iwritesoicanbreath

[iwritesoicanbreath]

Controlled Chaos Manifesto

           Looking back through my previous posts, the words that stand out most to me are loyalty, war, family, and chaos. I find this interesting because my life has always been controlled chaos with open discussions of wartime and what that may look like, as well as the imp

ortance of loyalty to one’s family and country. I genuinely believe that everyone has good in them and wants to do good. I think circumstances change a person’s outlook and, therefore, can skew a person’s perspective on the line between good and evil or wrong and right. When someone who has never been to war assumes all war is evil and unnecessary, it shows the lack of understanding a person has on how we can live free and unbothered in our daily lives.

Another reoccurring theme I noticed was Sacrifice. I humbly promote that respect should be given to those who sacrifice every day and the families who silently sacrifice their normalcy, so their loved ones can risk their lives. Children used to be taught from a young age that respect should always be given to their elders; however, over time, it seems that respect has become a thing of the past. Rarely will you hear a thank you mam or yes sir. Growing up in my household, giving respect was non-negotiable; if you were going to speak, you would show respect to whomever you were talking to. When children are taught the importance of respecting others, you set them up for a better and more peaceful future.

Inclusion is another recurring theme I take away when looking at my page. By showing inclusion and open-mindedness, you allow room for others to show their strengths. Instead of looking for differences in others, look for what you have in common. Build friendships, not enemies. The world is harsh enough, and you never know the silent battle someone may be fighting, be the light and positivity they need instead of matching the negative tone of the world.  

Family and loyalty, however, stand out the most when looking through my page. As a mother, I am fiercely loyal to my children and will always do what is needed to protect them. Which includes teaching them wrong from right and how to be a contributing part of society, which includes disciplining them and teaching them hard work. Teaching our children to show respect for others as well as their community will help produce a brighter more inclusive future.

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This photo shows a group of Tampa Bay Lightning fans heading to Amelia Arena to cheer on their home team. Hockey can be loved by all ages; in this photo, you can clearly see a child with his father and an older couple.

Inside Amelia Arena minutes before puck drop. All fans patiently wait for the home team Tampa Bay Lightning to take the ice. The crowd seems calm and almost patient. 

This photo was taken as the Tampa Bay Lightning was scoring. Unlike the first photo, this photo seems more chaotic. I like this photo precisely because of the excitement the crowd was about to show. 

Thunder Ally. Tampa Bay Lightning fans heading home after a game. I love the sea of blue that takes over the streets of downtown Tampa on game days.

After winning the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row, the fans gather outside Tampa waterways hoping to get a glance at the boat parade. Again, I love the sea of blue that takes over the Downtown Tampa area.

After the boat parade came to an end, this photo was taken during the celebration in a park located in downtown Tampa. This photo shows the true love and loyalty of the Tampa Bay Lightning fans. Even during a lightning storm, they will wait it out and continue to party. 

I appreciate the sense of community being a hockey fan brings. As a Lightning fan from a young age, I have always felt as though I was part of a special community. I feel like this collection would be called the year the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup again.

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Poetic Justice

I love how beautiful the imagination of a child is. The ability to turn the mundane into a beautiful, creative story. In this poem, a person, presumably an adult, continues to point out everyday things such as vines dripping with the rain, to which the child responds, “diamond necklaces,” or water falling on the windowpane, to which the child responds, “clouds tapping on their drums.” Throughout the poem, the innocence and imagination of the child are continually pointed out. The poem’s title, children at play, helps the reader determine that one of the speakers in the poem is a child. Writing the poetry in the form of dialogue allows the reader to visualize having this conversation with a child, making the poem relatable to all. I appreciate the line where the adult points out “The toadstools perking their ugly heads,” The child responds, “Cricket umbrellas.” This line is lovely because it shows a child can use their imagination to take something described to them as ugly, and all they see is the beauty. Children have a beautiful outlook on the world, whereas adults have grown bored with life. Children are still finding beauty and use out of things an adult may see as worthless. I also love how the poem ends with the adult asking to look for sugar bread and the child agreeing to ask for some. This is a little reminder that there is still a child inside us all.

