HAZEL: WE TREATED IT AS A VERY LONG HOLIDAY!

Reader Hazel got the chance to live on another continent for over a year… find out how she settled in the USA and what she'll miss about it now that she's home again!

Hazel says:
Living in California for 16 months was the best experience of my life. As my family knew that Dad was only working there temporarily, we treated it as a very long holiday. We lived in a huge rental house, drove a rental car and joined few groups apart from music lessons, so it was easier to travel. We visited eleven states and saw many natural wonders on our road trips, such as the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Crater Lake, Natural Arches, the Rocky Mountains and volcanoes like Mt St Helen's. We also saw some amazing wildlife: grey whales with their calves, golden eagles, wild buffalo, elephant seals, dolphins, overwintering monarch butterfly colonies and even osprey!

Although I had a brilliant time in Cali, I had a life waiting in England that I was eager to get back to. When the movers were packing up my family's belongings at the end of our stay, it felt like I was in a dream. As did driving to San Francisco airport, even with twelve suitcases in the boot! But when the plane touched down in London after the long flight, I couldn't help feeling excited.

At first, moving back to our old house, everything felt strange. It seemed so small, and the roads seemed utterly tiny. Now, after two weeks back home, it all feels completely normal, like we never left. We kept some furniture in the house while we were away, so although the bulk of it - and all our books - will take at least another month to get here, we have enough to live with. My brother and I are home educated so we don't have to worry about returning to school, but we do many activities here. I have been asked to join three orchestras in September and I'll be able to go on with my music lessons, badminton and Irish dancing. My brother and I have already started going to a conservation group that we used to go to and I am finally going to set up a book blog, something I've wanted to do for months.

At first I thought it might be hard to reintegrate with old classes and join new ones, but I think I've returned home slightly wiser, and I am confident everything will work out fine. I'm looking forward to making new friends, as well as spending time with those who always stayed in touch! Seeing the different cultures in America was interesting - I learnt a lot about American history and literature. I'll miss the hot Californian sunshine, the huge libraries, the sweet fruit and my amazing piano teacher. But I missed so much about England too… our wonderful neighbours, my two great friends, my flute teacher, the garden birds and the food… real pork sausages, crunchy apples and edible chocolate! Living in California was an experience I will never forget, but I am truly happy to be home.

Hazel wrote a post for DREAMCATCHER about moving to Cali in May 2014… click on the link if you'd like to read more! http://cathycassidydreamcatcher.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/hazel-california-girl.html
Cathy says:
Wow… what an experience! I love Hazel's story, and as for those pictures… stunning! Have you ever dreamed of living somewhere faraway? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

INTERNET BULLYING… HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

Readers debate the dangers of social networks and internet bullying - and try to understand why and how it happens...

Wendy says:
Because you have your username and device does not mean you can say rude, unkind and spiteful stuff to people on chats, blogs, Instagram and other social networks. If your parents saw what you put on social networks, would you be ashamed? Embarrassed? If yes, then why do you think it is OK to put someone down on the net and not directly? If you've said something cruel to someone online, would you say it to their face?

Kitty says:

I think people get brave when nobody can see who they are. I understand that a bit - I am very shy in real life and I like social media because I can feel more confident there. What I don't get is how nasty some people can get, and for very little reason. Almost everyone I know online has been trolled or bullied online at some point. And you get drawn into it… and the whole thing gets out of hand.

Emma says:
I agree, Kitty. I hate to admit it but this has happened to me, and I have ended up lashing out and actually saying things I am ashamed of. I would never admit to this to my parents… I'm only saying it on here because I am allowed to use a false name for this debate and I don't have to have my photo published. At the time I thought I was fighting back against someone who was stirring up trouble with one of my friends, but in the end I went too far and when I looked back at the things I said I felt ashamed. I would never see myself as a bully, but when I read those things it did seem like bullying. I have never actually said sorry to the person concerned, either - it was the cousin of a girl at school. I kept my head down and hoped it would all die down and in the end it did.

Kitty says:
That's what I mean, things get out of hand very fast. It can just be a misunderstanding, or someone making a joke that you take the wrong way, and people can over-react. I've done that too, felt really upset over things that weren't meant to upset at all. So I can see how it can happen. Social media is like a minefield sometimes. You never know when something might blow up in your face.

