Unloading Future Improvements

In terms of the ideas that were already offered and slightly implemented, I would say that they give great options to the course and could improve for some.  My thoughts on them?

• For changing the review weeks to planning weeks and just intertwining them together makes sense.  I actually like the idea, because it definitely gives students time to figure out their schedules and for them to not freak out so much about what to do next.  Though, I will say that some people who have spontaneous schedules, like me, can be quite difficult.  Even though a schedule is set, the due dates do essentially help with having to get assignments done and even when we miss the due date based on some reason, it can still hinder progress.  Due dates just frustrate me, but they are necessary.  
• For expanding story planning options, I do like the idea of this as well and incorporating it as an actual assignment rather than collectively/optionally with the storytelling option.  I say this because I have done a story planning and it proves quite useful, though I haven't gotten to the actual story quite yet.  I actually plan to, because I know it could make a great story, but as far as doing so for sake of due date, it didn't come as easily so the planning was implemented.  
• Audio recordings are different that's for sure.  For someone to input that idea is creative even though some content are already recorded orally.  I enjoy reading aloud and I am one that learns and retains best that way, but I don't exactly listen to them for myself.  I have to be the one to read it for myself otherwise I'll get distracted easily and not be able to retain anything.  I also do better if I can visually see what I am exposed to.
• Writing tutorials could actually be even more beneficial and possibly some videos of instruction on course content?  Sometimes I find it difficult to read through instructions because I could've missed something or that I just don't want to do the assignment because the instructions are too lengthy.  There is a lot to be said and I think a video/audio would be great.  I am able to focus on something like that, because it pertains to requirement and understanding rather than the entertainment of a story.
• I actually like the idea of splitting up stories based on their themes.  It helps for some to decide what they want to write over and I am one of those that can have difficulty in what I want to convey/transform.  Things can change based on mood, so it surely helps.

(Quote taken from JmStorm.  Instagram.)

Overall I don't quite have much for ideas at the moment.  I wish I could configure a way to help improve certain assignments and scheduling, but every time I think of something it doesn't seem to fit in.  Meaning that it won't work unless it adds to the work load.  Though I think it would also help if there are going to be planning weeks, that aside from having story planning as a separate graded assignment, it could be considered extra credit.  An extra credit could be favorite Youtube videos after learning how to embed them into blog posts or music even.  Rather than it's own extra credit unit, it can be a subtopic in another, much like wikipedia trails but rather than finding a favorite, they can share whatever speaks to them all week and what they learn from it. 

I hoped some of this gave further ideas/details beyond what I've stated and creates something great! 

Learning Challenge: Mental Illness

This is a topic that hits home with me.  If many of you hadn't noticed reading some of my previous posts and/or just thought nothing much of it, yes, I do see a therapist/psychologist.  I'm pretty vocal about certain things that go on in my life and within myself.  It's not to gain attention, because, geez...I am far from that.  Attention just isn't my forte.  The reason I voice my thoughts and opinions are because I usually think/believe that not everyone is listening and that they won't possibly remember.  And some I tell just to hear what they say; for those that I care about and care about me, I wonder to what extent.  It's horrible of me to test someone, but sometimes we just want to know without flat out asking.

The video above, about Audra Brulc specifically spoke out to me.  There are other videos that were posted in the series that are relatable, but the way she voiced her answered, related to me most.  I, too, have generalized anxiety and even more specifically, social anxiety.  I'm not even sure I suffer from depression, but I guess I haven't gotten that far with my therapist.  As everyone noted in their videos, it truly is struggle that some may not understand, but for me, I don't think it should be something so shameful.  We are all different, we are all made differently for a reason and in this case, it's to share that we are not alone.  It's hard to hear and even hard to say, but it is true.  To give advice to someone who is also struggling with a mental illness or more is not easy whatsoever, but all we can do is reach out a hand and try to understand.  Sometimes we can't help each other, just as long as there isn't any blame to go around.  I am glad that OU had created something so meaningful and possibly life-changing for some people.  I was honestly surprised that there was such a thing, but in society today, it is much needed.

Why should we fight a war alone? 

Growth Mindset: Meme Beyond School

(Beauty.  created with Canva.)

This challenge, I decided to generate a meme through Canva.  I had generated a different one through the automotivator for a tech tip and it was nice, though I have to give it to Canva for being all the more creative in their choices and style.  I love using that site now!!  The original photo had 'Sunset Chaser' and the text underneath, but I decided to add in the above text that was still offered through Canva's choices.  It all flowed so well together and just made sense.  

I'm combining this meme post along with Growth Beyond School, because I just wanted to touch base with where my life is headed or where it isn't headed and how it currently is.  Well right now, I have been applying the aspect of Growth Mindset into my life, mostly at work and just personally with other people.  I used to worry about what others thought of myself and sometimes, I still do.  I've learned over time that it doesn't matter what others may think, because that is their thought process and not our own.  The fact is that, we should worry more so about how we handle certain things and situations rather than others that 'interfere' with what we know and/or don't.  Whether we feel stupid is solely on the reaction from others and I believe the focus should be within, because we only believe we are stupid if we say that we are.  As for where my life may be headed and not?  I am still unsure.  I am just eager to finish up my last year of school and go with the flow to see where life takes me.  The end result may not be what I plan or expect, but I hope to be happy along the way, even through the struggles, because that is what makes us who we are.

Learning Challenge: Empathy

So in this challenge on empathy I actually decided to take the clip that was given as an example by Professor Gibbs.  

