Famous Last Words: Final Post

Dead week Picture Live from campus

Well here it is, my very last post for this class. Its currently Friday of dead week. This had been one of the least stressful dead weeks I've had. It has also been tech week for Beauty and the Beat. It is going to be a great show. Currently I have to work a paper that is due today, as well as a paper that is due on Wednesday.  I only have two finals next week. I think having Beauty and the Beast rehearsal everyday this week has help my stress level. This has also made me focus on what I need to get done.

I think I am going to miss writing these weekly post. I think next semester I am going to make a blog on all my adventures for my last semester of school. Next semester I have an internship up in OKC with Ankerman McQueen. This is a broadcast company. I will be doing archiving and editing stuff. I am excited to see what this internship brings.

I am excited to kick this final week out of the park. The head to New Orleans with the Pride of Oklahoma. I already know that I am going to be traveling a lot.  I am very excited to see what the new year brings me.

Reading Notes: Hansel and Grethel

Hansel and Gretel artwork Lesher Art Center

I have always liked this story. When picked it I only new the shorter version of the story. When I write my story this week I plan on changing the story to a modern day setting. Maybe placing it somewhere in the city. I was also thinking of changing it to where the children tricked the step mother and she was lost.  I had also forgot that Hansel tricked the witch with a bone to show her that he was not gaining any weight. I had forgotten most of this tail. I think it was very weird that the women was dead. I'm guessing it was suppose to be the witch they killed in the cottage. I have many different idea to rewrite this story and can't wait to work on it.

Bibliography: Household Tales of the Brothers Grimm Link to source

Famous Last Words: Here We Go Again

So at the beginning of this semester I wouldn't have thought I would be traveling this much. Or have missed so much class because of how sick I've been. The traveling has been the easy part to work around with homework and such. But the days my body decides that it doesn't want to function those are the days I start falling behind in my classes. I think I have finally managed to get my grades up to a point that I don't mind having.

After this weekend and thanksgiving break this will be my last travel until I go home for winter break. Which is like a month after. It will be weird not traveling in December but it will also be a good idea to so I can buckle  down and knock out the rest of this semester with a bang. I have about three papers due next week. I think this class has helped me develop better skills at being able to write paper.

I also have write several parts to my Alice story that I just need to publish. I think I am going to be able to get them all published by thanksgiving. I have about four stories written in my notebook that I just need to type on the site. I'm really happy that I chose this project, but it's a lot more work then I thought it would be. I'm excited to see what the end result will be.

So my goals for the next two weeks are to get healthier , finish my papers, have lots and lots of turkey, and post some more stories to my storybook. Well that it's for now. My next stop is  West Virginia for the weekend with the Pride of Oklahoma.

Plane Flying Harnitz

Reading Notes: Russian Fairy Tales Part 2

Russian Fairy tale cover amazon

I can't get enough of the Russian fairy tales. In a way they remind me of ghost stories. These stories have been so different from any unit I have read this semester. I really like the second story I read, The headless princess. I thought this was going to be about how you should not peep on people but it wasn't at all. The princess turned into a crazy witch who tried to kill the youth. I like the description of this story as well. I could really picture what was going on in my head.

I think this week though I am going to do a continuation of the story of the ghost mom from the first part. I feel like I can expand upon the story much better then most of the ones I have read in the second part. If I was going to write a story about the headless princess I may do a prequel of how she became headless. I could make it an old folk tale style story. So that there was reason for the youth to go peeping in the princess's window. I may also add a lesson behind this story. Most fairy tales have some sort of lesson to them.

Bibliography: Ralston Russian Fairy Tales Link to Source

Reading Notes: Russian Fairy Tales

Fairy tale cover Pinterest

This week I chose the Russian fairy tales. I haven't really gotten to read any Russian fairy tales. So far these are my favorite fairy tales that I have read this semester. I really loved the first one I read. It was so sweet and said. It was about a baby who could stop crying until the night. It was because his mom who had past away visited him at night. I thought this was so sweet. I think I am going to continue this story for my story this week. I didn't like that the story just ended. I think I'm going to have the ghost interact with the husband.

Bibilography: Ralston Russian Fairy Tales Link to Source

Wikipedia trails:Travel-William the Conqueror

I started off with Travel because the amount of traveling I have done and will continue to do.

The statue of the Travel in Spain Wikipedia

Travel: this is the movement of people from one location to another. They tend to be with someone else but do not always have to be. Travel and even be considered just going down the street to Walmart to buy food. For the fact that this would be moving to a different location. This lead me to Holiday for the fact most people travel during the holidays. Link

Holiday: This is a day set to side that has been labeled by a culture, nation or law. There are over several hundred holidays know to man. Most people use these holidays as vacation time. Where again they travel to see their families, This lead me to Vacation. Link

Vacation: This is different from what a holiday is. It can be known as a leave of absence from work, school or everyday life. Vacations can be in many forms. Even if you wanted to have some time off, sit at home, and watch tv, this can be consider a vacation. Actually William the conqueror from Norway implanted this idea of a vacation, where it facilitated the time from grape harvest. This lead me to my last link of William the Conqueror. Link

William the Conqueror: He was the first Norman King of England. He was also known as William the Bastard. Through his rule he struggled to keep control over England and all conquered lands.  This was for the fact his eldest son would challenge him on the decision he would make for the country. Making William's decision very difficult. Link

This journey wasn't as exciting as a couple of my other ones have been. But I really enjoyed learning a little more about the word travel. For the fact that I am really obsessed with traveling at the moment. I can't wait to see where this journey will take me next.

Reading Notes: Alice in wonderland Part 2

I decided to do my extra reading this week on the story I'm doing for my storybook. The second half of Alice in wonderland involves the mad tea party which is one of my favorite parts of the story. Something about mad case is brilliant. I think this will fit perfectly into my dream sequence story. I my have this be a different level of the dream. I am also thinking of changing it to were alice doesn't lose her temper at the mad hatter and march hare.

There were also a couple of elements that were added that I hadn't heard of before. I think these will be great touches to my storybook. Bring a new light to my readers and educate them on what the real story told. Every page that I read of this book I keep developing new ideas for my story. The hardest part is going to be creating a new element of  Wonderland while keeping the same characters. I am excited to continue my research on alice and to see what I may find.