Lynsey says:
Often it's something that has just gets blown up and really silly or nasty, but sometimes people are just out there looking for trouble. There are some vile people on the internet… professional trolls and bullies.

Emma says:
That's true. I've come across one or two!

Lynsey says:
To be fair I have had very positive experiences of social networks so far, but I have a friend who was targeted by an online troll who would constantly post horrible stuff on her Facebook and Twitter. We thought it was a boy at school but we couldn't prove it… to be honest it could have been anyone, and that was what was scary. She came off both those things in the end, which I thought was sad. I would have told a teacher, but she didn't want to, she was embarrassed.

Kitty says:
I think the best way to handle trolls and bullies is to ignore them. Delete, block, blank, report. Don't argue back. Ignore them and they'll give up - they want a reaction and if they don't get one they'll move on. And if you feel yourself getting angry or aggressive online, come off straight away… cyber bullying is taken very seriously now and you could find yourself in very real trouble.

Lynsey says:
I think also it is important to have a good sense of confidence in yourself, but that is not always easy when you are growing up and school doesn't always help. The thing is, is we all believed in ourselves and felt happy with the way we are, the bullying would not easily be able to dent that. I really think they should teach self confidence in school, because it would solve a lot of problems.

The powerful illustrations for this blog-debate were drawn by reader Courtney: many thanks for the awesome artwork!

Cathy says:
Lots of very interesting points here, and some good suggestions too. Have YOU ever come across internet bullies or trolls? Or even found yourself saying things you shouldn't have? COMMENT BELOW to have your say...

RACHEL-LEE: PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS JUDGE YOU...

Reader Rachel talks about her style choices… and how she has learned to blank the negative comments!

Rachel-Lee says:
The alternative scene has become more accepted in recent years and more popular in the media. Celebrities have joined in on some of the fashion statements, like the tattooed Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga and Katy Perry with her colourful hair… but this is a fashion trend I have been following since the age of thirteen. Over the years I have had an array of piercings and every hair colour imaginable. My favourite shoes were a beat-up pair of Doc Martens and my wardrobe was almost devoid of colour.

I'm now twenty-two and I have seventeen piercings and thirteen tattoos. I still love my Doc Martens and still wear mostly black, and at this moment my hair is blue and purple, but that could change! Looking this way has it's downside… people think it's OK to make various comments, like 'You'll never get a job looking like that'; 'What does your boyfriend think?'; and 'You'd look so much prettier without all those piercings.' In school, I had to wear plasters over the piercings. I got sent home once because my trousers were too baggy and were classed as a 'health and safety risk' and I was frequently made to go to the bathroom to wash off my eyeliner.

This all sounds very negative and for a while this bothered me. At seventeen I took out my piercings, dyed my hair brown and wore maroon tea dresses for a year. This changed my perspective… I realised I no longer felt like myself. The comments and stares stopped, but I also stopped smiling when I looked in the mirror and I was no longer excited when buying new clothes. I realised then that the most important thing wasn't the acceptance I got from others but the acceptance I had for myself.

Now I am older, I know that the negative comments from others were nonsense anyway. For example, I've had the same job for two years and they celebrate me for my work, not my looks. I have a boyfriend who loves the way I look and calls me pretty every day. I have amazing friends who like me for who I am. People are entitled to their opinions and if they think I'd look prettier without piercings, fine - but I love them, and it's my choice. People will always judge you; for how you look, how much money you have, how smart you are. It's a human instinct, how we classify things on a daily basis… but that doesn't mean you should let your opinions impact negatively on on others. Just because you think they look scary, or like a bad person… well, that doesn't mean they are! And if you are on the receiving end,  never let these judgements hurt you. As long as you can look in the mirror and smile and feel like yourself, everything else will come to you in time.

Cathy says:
I think Rachel-Lee's style looks awesome - and I also agree that others can be far too quick to judge people. Would YOU ever dare to follow an alternative style? And do YOU agree that following your own heart is an important part of growing up and learning to be yourself? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

YOUR STARS FOR OCTOBER!