I have learned about Bréne Brown before on her book, Daring Greatly, that I have mentioned before in my Back-up and Review post and her stuff intrigues me so much.  After watching this video of hers, it definitely brought the two differences between empathy and sympathy to light.  I have always thought of myself as an empathetic person towards others, though I have never gone through certain struggles, I always connected with them and wanted to help, knowing that I couldn't.  Then there were moments where I just couldn't differentiate between whether I was being empathetic or just being plain sympathetic, but she put that in perspective.  She made me realize that I actually fight between the two.  If I truly care about the person, I am empathetic, whereas if I didn't care about the person enough, then I didn't care as much and just sympathized with them without even thinking twice about it.  She is right that it is all about connection and if there isn't any, then people won't understand in the way that we hope they will.  It also reminds me of when I think of the way some people think, it's either black and white, there are no gray areas; I always try to see myself as viewing gray, as much as I can.

This topic is so great to delve deeper into and I plan to do just that.  It's definitely an eye opener.

(Empathy is reaching a hand out.  Flickr.)

Tech Tip: Automotivator

I thought this was pretty neat to create.  I had never made one before and though this picture doesn't quite match with the script, it was still fun.  The picture was actually generated randomly from automotivator so I didn't have a choice in theirs.  I chose 'yolo' not from a specific place and the same for 'cheers to mistakes,' not at least from where I can remember.  When I saw the subtext, it resonated with me and adding 'yolo' just kind of fit, because you only live once so cheers to mistakes!

(YOLO: CHEERS TO MISTAKES.  Created with Automotivator.)

Tech Tip: Canvas Mobile App

So this may seem kind of late in the semester to discuss whether I've downloaded the Canvas App or not.  In all honesty, I have and I did so, I believe, in the beginning of last semester just in case I needed to revert back to it for some missing information.

I currently use it to check on future assignments and other assignments I've missed.  It's still quite confusing to me so I still have to play with it some, but it is nice to have and super convenient.  I guess a few things I could do without, is the confusion on the notifications.  I've learned how to add the right notifications that suit what I would like to receive, but even when I selected that, it didn't quite measure up to what I was expecting.  Looking through it on mobile can also be challenging, because even when you want to view certain assignments or grades, it can be confusing on how the layout is.  And because it is an app, it's just overall difficult to work with so it's just nice to work with the site on a laptop as usual rather than on the phone.

Others may think differently from me, but I'm not one to want to use my phone in that manner when it's such a small device.  Whether convenient or not, it doesn't always mean it's perfect.

Reading Notes B: The End of Beowulf

• Beowulf fought with his best friend Wiglaf against a dragon
• Dragon's tail hit Beowulf and injured him, but Wiglaf killed it by finding his weak spot and it fell beside Beowulf
• As he was dying, everyone cried out but they didn't deserve to as they were not as courageous as he
• Beowulf was grateful to die by his friend and asked for one last treasure to be left with him 
• Wiglaf found a crown amongst jewels and set it on him
• He was made a barrow at Whale's Headland and carried there by Wiglaf.  They burned the treasure with him per Wiglaf's orders. No one refuted him.
• Many came to mourn his death and they threw the dragon into the gray sea as they laid Beowulf on the pyre created
• So they lit the pyre and there the King of Geatsland went back up to the Gods

(Beowulf.  Flickr.)

I chose the end of the story to possibly fuse this with King Arthur's beginning. 

I would create a beginning involving how they each became King.  Rather than Beowulf's beginning, it would start with Arthur's and lead into a newer start with Beowulf.

He could already be a King? And Arthur learning that he will become King because of pulling out the sword.  

They will be frenemies of some sort because they come from different 'realms' or to be basic, towns.

So they become enemies to battle and after so many righteous battles, especially one duel between each other, they become friends.  Friends that will team up with each other to fight the biggest dragon.  So rather than Wiglaf, Arthur will take his place.  

Rather than Beowulf dying, Arthur will?  Or they both will?  Or stick with Beowulf dying?

Or rather than having a duel, they try to come to their last battle and a dragon comes in and they decide to team together to defeat him.  So not exactly friends but honoring each other as great warriors, gaining respect for one another?  

Can't decide which point of view to tell, though a narrative seems like a way to go about this.  

I can incorporate powers that each have, because it is a realm of magic or crossing between a mortal realm and a magical realm?  That would give a OUAT vibe. 

Bibliography:  The Story of Beowulf:  The End of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs.

Reading Notes A: The Drawing of the Sword

• King of Britain - Uther Pendragon, died leaving no King to reign
• Caused uproar and many to battle for the crown - the town was not at its best
• Merlin the Magician met Archbishop of Canterbury & others at their home to request a meeting on Christmas Day in London @ the Great Church 
• Leaving the Church they saw a stone & left a sword within the stone engraved a spell in gold. 
• Many knights tried taking out the sword but failed so Archbishop had two of his best knights guard it at night
• It wasn't fair they wait for the 'King' to show & that every man had a right to try it out so a tourney was to be held New Years Day
• That day came and many people decided to prep for the drawing of the sword and arrived a brave knight - Sir Ector, his son Sir Kay and Arthur, Kay's foster-brother
• Sir Kay had left a sword back home & asked Arthur to get it for him so he went but no one was home (went to watch the tourney) so he went to the churchyard & decided to take the sword from the stone because he didn't want Sir Kay without a sword
• He pulled it out easily and brought it to them. Arthur had to explain his story and they realized he was to be King but they had to prove it and it was proven
• Arthur found out Sir Ector wasn't his father but who his real father was - Uther Pendragon and felt sad; the debt he paid was to make Sir Kay the seneschal of all his land and he did.
• Before becoming King, he had to leave the sword to prove to the Archbishop and he did thus he became King to all - a good and humble King

(Excalibur.  Pixabay.)

