Descriptive Setting

The Foamy Madness
by L. S.

     The beach. It looks like a never-ending land made of water. It looks as if the waves are combing the sand. Watching the surfers shred the waves just makes you want to jump in and paddle out to join them. In the air, the fragrance of fresh salt fills your nose when you first touch the sand and cross over the dunes. After surfing for hours, your muscles are like jelly and need a rest.

     Spreading out on your towel, you feel the warm sun on the delicate skin of your back, ensuring your tan.  Once you are ready to go back in the water you grab your board and start paddling out past the white foamy madness.  A mouth full of sea water is the saltiest thing that you can drink. The taste lingers in your mouth for minutes at a time. The combination of the sound of the waves crashing, the children playing, and the fishermen on the peer cheering about their great catch creates a huge commotion and adds to the excitement of the day.  Each time you hear the lifeguard’s whistle, it interrupts your focus on catching that huge wave you’re right on top of.    

     Catching a wave is one of the best feelings you can get; it is just like gliding through the air on a surfboard. Every surfer loves the beach and can’t wait to go back in the water.

My Happy Place
by H. H. 

                                                                                                                     

When I walk into my backyard, I see green grass and towering trees that have kept watch over this land since my great, great grandparents lived here. We have an old small swing set made of wood and a slide in the backyard. My sister and I used to sing songs on the swing set. We have a dock on Occohannock Creek, which is very convenient during summer, when we tie up our small fishing boat. During a storm, you can hear the waves hit the dock and crash onto the shore.  When you sit on the dock, you can feel the salty breeze blow on your face from the water.  I feel calm and joyous looking out over the water, and I know I am blessed by the Creator to call this place home.  

When my dad is grilling steak on our porch, the backyard smells like my favorite restaurant. During spring, you can smell the sweet scent of honeysuckle.  The woods in my backyard are home to a variety of animals, including deer, eagles, herons, and squirrels, which make noise crashing through the woods or soaring high above the yard. We have two horses so we also have a riding ring and a small barn with two stalls; the smell of fresh-cut hay and wood shavings tingles my nose.

There is also a batting cage and an artificial pitching mound in my backyard.  When my dad and I practice, you can hear noises of the ball hitting my glove, the bat hitting the ball, or my dad giving me advice on how to do better.   I have an archery target for my compound bow. I like to feel the bow string come flying off my hand and (hopefully!) hit the target with a thud. My backyard is my happy place.

The Blue Hole
by Z. S.

        In the woods, in the beautiful city of Sugar Creek, the leaves were covering the ground. Poking through the leaves on the trail were unusually shaped rocks, some chiseled and jagged, some nice and smooth. It was necessary to watch your step because the rocks made it easy to twist your ankle and fall. The scent of bear lingered in the air, and at times the stench was overpowering. The manure that littered the trail was by far the worst-smelling thing there.

Stepping on the slippery rocks to get across the river was not an easy task. The rushing water beneath our feet was traveling at the speed of an Olympic runner. After crossing the stream, the trails turned into dirt. The sound of wild birds was very peaceful in the late morning.
            At The Blue Hole watering hole, there were boulders good for jumping off and landing in the water. However, the water was frigid, and the only way to get used to it was to have your body lose feeling. The path to the waterfall, at the end of the trail, involved crossing another river and hiking up a steep incline; exhausting! The trail seemed to be never-ending, but in the end, the waterfall was beautiful. The view was excellent, and the sun was filling the mountains with beautiful bursts of color like an explosion of paints. This was an adventure to remember.

Creativity in the Air
by J. B.

      Lego-Land is an exciting place, a place with roller coasters shooting by, casting a shadow on amusement-park-goers and making silhouettes at sundown. Children run around gleefully as they get showered by the water park's waterspouts.  There are miniature Lego sculptures everywhere you look. Because of the hot Florida sun beating down on hundreds of tired parents and enthusiastic children, the pungent aroma of sweat is in the air.  The sweet smell of Lego “fire-fighters” ice-cream also fills the air, along with the scent of cotton candy, hot dogs, savory hamburgers, and pizza.  The sound of giggling preschoolers, and of chugging roller coasters, is in the background.  You often have the sensation of your stomach in your throat after a ride.
     There are beautiful and mysterious trees—with trunks thick and wonderful—which separate, going upward, splaying in all directions.  Their large leaves, which block out the sun, create a dim, green glow that looks otherworldly.  Shops line the entrance; a Lego mini-land built of amazing structures near the center of the park is the epitome of perfect engineering. There are many life-sized models of people, like a pizza shop owner in front of a pizza restaurant.
      This is Lego-Land, a place to have fun and be creative. 