Skye Tanberry has been looking at that crystal ball again… will her predictions for OCTOBER ring true for YOU? Read on and see!

LIBRA:
You sometimes worry about which choice to make, but this month is different… things are looking good for you. A perfect time to achieve the things you've always dreamed of!

SAGITTARIUS:
Plan carefully this month… the more you prepare, the better things will go. A project at school is looking good, but go easy - jump in without thinking of others and you may find yourself making a BIG mistake.

CAPRICORN:
Romance is in the air, but there may be setbacks ahead. Don't despair… the path of true love never runs smoothly, and if you're determined things should still work out. Eventually!

AQUARIUS:
There may be a problem in your life that's been bugging you… but now is the time to face it and take action. Friends, family or even a trusted teacher can help you to get things sorted, so don't suffer in silence!

PISCES:
You are a real dreamer, but this month is all about facts and figures. Hard work is needed now to allow your creativity to bloom later… trust me, it will be worth it!

ARIES:
You're always friendly, open and trusting, but sometimes others take advantage of this. Don't be deceived by a friend who isn't all she seems… she may be motivated by jealousy, and that is something you don't need in your life.

TAURUS: 
Team work is the way forward right now… listen to other people's views and ideas and learn to compromise. This is the way forward, and it'll make you popular, too!

GEMINI:
A friend may be struggling just now, and perhaps behaving oddly. Try to be there for her and give her space to talk… but if she needs adult help, don't be afraid to ask a trusted teacher for help.

CANCER:
Snuggling in with a hot chocolate and a good book is all you want to do this month. Why not jazz up your bedroom to make it extra cosy ready for winter? Family matters may get a little wobbly, but resist the temptation to wade in - things will sort themselves out eventually.

LEO:
Plans may come unstuck this month, but that's OK… it's a sign that you may need to take a different track. Trying something different may open up a whole lot of new opportunities!

VIRGO:
An unexpected discovery will change your views on someone close to you. Don't be too quick to judge - get all sides of the story before you decide how to react.

SCORPIO:
Things have been a little rocky lately, but don't panic - you're heading for calmer waters now. Time to relax and enjoy life a little… there is plenty of fun to be had for you this month!

Cathy says:
Does your horoscope sound accurate… or is it way off? COMMENT BELOW to share your feedback and let us know whether Skye is on the right tracks!

JESSICA: BREAK A LEG!

Reader Jessica explains how breaking a leg caused a whole lot of problems for her this summer…

Jessica says:
Breaking my leg was a real pain! I was on a school climbing frame and slipped in between two pieces of wood… my leg got caught and fell forward and basically bent the wrong way. I heard  a massive snap and I knew I was in trouble… it was broken, and badly. I broke my leg three weeks before the summer holidays and so I missed lost of things at school… I was supposed to have the lead role in our school play, Matilda the musical, but that didn't happen. Once school broke up, it got even worse… my family couldn't go on holiday because of me… it would have been too awkward. I couldn't do any activities either, so we all ended up staying at home a lot of the time. I felt quite bad that my family were missing out on a proper holiday because of me, but they didn't blame me at all. I guess these things happen.

I was due to get the cast off halfway through the holidays. I went along, thinking this was what would happen, but I was given an x-ray as the leg was still very tender and painful. Surprise surprise, they put me back in a cast and sent me off for another three weeks! This time when I went back, the x-ray was looking good and the cast came off - but I was given a leg brace to wear to support the leg. Arghhh! I still have that on now, and at least I am walking again… the brace comes off on Monday and I'll be back to normal then. Whatever normal is!

The moral of this story is… don't break your leg in the school holidays!

Cathy says:
Oh noooo! I used to imagine that breaking a bone would be quite exciting and cool, but I've changed my mind now! Have YOU ever broken a bone? COMMENT BELOW and tell is more! 