The overall story reminds me of Once Upon a Time which gave a different take to King Arthur, not a very good one at that.

I could change this story up as a way to create a noble man.  A man who was meant for great things but did not know this until he had to prove himself that he was.

A story still set in this era, keep a similar take but of a poor man who grew up not knowing a life of riches.

Sort of tough to consider what I can manipulate and change.

He comes across the stone, not knowing what it was - much like the original.  Rather than his foster-father knowing who his father is in the end, he has a different family.

He's traveling alone and something calls him to the sword - like a fairy or just hearing a voice?

He takes the sword out and keeps it with him while everyone else is looking for the sword he's playing with it as if it's a new found toy.

He still has to prove himself that he pulled it out and does.  He could go through trials? Of having to prove himself that he should be king.

This can be a flashback story told by his son??  That's a different way of doing things.

Bibliography:  King Arthur:  The Drawing of the Sword by Andrew Lang.

Growth Mindset: Meme of the Week

There was a photo that stuck out to me as I was going through the meme's for Growth Mindset.  Though it's not exactly a meme, it still relates to me in some way.  I chose the photo from Daring Greatly.  This time I decided to choose a photo, but hopefully next time I can create a meme.

(Daring Greatly Checklist.)

I chose this specific photo above to discuss, because it kind of makes me laugh inside.  I see a psychologist about once a week or every other week, depending on what suits me best at the time.  She talked quite a bit about Daring Greatly and utilized the Growth Mindset aspect in our talks.  I actually pitched Growth Mindset to her, because she actually had never heard of it before, even though she had always been incorporating it into our sessions and with her other sessions.  I haven't gotten to read the book quite yet and would hope to here soon.  I love the idea of owning up to what is listed here and pushing through boundaries.  I am beginning to open myself up, as usual, slowly but surely and that surely is growing in me.  I can feel it and it's an amazing feeling.  I hit rough patches, but I bring myself back up and with my psychologist, she helps me pull through.  That's what she's there for though.  I've learned a lot in this and will continue to learn and grow.

(Cover of Daring Greatly.)

Week 11 Review: Learning New Things

I decided to choose two images today, because they are things that I didn't know about until reviewing the daily announcements and attending church yesterday.

(World Languages.  Imgur.)

























(Palm Sunday.  Wikipedia Commons.)

The first photo above is about the Eve of Nations where I didn't know that people celebrated the original languages that lived on from the very beginning until now.  Languages have always fascinated me and it's really awesome how people celebrate something as amazing as what we use to communicate with.  The picture above depicts the variety of countries that speak the specific languages shown.  There are so many that it's intriguing how these languages even came about and when.

The next photo I borrowed, is of Palm Sunday that occurred yesterday.  It is the Sunday before Easter Sunday and is called as such because of the palms that the people used to throw in front of Jesus' feet as he walked through the town.  I'm a Christian and have grown up as such, but I never really delved deep into it spiritually.  Recently, I had a coming of realization that I want to learn and know more.  This seemed like a sign as such, to understand the reasons that we do things today and the impact that God/Jesus can have on each of us if we let them.  There's no preaching in this, but a new found understanding on my own.  It's very beautiful and amazing in itself.

(Still learning.  Flickr.)

Famous Last Words: From Start to Nearly Finish

This week, for my thoughts overall, I actually found myself not feeling so much of the pressures of school and attempting to enjoy it.  There were tough spots, but I got through them.  For this class in particular, in the very beginning, it felt like I had a head start and was going strong.  As the semester progressed, there were moments of struggle with writers-block and my reasoning behind why I wrote.  After Spring Break, that’s when I seemed out of it and lost, without a cause or purpose.  My writings started becoming bleak, forced and repetitive.  They lacked a lot of background.  This week’s story 11 even seemed repetitive with my writing style and I hadn’t noticed until after I had submitted it.  Though the story appeared as such, I’m actually quite proud of the result.  I felt like it wasn’t going to amount to much, but after the comments I received and rereading my work, I must say that I am actually proud of myself for the hard work I attempted and put in. 

(Accomplishment - Try.  Pixabay.)

So in comparison to other courses, this class is by far my favorite and one that I feel more comfortable and accomplished in.  There’s quite a bit that I still have yet to understand in my other courses, but for me, this course gives me a sense of purpose.  It could also be because I actually enjoy writing and for this being my first dab at creative writing, it’s quite refreshing and fun.  What I enjoy most is the surprise of how each story written, turns out.  For many of us who have never written creatively before, this is a great way to start and it’s also one that can easily be built upon.  Writers can be born, if there is effort and improvement in the work.

For the next weeks to come, as we’re nearing the end of school, I am hoping to gain more accomplishments and improvements if life allows me the time to commit.  By that, I mean that I hope to finish this course strong and soon.  I could have easily been done months ago, but the lack of drive hit me hard and it definitely pertained to my senioritis and those around me that aren’t in school, influencing me to have fun.  It’s time to take a few steps back, breathe, focus, work harder and work ahead. 

I CAN DO THIS!!!  I AM ALMOST DONE!!!

Learning Challenge: Sharing is Caring - Tips on Happiness

So I am not an expert on Happiness by any means nor have I mastered my own Happiness.  I have just recently experienced something that possibly changed my outlook on life.  Though I have my own struggles, everyone is going through something as well.  I am not alone.  No one is ever alone, as much as it feels like it.  'We' are not alone.

