"On Sunday mornings I would go outside,
Step into the dazzling sunlight,
As I strolled joyfully down that special sidewalk,
In the neighborhood I grew up in.
That special sidewalk that followed me everywhere on my way to school and back,
That heard all the secrets spilled between companions,
All the rants about TV shows,
The sidewalk that listened as we counted the number of dog poops on the side of the road,
The sidewalk that raised me to be the dreamer I am today, and
The sidewalk that I have missed so dearly until now.
And now, as I revisit this treasured sidewalk, I feel a sense of peace and wonder, as I refresh my mind and prepare to take on
The challenges of the world."
A Pop of Wonder
"On Sunday mornings I would go outside,
Step into the dazzling sunlight,
As I strolled joyfully down that special sidewalk,
In the neighborhood I grew up in.
That special sidewalk that followed me everywhere on my way to school and back,
That heard all the secrets spilled between companions,
All the rants about TV shows,
The sidewalk that listened as we counted the number of dog poops on the side of the road,
The sidewalk that raised me to be the dreamer I am today, and
The sidewalk that I have missed so dearly until now.
And now, as I revisit this treasured sidewalk, I feel a sense of peace and wonder, as I refresh my mind and prepare to take on
The challenges of the world."
Sometimes we need someone we can always talk to, someone who would understand no matter what; not judge no matter what; someone to be with us, no matter what. I don´t go to church every Sunday; but I try my best to. God had been with me for who knows how long, he also knows everything about me and I had never hesitated telling or asking him for something; because I knew he wouldn't judge me. Going to church whenever I can brings me joy, greeting and saying good morning to those around me, having a sense of belonging with my neighbors. But even seeing the early light of dawn brings me joy.
A Sense Of Belonging
Sometimes we need someone we can always talk to, someone who would understand no matter what; not judge no matter what; someone to be with us, no matter what. I don´t go to church every Sunday; but I try my best to. God had been with me for who knows how long, he also knows everything about me and I had never hesitated telling or asking him for something; because I knew he wouldn't judge me. Going to church whenever I can brings me joy, greeting and saying good morning to those around me, having a sense of belonging with my neighbors. But even seeing the early light of dawn brings me joy.
"Get in the water, you're late"
Splash, kick, dive, fly. A flurry of feelings that never gets old.
From sitting on our kickboards
To making fun of whatever we can
5 seconds to laugh before I have to go again
Rain or shine
Summer or winter
I'm always there
I know every person
Every set
Every towel I've ever owned.
I've dove into a world I can never swim out of
The beautiful sunset is just a cherry on top.
This is joy.
A Splash in The Sunset
"Get in the water, you're late"
Splash, kick, dive, fly. A flurry of feelings that never gets old.
From sitting on our kickboards
To making fun of whatever we can
5 seconds to laugh before I have to go again
Rain or shine
Summer or winter
I'm always there
I know every person
Every set
Every towel I've ever owned.
I've dove into a world I can never swim out of
The beautiful sunset is just a cherry on top.
This is joy.
To feel joy something big does not have to happen. It can just be a small thing like seeing a cute dog or taking your dog for a walk. Whether it's their wagging tail or their happy smiles that just bring a little joy to our lives. Dogs help people in all areas of our lives from people with disabilities to just putting a smile on someone's face walking past. Dogs show us how beautiful life is and how much we should appreciate it.
A Sunny Snoot
To feel joy something big does not have to happen. It can just be a small thing like seeing a cute dog or taking your dog for a walk. Whether it's their wagging tail or their happy smiles that just bring a little joy to our lives. Dogs help people in all areas of our lives from people with disabilities to just putting a smile on someone's face walking past. Dogs show us how beautiful life is and how much we should appreciate it.
This picture represents a nice sunny day and that feeling that summer is right around the corner. That feeling of the sunny day and summer break brings a feeling of joy, and the bubbles bring beach day vibes .
A Taste of Summer
This picture represents a nice sunny day and that feeling that summer is right around the corner. That feeling of the sunny day and summer break brings a feeling of joy, and the bubbles bring beach day vibes .
I took the photo in my apartment's living room.
