#4 Same Difference

In life, not all things appear as they would seem. For example: clowns. Clowns are often symbols of comedy, but for the longest time, they have been known to be sad people who paint on a smile. I mention this, because I have found that makeup and lies are one in the same.

First of all, makeup and lies cover up the truth. When someone puts on makeup, they are either hiding or adding onto their natural complexion. Your face is what it is, and in that way, it  is equal to the truth. By putting on any amount of makeup, you're not showing what is really there. By being the opposites of truth, lies do the exact same thing. Lies will either produce some version of the truth, or will change it completely. Next, makeup can be layered and layered upon. The ladies know what I'm talking about. First you put on the primer, then the liquid, powder, etc. Lies can be layered upon as well. If one tells a lie, he/she must often layer upon more lies so that it all works together and seems realistic. Lastly, makeup and lies both bear the ability to create. You can create a comfortable, or even new, version of yourself with makeup. Makeup can create anything from a super model, to a character in mythology. Lies, on the other hand, create situations, some of which don't turn out pretty.

I am by no means saying makeup is bad, or that you're a liar if you wear it. I just wanted to point out what I believe to be similar between the two.
If anyone who wears makeup is a liar, then I admit to being one. I love mascara D:

#3 No, NOT The Secret Life of the American Teenager!

Long story short: "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd is a beautifully written, heartbreaking, yet uplifting book. Lily is a fourteen year old girl living in 1964 South Carolina who is way beyond her years. She has grown up on a peach farm with her abusive dad, T.Ray, and her nanny, Rosaleen. Lily's mom died when she was just a few years old, and this novel takes you on her journey to know more about her mother, and herself. On her journey, she leaves someone behind, takes someone along with her, and meets some others who will change her life. She learns about forgiveness, racism, and love.

As I said earlier, this novel is beautifully written. It's tone is very personal, and sooner or later, you will be on Team Lily and become her best friend. I highly recommend that others read "The Secret Life of Bees" if they have not already. I'm a picky reader, and this book grabbed my attention and brought me into a state where I shut out the rest of the world.

Brilliant.

#2 Nonfiction Literature

Here it goes, a list of some of the nonfiction that I have read :)

Autobiography: Still Me by Christopher Reeve, All But My Life- Gerda Weissman Klein, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow (I haven't read all of this one just yet...)

Diary: Diary of Anne Frank

Biography: I've read a few, and I can't remember them right now. I'll come back to this one.

History: Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis

Criticism:

Personal Essay Collection: Power of the Blood: Approaching God with Confidence by Bob Sorge, & I've read some snippets by C.S. Lewis

Journalists:

Political Commentary:

Scientific Topics:

Nature Topics:

Humor:

Honestly, I'm a bigger fan of fiction, and I can be pretty picky about reading nonfiction. However, some of these books are wonderful, and are high on my list.

I read Still Me by Christopher Reeve last year for Eng.10. I'm a nerd, and the true reason for me choosing to read this autobiography was because I'm a huge fan of the show Smallville and the rest of the Superman franchise. I knew Christopher was in a few of the earliest Superman movies, and that he had an accident that caused him to become paralyzed. I was really touched by Christopher's book. He shared his feelings about his accident, and I gained a huge amount of respect for him and his strength. Unfortunately, he died in 2004.

The Last Lecture broke my heart. The author had pancreatic cancer, which my dad had died from in 2008, so this book hit me hard. Randy Pausch was a college professor and he, like many other professors, were asked to write his "last lecture." After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Randy wrote a lecture on life and about himself that his kids could look back to someday, since any lecture could actually be his very last. I highly recommend that people read this book. It pulls your heart strings, but it's the best kind of pain.

All But My Life is one of my favorite school reads. I'm a fan of history, and I loved this book because you got the history, Gerda in fist person, and raw emotion. I don't know what else to say about this book. It is simply wonderful, and if you haven't done so, you need to read it for yourself. There is not a review that can give enough kudos to this powerful book.

I've read some of the personal essays by Bob Sorge & C.S. Lewis because we share the same faith. They're books are powerful, and I enjoy reading them. C.S. Lewis also wrote some of my favorite books, The Chronicles of Narnia, but those are fiction... ;)

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I'm Siegfred Nicole Arances.
Siegfred was the name of a legendary dragon slayer (there's more to it, but it's a long story).
Nicole: "victory of the people" in Greek.
Arances is Spanish. 'Tis all I know.

I love my Jesus, I love my family, & I love me friends.
Welcome to my blog :)