April 14th: 11:59 PM.

Nothing is set in stone.

This life emulates a fragile flower.

Its petals weak and vulnerable;

Just as the actual existence of the human race.

Raw, exposed, and shaken - the fragility that is this life.

Poetry sometimes just spills out of my mind like blood from an unexpected wound. When the red water comes I only focus on where I can write it all down. I have always been like this. A writer. Someone to inspire, to create, and be apart of something with passion and feeling. Same goes for my photography. I remember all I ever wanted for holiday was a camera. From breaking to having camera stolen, my list never ends. That always is what set me back from moving forward in my photography. With no means to purchase a new camera in a poor family growing up, I got saddled with writing; and how it was not a shameful thing. I most definitely enjoy being able to express myself by means of any and all mediums I choose. I just wish that they would count for something. No, not necessarily dollars and cents, like all of America is worried about. However, I want to share my art, my story, and my passions. I want to see places, meet people of different cultures, experience different cuisines, worship all over this blue planet with all walks of religion - I want to decide for me how I am going to live my next 70 - hopefully plus - years. The idea that we are not infinite. We will die. We are not invincible and there is so much - in my life at this age - yet to see! I have so much passion that I don't share, so much zealous adventures that only exist on paper, when the red water comes out. The idea of my epic search for harmony and inner peace comes along with the captivating realization that today, and only today, is the day to start living your dreams. Because although, especially at this age, we like to think so..we are not infinite. Our time does run out. We might not get a redo. This could be our one life. (which in my humble opinion is the case) So living for yourself and those your love and living for today are the most important things to remember in this life. Passion & inspiration & hopes & dreams & ambition & peace & beauty - my serenity.

© Photography by Alison

photo by: © Maunie Baysal

Photography and such.

Photography by Alison is my passion, my pride, and even my joy. When it comes to my passions, they are many; however, nothing surpasses my love for photography. I had an engagement session today with a lovely couple. I then took some nature photos as my mom and I took a stroll around the lake at Wheeling Park, even though her ankle is broken. I wish I told her more how much these little things mean to me, especially during my time of need and great sorrow, at times.

Many days have gone by that I don't have a camera in hand. Other days I'm using my cell phone like it is attached to me to photograph every meal or every cat stretch like it's history in the making. Documenting our lives is one of the most important things I believe. Whether it is in a leather bound journal with a pencil and eraser or on an online blog with photographs; it still is unforgettable. Memories are way too precious to forget. I wish that I could write more. To your average person (better not say average American, because a lot of them don't write, or read for that matter) -- but an ordinary individual would say that I write a lot in fact. I feel as though it has been a fortnight and then some. Writing has become another passion released within me, especially through the storm that I have endured. 

 © Photography by Alison

Interview from a History student & Potter fan.

Working for MuggleNet, we get amazing opportunities all the time. This interview was sent to the staff from a History student named Taryn. She was doing a project and wanted to have a few volunteers from the MuggleNet staff. I decided to take part and here is the interview. Enjoy!

What do you think attributed to the success of Harry Potter?

I believe that something so magical like Harry Potter just radiates success. It attracts men, women, and children of all cultures and backgrounds. Almost every person born into modern society over the entire globe knows Harry Potter for this simple reason. The widespread popularity of the series happened on it's own, without force. The most magical, captivating series of the century is what attributed to its' success. 

 

How long do you predict Harry Potter's success will last?

I do believe deep in my heart that Harry's longevity is everlasting. I think just like Dickens or The Brothers Grimm this magnificent tale will expand throughout generations to come. There is no end to such a colossal force that has brought children back to books. Children are reading again and literacy is through the roof, and I give an exceeding amount of credit to Jo Rowling. All of us fans who remain loyal to the legacy will never let it die. As new generations of readers are introduced to such a wondrous story so the journey and success will continue.

 

Do you believe Harry Potter will be considered a literary classic?

Well, based on my previous answers and on what I know in my heart I will have to say absolutely. It is a modern tale of love, friendship, sacrifice, and bravery; just to name a few. The authorship is so golden and the authenticity and passion that lines within the pages can only be found in a Potter novel. That is why Harry Potter, all seven novels, will be considered a literary classic that all our descendants will know and love.

What did J.K. Rowling do to create this success?

JK Rowling took a chance. She went out on a limb and was brave and fearless with a dream. Without her, we would never know this magical, breathtaking world that was so graciously shared with the world, thanks to Jo. Upon meeting JKR in NYC this fall, I realized she is a very humble individual. She does not realize the magnitude of her impact on the literary world. She continues to create content for Pottermore; sharing stories that only she knows, facts that are only in her shoe boxes. She will always be such a heroin of our generation and that attributes to the success of the series on a different level. 

What influences does Harry Potter have on culture?

Our culture, especially in the United States, has diminished to be completely cookie cutter. Children and teens grow up with electronics and never know what it is like to have real interaction with another person. Our culture is not personal anymore because of texting, messaging, video chat; the list goes on and on. But something that the Potter series shows our adolescents is to value the relationships with one another, stand up for what you believe in, sacrifice for those that you love. These are not values that can be taught on the internet. I know that Harry Potter has changed my life and made me a better person. On a more wide scale, if everyone around the world could just adapt those values into their lives, the world would be a better place. I believe that people are already doing that. Seeing what a story can teach you and applying it to your own life to better it and mold it into something wonderful; that is what the impact on our society is.

How far reaching is Harry Potter's influence?

Well, looking at number alone will tell you that is reaches every corner of the world. I don't want to quote numbers and figures to answer, because all I must say is that "there won't be a child in our world who doesn't know his name". 

Why has Harry Potter been able to have this influence?

