If our year were a poem,
this is its third stanza

"My Autumn" Art and text by Talia Quartetti, 11, sixth grade, Meadowlawn Middle School, St. Petersburg "Autumn is my favorite season — sometimes I imagine it is my own. When I sit on the park bench, I wonder if autumn was made to be loved. On the bench, I enjoy autumn when it sings to me in the wind like a wooden flute. It dances with me as the leaves rustle at my feet. It thinks with me while all of the beautiful feelings of the season float through the air, like colors in the wind. In my own little world, I consider this wonderful season, “My Autumn.”"

Autumn is in the air in this month's Xpressions. The spirit of Halloween and crisp October days inspired some of you. For others, it is a time of reflecting on who you are and the state of the world. Read below to find the field mouse looking for danger and excitement or the fast comet dancing among the bright stars and bold constellations. And you may even find a recipe for peace that you can try at your school. Want to see your own creative works on these pages in a future edition? Please see the instructions for submissions and future theme topics below.

-- Nancy Green, Xpressions editor

PDF file 1	PDF file 2
*You will need the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe for viewing.

How to Xpress yourself

Xpressions, our monthly showcase for the art, writing and photography of students through the 12th grade, is looking for your work! Xpressions appears the last Monday of each month inside Floridian. Please read the following instructions before submitting your work, which must be based on the designated theme:

NOVEMBER and DECEMBER: MIDDLE SCHOOL SHOWCASE -- Art, photography and writing from middle school students on the theme of your choice. Deadline: Postmark for both months: Nov. 4

JANUARY: WATER -- There are as many ways to interpret this month's theme as there are raindrops. Dive right in and surprise us with your innovative, fluid expressions. Open to all grades. Deadline: Postmark Jan. 13.

Work may be edited for length and content. Please send your work, theme suggestions and comments to: Xpressions, c/o Nancy Green, St. Petersburg Times, 1000 N Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.

All work must follow the designated theme and be your own creation.

Artwork must be on white, unlined paper, with the medium stated on the back (oil, pastel, crayon, etc.). Be sure to include your name, age, school, grade, address, ZIP code and phone number, with area code.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR WORK WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT THE INFORMATION ABOVE. Stories must be no longer than 150 words. We can return only artwork, and only if you indicate that you want it back.

NEW REQUIREMENT: STUDENTS AND TEACHERS, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS.

Here's the rest of today's Xpress