凤凰来临
摘抄要真正提高习作水平,必须做到多读精思,多思多写。我分享超经典英语美文,希望可以帮助大家!
The summer before fifth grade, my world was turned upside down when my family moved from the country town where I was born and raised to a town near the beach. When school began, I found it difficult to be accepted by the kids in my class who seemed a little more sophisticated, and who had been in the same class together since first grade.
I also found this Catholic school different from the public school I had attended. At my old school, it was acceptable to express yourself to the teacher. Here, it was considered outrageous to even suggest a change be made in the way things were done.
My mom taught me that if I wanted something in life, I had to speak up or figure out a way to make it happen. No one was going to do it for me. It was up to me to control my destiny.
I quickly learned that my classmates were totally intimidated by the strict Irish nuns who ran the school. My schoolmates were so afraid of the nuns' wrath that they rarely spoke up for themselves or suggested a change.
Not only were the nuns intimidating(吓人的), they also had some strange habits. The previous year, my classmates had been taught by a nun named Sister Rose. This year, she came to our class to teach music several times a week. During their year with her, she had earned the nickname Pick-Her-Nose-Rose. My classmates swore that during silent reading, she'd prop her book up so that she could have herself a booger-picking session without her students noticing. The worst of it, they told me, was that after reading was over, she'd stroll through the classroom and select a victim whose hair would be the recipient of one of her prize boogers. She'd pretend to be praising one of her students by rubbing her long, bony(骨的) fingers through their hair! Well, to say the least, I did not look forward to her sort of praise.
One day during music, I announced to Sister Rose that the key of the song we were learning was too high for our voices. Every kid in the class turned toward me with wide eyes and looks of total disbelief. I had spoken my opinion to a teacher - one of the Irish nuns!
That was the day I gained acceptance with the class. Whenever they wanted something changed, they'd beg me to stick up for them. I was willing to take the punishment for the possibility of making a situation better and of course to avoid any special attention from Pick-Her-Nose-Rose. But I also knew that I was being used by my classmates who just couldn't find their voices and stick up for themselves.
Things pretty much continued like this through sixth and seventh grades. Although we changed teachers, we stayed in the same class together and I remained the voice of the class.
At last, eighth grade rolled around and one early fall morning our new teacher, Mrs. Haggard - not a nun, but strict nevertheless - announced that we would be holding elections for class representatives. I was elected Vice President.
That same day, while responding to a fire drill, the new president and I were excitedly discussing our victory when, suddenly, Mrs. Haggard appeared before us with her hands on her hips. The words that came out of her mouth left me surprised and confused. "You're impeached!" she shouted at the two of us. My first reaction was to burst out laughing because I had no idea what the word "impeached" meant. When she explained that we were out of office for talking during a fire drill, I was devastated.
Our class held elections again at the beginning of the second semester. This time, I was elected president, which I took as a personal victory. I was more determined than ever to represent the rights of my oppressed classmates.
My big opportunity came in late spring. One day, the kids from the other eighth grade class were arriving at school in "free dress," wearing their coolest new outfits, while our class arrived in our usual uniforms: the girls in their pleated wool skirts and the boys in their salt and pepper pants. "How in the world did this happen?" we all wanted to know. One of the eighth graders from the other class explained that their teacher got permission from our principal, Sister Anna, as a special treat for her students.
We were so upset that we made a pact to go in and let our teacher know that we felt totally ripped off. We agreed that when she inevitably gave us what had become known to us as her famous line, "If you don't like it, you can leave," we'd finally do it. We'd walk out together.
Once in the classroom, I raised my hand and stood up to speak to our teacher. About eight others rose to show their support. I explained how betrayed we felt as the seniors of the school to find the other eighth graders in free dress while we had to spend the day in our dorky uniforms. We wanted to know why she hadn't spoken on our behalf and made sure that we weren't left out of this privilege.
For years I wanted a flower garden. I'd spend hours thinking of different things I could plant that would look nice together.
But then we had Matthew. And Marvin. And the twins, Alisa and Alan. And then Helen. Five children. I was too busy raising them to grow a garden.
Money was tight, as well as time. Often when my children were little, one of them would want something that cost too much, and I'd have to say, "Do you see a money tree outside? Money doesn't grow on trees, you know."
Finally, all five got through high school and college and were off on their own. I started thinking again about having a garden.
I wasn't sure, though. I mean, gardens do cost money, and after all these years I was used to living on a pretty lean(贫乏的) , no-frills budget.
Then, one spring morning, on Mother's Day, I was working in my kitchen. Suddenly, I realized that cars were tooting(吹奏,狂欢) their horns as they drove by. I looked out the window and there was a new tree, planted right in my yard. I thought it must be a weeping willow(垂柳) , because I saw things blowing around on all its branches. Then I put my glasses on - and I couldn't believe what I saw.
There was a money tree in my yard!
I went outside to look. It was true! There were dollar bills, one hundred of them, taped all over that tree. Think of all the garden flowers I could buy with one hundred dollars! There was also a note attached: "IOU eight hours of digging time. Love, Marvin."
