"A book should be like an ice-axe breaking the frozen sea within"- Franz Kafka

Kafka; in a simile, links a book to a weapon. The image of an ‘ice-axe’ gives the impression of a sturdy weapon, to be able to break ‘The frozen sea within us’, perhaps your emotions, believes and thoughts. A sea is flowing and smooth, but when it’s frozen, it’s hard and stubborn, sometimes like your thoughts and emotions. But a book is strong and effective enough to be able to break that. A book symbolizes information, knowledge and escape. When Kafka used the word ‘breaking’ it seemed as the book is not breaking but changing your ideas, thoughts and emotions. It can open your mind to different things, other than your own opinion. You can also learn from books. When Kafka says that a book ‘should’ be like an ice-axe it shows that a book is not strong enough to open your mind yet, people are still so absorbed with there own believes and prejudices that they do not give in too change.

When you start to open your mind and accept change, the frozen sea within, will start to melt. I use to be stuck in reality, so I hardly ever read. But all that changed in 7^th grade when my friends introduced me to the Twilight Saga. As I read on I became more and more aware of the different believes around me, and that there can be things beyond reality. I started using my imagination more and accepted change. I clung on to the book ended up finishing the whole series. The Twilight saga helped me escape, and melted the frozen sea within me.

I chose a picture of a bird flying in the sunrise because to me flying is a symbol of escape and freedom. And sunrise reminds me of a new start, a new beginning. When you put the two together you have escaped and are ready for a new start. You could have escaped from arrogance or stubbornness, which ever, doesn’t matter what, what matters is that you are ready for change and a new start.

Lucky Locket

I have been wondering why I have always felt safe no matter what I do; maybe even protected That is because of my lucky locket. This lucky locket has been with me through almost all my life. Since I was 6 my friends gave me a heart locket for my goodbye gift. It is silver with a heart in the middle. The heart has a pink rose on it and it opens. Inside is a small mirror that reminds me of my friends.

I have always worn that locket around my neck ever since. It makes me feel safe and remind me that I will always have my friends no matter where in the world we are. I wore my locket to exams, presentations, parties, celebrations and most of all the events that have happened through my life. One example is, on Malaysia Week. We had to repel of a cliff. At first I was terrified, but then I remembered that I had my lucky Locket with me at that gave me the courage to repel of the cliff. I actually enjoyed repelling off the cliff and hope to do it again.

My locket reflects me, because it has been with me through all situations and events.

It helps me succeed and gives me courage to do anything.

My Lucky Locket is very special too me.