Though I'm not big on converting people and/or pressuring and forcing people to do and believe in things that they don't want to or are not ready for, my mother's side of the family is really devout in their faith of Christianity.  My father's side on the one hand are Buddhist.  This may shed some light on how I personally think, but as I stated earlier that recently a slight change in mind and heart has happened.  A part of me gave my faith to something more and rather than two, I focused on just one.  With that focus, there was a lightened feeling and a sense of relief.  In other words, praying can help in more ways that just speaking from the heart and mind.  It doesn't have to be considered 'praying' but I think that speaking out on struggles can benefit with an outcome that may not be expected but needed.

(Smile.  Pixabay.)

Straying from that, positive thoughts and words are also powerful, as told by my cousin.  But she learned that through her beliefs and what's funny with that, is that it's true.  Speaking good and forgiving without any grudges is a great feeling as long as we speak it, we can feel it.  That is my HUGE tip in this overall post.  Speak positive words about yourself and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, because you are intelligent, beautiful and loved.

It starts with even just saying, "I am loved.  I am beautiful."  Baby steps and, eventually, you will feel and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Storytelling Week 11: Envy

Goldie here with an update on my current situation; it’s dark out and sprinkling.  Then again it’s always sprinkling here in Washington.  I’m turning 21 and supposed to graduate college this semester.

