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#jamie killen
c-schroed · 1 year
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Podcasts I Adore - SPINES
This week, I finished the last Episode of the "Mirrors" podcast by ZoomDoom Stories. Which means that I have now heard all of their marvellous productions. And now I feel this need to tell everyone what great stuff they make! Meaning that I'll write some reviews for all the three podcasts they produced and post them on iTunes et al., but before I post them there, I might as well leave the reviews here. So, tune in for some rambling about three audio fiction productions that range from "very good but sadly incomplete" to "so very fricking close to perfection that I really can't call it anything but DARN PERFECT". We'll start with the DARN PERFECT one:
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"Listen again: Grove. Mosaic. Trumpet. Listen, and remember. Because those three words, those are the most important words in the world. This is SPINES."
"SPINES" is a fictional audio drama, which, like all productions of ZoomDoom Stories, is written by Jamie Killen, and congenially so. It is told in the form of podcasts made by its protagonist, a young woman who named herself Wren. At the beginning of the story, Wren seeks to find out what happened in a bloody ritual that she barely survived, and which left her without any memories of her past life, but with supernatural powers that she slowly has to explore.
Think "X-Men" meets "Supernatural", with a nice dash of Lovecraftian atmosphere and some sweet bits of Cronenberg-esque body horror. "SPINES" is a truly unique experience, and it clearly is one of the best stories I ever heard. What I love most about it is that it perfectly understands and respects the strengths and limitations of the medium it chose to be told in: Podcasts enable a very intimate way of storytelling, and the very talented voice actor playing Wren just perfectly allowed me to quickly grow attached to her and everyone around her. Wren has lovely quirks like naming every informant that reaches out to her after characters of anime shows she just watched, she has to deal with terrible situations and huge losses, and she is granted one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever heard.
And being told in the form of a podcast really helps the story to flesh out Wren. She comments the stories she tells in clear and unfiltered language and often directly addresses her audience. We, the listeners, also know exactly who this audience is. Besides people that are similarly gifted as Wren, most of the episodes are addressed to Zachary, a man she quickly saw during the ritual that started everything, and whom she since then feels weirdly attracted to.
Of course, telling a story in the form of a podcast also entails some limitations, and "SPINES" respects and works with these limitations better than any other audio fiction I have heard so far. The show's author Jamie Killen is very aware how information is told when broadcast into the public, which makes "SPINES" an all the more fascinating listening experience. For instance, huge changes in the status quo are often announced right at the beginning of an episode, because when something important happens that has to be told immediately, than why wait until it slowly unfolds in the narrative? A broadcast is not necessarily about suspense; it sometimes is much more about giving the important info right away, and then adding all the details. Furthermore, Wren is very careful with the information she shares, and often leaves out details that might help her enemies too much. Details like these make "SPINES" very special; it is one of the most thought-out and self-aware productions I know.
The second best thing that I love about "SPINES" is how each of its three seasons has its very own feel and atmosphere. Season one feels a lot like an urban fantasy version of "Supernatural", with Wren, on her quest for the truth about the ritual, encountering urban legends and terrible secrets scattered everywhere across the city she lives in. Season two, on the other hand, involves a lot of changes, and feels much more like a late-80s action show, with Wren being sent to different places from week to week; hopefully helping the people there with whatever supernatural catastrophe is going on, very much like a MacGyver or an A-Team. But with superpowers, and with more ghastly antagonists. Season three finally is characterized much more by urgency and emergency, with Wren and her allies always being forced to react to an enemy that they can never allow themselves to underestimate.
What also impresses me greatly is that every season ends with a perfect equilibrium of frustration and hope. There's always some kind of terrible catastrophe, but this terror is balanced out with something equally beautiful, making Wren never the triumphant heroine she might deserve to be, but giving her just enough hope to go on. I admit it; sometimes this kind of ending is too close to home for me, sometimes I'd just direly want Wren to win, and live happily ever after, period. But on the other hand, this masterful balance is what will always keep this story in the back of my mind, and close to my heart.