ABBIE: I CAN'T STUDY WHAT I LOVE

Reader Abbie has a dilemma for Honey Tanberry to solve this week on DREAMCATCHER's regular problem page. Will YOU agree with Honey's advice? Take a look and see…

Abbie says:
This is the year I choose my options for GCSE and I know that I want to take art, French and textiles… plus whatever else my teachers feel I will do well in. Obviously, English, maths and science are compulsory anyway. We were discussing this at the weekend and out of nowhere my dad announced that I can't take art because it will lead me nowhere, and that textiles isn't even a 'real' subject. I honestly thought he was joking because he knows how much I love art. My dream career is to be a fashion designer, or a fashion illustrator. Dad seems to think I should take economics and business studies and then do a law degree. I can't think of anything worse - this is his dream, not mine. I would be hopeless at those subjects and I have zero interest in being a lawyer. Mum won't stand up for me, though I think she is sympathetic. I can't see the point of school at all if I am going to be made to study subjects I loathe.

Honey says:
I think your dad needs a little bit of education! Who do you think designs the world we live in? The clothes, furniture, houses, textiles, appliances, cars, posters, books, films, computer games… even our toothbrushes and household cleaners are designed by people with an art background, and they get paid for it, too! Not everyone understands that creative subjects are a huge part of what makes Britain great, but your art teacher will know and can help your parents to see the possibilities. Art is a hugely flexible subject which can lead to all kinds of future careers. Talk to your teacher and make sure your dad knows how strongly you feel about this. The days of parents forcing us to study certain subjects or follow their choice of career are long gone. This is your life, and you only get one shot at it - speak up for what you want and what you love, before it's too late.

Cathy says:
I did an art degree and have also been an art teacher, and I know that it can be a subject many underestimate. I agree with Honey… Abbie should enlist the support of her teachers and get this sorted out. What do YOU think? Is Honey's advice spot on, or would you add more suggestions? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

AWESOME IDEAS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY!

Want to break out of those old routines and do something new/ silly/ fun? We have all the ideas you'll ever need!

1. Invent and bake the coolest cake ever made… and share it with your best friends!
2. Re-design your bedroom… on a shoestring… then start making it look awesome!
3. Go to visit an elderly relative and ask them to tell you about their childhood… write it down so you don't forget!
4. Make a film of a typical day in your family!
5. Write the first chapter of a book… who knows, it could be a bestseller one day!
6. Volunteer at your local animal rescue…
7. Dig out the family photos from years gone by… and put them into an album!
8. Research and draw up your family tree!
9. Hold a clothes swap with friends to revamp your wardrobe!
10. Teach yourself to knit!
11. Get together with friends and work out a dance routine to your favourite pop track!

12. Take a long walk in the countryside with your camera… then come home and write a cool blog about what you've discovered!
13. Paint your nails and add glitter sprinkles…
14. Wear odd socks for the whole day…
15. Pack up a bag of tinned and packeted food to hand in to the foodbank… most good supermarkets have a collection point.
16. Hold an afternoon tea to raise funds for your fave charity!
17. Swap books with a friend and read something you'd never have tried otherwise!
18. Pick a bunch of flowers for your mum!
19. Take your dog for a walk through the park… or better still, a run! You'll both get healthy!
20. Catch a falling leaf - and make a wish!

Cathy says:
Are YOU planning to try any of these? COMMENT BELOW to tell us which ones appeal the most!

DARIA: I KNOW I'M DIFFERENT...

Reader Daria has autism, a condition which makes her a little different from most of her classmates. Find out what that means and how she copes…

Daria says:
Autism is a condition which can really divide a person from the rest of the world. Many people on the autistic spectrum feel weird or different, but so what, they are both great things to be! Each autistic person is individual, and I for one love being 'different' and 'interesting'. When the weather changes, so do my moods… I get especially uncomfortable when there is pollen in the air, so I don't go out much then. I do like to go to the beach in summer though!

One thing that is very important to me is to be appreciated when I do something good. Even small things, like folding my clothes or brushing my teeth. These things may not mean much to you, but they do to me, and to be acknowledged when I do these things really matters. I also like everything around me to be in good order… I hate it when I find something is out of line. I am always trying to fix things in the house that aren't quite right or aren't in order. What also annoys me is that people do not see things the way I do. They sometimes think that what I say to others can be rude or abrupt, but I don't see that. I don't mean to be rude and always think that what I have said was acceptable.

