Fear of the Frog and the Toad

Slimy, or rough, smooth, or lumpy, they all give me large goose bumps, like having mosquito bites covering my body as soon as they are present. Whether it is one amphibian or another, it doesn't matter, they all fill my stomach with fluttering, anxious butterflies; the kind that one should feel when singing a solo in front of 1,000 people, not while glancing at some silly grimy frog or toad. The myth has always been that these nasty creatures penetrate warts hiding beneath the body's epidermis layer, but I would never get close enough to one of them to be able to supply an answer to that myth. Between the ugly illustrations in the children's book The Frog and Toad and the heaping amounts of the small, adolescent amphibians that lunge themselves towards my feet while mowing the thick sod in my backyard, it's hard to tell which one triggered my fear. While this phobia, Ranidaphobia, has rapidly grown as the years have gone on, these mysterious, googly-eyed, ugly creatures seem to be multiplying even faster. They don't just rest on top of their lily pads now, but they lurk under warm, soft hot tub covers and cling to the window of my car, as I try to drive with my eyes closed (not really but I wish). The frog, and toad, may seem like neat, interesting amphibians, but I am confident that they are creepy, ferocious predators.

Book Connection Blog: The Last Song

I don’t read much, usually just before I go to bed. I have a vivid imagination, and not many books catch my attention early enough for me to keep on reading.  However, every young girl has perceived what her future husband would be like. In the book The Last Song my dream came true. It all started with the connection of Ronnie’s relationship with her dad being exactly how my relationship with my dad works at home-either best friends or even better enemies. My dad and I are very alike, as well as Ronnie and her dad, so we bump heads more often than not. Already having a solid connection kept my mind intrigued. Reading farther in the book it became evident that Ronnie had a passion for music, as do I. Music is my peace of mind…Ronnie’s was at one time too. Music brings people together; it creates connections, whether it is with family, other classmates, or even within you. Music has kept me out of trouble. When I get bored I play music, listen to music, or sing to the music. My final connection came when a handsome, tall, country boy walked into Ronnie’s life. Growing up in the outdoors and having certain tastes, it is important for me to find a significant other with the same interests… like Will in this great novel. He fulfilled my perception of that “perfect” husband: family orientated, good looks, athletic, smart…etc. These personal connections kept me reading, and in the end it became one of my favorite books. The dreams I had when I was a little girl came true when Will entered this story line. It is clear that this book reminded me a lot about myself, but that is what kept my attention focused. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great love story, and it is a quick read too!