One final thing I want to mention, and I'll make it quick this time: Besides being a nail-biting story about fascinating superpowers and secret societies that worked among us for centuries already (which are depicted in the most realistic way I have ever seen!), "SPINES" is also a perfectly wholesome love story. I know I already mentioned this some paragraphs before, but I really can't stress enough HOW DARN WHOLESOME this love story is!
So. "SPINES" is the perfect combination of urban fantasy, horror, and romance. It has a perfectly fleshed-out narrator, played by an incredibly talented voice actor, and it masterfully uses the possibilities of its medium. To me, "SPINES" is close to perfection, and its very few flaws should stop no-one from giving it a try. As long as one likes horror, of course. The show can get quite drastic, from time to time.
10 out of 10 points. Sheer perfection. And a lifelong love for Wren and Shan and Winry. And Akira, and Bilal (because who would not want the literal perfect moment as a friend?). And all the others.
Besides my general opinion about the show, I'd also like to go into detail regarding three episodes that I find especially noteworthy. All of them are part of Season 3, so please be aware of minor spoilers.
Season 3, Episode 6 (Episode 22 overall): The Trade
This is my favourite episode. It marks the second time that the narrator of an episode changes to Shan, whom I adore at least as much as Wren, and it might have one of the most dramatic beginnings of all episodes. But what really makes this episode stand out is how well-thought its time-travel plot is. It makes perfect sense, and it involves my favourite temporal paradox, the bootstrap paradox (I you don't know it, go look it up; it's so much cooler than some poor dead grandpa). Plus we get to know a supernatural brothel in Vienna. Which I didn't even know I desperately wanted to hear about, until I heard about it. But now I need a spin-off about Ilsa and her Gifted courtesans. :D
Season 3, Episodes 2 & 3 (Episodes 18 & 19 overall): Iris, Part 1 & 2
There's much about this two-part episode that I really love, be it that it gives satisfying answers that I wanted to hear for a long, long time, be it that we're given a very credible reason for this story being split into two parts (once more, "SPINES" shows how perfectly well it is aware of its podcast medium). So I really, really wanted to like these episodes. But still, they turn out as some episodes that I really have trouble with. This might maybe due to me being not a native English speaker, but I have terrible problems with understanding the narrator of these episodes. So if you, like me, have problems with listening comprehension during this episode, please be reminded that there are transcripts of each episode. Although they currently can only be reached via archive.org's ever-so-useful Wayback Machine.
2019 New Year's Special:
This is a crossover with "Mirrors", another marvellous audio drama made by ZoomDoom Stories. And because I listened to this right after finishing the final episode of "SPINES", I did not know that it contains some major spoilers for at least the first season of "Mirrors". Furthermore, the events at the end of the episode play an important role in the third season of "Mirrors", but that's not that important in my opinion. But should you not know "Mirrors" by now and maybe want to listen to it later (which, again in my humble opinion, YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD!), then maybe listen to this New Year's Special after finishing "Mirrors" season one.
The episode itself was a bit of a disappointment for me, if I'm honest. Both "SPINES" (in at least one episode; i. e. episode 22: "The Trade") and "Mirrors" usually deal perfectly with all matters related to time-travel and temporal paradoxes; to me they really are a paragon of how to tell stories that involve different interacting timelines. So the way that time-travel is treated here is just disappointing to me. Don't get me wrong, please. It still is a perfectly entertaining episode. It's lovely to hear more from Wren and Shan, and it is hilarious to hear about the events in "Mirrors" from their perspective. But as to the time-travel aspect, well, I'm spoilt by now. I'm used to it being told so much better than here, with much less paradox narration. So this special might be the biggest flaw in both series. I mean, I'd still give it 7 out of 10 points. So that says more about how fabulous the rest of "SPINES" and "Mirrors" is.