Marvin kept his promise, too. He dug up a nice ten-by-fifteen foot bed for me. And my other children bought me tools, ornaments(装饰品) , a trellis(格子,框架) , a sunflower stepping stone and gardening books.
That was three years ago. My garden's now very pretty, just like I wanted. When I go out and weed(除草,铲除) or tend my flowers, I don't seem to miss my children as much as I once did. It feels like they're right there with me.
I live up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where winters are long and cold, and summers are way too short. But every year now, when winter sets in, I look out my window and think of the flowers I'll see next spring in my little garden. I think about what my children did for me, and I get tears in my eyes - every time.
I'm still not sure that money grows on trees. But I know love does!
"If I never saw this kid again, Lord, I wouldn't be sorry!" I thought. Tears clouded my eyes as I stood in our laundry room(洗衣间) . Clenched(紧握的) in both hands were new jeans and a shirt belonging to my 16-year-old stepson, Brett. The clothing was already destroyed from burn holes and vomit stains(污点) after a drunken binge(狂欢,放纵) .
Exhausted and defeated, I sank to the floor. The clothes were just one more thing Brett had ruined. He had already kicked a large hole in his bedroom wall; his bedcovers(床罩) were torn. Numerous windows in our house needed repair due to his breaking in to steal money when he chose to live on the street. Yet none of this could compare to the emotional damage Brett had inflicted(遭受,给予) on our once quiet home.
I knew that Brett's needs were deep, and I had often prayed for wisdom and love. The second greatest commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," had taken on new meaning when Brett came to live with us when he was 12 years old. If I were to love my neighbor, was I not to love my own troubled stepson even more?
During those four years I had dealt with Brett as patiently as possible, but inside I was churning. "I don't want him in my house another day, Lord," I cried as I knelt on the laundry room floor. "I just can't stand him!"
Chest heaving, I poured out my despair. Then God tenderly spoke to me in my weakness. Matthew 25:35-40 rose in my thoughts---Jesus' declaration that when we invite a stranger, feed the hungry, clothe the naked or visit those in prison, we are doing it as unto Him. For the first time I saw this story in light of the action words. Jesus was saying, "Act. Meet these people's needs. Through your actions you are loving them and Me."
God's encouragement to me that day helped me to gather strength and continue parenting Brett. Still, Brett did not change his behavior.
When Brett was nearly 18, he landed again in Juvenile Hall, this time on suicide watch. Through prayer, my husband, Dave, and I sensed God's leading to send Brett to a boarding school(寄宿学校) with a high success rate for helping troubled teens.
The psychological training at Brett's school was rigorous(严格的,严酷的) . Out of more than 20 people in his class, Brett was one of only five graduates.
At the graduation ceremony the graduates stood one by one to thank those who had helped them. Each graduate held a long-stemmed, white rosebud to give to the person who had meant the most to him or her.
Brett spoke lovingly to his mother and father and for the first time took responsibility for the heartaches he had caused.
Finally Brett spoke to me. "You did so much," he said. "You were always there, no matter what. My mom and dad, I was their kid. But you just got stuck with me. All the same you always showed me such love. And I want you to know that I love you for it."
Stunned, I stood as Brett placed the white rosebud in my hand and hugged me hard.
At that moment I realized the truth in God's words to me. Although I had struggled with silent anger toward my stepson, Brett had seen only my actions.
Love is action. We may not always have positive feelings about certain people in our lives. But we can love them.
英语作为学习生涯中必不可少的课程,想学好真的不容易。我在此献上英语美文,希望大家喜欢。
英文美文欣赏
布达佩斯之恋 Down in Budapest
The night is long,goes on and on
Before me lies the break of dawn
Another day to wonder
What I'll find along my way
Just what to do I wish I knew
So all alone I'm missing you
The blue Danube
The sun put color of my soul in you
Budapest....
The day begins,the gentle wnd
As sweet as lonesome violins
So clear and bright
I watched the river rolling out of sight
I can't define this home of mine
This home,I'm waiting for the sign
Will I be lessed to find you
Somewhere down in Budapest
I'm lost in memories down in Budapest
I'm lost in memories down in Budapest
......
夜漫漫,时间无休止地流逝
黎明在我眼降临
这一天我又会彷徨,不知道
沿着自己的生命轨道,我将找到什么
该做些什么,我希望我知道
我一直在独自想念你
蓝色的多瑙河
阳光把我灵魂的颜色照进你心里
布达佩斯……
这一天开始了,轻柔的风
和寂寞的小提琴一样美好
如此清澈明亮
我看见河流奔腾出视野之外
我无法给我的这个家下定义
这个家,我在等待着一个信号
上苍会不会保佑我找到你
在布达佩斯街道的某个地方
沿着布达佩斯的街道游走,我迷失在记忆里
沿着布达佩斯的街道游走,我迷失在记忆里
沿着布达佩斯的街道游走,我迷失在记忆里
经典优美英语文章
妙“想”生花 Getting behind the Creative Mind
The world is but a canvas to the imagination.
