the bird on fire

The Palm Valley School Student Blog

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A World Without Technology 

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By 8th-Grade Blogger Soleil Antle

Our world is defined by all the things that make it unique, our ability to sustain life, water, oxygen, etc., but lately we’ve been caught in a web of technology–one that is so addictive that we lose sight of who we truly are. We see influencers as role models and change ourselves to gain popularity. What’s the point in changing ourselves to be like other people? In the past, we were true to ourselves. When I think of social media and AI, I wonder what our world would be like without that technology.

Not all technology is inadequate, as the different forms give us things like electrical power, the satisfaction of researching a topic online, discoveries to help us communicate with astronauts up in space, medical findings and much more. But there is one thing everyone seems to be addicted to, and that is the iPhone. Children of this generation are growing up using their screens all day long, spending their time learning “brain rot” or binge watching shows. Parents don’t realize the effect that constant screentime has on their children as they are also busy scrolling on Instagram or TikTok themselves. But, if we were to take the scrolling and the binge watching away, even for a short period of time, we would become more involved in what is happening around us. 

The University of Chicago Press says, “The mere presence of one’s . . . smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity.” Photo Credit: Soleil Antle

Back in time when we didn’t have such things as tablets or iPhones, people spent their time hanging out with their friends and family. Relationships were stronger and children didn’t try to change who they were based off images they saw online. This type of socializing emphasized the phrase “live in the moment.”

Social media is a loop that triggers the brain’s reward system through likes, comments, etc. It helps with FOMO (fear of missing out) and makes people forget about the real world problems they are facing. But, when I think of all the problems we are facing in the world today, I wonder if some problems come from children being inappropriately influenced. Influencers who spread their content on social media have a lot more power than it seems, and their word has a big impact on many people. This applies to the foods they eat, what they wear, how they act. Aspiring adults take in what these people are saying, and use it for themselves. Not embracing their true selves makes them “sheep.” (Sheeple : people who are docile, compliant, or easily influenced.–Merriam-Webster).

If we took away the power of mindless influencers, we would use our best judgement. We would talk to family and friends more, and be kinder to everyone. Think about your life, your addiction to technology. How can you work in a little time to spend with family, friends or hobbies without a phone in your hand? 

Sometimes you just have to put your phone down and live in the moment.

The Beast Inside Its Beauty

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By 8th-Grade Blogger Soleil Antle  

Sarah challenged us to write about The Beauty and the Beast of Things. Sarah explains, “I think everything, beautiful or not, has a ‘beast’ in it. For example, a mountain has a lot of beauty, but it can also be seen as a beast with its landslides and avalanches. Also, the sun produces a sunset, which is gorgeous but when too close, it becomes a scorching hot star.” Sarah challenged us to describe a thing in detail–addressing the positive and the negative of it.

Soleil responds with a look at the beauty and the beast of relationships.

I’m sure anyone has that one person whom they loved so deeply at some point in their life but was betrayed by. It’s hard to imagine a time when they were your core, and now all that’s left is a distant memory. I can’t express the physical destruction it causes, but I know it’s not a pain that goes away quickly. Both love and companionship can be described as beautiful and substantial, but there’s a beast hidden inside its beauty. Not every love story works out nor does a lifetime of commitments, but that is life, and in every fairy tale someone usually gets hurt. This is an original poem about the complexities of someone you once loved turning unloving. 

Winds Change

Always be ready to lose anyone
Because people change like seasons. 
They say they’re there forever
But still end up leaving, as if you meant nothing. 
One second you’ll breathe the same air,
Your joy and laughter are untamable.
The next it's all a distant memory,
One you can hardly remember.

When you stop giving, you see who’s genuine.
When you stop talking you see who actually cares.
Silence is power.
Loyalty is strength.
And truth is reality.

My mind wanders
As the illusion of you roams free in my mind; 
Maybe you left your mark
Embedded in my brain
Reminding me to forget 
That someday I will see you again,
As you left this hurt to me.

I’ve seen the scars you hide beneath– 
The tears shield inner peace.
I would’ve stood by you, so caught in the dark.
But you are not the only one who’s lost.
We could have taken on the world just us;
not anymore. 

There’s no right place to be.
And though I can’t bring you back,
And I don’t wish for another like that, 
It still hurts to breathe
From long ago
when you dug that hole so deep in me. 

Loyal, I once thought you were,
But you crushed me like dried leaves.
Now all we share is our community of air 
And the silence of our old joy.
Nothing is forever, as seasons pass through.
Be ready to lose someone.
Hearts and courage hold truth.

