Descriptive+Writing+2010-2011

9/20/10
 Cold, fresh lake water splashes into our two-person canoe with double-sided oars. Sounds of voices from the shiny blue and yellow trampoline float over the water that seems to be made of crystal. Boats cruise through smooth glass. Orange life jackets hang on racks on the sandy shore, waiting to be worn by kids having the time of their lives. Yells come from the blob as kids are flung high into the air, diving into the chilly, unforgiving lake dominated by algae and seaweed on the slimy bottom of the dark depths. Their yells are muffled as they hit the water. Then silence is restored again. From the shore, the peaceful lake gleams as if the water itself was made of rays of sunlight. Taking the life jackets off is like taking off restraints that have held for all eternity. The glorious sun warms their backs as everyone returns to the cabins, sad to be leaving the glorious lake behind.

9/20/10
The sound of energetic water rushing through the rocky, muddy brown stream was disrupted only by the excited students splashing about with their dull green plastic buckets and nets searching for what they call macro invertebrates. Insects bury themselves deep in the reddish orange sand and underneath the smooth, slippery, black rocks to avoid captivity while dark water spiders skate about the surface like glimpses of shadows oblivious to the danger. An occasion squeal of elation rings when somebody finds an unwary gray crayfish. The icy water’s turbidity hides some of the browner quicksand children tumble into. They smell the strange whiff of this natural paradise and taste the “unpurified” water from the stream. Teachers call for all the students to return and examine their hard-earned prizes. Then the still of serenity fills within and throughout this clear stream in the shade once more now free from these peculiar invaders.

9/20/10
Silence. Nothing stirred in the mid-afternoon. Then the sudden noise of running feet echoed across the lake. Children had arrived and chaos took control. Kids dove into the freezing water while others were flying in the air off the bouncy house floating on the water. The yelling, screaming, and splashing were deafening. Still, others swayed gently across the river in canoes or kayaks carving out a little peace and quiet. The sun beamed down upon these children and warmed those who had taken an icy bath. The screeching noise was growing louder and louder every minute. The celebration of the crystal clear water never ended, but soon it was time to leave this wonderful playground. The moaning and groaning was spread throughout the lake while others were excited to leave this arctic zone and its chilling temperature. They marched away and never returned to those waters that day and all was peaceful again. A few hours later another batch of children scrambled over to have their share of amusement. Chaos had taken over once again.

9/20/10
The size of the mountain behind my tandem canoe seemed as tall as a skyscraper. Dark green foliage of the pine trees surrounded the beast of the mountain. I could see another session taking place on the high tower of the ropes course. While I was taking in the stunning view, I could hear the deafening cheers of the other session when someone made it to the top of the high tower. As the dark water of the lake caught the bright orange sun exactly to make the water look like a burning small sea, I could hear the screams and splashes of the children being blobbed. The splashes of the cold water felt as if I was going to become a solid frozen ice cube while the boiling sun made my back feel singed. The freezing water seemed to have much less current than a powerful ocean. As I climbed the slippery ladder of the stairs, our group counselor said it was time to leave the lake.

9/20/10
A boy sits on one end of a pillow-shaped blue, green, and yellow striped moon bounce, which is sitting on the calm lake. He’s waiting for someone to jump off the tall platform and launch him into the ice cold lake. While he is waiting for someone to jump, he smells the lake air, feels the warm sunlight, and sees the tall trees. When he is launched, he feels a marvelous sensation as if he is flying. Then spectators hear a loud splash as he hits the freezing water. He spits out the foul tasting water that gets in his mouth and swims to the wooden ladder that is covered with algae to get in line again.

9/20/10
The inflatable blob floats in the water with a platform overhead while the smell of algae and seaweed floats up from beneath the surface. The taste of the cold and the wet fills mouths as children fly from the end into the dark of the lake. The kayaks are cold and wet, yet inviting after a splash into the depths of the dark blue. Kids struggle to breathe as they emerge from the cold. Occasional splashes come from the snapping turtle that lives beneath the trampoline. As the lifeguard tells riddles that kids try to solve, everyone hears the splashes and screams of children flying and diving, falling and jumping. Everything is chaos. Only as people walk back to their cabins do they realize what a joyous time they had.

9/20/10
The gleaming water is deceiving, for underneath the majestic surface lies a bottomless pit of muck. The lake reels in its visitors with its unmistakable beauty. The canoes and kayaks glide swiftly by without a care in the world. The monstrous blob acts as a catapult to all who are on it, shooting them half way across the lake. When jumping upon the massive trampoline, one feels weightless while plummeting down into the water. The water is almost too freezing to bear, so swimming is of no use, but ever so often it is refreshing to jump in after a long, hot day. As the day comes to an end, the radiant sun gradually fades as it descends behind the colossal mountains, and the world is quiet.