What imaginary games did you play in your childhood? When I was a child I would pretend my stuffed animals were alive! That they had lives outside of the one they had with me. I would bring them everywhere I went. I'd hang out, talk, and play with them, all kinds of fun! A prominent game of imagination I played with my stuffed animals when I was younger was one where I would have a tea party with them. I remember using figurines that were molded into the forms of bags as our cups, and smaller figurines inside of the bags as our tea. This photograph reenacts my childhood with new lenses. Lenses of nostalgia. Never again in the old lenses. The lenses of childhood joy. A joy we inevitably will part ways. A joy we must hold so dear. Which is why I brought mine here.
A Tea Party with Old Friends
I took the photo in my apartment's living room.
What imaginary games did you play in your childhood? When I was a child I would pretend my stuffed animals were alive! That they had lives outside of the one they had with me. I would bring them everywhere I went. I'd hang out, talk, and play with them, all kinds of fun! A prominent game of imagination I played with my stuffed animals when I was younger was one where I would have a tea party with them. I remember using figurines that were molded into the forms of bags as our cups, and smaller figurines inside of the bags as our tea. This photograph reenacts my childhood with new lenses. Lenses of nostalgia. Never again in the old lenses. The lenses of childhood joy. A joy we inevitably will part ways. A joy we must hold so dear. Which is why I brought mine here.
Photo taken while exploring my backyard, located on the edge of a National Forest.
I think this represents joy because this is my first snow day since moving to a new state. Our old town had so much snow, so it made me happy to see snow at our new house. I also enjoy climbing our trees, so the tree represents a hobby that brings me and my brother joy.
A Trees Bark in Winter
Photo taken while exploring my backyard, located on the edge of a National Forest.
I think this represents joy because this is my first snow day since moving to a new state. Our old town had so much snow, so it made me happy to see snow at our new house. I also enjoy climbing our trees, so the tree represents a hobby that brings me and my brother joy.
Above you will see a portrait of Mup, an enthusiastic, energetic fireball that the world will miss. This photo was taken after a long play session at my boxing gym. What a kind soul Mup was - tired? Sad? Just feeling a bit down? Mup would be there, pressing his fury little body against yours, climbing into your lap to snuggle, comforting you. He loved everyone, he would have loved you. He was such a joyful pup. Looking up, his brown eyes merging into yours, giving you that magnificent signature smile of his that could light up any room. Mup, I hope you always know you’ll be missed. Forever and always, I love you
A True Angel
Above you will see a portrait of Mup, an enthusiastic, energetic fireball that the world will miss. This photo was taken after a long play session at my boxing gym. What a kind soul Mup was - tired? Sad? Just feeling a bit down? Mup would be there, pressing his fury little body against yours, climbing into your lap to snuggle, comforting you. He loved everyone, he would have loved you. He was such a joyful pup. Looking up, his brown eyes merging into yours, giving you that magnificent signature smile of his that could light up any room. Mup, I hope you always know you’ll be missed. Forever and always, I love you
There's a lot of beauty in impermanence. A wave rises and falls. The people who laugh at the beach one day will be replaced with new excited people the next. The sea life that roams beneath the horizon will swim in one coast line one day, and another the next. Joy is the same. It’s defined by its impermanence. Joy only exists because there's sadness, a wave can only rise, because it can fall. Joy is the little moments like these, a sunset that you’ll only see once, waves that will only crash in that moment, and laughter and connection that you won’t ever experience again. So, realize that high moments in your life only exist because there are low ones, and that joy won’t last forever, but that's the beauty of it.
A Wave of Joy
There's a lot of beauty in impermanence. A wave rises and falls. The people who laugh at the beach one day will be replaced with new excited people the next. The sea life that roams beneath the horizon will swim in one coast line one day, and another the next. Joy is the same. It’s defined by its impermanence. Joy only exists because there's sadness, a wave can only rise, because it can fall. Joy is the little moments like these, a sunset that you’ll only see once, waves that will only crash in that moment, and laughter and connection that you won’t ever experience again. So, realize that high moments in your life only exist because there are low ones, and that joy won’t last forever, but that's the beauty of it.