Cover of Alice in Wonderland The Chi Alpha WVU Blog

Bibilography: Lewis Carroll Alice in Wonderland: Link to source

Famous Last Words: Week 12

Wow I can't believe we only have four weeks left of school. Like this is crazy. I know I say this almost every week but it's time to buckle down and get stuff done. And don't worry I still have a couple more trip I am taking. My big three trip have already pasted. Disney, the Iowa State game and New Jersey.

Because of these trips I have missed a lot of school. I actually missed a lot of assignments for this class. Which means I will be doing a lot of extra credit. I'm going to try to work ahead this week. because I can already see that I will not have time when finals come around.

The biggest thing I am behind on is my storybook. I need to add several more stories to this. I have been doing a lot of revising instead of adding more stories to it. The plan for this is to write at least one story everyday before I go to sleep so I have a nice rounded project at the end. My ideas are very strong I just need to figure out how I'm going to get Alice into another dream.

As for my other classes, I have three papers that are going to be due in the next couple of weeks. I do not know what my topics are going to be for these papers. Which also means I need to buckle down and figure out what I want to do. For my communication class, I need to do a theory. I may do something about the right and left hemisphere of the brain.

So some advice to anyone who is reading this. Learn to say no to things. It's ok, you wont be able to do everything. If you say yes to many times then you will be on over load. Also procrastination, do not let it win. If your tired and really don't feel like doing it, push through, you will feel even better after it is done.

Here's to the next four weeks and getting my grades up and working the hardest I can.

Motivational quote. Lifesong Kenya

Story: The Modern Maid Marian

Maid Marian Costume Models

There once was a fare maiden.
She was as beautiful as a rose.
All men wanted her to be theres,
But her heart belonged to only one.

That is the great Robin Hood.
He was a bandet.
Who stole from the rich,
and gave to the poor.

There story would be told for centuries.
How their love for each other would never die.
That Robin would always be there for her.
They would never give up what they believed in.


OK. Now lets fast forward several centuries. It is the year 2020. Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. But no one knows the story of what happened after the two got married and lived happily ever after. Here is a quick run through to catch you up. They ended up having two kids a daughter and a son. Who ended up having kids and they had kids. The most recent of this line is Mary Hood.

When she went off to school her parents had told her about her heritage. To make sure when she fell in love, its true. Not for someone that looks good but someone who is good of heart.

The first three weeks of school she got a lot of comments about who she was and who her family was. And of course several guys came up to her and asked her out. Every time she would turn them down. Especially one, Gibbs, he had asked her out almost everyday starting from day one. It got to the point where he would bring her flowers and or chocolates to convince her. She would always turn him down. She was following her parents advice to find love for who the person was, not what they looked like.

One Friday night Mary went out with a couple of friends to a party. She only knew a couple of people there. One of which was her lab partner, Rob. Rob wasn't to bad looking, but the best part about him was his personality. They had been talking for about thirty minutes until Gibbs squeezed his way into the conversation. He ended up push Rob to the side, causing him to find conversation else where.

"Hey.. Mar..e. H..ow long... have you...bend here," He tried to say. "Hello Gibbs, not very long. I see you're having a good time." She said trying to see where Rob ended up going. This made Gibbs smile. He leaned in closer. "Now why is.. a pretty girl like you wot go out with't me." Mary placed a hand on his chest and pushed him away. "Gibbs your drunk, maybe we should call you an uber." She said with a sweet voice.

He chuckled, "Only if your in it with me." She rolled her eyes and tried to take a step back but she was already up against the wall. "Gibbs not tonight, I don't think it's the best idea" She said. Gibbs began to get closer, his forehead almost touching hers. "Come on...just one date?" He said eagerly. She sighed, "Ok find if you agree to get in the uber without fighting me about it." With a big goofy smile he nodded his head.

She pulled out her phone and called for an uber. "Ok the uber will be her in fifteen minutes. Stay here I'll be right back." With that, Mary made her way over to Rob. "Hey can I get your help with something?"  Robs face lit up, "sure whats up?" She walked him back over to Gibbs who had passed out on the couch. "I need your help getting him into the uber and upstairs to his room." Mary said with disappointment. Robs face dropped slightly, "Ya sure." Mary's phone buzzed notifying her the uber had arrived. Rob helped her lift Gibbs off the couch, who was about a foot taller and weight more then there weight combined.

The three where finally in the car heading back to Gibbs' place. The car ride was filled with awkward silence until they got there. Mary thanked the driver and attempted to carry Gibbs inside. "His roommate better be home. I'm not about to put him to bed," she said. Rob gave out a little chuckle. she shot a glare at Rob and he stopped immediately.

Rob knocked on the door with his free hand. There was no answer, so he tried one more time. The door swung open with a dried eyed guy in a pair of blue boxers. "gezz come on man you said you wouldn't do this anymore. Here give him to me I'll lead him to his room." The guy slipped under Gibbs arm and lead him inside. Mary and Rob both looked at each other and laughed.

"Well it's getting pretty late, I think I'm gonna head home." Mary said. Brushing his hand through his hair Rob said, "Mind if I take you home?' Mary smiled and they both began to walk to her place. They talked and laughed all the way there. "Well this is me." Mary said.  "Hey I had a great time tonight. We will have to do it again sometime." She nodded. And before she went up the stairs Rob placed a kiss on her cheek. " and hey maybe next time we won't be carrying a big old drunk guy home." she laughed once more. " Goodnight Rob." He waited until she made it inside to leave.

When she shut the door she melted into the floor. For she knew she had found her the Robin to her Marian.

Love can be found in many ways. Don't be afraid to give it a chance when it comes around.

Author's notes: I decided to take the love story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Instead of using Robin and Marian, I wanted to use there great great great grandkids instead. This allowed me to put these characters in modern times.

Bibliography: Francis James Child: Robin Hood link to source

Reading Notes: Robin Hood Part B

The second half of the stories where mostly about Robin stealing from the rich and giving back to his merry men. I really like the format of the story. How it is in more of a ballad with a storyline. Having the story like this forced me to stay focused. 