9/20/10
** The sunlight glistens off the water, and there is a slight breeze in the air. The boardwalk is divided into two directions. One leads up wooden stairs to a colorful object rarely seen, the blob. It floats above the water tempting everyone to jump on it. If someone jumps, the person on the other side flies through the air, almost as a bird. The person then starts descending and hits the water with a large splash. In the other direction on the boardwalk, dark blue and bright yellow kayaks and canoes are seen. Paddles sit on the wooden floors as the wind pushes the boats along. Hearing the shouts of others playing in the water makes it very tempting to take a dip. Jumping in is very tempting, but the water is as cold as ice. The feeling is refreshing though after a long, hot day. The trampoline is nearby and jumping on it is tempting. The smell of strong sea water flows through the air. After finishing with the trampoline, there is no more to do. The lifeguards say goodbye, and we all leave. **

9/20/10
The swift creek rushes swiftly through the lush trees in the deep woods. The water is turbid, like mud. There is a clearing on the path with trees in all directions. The wooden benches are wet from the previous group. Bugs are flying everywhere like people in a meadow of flowers. The pond has insects gliding through the water. There are two large stone bridges that cross the small creek, which is located in a camp at the beginning point of the Appalachian Mountains. A cool breeze feels nice in the hot summer air. An occasional bird squawks in the distance, and then all is quiet again. The muddy ground below is black, like chocolate. A stench of importance fills the air. In a couple of minutes another group will walk down the same path and learn about the eco-system.

9/20/10
As the sunshine shone upon the glistening water, the cold clear liquid splashed at the grass. All of the kids knew that this truly was the perfect day to swim at the lake. Paddles splashed, kids screamed as if they were wild monkeys, and of course, the perfect sound was related to a giant pillow being fluffed every time it was jumped upon. The bright yellow color of the blob looked like a wet shiny giant lollypop with blue stripes around it. The platform of dark and buckled wood was so high in the air it looked similar to the Ringling Brothers high dive. The way the long sleek green canoes carved through the water was brilliant, and the squishy black rubber paddles were used to easily control the canoe. The sun was beaming on the chipped paint and the long scratches on the sides, but none of the lifeguards or kids seemed to care. The water in the lake was crystal clear and as cold as frozen metal, but still refreshing from the ninety degree heat. The shrill whistle blew and everyone in the water sploshed over to the side and left the lake, leaving wet footprints in the dirt trail along the lake shore.

9/20/10
The wooden floor creaks occasionally inside the room, and outside the room the birds are always chirping and singing. Inside there are bags everywhere on the floor while smaller items are kept on the shelves. The room smells full of vanilla because of the delightful smelling air freshener. Clothes from skinny jeans to red tank tops are laid ever so gently on the bunk beds. There are four bunk beds with soft mattresses that have striped blue sheets and striped pink covers that are laid out underneath the fluffy pink pillows. Everything is tranquil and serene, for Cabin 21 welcomes everybody.

9/20/10
The green paved court with a reddish color as the free throw line was as silent as the stillness of the wind. The white net woven into the orange hoop attached to the clear backboard was swaying silently as the wind rocked it back and forth slowly. An orange Nike basketball was rolling down the court as gently as if a small snail was trying to run. The reddish cover protecting the court started to have an unhurried beat that sounded like da dum da dum. It was the slow beating of rain starting its descent from the clouds of heaven down to the Earth. The rain started to pick up its beat, and it went faster, da da dum da da dum da da dum, and faster and faster. Then all fell silent as the orange basketball came to a stop and was as silent as the night sky.

9/20/10
While nearing the crackling fire, the smell of smoke lingered throughout the air. It seemed to be a familiar smell, but there was something different about it. There was also a whiff of marshmallow. The fire was bigger now, and it had a bright glow to it. When next to the fire, it gave off warmth that faded as life drew back and walked further away. The line to get some of those delicious marshmallows was long but worth the wait. After sitting by the fire and roasting the marshmallows, the graham cracker and chocolate bar made a perfectly melted s’more. One bite would take any person to heaven since it felt as if it was sent from an angel above.

9/20/10
 As the group approached the waterfront, they could smell the pine coming from the nearby forest and see the brown murky water, wooden benches, and colorful life vests. As the lifeguards heard the patting of the some forty students marching up the dock, they jumped out of their seats and were ready for an hour and a half of screaming and laughter. The loud children rushed up the tall stairs to meet a tall man in a white hat who explained the rules of the gigantic, striped, inflatable object looking up at them. As the first student jumped down on the green and yellow blob, it sent a ripple down the ten foot long pillow. As the second one launched himself off the platform, another child shot up in the air, plopped into the freezing cold water, and swam to the huge bouncing trampoline as the other children continued on with their excitement.

