A reading of one of my favorite poems/articles that made me cry the first time I read it! I recommend everyone to read it and give me their thoughts.
Art Appreciation 4- 06/03/21
This was a very interesting video about Japanese art. A story of sacrifice and great metaphorical meaning. I recommend everyone give it a view!
Art Appreciation 3- 06/02/21
Picasso’s Self Portraits
I really enjoy the progression of Picasso’s self portraits because it changes so much from when he was young until his later years. I take it for a metaphor that not everything has to be complex for it to be good. The simplicity of his later pieces and the detailed work of his earlier years gives a good contrast that can be a metaphor for life.
Art Appreciation 2- 06/01/21
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer
This painting is beautiful to me as you can see all the little and intrinsic details of the girl with the pearl earring. The black background really makes all the other colors pop out and stand out. Her dark eyes and the dark background seem to blend together into something mesmerizing. This painting is photo-like, yet it probably took a really long time to produce. The painter of this painting died in poverty and was a recluse, which seems hard to believe as the painting is so surreal.
Art Appreciation 1- 05/31/21
The Window
By: Kevin Huang
A boy was born in a room without any light
He did not know of any pain or any strife
All he knew was that he was lonely
Wishing he had a friend to make this place more homely
When one day he saw a window of light
He ran towards it with all his might
He tripped and fell, as cuts and scrapes
littered his body, but he pushed on, ready for his escape
Reaching the window, the boy saw the world:
He saw the delicate dewdrops of green grass on a cold mid-spring morning
He saw the beautiful waves of a blue ocean, endless, with its gentle salty breeze
He saw the kindness and compassion of creatures called humans, who loved him and gave him a place to call home
But upon reaching the window, the boy also saw the world:
He saw fires that burned down his beloved grass and trees
He saw oil spills and pollution, that killed his favorite sea animals and his ocean
He saw the cruelty of humans, to hurt and hate one another for seemingly no reason
It was then the boy felt alone once again,
“Isn’t it already too late to mend?”
He looked out once more
And closed the curtain.
Gratitude 5- 05/28/21
Thank you for your unwavering support over the years. You’ve always been there for me, whether I needed to stand, sit, or lie down. Never abandoning me, even when I have made decisions that were not in your best interests. Allow me to be more careful of my decisions than I have been in the past: walking more gently, always giving back, and always be open to hear your teachings. Allow me to get to know you in a new way, and for you to get to know me in a new manner. A me who is more attentive, conscientious, and courteous.
-To Mother Earth
Gratitude 4- 05/27/21
My life would have been drastically different if you had not been my junior biology teacher. I’m not saying it’d be horrible – but you opened my eyes to who I could be and what I could accomplish in ways I never imagined. You took a sheltered boy from Portland and inspired him to dream big and fearlessly.
I recall one lesson in which you told us about your aspirations for the future when you were our age. I believe you were supposed to be talking about science, but it morphed into a life study. You told us about your regrets and accomplishments, and it all struck a chord with me, and I began to believe that everything is possible.
You have completely transformed my approach to learning; without you, I would not be where I am now. Your support and perseverance throughout my years at UO showed me that I am who I am, and that getting to the top is entirely up to me. I am capable, but it will take a lot of effort and attention on my part. Thank you!
-To my Mr. Dossa, my highschool biology teacher
Gratitude 3- 05/26/21
Since we were kids, you’ve been one of my closest friends. We’ve been through a lot as a duo and you’ve always been there for me. There are no words to explain how grateful I am to have such a wonderful friend as you. I appreciate you being there for me through thick and thin, supporting me even when I had nothing. Not only do you assist me, but you are also there to support and care for me whenever I need it. You go above and beyond, even though I know you have your problems to deal with sometimes. You’re amazing and will go on to do great things!
-To my friend Josh
Gratitude 2- 05/25/21
A Letter of Appreciation to My Girlfriend,
I never imagined you would mean as much to me as you do now when I first saw you over a month ago. I owe you a lot now that you’re my best friend, the love of my life, my world, and my girlfriend.
Thank you for demonstrating what it means to truly love someone.
Thank you for never giving up on me and seeing the best in me.
Thank You for Motivating Me to Be a Better Person
Thank You for Trusting Me Enough to Introduce Me to Your Family and Closest Friends
Thank You for Always Wanting to Go Out and Have Fun
Thank You for Being My Best Friend
Thank You for Being You
-From me to you
Gratitude 1- 05/24/21
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me and for being such a significant part of my life. You are genuinely my rock, and without you, I would be completely lost. You’ve been there for me through every high and low, and I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Thank you for being my most ardent supporter.
You’ve figured out how to make every school performance and sporting event that I’m a part of. You were in the stands at every band performance, solo contest, basketball game and any other activity I was a part of, and I am forever grateful for that.
Thank you for establishing such a fantastic example for me to follow over the years. Thank you for your excellent suggestions. Your words of knowledge are quite insightful and always so beneficial to me. You have an uncanny ability to put things into perspective. My favorite things on this planet are our heart-to-heart discussions, and I appreciate all the times you have offered me your ear when I needed to vent.
I can’t say it enough! Thank you and I love you mom!