The Magnificent Stadium
by N. C.

     Barcelona, a beloved and popular city in Spain, is home to the most magnificent soccer stadium. Entering this massive stadium will take your breath away. The chilly breeze that sweeps through the stadium as you enter seems as if it lightens your steps. Looking up reveals a never-ending, black, night sky so dark you can see every single star. Every inch of this enormous soccer field is covered in soft, bright green grass.

       There are endless rows of bleachers filled with fans from every part of the world. You can feel the bleachers shake from cheers of the fans hollering and bouncing on their cold, hard, metal seats. The cheers and constant chattering of commentators can feel a bit overwhelming and will leave your eardrums echoing these sounds long after the game. If you are lucky enough to get front row seats, your sense of smell will be blended with the unpleasant odor of the players and the delicious aroma of food from the concession stand. The best part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience is the sweet taste of victory when your team wins.
     Visiting this magnificent stadium reminds me to thank God for the many blessings He allows us. I am so thankful for the soccer fields, fans, and players. It is truly amazing what God can do and does.

Marsh and Creek
by Z. J.

The cloudy creek flows swiftly along its dark banks.  It winds on and on, fading into mist, for what seems like forever.  A wide marsh graces the land above the bank, following the creek wherever it goes.  The lush green reeds filter salt from the brackish water that is seeping among them.  On the opposite bank the same is happening, as if looking in a mirror—a mirror that not only reflects the tall reeds and plants of the marsh, but also a fishy smell, and the common sound of crickets making their music.  The blue sky above is filled with the raucous honking of Canadian geese, flying in their natural V shape.  The bright midday sun reflects on the water in a dazzling array of white.  As the water flows by, the sparkles stay still, almost as if they were held there in an invisible grasp. Here, a canoer sits fishing, and there, a small duck pecks hopefully at the bank.  A weathered wooden dock stretches out, the murky brown water flowing about its legs.  The creek reflects the many trees growing along the edge of the marsh, full of various shades of greens and yellows.  A trailing willow stands alone among tall majestic pines and leafy oaks.

My Country Home

by G. S.

     I like to discover and see new and beautiful things at my Granny and Papa’s house.  As I walk outside, I see the joy and happiness of children and family playing.  When discovering new things on their property, I can see many different types of animals and reptiles.  The air here has the lovely scent of pine needles and sap.

     Before breakfast, the mouth-watering smell of bacon and eggs fills my nostrils.  When picking blueberries, I taste one, and the flavor bursts in my mouth and is so juicy and sweet.  I love to eat the muscadines and enjoy the familiar taste of grapes.

     At night you can hear the wind howling and the trees swaying as the wind moves them.  While strolling through the woods I can hear the leaves hit the ground and the squirrels jump across the trees.  While walking on the rocky road, I feel the rocks push into my feet and poke my tender skin.  I jump into the pool, and I can feel the cold water surround me and soak my body.  When I play outside and enjoy the outdoors, I feel the super hot sun start to bake my skin.  I love it here because you can see and discover new things and listen to the joy and happiness of all the family around you.

The Studio
by C. J.

            Birds chirp loudly to be heard above the sounds of cars roaring by.  As each car slows to follow the curve in the road, the smell of gasoline fills the air.  The grass on the side of the road is sprinkled with tiny drops of scattered light.  But the real attraction is the studio.  It has no exterior walls.  It has no doors.  It is like a rotating stage that shows four different scenes, with a door so that actors can pass from one scene to another as the stage turns.  One of its sides is more like a corner, with red brick walls and a wooden floor.  The aforementioned door makes up the left wall.  The long side of the studio facing away from the road is built to look like a porch, with a peeling coat of white paint, a wooden bench swing, and a white railing running its entire length.  From the back of this mysterious studio, another side shows itself.  This one has a blue floor and one blue wall.  The other wall is made of corrugated metal, hung in vertical sheets.  A beech tree partially covers the left half.  The final scene sits between the blue scene and the brick scene.  Its burnt orange walls and floor blaze in contrast with the green grass.  The studio–surrounded by its sparkling grass and shady trees–is peaceful, though it is framed by busy streets.