What’s holding me back?  I killed my step-mother.

~~~

AUGUST 2011 

High school is officially over.  Today's the first day of college and my dad's tripping out that I'm growing up too fast.

Even though I'll be going to college nearby, I'm actually more worried about how he'll be when I'm not home.  I know I'll get wrapped up in busy-work and working at my first job ever.  He's taken care of me so well.  I just want him to be happy and not alone.

OCTOBER 2011

I got what I wished for, but now I’m not so sure how to feel. 

Her name is Sylvia and she’s a receptionist at my dad’s firm.  First of all, I’m glad he’s found someone and he’s happy.  Secondly, I’m just not so sure how I feel about him dating someone that works for him.  It’s just too weird.  I mean, she seems nice from what he tells me, but still. 

This is the first woman he’s dated since I was ten.  My guard is up as much as I want him to be happy.  We can never tell with people these days, but I’m definitely intrigued to find out more about her.

Thanksgiving 2011

“Hi there!  I’m Sylvia, you must be little Goldie.  It’s so good to finally meet you.  I’ve heard so much about you.” She stands there with her arm stretched out towards me with her tote hanging off her other arm. 

“The pleasure is mine.” I smile wryly.  Behind her, dad widens his eyes at me.  I shrug back.  I can’t help my expressions, they just come naturally.

Thanksgiving 2013

Two years in at the University and my dad is still dating Sylvia.  I’m surprised they’ve lasted this long.  No offense to dad, but seeming how they’re constantly fighting when I’m around, I figured they would’ve broken up by now.

Hm…they’re walking towards me.  Oh no…it’s that look on dad’s face.  It’s the same look that he gives when he’s got bad news. 

They sit down on the couch across from me and begin explaining their love for me.  Then they hit me with a big whammy.

“We’re getting married!!” Sylvia screeches in excitement.  Oh…  

It was just the beginning of a horrible nightmare.

MAY 2014

*ding dong, ding dong* The wedding bells chime.  I finally have a mom…I shiver at the thought.  My grandmother and aunt, dad’s younger sister Eloise, are the most remotely close mother figures I have in my life.

As we wave goodbye to their departure from the church, Aunt Ellie nudges my left arm, “You think she’s after his money??”

“Aunt Ellie!”

“Well, someone’s bound to be thinking it.  I’m sure rumors have spread already.”  She laughs her maniacal laugh.

JUNE 2014

My dad’s been married for a month now and things seem to be sailing smoothly, except for the fact that my new mother is a raving bitch. 

I moved back in for the summer since I decided not to take any classes.  I asked them if it was okay, but I guess not. 

She’s been on my ass since the first week I moved in.

(Green with Envy.  Flickr.)

DECEMBER 2014

Christmas is close.  Aunt Ellie has been around more often.  I think she’s just as worried for dad as I am.  

A week before Christmas and we’re doing our annual tree-decorating-bonding-time.  “You know…your dad told me how Sylvia’s been acting lately.  He mentioned her being jealous of how he spoils you and takes pride in you…kind of strange if you ask me.”

I’m glad I wasn’t just thinking things.

FEBRUARY 2015

Valentine’s month and surprisingly I’ve met someone.  He’s amazing, but my new found evil step-mother won’t stop at nothing to ruin my relationship with him.

She’s always threatening me to come back home to help her with something or even using my dad as bait to get me to leave school.  She’s also preventing me from finishing my last semester.

Dad’s tried countless times to stop her, even threatened divorce.  His heart is too soft; he could never hurt her as much as he threatens her.

APRIL 2015

Something’s different in the air.

I walk inside the house, set my stuff down and head to the kitchen.  Sylvia’s sitting at the table holding a gun.

“Sylvia?  What is that?” 

“You have eyes don’t you?  I’m sick of you playing dumb and naïve.  You know damn well what it is and what I’m going to do with it.”

I bolt for the front door.  She chases after me firing the gun.  She misses.

I don't know what's gotten into her.  It's like a switch just flipped and she decided to go bat-shit crazy on me.  

I run out to the car and realize I left my keys inside.  So I run to the backyard. 

She creeps around to the back.  Hiding in the shed out back, I find a lug wrench.  I hear her inching closer so I hide by the door waiting for her to open it.

"Come out, come out wherever you are~~" she opens the door, looks to her left at me and I swing left, hitting her head.

She falls to her side.

PRESENT DAY

I’m supposed to graduate next month and turn 21 in two. 

I'm sitting in an ambulance, the police interrogating me.  Aunt Ellie is holding dad as he’s crying.  If only he knew. 

It all happened so fast. 

I was just a normal girl...she was just supposed to be my father's wife.  My new mother.

Author's Note:  I chose to write my story over Gold-Tree and Silver-Tree.  It is a very similar take to Snow White, yet different.  Gold-Tree is the daughter of Silver-Tree and the king. Silver-Tree asks a trout in a well about who is most beautiful and he says Gold-Tree is. Filled with jealousy and rage, Silver-Tree wants to eat her heart and liver.  The king doesn't let her by feeding her a goat's heart and liver whilst letting Gold-Tree marry off with a Prince.  Silver-Tree finds out when she goes back to the well after a year and from that point she attempts to kill Gold-Tree with a poisoned needle.  She thought she succeeded until the Prince remarried and his second wife pulled the needle out of Gold-Tree's finger, bringing her back to life.  Silver-Tree tries to come back and poison her with a drink, but as she tries to pretend to take a swig, the second wife hits the cup causing her to drink it.  It poisons Silver-Tree and they leave her to die.

In my take of the stories, though my reading notes attempted to convey a tad different story, I ended up getting rid of the second-wife, but leaving a snippet of the Prince's character in.  Rather than it being her mother, I made it closer to Snow White's tale of an evil stepmother and a father that the daughter is close with.  I kept a death in the story to have everything lead up to it.  Overall, the theme of jealousy and rage can get the better of people and I attempted to depict just what it can do, much like the original story.  And not only does it affect the person that it enraptures, but it also affects other people especially the daughter in this case, not being able to finish school.  I left a lot out in the open with this version, as to have readers curious to know more and wonder what just happened or what will happen next.  So I know there will be plenty of questions, I hope it is still an enjoyable read! 

Bibliography:  Celtic Fairy Tales:  Gold-Tree and Silver-Tree by Joseph Jacobs.

Reading Notes, Part B: Gold-Tree & Silver-Tree cont.

To elaborate on the story: an outline from beginning to end

Gold-Tree = Goldie

Silver-Tree = Sylvia

The King = Harold

Prince = Parker

2nd wife = Amelia? (I may take her out of the story completely - though it would've made for great revenge in killing the mother)

• Goldie is an only child raised her whole life by her father who is a single dad.  
• She is a good daughter that listens and he is a father that understands.  The perfect duo.
• Her mother died when she was born so it's foreign for her, for her father (Harold) to be with someone as he never really kept up with dating.  

• Parents were teen parents.  
• Goldie is only 18 and going off to college.  
• The college is nearby, but Goldie is still worried about Harold being alone because she will be super busy with work and school, hardly being home.  
• Few years pass and she is 21; she will graduate with her Bachelor's the next year.
• Harold meets someone (Sylvia) while Goldie is in school and a romance blossoms.  
• Goldie is unsure of her, but approves of her.

• Sylvia notices how Harold is always spoiling Goldie and taking pride in her.
• Harold is saddened that she may be going away and doesn't know how to let her go.  (Maybe keep this in the story or not)
• He doesn't want to let her go so he tries to keep her around but Sylvia is beginning to get jealous and outraged.

Rather than beauty being the envy, she will be envious of her charm and good nature towards her father.

• Harold & Sylvia have been together for 2 years and then get married.
• Goldie, 22, has already graduated and is working, but still deciding on Graduate school.
• Sylvia grows impatient with Goldie and tries to convince her to leave....(not sure how this will play out?)
• All the while, Goldie met someone (Parker) & they had been dating since she was 20?

(Silver/Icy tree.  Flickr.)

• Unsure whether to utilize her going to Grad school as an escape or her marriage to Parker, maybe even the revenge portion.
• (I may just keep the 2nd woman) Sylvia tries to ruin her relationship with Parker and make her seem like a bad girl to her father by having a woman (Amelia) interfere with the relationship.

Still VERY unsure about how this could play out by the time Goldie and Amelia find out Sylvia's plan.  Also unsure about the plan that could come into play - or rather than Amelia and rather than ruining the relationship, Sylvia will pay Parker to take Goldie away.  Goldie could get upset and try to tell her father and just take him away with her. 

Somehow Harold needs to find out what has been happening - but when, where and how...

Maybe involves Harold dying so Goldie can avenge him by killing Sylvia...with a gun?  There's a lot to fill in...

Bibliography:  Celtic Fairy Tales:  Gold-Tree and Silver-Tree by Joseph Jacobs.

Reading Notes, Part A: Gold-Tree & Silver-Tree

(Golden tree.  Pixabay.)

• Silver-Tree is Gold-Tree's mother
• Silver-Tree goes to a well and asks a trout if she is the most beautiful
• He denies and says it is her daughter, Gold-Tree, that is more beautiful
• Silver-Tree wants her heart and liver to be the most beautiful
• She vowed that she would be ill if she couldn't have the heart and liver
• Her husband came home to her being ill 
• She told him of the heart and liver, but the husband doesn't give her that because a nice Prince from another village wants to marry Gold-Tree
• The husband/father lets them marry and takes a goat's heart and liver to feed Silver-Tree instead
• After a year, Silver-Tree asks the trout again but Gold-Tree is still alive
• She board's the king's long-ship to see her yet Gold-Tree knows she wants her to die so she hides
• Silver-Tree convinces her to stick her finger out of the key-hole and instead of giving her a kiss on the finger, she pricks her w/a poisoned needle
• The Prince went to hunt all the while and came back to Gold-Tree dead
• Because she is so beautiful he keeps her locked in that room & never throws away the key
• He remarries and one day forgets to take the key w/him so his 2nd-wife goes into that room only to find Gold-Tree
• She finds the needle stuck to Gold-tree's finger and pulls it out - later surprising the Prince, that she is alive, when he comes home
• He wants to stay married to both & does so
• It's been a year and Silver-tree goes to the well to ask again but finds that Gold-tree is still alive
• She goes to visit again but w/a glass of potion - she tries to give it to Gold-tree but the 2nd-wife hits the cup, when Silver-tree proves to drink with them, letting her drink some
• Silver-tree dies and they live on, leaving her be.

This story is similar take to Snow White - much darker take involving death in the end.

My take will be more modern.  Gold-Tree will be an only daughter that grew up alone and her father remarries when she is off to college.  She gains a vicious step-mother that knows of her beauty (because she is still the most beautiful and of pride to her father).  The mother is jealous of how much he spoils his daughter.  

I may keep an eerie death in this story as well.  Different from my usual.  I will stick with a first person narrative, though not sure about who - the mother? the daughter? the father even? 

The daughter goes off to college, meets someone and wants to get married.  The father is willing to give anything but the mother being so jealous she wants to stop the marriage, to ruin the daughter's life.  

She wants nothing but unhappiness and a hard life for the daughter.

Though I even thought to add a twist to the story of the guy being torn between two women (that would add effect but be too long?)

Maybe the mistress can be a woman that the mother hires to get in the way of their relationship! But the girl finds out of how cruel she is (the mother doesn't pay the girl, just uses her) and decides to help plan their revenge on the mother.

Who's death could be at the end? - Mother.  Daughter.  Father (like Snow White).  Prince.  Maybe more than two deaths in the end or middle and end?

Bibliography:  Celtic Fairy Tales: Gold-Tree and Silver-Tree by Joseph Jacobs.

Storytelling Week 10: Unforgettable

It is six o’clock in the morning and I’m already going to be late for work.  Being the CEO of an advertising company isn’t an easy position for my 45-year-old self, on top of having a wife and teenage twin girls.  I’m surprised I’ve lasted this long.

Thinking of which…I look to my right.  My wife, Delilah, looks so beautiful sound asleep I’d hate to wake her.  I nudge her anyway.

Delilah half-opens her eyes and looks at me smiling with her arms stretching out.  “It’s already that time?”

“Yes ma’am it is.”

I walk to the bathroom and prep myself for the day ahead of me.  I walk down the stairs to the fresh smell of waffles.  We converse about how her day will be as I scarf down my breakfast.

“Well, I better get going then.  I’ll let you know when I make it to the building.”  I lightly kiss her on the forehead and get a whiff of her perfume as her hair falls forward against her cheeks.  Mm…the sweet scent of jasmine and honeysuckle, that’s my favorite.

