Last one

     So I guess this is how it ends, maybe, in a single post. As I began to write about this blog deeper and deeper, I realized something, what am I supposed to do with this? I had learned about life and what its cracked out to be, as well as myself; what I was to make of this knowledge. I found out that my blog had something more than me ranting about the park, a prelude. Then it all just started making its own path, almost like a guide with clues along the way. I got to the end of the path, but something tells me it’s far from over.
     I find it strange that I never stop learning about myself. Then again I’m only 17 raw, tamed and ignorant. My so called life has just begun and immediately Mr. Reid (My English teacher) saved my life. When he first assigned this observation I didn't care, I honestly didn't. I had no interest in learning something more, but then I noticed everybody else was actually having great experiences, so I went out to get some for myself. You see ignorance can and does define the way a person acts and thinks. I was stuck in the zone where you pretend that you don’t care but you really do and it scares you. I know it sounds cliche, in some weird way, but this park has changed me.
     You already know that my original observation subject was my brother. But during each class I noticed that Mr. Reid wanted something more, something extraordinary. Not living people but living things. All that came to my mind was the park. The park; which my family has been going to for years. Where we created memories and where they remained. I choose the park because here is where I come to remember. I have memories of my dad and grandmother ;who were a huge deal in my life. They were the ones who believed in me, loved me unconditionally, taught me right from wrong; they were everything a person needed to survive. And now they’re gone, and I don’t get to see them anymore. It’s harder without them. I miss them terribly but when I come here, to this park, I get flashbacks, memories of us happily together. I have a special bond with this park, but I stayed away from the park for a while; my grandma left me to go be with my dad in Mexico (their not dead, if that’s what you thought) . I didn’t want to deal with this grief but after some time I was ready and came to the park. I couldn’t believe it; everything was destroyed, like me.  I was angry; I blamed everyone, the world, for not doing anything. I thought to myself, this world has destroyed what was most precious to me.
      Many say Ignorance is the root of suffering and they were right. I had lost my father and grandmother, while the only thing I had left from them was the park full of memories.When I saw the park slowly falling apart it was like if my memories were being destroyed. Ignorance is more than just the absence of knowledge; it is also the negative opposite of wisdom.  We live in a world promoting ignorance, vivifying the illusionary, and ignoring, even denying, the true essence of things.  I had searched on the internet why the lake was in bad conditions and it was because of the drought, people can’t control the weather but I didn’t care, I still blamed them. All I cared about was my memories. I would write about my adventures at the park and what other injustices I found. I don’t think I was looking, because a person who carries hatred in their heart is blinded by it. I tried to focus on the damage but really I only wrote about my memories. I wrote about the favorite spots of my grandmother and father. I wrote about what they hated the most in the park like the pit of shame. I wrote about the advice they had given me. My grandmother and father inspired this whole blog and i didn't even notice it.(B. the root of suffering)
     A great man once said “Nothing is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” (Martin Luther King Jr.) In my blogs I wrote about the park not getting enough attention to itself, but in reality it did, it was getting a new water circulator that cost thousands of dollars. The state was actually putting in a lot of money for just one park that went the world to me. Nothing could have been done to prevent this. I knew the drought was the main reason for the conditions of the park but I couldn’t stand just waiting around for rain or snow. I grew iimpatient. I tried to blame it on the Mann, on everyone. I never noticed how wrong I was. Its mother nature, we can’t control her. Mother Nature works in mysterious ways, she destroys herself and then rebuilds. I wonder why she does that? (http://badirawe.blogspot.com/2011/01/can-mother-nature-destroy-herself.html) Humans are mother nature. We are not separate from mother nature. We came from the bowels of the earth just like every other creature. So if we are polluting and abusing the earth, it is mother nature herself who is abusing and polluting herself. I think to myself why? Maybe she wants to get rid of all the bad so that we may coexist and peruse our happiness.
     My favorite poem about ignorance is
Ignorant Heart
The lies were silent
And the unassuming heart unaware
Accepting them as truth
That did not believe the truth anymore
By: Amitav Radiance
(Hello Poetry)

