Personal Narrative: Dinosaurs

At twenty-two years old my younger-self had previously pictured me in an entirely different place. I never imagined living in Texas, I’m originally from Chicago, and that’s where I thought I would reside. I thought I’d be graduated from college already, but fate had a different plan. And never in a million years did I think I would become a drug addict; but I am, and you know what? It’s been the best thing that has ever happened to me, it’s something I’m truly thankful for now. See, all the things listed above may seem like negative things if you look at them from an outside perspective; however to me, they’ve changed me in ways I never thought possible just six months ago. Multiple circumstances have led me to this point, but a few stick

Throughout my life I have lived in a number of homes in two different states. I was born in Dunedin, Florida on September 1st 1989. I lived in Florida for 7 years and then my family and I moved to Pennsylvania when I was 7 years old. My life has been filled with ups and downs, of course, but memorable nonetheless. And what brings me back to these memories are three objects that represent my past, present, and future: a snowboard, a bald eagle, and a

The radiant rays of light leapt off of the sun’s surface while a tiny flock of hummingbirds filled the azure sky with their sweet song. Meanwhile, the sky itself was clear, a blank canvas of light blue painted across the horizon. At the time, I was 5’5, athletically built, and relatively average in height compared to my seventh grade classmates. I had uneven locks of black hair that seemed to go out in every direction, similar to the quills of porcupine. Nevertheless, my body movements were sluggish due to the lack of sleep I had been receiving.

Hello everyone. My name is Saniyah Foster and I am currently enrolled in introduction to speech at Columbia College. Growing up my family has always taught me to be kind to animals and we were surrounded by many of them throughout my childhood. Being a lover of animals I’ve always supported the efforts of organizations fighting for the lives of animals.

Then, through the ocean of green trees, I’m riding in the back of a dusty truck. My belongings of cheap furniture, books, and way too much clothes are packed into the bed behind me. The barely static radio is tuning in an out of a country station as I take in the environment around me, anxious for the next big step of my life. These two journeys in my life are vivid memories to me.

I could already picture taking my Emu for walks, grooming its feathers, and even putting a saddle on it if it was possible. Before my mom could stop me, I strode to the giant glass door of my house where all of the shoes were sitting. I grabbed the only pair I could put on by myself, my rad kicks, Buzz Lightyear on the sides with two giant Velcro straps. I tightly wrapped the Velcro and hopped up ready to go. My reflection transparently looked back at me in our door. I wore my favorite shirt, a souvenir I had gotten in New York a year before with a giant yellow taxi on the front of it. In my cargo shorts I held my whopping four dollars and 35 cents. I loved the jingle the coins made because my Grandma would always tell me how it reminded her of her fallen brother. With a twist of the door handle, I was off. I took two steps at a time down our concrete stairs and didn’t even bother with the railing. The pet store I was going to was three blocks away, on the corner of Alberta and 30th. My eagerness to get my Emu compelled me to break into a quick sprint and all of my personal landmarks blurred past me. The place where I dropped my Ice cream cone, the part of the sidewalk that they dug up to replace a pipe, and the little corner store that had the lollipops my mom would sometimes treat me to. I heard her call me in the distance. Finally, I stumbled into the wide open door of the pet shop like a

My life, I mean... Most of it doesn't add up to much that I could relate as a way of life that you'd approve of... I'd like to be able to tell you why, but I don't really... I mean, I move around a lot because things tend to get bad when I stay. And I'm looking... for auspicious beginnings, I guess...”