~~~

Sitting in my office, I look down at my watch and the dial strikes 7 o’clock.  It’s getting late, I should get going. 

I arrive home to find Lila setting the table.  I made it just in time.  We have dinner together as usual.  

When we finish, she brings our plates to the sink and begins to wash them.  I decide to help her rinse this time rather than one of the girls.  We smile at each other. 

She leans in to drop a cup in my sink as I’m rinsing a plate and I smell something musky…

It’s not my cologne nor is it her perfume.  “So what did you do today?”

“I just went to the store and came back home to exercise, not a very productive day, truthfully.”  She seems distant.

We finish the dishes and head to the bedroom.

I lay in bed and my mind begins to wander.  I conjure up scenarios of whether she could be seeing someone else or just tired.  I try to sleep, but my heart and mind won’t let me.

(Following.  Flickr.)

A few days have passed and it’s still the same feeling and still the same scent.  I’m beginning to think that she goes somewhere else after work and on her days off. 

Though today’s the day I buck up the courage and follow her.  I know it seems crazy, even for me.  I’m a CEO of my own company for crying out loud.  I guess it won’t stop my pride in knowing whether she still loves me or not.

We say our usual goodbyes and I act as if I head off to work.   I drive down the street to the park and wait for her to leave the house.  I see her come out and duck my head in case she looks my way.

I peek up and see that she’s backing out.  I begin to follow her. 

She drops the girls off at school and just when I thought she’d go the direction towards home, she turns into the neighborhood behind the school.

We arrive at a nice home.  I park in front of the house down the street.  She pulls into the driveway and steps out of the car to await the person opening the door.  I inch my car closer…a man with similar build as mine, yet fair brunette hair, opens the door.  She steps in and he closes the door behind her…

I step out of the car and run to the house.  I scope the house to find the right window as I do, I see him undress her and they kiss…my heart stops.  Furious, I want to kill them both.  I know that would be wrong.  I contain myself and head back home.

~~~

I'm pacing the living room and the girls walk through the door.  In a stern voice I tell them to go to their rooms.  They look at each other with discernment and do as I say.

Lila walks through the door half passed seven.  I stop and look at her.  

"How could you do this to us?"

Her eyes filled with concern.  "What are you talking..."  It dawns on her what I ask of her.  

She tries to explain herself and I just can't let her.  I walk off toward the room and she follows.  Closing the door behind her, we enter a screaming match.  This lasts all night.

~~~

We're restless the next morning.  Once we simmer down, I go to wake the girls up and as I open their doors, they're gone.  Frightened, we both go looking for them.  Setting aside our fight to find our girls.  

We get a phone call from my parents and they tell us they're with them.  We head that way and once we arrive, we sit them down and discuss our concern about why they ran off.