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justapillowpetpanda · 11 months
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CALIFICACIÓN PERSONAL: 6.5 / 10
Título Original: Scenic Route
Año: 2013
Duración: 82 min
País: Estados Unidos
Dirección: Kevin Goetz, Michael Goetz
Guion: Kyle Killen
Música: Michael Einziger
Fotografía: Sean O'Dea
Reparto: Josh Duhamel, Dan Fogler, Miracle Laurie, Christie Burson, Peter Michael Goetz, Jamie Donovan, Ethan Maher
Productora: Anonymous Content, Best Medicine Productions
Género: Drama, Thriller
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2012011/
TRAILER:
dailymotion
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souldagger · 4 years
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spines: [horrifyingly gruesome and detailed body horror]
me: ah... comfort podcast :' )
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gaydelgard · 5 years
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lmao
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sunkissedstanzas · 4 years
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francis forever, mitski // x, costar // i’ll be your mirror, the velvet underground // episode 159: the last, the magnus archives // spines, jamie killen // i see you, mika // the magician’s apprentice, doctor who
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tricktster · 4 years
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Official Podcast Recommendation Incoming!!!!!!!:
You guys have to listen to Mirrors.
I really really want to go into all of the details about exactly why the story this show is telling is so incredible, but I won’t do that to you. Part of the reason Mirrors is so good is that it is probably the best execution of a serialized audiodrama that I have ever encountered: the plotting and pace is meticulous, and the experience of having the story unfold from a starting point of genuinely knowing only the barest idea of the concept of the show has been genuinely incredible. I know that by saying that I’m probably just making it tempting to look for spoilers, but please don’t, just dive straight on in with the following, non-spoiler information:
Mirrors is about three women from three different centuries who each encounter the same ghost. It is also much, much more than that.
It has some spooky moments, but not jump scare spooky - if you are not a fan of the horror genre in general, this show is still for you.
The production quality is REALLY good. The writing is even better - I have huge respect for Jamie Killen, who writes the show and also plays Sierra. That said, all of the narrators are women, and they are ALL exceptional. I’m mentioning that not just because it’s a pleasant departure from the “horror/sci-fi podcast written by cis-men, for cis-men” norm, but also because holy shit does this show explore the interplay of gender/orientation/societal power dynamics in a way I’ve never seen done before, whoch is almost certainly because traditional media companies do not finance things like this???
Please give it a chance. @mod2amaryllis back me up on this one buddy
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Mirrors Website (heads up the home page has the show cover art image, which is a stylized eyeball illustration that might squick some people out, displayed pretty big)
Transcripts
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oots-digitalmedia · 3 years
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Queer Rep in SPINES
Title: SPINES
    Status: Complete
    Writer: Jamie Killen
Cast: Wren Jones
    Queer Creators: Unknown
    Accessibility: No transcripts or content warnings per episode available.
        CW: Horror/body horror and descriptions of violence, an lgbt character does die but not for the trope
Summary: One day, Wren wakes up covered in blood, suffering from memory loss, and surrounded by the remnants of some strange cult ritual. SPINES is the story of her search for answers, and the deadly, powerful people she encounters along the way. Listen to the complete series now.
Tags: Multiple mspec characters, genderfluid character, non-binary character, wlw character
More identity details and spoilers under the break.
Check out our other queer podcast recommendations here.
Please feel free to offer suggestions and updates!
ID tags: Wren: mspec, Jose: Genderfluid, Shan: Non-Binary, Aisha: Wlw, Winrey: mspec
Details and/or Spoilers: Shan and Wren are dating, Aisha has dated in the past, Winrey used to date Tasha
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pickyperkypenguin · 4 years
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i’m still thinking of some of the choices the creator of spines podcast made and whether i like them or appreciate their freshness and that someone has actually decided to write that. oh, and i don’t think i’ve ever saw a main romance pair where one of the people is intersex, well done here jamie killen (yes, i know this says something about my reading/listening choices, but hey, it’s good to fill that gap up, eh)
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ihateflying · 5 years
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Rules: Tag 9 people you’d like to get to know better
I was tagged by @queer-trans-amazon and @softly-speaking-valkyrie
10 songs I can’t stop listening to:
Losing Track - The Mechanisms (seriously go listen to Bifrost incident It’s a queer Noir Rock opera with norse mythology and cosmic horror)
Die Young - Kesha
Terrible things - April smith and the great picture show
Under my skin - Jukebox the Ghost
The Dismemberment song - Blue kid
Madness - Ruelle
The Wolf - Siames
I say no - Carrie Hope Fletcher
Mayhem - Imelda May
Supernatural - Macedo
Favorite ships:
Macnawayer, catradora, Glimmadora, glitradora, Bubbeline, Korrasami, Bumbleby, taakitz, Daisira, Lapidot, Beauyasha and many more
Lipstick or Chapstick:
Lipstick
Last Movie Seen:
Into the spider-verse
Currently Reading:
The wandering land by Jamie Killen
I would like to tag: @sickbitterandcoveredinglitter @iamalivenow @syn-the-guardian @agentsouthdakota @sometransgal @kittengorarr @maybeitsavirus @sunsetsinherhair @waepenlesbian
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marsfallpod · 6 years
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In an age when men dominate most media, we are so lucky to have a HUGE number of female creators in the audio drama and podcast community. This #internationalwomensday we celebrate these crazy talented people!