People come and they go in your life, but your true friends are there forever. A person’s mental health is always affected after losing someone or something so special. When you imagine their laugh or smile again, it hurts more than physical pain, but that is the risk we take for love, isn’t it? Sometimes the good things in life don’t last, but they add to the story of your journey.

Faded Smiles

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By 8th-Grade Blogger Soleil Antle 

Our PVS bloggers wanted to explore emotions. Soleil turned to verse. She’s capturing an exchange that happened recently, an exchange that prompted layers of emotions–including, and most strikingly, sadness.

When I think of a strong emotion, sadness comes to mind, the aches and pains, without the blood or the scrapes, a constant reminder of regrets that dangle over your head, like a moment you missed that could’ve changed your life. Your efforts to move past that grief and despair create a hole so large that only greater pain can make an impact. You don’t know how much you love something until you can’t have it. For me, the heartache and sadness occurred in a missed conversation.

An original poem for people who have regrets when talking to a loved one–by Soleil Antlle

The nothingness I feel in my lungs
Conspires against what once was.
Words pour outside your mouth
Not ones I listen to, but ignore. 
Your presence annoys me. 
I’m not sure why,
But in the end I’m not the same. 

Wrinkles fade as smiles turn into frowns.
Hurt, confusion as you look at me.
My sassy smirk of a face grins.
Memories of you holding my hands,
Teaching me to fold, hugging me tight,
Those boastful moments you had about me–
I don’t care; it's ancient history. 

You look at me and see a toddler,
Though I’ve changed. 
Still you imagine my old actions,
A little one who loved so deep.
I’ve moved on to a new journey, 
One too hard for you to climb.

The thoughts of you hold me back, 
But I yearn for one thing as I leave–
A conversation of sentimental exchange,
One where I tell you I love you, 
Though I never did get that conversation 
As I drove away watching you wipe your tears.

The same depth of emotion that makes it so hard for people to hide their feelings is also what frightens them when trying to reveal their heartbreaking vehemence. For me, not being able to have that single conversation has kept me thinking of what could’ve been in those moments. I missed a talk that could’ve patched a broken relationship. – Soleil

Is Power a Good Thing?

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This week, our bloggers consider the in’s and out’s of power and leadership. Soleil begins with a balanced approach. Wait until you get to Sami’s, Mason’s, and Morgan’s pieces on power run amuck.

By 8th-grade writer Soleil Antle 

Power is defined as “the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events,” so says Leadership Magazine.  

Thus, power is an extremely influential force. But, remember: not only can it inspire greatness; it has the ability to destroy. When power lies in the hands of someone who has the will to improve and create opportunities while opening doors of new wisdom and ideas, it is capable of shaping history, impacting nations, and changing lives. Think of the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr., George Washington, and Oprah Winfrey. However, power comes with responsibility. When that ability is abused and turned into manipulation and lack of empathy, it turns power dark and dangerous. 

Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous Civil Rights “I have a dream” speech before an estimated crowd of 250,000 (constitutioncenter.org).

When you have power, you control, and when seeking a positive outcome, it takes influence, perseverance, responsibility, and compassion. Abraham Lincoln, though a powerful president, faced many setbacks, personally and politically. He endured business failures, losses in elections, family tragedies, etc. (abrahamlincolnonline.org) But that didn’t defeat him; he continued excelling by persevering and using his determination, and that elected him President. He ended up making a powerful impact leading the county through the Civil War, uniting the Union and even ending slavery. He was one of the most influential people to use their power for good.   

Abuse of power often leads to an exploitation of the human condition. To have an impact on the people around you, your approach must be appropriate. I know that personally if a decision were to be made that affected me, I would like to contribute input rather than being told what to do. Regarding my education or career choice, I want to choose, do my research, and find a school or profession perfect for me that reflects my interests, because this is my future. I wouldn’t like it if that was chosen for me. 

If you use your influence to explore the thoughts and opinions of others, you show your respect. If you gather other people’s opinion on big tasks, that could change the way they are living in a good way, and you are more likely to follow through on the commitments you promised them. People want to have a say in what is happening around them; otherwise, they see you as someone who is thoughtless and only in it for the title.  

Power is not defined by its title: President, Queen, Governor, etc. When used selfishly for personal gain, it creates a divide, and you model ill action. As a kindergartner you have an older buddy who is typically a role model, someone you look up to. Whatever they do you learn from–right and wrong–and might try doing it yourself. Innovations, ideas, connections come from political and social experiences that help guide you to make stronger decisions, pushing boundaries you once thought were unbreakable. I’ve learned as a gymnast that it’s not all about how you perform but who you are as a teammate. I tend to do better when I’m in a healthy mindset and making rational decisions that better benefit me and my gymnastics. Your motive determines your outcome. 