They know why Lila and I were fighting and that we wanted to get a divorce.  There's nothing we can say to comfort them, because it's true.

~~~

A year has passed and the divorce has finally settled.  Delilah moved out about two months after I found out and the girls were torn about our decision.  Though we were all upset about the situation, we still gave them the option of who they wanted to be with.  The end result, I gained sole custody.  Gena wanted to stay with me, but Gail and I weren't on the best terms.  With what her mother did to me, she couldn't bare to stay with her either, so she chose the latter.  

Our family may be torn apart and what happened that night was unforgettable, but deep down inside, I can say that I forgive her.

Author's Note:  The original story I decided to transform is about a man with a wife and two children who goes hunting for his family everyday.  The man paints his wife from head to toe before he heads off to hunt, much like a ritual.  The wife has been sneaky going to the nearby lake to 'fetch some water,' but instead meets with a snake.  This happens for quite some time until the man notices part of her paint smear off so he decides to follow her the next day, because he has a feeling she is lying to him.  He catches her bare herself naked for the snake and watches it coil itself around her.  Furious, he jumps the snake and kills it as well as his wife.  After killing his wife, he skins her and takes the meat to feed his kids.  The rolling head occurs in this moment after they unknowingly eat her and their father goes to fetch some more meat, their mother's head rolls towards them and apologizes to them.  Frightened, they attempt to run away from it and are saved by kind people as well as protected by their bears and panthers.  Some others find the children, because they have plenty food and they build a camp from thereon.  There father comes to live with them, but out of hatred towards him, they feed him to the lions.
I have kept some aspects of the original story in mine, but in a more realistic and less vulgar way.  In a sense I kept the affair and the struggle with the children, but not the killings or the cannibalism.  I decided to use first person to depict how the husband may have felt and what was running through his head all the while of not knowing and soon finding out.  It's written with a purpose of, though our families may be crazy and bad things happen at the end of it all we have to overcome the obstacle within ourselves.  It didn't end on a whole good note, but at least he could find remorse in some way and move on.

Bibliography:  Tales of the North American Indians:  The Rolling Head by Stith Thompson.

Reading Notes B: The Rolling Head

(A Head.  Flickr.)

This should be a narrative - first person? (would give for very intriguing insight on what the man is thinking about his wife); third person would suit well, though could be typical.

• A hardworking man - artist/carpenter/lawyer/businessman|CEO
• wife - stay at home mom/part-time teacher (substitute)/maybe a simple cashier just to make some $$
• two children - both girls, early to mid-teens (13+)
• Rather painting her body/face before going to work, he simply just helps her get ready in the mornings with the kids as a good husband, kisses her on the forehead before leaving.  Does a typical routine/ritual and does something to 'mark' her so he's sure she doesn't lie.  He may come off as a clingy/overprotective husband
• After taking the kids to school, she would go to 'work' or shopping for groceries or simply just shopping
• In fact she was cheating, so the snake is her affair (metaphor for 'lover' other than husband)
• He noticed a sent on her clothes one night? Or something else is different about her - attitude? jewelry? Sees a text/missed call on her phone?
• He follows her to wherever she states she is going, because at this point he doesn't trust her.  It's unlike her to act the way she acts.
• He catches them in the act - how?  Through the window of her 'lover's' place.  Possibly they go to the grocery store or a cafe to meet and they kiss!
• Not sure I want to keep the killing to give suspense and drama/thriller; maybe he won't confront them about anything.  Most likely NO killing.
• I don't think I'll keep cannibalism in the story...a bit much.  But after he talks with his wife about what has happened, they discuss divorce and sit the kids down to talk (that could've been the metaphor of feeding his wife to them)?
• Rather than them eating her and a talking head, her parents are having a discussion in front of the kids, arguing and talking about the divorce; OR she sits down with the kids to talk about it and apologize because they understand what's going on since they're old enough.
• The kids decide to run away together from what their mother has done - to the park?  Or they don't run away as that could add for a longer story...
• They run away to grandma and grandpa? Somewhere safe.
• Rather than killing him, they learn what happens and that they will be living with their father and they are unhappy with it because they didn't get to decide who they wanted to be with. Well, maybe one kid will be upset, but the other will be okay.

Bilbiography:  Tales of the North American Indians:  The Rolling Head by Stith Thompson.

Reading Notes A: The Rolling Head

• A man, wife and 2 children
• This will stay for the main of my story; the children will be early to mid-teens
• Man goes hunting and paints wife's face and body before hunting
• Rather than hunting, set in modern day and he is leaving for work - possibly a businessman or some other occupation
• Wife fetches water from the lake
• She takes the children to work and heads off to 'work' as well
• She always went to the lake and took off her clothes to 'bathe'
• She would always mention going to work, but had interesting hours that she would go in, telling her husband that is
• She would meet a snake and do this every time her husband went to hunt
• In fact she was cheating, so the snake will be her affair
• Her husband noticed that her paint was smudged and wondered why/how.
• He noticed a sent on her clothes one night? Or something else...
• He followed her to the lake one day with her thinking that he went to hunt
• He followed her to her 'work'
• He caught the snake wrap itself around her naked body
• He catches them in the act
• After seeing this, he jumps the snake, killing it and killing his wife.
• Not sure I want to keep the killing to give suspense and drama/thriller
• He takes his wife's meat and feeds her to the children, unknowingly to them
• I don't think I'll keep cannibalism in the story...a bit much
• He leaves her head alone and it comes rolling to the children, telling them that they ate her (talking head)
• Rather than them eating her and a talking head, her parents are having a discussion in front of the kids, arguing and talking about a divorce or not talking about it
• They try to flee from it and one child draws a line, digging a hole for it to stop rolling to them
• If they talk about it in front of the kids, the kids decide to run away together from what their mother has done or they don't know what she did, they just know that they'll get a divorce
• They save themselves from the head by meeting someone who could help them and had panthers and bears to protect them from all things
• They run away to grandma and grandpa?
• A camp of people were starving and heard that these kids had bountiful food and decided to camp with them/live with them.
• I will take this out of the story...
• Their father came to live with them, but they despised what he did so they had a lion jump him and kill him.
• Rather than killing him, they learn what happens and that they will be living with their father and they are unhappy with it because they didn't to decide who they wanted to be with. Well, maybe one kid will be upset, but the other will be okay.

(Snake in a lake.  Flickr.)

Bibliography:  Tales of the North American Indians: The Rolling Head by Stith Thompson.

Storytelling 9: Journey to the Moon

REKO & CHAR'S POVS

Day 55:
It's been almost two months and I still haven't reached the moon.  Leaving my family was hard, but we need food.  I must find the Raven to help me.

Day 60:
I still haven't found the Raven.  Where could he live?  There aren't many towns nearby.  I'm almost out of food, if only we had enough.

 

 (Raven's in the night sky.  Pixabay.)