@SarahRheaWerner of @girlinspacepodcast and @writenowpodcast
@RhiMcAfee of @rexrivetter
Jamie Killen of SPINES
@thelaurenshippen and @juliamorizawa of @thebrightsessions
Julia Schifini of @tidespodcast
Jen Sugden of @victoriocity
Jessica Best of Starship Iris
Eli Barraza of @arsparadoxica and @thefarmeridian
@sugarbooty of @alice-isntdead
Sarah Golding of @YapAudio
@ashlieatkinson of @stealthestarspodcast
@statzink​ of @whitevault
@gee_justy of Starless
Lisette Alvarez of @kailastormfire 
@ShoMarq of Audio Dramatic
@wilw_writes of Podcast Problems
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c-schroed · 4 months
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New Podcast One-Shots Written By Jamie Killen
If you, like me, are a huge fan of the podcasts "Spines" and "Mirrors" but, unlike me, do not read the Email-newsletter of Jamie Killen, the author of these gorgeous podcasts, than Gosh do I have good news for you:
There’s more!
There's at least a lovely little bit of new content, in the form of four standalone contributions to anthology-style podcasts. I'll go present all four of them, with a short review of each:
"Echoes" ("Hidden Signal" Podcast by QCode, Season 2 Episode 1)
A new technology enables people to access the memories and personalities of their ancestors. A young woman uses this technology to interview an infamous murderer, who was her great-great-grandmother.
This is my absolute favourite of the four! I don't want to get too much into detail, but the whole story has perfect "Mirrors" vibes for me, mainly because it is another marvellously told story of transgenerational female support. 8 out of 10 points.
"Pinnacle" ("Hidden Signal" Podcast by QCode, Season 2 Episode 2)
A young woman tries a new app to improve her nutrition and eventually become her best self. But the things she has to do are… curiouser and curiouser.
This has such a marvellous "The Magnus Archives" feeling to it! A classical downward spiral plot, but the end refreshingly defies the usual stereotypes of this kind of stories. Instead it's a lovely little bit of social commentary and criticism of capitalism that I still find myself thinking about from time to time. 8 out of 10 points.
"Into the Hills" ("Stories from: The Low Season" Project by Wolf at the Door Studios and Poolside, Episode 1)
A collection of mission reports from an expedition to a foreign world documents a medical emergency situation that goes increasingly out of hand.
Given the dramatic story, I find this tale surprisingly soothing. It's rather short and lovely to listen to. 7 out of 10 points.
"Behind the Hatch" ("Dust" Podcast by Gunpowder & Sky, Special Episode)
A young woman is interviewed after an incident at a research facility. Her job was to get behind a hatch. But she never remembered what happened there. Until she started to find secret messages.
Aww, this is frustrating! Such a marvellously told story, with perfect suspense, but the end falls so darn short. I wish there would have been more to it, but the way it is, it's my biggest disappointment of the four. It's still worth a listen, but maybe brace yourselves for an unsatisfying ending. 6 out of 10 points.
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wh1ten0ize · 6 years
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Next week sees the start of the final season of Spines. I chat with the creator to discover what comes next.