I think my favorite two stories from this section was the "Bishop of Hereford" and "Robin Hood and Maid Marian." I have always loved the stories of Robin Hood and Marian. Within the ballad of Maid Marian it described her beauty. She is compared to Helen of Troy. I think the reason why Robin Hood and Maid Marian are my favorite is the love that they have for each other. It's so pure and nothing will stop them from loving each other. 

Think about doing a story for this week. I may change my idea from yesterday and do a story based on Robin Hood and Maid Marian. I would still put this in modern time. I also want to put it in the holiday setting. I think this would be very cute. Base the story mainly around the characters and not necessarily the all the ideas of Robin Hood. I am also thinking of making a situation for Robin to save Marian.  But these might change as I begin to write my story for this week. 

Robin Hood and Maid Marian History

Bibliography: Francis James Child Robin Hood Link to source

Reading Notes: Robin Hood Part A

When first reading Robin Hood I didn't think it was going to be written in a rhyming pattern. The first two section of the story where telling the readers who Robin Hood and Little John where. In a way it was a little difficult for me to understand. When I continued reading there were several stories of how Robin saved the day.

Robin Hood Comic Vine

My favorite story was the butcher. This one was a classic Robin Hood story. Where the sheriff steals from the poor and keeps the money. The later Robin steals back from the rich and gives to the poor. I think when I am writing my story this week I am going to create my own Robin Hood and the merry men story. I am thinking of basing it around modern times. Have the setting be somewhere in a suburb city. I am also thinking of making this around Christmas themed. At the point of all the families who can't afford to buy the kids gifts because they were laid off or someone from above did them wrong. Then get the modern day Robin hood to sweep in and save the day. This is just one idea. I may form several more ideas when I read the second part of the story.

Bibliography: Robin Hood by Francis James Child Link to Blog

Reading Notes: English Fairy Tales

I decided to chose the English Fairy Tales this week for my reading. Going into it there were a lot of stories that had similar titles as classic ones I use to read. But they were very much different from the ones I use to read. The one I got the most excited about was the three little pigs. This was very much different from the one I was told as a kid. The beginning and the ending of this story was the same but the middle part was much different. It almost made it seem like the wolf was the good guy and the pigs where in the wrong. I think I may use this story for my writing this week. I think I may change the pigs and wolf into humans and make it more modern day feel. I really like the stories this week. I kept wanting to read more.

3 Pigs mirasee

Bibliography: Joseph Jacobs, English Fairy Tales. Link to source

Story:The Rabbit and The Giant

Rabbit Grit

There once was a village that had several happy animals. Each one would share everything with on other. They all live in peace and harmony. It was all thank Rabbit. He made sure that everything was fair and the peace was always kept. Over the years Rabbit gotten married and had started a family. He wanted to pass the responsibility but he couldn't find anyone suitable for.

One day a giant came to the village. All of the village were scared and ran to find Rabbit. Rabbit Finally heard the news went to greet the giant with open arms. "Hello friend. What can I do for you on this fine day." Rabbit said. The giant looked around, " I was looking for a new home and I heard this was a peaceful village." When the giant spoke his voice rumbled the earth.

Rabbit looked around and thought this would be a great opportunity to slowly give away the responsibility of leader to the giant. "Of course you can stay ere. There is something I must ask though."  Rabbit said. Giant shook his head up and down. "You must keep the peace. Also make sure you share with everyone and everyone shares with you." Rabbit said. The Giant agreed to the terms. He set up a house for him.

For months everyone loved the Giant. He proved protection from invaders.  After a while Rabbit was ready to pass the responsibility to the giant. He rushed to Giant's house. "Hello friend. How can I help you?" Giant asked. "Hello friend. I was wondering if you would like to become head leader. you would keep the peace and make sure everyone shared with everyone." Rabbit said.  Giant looked shocked. "But Rabbit why would you give this to me. your the best leader!" Rabbit felt so humble, "Well thank you friend," Rabbit said, "But it is  my time and spend some time with the family." Giant smiled and accepted the role. Rabbit moved his family away from the village to his own land far away.

For a while the peace in the village was kept until winter came. When food started to slow down the giant was getting hungrier and hungrier each day. He finally implemented a rule, that any food caught was to be given to him directly. The village began to starve. Rabbit had heard rumors that his old village was starving. He set out the next day to see if these rumors were true.

Author's Notes: I chose the story How the Rabbit killed the Giant. I felt like there need to be more of  a backstory. So I wrote a prequel to this story showing how the giant came to be in the village in the first place. Also for the reason why the villagers stayed and didn't leave when the giant started stealing all there food.

Bibliography: Judson's How the Rabbit killed the Giant Link to Source

Famous Last Words: Losing Motivation

This week it's very stressful. I am just losing motivation to do anything. I think my senioritis is kidding in, which isn't good. I have a full semester after this. I am find ways to keep myself motivated. If you guys have any ideas I would love to hear them. Right now what is motivating me are the trips I am going to take in the near future. Such as going to the Iowa State Game next week, then to New Jersey, and after that home for Thanksgiving. I just need to keep pushing forward.

On a good note a couple of my exams were pushed back, as well as several papers. This helps a lot with the stress factor. I have realized in the past couple of days I am really slacking on this class and need to step it up. Get back into the swing of things. I really love my Alice project but I am a little worried that I am trying to be a perfectionist and over think what I want to do instead of having fun with it.

I am also starting to lose inspiration with some of my stories for this class. At the beginning of the semester it was really easy to come up with stories. Now I just feel distracted and my mind is somewhere else. So the inspiration for my storytelling is getting lost in my other thoughts. I would love to hear some advice for getting my head back in the game.

So the plan for this week and probably weeks to come is to step up a better schedule to figure when things need to get done. I also need to find new ways to motivate and inspire myself for class work. Lastly I need to spend less time on Social Media and on my phone in general. The rest of the week is looking bright. I just need to keep moving forward.

Motivational quote Plus Quotes

Reading Notes: Great Plains

Rabbit wikipedia

This week seem to be harder to get through then the others. Choosing the great plans I was expecting more adventure then I read.  There were not a lot of stories that inspired me to write something for Wednesday.  But if I were to change a story I would chose the rabbit and the giant. I may use it from the giants perspective. Almost have it to where we see why the giant stole all the game. The other option I have with this is creating a prequel to the story to show the giants first encounter with the village. This could be an interesting set up. I then would end it when rabbit comes to visit the town.