     This poem precisely explains the stubborn mind of a young person. I block out the right and left in the wrong but after a while I grew tired of complaing and ranting and started to actually pay attention to the world around me. I had finally learned that blaming the people around me wasn't going to bring back those wonderful memories nor my family. And so I realized I had to change my state of mind. Life isn't easy; young people are constantly reminded by adults but I believe we all understand.  But we rather not face it for the moment of now that we are young and live life as its meant to be, free. Sometimes life gets too stressful and we don’t know how to deal with it on our own. That is what I believe that causes ignorance. So yes I am seventeen and don’t know the first thing about the real world but I do know that everyone needs someone in their life. Therefore I intend to share this with other students who may have lost someone important in their lives.I know this is only the first step of me finding my true self but i'm prepared for whatever comes next in my life even though I will never be able to know everything about  myself. Nobody is perfect, we've all got our little flaws that make spontaneous, amazing, different, and extraordinary. As I said before this is the end but it’s a new beginning where we get to learn about ourselves and other loved ones. 
     Another quote that I love is "Should I choose the smoothest course, steady as a beating drum? Is all my dreaming at an end or do you still wait for me dream giver?" (Just around the river bend)We have two roads to ride in our lives. A safe course; one you've been through and know how to handle or the dangerous one where we experience new amazing things. I guess what I am trying to say is that the prelude to this blog is to find your own place in the world and create an amazing life no matter the consequences and no matter how hard it gets you will make it through. What course will you take?

Citations 
"Just around the River Bend- Pocahontas (lyrics)." YouTube. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZrg3hhntQY>.
"Ignorant Heart." Hello Poetry. Web. <http://hellopoetry.com/words/2756/ignorant/poems/>.
"How Cities Use Parks to Improve Public Health." American Planning Association. Web. <https://www.planning.org/cityparks/briefingpapers/physicalactivity.htm>.
"Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes." Brainy Quote. Web. <http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/martinluth101536.html>.
"Overcoming Ignorance." Taoism.net. Web. <http://www.taoism.net/theway/ignorance.htm>.

