All I have left is this photo...

Samantha. My Grandmother on my Mom's side of the family tree. She died shortly after my birth so my only memories of her are from the stories and photos passed down through the generations. From what I can remember, which isn't much considering my age, she was a cheerful and loving person. Whenever around, she brought a smile to the faces of her peers. She loved unconditionally, or at least that's what my Grandfather used to tell me. However, even his stories seem so long ago...
After Grandma's death everything became so distant in our family. We stopped having family holidays because the pain was better off handled alone. As a whole unit we all grew apart. The fighting between Mom and her siblings escalated to an all time high. I don't think I ever will come to understand.
As I grew up I would often ask my Mother about Grandma, but she never would give me a straight forward answer. Mom would just tell me how much it hurt to lose a parent and that one day when I was older we would talk about these touchy subjects. However, that day never did come...Mom died a few years back, taking the stories and memories with her. I was only 24 at the time, I felt like a lost orphan. Alone in the world with nothing left besides that ancient baby picture.
I never will know the forgotten stories of that baby photo. It was Grandma's. The picture I mean. Living in a less technologically advanced time Grandma only has a handful of photos from her life. Forgotten. Long forgotten are the stories that go with them. Time has tattered the edges and even misplaced most of the pictures. So now here I am 50 years later...No parents. No stories. No hints. I am clueless. All I have left is this picture. I have tried to share it with my brother and sister but they prefer to live for the future, wanting no part in our family history. I do not know where to turn or what to ask next. So instead I have cherished Grandma's picture and tried to preserve it as well as possible. It's the only connection I have to the past, my window back through history...

TraLaLa-Matic

Jingle bells. Santa Clause. Presents. All things that remind me of Christmas time. For most young children this is a time of innocence and pure joy...Special attention to the MOST young children. Not that I had horrible Christmases or a major life changing scenario presented before me, but I will always remember our first grade Christmas concert. Everything was running smoothly, overall we were remembering our lines and even the motions that went along with all of our songs. Then it was almost time for my line, my huge debut as a student; however, right then is when I blew it.
I toppled off the top riser frantically trying to make it to center stage. I had made a complete fool of myself. Instead of going nuts about what everyone thought about it, I skipped up to the microphone and said the only thing I really wanted everyone to know, "I tried really hard". Now that got the parents to giggle. At first I was super embarrassed because I thought they were all laughing at my lack of coordination, later on I came to accept the experience and I have learned to smile about it. Lucky enough for me, Mrs. Anderson reminded me I had a line to say and what it was. After reciting my part I, rather gracefully, returned to my assigned spot on the top riser.
In my head the worst part was over and all that remained was celebrating Christmas as a family. I could not have been more wrong. Little did I know my Mom caught the moment on tape. Now every year it has turned into a holiday tradition to watch the Christmas program and pause for some cheer around the part where I lose my balance. I don't mind bringing a smile to everyone's face due to my less that graceful debut; however, I do mind that I was never again allowed to stand on the top riser...

Favorite Vacation

Kiss the Blarney Stone. Ride a ferry across the Irish Sea. Find a four leaf clover.
 If ever given the opportunity, my dream vacation would be to travel to the luckiest country of them all. I am very proud of my Irish heritage so one day I want to see it for myself. To one day walk through the picture perfect medows must be breathtaking...
I have dreamt about visiting Ireland since I was a child. Throughout my life I have done research and dedicated numerous projects to learn anything possible about the country. One of the main tourism attractions is in the Blarney Castle. Inside lies the Blarney Stone. One must lay down and upside down kiss the stone, granting them eloquence and persuasiveness. I wouldn't to it for the old wifestale promise; however, I would take full advantage of the opportunity.
Next I would take a ferry tour on the Irish Sea. Ireland is a island so taking a ferry to mainland is a common ordeal for anyone living here, but to the tourist riding on a ferry is a definate must. I would jump at the chance to relax and spend the afternoon on  a ferry soaking in every detail possible!
Finally I would spend the rest of my vacation playing in the rich, green meadows searching for a four leaf clover. Never expecting to find one, just to give it an honest effort and see if the luck of the Irish has blessed me.
A vacation as described may seem completely irrelevant and like a waste of time to some, but this is the destination of my dreams. I hope one day I can see it for myself!