Complications in Prgoression

Hmmm this is an interesting blog assignment. I love life and think it is one big, grand adventure. But, it is much easier to see the speck in someone else’s eye, vs. looking at the plank in your own.
This is hard for me, because I must define “progression”. To me, progression is moving toward forward in life, in a positive way. Sometimes I feel frustrated and relate to the song “Graduate” by Blind Melon. The song is about wanting to graduate and get yourself off the street. I am not on the street, but I feel that way many times. I feel like I have been going to college for-ev-er. But in reality, a few years of school will give you a life time of comfort. At least, that is what I hear.
Sometimes I feel flustered because there is so much I want to do in life. One of my favorite COS Instructors, Richard Flores, sometimes says “don’t let school get in the way of your education”. That makes sense to me because sometimes I just want to stop going to school. But I know that college still holds many opportunities for me and I love learning.
The main thing that I really want is to get married and have a family. I know that will come in time, but for now it is hard sometimes to see other happily married folks, while I remain single. But I do not become bitter, and I love seeing other people so happy because it, in turn, makes me very happy.
But on the bottom line, I do not really see complications that prevent me from progressing in my life. I have shared some of my frustrations and happiness, but I am a very optimistic person and do not see much holding me back at this point. I have so much to do in life, and so little time. I am excited at every turn and can’t wait to see what comes next in this Grand, shared adventure.

~Laurel May~

Scratch Beginnings-Attaining the American Dream

“Which one are you?” Those last three words brought Scratch Beginnings all together for me. This book was well worth the read and I am recommending it to everyone that I know. It was so unquestionably inspiring to me. I have saved money before. I finance much of my life. But there is so much more I could do! The minute I set down Scratch Beginnings, I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down some goals. Saving is difficult, but so worth it.
I am already somewhat aware of the culture of the lower class, just because of the area we live in. But it was eye opening anyway, to witness through Adam’s words, the poverty lifestyle. I agree with many of Mr. Shepard’s conclusions; people can climb out of poverty. Poor folks can save their way up. And America is the best country and we should never bet against this Nation.
There are so many people that just sit around and literally don’t do anything. There are many leaches of society, who take, take, take, but return nothing. I agree with using welfare as a step up and nothing more. I agree with taking advantage of financial aid for school. I agree with using food stamps, if needed. Why? Because, ideally, the people who use these hand-ups will someday return the favor to society. Someday, they should be in a position to help others who were in their position. At least, that is how it should be.
I will keep Scratch Beginnings, not as my “English 001 book”, but as a fine read that I can continue to look to and read for inspiration as I work hard to be who I was created to be.

~Laurel May~

The American Dream...According to Me

My American Dream


“Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!” -Friedrich Nietzsche

No, I am not living the American Dream (AD) according to the stereotype: married, two children, nice house, white picket fence, 2 vehicles and a dog. Honestly, to me, the AD is more in attitude. It is about being joyous in everything that you do. When I am asked if I am living the AD, I have no doubt that I am. Why? Because I am where I know I am supposed to be. Yes, I know someday I will get married and have kids, but I know that time is not now, so I am living my AD. Yes, I know someday I will be graduated from college, but for now I am a Student, so I am living my AD. Yes, someday I will maybe own my own business, but for now I will continue to be a consumer, so I am living my AD.


I appreciate the German Mr. Nietzsche’s quote very much. We all strive for adventure. We like it when things go awry, and it is up to us to fix it. We like to think of life, and everyday tasks, as adventures. It is built into our DNA as human beings and I am proud to admit that living my American Dream is a grand adventure that I live every day. Part of my AD is to not hold any regrets. To confront things with people as soon as issues come up so that bitterness and resentment does not build up. To love people and to live with others peacefully, as far as it depends on you. My American Dream is up to me and God. Others will come into my life and impact me greatly. Your American Dream is up to you, with impact from people who come into your life.


I have objectives in my life and am strongly self motivated. I will always keep striving for them, because that is part of the Grand Adventure. I can do anything! And guess what? So can you. “Be the change you want to see in the world”-Gandhi.


Yes…I am content. And that is my American Dream.

Hola, my name is Laurel May Henderson. I am currently a business major Student at the College of the Sequoias. Now, growing up, I was never a little girl who dreamt of becoming a “Business Woman”. I am interested in this now, however, in pursuit of opening a bakery. I want to do this with my Sister, Lacey. We have always loved baking and cooking and I learned so much of what I know from my Mom. I am going to transfer to Fresno State in Spring 2011.

I am in love with the mountains and any of God’s raw creation. It sparks something in me and I constantly can’t wait to “get back”. This is referring to getting back to the mountains. I believe there is something in all of us that wants to get back, whether we know it or not.

I love adventures. Adventures could consist of a road trip, a power outage, running out of gasoline, spending time with good friends, babysitting your nephew and/or nieces, getting on an airplane, your class being cancelled, etc. Life consists of adventures.

I am an artist, but I think that everyone is such. It is my opinion that every one of us holds artistic potential even though you are probably saying “I can draw stick figures!” or “I am not creative”. I believe that we were made in God’s Image, and He is, obviously, the Ultimate Artist, so we must carry this potential as well. But it gets buried. Buried in running around everyone and trying to do everything without stopping to smell the roses. I do this too.

I love my family and hold them in high esteem. I am very happy to have such a family and thank God that He gave me the ones I have.

I am very excited to take my first online class and love school in general. We take our country for granted and are lucky to have the opportunity to learn so much and to be a part in such a grand adventure. Look forward to meeting everyone!

~Laurel May~