White Death

Circa 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

This very short story is from a 6th grade writing assignment:

Crisp, mid-winter air flowed over her sleek, graceful body. Gliding down her magestic [sic] snowdrifts had always been a tension lifting and fulfilling experience in her eyes. As close as you can get, she once said, to the romantic flight of an eagle. But Natelly Batemam was far from the secluded rolling hills she was so effortlessly glidding [sic] over.

Though she had been sking [sic] for a day and a half strate [sic], she had to escape, driven only by the echos [sic] of fear and mourn[ing] haunting her every thought. Even at her best she couldn’t cut over the bright snow as he could. Though under pressure he split like a dry twig. That was probably why she had made it alive, but alone.

Far in the distance, the rumble of a harmless avalance [sic] cause[d] her to stop. She knew, by the sound, it was far from life-threatening to her. But for a vivid second she was there, his shreaks [sic] of terror rang in her ears and stung her sharp eyes. The agonizing crys [sic] turned to plees [sic] of ‘save yourself we’ll be together again!’ But he was cut off as the merciless white death engulfed him.

She was jolted back to reality when a large branch hit her square in the gut, sending her reeling back, breathless. For a moment she went dead out, then she became conscious of a sharp wind cutting into her thick jacket.

With a start, fear stricken eyes raced, but her predicament would not prevail. It was not till it was too late that it dawned upon her, she was falling.

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Show Off

March 31, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

I, like a few other times, today thought my parents were getting a divorce. That will never be so. But this morning my dad decided to go to Iawa [sic] for an emence [sic] TM convention there. Of course, my mom and I (the worriers of the family) feared the financial problem. And they fought. But now I know they love each other so much they can fight. I hope I'm like that.

Boy, there's been a lot of fighting going on round here here.

Sometimes I wonder what it would like to go back to Oregon. Start school again there. Show off.

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The Public Pool

March 30, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 13

Dear Diary,

Boy, it feels good to be in bed. However my eyes hurt from swimming.

See T. and I went to the public pool and I'm sorry to admit it but I had more fun near the end when I went diving with Jeff & Dan (two fifth grade friends) than when I played with her. I don't ever seem to have that much fun with school friends.

My mom and I have been fighting alot. We always make up in the end but I hate it any way. Adolescence?

*

My ear really hurts! You know, diving ear. Ouch!

*

Today I watched 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids.' Now I feel bad about all those creatures I killed.

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Hectic

March 29, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

My life has been so hectic lately. I attempted to clean room today. There's a pile of junk at the foot of my bed. If my mom catches me writing she'll ring [sic] my neck. And I better finish my homework.

Pheeeeeeew!

*

Eeeek! Eeeek! And Eeek!

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Smart As a Whip

March 28, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

I was relieved to have a moment alone, as I brushed my teeth. That always felt good after a hard day. With my tired legs stretched, and my exhausted behind on the tub, I considered what I should write here.

I wouldn't spend much time on school. Mostly on my day (with Q.) at Bryce's house. I love to talk to Laura. Shes just like a kid, she really understands you. Laura is great.

Bryce is clever as a fox. He can remember anything he sees. Smart as a wip [sic], too. I think Bryce is 8. I've been wanting to sit for him, for a long time. Since Bryce's regular sitter is away on vacation, next Sunday, it's my chance. I can't wait!

Hans is so tough and cute. But he's only cuddly when he's sleepy.

*

(Happy B-day mom. I'll always love you)

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Rough Times

March 27, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Yes, I have lived through another mortal day.

At school, Kenton did not come to see us at recess (don't blame him), T. and I finally decided Andrea was a snob, and so on.

After violin lessons I stayed and babysat. Boy, I think I messed up. Sadie kept on crying, so I had to bring her into someone's lesson. I hope Mrs. D. understands. Well, she's a mom, of cource [sic] she does.

Then at home, Q. and I got into a big fight. Poor Quincy, I could see it in his eyes that he wanted to rip out my eyes.

Then last, to burn off steam, I went outside, and under the stars, Samson taught me how to be a cat. I was tranquility itself.

And now

Good night

From my house

To yours

*

Well, lifes been Ok. I've been trying to get more organized. I've also been trying to enjoy everything a little more.

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A Piece of Her Mind

March 27, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Last night, since I fell asleep right after my late meditation, I was unable to finish my homework, eat dinner, and much less write here, so I'll fill you in.

T. really gave Kenton a piece of her mind, after he told Veronica's Group (not super popular, but very snobby) about how T. had called him. So some kids, as a joke, went and asked T. if she would go with K.

T. was crushed, though she knew it was a joke. So she chewed K. out, and so he played with us the rest of the day.

*

Oh, T. also told K. that I had a crush on him! Ooooo!