9/20/10
The fire was as hot as the sun itself and looked like the brightest light anyone had ever seen. It warmed the entire camp and brought light to the dark blanket of shadowed stars above the people at the fire. Next to the fire was a large black wooden log. Sounds of the people around laughing, giggling, and talking could be heard a mile away, but there were so many sounds no one could tell what they were saying. If anyone touched the sharp stick with a large white puffy marshmallow on it, they could practically feel the warmth of the furious growing fire. The smell of crisp burning marshmallows was in the cold, dry air, and anyone who was close enough could almost taste it. The night sky was a blanket around the camp giving the people happiness.

9/20/10
The smell of roasted marshmallows filled the air while numerous friends shared the joy. The delicious white marshmallows were being roasted to the gooiest point and melting the Hershey’s chocolate. The warm brown chocolate melted to the cracker as if it was stuck together by gorilla glue. The crumbs of graham crackers fell into the fire as it grew and grew. Everyone waited in line as if famous movie stars were signing autographs. Everyone was so loud and anxious to make s’mores that new lines had to be formed. While the delicious s’mores were being made, joys of laughter filled the air. Friends gathered together to share the moment of the warm dessert melting in their mouths. The bonfire glued together the joy and the dessert to unite all friends together.

=
The view is beautiful. The mountains are standing as straight as skyscrapers, and the houses are glowing from the awakening sun. Like all of California, Simi Valley is a stunning land of nature. The smell of the crisp air is flavorful from the buildings around, and the sound of radios playing songs is floating through the air. The mountains are a chalky orange and look jagged and rough. The tall mountains come in different sizes and stream all around the town. The sun is like no other; the huge ball in the sky is a pale shade of orange that grows darker and darker as the day advances. The sun is what provides the daring heat of Simi Valley, but its natural beauty is breathtaking. The other beauties that make up this town are the houses. The gorgeous yet small Victorian style homes sit upon hills and mountains and observe as visitors come and go. The nature that Simi Valley has to offer is exquisite and different, but it is always welcoming to all. ======

The Bank Lobby
= = = = =Chase F.=

9/7/10
As the man click-clacked his shoes on the cold marble floor of the bank lobby, he produced a small rough white check from his wallet as he passed the warm and also comforting sleek black leather chairs. On his left, there were chairs with steel legs as cold as icicles. He looked straight ahead and found himself looking at the small clerk with a bright smile on her face. She was about five foot five and smelled not only of wild roses but also of cinnamon. She was skinny and looked young. She was wearing a white blouse with black denim pants. Her hair was blonde almost as if locks of gold were hanging down from her head and onto her shoulders. He was just finishing his sugary, dark coffee when she asked what she could help him with. Then he simply tossed the container of coffee into the trash can. The coffee went //spolsh// and dark shiny liquid spilled its contents deeper into the bag. That’s when he asked her why the flowers, the blue and red ones in the corner by the hot fire, were burning with books on top of them. She glanced sideways to that corner as the man coughed. The books with the flowers made a sickening smell to the man, and he felt as if he was on a tire spinning round and round in circles. She was about to answer when the elevator went //ding// and men in heavy conversation stepped out of the white granite elevator with the gleaming chandelier. One of the men had a fire extinguisher and doused the wicked flames. The bright orange and yellow fire danced as if it was being slapped at by a hand. The firefighter turned back towards the white granite elevator and left. Men in fancy tailor made suits then left and walked onto the streets of Times Square. The man with the check deposited it into his account and left the bank.

9/7/10
The gentle waves slowly lapped the shore and seashells dotted the sand. The sunset was beaming down rays of light on the sapphire blue water. Suddenly, there was a low whistle in the distance. Towards the west, thirteen graceful dolphins, almost completely covered in the shattering sunlight, were leaping and diving. Nearby a family of four was sitting on a colorful plaid blanket, eating with greasy hands. The children spread butter on their sun heated bagels, and the parents stabbed at their garden salads. “What a beautiful day!” they thought.

The sandy smell of the emerald ocean drifts along the clashing waves. There are small castles created from the smooth, pearl white sand. Seagulls are squawking to one another while beach comers pile in to watch the tangerine sunset. The salty air swirls about while young, gray dolphins flip in the air. The amber fish jump on the surface the lake nearby as a graceful Blue Heron sweeps down to catch his dinner. The sun starts to melt in the sky; hues of yellow, orange, and a creamy pink all melt together to create a dazzling sunset. In a flash the evening sky turns to night’s dusk. The stars come out, glittering like diamonds. Soon the night becomes quiet and peaceful, anticipating the beach’s excitement of the next day.

