Go Garden

BY FUNANYA IKECHUKWU

Gardening is a favorite pastime for need are a shovel, trowel, kneeling pad, planting plants in the wrong location. You many people, and during the pandemic, plant labels, and mulch.” need to do your research to learn what gardening has risen in popularity. According to an interview with KC the plant needs in light of water, sun, According to reuters.com, U.S. seed Cancilla of The Root 66, said, “The soil, heat, and frost. You also shouldn’t company, W. Atlee Burpee & Co, sold community garden has everything needed overplant. Allow enough space for the more seed than any time in its 144-year to start your own garden.” plant when it’s mature,” said Almanzor. history in March 2020. In research Next, choose what you want to There are many benefits to having a taken from the company, Scotts Miracle- grow. Beginners can start with fruits garden, according to UNC Health Talk. Gro, more than 55% percent of adults or vegetables. Some suggestions are Gardening has been shown to improve are gardening this year, as reported by spinach, kale, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, well being by lowering stress, increasing gardencentermag.com. The reasons cited bell peppers, and strawberries. Small vitamin D. It can also provide local for this uptick in gardening are the access succulents and herbs that you can put on wildlife food and shelter. to fresh food, gardening helps to reduce your windowsill are also easy to take care ‘‘More people should start supporting stress, and to stay busy. Gardening is of. community gardens or have their own something that anybody can take up as Cancilla said, “Radishes are a favorite gardens so they can be healthier physically a hobby, even if you do not have a green plant for new gardeners and children.” and mentally,” said Almanzor. thumb. Almanzor said, “Succulents are great Gardens are a great way to relieve The first step to starting your stress and a great way to get own garden is to figure out where you will have it. Do you “More people should start some fresh food. It can also be a fun challenge. Embarking on want it on your front lawn? Do you want to start your garden at a community garden center? supporting community gardens or have their own gardens so a gardening journey however can yield more benefits in the long run for the environment Do you want your garden to be a vertical standing garden? Figure they can be healthier physically and your health. If you do not want to start your own personal out where exactly you want to deposit your plants so that you and mentally.” garden, you can support your local community garden, usually can buy the correct planting pots. Indoor plants may require -Janine Almanzor for a small annual fee. The Root 66 and the Loma Linda terracotta pots, whereas outdoor Community Garden are always plants may require biodegradable planting to start with because they’re easy to grow accepting members. pots. You will mainly need a garden hoe, unless you overwater them. Vegetables fertilizer, mulch, water, and pots. Some and herbs are good also because you get plants require different tools so make sure the reward of eating what you’ve grown. to do research on what is needed for a My favorite is flowers because it makes it plant to grow successfully. According to pinchofseeds.com, all-purpose fertilizer so pretty to look at and you can bring cut flowers into your house.” Garden Starter Pack (granular) works the best for nourishing Also, remember to manage your your plants. gardens properly so that they can thrive.

In an interview with, Janine Almanzor The main thing I’ve learned is that you Pot of UCR Botanic Gardens said, “ If you don’t have much space you can start a garden in pots. Otherwise, you need some need to check your garden regularly and that way you can notice problems, like insects or wilting plants, right away before Soil Shovel ground space. Depending on what you’re it’s too late. A watering system on a timer Seeds/ Plants growing and your soil type, you may need to amend the soil. Some items you may is very helpful in inland areas where we don’t get much rain. “You should avoid Water 8

Photo Credits: Janine Almanzor, UCR, Top 3 KC Cancilla, The Root 66 Garden, Bottom 3

Culinary BY ALLISON KIM

Kay Santos (12)

Caroline Wagner (12)

Alley Falvo (12) Abby Tching (10)

Gaby Alfaro (10) Justin Haven Cocos (11)

Brooke LaTour (9)

Dance

BY ALLISON KIM

Isabella Fick (10)

Isabella Fick said, “My parents always saw me dancing around the house and decided to enroll me in classes. I really enjoyed it and kept doing it ever since. I’ve made so many friends through dance and I’ve learned that commitment is really important. It’s good exercise that makes my body feel good.”

