Reading Notes: Myth-Folklore Unit: Tutinameh, or Tales of a Parrot

   To read more Tales of a Parrot follow the link.


The first story that caught my interest was the  Four Rich Persons Who Became Poor. The tittle peeked my interest. This story is being told to the parrot's heartbroken mistress.


Four poor friends sought out a philosopher who gave them a miraculous ball. He told them to place the ball on their heads and where the ball falls to the ground dig. The first time the ball feel they pulled cooper from the ground. The second man found silver. each offering their findings to their friends if they would stay there but each time they refused. Third man found gold which he offered to share with the fourth if he would stay there with him, but they were not satisfied and refused.  The forth man continued only to find an iron mined. He regretted that he did not listen to his friend.  The parrot finished his story by telling his mistress the moral of the story.


The parrot, having finished this discourse, said to Khojisteh, "Whosoever will not listen to the advice of friends will suffer like this unhappy man. Now arise and go to your lover, for this is a lucky hour."


Khojisteh and the Parrot  by Ziya'al-Din Nakhshabi

Khojisteh and the Parrot  

Miemun said to Khojisteh that he was going to go on a great journey. The mistress was brokenhearted and barely slept or ate until a young prince caught her attention. She would visit him for four house and he would give her a ring. She denied his proposal initially but she was in love with him. She discussed the matter with her sharuk who told her she should not marry him. Khojisteh was enraged with the  sharuk words and she grabbed her and hit her head against the ground, killing the her. She then asked the parrot, but the parrot was scared he would be killed as well. He blamed the sharuk's words on the fact that she was female and promised the mistress that her secrets would be safe with her and that he would support any inclination she might have.

Review: Word of the day "Achilles' Heel

From this weeks announcements here's a beautiful mosaic that shows Achilles' mother, Thetis, the sea goddess:

It is funny that Achilles' Heel is the word of the day because I just finished the movie Troy, which features Achilles.' Greek and Roman sculptures are very beautiful and mysterious.

Learning Challenge: Attention

Make Eye Contact
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"How to Pay Attention" wkiHow 

Here are some helpful hints to train yourself to  pay-attention and keep your mind from wondering. I like these tips because they are easy to apply in most casual and professional settings. Follow the steps provide and see if they work for you. "How to Pay Attention" suggest the following steps to achieving attentiveness in the moment. 1-deal with distractions 2-Ask for clarification if your mind drifts 3-Maintain eye contact 4-Fidget 5-Impose a time limit 6-Take a break 7-Vary up your routine  

After you have mastered "How to Pay Attention" you can read the next article which will help you learn to "Build Long-term Attentiveness."

Growth Mindset: Video; "The Power of Yet"

 The Power of Yet video is meant to be a fun way to reach people of all ages. It has an important message to keep trying to reach your goals. The power of yet is that while you may not have reached your goal on the first try, if you keep trying you will get there. This video really spoke to me today as I am struggling to reach my target score for the LSAT. I am determined to keep a positive attitude and continue to try. I have not reached my goal yet, but if I keep trying I bet....




 

Wikipedia Trail; from "Grades" to " Compulsory Education"

"Grades" to "Compulsory Education"
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Grades are used by teachers to assess their students performance in different courses of study. The concept behind grading has recently came under fire by individuals who believe that grades are not a true indication of what a student has learned or not learned during the course of their studies. Educators realize now more than ever that children learn differently and therefore test differently.

An educational stage refers to the seven different levels of formal learning. The first level of formal learning is referred to as primary education. The second stage is referred to as tertiary education. Unfortunately the other five levels of education were not covered on the Wikipedia cite.

Primary school is commonly referred to as elementary school. Children receive their primary education between the ages of five and twelve. After they have received a primary education they go onto receive a compulsory education. It is referred to as compulsory education because it is required by law. The state as a compelling interest to protect and educate the children who live within its borders. There have been many challenges to such state laws, typically based on religious objections to the law.

