Soleil Antle Archives - Page 3 of 3

Music To My Ears

April 29, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

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!

February 27, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

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

February 14, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

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.

What is the secret to relationships that last over 20 years?

January 31, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 6 Comments

By 7th-Grade Bloggers Soleil Antle and Morgan Richardson

We’ve been thinking about relationships. We thought the real experts of relationships are the ones that are in them–not just a high school boyfriend/girlfriend or even newlyweds–but more so people who have been through it all with over 20 years of relationship experience. Our parents, Jim and Elizabeth Richardson, Paul and Renee Antle, and Morgan’s family friends Ted and Kate, were the perfect candidates for interviewing on the subject of lasting relationships.

–Soleil and Morgan

My parents, Paul and Renee Antle, have been together for 35 years. When wondering how they knew their partner was “the one,” my mom Renee replied, “I knew he was the one because he was kind, and super intelligent, and taught me how to laugh again.” When an argument occurs between the two, they try to understand what may have caused the fight, and try to take responsibility if they were hurtful or in the wrong. Mom and Dad say the secret to a long-lasting relationship is “Honesty” and “patience.” Dad said, “Don’t expect perfection; that’s not what marriage is.”

–Soleil Antle

Jim and Elizabeth in snazzy outfits, enjoyed themselves at the Palm Valley School Gala.

My parents, Jim and Elizabeth Richardson, have been married for 20 years, and have two daughters, Louisa and me. Dad, when asked, “How did you know your partner was the one?” responded, “She embodied all the things that I wanted in one person.” When in a disagreement, they give each other some quiet time and try to put themselves in their partner’s shoes. Mom, when asked for relationship advice, responded, “Pick your battles; don’t ever think you can change someone.” Mom and Dad said the secret to a happy marriage is “Forgiveness.”

–Morgan Richardson

Kate and Ted in the middle of winter wear cozy sweaters and matching hats to escape the frigid cold and embrace their *coupleness*.

We interviewed Richardson family friends, Kate and Ted, who have shared their love for 45 years. Kate exclaimed, “That’s 315 dog years!” We saw how much they mean to each other. Ted said he knew Kate was the one at age 27 because he only felt happy and healthy around her. Kate explained what getting over arguments takes. “Getting over arguments takes compromise, and also, understanding that the other person isn’t wrong; she/he feels differently about the issue and sees things differently. That takes a long time to develop and understand.” The two said, “Do not lose your temper; that’s really scary for the other person. And, don’t live beyond your means because that one thing alone can put stress on everything else in a marriage.”

–Morgan and Soleil

After reviewing the knowledge from these three couples, we have learned that relationships take effort to be successful. Both partners need to support each other and work as a team, especially when children are involved.

Inspired by these heartwarming responses, Morgan created a love poem.

I love you, he said,

A big heart painted red

A white gown and golden rings,

Wedding band, one blue thing.

Patient and kind

Love never died.

In sickness and in health,

Your love is my greatest wealth.

My heart will always be with you,

My cheeks turn a red hue.

I love you, he said,

Together forever and till the end