middle. It said:

      Now, you must go through the meadow of blue and          pick a cornflower that might save you from danger.

                                                                                      From,

                                                                             Skonymus

      Well, sure enough, we found the land of blue. I kept the scrolls in the bag I made from olive brambles. Then we walked through and I picked a cornflower. Once we got through, there was a castle right in front of us. On the floor was a scroll that was tied in a blue ribbon and had a sapphire in the middle.

      You made it past all the places. Meet me I in the castle.   Once you are done talking to me, use the portal which you see and you’ll find that no time has past since you left and you’ll find yourself at home.

                                                                                      From,

                                                                             Sumyonks

          We did it. We figured out his name. We went inside the castle and strolled in cautiously. Soon, we found Sumyonks. He was waiting for us. “Hello, I know you all and I guess you know me. I live in this whole castle all by myself.” He said. Sumyonks was a tall man with sleek ebony hair. He was chewing on gum and his breath smelled of mint. He was also lean with a talisman on his neck. He looked sadistic, but the way he was talking, it sounded gentle and not harsh. In fact, his voice was so soft, it as if he was a father talking to a little child. “I used to have a child, but he grew up and is living elsewhere and his mother a.k.a my wife had died giving birth to him. Okay, let’s talk about something happier.” Sumyonks said. After having a chat, he finally put some enchantment on Amber and Choco. Soon, the spell was broken and finally, Me, Amber, and Choco left. The stream was now over and no more magic would happen to us unless we need it. Amber and Choco still fight but make up and life is back to normal, except with Amber around. Well, that’s how the bond between pets and humans are dear reader.

       

Choco

 Choco

I sat on the courtyard bench just looking up at the yellowish-bluish atmosphere and the clouds, letting my dream elsewhere for a little dog. Our house was a divine waterfront along a glittering river. I was sitting ‘neath the big willow with a wooden swinging bench. I was thinking about a Chocolate Labrador which was a pleasant breed. They are faithful and loveable and help you when you feel somber. I got up from the bench and asked mum if I could take a stroll in the Great Woods by myself. “Okay, come back by dinner” she said. My dreams were up in the haze and I was in Earth. The stream had slowed and you could only hear the sound of the waves hitting the slope riverbank. The woods were eerie at night but during the summer evenings, there was glowing rays from the sun. As I walked, I looked at the pink sky.

       I brought my camera along and took pictures of alluring things. When I grow up, I want to be a conservation photographer. Just then, I heard an owl’s hoot, which meant it was time for supper. As I turned around, I turned around and heard scuffling. Right in front of me was Chocolate Labrador. He went up to me and sniffed around. Then he started to pant. “Hold still, I got hold of you.” I looked around for a device or a collar and saw none of that. I let go of him and walked. It was getting dark and the fiery ball was nearly down. Then felt like I was being followed. I turned and saw no one and looked down and saw the puppy. “Go home buddy, your owner might be waiting for you” But then I remembered he didn’t have an owner. I had to wait ‘til I was 12 to have a dog. “Okay boy, I’ll take you to a place where you could stay.” I took him to my favorite willow tree but in the shady part. His bed was a territory of moss and I made a blanket of foliage. I ran home and was just in time for dinner. I washed my hands and was thinking of the Labrador. He reminded me of the chocolate bar I got at the county fair and when it melted. That’s when I decided to name him Choco. I hoped that no one saw him or took him away and when I looked out the windowpane and was relived. Choco was fast asleep. He was shy and well-trained as well as calm. I went to tell Mum.

       “Mum, I need to talk to you in private.” “Tell me” “Mum, I found a stray dog and he followed me home.” I walked to the threshold and opened it. I ambled to Choco slowly as Mum trailed me. Choco was now awake. “Mum, this is Choco, the dog I found.” Choco walked to Mum and sniffed the manner he did when he first met me. Then he panted and wagged his tail.

I think I had the look on my face when I really wanted something because then Mom said  “We’ll think about it but for right now, he is going to stay outside and you may meet and take heed of him OUTSIDE. Understood?” Mum said swiftly, raising her eyebrows and her forehead creased. “YES!” I exclaimed blissfully, and a bit too shrill. Luckily, the next house was two ½ yards away. Mum went inside and came back out. There was something in her hand. When she came closer, I saw that she was holding chicken bones. She gave it to Choco and Choco sucked on it. Then we went inside and into our rooms to sleep.

                                  ***

       Finally, after a whole week of thinking and pacing, Mum agreed to keep Choco in the house. I ran with joy and thanked Mum. I and Choco led this jubilant celebration by buying the needs for a dog. We took a stroll along the riverbank and stopping to take pictures. “Anam, your friends are here!” and we celebrated by eating carrot cake while Choco got a cake for himself. That’s when I also sent a letter to a conservation photographer. A week after the party, I got a letter saying that I was accepted for the “Kid Photographer” job. My life had been happy as it has always been since I was born. I will never forget how fortunate I am to get a dog like Choco.