The Way My Bedroom Is
by C. M.

            My room feels spacious, like when I'm outside in a large field. My bedroom floor is soft, like a flowerbed with loose soil.  The walls are hard and cold, like pavement in the winter.  My desk is smooth, like a stone that has been worn down by water. My bedroom looks large when it is clean, but looks small when it is dirty.  The walls of my bedroom are cream and when the light shines in, they look bright.  My bed and dresser are grey, like clouds on a rainy day. 

            My bedroom is quiet when the windows are closed.  You can hear the peaceful sound of the wind blowing through the leaves when the windows are open.  Sometimes you can hear the sound of the air conditioner or of music playing.  Sometimes my room is silent, when there is no wind or no people around.

            My room smells damp when the windows are open on wet days.  Sometimes my room smells like the candle burning in the hallway.  When the sheets are changed on my bed, it smells fresh like a spring day.  I love the way my bedroom looks, smells, and feels.

Ocean Breeze
by V. C.

As we drove up to the Ocean Breeze Waterpark, we were greeted by a gigantic gorilla statue about forty feet tall, wearing yellow swim shorts, a blue Hawaiian shirt, and red sunglasses.  We abruptly stopped at the crowded parking lot and bought our tickets.  After we had our tickets, I was free to go on whichever ride I wanted to.  The first ride I chose was the Hurricane.  I climbed four flights of stairs before it was my turn to slide down.  It went straight down at an exhilarating speed that sent me thrusting into the bowl of water.

Next, I grabbed a big inner tube and headed for Largo Loop, a relaxing ride I could just float down on my inner tube and end in a pool of calm water. Walk the Plank is a 200-foot dark tunnel with a steep 50-foot drop straight down.  I loved feeling the outside of the tube and the wind going through my hair as I raced down.  After these rides I was soaking wet, dripping on the floor like a poor stray cat stuck in the rain. The smell of water, chlorine, and pizza filled the air. I saw my younger brother, Josh, eating a crunchy slice of pizza, all gooey and cheesy.  He enjoyed the water park as much as I did. His favorite ride was Jungle Falls, an inner tube ride that slides you rapidly left, right, and backwards down the ride.

At night, the park cast a glowing aura over the water when all of the lights went on. As we were driving away from the water park, I turned to see the employees turning off all of the lights and shutting down the water slides. A sad feeling came over me as the fun day turned into a memory and summer ended.

Between the Buildings
by K. C.

Gray clouds hung under the gray sky and black shadows tauntingly danced across the walls. The dark figures seemed to swallow me as I stepped into the small, narrow alley. An acrid stench of garbage reeked of dead rats and rotten food. A putrid stink of sewage water pulled up my dinner. The green and brown liquid trickled into wide pot holes. Drip. Drip. It sent a shiver down my spine. I heard squeaks and scratches coming from the long abyss where the rats roamed.

As I journeyed deeper, my feet splish-splashed in deep, murky puddles. Water then seeped into my socks and shoes, causing my feet to stiffen with cold. Then rain started to fall and run down my face, rolling down to my chin like ice cold tears. Each drop fell to the ground and hit the pavement with a soft “plop” until an abrupt downpour made sounds like a freight train. I tripped and felt a pang of pain in my knee. My fear subsiding with the pain gave way to a new emotion… frustration. I slowly stood and tried to run, limping for what felt like forever until my home eventually came into view. Home at last, my emotions poured down like the rain hitting me: sadness, anger, relief, and happiness. It was the most joy I have ever felt in my life.

Camp Powhatan

by J. V.

     A humble dirt road that crosses and recrosses the same tiny stream is traversed by hundreds of campers year after year, all traveling to the greatest camp on earth: Camp Powhatan! The crowning glory of the camp is the lake–the cold, blue lake.  The mysterious depths of the lake are like magnets to the campers. Every day the shallows echo with the joyful shouts of the swimmers, as the canoers and kayakers play in the deep.