As I stand on this tree trunk, I can see the whole world. I see the sky glowing orange, gold, pink as the sun slowly sets, as a cool breeze brushes against the trees and myself. The air is crisp, carrying the last amount of warmth from the sun as it hides behind the trees. As I take a deep breath, I realize that joy does not always come from massive things. Sometimes, it can be standing at the right place at the right time, living in the moment, and feeling free. Up on this hill, I don't have to stress about school, or responsibilities, there's no schedule to follow, no deadlines to meet-just the view. Everything below, like the houses, trees, winding streets, look so tiny up here. However, I, am, Massive. The distant sounds of the city are just a whisper. As I step down the rock and walk away, I remember that tests, deadlines, and responsibilities waiting. Joy isn't something that disappears, it's something you can always find. By looking at the beauty of the world, you can always find joy in that, with the simple act of breathing and living.
Above the Horizon
As I stand on this tree trunk, I can see the whole world. I see the sky glowing orange, gold, pink as the sun slowly sets, as a cool breeze brushes against the trees and myself. The air is crisp, carrying the last amount of warmth from the sun as it hides behind the trees. As I take a deep breath, I realize that joy does not always come from massive things. Sometimes, it can be standing at the right place at the right time, living in the moment, and feeling free. Up on this hill, I don't have to stress about school, or responsibilities, there's no schedule to follow, no deadlines to meet-just the view. Everything below, like the houses, trees, winding streets, look so tiny up here. However, I, am, Massive. The distant sounds of the city are just a whisper. As I step down the rock and walk away, I remember that tests, deadlines, and responsibilities waiting. Joy isn't something that disappears, it's something you can always find. By looking at the beauty of the world, you can always find joy in that, with the simple act of breathing and living.
I like building toy figures as sculptures. This brings me joy. I like to see people smile when they view my work. This year I wanted to showcase my sculpture as my representation of joy.
Adventure Falls
I like building toy figures as sculptures. This brings me joy. I like to see people smile when they view my work. This year I wanted to showcase my sculpture as my representation of joy.
Reflection captured from a puddle in my driveway after the rain. Joy can be found even in the smallest yet simplest of things. I chose this photograph because it captures two things I love, rain and sunsets. I did not use editing for this photograph.
After The Rain
Reflection captured from a puddle in my driveway after the rain. Joy can be found even in the smallest yet simplest of things. I chose this photograph because it captures two things I love, rain and sunsets. I did not use editing for this photograph.
The day I took this photo it had rained all morning. When the rain was over, I saw raindrops on the blades of this plant in the back of our classroom. I went and grabbed my camera from the photography closet and took a picture of the water drops. It looks so beautiful to me. Since we have not had much rain for a few years, we were all happy that the rain came down. When it started to dry out, I saw that the water was still on the plants, so I put the plant on the handrail to take the photo. The rain made everything so beautiful and brought us joy to spend the time to capture the moment.
After the Rain
The day I took this photo it had rained all morning. When the rain was over, I saw raindrops on the blades of this plant in the back of our classroom. I went and grabbed my camera from the photography closet and took a picture of the water drops. It looks so beautiful to me. Since we have not had much rain for a few years, we were all happy that the rain came down. When it started to dry out, I saw that the water was still on the plants, so I put the plant on the handrail to take the photo. The rain made everything so beautiful and brought us joy to spend the time to capture the moment.
Up, up, it gently soars,
A whisper of thrill, a wind that roars.
Sometimes a wobble, maybe a tilt
An amazing pleasure, with no guilt.
To feel the joy of weightless flight,
A dance with the stars at boundless height.
Laughter echoes in the breeze,
As the mood is lifted with such ease.
A view so vast, the world seems small,
But here, you are a part of it all.
The lights below begin to gleam,
A city sparkling in a dream.
Coming down, my heart beats fast,
I wish this ride could forever last.
For in this circle, time stands still,
The simple joy of a Ferris wheel.
Amusement in the Air!
Up, up, it gently soars,
A whisper of thrill, a wind that roars.
Sometimes a wobble, maybe a tilt
An amazing pleasure, with no guilt.
To feel the joy of weightless flight,
A dance with the stars at boundless height.
Laughter echoes in the breeze,
As the mood is lifted with such ease.
A view so vast, the world seems small,
But here, you are a part of it all.
The lights below begin to gleam,
A city sparkling in a dream.
Coming down, my heart beats fast,
I wish this ride could forever last.
For in this circle, time stands still,
The simple joy of a Ferris wheel.
Nothing like going outside after a long day of being inside a gym playing basketball, such a soothing feeling while you´re still cooling down. The adrenaline is still wearing off, and to see such a sight. This is joy to me. The feeling i get, and the smile that spreads across my face after seeing this. Such happiness could not be bought, but is given.