It has such a far reaching influence because of where the story takes you, what it teaches you, and so much more. The magical story, the amazing characters, far off places that only can be seen in our dreams, the values and morals or evil that is shown, the beauty of a novel that moves a generation - these are all reasons for the high impact that JKR has given to us through Potter. 

Potterheads have been recognized as the best fans. Why do you think this is?

Because it is the God's truth. I have never in my life seen another fandom so passionate, so involved and in love with a series. Going to LeakyCon, waiting at midnight showings or book releases, dressing up as characters from our beloved novels - these are all small exhibits of what we as Potter fans do to relive the series. But what is more is how we all treat one another. Harry Potter has brought people together from all walks of life and all different places all over the world. It gives us a place to call home and for that we are all so passionate and grateful. 

 

Why do you love Harry Potter?

From the moment I was able to read, I had a book in my hand. Nothing had captivated me quite like Harry Potter did when it was first released. Ever since then my love for the series never died. I have endured a difficult broken household growing up with a haunted childhood. Harry Potter was a safe place, my soft place to fall when the road was dark. I was in a Catholic school, but other than lessons there, I wasn't being taught anything about how to live my life and grow up to be a proper adult. Harry Potter taught me what was right, what was noble, what was just. I escaped from my mundane world of fighting and fright to a magical world where I could enjoy myself. As the years went on and more and more books were released I learned more about myself through the series. I grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione and could relate to them every step of the way. I survived my adolescence because of Harry. As I became an adult I have never stopped loving each and every detail of the series, what it has taught me, and JK Rowling has inspired me up and through my battle with cancer this year.  Meeting her was outstanding and it pulled me through when I was at my sickest. I reread the series during cancer treatments, surgeries, biopsies, and more. I learned more after the 5th or 6th time reading them. I know that nothing will surpass my love for this wondrous world. I will pass it along with my love down to future generations and hope for its success in the years to come.

Photography Tribute.

A moment can be captured in a memory.
But how quickly the shelf life of that thought fades.
It may last a week, a decade, or perhaps only an hour.
A fading begins to occur, whether it be a withering of age or interest,
The haze over facts or feelings take hold.

A memory in time is too precious to be forgotten.
The greatest method to hold steadfast to our fondest memories,
To keep all the days of our lives is photography.
Documenting for future generations, to pass down.

Nothing stirs more emotions intertwined with a memory than an old photograph.
Experiencing an emotion on a loved one's face,
Possibly a shot of someone who isn't with us anymore,
Can only be seen with the eye because of a photograph.
The brain is fantastic with documentation and filing events;
However, the details of a photo can never be replaced.

The color shirt she wore or the tie that he never took off;
These are precious facts that we lose about our loved ones over the years.
Not every memory is of a lost loved one,
but there are other sentiments can be exhibited through only photography.
The only way to remember each smile line on a young groom's face,
As his glowing bride walked down the aisle is by taking a photo of it.

A baby changes exceedingly fast.
Three months, six months, twelve months;
Oh the difference. Lay, sit, stand, then run.
So many new emotions for that child to explore,
all of which can be captured through a lens and a lens only.

The beauty taken in from a bride, a baby, an elderly couple,
A strong man returning from deployment, a senior in high school;
Each of these radiating exquisite beauty and excellence.

If family, love, memories, and happiness are prided in your household,
You will want to contact Photography by Alison
For breathtaking, unique images for your every meaningful occasion.

www.facebook.com/wheelingphotography

Abandoned Memories.

Soft like silk,
A forgotten beauty.
Silky like velet
A true sight to behold.
Shudder remembering the fog.
Velvety and supple,
One touch is all it takes.
Light caress.
Sweet taste.
A phenomenal feeling soaring.
Building inside
A passion
a sense of complete unbridled emorion.
Course through.
Reach every last sense.
Shudder with a smile,
For its all just a memory.

Short Story: Plaguesis

I wish I knew why I had become human again. Rosy cheeks, warm and supple skin; features that I had not possessed for nearly a century. This gift has been rumored to come to a slight many of my kind. But how? I was seemingly chosen to lie among the few.
No warning preceded my transformation back into a being with a beating heart. No weakening of my powers or a solitary tell tale sign of a fragile existence that I had become once more. I was born human. It could be that Tellus is finally raising up an army against Plaguesis.
Can this be true? Plaguesis has ruled the land for over 125 years. I witnessed when the Darkness covered the mountains, the oceans, and the trees and all of Tellus's beautiful creations fell to servitude at the hands of Plaguesis. He has reeked wide spread panic, chaos, and death; immortal beasts, the Darkness, and even unleashed Hades on what we know as Earth. After Hades' demise from rule with the Olympian Gods, not a single soul ever dreamed he would reign on this plane ever again.
As I begin to put the pieces together, I wonder; if Tellus is slowly succeeding at reclaiming her children, her magnificent creations, perhaps there is a hope after all. The greatest hope we have is that our Earth Mother, Tellus, has reassembled her army; that they have risen once more, the Purus.
The Purus was only a myth; a story of folklore shared among the people for thousands of years. No living mortal or immortal being has ever laid eyes upon the Purus, except for Plaguesis. The fall of him and the Darkness came at the hands of the Purus all those centuries ago.
Those on the run from Plaguesis and his demons would share stories; tales of war, their fight for humanity. As the diseases, famine, and blood shed engulfed the entire countryside; so did the loss of humanity. Immortal beasts reigned and fell senex to Plaguesis. Humans instantaneously transformed into all sorts of dark creatures under Plaguesis's rule.
Meanwhile, only one hope remained. That Tellus was behind my transformation, and soon many, like me, would regain their beating heart and mortality.