Strawberry Sunrise

The blooming pink liquid was poured into the small Dixie cup. It gave the appearance of an early august sunrise with hues of pink, red and orange. All the colours of a crisp morning in the midsummer. I lifted the cup and took a whiff and was instantly hit with the sensation of my grandmothers' strawberry and raspberry patch. I could remember playing in the raspberry tunnel, sweltering in the heat of the August weather. The edge of the cup touched my lips and the taste enveloped every taste bud in my mouth. All the flavours you would imagine that come with a luminous daybreak. Sweet strawberry, tangy raspberry with a hint of juicy orange. The feel of twinkling smoothness as the juice ran down my throat was overwhelming; refreshing, rejuvenating and revitalizing. The memories of the all-nighter pulled at summer camp every year came back to me as I remembered watching the beaming dawn with all my friends. Still cool to the touch like the bite of early morning dew on the grass, all the sensations of watching a sunrise in the early morning. Absolutely unmistakable. The fusion of the three fruits hits at different intervals much like the colours of sunup. The first glow of pink strawberry hits the tip of your tongue followed by the sweet pigments of rosy red raspberries always accompanied by the undertone of flavorful orange. All the vibes of a true August morning sunrise wrapped up into one small Dixie cup. Simple perfection.     

We're All In This Together

123 Main Street
Penticton, British Columbia
V2A 3W1

March 8, 2012

Mr.Kleats
Central High School
123 Main Street
Sportstown, British Columbia
V2A 1W3

Hello Mr.Kleats,
My name is Marrissa, my daughter Jessica plays on your senior co-ed baseball team, The Wildcats. To begin I would like to congratulate you and your team on your 2nd place finish at provincials, it was a very well played final game. However, it has come to my attention that some of the parents of students on your team are concerned with the fact that you often arrive late, your practise's are somewhat disorganised, and I know personally that my daughter often becomes distraught when you yell at her. I find you may focus on winning too often and bench many students who deserve to play. I understand that you may have concrete reasons as to why these issues have occurred but i have some suggestions that may interest you.

I am aware that being a family man you may be late now and then, however, if it could be possible to arrange with one of the assistant coach's that practise be started on time without you, or even if you could teach the kids a few simple drills that they can do before you arrive it would be much appreciated. By doing so it would also create the opportunity to perhaps organise a set practise routine that the kids can follow in order to help organise the practise.

Also, I know that my daughter feels this way and I'm sure some of the other kids do as well that when you raise your voice at them it stresses the kids out. Perhaps a method of motivation rather than just yelling would get the kids' spirits up and they would be able to play better as a team. I understand that with our 2nd place finish you may think this method is fool proof, however, raising your voice to the kids may not be the healthiest choice for the happy atmosphere that a team should have.

My daughter, being one of your star players, does not suffer from this problem but she is concerned that you focus a bit too much on winning and often bench many of her other friends on the team. She has asked me to speak with you about this matter as she feels uncomfortable pitching almost every game while certain kids sit on the bench constantly. I see the need for competition and I fully understand the aspect of needing to win however, perhaps if you put some of the other kids in when we are ahead or begin practise with them they will improve their game and become better assets to the team.

Thank you for your concern.


Marrissa Swetlikoe