When reading the Native American stories a lot of them are similar to each other. I have read the one about two animals racing each other, and making a beat on the winner about three other times. I feel like this tale must be very important to the Native people. I don't really understand why. This story does not seem to have a moral. Or anything that would make it a legend.

I would do a story or the race but I did a story last week over the same idea. I feel like this would be to repetitive. The one that would be the most fun would be the rabbit and the giant. There are so many thing I can do with this story. I can't wait to write it.

Bibliography: Judson's Myths and Legends of the Great Plans Link to source

Wikipedia Trails: Disney to Sputnik

Cinderella's castle my own photo

I started off with Disney for the set fact that I am currently on my way to Walt Disney World Resort. Reading the 1964 worlds fair caught my attention. This is where Disney shared four separate ideas at would later be found in Disneyland. Link

The World's fair in New York in 1964  was the third major world's fair to be held in New York. This had many inventions from the mid 20th century for America. Which had a very well representation of the space age. This lead me to my next wikipida page.  Link

The Space Age was a time period where several countries where racing to get into outer space. Many activities such as the space race, space exploration, and space technology. That space age is said to have started with Sputnik. Link

Sputnik lead me to my last Wikipedia page. Sputnik was the first earth satellite to be launch into outer space. Allowing the Soviet Union to be the first country to launch something into outer space. This launched the space race. After this even several countries where launching things into outer space. This was a big part of the Cold War.  Link

So my trail wasn't as strange this time but I did learn a lot of new information! Starting off with Disney and ending with Sputnik! I can't wait to see where my Wikipedia trail will lead next week! 

Famous Last Words: Week 9

Wow I can't believe we are already half way through the semester! There are a lot of exciting things happening. I have finally caught up in a lot of my class work! As well as getting a little ahead in this class. The stress level for classes is finally going down.

Now the stress level for everyday life and color guard is going up. I only have two more days of norman high left and Pride is getting a little crazy. But luckily this weekend is an away game and I'm on my way to disney tomorrow. I get to see my best friend that I haven't seen in over a year! It is going to be a much needed stress reliever! But anyway back to school stuff.

Walt Disney Castle WallpaperFolder

Looking over my past writings and looking at my future items I am working on. I can tell that my writing skills have gotten stronger. Not just in this class but in my other classes as well. I am able to write two page papers in a much short time period and they actually make sense.

I think my favorite part of the week though is getting to work on my storybook. I get to escape into wonderland when I am writing. Everything disappears and I feel like I'm actually in the story! I also love reading other peoples stories, Portfolios and storybooks.  Seeing all the different ideas and designs is amazing. Reading other peoples project actually helps me make my storybook stronger.

Now on to the readings this week. I've done a lot of reading outside this class to. Especially for my communication class. I am reading a book called geography of time. It's pretty interesting. I have used some of the things I have learned from that book in my writing for my alice adventure.

Well that's all I have for now. and I have to wake up early to get on a plane to head to disney. Until next time!

Story:Fox and Hare

Once there was a Fox and a Hare. These two were very well known. They brought the warmth to the Cold nation. They had done this by bringing the warm winds from the lands of the warm people. Their people were so pleased with this task that they rewarmed each of them with a very rare smoking pipe.  Each different in there own way. Fox's pipe was a brown with a long steam with the bell of the pipe facing up to the heavens. Hare's pipe was a sleak black pipe with a curved steam with a bell that face up towards the heavens. But Hare's pipe had a small hole right before the bell that faced downwards, allowing more of the smoke to escape. Fox and Hare became the best pipe smokers amongst the nation.

 Now Fox had always been jealous of Hare's pipe. As well as Hare's ability to smoke his pipe in the most dangerous situations.  Fox had always tried to steal Hare's pipe but always failed to obtain it.

Fox and Hare Danger Prints

Fox had finally come up with a plan. He bet Hare to a race in which the winner would obtain the others pipe and the loser will smoke no more. "Where shall we have this race my dear friend?" Hare stated in a low and steady voice.  "we shall race across the plain just before the tree line." Fox replied. Hare thought for a moment. "Well my friend that wouldn't be fair. How about this. We can start in the middle of the plan and end at the old oak in the middle of the forest." With a smile Fox said, "That sound perfect. Tomorrow when the sun rises." The two prepared for the race. They both meet very early right before the sunrise.

The two dropped their pipes at the finish line, and walked there way back to the beginning of the race. Several other animals had gather round to watch the race. With a Bang the race began. Fox dash very far ahead of hare using the flat area to his advantage. Once he got to the tree line it became a little more difficult. Hare had caught up to Fox. Being able to duck under all the logs pushed Hare ahead.

The old oak tree was in sight. Fox tired to jump on Hare to get ahead, but Fox lost his footing. This allowed Hare to reach the old oak tree first. Picking up both pipes to keep for himself, he smoke happily for the rest of his days. While Fox had regretted his decision of the race, He lived in jealous and hate for the rest of his days.

Author's Notes:
This was a continuation to the story "Origin of the Chinook Wind". There is a part at the end of the story of Fox racing Hare for the pipe. In the original Fox end up taking Hare's pipe by jumping over a log and landing on top of Hare. Allowing him to steal Hare's pipe. I wasn't a fan of this ending. So I add a little bit of a back story of the race as well as the design of the pipes themselves.  I also wanted to add a moral to the story since this ending in the original was very random.

Bibliography: Judson's Myth's and Legends of the British North America. Link to Source

Reading Notes: British North America Part B

These stories where a bit more confusing. It was also a lot harder to stay focused while reading them. The one that shocked me the most was the story "Turtle and Thunder"  Turtle goes in search to find someone to help him figure out who is striking him.  When he finds help, it is several little turtle. These turtles end up dying. I think if I was going to do this story I would change it in a way to have the turtles live but still keep the legend.