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Darn Predictable

March 25, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

This morning, while laying in my Sunday bed, I really felt down about how darn predictable my life is.

Just like that awful feeling you get when

you know how tiny & unsignificant [sic] you are in the universe (on the outside, that is).

But now that I'm thinking about it (and remembering the Wizard of Oz), there's probably nowhere else I would like to be right now.

*

Today I went to a Spring Celebration '90 at our good friend's new, beautiful-view, home. I also considered writing to Rebecca (my cousin), Anne, and Bryce (friend of mine about Q's age, who just got a beagle, named Hans).

*

Anne, you're a lucky kid.

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Dream Theory

March 24, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Since nothing super interesting happened today (except Q & I went kite-flying at school), I will tell you about my untested, almost proven, dream theory. This is how it goes:

Have

you ever had a strange tingly feeling after & during your falling in your nightly visions?

Well. I have gathered that this is the feeling of death, and since your dream world is only a temporary state, so is this feeling. During this sensation you are a ghost.

Also, how do ghosts travel through walls and enter the nether world? Well, they have no shadows. Shadows are what keep us from doing such things. Right now, my shadow is preventing me from falling into eternity.

When your [sic] a ghost you have no shadow, and maybe, during that strange dream feeling, you are just a ghost. And can (if you act fast) learn some pretty interesting stuff.

Not only that, but you are probably just a temporary, visiting ghost during this time. So you don't have to worry about being harmed, I think. Just be a torrest [sic]. And have a good time.

No, I'm not insane, just a kid & creative. That's all it takes.

*

Anne, you've always been a little easy to scare. I hope this doesn't bother you, it shouldn't.

*

Dream stuff is facinating [sic].

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The Recital

March 23, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

I did live through today. Barely. Studying late last night certainly paid off. Those tests I was dreading weren't so bad. And I think I did good on them.

~ The Recidle [sic] ~

Pheeuu! Am I glad thats over!

1. I took a little too long getting ready

2. Daddy missed his bus and couldn't make it

3. We got out of the house, me in tears, with sopping wet hair and a real worried mom

4. When we arrived, I had combed my hair in the car and she dryed it in the bathroom there

5. Turned out the whole program was running late, and we arrived right on time

6. I played my best, but felt bad because others my age could playso beautifly [sic]!

And now I am in bed with a aching back and drooping eyes. What a day!

*

By the way, T. did call Kenton. At school she somehow got him to agree to play with us Monday's recess. Tricia I could ring your neck!

*

How I cherish my dreams! I will see you tonight.

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Last Will and Testament

March 22, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Today I went to Chuck E. Cheese's (pizza place) to meet a girl my age who is staying with her father & stepmom (friends of ours). Well, she's a nice girl but kind of caught up in her own thing. I guess we all are.

I was going to spend my after diary-time in bed writing my last will and testiment [sic], for I doubt I will live through tomorrow but I will instead do last minute studying. When I wake up tomorrow, a grammar test, spelling test, reading quiz, & violin recidle [sic] will be hefted down upon me. This may be my last entry if I don't survive.

So goodnight & farewell.

*

Well Anne, I have a new dress, tights, soon shoes, and a bit of confidence, am I ready for the recidle [sic].

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Devastated

March 21, 1990 | Age 12 | Tacoma

Dear Diary,

Today, T. and [I] were very close. You see, she is 35 lbs under weight, and worried. I told my mum, because we are very close, and yesterday she made a comment to T. about it. I was devistated [sic], T. was devistated and my mum didn't care, she was pretty skinny when she was little, too.

So this morning, T. avoided me. I confronted her, practically throughing [sic] myself at her feet. Spose we both felt the same aching guilty feeling, cause she forgave me. How she found it in her heart, I do not know. But she is one special person, skinny or not.

*

My mother bought me a beautiful recidele [sic] dress (for you know what) and a elegant swimsuit too, boy is she great.

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Our Said Leaders

March 20, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

It constantly repulses me how ignorant our said leaders work. Why don't they do something to help our planet? Or are they to worried about the bad affects. Human beings were born as defenceless vernable [sic] creatures. We are not born with guns and money, but maybe worse, prosperity. Humans are not blessed with their minds but curced [sic]. For me to say these things shows I have experienced more than many people. That way, I am almost to the end. But for now I'm a child with a mind Living to learn.

*

Well, the play went great. I wasn't made for the part, but I did all right.