ANIZINK

 ANIZINK

Today was the big day. It was time for my ultimate planetary blastoff. I tied my brunette hair into one braid and wore a plain emerald T-shirt and matching running shorts. I drove my lustrous chocolate blue-striped hibiscus decaled car to KSA (Kink Space Agency). KSA is a tall office building and has many windows. In the open ground, there is an aqua space shuttle. Its title is The Lunar. Today was the biggest day.

       I went to Mr. Saturn, my chief. “Are you excited to launch and discover a different planet? If you are, I will give you your space suit and you can go to your space ship.” “Of course I am sir. I’m prepared!” I slid in my space suit and walked to The Lunar. I got on and prepared my speaker. I was confident. “…9…8…7…6…5” On each number, I got zealous and couldn’t wait. “3…2…1…BLASTOFF!”  When it took off, there was a WHOOSH. Soon, The Lunar was out of Earth.

       “(Brush) I’m in space.” “(Brush) we have sited you.” I looked out the window and saw a stunning galaxy of stars. I passed the moon and went passed mars. I saw an unusual carnation planet with lime stripes. “(Brush) Good News! I found a planet!” “(Brush) Can you get to it?” “(Brush) I think I can.” I responded assuredly to my boss. I navigated the shuttle to the queer planet and noticed that the land and clouds looked like an animated land. I got off the shuttle and saw that the people were all sorts of pigments. It felt like looking at a pastel packed of hues. “Hi, we welcome you to Anizink.” said a girl of pink color. “I am Laurie and I shall give you a tour of my state.” I think I had my auto translate on because when I accidently turned it off, I didn’t understand a thing. I turned its back on and she said “The name of my state is Mazy and my country is Zink. Oh anyways, what is your name?” I turned on the language mode and selected new planet on my screen. I used my finger and entered in Anizink. “My name is Anam. I come from Earth.”

                                  ***

       I got back on my space suit and walked to my shuttle. I said by to the friends and promised that I will visit them again. I took off and I went back to KSA. I told them what I discovered. I remembered what Laurie said about visiting them and them visiting us. I had accomplished my first mission in a shuttle and news spread about the new planet. The next month, Laurie came to visit and I showed here where I live. This was an awesome adventure and I will never forget it.

               

     

The Swooping Bird

                                                      The Swooping Bird

                                                                                                     A day alone with my brothers! It happened the first time of my life. No grown-ups! It was just us kids. My mother, aunt, and grandma had some work and I was of age to take care of my brothers. I first cooked some chocolate chip and cherry flavored pancakes and they loved the pancakes with maple syrup. Ayaan said something nice. It went across the lines of “You are the best pancake cooker ever, but mommy cooks nicer!” Okay, fine it doesn’t sound nice but I took it as a compliment.

      Then we went for a stroll. The trees kept us shaded from the mid-summer sun. That’s when the exciting part started. Down in front of us there is a huge white dove. It was as large as a queen sized bed. Its white feathers were glowing like the street light. In fact, it was more radiant than a street light. It was like a glistening piece of metal in front of the sun and on a concrete. Here, she said to us “I am Dena, and I am lost. I have come from the heart of Magiciana, the land of magical creatures and beings. I have come here and have met you. Can you help me get home?” Her voice was so magical that it was hard to forget how her voice sounds and you would want to hear it again and again. “Yes, Yes, Yes. Anam, can we go?” Ayaan asked. He made his fish face. “I’m not sure Ayaan. Mom will come back home at night. Okay only for a few hours. We are going to make this fast, alright?”

                              ***

      A few minutes later, we were soarin’ high on Dena’s back. We had seen many places and had a great view below us. Every person looked like a doll and every building was like a doll building to make a doll community. We flew over New York and all the way to Kentucky. “The land is somewhere among the 5^th star to the left. That means I have to go the other way” Dena said. “But weren’t you lost Dena?” I asked. “I mean like, you couldn’t find your way and so you brought us.” She didn’t answer and flew to the city of lights, meaning Paris, France. “Adeem, do you like this ride?” I asked in a nice voice. “Yes.” He replied quickly. “Ayaan, do you like the ride?" “Yes” he answered. Soon we landed for a break. We lazily walked along the cobblestone path and said bumped into a baker. Magically, we started speaking French. “Bonjour, Pardon us, we didn’t see you.”

                              ***

      After the break up, up, up we flew. We soon found ourselves in a magical land, Magiciana. “I haven’t fully explained. My nymph friend, Dream, is missing, and when I was looking for her, I got lost so I took you guys because I thought you all have great eyesight, especially you dear girl, with the glasses on. Oh, how foolish of me, oh dear, I forgot to ask your names! Would you mind telling me dears?” “Okay, I’m Anam, the little one is Ayaan, and the oldest one is Adeem.” I told her. “Could you describe dream for me?” I requested. “Well, she has long blue hair, up to her shin, and sparkly wings. She also has pale skin and glistening brown eyes. She usually wears a blue cornflower petal dress that goes up to her knees. Her shoes match her dress.” So we flew over great sights. A scaly red dragon was breathing fire and a phoenix was flying.