Turtle wikipedia

The story of  "Wolverine and Rock" didn't make much sense. It didn't really teach a lesson. I mean I cold almost see the lesson of be grateful for what you get. It also just ends, there is no real conclusion with this story. The story that had a plot twist in it was the "Origin of the Chinook Wind". It was almost like it was two separate stories. I think I may do this one for my storytelling this week. I would base it around the second half of the story when Fox and Hare have a race. I would expand the race to be a little longer and have a little more depth to the tail. I am also thinking of not having Fox win the race maybe change it around some. This section was a little bit of an eye opener. In the way of how the stories where told and what they were about. I really enjoyed this unit.

Bibliography:
Judson's Myth's and Legends of British North America Link to source

Reading Notes:British North America Part A

Illustration from book Blogspot

Reading these different stories was a nice change. I really enjoyed these tales. Most of them where tales of how the earth was first formed. In the second story almost all the diving animals died. They were trying to help the turtle but could accomplish this. I was surprised that the Todd died, I thought Todd was going to stay alive but instead after bringing up the earth she died.

I really liked the first reading. It gave us a back story of the different worlds. This helped with the rest of the stories apart of this unit. I think for my story this week I may use this the beginning and change the worlds around a little bit. There weren't stories about the lower two worlds in the introduction so I may write some background on the lower two worlds.

When I first started reading this I didn't think I was going to enjoy this unit. But so far this is one of my favorite units to read. I was afraid the language was going to be confusing. It was nice and straight forward.  I am excited to read part B later this week!

Bibliography:
Judson's Myth and Legends of British North America Link to source

Wikipedia Trails: Starbucks to Bow-legged

Starbucks Logo Wikipedia

So I started off with Starbucks. Mainly because I was drinking a Starbucks coffee while doing this assignment. But when The company was first found the three owners wanted to name it after the chief mate in Moby Dick which led me to Peqoud. (Link)

Peqoud is the fictional ship in the book Moby Dick. It is described to be made of whale bone that the ship has hunted. This ship was a well wore ship. It comes to a part where it describes the way it's deck were worn and wrinkled comparing it to the way the "pilgrim worship flag stood in the Canterbury Cathedral."(Link)

Which led me to the Canterbury Cathedral. This cathedral is located in Canterbury or Kent. It is the oldest and most famous Christian cathedral that currently stands in England. The thing that stood out to me was this cathedral involved the murder of archbishop Thomas Becket by King Henry II Knights. Becket was killed in his own Cathedral. This led me to King Henry II. (Link)

King Henry the II was a ruthless leader and a ruler of many lands. The titles he held were Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, and many more the thing that stood out to me was his appearance. he was a red head, with a large head. His body was short and stocky with bow-legged. (Link)

This left me with the definition of what being bow-legged means.  Which is a "physical deformity marked by bowing of the lower leg in relation to the thigh." (Wikepeida)


I think its interesting that I started off with Starbucks and ended with Bow-legged. It's very interesting the trail this took me on.

Famous Last Words: Week 8

So it's Week 8, which means we are about halfway through the semester. That's a really scary thought. My stress level has gone down a little bit since midterms are over. This is also partially the reason I haven't done one of these in a while cause I haven't had the time.

I am beginning to work on my Storybook stories and I think I am making it harder then it needs to be. The problem is I am such a protectionist when it comes to these things.  I am also trying to get a head in most of my classes because the next three week I am doing a lot of traveling. For example, I am going to florida next Thursday. I'm going to visit a friend in Orlando that I haven't seen in a year. Then the week after that I have a couple of doctors appointments that are forcing me to miss class. Then the last week of October/ first week of November I am going on the Iowa State game, then off to Philly to see my boyfriend. So as you can tell its gonna get really busy really fast.

I have started doing readings for this class. And I am starting to do readings for this class and I need to start reading for my other classes. For the next week anytime I have free time I am going to be doing homework or studying. The other thing I have to focus on is getting sleep. I will not be able to function if I don't get enough sleep.

In the next couple of days I am going to make a detailed schedule of what I need to be working on when I am not in class or at home sleeping.  These next couple of weeks are going to be hard but I am ready for the challenge.

Inspirational Quote Pinterest

Reading Notes: Alice in Wonderland Part A

I am doing Alice in Wonderland for my Storybook project. When reading this there was a lot of information that I didn't know about. I had to really pay attention to what was happening and where the setting was when reading this because I got very confused as to where I was. I have gotten several ideas from reading the beginning half of the stories.

I know from the first half I think I am going to have the option for readers to go in to two separate  dreams. I just have to make sure that my word count doesn't go over or I don't lose the attention of my readers. The other hard part will be conveying Alice's inner thoughts or the dialog she speaks out loud to herself. Which she does quiet often in this story.  She also offends almost ever character she meets. And its almost like she starts to say something then realizes that she chose the wrong word. She does this like three or four times to the mouse.

I went back and read the stories that were left out of the assignment and they seemed very slow and I don't know if I am going to include these parts in my storybook. Also comparing this to the disney version there are a lot of things that were changed in the story to keep the story moving forward. I am excited to work on my project.

Alice in Wonderland cover Wikipedia

Bibilography: Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Link to Source

Week 8 Reflection

READINGS 

Through out this semester we have had many choices in what we want to read that week. The way I tend to pick the story I want to read is, if I can relate to it. The other option is if I can learn a lesson from it. I think my favorite reading was the very first two weeks of reading, with Homer's tales. These were very easy to create stories from.  When looking back at my reading notes I feel like this is just an extra step in my writing. I don't feel like it is helping me create my story. Usually when I start reading the story, I already start to think how I would want to change it or base my new story off of the one I'm reading.

When looking a head there are several readings I am excited for! I am really excited for the British unit! I think I am going to read Robin Hood and King Arthur for those assignments. I have always been fascinated in these stories. As well with the last two weeks! I will most likely read the brothers Grimm stories! Fairy Tales are my favorite. This is probably why I have read mostly fairy tales for my readings. 

WRITING

This class has helped me with my storytelling. When reading the stories I have written I have a common theme. Most of my stories are very fast paced with a twisted ending or something that is very dramatic or sudden.  My favorite part of this class though has been my storybook. It's opened new doors to my creative side. I can't wait to take Alice and my readers on a great adventure. 

The biggest thing I need to work on is proof reading. I also am going to have someone else look over my writing. To check for grammatical mistake that I missed when reading it over. I also need to slow done when I am writing. I feel like I tend to speed through what I am writing and this makes my readings confused sometimes.