“I’ve learned, power doesn’t control you, but what you choose to do with it defines your destiny.”

— Soleil Antle

Who Better to Talk about Friendship than Your Teammate?

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By Soleil Antle

When writing about friendship advice, Soleil thought who better to ask than her gymnastics teammates, a group of teenage girls as thick as thieves. These girls train countless hours in the gym, being each others’ biggest supporters and helping each other with any and every task. But, what advice do they have themselves about building a strong friendship?

Question: What advice do you have for building strong friendships? 

——————————————————————————————-

Ava P: 

“The advice I have is to always speak honestly; the best thing you can do is tell the truth. Also make sure you are there to support and listen to the other person as much as possible. But most importantly be honest. It’s also good to make sure you keep in contact with them. You don’t have to see someone everyday, you can text or call your friend as long as you have a way to communicate.”

————————————————————————————————————————–

Quinn:

“Respect people for who they are and don’t judge them for doing things differently than you do. To build a strong friendship with someone you would want to feel comfortable being yourself when you are with them. For me especially when I’m with my teammates at gymnastics I feel comfortable as I know we all respect each other for who we are, even if we have different opinions on things. 

Even though some of my teammates are a lower [gymnastics] level than me, I still choose to treat them with the same respect as someone in my own level. Whether you’re in level 4 or 10 it doesn’t impact the person you are, friendship shouldn’t be defined by your status.”

———————————————————————————————————————–

Ava I:

“A strong friendship is built on kindness, honesty, and trust–being there for your friend, listening when they need to talk, and making time to have fun together. When both people care and put in the effort, the friendship grows stronger.”

———————————————————————————————————————

Lindsay: 

“My advice on being in a strong friendship is to be honest and be yourself. Don’t change who you are so that you can have a strong friendship and pretend you like things the other person likes to have a stronger bond. Be true to yourself and who you are. Be open and honest about how you feel. A friendship is stronger if you are open and honest with the other person about how you are feeling. It is always easier to talk things out than to be dishonest and potentially hurt the friendship and bond you have created.”

————————————————————————————————————————

Zoe:

“A piece of advice I have for building strong relationships is to show empathy. Showing up for someone and trying to understand their situation is something only a true friend would do and helps create a strong friendship. This creates a strong friendship because it proves that even in tough times you know that you have each other’s backs. A strong friendship is built through consistency and trust. Continuing to show up for your friends time and time gains their trust. If your friends know you are there for them, and can trust you, that is a real, genuine and strong relationship.”

When you have a team as strong as this one, so well connected with a genuine bond, it shows that these little things matter. Friendship isn’t about the title: it’s about being each other’s biggest support, comfort, and joy. Every single one of these girls loves each other, and it’s evident as they are always willing to listen or help one another in a difficult time. I don’t know how many times these girls have given me pep talks or helped me with a skill, but I do know our friendships are a forever bond that’s rare to have. — Soleil

Fellow gymnasts and Soleil at a team dinner exchanging Secret Santa gifts.
Lindsay and Soleil on a paddleboarding excursion after practice.

 

An Ode to Morgan

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By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle

As you might know, seventh graders Morgan Richardson and Soleil Antle are the closest of buddies, and have been since fourth grade. Soleil writes a poem about her dear friend, and all the thoughts and memories that they share. 

Your evil cackle, your grinning smile, 

I can’t help but stare for a while.

Us together a chaotic scene,

Kids running around calling us mean.

Our laughter untamable don’t you agree,

Our souls forever set free.

Teachers putting us together, 

Oh how they must be under the weather. 

The expression of thoughts similar indeed,

Angers one, the other succeeds.

The competitive edge you’ve set in me,

Sparks wisdom, to the third degree. 

You and I don’t make much sense,

But our confidence level is over the fence.

You make me happy; you make me sad, 

A crazy duo I might add. 

Our inside jokes we don’t even understand,

Oh, our actions quite unplanned. 

Sumo wrestling, I always win,

Accept the times, you spin, spin, spin.

Nonsense-filled ideas flood our mind

Connect us like a tight bind. 

Little white lies, we tell for fun,

Concerning numbers more than one. 

Milano’s your day’s sweet treat,

Oh we enjoy that middle-school seat. 

Always an adventure no doubt,

I hope the staff don’t hear us shout.