——Henry David Thoreau
世界对富有想象力的人来说只是一块帆布。——亨利·大卫·梭罗
Creativity is not,as some would have us believed,something to be taken lightly.More than painting pictures or composing original music—creativity could rightly be considered a healing force for societies overwhelmed by the ongoing utilitarian struggles of humanity.Call it a cure for depression,an escape from working—class drudgery,catharsis for the stress and worry that accumulates within us all.Or just call it a fun and productive way to wile away an afternoon.
创造力并不像人们让我们相信的那样,是不以为然的东西。这不像绘画或者原创音乐那样,创造力可以看做是治愈被持续的社会功利斗争所压迫人性的力量.我们称之为治疗抑郁的良药,逃避工薪阶层的苦差事,积压在我们内心所有压力和忧虑的宣泄。或者只是一个消磨一个下午的有趣高效的方法。
But the spark of creativity is not always easily lit.As children,our creative zeal is generally encouraged and allowed to thrive,but as we move into adulthood that zeal tends to atrophy from neglect.Other things take over our lives,such as hectic career schedules and increased social pressure to achieve "status".According to Elisabeth Keating inPieces of Beauty,this is an unhealthy trend spawned from an overly materialistic culture.She gose on to detail the spiritual benefits of a more creative life.
但创造力的火花并不容易点燃。作为孩子,我们的创作热情容易受到鼓励和发展,但随着我们进入成年期,热情往往容易减退。其它事情占据了我们的生活,如简单忙碌的职业计划和为了获得地位产生的社会压力。根据伊丽莎白.基庭的《美丽碎片》,这是由过度的物质文化产生的一种不健康趋势。她继续深究更有创造性的生活的精神上的益处。
Tongue in cheek,Melvin Durai exposes creativity from a more "everyday" and practical angle in his humorous piece,Let the Beer Come to You.Not only have great minds invented personal computers and cell phone technology,they might also bless us with beertossing refrigerators and couches that spit out lost remote controls.
Melvin Durai在用他的诙谐作品《让啤酒来到你的身边》开玩笑似的从日常和实践的角度剖析创造性。
Clearly,the expression of artistic creativity throughout history has been just a instrumental in improving the human condition as any business venture or economic boom.Without it there would be no great works of art to enjoy and puzzle over,no songs to sing badly in the shower,no ho new fashion trends,no novels to read.I ask you,is that the sort of world you want to live in?
显然,纵观历史,艺术创作的表达一直只是一个改善人类生存条件成为一切商业风险和经济繁荣的工具。没有创造力就不会有伟大的艺术作品供欣赏和思索,就没有糟糕的洗澡歌,就没有潮流趋势,就没有小说可以读。我问你们,那是你们想要生活的那种世界吗?
经典英语美文
毕业,继续前进 Graduation and Moving On
At least once a year, there are a lot of graduations.It’s a time when a lot of people move on,from where they were, to another school or another class,or out into a real world.To graduate means to take a step forward, to move onward.I can remember my high school graduation,my graduation from university,and even my graduation from graduated school.Each of those graduations was nice.I took pictures, I got flowers, I hug my parents.I had the motions to moving on, I want to stay and have more fun.But I also want to move on.When we hear the word graduation, we naturally think of graduating from school.But I think it’s possible to graduate from different places, or stages in life.I worked in a company in New York for about three years.In one point I felt I couldn’t learn anything else from the company,where the people I was working with.Then I had hit a ceiling, I felt that was time to move on.The way that I describe that moving on is a graduation.Some times we are thrown out into the world or to the next level,whether we are ready or not.Other times we get the truth when we want to move on.I have experienced both.I preferred the second one, where I have a choice,I like the truth when and how, but we don’t always get what we want,since we can learn from every experience that we have,each experience can be a stepping stone for us to be better people.I know that I take lessons with me every time I graduated,but some times I can be a slow learner.I wonder when my next graduation is going to be.
至少每年一次,会有很多的毕业典礼。这是一个很多人继续前行的时刻,他们从现在的地方到另一个学校或者另一个班级,或者走出学校真正步入社会。毕业就以为这向前迈一步,继续前行。我还记得我高中,大学,甚至是研究生的毕业典礼。每一次毕业典礼都很棒。我拍了照片,收到了花,拥抱了父母。我曾有想继续下去的动力,我希望留下并获得更多的乐趣。但我也想继续前行。当我们听到毕业一词的时候,我们会自然而然的想到学校的毕业典礼。但是我认为我们有可能从人生的不同地方不同阶段毕业。我在纽约一家公司工作了快三年。在某种程度上,我觉得我无法从公司和同事身上学到东西。然后我已经达到了一种上限,我觉得是时候继续前行了。我所描述的继续前行的方式是毕业。有时我们被带入世界或进入下一个阶段,不管我们是否为此做好了准备。其他时候,我们得知当我们想继续前进的事实。我已经都经历过了。我更喜欢第二个,我可以选择,我喜欢这个何时以及如何的事实,但我们不能总是得到我们想要的东西,因为我们可以从我们每次的经历中学到东西,每次经历都可以成为我们成为更好的人的一块垫脚石。我知道每次毕业我都要学习一些东西,但有时候我可以是一名缓慢的学习者。我想知道我的下一次毕业是何时。