Annelise Rigsby (12)

Annelise Rigsby (12) became a dancer because she saw some videos online and was inspired to dance like them. After she took her first ballet class, she fell in love with it. She said, “Dancing has impacted my life in so many ways it takes up most of my after school hours and being a dance teacher was my first job.” Dancing has also taught her many life lessons that she couldn’t have learned anywhere else. The best thing about dance to her is that you will never stop learning. She said, “When it comes to dance, you will always be working towards that next goal and it’s always interesting because you’re never done.”

Samantha Zane (11)

Samantha Zane (11) was influenced by her little cousin to start ballet. She started when she was four years old. Her parents decided to enroll her into a dance school here in Redlands California and she loved it. She enjoyed how beautiful ballet was and said that ballet made her feel the happiest. She said “Dance has impacted my life in many ways. It has taught me about discipline and learn that not everything in life is going to come very easy. I have to work hard for the things I really wanted. But I have also learned something new lately during this whole quarantine, that not having dance is a big impact on me in a hard way. I strive so much to be back on stage and in the studio. I miss the feeling of making people smile and touching people’s hearts with the art of dance. Dance is such a healing movement and it has changed my life.” The best thing about dance to her is the feeling that you’re touching so many people in so many ways. She said, “Moving people in an inspirational way and just touching them in a way that they would never forget is just such a good and magical feeling.”

Digital Art

BY ALLISON KIM

Zadie Tsao (10)

This piece was created in 2019 when Zadie Tsao (10) entered it into a contest supporting a new kids book. The book is called “Sky Dragon” by James Blackburn. Drake the dragon, with a wing disability, is the main character the book depicts. So she drew Drake alongside a grownup version of him, staring into the twilight with the words “Dream Big” in the stars. Tsao won as a runner-up and got a signed copy of the book as a prize. She said, “This drawing experience really helped me to learn more on how to improve!”

Julienne Role (10)

Julienne Role (10) wanted to draw something that inspired her as well as something that could be a background for her computer. She wanted to express that she shouldn’t compare herself to others because everyone is unique. So she drew this person in a garden-like area to show that everything around you, including yourself, is beautiful in it’s own way.

Viveka Smith (10)

Viveka Smith (10) said, “This piece was inspired after I watched a couple videos on Greek mythology. I had also gone to the beach the day before so it was fresh in my mind when I was sketching.” She made this piece a couple months ago and she really likes how the colors came out. Her favorite part about it are the plants.

Drawing

BY ALLISON KIM

Sophie Rai (10)

Elise Chuquimia (12) Claire Elias (12)

Averil Gimbel (10)

Graphic Design BY ALLISON KIM

Gabby Kim (9) Nicole Seheult (10)

Title: Clip & Fluff This business would provide the services of dog grooming and selling of dog clothing

Mason Possinger (12)

“This is an example of what the blend tool in Adobe Illustrator can do.” Front

Back

Title: Alpha Notes This is a business card for an online tutoring Youtube channel called Alpha Notes.

Musicians

BY ABIGAIL INOSTROZA

Musicians such as Esther Chang (12) said, “I have a love-hate relationship with it because practicing can be very frustrating and time-consuming, but the feeling of accomplishment when I finish learning a piece is pretty great.” Being able to accomplish such difficult pieces can be the make it or break it for musicians sometimes. Many musicians such as Chang learn to appreciate the love-hate relationship between them and their instrument. Chang said, “I enjoy it because it’s something that I can express creativity in, and is a one of my hobbies.”

Not every musician uses an instrument, singers are an amazing group of musicians. Using their vocal chords to make beautiful sounds. Alexander Salles (9) has been singing since he was 8 years old. “ I enjoy music because it just makes life easier.” Music is such a great coping mechanism to use when you’re stressed or life is not as good as it could be. Using Music can also bring your spiritual connection with God to a closer relationship. Salles said, “God made music for us to adore him and express ourselves. I just feel a more powerful connection with God when writing and singing.”

Music is like candy for your ears. A sweet tone can set you in a sweet mood while you’re doing your favorite hobby perhaps. Aidan Walls (12) said, “It’s developed some amazing friendships and connections for me.” Meeting people that share the same passions are amazing ways to have a friendship blossom. Music can have such an impact on a person that it can change what they feel and how the act for the whole day or even the rest of their life. Walls said, “It has even changed my life trajectory in that I will be attending a music college in the fall.” Exploring and learning new hobbies might just be the most life changing hobby you can have.