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Time Period Playlist

That’s the thing about music; when it hits, you feel no pain – Bob Marley. Regardless of the mood that you are in, chances are there is a song that accurately describes how you feel. I have always loved and appreciated music from all genres and eras. As a family full of military personnel, I have chosen to make a playlist with a war theme that transpires and can be heard while listening to the music.

Andrews Sisters Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - YouTube

First on my list is a piece out of 1941, named Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and is sung by The Andrew Sisters. This is an up-tempo blues song written about a  World War II soldier by Don Raye and Hughie Prince. The horns and harmonious chords from the sisters make this an enjoyable piece.

Jimi Hendrix ~ All Along The Watchtower ~ US Navy & Marine Fleet Air ~ Vietnam War - YouTube

Up next, I choose Jimi Hendrix’s All Along the Watchtower. Although initially written and sung by Bob Dylan, I prefer the Jimi Hendrix Experience, released in 1967. I have always loved and respected the rhythm Hendrix could create with a guitar. Jimi’s soulful vocal sound mixed with the rhythm of his guitar makes for a classic.

Vietnam War Music - Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth - YouTube

For What It’s Worth is an all-time favorite that can be found on all my playlists. Stephen Stills was inspired to write this song about the Sunset Strip Curfew Riots in 1966. Buffalo Springfield brings a piece of upbeat slow-tempo music to spread awareness about the brutality taking place.

Black Sabbath ~ War Pigs - YouTube

War Pigs is an anti-war dark-themed melody where the vocals are almost softly spoken, creating a darker undertone. This song was initially released in 1970.

Linkin Park - Points Of Authority (Lyrics) - YouTube

Linkin Park created a soft melody chorus that is soft, so they paired a simple melody with a shouting vocal. When put together, it makes an attention-grabbing piece. Initially released in 2000.

The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube

Gimme Shelter was originally released in 1969. This piece has been described as a remarkable piece of music. It has an easy flowing layered feel, mixed with a smooth tempo.

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Domestic Architecture

The thing I love most about my house is the level of comfort felt from the moment you walk through the door. A bench greets you to sit and take your shoes off with aesthetically pleasing storage spaces for your shoes to go. The open layout design allows you to take the whole living space in with just one head swivel. When looking around my house, one would notice the number of signs hung along the walls, from welcome signs and words of encouragement and reminders that the mess is temporary. There are not many bright colors displayed in the living areas, and the colors tend to be more neutral and comforting. As a person with social anxiety and an introvert, I genuinely feel comfort and peace being at home, so making sure my safe place is comfortable has always been important to me. Another noticeable feature of the design of my house is the amount of natural light that comes through. The kitchen has a large window next to two extra-large sliding glass doors leading to the patio, allowing natural light to shine through all day long. An extra-wide counter separates the kitchen from the living room that I always fill with fresh flowers, creating a sense of calm. My favorite place to visit is the botanical gardens with my children; I love walking through rows and rooms of plants and flowers, each invoking a different smell and reaction. The colors are light and bright, creating happy, innocent energy. As you walk around, your eyes are constantly pulled in different directions by beautiful plants and flowers arranged and sorted in the most captivating arrangement display. The greenery seen throughout the entire garden is so appealing to me. The fresh smell creates a calming sense, while the natural beauty invites you to sit and appreciate the moment. I want to mimic the feeling created when walking through the garden in my house, and the natural greenery plants seen throughout my home help create that feeling. 

*Photo for reference, pardon the dog.

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Public Art

This sculpture speaks volumes to me; the immediate emotions and feelings created instantly capture your attention. Titled "Love," this piece features two steel-wired adults sitting back to back with two young children, reaching through the wire for one another. The position of the adults sitting cross-legged with their heads down and resting on their knees gives off the feeling of sadness or defeat. Alexander Milov is a Ukrainian sculptor, blacksmith, and designer who created "Love" in 2007. It initially appeared at the Kyiv Museum of Contemporary Art and was smaller and made of wire and tape. However, it was said to have gone unnoticed. "Love" was remanufactured on a larger scale in 2015 and displayed at Burning Man, an event held annually in Black Rock, Nevada. The theme of Burning Man that year was "Carnival of Mirrors." Alexander Milkov was the first Ukrainian to receive a grant for his exhibit display in over 30 years. Milkov said, "The figures of the protagonist, made in the forms of big metal cages, where their inner selves are captivated. Their inner selves are executed in the form of transparent children who are holding out their hands through the grafting. As its getting dark, the children start to shine. The shining symbolizes purity and sincerity that brings people together and gives them a chance to make up when the dark time arrives." 

