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.