Paintings

BY ABIGAIL INOSTROZA

Spring is coming, and with this season there are so many beautiful sceneries and fields beginning to blossom and it’s the perfect chance to get inspired to make art! Art is a creative expression from people and is relaxing to most. Painting is one form of artwork that can be done by people about basically anything. Some people may find inspiration in the weather or season and some may find inspiration in a show or a need to express themselves in a unique way. Andrea Vargas (11) has been painting ever since she was young and has created memories thanks to this creative expression. She said, “We would often have painting nights or mini art competitions between my mom, sister, and myself. I would barely ever win, but it was fun!” So many different ways to enjoy painting through competition or bonding. Vargas also said, “It serves as an outlet for any bad energies I may be carrying, providing a way for me to de-stress when necessary.” Painting can help de-stress someone and actually help them with their mental state so they can recuperate from a stressful day or week or having burnout from school. Jessica Almaguer (11) began her painting journey at 12 years old. Painting has helped her find a safe haven in painting when things get stressful, “ Painting has been an outlet where I can be creative and have fun.” Though many people find it relaxing to paint by themselves, painting with friends can be just as relaxing and fun. When Jessica paints she said, “ I paint to distract my mind for a while and develop my artistic side.” It is a way to help grow and explore an artistic side of herself that has helped her become the person she is today. Painting can help with personal growth by finding what your passion is or could be by exploring different ways of expressing yourself. Painting is an amazing way to cope as well since it can help you find a sort of calm and concentration.

Expression is important for us, especially at such a young age, since we can evolve our skills higher the more we learn. Exploring different passions may be something we all need to try in order to find a way to cope with the stress of school or home or just life in general. Exploring painting is a way to find your passion but you never know unless you give it a try.

Winter Sunset -Sofia Tan (9) Untitled - Sophia Ciaramello (12)

Grandma -Annalise Rigsby (12)

Photography

BY ALLISON KIM

Isha Patel (12)

Pictures taken in San Clemente.

Marissa Armenta (11)

Picture of the sunset hitting the water.

Gia Wright (9)

Picture of a sunset.

Soobin Jeon (10)

A mother goose with her goslings.

Writers & Poets

BY ABIGAIL INOSTROZA Eternal Sunshine

By Kalise Couture (12)

I am from the ivory piano keys, from old records and purple upholstery couches. I am from lemon tree under the sun, (sour, riney, and tastes like summer.) I am from the lamp posts the flickering lights whose light shines bright in the night and brings the wonder of the world to my eyes.

I am from stop signs and old mp3 songs, from Nanay and Tatay. I’m from the hard-heads and the unaffectionate, from why are you like this to why now. I’m from believe what you want with a bible on my back and Philippians 4:13 tattooed in my mind.

I’m from Sunnyside and Sierra View, corn beef and orange juice. From the finger my papa lost to strawberry jam the life my lola gave up to live a good one the shelf in my closet holds memories Disneyland hats 2009 barbie dolls to hold high above my head forever. I am from these memoriesmade in this image before I could remember the apples don’t fall far from the trees.

The Sun

By Iman Haq (12)

The shadow of the clouds kissed the floor of the valley Within their soft curves hid the embodiment of the sun herself The life giver and food bringer until the moon relieves her of her purpose Though the moon is of equal importance in the life of a child, it cannot fulfill the role of the sun Her love could be replaced by none for when she looks at her child, she becomes the sun Rain falls down from the sky as she cries and cries and cries Her baby is growing up and no longer needs the sun to survive But no matter how tall they grow, every little flower needs the sun’s rays to thrive 20

By Iman Haq (12)

she gawks at her reflection with disgust she judges she cries out looking for some sort of lust to protect her from her own expectations she judges she criticizes every fragment of her being she judges until nothing has feeling she judges until her life has no meaning

the gleam from her bathroom light reflects onto the smooth, silver glass creating a breathtaking illusion, yet distorted in the beholder’s eyes she dwells on her imperfections until she can come up with some sort of conclusion

her judgment swells and surges through her veins She tears herself down till all she is left with is pain

Lost in self-destruction, she misses the chance to see the human body in its truest form

Excerpt from “Ximena”

By Noah Hernandez (12)

i met the goddess last night, the one named ximena, and so naturally i asked her:

do old women dream of rancid plums, and aging prunes?

in the varying hues of crimson, that crawl from the inner corners of where their grandchildren lie?