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souldagger · 4 years
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jumping from my girl in space relisten straight to my spines relisten and going from hearing Jamie Killen as Dani to Jamie Killen as Wren rly gave me whiplash fkjngkjf
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jodybouchard9 · 5 years
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9 Nifty Ways to Personalize the Kitchen in Your Rental
nevarpp/iStock
As a renter, you know you can go only so far when fixing up your property’s interiors. Painting, pulling up carpet, and even hammering into the wall are usually no-no’s, especially if you want to get your security deposit back. However, we’ve seen enough empty apartments to know that the average rental property’s interior is less than inspiring—especially in the kitchen.
But just because you’re under the landlord’s thumb doesn’t mean you have to live with a bland kitchen that lacks any design personality. The solution: easy ideas for perking up your kitchen decor when renting.
When approaching your rental kitchen makeover, select items that’ll make the greatest impact. Bold colors, natural textures, and pieces of marble, stone, or slate are all smart design improvements that are worth seeking out.
To help liven up the heart of your home, here are nine ideas to try.
1. Rug or runner
Photo by TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders
A vintage-inspired Moroccan rug or a fun chevron-patterned runner is a great mood-lifter and a pretty way to improve any rental space.
“You can also add a decorative anti-fatigue mat in the spot where you spend the most time to relieve stress on your feet, legs, hips, and back,” says Jamie Gold, a San Diego–based wellness design consultant and author of “Wellness by Design.”
2. Pots of herbs
Photo by studiocuvier.se Greenery is always a smart idea in a rental kitchen that’s less than pretty.
“Plants are some of the easiest decor options because they create no permanent damage and instantly brighten a space,” says Kristin McGrath, an editor and shopping expert at Offers.com.
Try fragrant herbs on a shelf or corner of the kitchen. They do a great job of adding some life to your kitchen, and can be used to enhance the flavor of your meals, too.
3. Chalkboard or bulletin board
Photo by Jack Allan Hang a chalkboard or bulletin board on your kitchen wall to display your recipes, photos, and shopping list. “Target and Michaels have affordable, lightweight options that won’t take much more than a small nail to put up,” says McGrath.
4. Colorful accessories
Photo by Rise Art 
“You may not be able to change your kitchen appliances or counters, but you can add pops of color on them with coordinated dish towels, pots and pans, potholders, and more,” says McGrath.
Drew Henry of Design Dudes, agrees: “Fun oven mitts by the stove, a vase of flowers, decorative bowls, and a bold cookie jar will add more personality,” he says.
You can also line up a set of canisters (flour, sugar, coffee) to improve a bland countertop or lay down a marble cutting board to mimic a higher-end material.
5. Rolling cart
Photo by Kristen Rivoli Interior Design 
A rental kitchen is usually tight on space, but if you can swing the square footage, try introducing a rolling cart into the mix. You’ll gain more surface area for food prep and a few extra shelves for storage.
“If you can fit a small rolling island, it’ll dramatically change the look of your rental kitchen and make it more functional,” says Henry.
6. Fresh paint
Photo by Logan Killen Interiors
Dying for a new color scheme? Painting your kitchen might be possible, even if you’re renting. Check with your landlord first and then get the OK in writing if he or she says you can repaint.
“Consider how your new color will tie in with adjacent rooms, and choose a paint in a low- or no-VOC formulation to minimize fumes,” says Gold.
7. Upper cabinet displays
Photo by Susan Overton
That space above your cabinets near the ceiling is woefully underappreciated—and ripe for a little decor in a rented kitchen.
Gold recommends placing little-used items like large serving bowls or even tablecloths and fancy flatware in decorative boxes to keep them clean while not in use.
Or add your personal stamp with wicker baskets or faux foliage, says Jeanine Boiko, a real estate agent and blogger at Okio B Designs. Be certain to measure the space between the ceiling and cabinets before shopping for new baskets.
8. Temporary backsplash
Photo by Наталья Широкорад Backsplashes might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in a small kitchen, they can be the difference between a one-of-a-kind space and a room that looks like all the rest.
If your landlord is not willing or able to let you install a backsplash, the pros suggest using temporary tiles or removable wallpaper.
“A peel-and-stick backsplash is a quick, nonpermanent way to add some personality to this space,” says Boiko.