Reading Notes: "The Seven Crosses of Tiverton: or The Story of Pixie Picket"

Seven Babies
photo

Like most of the Pixie tales this story takes place after a hostile take over of the throne. Randolph Rowle was said to be in charge of smothering the prices in the tower. He beat and used his wife. She gave him seven children but none lived more than a year and their deaths were suspicious. She was happy when he left for the war although he left her nothing to survive on. That night she heard moaning outside. She thought it must be a hungry passerby so she opened the door. At first glance she thought it was a child, but soon realized it was not a typical child. This child had a face of a grown women. The Pixie told the lady that her name was Picket. The pixie asked for something to eat and the lady offered her one of her seven eggs, but when the pixie realized she had six more eggs she asked for them all. This was all the lady had to survive on until her husband returned but the pixie claimed to have six siblings who were also starving. The women gladly gave the eggs to the pixie to feed her parentless siblings. Before the pixie left with the eggs she asked the lady what would make her happy. She said to have a beautiful little girl. The pixie said where seven were given seven will be returned. When Randolph Rowle returned he discovered that his wife had given birth to seven children and all were alive and well. He was not pleased. He set out to search for the women of the evil eyed. She was his mother and she swore for the river to keep the seven that he had been given. Randolph Rowle intended to drown the children but the queen stopped him and took the children to raise them as her own, meanwhile their mother joined a convent to help the nuns.

"The Story of Pixie Picket" Sacred Text

Review : Humorous Class Announcement, Week 2

Anyone who knows me might think that it is funny that I have a picture of a cat on my blog because I really do not care for cats. I am absolutely a dog lover, but this weeks announcement meme fits me. I am not a morning person and can be very grumpy in the morning; especially if I get woke up before my alarm.

If you would like to read this weeks class announcements or look at some cute memes that Professor Gibbs has made follow the link below. Class Announcements


Rough Mornings photo

Wikipedia Trail: from "Family" to "Social Structure"

Family
photo

"Family" is where my Wikipedia trail began. When most people think of family they think of a group of individuals that are biologically related. The actual definition of family is a bit more broad in nature. Family can refer to individuals that simply co-habitat. The concept of family has evolved over time as gender roles have become more fluid.

From "family" my Wikipedia trail led me to "socialization." Those who study the social sciences consider socialization to be the lifelong process of learning a cultures social norms, values, and beliefs. Parents are a key factor in socializing their children to behave in a way that society agrees is appropriate. When  individuals violate social norms they are said to be deviant. Deviance much like family, gender, and reality are all social constructs. They are culturally dependent and temporarily relevant.

From "socialization" my Wikipedia trail led me to "agency." Agency is an individuals capacity to act independently. In essence it is an individuals ability to act of their own free will without outside influences.

Some examples of  outside influences, referred to as "structures," are things such as social class, religion, gender, ethnicity, and customs. Social structure is the patterned social arrangements in society. These arrangements tend to influence the behavior of the individual within society.

Reading Notes: "The Belfry Rock; or, The Pixies' Revenge"

A large moor-stone rock was known as the "Pixies' church." The people of the town said that if you place your ear to the stone you could hear their church bells ringing.  The music could be heard best from a hole in the rock called the belfry tower. A man who wanted to build onto his decided he would break off some of the rock from "the Pixies' Church," No one wanted to help the man deconstruct the church so he made his sons help him. Everyone who removed the rock would suffer the wrath of the Pixies. The old mans livestock was reduced to little more than skeletons. Exactly as the clock struck twelve, he heard a noise something like the humming of bees at the kitchen door; and directly after perceived a little creature, very diminutive, but shaped like a human being, come forth through the key-hole. The pixies' are said to look act like little demons. they stripped every animal of its skin and ate all but their brains until alas the old man took down the stone which belonged to the pixies. The next morning the Pixies' Church stood as if he had never disturbed it, but the old man fell into a depression unlike any other and soon passed away.


"The Belfry Rock; or, The Pixies' Revenge"  written by ?
The Belfry Rock; or The Pixies' Revenge

Photo magical-pixies

Growth Mindset: Memes

I am sure we have all heard that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. It may have seemed generic to you at the time, but it is true. It takes hard work and determination but you can reach your goals. We often have to get out of our own way, which means getting out of our comfort zone. It is never to late to try. I will be forty years old when I complete my B.A., in Political Science, but I was going to be forty either way, at least I will have something to show for it.



