Tomoka Manji's Blog

To a Daughter Leaving Home by Linda Pastan

The poem I worked on is called “To a Daughter Leaving Home” by Linda Pastan. Linda Pastan is a english poet that is known for writing short poems based on family, aging, etc. This poem is based on childhood, motherhood and fatherhood.

To begin with, I chose this poem because I found this poem very touching. It talks about how our parents will feel when we depart one day and lead our own path. Also I like this poem because it has many meanings to it and it addresses on growing up.

Some of the poetic devices that I discovered were alliteration, simile and hyperbole. In one of the phrase it says “the hair flapping behind you like a handkerchief waving goodbye.” We can define that this is a simile since it compares two objects using “like”. One of the example of alliteration is “path of the park”. We know that this is an alliteration because the first word and the last word emphasizes on the letter “P”.

There are many themes to this poem. One of them includes, dealing with relationship between the mother or a father dealing with their daughter aiming to teach their daughter how to ride a bike. In some way, the mother or a father is unhappy because they feel like the daughter is slowly departing away. There will be some bumps on the way, but they usually work out in the end. It also means how your parents teaches you all they know and they eventually have to set you free, to experience and learn on your own. Most importantly, I think it means that if you truly love someone, you sometimes must let them go.

The structure of this poem is based on one stanza and has no specific rhyme or rhythm to it. The tone is nostalgic since it starts of with “When I taught you at eight to ride” and nostalgic refers to the past. This poem is very informal and is read softly. It is written like how a mother or a father would talk to their children. The mood I get when I read this poem is sadness, depression and happiness. The reason is because the mother or a father feels sadness and depression but in some ways, they sense happiness because they feel like their daughter is growing up.

Overall, I enjoyed doing a commentary on this poem and throughout this task, I was able to learn many things about poetry as well as the poetic devices.

Click here to access the poem

Most Moving Story of the Year

When I first was asked to choose a sakura medal book, I wasn’t sure which book I should read. I was searching through the shelves and I found a book with an unusual name. The book was called, “Ways to Live Forever” by Sammy Nicholas. As soon as I picked it up, I read the blurb and knew that book was a keeper.

The book “Ways to Live Forever” is about a young boy named, Sam. Sam is diagnosed with Leukemia, a very harmful disease. He lives with his mom, dad and his sister, Ella. Sam loves facts, when he grows up he wants to be a scientist who researches about UFOs. Because he has leukemia, he has many questions about dying that no one can answer. Before he died, he had a list of things he wanted to do before passed away. His family helped him to grant these wishes while he was alive. I was very touched by how his dad helped his son to make him happy by granting these wishes. While Sam was alive, he had a friend named, Felix. He was a very special friend to Sam because he always brightened Sam up and he also made Sam curious about many things.

This book made me feel very lucky and also at the same time sad because it made me think about the children who are sick around the world. The book also made me think how lucky I am to be standing here healthy. Overall, this book made me think about life a lot.

I strongly recommend this book for people who wants to know the importance of life and how lucky we are. The book can make you sad so I also recommend for you to have a handkerchief next to you while you read this book. Lastly, I think this book was the book of the year!

Astonishing Fantasy Movie of 2009

David Yates, the director of Harry Potter has directed many films but the Harry Potter movies are the best of all. The latest Harry Potter movie is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince which was released on July 15th, 2009. The movies are based on the Harry Potter series which was written by J.K. Rowling.

The main protagonist of this movie is of course, Harry Potter, who is acted by Daniel Randcliffe. Harry Potter is a very smart character with a great humor. Daniel is a wonderful actor and he acts his important part very well. I have seen every series of Harry Potter and it is always good to see how much he has grown. The other main characters of this movie are Harry’s friends, Ron Weasely (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). Ron is a very passionate boy who is always loyal to his friends. Also at the same time he is very brave. Hermione is extremely smart and is a very smart friend of Harry.

As each film is released, the quality of the film is always better than the last film. The vision of the film makes us feel that we’re actually at the place we’re watching. The effects are certainly scarier and bolder than the last series. The effects also make the watcher understand the atmosphere of the place very clearly. The setting of this film is mostly in Hogwarts. Hogwarts is a school of witchcraft and wizardry which Harry attends since first grade. Briefly, the story of this movie is about how Harry finds a textbook that once belonged to someone named, “Half-Blood Prince”. The textbook helped Harry in Potion class and also teaches him a few dark spells. On the other hand, Harry is also taking private lessons with Dumbledore in order to find out about Tom Riddle a.k.a. Voldemort’s past and his weakness.

