Courtney W's CyberEnglish blog

Mp3 Playlist

Forever and Always by Taylor Swift- I chose this song because Taylor’s words represent how Rowan feels about this new boy she just met. They met a week night, ever since they met each other’s eyes they knew they were inseparable. Rowan and this boy Harper were hanging out alone, but she knew she never told him about her condition at home, her mother who ignores the world around her, and her sister Stroma who she cares for every day. Harper said they would get married and be together to care for Stroma, and that their lives would begin to improve. Then one day, Christmas to be exact,  he left and never came back, leaving Rowan and Stroma upset and curious. Rowan should have knew better, not to think he would be committed to such a responsibility forever and always like he promised.

Set Fire to the Rain by Adele- This song I feel describes the way Rowan feels after Harper leaves her. When Harper was with her, it helped her in so many ways. For instance, keep her mind off of the issues at home, she finally felt she was loved by a boy, he acted like he loved Stroma, and there was also a special security Rowan felt when Harper was present. She gave  him her heart, and she trusted him then he just left them randomly without a word. I know that he meant a lot to her, without knowing him long.

The Climb by Miley Cyrus- This song is my impression on how Rowan wants to feel. Rowan is so strong, but yet there is a part of her that wishes she won’t always have to wake up early and wake up Stroma, feed her, get her ready for school, take her to school, clean the house, worry about grocery shopping, and much more. She just wants to be a normal teenager with two loving parents. This is understandable. Rowan has had a dream since she was little to become a vet. With so much on her mind, she doesn’t have time for a lot of her studies and money to supply her with the education she needs. After her brother died, her whole life was switched completely around. She had dreams and had a plan to achieve them.

Breathe by Taylor Swift- The loss of Rowan’s best friend, her brother Jack and her dad who left them, her life will never be the same. Rowan wants to feel strong for Mum and Stroma’s sake. She has a job, and goes to school as well to try and give Stroma a some-what “Normal” life. Every night she cries herself to sleep knowing she has all the responsibilities to conquer again when she wakes up.

God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton- Towards the ending of the novel, Rowan discovers her new best friend, god. She realizes god gave her Stroma because he trusts her. She is a good example to Stroma and they could make it through every obstacle. They began going to church and start to feel better about the hard times. They need each other otherwise they have no one.

I currently am reading the novel Broken Soup by Jenny Valentine. This selection of writing is a eulogy written to the main character, Rowan, at her funeral by her mother. Her mother is writing this after the death of Rowan, wishing she had time to actually read her what she wrote. In this novel it is important to understand how Rowan grows into a responsible caretaker for her sister Stroma while her mother ignores the world around them. I hope my readers will gain a better understanding of Rowan’s importance in Stroma’s life. Also,  how she was able to touch her mother’s heart and make her realize she needs to continue being a role model for Stroma, and be the mother she never had.

My dear Rowan. I cannot express my feelings enough to make you realize what a great woman you have become. Over the past two years I have been hiding away, ignoring the world around me, especially you and Stroma. I know this is a bad time for apologizing but from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry. The death of your brother, and with your dad leaving, I was overwhelmed. That was no excuse to speed up your growth. You had to grow up fast and learn everything about being the mother figure in Stroma’s life. Laundry, making cold lunches, and forcing Stroma out of bed every morning wasn’t my cup of tea either. The negative of this situation was that I was unfair to you, leaving you without words to figure out life on your own when it was my job. There is a positive to this too, which you may not have realized. When I did see you, Stroma was extremely happy. You both were far more adventurous than I remember. You, Rowan are a beautiful, strong, caring, and mature young lady. I can’t believe that for you to be gone, has made me come to my senses. I will have to learn how to be a mother again. Surprisingly, that will come easy for now that you have set a great example. I promise to protect and love Stroma and be the best mother I can be. We both miss you immensely. Please remember I love you with all my heart, forever.

I currently am reading the novel Broken Soup  by Jenny Valentine. I chose to write a poem for the first blog post. Through my poem you will understand the responsibility and independence the main character experiences from first person point of view. This books genre is adventure, when you have finished reading this novel you will understand how to overcome hard times and how the main character Rowan grew up to be a strong caretaker.

Jack is gone, but where did he go?

Up  in heaven so long ago.

Dad is gone, but where did he go?

Nobody knows.

Now they leave me here all alone

To take care of our dear mum and sister Stroma.

Mum is here.

Barely

Peaceful, without love, and selfish

She lies in bed unfairly

Without thought, leaving me to mentally drain.

All I can think about is the past and a deep, unfortunate pain.

I enjoy looking after Stroma

But not every day

I want to be my own blooming Petunia.

I’ve had to grow up fast,

Hopefully mum will let go of the past,

And realize she has two beautiful daughters whom love and forgive her.

I wrote this poem because the theme of my novel is maturity, responsibility, and sorrow. The main character Rowan has a hard time adjusting when her brother, and best friend died creating tension in the household. This made her father leave. He couldn’t take it anymore, everywhere he looked reminded him of his son. He was gone without a notice. But, with a gracious heart, calls once in a while to check on his kids. The mother is going through a depression and stays in her bed, doesn’t answer the phone or door, and acts like the world revolving around her doesn’t exist. Including her kids that live in her own home. Now who’s going to take care of little 7 year old Stroma? The only person left is Rowan, she does everything under the sun to provide for her sister. Cook, clean, homework, entertainment, health. She enjoys quality time but would also like to be a normal teenager, hanging out with friends. Every day, it is a struggle and burden.