Around the world

     I have a usual routine when I jog around the park. My family and I park our car right in front of the workout center. In front of it is a ledge where you can see how dried out the lake is. There are two types of people here. Those who try to accomplish something and then those who pretend too.  
     I always see the same usual people, in their usual clothes. The elderly couple are my favorite. The much older man sits on the blue polled uncomfortable brown benches with holes through it. In front of him, a woman who I think is his wife. They both are more fit than I am. I enjoy seeing the elderly people try to stay fit. It shows that no matter what age you can always maintain a healthy life style. We could all learn a thing or two from old people.
     Next to the couple are the three Hispanic guys who compete against each other for the amount of pull ups being done. Its sort of annoying because each one only does about six to seven pull ups, not that I can do more or anything like that. Its just that right after doing the pull ups they always drink beer in their cars. It shows a bad influence on the children walking around with their parents. These guys aren't getting anything done and if they do they destroy it by drinking beer.
     This park provides people with a basic, gym and then for cardio; a mile long trail along the parks lake. This park is very beneficial for the health of humans. A lot of people come just to run around the park . If it weren't here many people would have no where else to go and get lazy; fat. In a website, I found that 75% of people think parks help the community. Parks increase fitness and reduce obesity. Not only that but parks provide people contact with nature, it is known to confer certain health benefits and enhance well-being.
(https://www.planning.org/cityparks/briefingpapers/physicalactivity.htm)
    I stand next to these people, stretching on the picnic tables on the right side of the workout center. Around the picnic tables are trees full of whistling birds. I get bored after a while, so I start to jog counter clockwise. I pass the old wooden bridge where the little river used to pass by. I start to run uphill on the cement trail. There is a sand trail but I think its slippery, so I could possibly fall into the lake. And I'd really like it if that wouldn't happen to me.
     Along the running path is a trail of cars with people inside eating sandwiches, pizzas and hamburgers. I think this is rather rude of them because the people jogging around are trying to have sexy bodies. While these fat people are mocking us by eating their deliciously greasy food in their cars. Their is only men in the cars and its always the same people. Their all light skinned with long bushy beards in plain t-shirts and they are all really over-weight. Its awkward passing by them because they just stare at you, that is when I jump on to the sandy path. I feel sort of guilty because I can't help but feel they're not trying to be rude but just jealous or even scared about trying to working out. Maybe that's why they're always bring food and eating it here.
     Once I pass the fat people I start to run up hill, my legs are getting tired already. To my left as always is the lake and to my right is a bunch of beautiful homes with perfectly cut grass and perfectly aging trees. These homes have better trees then the park, their all cared for. Next to the houses, up the road, is a play ground with a field in the back. Its shaped like a triangle, with trees outlining it. To the left is the play ground; full of children with mothers yelling their names, to the right is a bunch of picnic tables and in the back the field where everyone plays soccer. I tend to not stare at the children because they just plainly stare back.
     Its hard to breath now, my chest is burning. I stop to use my inhaler and catch my breath because next is the mountain. Its not really a mountain actually, its just very steep. I hate it. I sprint to the top, here I smell the purple flowers. Behind the flowers is a small forest of bushes and a couple trees. I see men use this as a restroom, don't go around their guys you might see something that will scar you for life. I start to trot down the hill like a horse, because my legs literally feel like Jell-O and I just know if I try to run down I'll fall on my face. Everyone else does it too. While going down hill I like to stare at the dog park that's across the street. The park is big but its literally all dirt, I don't see how the dog's can enjoy themselves that way. No wonder pet owners take their dogs to the children's park. Next to the dog park is a coral with horses. I never see the same horses altogether, their the same exact horses but they keep getting taken somewhere. There is a white, brown, and black horses. They always keep their distance, I don't think they trust us. And they have every right not to. Horses are trained by being whipped and tortured. All they know is that they should obey the orders so that they don't get hit anymore. It always makes me sad to see the horses caged like this. There is one horse I like the most; the dark brown one. It (I don't know if its a girl or boy) reminds me of my childhood memory when I was six years old, my dad made taken me to the mountains. I'm not quite sure where but people come here to shoot. Me and my dad were on our way to go shooting when my dad saw wild horses or "free horses." Know I was quite the courageous gal and wasn't afraid or so what my father had taught me. My dad told me to get out of the car and we walked really close to a tall dark brown horse. My father paused and said, "Go pet that horse." He pointed to a tall horse that was eating grass. I looked at that man like he had completely gone mad and the funny thing was that I was madder. The horses head was down in the grass, as I stepped closer, i reached for its head. I felt its soft hair run through my fingers like silk, a smile creped up on my face. The horse panicked, it had never been touched by a human I presume. It raised its front legs at me, I then knew I was dead. Its hoove managed to hit my left arm and I fell back, gently. My dad ran to pick me up as the horse ran away. I wasn't hurt. I didn't say anything, not a word. I was only confused, and I asked myself," What did I do wrong?"
     I'm more then half way done now and I've grown tired of the same old road. I try to move as quickly as possible. To my right is the mountains of rubble left from the destroyed apartments. To my left I finally get to my favorite spot where you can see the sun set perfectly. I can't enjoy it right now though, I am to busy heaving in pain and exhaustion. This is the time when everyone pulls out their phones or camera. We always seem to do that, I think its because we miss the sun or we sometimes forget how beautiful it really is. It only lasts for a couple minutes, then the world shuts down and gets colder. The sunset is over now and its time to give it all I've got. I pass by the doc where no one bothers to get on anymore, the picnic tables; where for some reason people like to work out in front of, the pit of shame and the restrooms. Where for some reason men can't seem to locate.
     Finally I get to the dreadful trail of trees surrounding a crumbling road and at the end, the blue sign that marks the finish line. Every time I look across it, it looks like a million miles away. I'd rather quit and save myself the trouble and sweat. My throat is dry from my harsh breathing, and the smell of the water is only making me sick. The people and their dogs stare at me. Am I breathing loud? This is where I say "Come on! GO! What's the matter? Is that all you got?" This usually does it and I take off, I'm sprinting as fast as I can, with every bit of energy I have left. I try not to scream.
-I'm there.
"How Cities Use Parks to Improve Public Health." American Planning Association. Web.31 Nov.2014.

Hope

 

Before I begin I'd like to let you know that my teacher, Mr. Reid in the beginning of the year had shown our class pictures of plants some how finding there way through anything.

( The flower of hope)

That being said I remember when i had stumbled upon a sun flower that was quite small. Now that was pretty damn exciting to me because I had never seen flowers of this sort before in the park. Flashing back to the way I had learned Mr. Reid's lesson; that even though there is a lot of bad in a place good can always find its way through. Through out the park a lot of injustice has happened, but if you just put that a side for a moment and realize what's happening around you, well that just makes a world of a difference.