If your rental kitchen is small (of course it is!), opt for light or bright colors, as darker shades will make the space feel even smaller, she adds.
9. Under-cabinet lights
Photo by Legrand, North America 
Most rental kitchens are on the dark side—and few have the benefit of a window for natural light. To the rescue are undermount lights so you can see what you’re chopping.
“Ikea offers a good selection at reasonable prices, and you can attach them to the bottoms of your cabinets with removable Velcro strips,” says Boiko. No fuss, no mess, and (likely) within the rules of your lease agreement.
The post 9 Nifty Ways to Personalize the Kitchen in Your Rental appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
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perrentes-ptv · 5 years
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Pierce the Veil Elementary: Chapter 6 fourth grade: big decisions
Warning: there will be ship/Pairing in this story, just not now but soon, If I write more
Everybody is between the age of 9 & 10****
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" so we're all going to take, a trip, across the hall to the chorus room and then downstairs to the strings room." Miss.Goodwin, announced to her class a fourth grader during morning meetings about their agenda for today.
Mike shot up his hand, Miss.Goodwin smiled at him for remembering to raise his hand. Mike has troubling remember to raise up his hand and I'm like just blurts out everything he wants to ask, "yes, Michael?"
"What about band my brother does band, and I want to do band too."
"unfortunately band is reserved for fifth and six graders since they are out in the quads and it's limited room. This year you can only do chorus or strings but you can definitely go to band next year."
Mike put his hand down and around at the tile doing something he really didn't have any interest in.
Miss Goodwin's class went over to the music room to meet Mrs. Reed. She talked about choirs, and the plays they put up through out the year. Then the class went downstairs in single file line, To talk to Mr. Rufus about strings or orchestra as he said the correct term was. Miss Goodwin time that their little trip accordingly so they could just go straight to lunch so the kids may decide what they wanted to do during lunch and recess, before signing up in class.
"Mike what are you going to do?" Tony asked his best Best friend. After meeting up last year, and playing every recess, he quickly became best friends and we're so excited that they had the same teacher in fourth grade instead of being in separate classrooms and only having recess to play.
"I don't know I don't like them maybe chorus seems easy."
"I don't know either, I wanna pick what you pick." Tony replied.
"I'm doing strings! I want to play guitar." Jamie commentating, dumping his smiley face french fries in a tub of catch-up before eating it. Next to him was Killen and Andy.
“my brother is said guitar is for a band on the strings it just the tiny wooden non-guitars only."
"You mean your sister!." Killen joked make him himself and the other boys laugh. Mikes Friends have seen his brother before he cut his hair, when they first wanted to leave the cooler six grader but then couldn’t stop laughing from the fact that he had hair like a girl. Mike laughed too he loved his brother but even his baby sister has shorter hair.
“Strings could me fun, we get to play an instrument.” Mike said out loud.
“Tony, and Jaime lets do strings together!” Mike said looking between his two friends.
“Okay.” They said simultaneously.
“What about me?” Andy asked.
“No Andy, stay in chorus with me we could just talk and watch movies about singing.” Kellin pushed Jaime back so he could face Andy he didn’t want to go to Corus alone since most of his friends/classmates were going to strings, he didn’t want to play in instrument.
“That sounds easy.” Andy send in agreement.
After throwing away their trash, the class went outside to go play recess. Then went back to class signing up for the activity they wanted to do.
The next day they were told to go to their assigned activities, the people who chose orchestra had to pick a instrument.
Mike looked over to Jaime seeing him pick a cello that was bigger than him. Mike went to Tony, “Tony let’s pick the same instrument so we can practice together. What do you want to play?”
Tony didn’t want to play the cello, “violin.”
“Okay we’re playing violin, and then next year we’re gonna do band, okay?”
“Okay.” Tony agreed happily, he really liked, hanging out with his best friend Mike and doing stuff together.
*hi!!!! It’s been a while, I’m trying to get back into writing and this seems like the easiest story to do it with. Sorry about this chapter honestly I couldn’t remember anything specific from fourth grade in my experience, but I do want to add something else feel free to leave a suggestion about fourth grade!*
(i’m not going back to fix anything this is unedited and unBeta.)
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