After today I promise
not to mention the girls' college adventures again, (at least until
we find out if Diva gets accepted), but I just wanted to share some
good news and bad news. The good news is that, the same day as Diva's
new application form arrived, so did a letter thanking her for her
completed application form. I called them to confirm that they had
actually received it and was told that yes they had, and a letter
inviting her to interview was on its way. That letter hasn't arrived
yet, but at least we know it's coming. The bad news is that, as the
deadline given for invitation to interview has now passed, Blue
hasn't made it. We knew it was a long shot, they only take twenty
British students per year, but I still hate seeing her unhappy. Now
she has to decide which A-levels to take. Tough decision for someone
who has absolutely no idea what she wants to do in the future. And
why should she know? She's fifteen years old. I'm secretly quite
excited that she's looking up entry requirements for creative writing
degrees at University though, although I'm keeping quiet.
Anyway, on with this
week's Musical stories. It's Children's Literature week, and I have
three quite different songs for you to enjoy.
I think children tend
to fall into two camps. The first are those who can't wait to get
older, so they can stay up as late as they like and eat ice-cream for
dinner, (or was that just me?). The second group, which is where our
story fits, like things just the way they are thank you very much, and
paying bills and going to work are for other people. They want to
stay kids. Now that I'm an adult, I can definitely see the
attraction!
Our second story is
about the adventures of starting school, and how it's so much better
if you have a special friend to share it with. It's no fun digging
for worms on your own, you know :-)
When I first heard the
last one, I could see it in my head as a picture book with beautiful
illustrations. It seems as though someone had the same idea because
tonight, whilst trying to find a decent version, I came across an
Amazon entry for a picture-book of the same name. Further
investigation revealed that it wasn't co-incidence, the two are the
same. I suppose that means that technically I shouldn't include it,
as these are all imaginary books but, you know me, never one to shirk
the breaking of my own rules, I'm including it anyway because it
makes me smile. (Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with your
computer, the song is playing over a black screen, sorry but there
wasn't a lot of choice).
I hope you enjoyed
these. Prepare for chills next week, as we're revisiting the horror
genre.
Lyrics here
Lyrics here
Lyrics here
That last song didn't have the tune I thought it would from the lyrics---but I love it.
ReplyDelete"And Jenny had three . . . " Beautiful!
That's my favourite line :-)
DeleteSorry about the bad news. All I can suggest about A-level choices is to go with what she enjoys doing. Unless you have a specific career in mind with very specific academic requirements, I don't think it matters much in the end.
ReplyDeleteWe've had long discussions, but she's finally made a choice!
DeleteAll will be well, just wait and see!
ReplyDeleteThank you Claudia, I hope so :-)
DeleteSorry about Blue. I also had no idea which A-levels I wanted to do, so I did seven in one year (in one exam term). If I can offer one piece of advice, it would be that she doesn't follow my example.
ReplyDelete;-)
Good grief! No, she's only allowed to pick four (plus general studies which is compulsory). Wow, you were either incredibly academic, or you hated to choose :-)
DeleteI'm sure all will be well.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Yvonne.
Thank you :-)
DeleteIt's so hard when things don't work out as we dream they will. She may feel dreadful now - and you knowing that she'll look back on this and shrug is no consolation today. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteShe's feeling a lot better now, since we explored a few options she hadn't thought of (geology!).
DeleteAs far as A levels - things will work out. Life as a way a funny way of sorting things for the best!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and you could be right :-)
DeleteI love the Ramones version of the first song.
ReplyDeleteJennifer's Rabbit brought back so many memories - my father-in-law used to sing it when I first met hubby, and later he'd sing it to my kids as bedtime songs. Thank you so much for that. I've got a tear in my eye :-)
Aww, that's really sweet. I love stories like this.
DeleteI'm sorry Blue didn't get accepted. This week I attended a post 16 event with my teenager and like Blue, she isn't really sure of where she's going with her life but she's chosen subjects that interest her and for me, that gives her another 2 years of school, of maturing, to get a better feel for what she wants. I personally love her A level choices though.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for Diva. I hope it goes well!
You know exactly what it feels like!
DeleteSarah, you go ahead and mention the college adventures any time you need to. :D We're all heart to listen. Disappointments are difficult, but everything happens for a reason.
ReplyDeleteGreat song picks. I enjoyed the listen.
Thank you CherylAnne, it's so nice having a captive audience I can share things with :-)
DeleteThings have a strange way of falling into place... and when you least expect it.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, thanks Mish :-)
DeleteGood luck to them both.
ReplyDelete'for someone who has absolutely no idea what she wants to do in the future'- Does Blue have any special interests and talents? That should give her a good idea which direction to take. I wished I'd followed mine and become a writer sooner.
You've found 3 More songs I've never heard of before. LOL!