 

 

( Ducks in tne water)

 

 

( Ducks on the edge of the lake)

 

                                                                       ( Swan)
For instance I noticed a lot more birds had returned, even a swan. It had beautiful wings and it moved with such grace through the water. I loved it. As I watched the swan, I saw a black tube go across the water, that lead to the famous island where all the birds go to escape the abuse of some people.

                                                                    ( Black tube)

I searched for answers but nothing was found, so my guess is that this mysterious tube might be helping the water quality get better until the snow comes.

                                                                      (The island)


After my days in the park my spirit was lifted, not only because the park was being noticed but their is hope. Little things are being done to improve the water. But what is hope? In the modern world this means very little; a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. (Wikipedia)
But in the bible it is a complete different thing, now I don't mean to get all religious here but in this situation it must be introduced in a new way.
Romans 8:24 25 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
(Bible.org)
This means we never get to see hope, only some results from it and we still have to continue to have faith and hope. This park has its ups and downs but we have to keep hoping. Without hope the lake is nothing. We are the ones who make a difference in the world. Hope has reached a new meaning, it is no longer a feeling but an action where you dont stand there and expect things to happen, you make things happen. In return you get exacly what you wanted. My edvice to you is to stop dreaming/desiring things and do something about it. Somebody must of cared for this park and instead of hoping for something to happen they made something happen. So whoever you are thank you for having the courage to do what so many of us couldn't do.

  

  

Dirty Spot Sweet Spot

     The lake is empty, nearly empty. I must say 90 percent of the birds have "left". I don't know what to say about them anymore, I can see no way how the lake can help its self. My heart brakes each time I take a glance but then I look again. 

 

(My favorite spot)

     My favorite spot is facing forward to the mountains, the clouds light shadows on the lake, the fountains of lava and the trail of ancient trees.  Half the lake is gloomy and dark. The other half is bright to the horizon. I wonder what that means. My life is so complicated, like this park. In plain sight it looks wonderful; decent.But once you get up close you can point out every single flaw. And i hate that. People are often judged, this park is more of a lost cause compared to the Sparks Marina Park. It is such a lovely sight, even up close. Not to mention that people can actually swim in the water. 

 

 

  (Marina/ WildNatureImages.com) 

     And I wonder why can't we be like the marina. Well we can't afford to think like that. I can't, nobody can, nor the lake. All that's left is to accept yourself and find your own beauty in your own way. You can't strive to be like someone else. I've learned that the hard way. You can spend all your life trying but I promise you won't suceed. Its time we stop putting ourselves down and be our selves because thats what makes us worth wild. I wouldn't want to be anyone else but me. I love each flaw I have because that is exacly what makes me different from you.

(My favorite tree)

     Theirs one tree in particular that I like. Its not so glamorous at all. The bark is faded grey, with not so many leaves. The wounds of branches ripped put from time to time. It slowly starts to fade into the sky. All of the trees surrounding it have just started to change into trees that look like their on fire.

However this tree seemed to be past that awkward stage and into a more appropriate apperance. To me thats rather strange because this is the only one I have seen this way. I see this tree differently. I placed my hand on the tree and it feel't cold, like if it were dead. As we all know trees are very much alive but you see this tree is very dead. I see this as another one of lifes victums. This tree must have been exausted of living. It watched, feel't, smelled and tasted this horrible world and could not bare to stay alive anymore. So now it waits, patiently, for a sign to return. 

After some time it is reborn in hopes of a better life where it is full of so much joy. Then again it is just a tree, who has simply changed as the season has.

     But read closely to what I say, everyone has gone through so much and I'm afraid no one will ever understand you or your stuggle in life. But that is what makes you stronger. Realize nobody has it easy, never underestimate or judge the life of somebody else, you never know what battle they might be fighting.

Hope is what keeps us alive.

Hope is what keeps this park alive.

(The tree that looks like its on fire) 

The pit of shame

     Everything has a system, that way life can always go on. Most lakes have some process where they can always have clean water. I was walking down the road through a lovely sun set blaze. It then hit me. A horrible smell that swallowed me whole and spit me back out. I stood completely still, sniffed the polluted air. There it was; the pit of shame. The parks stench grew stronger as the water evaporated more and more into the air. Moss had grown through it, over it and around it.