CONNECTING
When looking at other peoples stories I really like to see how they change the story. Especially if they change the story completely. The detail and the lesson learned from the story, in my opinion, is the most important part of the story.

Giving feed back to stories can be a a little challenging. Especially when a story is really good and I don't really see anything I would want to change. I try to make sure I don't repeat myself when giving feedback on a story. I also try to give my own opinion on these stories.

Finally I am excited to see what the second of the semester brings me. And all the stories I get to write and read. The second half of the semester seems to be less stressful then the first half was.

Motivational words Link to source

  

Story:Jealous is an ugly color

Long ago there was a tiger who took a fox in to her care to have as a playmate for her cub. These two were the closet friends! They did everything together. They had come up with thousands of different games.

One day when the two were in the cave playing the mother tiger brought back a calf for the two to have another play mate. The fox new the reasoning the mother tiger brought back this calf, it was because mother tiger didn't really like the fox. Over time the fox became very jealous of the tiger's and the calf's friendship.

Tiger and The Calf Stories for Children

One day mother tiger was dying. On her death bed she called over the calf and tiger cub, she told them to hold on the their friendship and to never let anything break it. She only had a couple of breaths left and called the fox over. She said, "look over you brothers, you must it be jealous of there friendship, for it will be the end of you." With this the mother tiger took her last breath.

This made the fox very anger for in his heart he new the other two didn't like him. as the days went on his jealousy grew stronger. He new the only way to get rid of this jealousy was to get rid of the calf so his friendship with the tiger could go back to normal. So one day when the tiger was out hunting he saw the calf bouncing around. "hey you know you should watch your self." The fox said. the calf looked every confused. "What are you talking about?" The fox look at the mouth of the cave to make sure the coast was clear. "Haven't you seen how the tiger has looked at you recently?"

The calf laughed, "What do you mean he hasn't looked at me any differently then the day we met." "oh but he has my dear friend. I don't want you to get hurt. He's been planning on having you as a meal some time soon. I would stay awake tonight while he stays awake." the fox said warningly.
The calf now frighten never took his eyes off the tiger when he returned. That night he stayed awake the whole night.  "Calf why don't you sleep I will be here to protect you." the smiled and turned away pretending to sleep. Once morning came the calf was so tired from a restless night. When the calf got up the tiger feel asleep knowing that it was safe for him to sleep during the day.

With a nod the calf left the cave unprotected, "Fox, my good friend, I hope to see you again some day. I am leaving for my own protecting." The calf said. The fox nodded and smiled. It was about mid day when the tiger awoke. "Fox, where is our good friend calf." The fox stretch and with a yawn he said, "Oh calf left this morning while you were a sleep. he didn't want our friendship no more." tiger jumped up and ran out the cave looking for calf with the fox right behind him.

"Tiger we don't need to look for him he doesn't want our friendship." They walked over a hill and the calf was surrounded by a pack of wolves. "Help help." The calf screamed.  "No one can hear you, you're wasting your last breath." The alpha wolf said.  Right before the wolf pounced on the calf the tiger and the fox jumped in to protect him. scaring all the wolves away. The three ran back to the cave. "Why did you leave us Calf. Why don't you want our friendship?" the tiger said. The calf sighed, "Fox told me that you were going to eat me, so for my own safety I left. I still want your friendship."

Both the calf and the tiger looked at the Fox with confused eyes. "Im sorry I didn't want you to die, I just wanted it to be like how it use to be when tiger and I were only friends. I let jealousy take over." They accepted his apology in payment he had to hunt for the three of them for a year. They all protected each other and remain close friends for the rest of there days.


Author's notes: This is based on the story called "How the Fox feel Victim to his own Deceit." I kept the beginning the same. I added dialog and changed the ending to a more happy ending for all the characters. I liked this more then having the Fox die.

Bibilography: How the Fox Fell Victim to his Own Deceit by Albert Shelton Link to source

Reading notes: Tibetan Part 2

There were several Folk tales I read for today. A lot of them ended with someone dying. If the person was in the wrong they were the one who would be grieving. The one that stood out to me was "How the Rabbit Killed the Lion". This did not give a good lesson. From reading this I only learned it is ok to lie and trick people if it is in your favor. This is not what it should be about. If I was going to do this as an assignment then I would change the ending. In the way of the rabbit is in the wrong and he would get what he deserves. The other one that stood out to me was "How the Raven Saved the Hunter". Sadly in the end the raven dies because the hunter was foolish not to listen to what the raven was trying to warn him. I may do a retelling of this story. I may have the raven live in the end or change the roles of who dies. But I really enjoyed reading Tibetan Folk Tales this week.

The Lion and The Rabbit Blogger

Bibliography: Tibetan Folk Tales by Albert Shelton Link to source

Reading Notes: Tibetan Folk Tales Part 1

This week I read several Tibetan Folk Tales. Each tale had a moral to it. At the end of each story it explained what the moral of the story was. I really like this because it made sure you learned the lesson that was being taught.

I think my favorite story was the How the Fox Fell Victim to His Own Deceit. It's teaching a lesson to never come in between friends or never break up a friendship because you feel like you are being left out. I think I may use this for my retelling this week. I may change the animals or make them people. I haven't quick decided yet.

The story that was my least favorite was Covetousness. Everyone dies in the end of the story. I understand the greedy part of it, but the part where the elephant dies because he was trying something new I do not think this was a good lesson. In the end it said don't try something that is not meant for you but to me it seemed that the elephant was just wanting to try something new.

Overall I really enjoyed the readings today and can't wait to read more tales tomorrow.

Cover of the Tibetan Folk Tales, Blogger

Bibilography: Tibetan Folk Tales by Albert Shelton Link to Source

Story: Cat Prince

Once upon a time there was a dashing prince. He was so charming that he could get any girl he wanted but he had his heart set on a witch. His parents did not approve of this as a good chose for a wife. So when it came time for the prince to wed his parents pick out a princess from two kingdoms over. Now the prince didn't want to marry her. So the witch had come up with a plan to meet at the old oak tree at sundown the night before he shall be wed and the two would runaway together. They had both agreed on this plan.