I strongly recommend this movie for people who like magical fantasy. I read the book and I was especially surprised by how this film showed the whole concept in only 2 hours and 30 minutes. Overall, this film is not my favorite movie but I still enjoyed it.

Moving!

This month is a disaster but a happy month. Do you know why? It’s because I’m MOVING! Right now at home my mom and I are always busy packing. We have many furniture and clothes so it makes it harder for us to pack and to hurry. 

There are good thing and bad things about moving. The good things are that I get to walk to school with my friends and to hang out with my friends more often. The another good things are that my new apartment is near the Motomachi Chukagai Station and Ishikawa chou station so transportation will be easy. The bad things are that my new apartment will be much smaller compare to the one I live now. The apartment I live now has 4 rooms but the new apartment only has 2 rooms. I am really sad but I am going to thank my mom for letting me live near the school. My new apartment was expensive because it is near the station.

In my old apartment there is lot’s of furniture’s but we’re moving to a smaller place so we had to trash half of our furniture. My mom and I are trying to sell those furniture’s but some are old so we had to trash it. I think it is very wasteful. There are also some happy news. My mom has allowed me to decorate my room the way I want it to look like. I trashed everything except for my bed so I have to buy lot’s of furniture’s for my room such as, table and closet. My room’s theme color is white furniture and purple so I’m going to paint my bed white. I am really happy that my mom has let me decorate my room.

From our new apartment, I can see the view of Yokohama. It relaxes me when I see the view. I am really excited and I am really happy that I had a opportunity to move near school! 

My Journey to Find a Perfect Life – Competition Story

Have you ever thought how your life would be different if you had a perfect life? I have, and I don’t have the life I want. When you read those fairy tales books, the princess always get the life they want and live happily ever after. I, Lucie Smith was not even close to having a perfect life. But, I had made a decision, I was not going to give up. I was not going to make my whole life miserable. I had to do something, so I came up with an idea: I was going to take a journey to follow my dream for the life I want.

I was standing in the police station expecting someone to help me. I waited for one minute and impatiently thought to myself: this is not going to work! I was going to ask something very important, a thing that would change my life. I was going to ask where my mom was. I have always wanted to meet my mom. When I was 9 months old my mom suddenly disappeared.  I forgot what she looked like, the only thing I knew was that her name is Samantha. I would always ask my dad and my grandma where my mom was and why she had left me, they would always give me the same answer. “Mom left you because she loves you”, I never got what that meant. Today my mind was made. I was going to find my mom and ask why she had left me. I had wanted to meet her and ask her that for ages.

“Excuse me,” I said out loud. I saw a tall man coming up to me. “May I help you?” he asked. “Yes, I am looking for my mom”, I answered. “Ok, wait a minute”, said the man and brought a huge book. “What is your mom’s name?” asked the man. I have never expected for the man to ask my mom’s name right away. I thought he would ask me why I was here and why I was alone. “Samantha”, I answered, surprised. “Last name?” I paused for a second. I have never expected him to ask her last name either. I was going to answer Smith but there was no way it was that because it’s my dad’s name and they had divorced. I decided to say the truth. “I’m not sure”, I sadly said. The tall man stood there paused and then he said back, “Sorry girl, we can’t find your mother if we don’t have specific information. In this big world, I’m sure there are millions or billions of people who have the same name. “Thank you” I said sadly and walked out of door.

 Grandma was getting ready for dinner when the phone rang. “Lucie, Can you get that for me it’s in my bag” grandma shouted. Luckily, grandma’s bag was next to me so quickly handed her the phone. While I was watching T.V I saw a small phone book in her bag that I have never seen before. I decided to see what was written in it. It was in cursive so it was hard for me to read it. While I was reading, something that started with an S popped out of my eye. “Samantha”, I read. Could it be mom or was it grandma’s friend? I knew most of my grandma’s friends and there was no one named Samantha. Next to the name spelt in small letters was the word LM and an address that was based in San Francisco. LM I thought. What does that stand for? L….um…Lucie? M…money. No. That doesn’t make sense. M..MOM! “LUCIE’S MOM! AHA I got it!” I shouted. That address should be mom’s address!  “Lucie, What’s going on dear?” grandma came in and asked. I quickly put the phone book under the sofa. “Nothing! The T.V was just funny!” I said. “Alright, well It’s almost your bedtime so get ready” grandma replied and walked away.