We discovered Geology - she's interested :-)
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about Blue, but I can say, every rejection I've ever received has been a strange (if barbed) gift. My first choice for undergrad turned me down flat, and as a result, I went in a completely different direction with my life, and I wouldn't change that.
ReplyDeleteAnd my suggestion for people who don't know what they want to do with their life is to take as many different classes as possible, science, art, history, philosophy, music, everything. Try it all. You only get a few chances in your life to be that scattered.
She's allowed to choose four and I think she's taken your advice - Maths, Physics, English and Drama :-)
DeleteSarah - Oh, my heart goes out to Blue; it would have been so good to be accepted. But I'm glad for the good news you got! And you know, Blue will find her path. She has a wonderful role model. And I like the way you share what's going on in your life - keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteAs to your songs for the week - love 'em!!! Such good choices. Have you ever heard Clint Holmes' Playground in My Mind? Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhcsWMWZMaQ
Margot, after the week I've had your words are so kind, thank you.
DeleteAnd, you've scored another bullseye with the song :-)
As a kid I was waaaay more grown up than I am now.
ReplyDeleteHeh, me too. I don't intend to do that again :-)
DeleteI had no idea White Stripes performed such a sweet little song. Made me smile and think of all my primary students.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't envy BLue having to make such decisions at 15. American kids just have to finish high school...they still have to narrow down a career at 18 (more or less) but at least it gives them 3 more years to grow up.
I know, it's not 'typical' White Stripes, is it?
DeleteI prefer the American way of not having to specialise until 18. This is just too early.
I'm sorry to hear about Blue!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry about mentioning college adventures--it's your blog, and readers are all ears. :) Or eyes, as it may be.
I love the second song.
She took it remarkably well. I, on the other hand, may have shed a tear or two because of course, I want her to have everything she wants.
DeleteAWESOME! Huge bonus for children's lit! Seriously girl, you think of everything. Amazing choices!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them, Leigh :-)
DeleteI'm sorry about the bad news. I hope things take a turn for the best option.
ReplyDeleteGreat songs. I was the type of kid who didn't want to grow up. I didn't feel like that until I was a teenager.
I suspect growing up may be a tad over-rated :-)
DeleteLove the song choices today!
ReplyDeleteI agree on how hard it is for teens to decide on A-levels. My step-daughter really struggled with that, and now she's struggling to decide on uni.
It's so early for them to specialise, don't you think? As you say, hard enough making a uni decision!
DeleteOhh I really liked Jennifer's Rabbit... the lyrics are so cool.
ReplyDeleteAren't they just? :-)
DeleteYay for Diva! But that's a tough choice for Blue. People much older than fifteen are still trying to figure out what they want to do - it isn't alway easy to know what direction to go in! And it's comforting to know that many people change direction during their lives, sometimes multiple times.
ReplyDeleteUgh, Adobe Flash plugin crased AGAIN! Why does it keep doing that for me??
Aww, hope you managed to listen to the songs later.
DeleteI agree, my life definitely didn't turn out how it was planned :-)
I was definitely one of the second category! And yes, 16 is crazily young to expect someone to make a lifetime's commitment. Although, unlike when I was young, there is an expectation now that people will switch jobs throughout their careers and do a variety of things.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to encourage my daughters to take plumbing NVQs at least, in addition to anything else they did, so they would always have a way of earning decent money, but they wouldn't have it ! :D
Heh, I tried for electricians :-)
DeleteI haven't heard these before, but they're great :) Best of luck to your girls. You can tell Blue that English and Creative Writing was the best choice/experience of my life.
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Glad you liked the songs :-)
DeleteBlue is definitely taking A' Level English so she can keep her options open.
I love the White Stripes song. In fact I just went and downloaded it off iTunes. I wish your girls the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked it :-)
DeleteThanks Jessica.
My kids were in the first camp, but I've convinced them it's not fun being a grown up. Good song picks.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, kids should stay kids as long as possible :-)
DeleteI was too busy trying to grow up... To now I've reversed it... Nd never want to grow up!
ReplyDeleteXxx
Me too - tried it once, didn't like it :-)
DeleteDon't know any of these. :( Your daughter has lots for time to decide what she wants to do. You're a good mum for not putting pressure on her.
ReplyDeleteI think it ridiculous that they even have to narrow their options down this early. At least she seems to have come to a decision she's happy with.
DeleteI'd never heard that cover of Tom Waits' I don't want to grow up. That girl made that song hers.
ReplyDeleteBlown away.
R
I was actually looking for the Tom Waits one when I came across that. It's something else, isn't it?
DeleteI hadn't heard any of these but my favourite is the last one for the same reasons you gave.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me wish I had a little one to buy the book for :-)
DeleteI love that White Stripes song. Its catchy, even for adults. Jennifer's rabbit was cool too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your daughters are taking the college route. These adventures are exciting; I'm wishing I could get even one of mine to apply. I'll keep my thoughts positive for all the kids.