Two days before the wedding the princess came to the palace. She was beautiful, probably the most beautiful person the young prince had ever seen. She had caught him in a trance and couldn't imagine marrying anyone but her. The prince rushed into the wedding preparations. He spent the those two days getting everything ready.

The sun had begun to set the night before the wedding and the witch was waiting under the oak tree just as they had agreed. She waited there until there was no more sunlight. Her young prince never showed, so she went to investigate where he had gone. When she got into the palace she saw her prince's arms around the princesses shoulders. This made her furious. She made the princess vanishing in thin air and casted a curse over the prince for his betrayal. She then turn the palace into a huge forest with the oak tree at the center and turn the prince into a black cat . Where he shall remain until he he could see the good from the inside instead of just outside.

The Cat Prince BuzzFeed

About 20 years had past and everyone had forgotten about the vanishing princess and  city. To the point that a small market had been built in the forest with the old oak tree in the center of the market. Once a week the cat prince would go down to the market and an old women would offer him a bowl of milk, but every week he would ignore it and go after a very young very beautiful girl. He had managed to get two girl attentions but when he got back to there homes, he would speak and frighten the girls. Making them believe he was some type of demon. Both times he was kicked out of the house and return home to the oak tree.

Until one day he made his rounds and once more the old women laid down the bowl of milk. He was so hungry he decided to take the old woman's kindness. After finishing it, he hopped up on the table to meet the woman's gaze. She began to pet him and talk about her life. The cat prince sat there and listened until the end of the day. She offered him a place for the night. He gladly took the offer. When entering the woman's home, which was more of a shake, the women began to talk to him once more. He found a comfortable place on the the ground and admired her.

She said "you're a pretty nice cat. I'll keep you if you'll have me." The cat prince nodded in response. With the nod the cat prince was transformed into an old man. The witches curse had finally been broken, and the two never stopped loving each other till the end of their days.


Author's Notes:
I chose the story the Enchanted Prince. The original story reminded me of beauty and the beast. But I wanted to change it slightly to were the prince had a better lesson to learn. I also wanted to keep it in a classic time period because I felt like the setting fit better. I also added a back story to the witch and the prince as well as the prince breaking his promise to meet the witch.

Bibliography: Filipino Popular Tales: Enchanted Prince by Dean Fansler. Link to source

Reading Notes: Philippines Folktales

When reading this weeks readings there were several that were similar to ones that I have read in earlier weeks. The one that was the most similar was "The Devil and the Guachinango" this had the same last couple of paragraphs as the turkish folktale, "The Imp of the Well" The devil jumps into the young women and the Guachinango scares the devil out of her. This is the excat same ending in the turkish tale.

Tagalog couple, wikipedia

Also "The Enchanted Prince" was very similar to the fairy tale classic beauty and the beast. This followed the ideas very close. with a witch turning the prince into a creature for a current amount of time until a maiden could break the curse.

I think for this week I may use the story of the three friends or the three brothers. these two stood out to me. If i would retold this, I would change the ending in both. The second one I felt like there was no lesson learned. And in the first one I am not a fan of the ending. I need to read the second part to see if I want to use those stories instead, but I really enjoyed reading theses tales this week.

Bibilography: Filipino Popular Tales by Dean Fansler. Link to source

Story: Seeking Luck

Once there were twi sisters Leisl was the eldest and kelly was the youngest. Growing up these two sisters where very different in the way of their luck. Leisl always had good luck, while kelly's best friend was bad luck.
    One day the two girls where sitting at home when a knock came to the door. Both rushed over but kelly tripped over her own two feet. It was a messenger. His name tagged read Mr. Lucky. "I have a package here for a ms Leisl." She ripped open the top and it was filled with multiple gifts from her boyfriend. Kelly still on the ground said "why is it that she gets all the good luck. Where's my luck?" Mr. Lucky smiled and replied. "your luck has been asleep for quick sometime now."
    Pulling herself up she crossed her arms. "Asleep? Asleep! Why is he asleep?" Mr. Lucky gave the box to Leisl and said "he's due to wake soon." "where is he? I'm going to wake him up." Mr. Lucky laughed at her. kelly got up in his face almost missing his tie. "ok ok. he's asleep two towns over in the old McQueen hotel" She let go of him and headed to the hotel.
    She past the flower shop and the flowerist stopped her. "where are you off to Ms. Kelly?" "I'm off to wake my luck." The flowerist smiled, "When you wake him can you ask him why my flowers die within a day." Kelly nodded and continued walking. A man walked out of a big building with casual clothes and a brief case. Kelly ran into him knocking his brief case open. "Sorry excuse me miss, Where are you in such a rush?" He said. "I'm off to wake my luck." She replied. after all the papers where picked up the man said, " Oh when you wake hime can you ask why people don't respect me?"  She nodded and headed on her way. She was almost there when a homeless women stopped her. "I'm sorry miss but where are you in such a hurry?" "I'm off to wake my luck." kelly replied. "Oh when you find him can you ask him why I can get no money for food?" Kelly nodded and headed her way.
   She finally made it to the hotel and found the room that her luck was in. He was asleep on the floor. She ran over to him and kicked him in the side. "Wake up." Her luck jolted awake. "What do you want I'm not scheduled to wake for another year." "I need you up now. I have some questions for you." She told her luck the question that where asked. "tell the flowerist the reason why her flowers are dead is there is gold clogging her water. tell her to pull them out and her flowers with live. Tell the business man is because he's the CEO and should dress like one. Tell the homeless women when ever she sees a fool to take there money." Kelly nodded and head back. She ran into the business man.
  "My luck said that you are the CEO and you should dress like it." "You right! Do you want a job as my personal assistant?" "no thank you I have other business to attend to." she smiled and headed her way to the floweriest. "My luck told me the reason your flowers are dying is that your pipes are clogged with gold. pull out the gold and you flowers shall live longer." The flowerist smiled. " Oh my come help me get out the gold and we shall spilt it." Kelly shook her head. "No thank you I have other business to attend to."  and headed to the homeless women. "I know why you have no food. my luck says when you see a fool take everything they hold valuable." The homeless women smile and said, "Hey miss look up." Kelly looked up. and the homeless women attacked her and took all her valuables.  "And you my dear are a mighty fool."