An Awaited Sunset
Nothing like going outside after a long day of being inside a gym playing basketball, such a soothing feeling while you´re still cooling down. The adrenaline is still wearing off, and to see such a sight. This is joy to me. The feeling i get, and the smile that spreads across my face after seeing this. Such happiness could not be bought, but is given.
In this photo, my family and I are just returning from my sister’s gymnastics competition. This photo was taken in the front yard of my house. My sister was so happy and excited because she won gold for everything in the competition and 1st overall in the whole competition. My photo relates to this year’s contest theme because my sister was the happiest she’s ever been, and my family and I are all so proud of her.
An Experience
In this photo, my family and I are just returning from my sister’s gymnastics competition. This photo was taken in the front yard of my house. My sister was so happy and excited because she won gold for everything in the competition and 1st overall in the whole competition. My photo relates to this year’s contest theme because my sister was the happiest she’s ever been, and my family and I are all so proud of her.
This photo was taken at a quarterfinal playoff soccer game after a goal that sealed the victory for the home team. I believe this photo represents pure and raw joy, specifically in the faces of those on the team. You can see it in the players running over to celebrate with the goal scorer, as well as the coaches and team affiliates in the background. In addition, there are various forms of joy; the player on the far left is screaming, a player on the right is simply pumping his fist, and another player is turning towards the fans. I think the photo's variety of joy, as well as the gravity of the moment truly captures the emotion.
Anatomy of a Game Winning Goal
This photo was taken at a quarterfinal playoff soccer game after a goal that sealed the victory for the home team. I believe this photo represents pure and raw joy, specifically in the faces of those on the team. You can see it in the players running over to celebrate with the goal scorer, as well as the coaches and team affiliates in the background. In addition, there are various forms of joy; the player on the far left is screaming, a player on the right is simply pumping his fist, and another player is turning towards the fans. I think the photo's variety of joy, as well as the gravity of the moment truly captures the emotion.
This was taken during my grandma's birthday in late November. It was the first time my whole family on my Mom's side were together in a while, and I like to think that was why she seemed so happy.
Another Year
This was taken during my grandma's birthday in late November. It was the first time my whole family on my Mom's side were together in a while, and I like to think that was why she seemed so happy.
So many issues with life like: homework, embarrassing moments, grades, stressing about high school, the economy, stupid people in a role of big responsibilities thinking they can do whatever they want because they got away with it one time, etc, wouldn’t you agree? And naturally, after all of that I’m drained, I never wanted to know about any of that. It never had to make my life more stressful than being a student. But it did, so I have to find something to distract myself from reality and taxes. So I’ll stay up past my bedtime after homework, turn on the lamp and I’ll draw, I'll draw a silly character having a fun time, I’ll draw a sun in the corner, I’ll draw so I’ll feel joy, joy like the silly character. Like issues don’t exist and only my drawings, only my joy.
Art or Just an Excuse?
So many issues with life like: homework, embarrassing moments, grades, stressing about high school, the economy, stupid people in a role of big responsibilities thinking they can do whatever they want because they got away with it one time, etc, wouldn’t you agree? And naturally, after all of that I’m drained, I never wanted to know about any of that. It never had to make my life more stressful than being a student. But it did, so I have to find something to distract myself from reality and taxes. So I’ll stay up past my bedtime after homework, turn on the lamp and I’ll draw, I'll draw a silly character having a fun time, I’ll draw a sun in the corner, I’ll draw so I’ll feel joy, joy like the silly character. Like issues don’t exist and only my drawings, only my joy.
What comes to mind when you think of a crossroads? A difficult decision? A high stakes situation? A life or death choice? I think that as a society, we think of crossroads in the wrong way. We always worry, always considering what could go wrong in the future, but I chose to think of a crossroads as a place to reflect, an opportunity to celebrate all you have accomplished. With this mentality, it doesn't matter which road you take, the world will be a more joyous place.
At a Crossroads
What comes to mind when you think of a crossroads? A difficult decision? A high stakes situation? A life or death choice? I think that as a society, we think of crossroads in the wrong way. We always worry, always considering what could go wrong in the future, but I chose to think of a crossroads as a place to reflect, an opportunity to celebrate all you have accomplished. With this mentality, it doesn't matter which road you take, the world will be a more joyous place.