After all is said and done, Soleil thinks on her friendship with Morgan and concludes, Acknowledge the people that matter to you because at the end of the day they are there for you.

Food On a Deeper Level

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By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle 

Food is more than a meal; food is more than a thought; it’s the reason for our existence. There is a deeper level of communication between us and our food. We express ourselves through our baking/cooking as people always give their proudly baked meals to their families and friends who might be grieving or thriving in the world. If you really think about it, food connects all people. 

Some people escape their sadness and bury themselves in their food, as it becomes comfort and pleasure. Emotionally, food is always there: the textures, flavors, aroma, and the visual attraction. You can sometimes hear food, like the bacon sizzling on a stove. After a bad day you just want to sit down and enjoy your favorite meal, whatever it might be. Flavor plays a big part in the emotional side of food; it’s hard to explain, but when you taste a meal that has clearly been worked on, you can feel the special connection between the chef and the plate–unlike fast food that is just pure chemicals thrown into a bag, with no love. My mom, an incredible cook, bakes from her heart. I can’t describe the amount of times she has stood at the oven all day whipping up something amazing. One of my personal favorites is her Blondies. They are vanilla brownies which are crunchy outside and soft inside. The whole seventh-grade class is obsessed with these, and you can see the smiles erupt on their faces every time we smell them. You take one bite, and you just want to eat the whole batch. 

Others take pride in their culture creating special dishes and sharing them through the community. For example, Thanksgiving, here in the United States we celebrate by gathering together and sharing a large feast with turkey, potatoes, jams, stuffing, etc. We talk with people we haven’t seen in ages and share laughter. A lot of families also have special traditions like eating potluck style where each brings a favorite dish.

Another way families are brought close together is making memories like cooking for the first time. I remember being a toddler and standing on the stool just so I could reach the countertop to decorate sugar cookies with my mom. She would go all out and grab all the sprinkles and icing she had, making sure my sister and I would have the best time. It was always a competition as to who would get the bigger spoon to lick off the batter. It still tasted great even though it wasn’t even baked.

As a result food is more than nutrition; it’s a wonderful thing that brings joy and comfort. When I come home from a long day of school and practice, I just want to eat the delicious food my mom is preparing in the kitchen. It brings a smile to her face when my sister and I tell her how good her food is.

Sources: 

The Deeper Meaning of Food In Our Lives
The Meaning of Food

Music To My Ears

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By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle 

Music, a harmony of emotion in which people listen to escape their lives and be free, often brings comfort. Music comes in many forms, enough to fit anyone’s personality. From the intense beats of hip hop to the soft melodies of classical symphony, music soothes and moves. I’ve asked my fellow seventh graders about what soothes and moves them. 

PVS 7th-graders Emmy Kaminsky, Max Pretorius, and Ben Rouche have music tastes as varied and eclectic as they are.

What is your favorite song?

Morgan:

Right now I’m loving “Revolving door” by Tate McRae. 

Max:

I need to think about that for a little. . . . “California Gurls” by Katy Perry.

Gavin: 

Uhhhhh, it would be “Quarentine” by Tim Montana.

Grace: 

Right now “Mrs. Whitman” by Bhad Bhabie.

Sarah: 

Uh, what’s it called . . . . ”Luther” by SZA.

Julian:

“Heather” by Conan Grey.

Calum: 

My favorite song is “on one tonight” by Gunna. 

Ivana: 

“Boomerang” by Jojo Siwa!

Silvanita:

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose one it would be “Chess Type Beat.” 

Jaxon:

“Peppa Pig” theme song.

Emerson Dunn:

Ummm, “Notion” by The Rare Occasions.

Millie:

“Birds of a Feather” by Billie Ellish. 

Ben: 

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose it would be “Billie Jean,” by Michael Jackson.

Mason:

“Veggietales” theme song!!!!

Devlin:

“Immortal” by Fall Out Boy; it’s a good song.

Emmy:

”Noah” by Megan Moroney, for surezies. 

Peter:

Idk, “Fireball” by Pitbull.

Jackie:

I like the Happy Birthday song. 

These answers were nothing short of what was expected of the crazy, chaotic, and lively seventh grade class. All students of the graduating year of 2030 have personality and aren’t afraid to speak their mind. Maxwell Pretorius was jamming out early that day to the sounds of his favorite song “California Gurls.” Katy Perry definitely made him smile. My favorite song is anything by Tate McRae, but if I had to narrow to one, I’d have to choose “Siren Sounds (bonus).” I’ve linked the song “Siren Sounds (bonus)” below. Give it a listen. At the end of the day everyone is different, but music is a thing everyone can enjoy. 