The unfamiliar way of life was so exhilarating. The museums and galleries, the burgeoning art mecca in Brooklyn, everything was just a subway ride away. I was eager to begin anew with my husband who was helping me recover my health. I embraced life without the burden of my family’s traditional values. This journey brought me great friendships, experiences working at a major art gallery in Chelsea and managing an artist’s studio. I eventually opened my own gallery in upstate New York where I collaborated with artists and curators to bring exhibitions featuring local artists and contemporary art focused on current issues. I also managed a public art festival for a local arts organization to cultivate and facilitate community engagement. Along the way, I discovered who I am and continued to develop my own

“Live long and prosper.” Those four words are iconic; evocative of daring space adventures, thinly veiled 1960s-era anti-communist propaganda, and one of pop culture’s most famous friendships. In the summer before my junior year of high school they also became my mantra. That summer will forever be marked by days spent on a squishy orange couch in the basement of a house in Dublin, Ohio; laughing uncontrollably over the daring and absurd voyages of the Starship Enterprise with first two people I had ever met who cared about those silly, fictional adventures as much as I did. The discovery of our common interest in the exploits of Captain Kirk, Spock, and Bones, Star Trek’s beloved triumvirate, led to friendship and the formation of a triumvirate of our own. The simple fact that there are people in the world with whom you can unabashedly share your enthusiasm and who encourage you to fully embrace even the quirkiest facets of your identity has lent me the courage to do precisely that; to accept myself in all ways. I have found human connection to be an inherently hopeful experience.

Quite a few moments of time have passed since I wrote to you, and as I was on my journey, I had never achieved the words to reach out to you. Therefore, before I head into the wild, and break away from this materialistic society, I finally find the words to address you. If you’re questioning why I left, the core of a man is to travel and observe original experiences during his travels. And my journey to this land I stand on, has been a joyous trip bearing magnificent tales, but I envision my objective nearing its closure as each day passes on.

In the world of words let’s me our guest, Brady Suthard. Whom happens to be just myself. I enjoy reading novels, writing novels and short story, listening to music, learning,making music, and talking to peers. I detest having writer’s block, lack of sleep,sports,acne, conformity, etcetera. I am a happy and fun person to be around, for I try not to let anyone bring my morale down. I’m interesting because of my personal capabilities in many situations. As well as I believe in making mistakes,because without mistakes where would ourselves be and or move forth? I was also born in Charlottesville,Virginia and later when I was one, moved with my family back to my mom’s home state of Indiana.I also strive for the full focus and enjoyment of my studies

I am Ryder Anderson I lived in the Northeast of the United States with my family. We lived on a small farm in upstate New York. As a young man I was not only a farmer, but a young craftsman of furniture and followed into home building. It gave me a great trade and work ethic. Where also the farm is where I learned how to work with my hands and how to fix things around the house and farm, which than lead to my interest in steel and welding and where I established a construction and Furniture business. Which led me to move to the big city to get more work. I was from a middle – upper class family, we weren’t driving. The new car around us we didn’t have a radio for the longest time. Also we didn’t have an electricity until later in life so we

In February of 2002 I was three, and my family and I had just settled into our new house in West Hempstead. I can still remember the smell of the newly painted walls, the freshly polished floor, and the twinkle of the TV. Are you ready kids “Aye Aye Captain” I can’t hear you “AYE AYE CAPTAIN!” This is the sound that filled me with joy. I plopped down in front of the TV, and on the screen appeared a porous, yellow sponge with square pants. Blue eyed, with three eyelashes on each eye, two prominent front teeth, three freckles on each cheek; he wore a shirt with a red tie, brown trousers held up by a black belt and black shoes.

I’m so excited to introduce you a new series here at Downshiftology - Everyday Inspiration! If you’re anything like me (and I have a pretty good feeling you are!) you’re motivated by inspirational quotes, words of wisdom, mantras, positive affirmations and all around happy thoughts. Words that light you up and spread a little love, kindness and encouragement. Words that resonate deep in your core - and by that, I mean you’re instantly shaking your head in agreement, while saying to yourself, “Oh, I so needed to hear that today!”

The air was cold and windy. The beach was black, with small glossy pebbles, and shells. The shells on the beach where beautiful, shiny, and large bigger than my head. The water was gray with rocks that were big enough to climb on. The rocks held puddles of water with ocean life living in them. Small crabs where running over my feet as I sat on the rocks looking at the wave splash against it. A small trail going off of the beach, going to a