I especially like that the children illuminate as the sun goes down and darkness takes over. This sculpture, to me, symbolizes the importance of unity. I think of how separated we as a population have become and how hate is passed through generations. I feel like this sculpture is a reminder for us all to look for the light in others, even if their light seems dim, because their light will illuminate over time given the opportunity.  

Love

ArtistAlexander Milov

Year2015

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Abstract Images

I chose an Untitled abstract painting done by Nasrollah Afjei. This piece stuck out to me at first because it reminds me of controlled chaos. At first glance, the curve of the lines seems smooth and flowing; however, you can see that the lines are not solid with a more in-depth look. You see that lines appear soft and broken but continuos when looking closer. I also appreciate the different patterns showing underneath, almost looking like layers enhancing the depth perception. The flowing lines all start at various points but meet together to coexist smoothly and effortlessly, similar to a wave. Dark reds, oranges, browns, and white are all used, creating a sense of comfort and relaxation. The shape of the lines pulls your eyes and different directions, allowing you to notice another detail of the layers. Along the right side of the painting, towards the bottom, there is a white shape that almost disrupts the flow of the lines surrounding it. The empty hollowness inside the white form on the side almost accelerates the flow of the lines surrounding it, like a hand running through a wave or freshly raked sand on a golf course. The explanation of the painting was just as beautiful as the painting itself. Afjei Painted the word love in Persian repeatedly, creating an effortlessly flowing piece of art. Like a wave, love is full of peaks and dips, with different levels and deep unseen beauty. I can really appreciate this piece of art. 

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Representative Work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqTTojTija8

A fish suing the school system is a laughable thought, but it makes complete sense when explained as eloquently and detailed as in this written word. The author of the poem, Prince EA, describes how it will never be a fair fight when you compare a fish to another animal. He says that it is like comparing apples to oranges or circles to squares. This poem speaks volumes to me as a future educator. I passionately agree that changes need to be addressed in the school system. We have excepted a broken system. Prince EA compares cars, phones, and classrooms from modern-day to those used 150 years ago. As expected, the cars and phones have changed immensely; however, the classroom has remained the same, although more colorful. I appreciate how not only does Prince EA point out that we have a significant problem on our hands, but he also is actively looking for a solution. Acknowledging that schools were created to train workers to work in factories helps the audience understand the significance of pushing straight lines and rows of children and further explains why the author is requesting a change. When comparing our school system to Finland or Singapore, it is made abundantly clear that we are falling behind in the race for international education. Finland and Singapore outrank the US, have shorter school days, have no homework, and focus more on collaboration than competition. Something I wish we focused on more in the American school system. Imagine a student going home and concentrating their efforts on being a positive role in society, the difference that could make. I also appreciate that although the author considers the importance of math and science as a necessary part of our curriculum, he also points out that they are no more critical than humanities, dance, and art. Of course, we know a student who excels in math would do better on a math test than a student who prefers drawing and art; However, that does not mean that the student who likes drawing and art can not add value to our society. Instead of pushing math on a student who excels in another area, I think the student should be encouraged to embrace their skills and collaborate with other students to continue exploring their interests. As a current preschool teacher, I have always admired the Montessori approach. I believe in allowing children to learn to be independent and discover what they like and do not like, with no agenda other than to encourage and teach. I genuinely feel that this poetry embodies my passion for the change I hope I can make, maybe not for the whole school system but at least inside my classroom.

[iwritesoicanbreath]

About Me

I am a full-time mother, wife, student, and employee. Most days, I am exhausted and getting by on caffeine and nicotine. On other days I am a goddess with full make-up, hair done, nails done, and the cleanest house you have seen. I spend my days surrounded by children teaching preschool. I spend my weekends traveling, at the beach, or on a boat. I believe in working hard and enjoying life. I have lived in Florida for 15 years, just recently moving to charlotte county. I have a love for music and films, and I crave intellectual conversation.