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Sheer Laziness

March 19, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

My only excuse for not writing the past few days is but sheer laziness. Well, and that my dear cousins came to visit. Aunt Beth, Uncle Steve, Claire (age 4 & ½) & Peter (9 & ½). They live in Dallas, OR, and are probably there now. We watched movies, tried to sneak into the zoo with our extra zoo passes (didn't quite make it), and toured Tacoma. They rarely travel, so this was special. Boy do I love them!

Tomorrow I'm starring in a Mrs. Erickson class production of 'Robin Hood,' as Sir Richard. I look rediculous [sic]!

*

How do you think of me, Anne, when we're so far apart? You're so special.

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Almost in a Trance

March 16, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Today, we mostly spent getting ready for our cousins to come for the weekend (from D-, OR) & tommorrow [sic]. I got up nice and early, feeling really good.

I graded some papers, played the Minuet 2 (Bauc [sic]) many times with my eyes closed (almost in a trance), and listened to my father tell a famous Little Lou Lou story.

My eyes are droopy, and I'm blinking a lot so,

Good Night

My Friends

*

Sometimes I'm glad we don't see eachother that much. We'de get awful tired of our company.

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Her 'Cool' Friends

March 16, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Yesterday, at school one recess, Andrea just casually began to walk with T. and I. Apparently, she had gotten in a fight with her 'cool' friends, so she came back to us.

Since I try not hold grudges I striked [sic] up a conversation, though I doubt I was heard. Finally, T. exploded! Andrea knew exactly what was troubling T. So Andrea left, T. felt guilty, and I just felt hungry. And there it ended.

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Contact with Kenton

March 15 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

School was good today. It was only a half day (thank goodness!) and we had a firedrill [sic]. In the like outside Kenton was behind me. While I was talking to Tricia I suddenly felt something on my shoulder. It was him telling me to go. He also poked me with his pencil and called me "Mrs. H-"

But he's all over Veronica and Missy. Poor T. came on alittle too strong, I think she makes him nervais [sic].

Well, I grew about a foot today. 'Bout ran Q's B-day party (which was great) and tonight had a chance to read [?] to him. When his foot hurt, I talked him to sleep.

To Q., my austronaut [sic].
*
There's a girl at my school named Marie. She really reminds me of you. Spose she's one of your type.

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Trouble with Gum

March 14, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

O's 7th BDay and Trouble with Gum

Poor Tricia told me she was about 30 pounds under weight. Apparently her mother is like forcefeeding her. She's really worried, (T).

Class went great (better) today. My teacher went over my report card today, with me. I have mostly A's, with skattered B's.

In reading, Melissa and I taught. David was really causing trouble, so we made him spit out his gum. He got mad, so Kenton had to spit out his gum. But Mrs. Simmon got mad at Kenton, not David. So I thought I'd really blew it. Then he asked me if he could sign my desk mat. I just about died!

*

I spose I best not get my hopes up about Kenton. He's probably 'going' with someone.

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Bad Teachers

March 13, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Today, like every other Tuesday since I started, was my private violin lesson. I think my musical skills are really improving. And I love it.

Tricia is still in a rotten mood, and we're all going through a cussing stage (my mom's getting on me for saying God!! etc.).

When Melissa and I taught reading class today everything went wrong. Nobody understood what we were trying to teach. I don't know if we're bad teachers, or what. Oh well, it'll go better tomorrow.

*

Boy is everything hectic around here! I wish I were with you.

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Fragile Heart

March 12, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Nothing exceptionally amazing has happened in the past day which I have neglected to write to you.

Poor Tricia's fragile heart is slowly breaking as she realizes that Kenton really likes Missy.

How silly he must think us silly girls to be.

In the hall I saw Andrea, 'hi' was the only word I said to her for quite awhile. Last Sunday I talked to Anne on the phone, we are both anxious to see eachother, soon.

Today, Melissa and I were teachers for the day (well, reading class that is), we led a disscusion [sic] on Ch. 5 of 'A Door in the Wall,' and presented Vocab. and a project.

*

I absolutely adored our telephone talk. It had been so long, I had almost forgotten how your viose sounded [sic sic].

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Teaching Quincy

March 10, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Tricia spent the night last night. So it completely slipped my mind to write here. For that I appoligize [sic]. Today was splended [sic]. I awoke at 7:30 and it really felt good!

I played with Quincy off and on. We even went for an afternoon walk. I try to teach Quincy as much as I can on these such outings. I wonder if he'll remember them.

After an active day now, I am sitting in my cozy waterbed. Having just finished 'The Theive of Bagdahd [sic]!' it feels good to be in bed, but I'm hot. Roasting actually. Since my eyes are drooping and 'Swan Lake' is getting me ready for my trip into My Mirror World.

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Snob

March 8, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Everything's been going great 'round here. Quincy still won't eat a thing (picky!), Tricia's still in love, I'm still in love (I just die when he smiles!), Andrea actually ate with us today.

