Yesturday was (strangley) a calm day. Mamas friend, Sosanna, came over and us ladies talked. Mama brought out her green tea and made a pot of it. We rarely get green tea. Mama says that the only reasons to use it is when someone is sick, or if important company comes. I wonder if my company is that important. Papa should be coming home tomorrow. We will have a feast in his honor. He has earned a LOT of money! More than he's ever made since I was 3.  Mousa was encouraged to bring 3 friends while Mama told me that if I invited anyone, there would be way too many people. I felt hurt and I felt as if I wasn't as important. Well, I know good and well that I shouldn't feel that way because I know that Mousa is the favored one. (But I also know that I am Grandmothers favorite!) I haven't recieved a letter from her yet, but I know that one is on the way. Mama tells me that I must get a job soon. Mousa will be on a short break from school soon and I need to help support the family. I am hoping to get a job at a small shop a ways down the road. They sell the most beautiful cloth and some cute jewlery. If I work there, I can get discounts on the items I sell and I can make new dresses for Mama and I. Well, I must go. Mousa is whining for lunch!

All my hopes and dreams lie within your pages.

Tajika

I am very tired. This morning, Mama took me to the rice fields so we could harvest it to earn some extra money. I did most of the work though. Mousa got to stay at his friends home and play and relax. OW! My back is killing me and I am quite certain that I have pulled a muscle or two. I recieved a letter from my Grandmother Rosea today. Grandmother Rosea lives in the United States of America, where she is free to make her own choices and have something she says is called in-sur-ance. I think that is what it is called. She is what some would call, wealthy. She lives in a beautiful home that has two levels. It is light pink on the outside and the walls are a cream color on the inside. I have never actually seen it. She sent me a picture that someone took with a cam-e-ra. Yes, a camera. She lives in New York City with her butler and 3 cats, Samarea, Goodoy, and Isalamic. (I've always thought Isalamic was a odd name.) She tells me that this time of year, there are many people from diffrent places come around to see the "Statue of Liberty". She says that the statue is the symbol of freedom. I wish it could be my symbol as well. She says that everyone is well and that she misses me very much. (I don't know why, but she has always favored me over Mousa) Well, I must go. Mama needs help with lunch. I hope we can go on a picnic by the small pond next door.

All of my hopes and dreams lie within your pages!

Your friend,

Tajika

Today was a fairly bright day! Mama took Mousa to the temple to pray for wisdom and guidance. Papa just left this morning to go to England for a few weeks. He has new products and he hopes to make a profit off of them there! I have had to do laundry today and Mama expects the dishes to be done by the time she gets home. I woke at 4:50 this morning and made my way to the open-air market, as I do on every other day. Mama had instructed me the night before to buy eggs, butter, and some sewing needles. I was on the pathway leading into our small village from the counrty when I saw a strange thing. There was a basket on the side of the rode. I sounded like there was a kitten inside of it. I lifted the lid and there was a CHILD! A child was lying in the basket all bundled up in torn rags. I immidiatly picked it up and turned and jogged to the house, careful as not to hurt the child. I woke Mama and told her of my findings. She immidiatley took the child and bathed it. She told me it was a girl and that she didn't seem to be much older than 2 months! How could someone be so hateful to throw a child out onto the street?! Mama said that we must keep the child and care for it as if it were our own until someone claims it. (If they do) Then, later today, it hit me. Someone threw the child out because it was a girl and they probably only wanted boys. I thought that those people had to be cold-hearted people. Mama decided to call the baby Bassi. I'm not sure why. But I like it. Mousa was very surprised and took fondly to her. Of course, I took my trip to the market a little late and I had added another thing to the list. MILK! Well, I must go. Bassi is crying and Mama is out! I will write later!

All my secrets and dreams lie within your pages!

Tajika

I have an idea! I am going to write about a girl from India! This will be like her journal! Okay so, here goes!

Dear Journal,

       My name is Tajika. I am a 13 year old girl living in India. I live in the small village of Jingo, along with my Mama, my Papa, and my little brother, Mousa. Mousa is the favored one of course! Why?, you ask. Well, it is because he is the boy in the family and he will carry on the family name. My Papa is a traveling merchant. He sells silk and some jewlery. My Mama stays at home and cares for Mousa and I. We live in a VERY small home. It has 2 bedrooms. Mousa and Papa share one and Mama and I share one. A small kitchen, which I could spend my days cooking in if it weren't for all the chores I have to do. And a small bathroom. We also have a small attic, which is where I am now. I can escape from my family and all the hustle and bustle out in the world. My Papa came home yesturday and gave you to me. He said his friend from Sri Lanka told him to give you to me. I wonder who the "friend" is. Oh well! We also have a dog, Taka, lots of sheep and 2 cows. All of the animals are my responsibility! (Mama does some, too!) Mousa does nothing but play with our next door neighbor all day! He doesn't do chores because he is favored! Papa said that when Mousa turns 8 (he is 7 now) that he would begin to learn the "art of trade". Whatever that means! Well, I must go! Mama needs help with sewing the new dresses!

All my hopes and dreams lie within your pages!

Tajika

P.S-I think I will call you Sammy! After my friend who moved away last month.

Hello Everyone! This is fluteytootie! This is my first entry, but I seem to be having difficulty deciding on what I should write about! If you have any ideas, please comment and I will think up a story!

Amelia