     Then there is The Blob. The Blob is like a giant air mattress in the lake. On the side facing the lake, a person lies down, then on the other side someone climbs a 20-foot tower and jumps off. When he hits The Blob, the person on the other side soars through the air and lands in the lake.

     The wooded grounds are complemented by many tents and rustic buildings, and the air is full of the smells of earth, pine trees, and the next meal. At night, the camp is filled with the sounds of the wild.  The crickets chirp; the flies drone; the wind whirls. All is perfect at the great Camp Powhatan!

In the Forest
by J. C.

            I was weak; my whole body ached with pain. I could feel my energy fading quickly. My flesh was slowly rotting; it felt as if I were going to dry up and crumble to the ground. The setting was perfect and the feeling was magnificent. The sensation of my heart was great, the surrounding was incredible, and the aroma was delightful; I felt that I could almost taste the sweet berries. This dream was a one in a million-lifetime experience.

             I see trees as high as heaven. Ponds as blue as the sky. I see animals as peculiar as the platypus. In the forest, I hear hoots of owls high in the sky. I hear the growls of predators seeking their prey. I hear the screeching of monkeys high above, swinging in the trees. In the forest, I feel the intense wind on my skin, wiping the sweat off my face. I feel the unsteady, damp ground on the soles of my feet. In the forest, I smell the fresh, exotic aroma in the breeze. When I think about my dream, no pain comes to mind.

The Willow Woods

by L. D.

     The forest was always the perfect place to go to waste time when you had nothing to do.  The sparkling grass being struck by the moonlight makes the ground gleam in the night.  The waterfall is a most fantastic sight, with the glowing water and the shimmering stream.  The forest is filled with many different trees, but the willow trees are the most beautiful, with their dangling branches barely brushing the ground.  The tinkling sound of the water was like a wind chime, gently bouncing off each other.  Most times it would be silent, but when the breeze came, the whole forest would be filled with the magnificent sound of the branches rustling in the wind.  In the fall, the woods would smell of musky, damp leaves, with a slightly stale stench. Come summertime it would have a wonderful pine smell mixed with the crisp, dry leaves.  After a heavy, lengthy shower, you could stroll around and feel the soft, moist leaves underfoot, combined with the solid, firm bark of the outer ring of the tree.  As you dipped your hand in the stream, you could feel the soft, steady water flowing gracefully around your hand.

New York City

by C. W.

            The glow coming from the gigantic screens, casting ads below for everyone to see, stung my eyes because it was too bright. The sky was dark, even though it was day, because the rain clouds covered the bright sun. The roar coming from the cars passing by was so deafening, that I couldn’t hear anything over it. There were many huge buildings in this city that rose high above the sky, making everyone feel tiny. You could smell a lot of different smells in the air. One was the gas that was coming out of the cars, and the steam coming off the food that was being made in the shops. A cold breeze flew through the air and made everyone shiver. As I walked forward I could feel the ground shaking beneath my feet. We walked into our hotel lobby, and the ceiling had a ton of lights and the walls were covered in paintings. The elevator had a gold hand-bar that you could hold onto when you went up, and it was made of glass, giving you a perfect sight. The hallway was long, with doors every few feet, but eventually we found ours. The room had double beds with paintings above them, and you could actually feel the air conditioning flowing out of the vents. The next morning the humongous sun rose and shone brightly inside our hotel room.

The Valley’s Beauty

by L. H.

Death Valley showcases the beauty of desert environments. With its shadowed waves and soft peaks, it easily resembles a sea of amber gold, with sand stretching for miles in each direction. The puffy clouds complement the dreamy look of this landscape.

           Usually, you hear nothing but the sound of your own voice or the flap of the occasional bird that flies by. The higher you walk, the more you can enjoy the cool breeze the glides by.

            Once you arrive at the top, you can really appreciate the astonishing view, filled with cotton candy clouds. I feel as if I could almost touch them. The view at 5:00 in the morning, when we arrived is very dark and breezy, very different from the view at any other time. In the evening, you can see the shadows on either side or the sand dunes. The sand, feels simultaneously soft and grainy. The few bushes and sticks are like hard rocks, dry and rough, like the sand in some ways. My favorite time, though, is around 6:00 in the morning, when the sun comes up while the stars still shine brightly, of the gorgeous desert environment.