9/7/10
In the backyard of the house by the algae-inundated pool, a white green monster exists. Fire ants swarm inside its razor sharp leaves and many things that come are never seen again. The wind blowing through the pompous grass’s leaves is a blatant reminder to all creatures big and small to never touch it. The plant’s leaves house a dark, dank interior full of equipment and machinery. A low monotonous hum resonates from within but any investigation would be completely out of the question. The monster slinks in every direction permeating the air with the dreadful smell of mold and decay. A bitter taste fills those near it, and the ants crawling over it are ravenous for flesh. Plants near it wither away and trees several hundred feet away break off in their growth. It leeches away nutrients from the soil unlike any plant, but its health never declines as if it is sustained somehow by the cold hard metal inside its perilous leaves. This fatal pompous grass dominates its territory save the acidic pool and nothing in so much as the same state as it is safe.

All was quiet in the peaceful little park. The wind blew softly as the trees swayed in the breeze. Nothing stirred except the call of the song bird and scampering of a pair of squirrels. Swings layed still in the mid-afternoon of Saturday. The slide was still sleek and smooth from yesterday’s paint job. The fresh fragrant breeze blew west in into the sun. The park glistened in the sunlight. The flowers stood tall showing off their beauty. Suddenly a frantic scream from a car driving down the road erupted. A black SUV drove into the silent parking lot of the park. Three kids jumped out of the car and sprinted to this fascinating fantasy. Their hair was blowing back in the wind like waves of the ocean. Two parents silently watched their kids play and smiled. The new playground had finally opened.

Alex K.
==9/7/10 == As she opened her mouth to yawn, she could feel some moistness in her mouth. The fog was slowly rolling over the river. It was white and thick almost so thick she could breathe in the fog and the dampness. The river was icy cold. She sniffled and then stepped on another rock. Her dress was getting wetter and wetter as the water seemed to get deeper and deeper. The water sloshed, and fish jumped leaving ripples behind them. An otter drifted by holding a clam in its tiny hands. Its thick brown fur was smooth and silky. She reached out to pet it, but it started to speed up. Now she could smell pine and fresh flowers off the river bank. The sun was ever so slowly rising up in the sky, and all she could see was a sliver of its boiling yellow fire barely causing any heat. She looked to her right seeing roses as red as a cardinal. They were all tangled up in green weeds. A big wave came and knocked her over. Now, from thighs down, she was completely soaked. Filled with rage she looked to see who caused the wave, but no one was there except a fisherman far back in the fog who couldn’t possibly have caused that wave. Sitting on the rock she pulled her knees to her chest to see them bleeding. A duck quietly swam by spreading out his wings and lifting his long green throat causing a couple sprinkles to land on her back. She liked the silent peace.

9/7/10
Ivy crawled up the rickety window shutters that opened and closed with a bang. Shadows swallowed the house. A welcome sign fell as the old rusted pole collapsed on the sidewalk. Feet shuffled as they approached the house with a gulp. Lights went on and off and on and off. The boom box hidden in the bushes played jazz songs that were as slow as molasses, yet sent a chill down people’s spines. The air was filled with fog that seeped into the noses of the trick-or-treaters, for this was what Halloween was about.

9/7/10
The strong smell of lavender ran around the room touching every spot and corner. When the door opened, a little girl with huge, bulging eyes peeked in. The girl stepped in looking all over the periwinkle colored room. She went over to the white desk and looked under. She looked under the bed. Finally, she went into a messy closet filled from top to bottom, left to right with clothes of every hue. She looked in every corner of the closet except one. Then she just gave up and sat down on the low white bed. Behind the closet door stood another girl who burst out of room running breathlessly from one place to another while following closely behind was the little girl. When at last the tall, skinny girl came to a halt outside the periwinkle room, the little, short, plump girl had finally caught her.

9/7/10
The roar from inside is wild, the laughter is comforting, and the zoom of the roller coasters are amusing. The entrance is a kid’s imagination come true. There are different movie and cartoon characters all around; some are just a picture on a wall, and some are in funky costumes ready to have a picture taken with anyone. The feeling of the park is exuberant, the aroma of fresh, hot, and sugary funnel cakes fills the air, and the screaming from the rides above is comical. The anticipation to ride one of the daring and curvy roller coasters is colossal, and there’s nothing in the way. The wait to board a ride always feels like days, but the feeling of approaching the bumpy and shaky coaster is unreal. The entire ride is filled with whooping, shouting, and laughter, even as the clacking and rusty carts come to a halt. Besides the crazy coasters, there are also food courts with tasty, flaky, and fluffy churros. The twisted cinnamon sticks taste sweet, and are coated with layers upon layers of sugar and cinnamon. As the day comes to an end, the exit is lit up by fountains and lights that are beaming from left to right guiding visitors in different directions. The famous moving globe that says Universal Studios is still turning and is now shining like the moon on a starry night.