~~~

Day 10:

It’s been ten days since my mother passed and I’m not quite sure what to do now.  I’m an only child and it has always been just my mother and I.

Day 12:

I keep thinking about what could bring people together and celebrate my mother’s mourning.  FOOD!  I shall throw a feast for all of the tribes in the town.  But where can I get food during this time of season.  Winter hasn’t come to an end yet, the Groundhogs haven’t peaked from below.  Hmmmm…

Day 13:

I’ve got it!  The Moon!  In all of its beauty, the moon has plenty to share.  We had a rough last meeting, but I’m sure he will understand and help provide for me.  I must fly to the west when his wife, the Sun, is ready to sleep.  I shall reach a lamppost, in the town of Great Stone, that will beam me to the Moon.  My journey begins tomorrow!

***

Day 70:

Finally!  After all of the questions asked and obstacles encountered, I have finally met the Raven!  What a nice bird he is as he goes by the name of Char since his feathers shine a deep charcoal grey when the Sun beams on him.  He explained how to reach the Moon, though no human has ever done it before.  He believes that I could be the first with his help of course!

Day 74:

We’ve reached the lamppost just in time as the Sun sets.  Because I am human, Char tells me to turn my back towards the lamppost as he is unsure how I will react to the beam that will lead us to the Moon.  I do so, trusting Char whole-heartedly.  He grabs the hood of my coat and we begin to float up the beam, fast enough that we reach the Moon’s home within seconds.

~~~

Day 20:

This journey is much longer than anticipated.  Though I ran into an Eskimo.  Reko is his name and he's a friendly fella.  He's looking for food within the Moon just as I am, we have become great help to each other on this journey.

Day 24:

We're finally inside the Moon's home!  They're surprised to see that a human has made it through the beam alive.  Though the Moon is in his usual form, Sun hides behind her fire.

They praise me and welcome Reko into their home with a delightfully, strange dance.  We tell them of our reason and they help us choose from their bountiful food.  They beam all the food I have chosen, through their crater, for they owed me a great favor.  I noticed that Reko was able to only chose two animals of which were the deer and seal.

***

Day 75:  

The Moon and Sun were a pleasure to have met.  I am now at ease with what I was able to choose.  Now my family and I can feast leisurely, without worry. 

As we came back down to Earth, the Sun is about to awaken from her nap after meeting us.  Char invites me and my family to his feast in celebration of the food we were able to replenish, for the life his mother lived, and the new found friendship that we gained.

Day 90:
My family and I have arrived at Char's home.  He kindly waited for me to celebrate with his feast.  Because he did so, I offered him a hat filled with many jewels and crowns as well as a blanket, all of which my wife had made and knitted herself.  He received it graciously with tears flowing down his face.

Reko:  After the years have passed, because of our journey, all Eskimos had every deer they could have and every seal they could find companionship in as well as every town and tribe feasting together they mourn the loss of someone and celebrate the life they lived.

Author's Note:  I chose to write about these two stories intertwined into one big story based solely on the fact that they gave the certain events and things in life a meaning.  In Raven's Feast, a Raven's mother passes away and he tries to gather up food when the season is ready and have a feast with all the tribes he could invite, especially one special person.  The Raven specifically wanted to invite a chief of a tribe, because of his special Chilkat hat and blanket.  Because this chief showed up with many crowns in the hat and blanket, they had to have feasts in mourning from then on.  With The Man in the Moon's story, the Eskimo travels to the Moon and actually goes inside of the Moon's home.  He sees many things that the Moon has, especially the herds of deer/deerskin and meeting the Sun, which happens to be the Moon's wife.  They dance for the Eskimo and don't offer him any deer to eat, but the chance to choose an animal to take back to earth.  The Eskimo sees a pool of seals swimming and chooses a seal.  From thereon, the seal and deer are on earth with the Eskimos.
I chose to encompass both stories as a journey that leads to friendship through their struggles and why we do the things we do in modern day, because of them.  I took away some elements of the stories to focus more on their purposes of the journey.  I also chose to write in journal/diary form for each character, because I wanted to give the perspective of how the journey is for each of them based on the days they begin their journey.  Though I decided to finish with the Eskimo's entry in order to show what he decides in the end.

Bibliography:   Raven's Feast and The Man in the Moon by Katharine Berry Judson.