I like to stick to a routine because it gives the day a structure. I wake at 6.30, shower at 6.31 which takes ten minutes, then at 6.42 I go and make breakfast. That takes seven minutes and a minute to get back from the kitchen and make sure everything is where it should be. I triple check my backpack, which takes eleven minutes, and then watch my favourite TV show at 7.00… this kind of routine carries on for most of the day and helps me feel more secure!

Autism has never held me back and it never will. One day I want to travel the world and become famous and do other crazy things. I know people will try to drag me down and hold me back, but I am confident I can get past that and be who I want to be.

The awesome illustration for Daria's blog post is by reader Skye… thank you!

Cathy says:
Daria's account of being on the autistic spectrum is fascinating… and enlightening. I am pretty sure that Daria will make her dreams happen, too! Do you know someone who is a little different from the crowd? Or are YOU? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more...

TATTOO YOU?

Would you ever have a tattoo? Readers share their views on skin and ink…

Maya says: 
I don't mind tattoos - I believe people should do whatever they want with their own bodies. I'm fine with other people having tattoos, but I wouldn't do it myself as I probably wouldn't be able to handle the pain!

Alisha says:
I'm not so keen on tattoos. Small, private ones are OK but the big, all-over kind I find a bit scary!

Nicola says:
I LOVE tattoos… honestly, I think they look beautiful. Sadly, I am scared of needles, so I wouldn't get one myself, but I wrote a story about a boy who lost his girlfriend and then became a tattoo artist as he wanted something in his life to be permanent.

Violet says:
Got one, want more. They are a good way of expressing yourself and commemorating special events/people/pets. I love them… I want lots! I have so many designs planned, including two half-sleeves, and all of them mean something. One day, I will be able to prove my age to sceptical tattooists. One day…

Saffy says:
I love them. I have three so far, all on my back, two small ones and one bigger one. I'd like to get more eventually, but they're expensive!

Kym says:
I don't have any and don't plan to, but I have friends who are covered in them and I don't have a problem with that. It annoys me when people start on the whole 'why should I cover them up for my employer' rant, because when you get a job you are representing your employer and not yourself… but that's a whole other can of worms!

Hazel says:
I'm not a fan of tattoos, and it's a pretty safe bet to say I will never get one! I know some people like them and I love some of the beautiful designs, but imagine when you're eighty… it is not going to look good with wrinkly skin! Tattoos are permanent, even the smallest ones, and they hurt going on too. I think you have to really, really like them and know that they will go with your style of dress for years, or at least be easy to cover up. A definite 'no' from me, but if you like them and think you'll like them when you're eighty, then go ahead!

Scarlett says:
I like tattoos - my mum has three - but I am not so keen when people have a whole 'sleeve'. One or two images seems more meaningful, as you can't always see what a whole arm of images is meant to represent. I hope to get a tattoo one day to symbolise my love of music, but I think they hurt and I am not looking forward to that!

Awesome artwork by reader Claire Henderson… thank you!

Cathy says:
I don't have any tattoos, but find them fascinating… and I have friends (and a son!) who have been inked. Perhaps they're just a permanent statement of who you are and what matters to you? Would YOU ever take the plunge? COMMENT BELOW to tell us why - or why not!

SARA: I LIVE IN DUBAI!

Reader Sara tells all about what it's like to live in the United Arab Emirate of Dubai…

Sara says:

I have lived in Dubai for four years… I live in a five bedroom villa beside the beach, with my mum and dad and our two dogs Romeo and Frosty. We came out because of my parents job, and I have enjoyed every bit of living here. Before we came, we lived in England and life there was completely different. It's so nice now to wake up to the sound of the waves and the bright rays of sun shining in through the windows. I love spending time at the seaside while the sun sets… it is one of the most beautiful things ever.

I go to a very nice international school, which means I am studying with children from all over the world. It's friendly and not at all strict. My favourite subjects are art and science! The uniform is a skirt with a white shirt and a red scarf, and I quite like it. Every year a kite festival takes place on the beach near us, where professional kite flyers come for shows and to teach others how to fly kites. At weekends I go fishing with my dad and often call my friends to come over for boating or swimming in the sea. During the summer holidays there are always fun activities for kids like bungee jumping, treasure hunts and sand castle building.