That night, while in bed I couldn’t get to sleep. I was trying to figure out a way to get to San Francisco without my grandma and dad knowing. It took 4 hours from Los Angeles to San Francisco by bus and train.   Maybe Lizzie could help me. The next day, I called Lizzie and she came around afternoon. Lizzie is my best friend. We have known each other since kindergarten. Every time I’m sad or feeling worried she would always make me happy. She is like my sister. “So why did you want to see me?” she asked. Bravely, I told Lizzie everything. I told her that I need to figure out a way to get to San Francisco without grandma and dad knowing it. “Maybe you can tell your grandma and dad that you’re going to stay at my house” Lizzie said. Good idea I thought. We went on the computer and searched what train and bus I had to take to go to San Francisco. There was only one problem, I needed 200 bucks for transportation and for food.  “200 bucks! That is way too much” I said to Lizzie. “Yea I know, how much do you have on you now?” I quickly ran to my room and got my wallet, I only had 20 bucks. “20 bucks! That’s not going to be enough. That is how much it costs for one train ride.” Lizzie said sadly. We just paused and stood there for a minutes. “AHA! My parents have this cupboard where they keep money for emergencies! When I checked it yesterday I remember that there was about 300 bucks!” Lizzie said happily. “Well, that will be great but won’t your parents be mad that you used it?” I asked sadly. “It’s ok, they never check that cupboard and they won’t know who took it” After that Lizzie had to go and I thanked her. She was the best I thought.

That night, I told grandma and dad that I will be staying at Lizzie’s house. Luckily, they accepted and told me to be a good girl. The next day was the day. I felt that I was very close to my dream coming true. I waved to my grandma and left the house. In the entrance, Lizzie was waiting for me. She was going to take me to the station and give me the money. When we got to the station I thanked her and I went inside the station happily. The first train I had to take was easy to find. In the train, I ate bread and bought some drinks with the money I had. I was almost going to fall asleep but I managed not to. I got off at the 9^th station and went on the other train. This train ride was very long so I looked out the window and saw the great view of Los Angeles to San Francisco. When it was the last station I got off. The last thing I had to do was take the bus to Mason Street and so I went on the bus. In the bus I waited for 1 or 2 hours but Mason Street didn’t seem close. I looked outside and nothing seemed to indicate that it was Mason Street. So I decided to ask the bus driver. “Excuse me, how close are we to Mason Street?” “Mason Street? You took the different bus girl”  said the bus driver. “What!” I shouted. I got off and checked where I was. Lombard Street? Where is that! What shall I do? My dream is not even close now! I fell down and cried. What am I suppose to do! I’m alone in nowhere! “Are you ok?” I heard a man’s voice. I looked up and saw a kind faced man looking directly at me. “No” I answered. I told him everything and how I came to the wrong place. “Where is it that your mom lives?” he asked. “Mason Street” I said sadly. “Oh! That’s where I live too. Lombard Street is where I work” “REALLY!” I said happily. “Yea, I’m, going home right now so I will take you. Oh! And my name is Jack” he said. “Thanks Jack!” I answered with a big smile.

It took 1 hour to get to Mason Street. When we were finally there I waved goodbye and thanked him. This was the moment I was waiting for, I was standing front of a small white house. I felt very excited but sad. What if she doesn’t want me back? What if she forgot me? I was very worried but I decided I was not going to be sad. So many people had helped me to make my dream close and come true. I was not going to make it not happen. Bravely, I walked near the door and rang the bell. A woman opened a door. Soon as she saw me I saw a tear coming down her cheeks and for some reason a tear was coming down from my cheeks too. “Lucie?” the woman said. “Mom?” I answered. “How did u come here, come in” I went inside the house. The house was very nice and smelt like home. I told her everything how I came here and how so many people had helped me. After that I asked the question I wanted to ask. “Why did you leave me?” I said quietly. She stood there paused for a second. “Because after marrying your dad George, he had been very busy and didn’t really have time to spend with me, I was very sad. I wanted to go and have a happy life. I wanted to take you but I thought it was safe to leave you with Bella and George” she said. Mom also said she always wanted to go and meet me but she thought Bella and George will not accept it. After that we ate dinner and called dad. We ate lasagna, it was the best lasagna I ever tried. For dessert we ate homemade apple pie. It was really good. It made me feel like I was at home. After dinner I called dad, Dad was very surprised but understood.

From that day my life was different. My life was different to a happy life! You know what’s the best thing is? After that my mom and dad started their relationship again and decided to re-marry. That was the happiest thing ever! I think if you keep trying your dream will one day come true so, believe in yourself!