A Dream Valentine’s Day!

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A Survey Conducted by Soleil Antle 

Valentine’s Day is a special time once in a year to celebrate yourself, family and friends, no matter how far. On this day the air is filled with the magic of joy and appreciation as people send gifts and sweet messages of affection to their loved ones across the globe. Curious about Valentine’s Day celebrations close to home, seventh-grade blogger Soleil Antle asked the Palm Valley School faculty to describe their perfect Valentine’s Day. 

Ms. Patino from the Upper-School Office has a confident response!

Soleil: What is your perfect Valentine’s Day laid out?

Ms. Patino: Spend a day in Japan, exploring the city, and eating some Japanese food. Ending the day with my favorite donut (mochi donut) from Mr. Donut. 

Soleil: What gift would you want? 

Ms. Patino: Pink roses, and a Nintendo Switch. 

A short and sweet response from PVS Bookkeeper Alice Burkholder!

Soleil: What would you like to do on Valentine’s Day? 

Alice Burkholder: I would like a massage and a nice dinner.

Soleil: What is your dream gift? 

Alice Burkholder: A fully paid expense trip to Italy. 

A thoughtful reply from History teacher Mr. Satterfield. 

Soleil: What is your ideal Valentine’s Day?

Mr. Satterfield: I’d go on a nice walk with my wife and my dog, and we would go to our favorite restaurant, Talay Thai. Then we would go back home and watch a movie.

French teacher Ms. Brady has a great response! 

Soleil: What would you like to do on Valentine’s Day?

Ms. Brady: I’d like to have my nails done and get a facial, then get a new outfit at Bloomingdales (with new shoes). Then I want a candlelit dinner in a really nice restaurant, with crème brûlée  for dessert.

Soleil: What about the perfect gift?

Ms. Brady: An all-expense paid vacation to Paris, first class tickets. Hotel stay at the Georges V!

Ms. Maguire gives a humble response. 

Soleil: What is your perfect Valentine’s Day laid out?

Ms. Maguire: I would come to school in Valentine’s Day clothes and get free ice cream from Handels.

Soleil: What gift would you want?

Ms. Maguire: Somebody else makes my dinner and it tastes delicious and I don’t have to clean dishes. 

Mrs. Fisher answers fiercely!

Soleil: What would be your perfect Valentine’s Day?

Mrs. Fisher: My perfect Valentine’s Day would be a really delicious meal, in a romantic setting after having spent the day with my husband either golfing or having a massage. Then capping it off with a nice meal.

Mr. Killeen gives a lengthy response.

Soleil: How would you spend your Valentine’s Day?

Mr. Killeen: Get up early, and I mean real early before the sun rises. Then get in the car, get out to a trail, not just any trail though–one with a crazy view with either a waterfall-ending or a mountain-view ending. Hike up for an hour in the dark, stop for a cup of coffee, which I make over a small camp stove while watching the sun rise. Continue up the mountain till you reach the end. Have a wonderful picnic dinner there, with a hiking buddy. Camp overnight with companions. Then hike down the next day.

Soleil: The best gift would be? 

Mr. Killeen: The best gift would be to travel to Patagonia/Iceland with friends. 

These are very thorough answers from our Palm Valley School faculty, quite the variety. As I interviewed people, I have learned just how unrealistic these dreamed-of days are, but it’s all about the imagination. Whether you’re on a vacation in Paris or enjoying a massage, you are spending time with those special people. “Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is growing up.” James Baldwin

–Soleil Antle 

A Vampire’s Suite

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It’s Modernism Week here in the desert. So, the Blogging Staff has given thought to Architecture. Soleil (because we can’t always explain where Soleil’s mind goes) designs in verse a dream house for a . . . vampire. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but the macabre-minded will find it gangrene and cozy.

By Middle-School Blogger-Poet Soleil Antle 

My raging heart of murder–destruction,

self pity, and loneliness long for a home:

Dark colors and intense textures;  

A big black castle house, blood-sucking turrets;

Ash stains on the floors, a blood red carpet;

Arched door frames filled with bugs,

Ceilings up high, with chandeliers of rust; 

Eight open caskets for lounging comfort,

Gut-stained floors with a dome-shaped mural,

A resting place for my fangs,

A blazing untamed fire pit,

A hole so deep only death is an option,

Shelves of books written about gangrene and pain,

Skull-embedded comforters, pillows of teeth;

Eyeballs at the breakfast table, a nice sweet treat.

The sun comes out and suffocates me;

May my bats rest in peace.