Practice Makes Purr-fect
growth mindset memes.blogspot.com

Learning Challenge: Empathy

Show Empathy

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The article "Everything Doesn't Happen For A Reason," written by Elana Premack Sandler, discusses some important things to keep in mind when trying to be a friend to someone who is having a hard time. It can be difficult to show sympathy for someone who is in a  situation you have never experienced, but sympathy and empathy are not the same thing. Although you have not been through the same experience you can still empathize with the pain they are going through. Premack explains that somethings simply cannot be fixed. A person may have to learn to deal with their experience and work through their pain. It is important to let them know that you are there for them, even if it is just to listen to them process through their emotions. It has been my personal experience that when you are ready for something to stop hurting it will, but it is a process.


Bibliography:
"Everything Doesn't Happen For A Reason" written by Elana Premack Sandler L.C.S.W.,M.P.H
Everything Doesn't Happen For A Reason

Review:Spelling Humor, Week 1

This weeks announcement is funny and fits most students:
Spelling. This is why the spellchecker is your friend in English... your very good friend: GHOUGHPHTHEIGHTTEEEAU.

 Click on the link to see this weeks announcements Class Announcements

Famous Last Words: "I am addicted to blogging"

Writing some thoughts

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When I first read the assignments in my mythology class would
require me to blog I was a little concerned. As I have mentioned before I am not exactly technology savvy. The first week of blogging I was struggling to figure out how everything was supposed to look, and more importantly how to go about making that happen. Luckily I started the course early which gave my very patient instructor the time to help me get it figured out. This is my third week blogging and I have to say I really enjoy it. It reminds me of creating a Myspace page, but better. I have learned through the tech tips to make my blog very interactive. With each assignment my blog has evolved and dare I say that I am evolving along with it. It really does not seem like work. It is more like a hobby. I have read so many interesting and fun stories through the untextbook, but my favorite part has been writing my own stories and posting them for others to read. Some of my family and friends have taken the time to read some of my stories and given me some positive feedback. Today I was able to read some of my peer's introductions and stories as well. It is amazing how two people can use a story as inspiration and develop completely different stories from it. Some of the stories are so good that I found myself trying to read faster so I could find out how the story would end. This class has been a stress reliever from my LSAT studies and other classes. I do think I need to balance my time more evenly between the class that I'm loving and the LSAT that my brain no longer wants to absorb. Over the next several weeks I will need to take as many pre-test for the LSAT as I can!

Story: "We Were Always With You"

Once upon a time lived a young couple with two beautiful children. The couple was very happy, but their happiness did not protect them from the reality of their situation. Times were hard for everyone. Most men were out of work due to locus eating their crops. The farmer tried to replant the crops without much success. Hunger seemed to turn to anger as the farmer looked into his wife's eyes as she asked him how they would feed their children. Everything was gone. Their supplies had been depleted. What would he tell his children as he laid them to bed with growling tummies?

Trapped Within The Well

He could not bare to tell his wife and children the truth. The truth was he did not know how they would eat or if they could survive this tragedy. As his wife got the children ready for bed, he slipped out of the house without saying anything. He went into the forest hoping to find something anything that could provide a way. The farmer walked for so long in the dark that he could no longer see his house, but he could feel their hunger as he did his own. He continued through the forest until he came upon a well.


He could hear cries of distress coming from the well. As he looked deep into the well he could see his wife and two children. How did this happened, he asked his wife? I left you at the house just as you were tucking our children into bed. We have always been with you dear husband, she replied. We were with you as you walked through the dark. We were with you when you were hungry. We were with you when you were scared. We have always been here. Pull us out one by one and let us be together.


The farmer was confused, terrified, and ashamed. He had turned his back and walked away from his family. This was a mistake he would not make again. He pulled his children out and then reached for his wife. She appeared to be deeper than the children were. Just when he was about to give up he turned to see her by his side. Fear not my husband I am here with you. I am in deep in this life we have created. The family started their journey back to their house. Some might think that their situation had not changed, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sure the crops were still destroyed and they were still hungry, but they knew they would be okay.