.........dhole
Thanks Donna. I just wish they weren't so impatient for these next two years to pass so they can get off to uni!
DeleteEnjoyed the songs. I couldn't wait to grow up and I would not want to relive my childhood. I like the freedom and my independence too much.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for chills!
Sorry you've had to wait an extra week. Hopefully it'll be worth it :-)
DeleteWe're Going To Be Friends is one of my favorite songs ever :D
ReplyDeleteReally? This makes me do a happy dance :-)
DeleteWonderful choices! There are some songs that remind me of my childhood. Now I'm going to have to look them up and sing them. (Is it bad that I still listen to Alvin and the Chipmunks?... with my kiddos, of course. Ha!)
ReplyDeleteOf course it isn't. *Closes youtube link to Rugrats and steps away from the computer*
DeleteI remember feeling sad once at the Toys R Us commercial: the lyrics are: I don't want to grow up/I'm a Toys R Us Kid...
ReplyDeleteand I realized some day I WOULD grow up and I wouldn't play with toys, and that was really sad to me. It's funny to think back on now, but it really hit me at the time.
With me it was the realisation that grown ups didn't get summer off work :-)
Delete*sigh* I wish my kids were NOT growing up!! I love them so much, and I will miss them. As I've mentioned before, I have two boys that are going through the application process right now as well. One has heard on his first choice (accepted), and the other is still waiting. ... patience ...
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you and your kids!!
You know the feeling too well. Congrats to your boy, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for his brother :-)
DeleteI love that White Stripes song. It's seems so simple and innocent. I do wish I was a kid again. There are so many things I missed out on.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure things will work out. Things seem to happen for reasons.
I'd like to be a kid but without Facebook - that would get me into so much trouble! Thanks Christine.
Deletei was very much a "didn't want to grow up" gal. I was always very aware that the awesomenes of childhood was a limited thing, and that i should enjoy it while i could
ReplyDeleteYou were one smart cookie :-)
DeleteKids want to grow up, and adults want to be kids again. But we only want to re-experience the fun stuff. Not the boring stuff like homework and peer pressure (which we suffer through as adults, too).
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. It's too easy to forget the dull and painful bits in between the fun :-)
DeleteSorry about the college issues.
ReplyDeleteI fell into both camps. I remained a child in that I knew there was no J-O-B out there I wanted, which was my rationale for ditching college. (It did work out though - I've been self-employed for 13 years now. And there is no J-O-B you could possibly give me!)
Good for you, I love that there are people who are actually happy with their jobs :-)
DeleteUgh. Kids going to college makes my stomach hurt. That time is coming up for me pretty soon.
ReplyDeleteOh yes - and your college is the big one - the sleepaway one :-) I haven't got that for another two years.
DeleteLove The White Stripes (hailing from my home state of Michigan). Love this song. its so cool. I'm in a much better mood now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff :-) And I didn't know that's where they were from.
DeleteAck! I can't believe how stressful all of this sounds. Here where we live, the kids have to go through an intense application and testing process for high school. It's ridiculous and my head starts to hurt every time I think about it. Ugh. Ugh. Double Ugh.
ReplyDeleteWhoever said kids have it easy these days hasn't been through the education process!
DeleteI've lost count of the times I've wished I was a kid again... knowing everything I know now of course! I love Tom Paxton but had never heard Jennifer's Rabbit before. Sweet. It made me think of Puff the Magic Dragon. In case you don't know it, the boy grows up and leaves Puff behind. I still think it's sad.
ReplyDeleteI've mentioned you in my blog by the way (you came joint second because I believed you!) so do pop over.
Oh yes, I know Puff well. He's on my list of maybes :-)
DeleteThank you so much for mentioning me, sorry I'm so behind on visiting, I'll be over very soon :-)
Growing up? You mean you're supposed to do that? Man, I missed the memo. ;)
ReplyDeleteActually I like being an adult and as a writer, I would say we can remain as young or old as we want in our stories.
Yeah, I was absent from class that day too :-)
DeleteAnd true, writing is a gateway to freedom :-)
I loved them! Great picks!
ReplyDeleteYay! Thanks Peggy :-)
DeleteI love hearing about your kids college adventures:) And you're right, who knows what they want to do at 15? I only wanted to party. I wanted to let you know that I have a blog award for you over on my site.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for thinking of me Gwen :-)
DeleteHi Sara, I wanted to let you know that I gave you an award over at my blog.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Rena. It's much appreciated.
DeleteNice stories and good picks. I look forward to next week.
ReplyDeleteSorry my stupid germs meant you had to miss a week, hope it'll be worth the wait this Friday!
Delete