The Lemonade War

Recently, I have finished this fabulous book called, “The Lemonade War”. It’s a book from Sakura Medal so it is recommended to everyone. The main characters are Jessie and Evan. They’re brothers and sisters but they are in the same grade because Jessie is clever so she skipped some grade. This book is about Jessie and Evan having a Lemonade War. The aim is to earn as much as they can by selling lemonade. Jessie and Evan is against each other. They both used many different ways to sell the lemonade and get as much as money as possible. I can’t tell you who won but one thing I can tell you is that, they did the right thing at end. When I started this book I wasn’t sure if I enjoyed it, but as time went on I started to love it and I couldn’t resist reading it. That is how much this book is entertaining. This book also has a message which is to not regret, choose and think carefully before you have a solution. The regret in this book was that Jessie felt very guilty and sad being ignored and ignoring Evan. She couldn’t do anything because she didn’t want to ruin the war. One last thing to say is…. READ THIS BOOK!!!! 

Advice and Techniques of Comic Strips

It is very hard drawing a comic strip, if you just follow few basic rules you can make your own cartoon strip. The shape, proportions and expression. You should have fun while making it. 

Before you start drawing a comic strip, you have to plan what the story is going to be about and what drawings will be most suitable for each part. When you also draw you should make the character interesting by adding different color and expressions.

When you use speech bubbles and captions, you have to try to explain the happenings in short sentences. You have to try to plan what sentences will make the story going and interesting. You also have to use simple words so that the readers will understand clearly. 

You should focus on the main part which is the conflict, and how the character solves the problem. I think the other parts you can explain it simply.

Here is 2 link 1 link 2 of the website where I found those excellent facts. 

Twilight

Yesterday I watched this wonderful movie called, Twilight. It is a movie about this one girl who falls in love with a vampire. I watched this movie because it is very famous and people said it was good. I watched it on the compurter because it is not out yet.

The 2 main character`s name is Isabella and Edward. Isabella is a very caring girl and sensitive. Edward is a vampire, vampires drinks human`s blood but Edward is a vegetarian. He doesn`t want to be a vampire because he is scared of killing people.

I think you should watch this movie because this movie is very entertaining. I have watched this movie yesterday but it made me want to watch it again. It might be a little scary for some of you so I suggest to have a pillow next to you.

This movie was the best movie I had watched this year! 

Mr. Bean`s Holiday and A Cinderella Story!

This winter holiday I stayed in Japan. I watched this fabulous Movie called, “Mr. Beans` Holiday and I also read this fantasy book called the, “A Cinderella Story”.

“Mr. Bean`s Holiday”. I`m sure that some of you may know Mr. Beans, he is very funny and at times clever. At first I thought Mr. Bean wasn`t that funny, I thought it was boring but my neighbor told me that it was the best movie ever,  so I decided to watch it! You can watch this movie with anyone, your family and friends. This movie was about Mr. Bean wining trip to Cannes, France.

There was many funny happenings that happened to Mr. Beans. I would like to share you one funny happening, Mr. Beans kept his money inside his tie. He was trying to buy some food in the vending machine. Then, he was about to put the money in. Suddenly, his tie got stuck. He was chocking to death but happily he pulled himself and release the tie. There was much more funny happening. 

I think Mr. Beans is a very great movie to watch. I think you should watch Mr. Beans when you are feeling sad or when you feel like watching something SUPER funny. WATCH MR. BEAN`S HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!

“A Cinderella Story” is a very wonderful book. It`s similar to the real Cinderella story. This story is originally a movie but it has also made into a book. I have the movie as well. This book is sort of girly so I don`t think the boys will enjoy it. But I think the girls will love this book.

The main character of this book is named, Samantha. She lives in San Fernando, Valley with her evil stepmother and two step sisters. She works in her stepmothers work from morning to night. I feel very bad for her every time I read this book or when I watch this movie. I think this story is better than the fairy tale story. I also think this story is the best story ever!!! 

Matilda Wormwood & Willy Wonka

My 1st choice: 

I want to write about Matilda because she is a very interesting girl. She love reading and she really cares about other people. I especially love how she can use magic using her finger. She also made me love reading and taught me how important kindness is. Even through her family is nasty, she has a kind heart. She is my hero. 

My 2nd Choice:

I chose Willy Wonka because he is a complicated man. He didn’t let anyone in the factory and the only thing that came out of the factory was chocolate. He didn’t believe in other people only himself and his secret workers (oompa loompa).

I really want to write about those people but, I mainly want to write about MATILDA!!!!