Lesson 7: Describing a Place

Sunny Pismo Beach

Strolling along the sandy shore, I cheerfully slither my toes along the ground like tiny trowels to create streaks in the damp grains. The early sun warms me as I pause to gaze at the long beaked pelicans diving into the aqua green ocean. The yells of the Pismo Beach surfers fade to whispers in the background of the shrill screeching seagulls above. Icy yet refreshing, white, foamy water spills over my feet and legs, then splashes me in the face. Sea spray drips into my mouth, the disgusting flavors of seaweed and salt leave a terrible aftertaste. While the roaring waves settle down, I dash to grab my pink and apricot towel to dry off my soaked body. Staring at where the incredible deep blue sea and the monstrous sky meet in the distance, I long to stay forever on this wonderful beach.

Lesson 6: Describing a Season

A Stormy Winter Afternoon

The scorching fire protects me from this icy winter day as I sleepily sip hot cocoa. Outside, the frosty wind and rain beat against the leafless trees like a thundering waterfall thumping on rocks in a pool. I shiver while staring out the window longing for my warm fuzzy blankets and thankfully plop down on the comfy sofa. Cheerful Christmas decorations fill the room. Two stockings hang on the hearth, a white wicker angel adorns the console, and end tables are garnished with emerald candles placed on sparkling royal blue snowflake placemats. Sweet and fragrant, the scent of baking gingerbread drifts from the kitchen. Water pours down from the sky while I nod to sleep, wishfully visualizing snow descending gently from the heavens.

Lesson 5: Describing a Food

Birthday Cake

As the glass top is removed from its tall plate “Happy 13th Birthday Justine” appears in beautiful cursive letters of cerulean icing, and thirteen multi-colored candles peek out from the top of the cake. The faint, sweet smell of cocoa fills my nostrils while I look for something to cut the baked good. Stiff but delicate, the chocolate frosting easily cracks as a knife chops through the treat’s shell. The fluffy slice falls apart while flopping onto a stone cold plate. This sugary, delectable dessert explodes with a dark, fudgy flavor. Cheerfully, I blow out the candles on this rich and scrumptious sweet, bringing my birthday party to an end.

Lesson 4: Describing a Circus Performer

Lucy the Seal

Bright blue eyed Lucy stops at nothing to be in the show at Ricky’s club! When the opportunity comes, the curly red-head appears on stage as a musical professor wearing a sooty, ripped suit and tie, and a dirty white shirt. Startled and screaming, the clown grabs her round black hat and jumps backwards as she spots the many horns lined across the crazy, knee-high rolling cart instrument she must play to be in the band. With a determined face, the professor hunches forward as she sways towards the ”saxovibatronophonavich” with legs far apart, falls to her knees, and flexes her sleeve-covered hands outward like the flippers of a seal! She successfully blows a tune on the horns and is praised with an invisible fish which she catches in her mouth. The crowd cheers noisily as Lucy hobbles off stage, lured away by the silver, rubber trout in Ricky’s hand.

Lesson 3: Describing a Person

Sleeping Baby

Caleb snoozes in a snug, woolly sleeping bag inside his cozy car seat. Closed, blue eyes point his long lashes down to chubby cheeks and a small nose. A silent mouth sometimes twitches in his deep sleep. Straight and soft, my little nephew’s red-brown hair reaches all the way down to his tiny ears. The 10-week-old infant wears a cream onesie covered in gold lions and chestnut dogs driving blue cars, but he does not notice this playful pattern in his slumber. A yellow ribbon connects a delightfully unneeded pacifier to a blue and white zebra clip on his shirt. Hopefully, the sleeping baby will continue napping so we may enjoy his adorable, quiet face.

Lesson 2: Describing a Pet

My Overgrown Puppy

My dog Jett is a huge, excitable lab mix. A wiry soot black coat curls along his neck and upper back, waving down his spine, wagging tail, and long legs. A strip of milky white fur starts at the top of my seven year old puppy’s belly and climbs up his chest; a smaller stripe rests under the pretty boy’s chin. He has an enormous rounded head, and a long snout with thorny jumbo teeth inside ready to rip up a fake duck or snack on a treat any time. The Mutt’s short floppy ears don’t mind the sound of his thunder-like bark or high pitched whines. “Puppy” eagerly jumps up on our family and guests, licks their faces, and flops on his back for a tummy rub. Undoubtedly, gigantic and playful Jett will always have a special place in my heart.

Lesson 1: Describing an Object

Captain ‘Guin

Captain ‘Guin is no ordinary clay penguin. Without feet, he sits still on my window sill most of the day. As I hold him in my hand, I feel the distinct difference between ‘Guin’s coarse charcoal-black body and his sleek lemony yellow chest. The old paint he wears is chipped all over his body, like little freckles. Two stubby wings lie flat on the Captain’s belly. A pointy, canary yellow beak pops out from his shiny blue-white face. Captain ‘Guin’s rugged eye patch covers the fact that he has no left eye, and shows that he will always be a pirate.