Naw-- truthfully, after reading this, do I sound like a snob?

I don't know, but I don't think I'm one, at least I hope I'm not.

Rebecca, I got a letter from you today, and loved it. I'm just dying to go to TAG! I hope I make it.

*
I hope your [sic] happy right now. I am.

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Competing for Kenton

March 7, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Andrea still isn't paying us any attention and my clever vixon [Tricia] has lost all sence what-so-ever. Yes, she has been sucked hopelessly into the deadly vertex of our dear Kenton.

I think he's going for her too. Shoot!!

But I still get giddy when I'm around him.

With luck, he'll soon start coming to me (her best school friend) for advise. I love that.

He's so sophisticated and really good looking. Well it's hopeless now, with T. around. But it'll work out somehow.

*

Life is good, I'm happy. When I'm gone I'm leaving a mystery, and before I'll solve as many as I can.

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A New Student

March 6, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Well, Andrea has decided Tricia and I are no longer part of the cool group.

T & I gather she may consider us nerds, whether with some friendly hints from her 'in' friends I don't know, but she is treating us like dirt (especially Tricia).

Our wonderful class got a new student today. Kenton is his name and he seems really nice. He reminds me of Phil (Jeremiah's buddy), silly smile, dark curly hair, heavy set.

I think I like him.

Unfortunally [sic], Tricia has taken a fondness to him also. And I won't get a second alone with him with that clever vixon [sic] around. Plus, he hasn't met the very mature Veronica yet (who incidently [sic], is going with Kenton's cousin Simon).

*

I wouldn't be surprised if one day I saw some of Kenton's magnificent work in a museum (right by mine?)

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The Grade Book

March 5, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

I do hope I have an interesting dream tonight. They always make me happy, no matter what.

Apparently, all the sixth grade teachers have decided to quit 'baby-sitting' us with assignments (did you get this done? Ok, I'll give you one more day). My teacher told this to my mother, asking her not to tell me.

But she did and now I'm worried about the many zeros in the grade book. I know it will affect my grade.

I do good in school, but everyone is always worried about me all the same. Have I set my self-standards too high?

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Season Confusion

March 4, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

This may sound silly but I was under the impression that the next season (Spring) was going to be summer. For some strange reason the sunny beautiful afternoons just seemed like summer days to me.

In our family, there really [aren't] any rules.

There's no scheduled eating time, we rarely eat together, and other than dinner, it's mostly 'fend for yourself.'

However, we are a very close family without such formalities (which I think are un-needed) and I'm sure will remain that for evermore.

*

Well, Anne, I thought about you today. Mom said you were having problems in school, relax my dear, you're all right now, aren't you?

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Dream People

March 3, 1990 | Tacoma | Age 12

Dear Diary,

Strange as it may sound I am commonly aware that I am dreaming in my dreams.

So sometimes I tell people in my dreams: "Hey, don't worry, this is just a dream." Once, someone even answered back by saying: "I wish I could think about it like you."

Now, is it possible that your dream life is a separate life in itself? That if you see someone you know (or don't know) in your dream, they're really there? And to avoid difficulties, only one person remembers it? Sure! But if not that, dreams do serve some very important purpose. And I'm determined to find out what.

*

Try looking for different body parts in your dream life. Like your hands. You never know what it will do.

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Andrea Dream

March 3, 1990 | Age 12 | Tacoma

Dear Diary,

Last night I had a dream in which I spent the night at Andrea's house. Her mum was kind and intelligent, & father was a quiet man, wasn't mean, just kept busy, work was his life.

Where we slept (upstairs) was pink & had slanted walls. There were many white doors, all different sizes, in the walls. I had to find one that led to Andrea's room.

Now, doesn't that remind you of Alice in Wonderland?

I'll end it there, 'cause the rest will be forever in my mind (plus I have to go brush my teeth and meditate)

*

I can't believe how fast I'm filling up this thing!

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Deliah Cracked

March 1, 1990 | Age 12 | Tacoma

Dear Diary,

Well, I earned myself another $5.00 babysitting. Tonight I went over to Tina & Jerry's to sit Taylor ('bout 9 months old) while they went to a movie. Mom came along with me (my first time without the client around at their place) and I think I learned a lot. I'm well on my way to a profitable temporary career.

Deliah cracked today.

I was walking in line at school and all-of-a-sudden he reered back and accidentally knocked her out of my hands.

Tommorrow [sic] I'll have to stay in both recesses, though it sounds unfair. I spose everyone else had to.

*

I'm a happy person, life's carefree, dear loving family, precious friends. I love you, my dears.

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