Balmoral Hall School - Optima Anni Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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THE FIRST DAY I stood at the entrance of that enormous gymnasium, desperately trying to look nonchalant and self- consciously grinding the well-polished toe of my brand new black patent shoes into the tough wax shine of the never-yellow gym- nasium floor. Someone brimming with self-assurance bustled past, and I looked down to find a Hello My Name ls Jane sticker haphazardly stuck on the starchiness of my new white blouse. I-li Jane . Voices swarmed in and out of my ears and seven million people, whose blouses were a lot more faded than mine, grouped themselves around me, slapping each other's backs and discussing unforgettable summers with long lost friends. Then they moved away, before I had time to tell them that my name was really Andrea. I gulped and swallowed, nonchalantly, and wondered whether or not my father had paid the entrance fees yet. Now - When I dash through the open doors of the gym that has room for only two badminton courts, leave my dirty fingerprints entwined with others on the light switches and make black scuff marks on the tired gym floor with worn-out loafers, I sometimes stop, remembering the lonely individual who stood nonchalantly right here and I wonder if she was ever really me or ifl was ever really her. Anonymous

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S PRI NG THOUGHTS Down by the spring where I get water Everyday it grows hotter and hotter. ' hr tyq , . T b,.p,'f 3 if Down by the pond I saw a frog. if f, ff A. And every day I fell in a bog. Down by the lake so clean and clear. I sit down and listen to the froggies cheer. 53' :v- I ,Y ' Down in the grass that grows so high Q 1 1 I sit down and watch the birds go by. ' I I ' X Barbie Leach, Grade 3. ' 11211 .,. A V .x 4 .4 , r , '. A 1 ' Ji .1 ' - 3 I f-ah! H HAPPINESS IS... Happiness is watching the crabapple tree bloom, and the plum tree bloom, going swimming, going in a rowboat among the trees over lapping water. Happiness is walking among the trees and being surrounded by violets and weeping willows. Catherine Helen Osler, Grade 6 Happiness is friendship. Sharing secrets, holding hands, and being able to trust a friend is happiness. Happiness is playing in a fort at school together. Walking hand in hand smiling from ear to ear knowing that this person shares secrets and will never let you down and you will always be her best friend, forever. Wendy Wharton, Grade 6 Happiness is being alive, a beautiful little blue forget-me-not. Happiness is a warm gentle nudge, brushing my horse off, petting my dog. Happiness is having friends, letting the sun shine down on you. Happiness is reading a book, an exciting book. Happiness is walking through mud, letting it ooze through your toes. Happiness is a nice feeling. Leslie Konantz, Grade 6 Happiness is being with your friend who cares, when no one else cares. Happiness is being with your best friend alone in the wilderness. Happiness is being close to nature and picking forget-me-nots while the birds sing softly. Happiness is running free through waving golden fields. Happiness is watching a baby bloom to maturity. Happiness is climbing an apple tree in bloom. Bev Geddes, Grade 6 Happiness is looking through the trees at the sun. Happiness is lying in a patch of clover. Happiness is sitting by a quiet pond tossing pebbles. Happiness is to have the wind in your hair. Happiness is to go barefoot in the mud. Happiness is just plain nature. Agnes Borbely, Grade 6