      “Adeem, to you see a fairy with blue hair?” I asked. “Yes” He said shortly. “Where do you see her Adeem?” “Over there!” He claimed, pointing to a low fluffy cloud. Dena flew there and it was Dream. Soon, I heard a voice. “Anam, wake up please. It is time to wake up. Don’t you want to go to school?” A voice said firmly and kindly. I moaned and awoke. It was my mother…

Swamp Monster

      Swamp Monster

This may sound weird and crazy, but I am friends with a monster. It’s neither the bed time monster nor the closet monster. It’s not even the doughnut monster or the plant monster. It’s a swamp monster, the most repulsive monster. You must be wondering why I am friends with a hideous monster. I’ll tell you why right now. Here’s how it all started:

            I woke up one morning and brushed my teeth and did my daily morning routine. I asked my mom if I can go outside and she said yes. Here’s our conversation:

Me: “Mom,”

Mother: “What?”

Me: “Can I go outside?”

Mother: “Yes, you may.”

            That was a bit unnecessary but soon you’ll understand why this dialogue is important. So we have a new house, which is better than where my condo was. I opened the screen door and walked out on the porch. The blazing sun made the concrete sizzle. Then I look ahead of me and I see a swamp.

My thought: “That’s unusual”

            Then I see strange bubbles coming out of the murky water.

My second thought: “I must be imagining”

            I look inside it and inspect it but it was hard to see through the opaque water. Just then I saw something quiver. Out came a beautiful mermaid. This was not the site I was saying yuck to.

Me: “Yuck, not to you mermaid but the thing right next to you”

            The aqua tailed and aqua haired mermaid turned and she also looked shocked, as if someone pinched her. She was naturally fair so it was hard to tell if she went pale or not. She got of the rock and whispered to me.

Mermaid: “I’m Marina and that is Swamp Monster George and he kidnapped me from sea. He lives alone and he wanted someone to talk to so took me away. He likes to scare me and I do get scared. He is really friendly but if you get him mad, you have to give him some penalty.”

Me: “Well, I’ll talk to him. Thanks for the warning!”

            Marina splashed back in the murky water and George just stood there. I was quivering, my sweat rolling down my forehead. I started to speak in a small voice.

Me: “Hi,”

George: “Hi,”

            His voice was deep and low. He was beige with loads of bumps. His head was covered with seaweed and he had two big saggy round eyes.

George: “I know you don’t like me but I don’t mind because nobody does.”

Me: “You sound very nice.”

            Then I hear a grumble.

Me: “You hungry?”

George: “Yup”

Me: “I’ll get two sandwiches, one for you and one for me.”

            I go inside and make two sandwiches, seaweed inside George’s and lettuce, tomatoes, and cedar chicken with mayonnaise inside mine. I go outside and we eat and chat.

           I realize how he felt when people talked behind his back. He was bullied, just like me, because he was different.

Me: “Let people think what they think but I know and you know that you are perfect and friendly.”

George: “You’re a great friend”

            That made me freeze.

My third thought: “Did he say friend? Well, of course he is not my friend. He’s my best friend.”

Me: “George, you’re my best friend.”

George: “Thanks, you’re really nice. Now I have to go but wait a minute, I forgot to ask your name.”

Me: “My name is Anam, Anam Aziz. Bye”

George: “Bye Anam, See tomorrow”

            We both go in our houses and wait to meet each other again…

Celebrity Meeting !

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Celebrity Meeting !

A celebrity I would like to meet is Selena Gomez. She is an awesome actress and I am a great fan of her. She stars in many movies and a few shows. I would really like to meet Selena Gomez for many reasons.

        As I said before, I am a very big fan of her. I love her songs and her style in the show Wizards of Waverly Place. One reason I want to meet her is because I want to get her autograph in my autograph book and always remember the day I actually meet her and talked to her. I want to say to my friends “Guess what? I got the actual autograph of Selena Gomez right in front of her.” I also want to go and meet Selena because it has been my dream to go and get her signature.

        Another reason why I want to go and meet her is because I want to tell her that I want to be an actress and a singer like her. I really want to tell her that I love the way she dresses up and that I got inspired from her style from her music videos and her fashion from A Cinderella Story, the new version. I want to go backstage and see how she puts on her make- up and how the concert is produced.

        I also want to meet her because she is my most favorite singer and I always wanted to be with her or even become friends with her. I want to see her because she is my inspiration and I always wanted to get to know her. These are a few reasons on why I want to meet her so badly*.

*Actually most of this is one big reason so it was extra hard to put it into paragraphs.