(The machine that improves water circulation a.k.a. the pit of shame)

     The pit of shame has a specific job and that is to improve or promote better water circulation. But because of the drought in the Truckee River, there isnt anymore water passing through to the lake.

      The lake is forced to contain all the waste animals and people create. But still the pit of shame has completely failed to try to make things better because it is clogged up with moss. I mentioned before that the state put a sign of the lake being polluted. I found out why the ducks left so quickly. I previously thought they had just migrated, at least the lucky ones would. Dozens of ducks and fishes were being killed by Avian Botulism.

 

(www.birdtrader.co.uk)

Avian Botulism is the cause of receding waters that have exposed bugs who contain toxins. It caused the ducks who ate the bugs to develop the disease, become paralyzed and die. As a result the water has bloomed toxic blue/ green algae and it contains the disease as well.

(The lakes water)

Placing a sign is completely useless. Honestly, does the officials with the Nevada Deparment of Wildlife really think people are going to stay away when there is problems with control of drugs, alcohol, ignorance, law breakers and everything else in the state. They aren't putting any thought as to the result if a person whould get sick of Avian Botulism and die.

(loafs of bread thrown into the lake)

 I guess we've all come to not care anymore. About a week ago, I was jogging around the lake, I stopped because I had seen a dog drink the filthy water. And her owner gossiped away on her phone, without a care in the world. So I walked up to the lady, "Excuse me I don't know if you saw the sign but the water is toxic and it could harm your dog". The lady responded, "Oh that's fine sweetie I saw it, I don't care", while she laughed at me. I couldn't believe this woman had let her pet drink this "water" when she has no idea what it contained inside. This is proof why I'm so mad that the  manager of reno parks Jeff Mann had the audacity to do nothing and "let nature takes its course". I for one will not accept that. So I kept searching and I found that the only way to improve the water is for us to wait for snow. And there are plans to install a new system to improve water circulation. The cost will be about $300,000 to $400,000 and it could be up and operating next year. Maybe some people actually do care, there might be some hope for humanity after all.

 

  (http://www.rgj.com/story/news/2014/08/25/ducks-dying-drought-lowered-virginia-lake/14592081/ )

  

  

How it begins

 

(My brother)

      I was given the opportunity to do an observation on a living thing. I had chosen to write about my brother, Sebastian. I was amazed with the way he would learn things so fast. He was my muse, but only at first. I then realized he was completely ordinary. It then became the same usual routine each observation day. But in debt to our wonderful memories talking I decided to include him in my first blog post. The reason why I changed so quickly was because after sometime my creature lost me. It doesn't matter anymore though because people get to much attention and they turn into hungry beasts for attention. I plan to stay on the green side of the hill where everything is true, graceful and just plain lovely. I will give attention to what really needs it or at least notice it.

(Average sign)

   I thought it would be useful if you were to visit this park on your own. If you don't believe any word in this blog, the park is located on Lakeside Drive at Brinkby Avennue, Reno, NV 89502.
 The Virginia Lake Park is one of humans worst crimes. The sky is gloomy with cool water colors splashed on the clouds; trapping the beaming sunshine. The trees? Green and full of life. The water? Black, a black hole of construction barriers, plastic bags and an awful stench. It makes me sad to see the conditions of the park worsen as the years have gone by. I've been coming to this park since I was a little girl. I've had so many memories here with my loved ones. This park means so much to me because I  have lost some loved ones who would come to the same park with me. Every time I come here memories flash through my mind. Its sort of like if they are with me. I couldn't/can't afford to miss an opportunity  where I can learn to understand this place. I didn't choose this park just because its destroyed but for my own selfish reasons. I needed to understand why this park always brought me back.    

( Plastic bag)

( Plastic bottle)

( Construction barriers)

( Metal tube)

 Aside from my connection to the park, a lot of damage has been done here. And What's worse is that is aware of this wrong doing. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has only put an effort to save it by placing a sign. It says the water has toxins that will make animals and humans ill. Maybe were not the main priority of the government, I guess it'll be up to me to try to make a change.

  

  

  

  

(Health sign)