Don't pass up an opportunity when it is given to you.

illustration of the man you woke his luck blogspot

Author Notes: I based off the story the man who when looking for his luck. I wanted to change it slightly. To where he didn't die in the end but still learned a lesson.

Bibliography: Pursian Tales Translated by D.L.R. Lorimer and E.O. Lorimer Link to source

Reading Notes:Pursain tales part 1

Out of all the readings  I did for this unit I think my favorite one was the first reading. It reminded me of little red riding hood and the three little pigs all in one story. There was a lesson to be learned from this one. I think this is why I like it so much. I feel like if you can't learn something from a story then the story is not doing it job. I think I may use this in my weekly story.
I really wasn't a fan of the second story. The city of nothing in the world. I felt like this one keep rambling on and on. I started to lose interest in it very quickly. I am not to sure what this story was about. As well as Susku and Mushu. It turns very extreme in the end. To the point of moaner where three characters end up harming themselves. I think this is a little extreme, and for that reason I am not a huge fan of this story. If i was going to retell this story I would use the same writing aspects but change the plot line a bit. I think I am going to wait until tomorrow when I read part two to pick my story of the week. When I Started reading it I thought it was going to be a love story not an epic tragedy.

Cover Of Fairy Tales Blogspot

Bibliography: Persian Tales translated by David Lorimer and Emily Lorimer Link to post

Tech Tip: Google Site Website

I decided to do the Storybook for my project! You should check out my website for it. I only have the home page up but more will be added in the next week! 

Alice's Reality

I hope you enjoy what you see! 

Famous Last Words: Week 4

So last week I had said the stress level hadn't kicked in, well I found it in week 4. And it is only Tuesday. I feel like week four is the week when everyone realize how much stuff needs to get done. As well as exams start to appear. This last week I had gotten behind on some of my work so I am trying to get ahead in all my classes as well as playing catch up on lots of readings in other classes. Usually I don't really need to read for my other classes but my Communication class you have to read the book or you will be completely lost.

The great thing about this class is, it makes me write every day. Which, in my opinion, makes my writing skills stronger. As well as allowing me to be more knowledgable of different ways to write something. Like my last post was written in second person. Going back to the stress part. I'm one of four captains for the Pride of Oklahoma Color Guard. And we are learning a new show every week, which we write, I just have to find time to do homework and work around the pride schedule. But don't get me wrong I'm excited for the Ohio State Game this weekend! Let's go beat those Buckeyes!

Oklahoma and Ohio State stats via Sooner Sports

But looking at the rest of this week getting ahead in this class will defiantly help me catch up on some readings for some of my other classes. I just need to keep reminding myself to take it one step at a time.

Story: Backstage Pass

You looking for a Backstage pass for the Coldplay concert? Well Calvin's your guy. Your only problem is Calvin always asks for something in return. No not money, he will ask you to go out and find something so be prepared to start your search. Calvin usually sets up shop about a block from the ticket booth. Find out what he wants in exchange and I can see I can help. 

Coldplay backstage pass via tumblr

(5 mins later)

What is it Calvin wants? Wait did you say he wanted a Jessie J album cover? Ok that will be a little more difficult to find then normal but if you go to Tina's Record Shop and ask for Jill she should be able to help you out.  It's about half a mile north of the concert hall. You smile and head towards the shop.

 You have about four hour before the concert starts and you need to find Tina's Record Shop. Your pace picks up and you have finally reached the shop. When you walk in there is only one girl with purple hair standing at the counter. "Hey how can I help you." You can assume that this is Jill by the name tag she is wearing. "Oh your the guy that's here for the Jessie J Album cover. Sorry but this is only for trade, if you get your hands on one of Philip Philips guitar picks from Billy Jean's Music store then we can talk. Oh sorry you probably need direction. Your gonna make a left and once you hit the corner make a right. Billie Jean's is on the corner. Ask for Jim. I'll hold this for you until you return." Rolling your eyes you agree and leave the store heading for Billie Jean's Music Store.  

You don't have a hard time finding the store but you have a difficult time finding Jim. Apparently he was on break. About a half hour passes and Jim finally appears from his break. Rushing over to him he answers "Oh hey you must be the one Jill sent. I have the pick right here for you. But I can't give this away freely." Frustrated you look at your watch you have about three hours till the concert. Looking back up Jim continues "If you can get your hands on one of Toby Keith cowboys hat I'll trade you the pick for the hat. Now don't freak out he's giving them away at the Longo stage complex." Talking a deep breath you bolt out the store and head for Longo Stage complex luckily it's only a couple of blocks away. 

Once you get there the line is pretty short. Seems to be towards the end of the signing. Your next, you finally get there. "hey hows it going." Your heart is racing you see no cowboy hats in sight. you begin to explain your predicament to Toby Keith "Oh that's sounds like some day your having. Unfortunately I'm out of hats expect for the one on my head." Your head falls to the ground in disappointment. "But hey I'll make you a deal you look like a singer. If you can sing me a few bars of one of my songs to prove your a true fan then I'll trade over my hat. Deal?" You agree on the spot. Toby pulls out his phone, hits record and you sing the best version of  Red Solo Cup you have ever sung. Toby is getting a crack out of your performance.  Laughing he interrupts you. "Ok ok, very nice here you go. hope you make it in time for that concert!" 

You take the hat from Toby, thank him and rush back to Billie Jean's. Running inside you trade the hat for the guitar pick. Guitar pick in hand you race back to Tina's Record Shop where Jill is waiting for you with the Jessie J album cover. You make the trade and begin to run as fast as you can to Calvin. You have about thirty minutes until the concert starts. You See Calvin in sight and present the album cover. He sits there for a couple of minutes inspecting it. He smiles and hands you two backstage passes. You and your friend made it just in time to see the band before they go on. You spend the night jamming to Coldplay's concert back stage. This will be a day that you will never forget. 

Author's Notes

 I based this story on Ignacz Kunos's The Liver. It follows the same guide lines of a maiden that buys a liver for her and her mother but then the liver is stolen. To get it back she has to find items to give to other merchants in return to get the liver back from the stork. I wanted to change it to a modern day feel to see what I could do with it based in the music realm. The hardest part was trying to come up with different items to trade with.  

Bibliography: Ignacz Kunos The Liver link to text