Dubai is an Arab state and most of those living here are Arab muslims. The culture holds a strict rule for Arab ladies to wear an abaya at all times in public… it's a long black gown that covers their entire body. Non Arabs and tourists must wear respectable clothing at all times. Dubai is a fascinating mixture of traditional and very modern, though. There are many tourists so we have lots of waterparks, theme parks and beautiful hotels. Dubai holds the record for the biggest mall and the tallest building in the world, and it is always fun to visit these attractions. There are some great resorts which have camel rides and traditional food, too!

Emirati cuisine is a blend of many Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines; my favourite dish is hummous and pita which is a chickpea paste served with soft, warm flatbread. Food in Dubai is not too spicy, which is good, as I am not keen on very spicy food! The desserts are great too. Baklava is one of the best, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and honey or syrup. The food here really is awesome!

Overall, I think Dubai is great… there are so many activities and parades and things to do; you are never bored. The one thing I hate is the weather… it is super humid, and often as hot as 48 degrees which makes it hard to step outside!

Cathy says:
I haven't spent much time in Dubai but I have visited the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, and I agree with Sara's comment on the weather! Have YOU ever been to Dubai? Would you like to? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW… ABOUT BALLET!

Dance crazy? Reader Georgia gives you the low-down on what you'll need to strut your stuff on the dance floor!

THE SHOES: Pointe shoes are every ballet dancer's dream, but you cannot go straight to pointe shoes - it takes training, and lots of it. First things first! I've been dancing since I was two years old, and I still remember trying on that first pair of ballet shoes. I didn't know how much a part of my life those shoes would be. These days they are my life. Hours of practice are spent in the, and they fill me with confidence. I've had various styles of ballet shoes over the years, but my favourites are Capezio split soles… they're the comfiest thing ever. I have quite wide feet and finding the perfect shoe was always difficult… then the shop suggested this new style. There's a toe-sole and a heel-sole, so they bend and wrinkle and adjust to your foot. As you get older, instead of elastic to keep your shoes on, ballet students learn to sew on satin ribbons and create that intricate criss-cross patterning up the leg - they can be hard to fasten neatly but it's worth the effort!

THE LEOTARD: You can wear anything comfortable to dance, but a leotard is ideal - it stretches with you, allows freedom of movement and once you put it on you're in a different world, in dance mode! Some ballet schools have a leotard 'uniform' - set colours for certain grades and classes. At my first dance school, we all wore a plan royal blue leotard; at my second, it was the same plain design, but this time in black. I didn't think about it really, but I guess we all looked neat and tidy! At my current dance school, all this changed. Up until Grade Three, everyone wears a raspberry pink leotard; after that, the colour changed to black, but any style at all is allowed! I have a Capezio crossback one, and I love it! Always check with your dance school before buying a leotard, as you will be spending a lot of time in it!

THE BALLET BAG: Possibly the most important item of all! Your dance supply shop will have lots to choose from, so making a decision can be tough… it all depends on your age and level. If you're starting out, a small bag is fine… here are lots of cute pink coloured ones with ballerina motifs for young dancers. My first bag was a little circular suitcase with a clip fastening, and a picture of a ballerina and a pair of ballet shoes on it! I was probably only three or four at the time, and it was big enough for what I needed. As you get older, you need a bigger bag as the kit you need to carry expands! At the moment, I have a black Pineapple bag with two side pockets, and a choice of shoulder strap or hand straps. So, what might go in your bag? Your ballet shoes (obviously!); a jacket; a warm-up top; ballet socks; ballet tights; hair grips (plenty of them!); a donut ring (for a hair bun!); a hairnet/ bun net; a notepad and pen; therabands/ deuserbands; deodorant/ body spray; a drink; some snacks!

These are just a few of the basics for anyone thinking of taking dance classes, but at the end of the day what matters is the lessons themselves… the kit and accessories can come later if you decide you are serious, and your local dance shop will offer good advice if you are unsure what to pick. What are you waiting for?

Cathy says:
My daughter did ballet and jazz dance for several years, so I remember those trips to the dance supply shop… they were cool! Do YOU take dance lessons? What are your favourite bits of kit?  COMMENT BELOW to have your say!