her tongue forbade her lips, from letting her thoughts take form. so instead, she handed me a mirror.

i caressed it by the neck, peering into the glass, searching for an answer.

only then was ximena permitted to speak, and her tongue spat fallacies like skipping stones. i saw azrael behind her eyes as she spoke.

unfortunately, i saw only my reflection cursing at ximena. it accused her of being a liar, and a thief. winter crept up my spine, my eyes fixated on ximena, as the goddess spoke sins of children.

i cringed as her lips spat fallacies, cursing the elder woman.

i then asked xiemena: how could you not adore these elderly women? they are a sight to behold.

their skin is testament to their age, for it marks every day that they have survived, as it displays the depth of their fables.

yet as they live out their elder days, they remain beautiful as they did, as when they were in their youth.

Excerpt from “The Maid in Leather”

By Jazmyne Weley (12)

Dear Arya, Hello there. If you are reading this, you may have lost your memory again. So this is just a reminder, you are Arya. A maid under the Kingdom of Taylla. You specialize in cleaning and running errands. You have no other purpose other than that. When greeting the crown or heirs, you must curtsey and refer to them as m’lady or sir. Never forget that or you will get hurt and find yourself losing your memory again. If you find yourself running into trouble, you may contact the crown. If you forgot who that was, it is King Amias. He will tell you all you need to know. Sincerely, Arya

Hello, I am Arya. I am one out of many maids under the Kingdom of Taylla. I have short term memory loss, so I have little recollection of my life before and while I was working. Despite my inability to take in information for a certain period of time, I did make many memories throughout my time there. What makes it special is that my memories are through the letters I have placed for myself all throughout the kingdom. There were a lot in the maid’s chambers.

Dear Arya, Remember, if you woke up in the maid’s chambers, that means you did something that displeased them. It will always remain a mystery as to what it is. If you do not feel comfortable working in the palace, then you may request to have an out-of-palace errand. Sincerely, Arya

I have worked on a lot while working in the palace, but of course, there were times when I just had to escape.

Dear Arya, When leaving, please be careful. You will have to go in leather clothing because it’s how you will blend in without creating too much of a commotion but there are people out there who are out to get those from the palace. You’ve had a couple of episodes there before. Limit your actions there as much as possible. Only do what you need to do, then get out. Sincerely, Arya

I should’ve listened to my own advice. While I was in town, I learned some information about the kingdom that I probably shouldn’t have. Ever since that day, before I knew it, I was betraying the ones I love. I knew the heirs would never forgive me at this point, I’ve gone too far into my plan.

Time Soup

By Daniel Baldwin (11)

The time soup recipe calls for a week; A grand total of seven days to show. The first piece is Monday, an unripe leak; Its early date makes it tough to swallow.

The next ingredient is Tuesday, Its only purpose is to take up space. A grey blandness similar to Thursday; It’s meant to prolong the dull aftertaste.

Sunday and Wednesday will make up the rest; A lengthy exhausting bittersweet root. Add Saturday and Friday for some zest, The diners will elicit a wan hoot.

Blend beyond recognition for time soup. Reheat tomorrow; a recurring loop.

This Year America Homeschooled

By John Herrmann (11)

At first it was hard to understand But we now must confront it firsthand So we sit at home And use Google Chrome Unless of course you live in New Zealand

I Told the Stars

By Erin Stone (9)

There is a certain magic that few can see when they look up into the night sky, that’s what I saw in his eyes. He’s like a rare fine dust that once interlaced the stars, a beautiful tribute to things most no longer bother to notice. You told me you could give me the world, but I told you that wasn’t what I needed. I told you that you were enough, but I wasn’t for you. All you left me was sparkling, shimmering stardust, my heart glows less. You were my universe, but now you’re a broken wish A fallen star with no remorse, with no meaning And yet, I still tell the stars about you I wish they’d listen.

Dreams

By Erin Stone (9)

What is a dream? Translucent thoughts that flutter into our brain when we sleep, settling in for the night? A whimsical dancer that graces the halls of our cortex as we lie down, spinning and swaying to the rhythm of our hearts? Could it be magic, something we no nothing of? Or perhaps the magic of a dream is that we alone create it, something from nothing inside a shell of what’s to come. Maybe we know nothing, and yet we know everything when we dream, for who can tell us what to dream when we alone can