 As the farmer's wife grabbed his hand they found their way back. Back to their home and back to one another. The farmer laid his children down for bed alongside his wife. That night he thanked the heavens for all that he had been given. When he woke in the morning he could smell a fresh country breakfast being cooked on the stove. He could hear his children laughing and playing around a warm fire. He rushed down the stair to see if he was imagining it all, but it was real. The man knew this wonder was created out of the strength of his families love. The man wondered how he deserved to have such a loving family and how he could have been so ungrateful.



Author's Note: This story was inspired by "Panchatantra: The Ungrateful Man." The husband was thought to be lazy and ungrateful by his wife and children who were starving as a result of their poverty. He journeyed into the forest to find a way to take care of his family. He discovered a well with several animals and a man stuck at the bottom of it. The tiger begged the Brahman to pull him out and save his life, but the Brahman feared him. The tiger promised not to harm the Brahman. To receive salvation the Brahman pulled the tiger free. He also pulled out a monkey and a snake; which he was terrified to touch, but he promised not to bite him. The animals warned the Brahman not to pull out the man who had been trapped in the well with them. He represents every sin, they told him. Each animal asked the Brahman to call upon them in the future so that they might repay his kindness. Once the animals had left the Brahman pulled the other man out. He felt they were one of the same kind. Along his journey the Brahman visited each of the animals, receiving supplies and food. The gold given to the man by one animal was sold by the next, but the gold was stolen from the King's son. This made it look like the Brahman had killed the prince rather than the tiger. The Brahman was imprisoned until the snake devised a plan to bite the King's queen in order to set the Brahman free. Only the Brahman's touch could cure the queen. The King called upon his prisoner to cure his wife. The King was pleased and gave the Brahman a thousand villages and appointed him privy counselor. The Brahman sent for his family and lived happily ever after.


Bibliography:
Panchatantra: "The Ungrateful Man" Story source: The Panchatantra of Vishnu Sharma, translated by Arthur W. Ryder (1925).
The Ungrateful Man
Photo Water Well Photo

Reading Notes: Jataka Tales: "The King's White Elephant"

Once upon a time there were a community of carpenters searching for lumber in the forest when they came across an elephant. The elephant appeared to be limping. It was obvious that he had been in pain for some time. The elephant laid down in agony. The carpenters were able to pull a splinter from his foot and wash it clean. The elephant wanted to return the kindness the carpenters had shown him. The elephant worked alongside the carpenters pull and rolling logs for them. In return the carpenters made sure that elephant was well taken care of. As the elephant got older he could not work as hard as he once could, but he had a son who he could teach to work. He was a strong, beautiful, and solid white elephant. The carpenters took care of the young white elephant just as they had his father
before him. One day King was traveling down the river and spotted the white elephant playing alongside the carpenter's children. Although the carpenters loved the white elephant they accepted the King's offer to buy him at a handsome wage. The King adored the white elephant and took very care of him. The white elephant lived out the rest of his life at the King's estate.


                         White Elephant
Animal photo

My Thoughts:
This story reminds me of a fairytale I was told when I was young about a lion who got a thorn in his paw. A smaller animal (a mouse I believe) removed the thorn for the lion. In return the lion protected the mouse. It is interesting how similar stories exist over different cultures. 

Bibliography:
Jataka Tales: "The King's White Elephant written by Ellen C. Babbitt, illustrated by Ellsworth Young (1912).
Jataka; "The Kings White Elephant"





Reading Notes: Egypt; "The Green Jewel"

Green Jewel
jewel photo

The story of the Green Jewel is being told to the majesty by Prince Khafra. In a time of despair the palace was full of glom. The scribe suggested the Majesty take a boat ride with beautiful maidens to row him down the river. The Majesty agreed and took twenty virgins with him. One maidens brushed her hair across the end of the golden covered ores. Her hair shock from it a green jewel, which fell in the river. She stopped steering and the Majesty told her to continue. She wanted her green jewel in spite of the Majesty's offer to buy her another. The chief scribe cast a magic spell which created a lane in the river. This allowed him to find the girl's green jewel. Once he had returned the jewel to her he closed the lane. The water was returned to it's normal flow. King Khufu returned to his palace and commanded that an offering be laid in the tombs of Sneferu and his chief scribe, who was a great magician.

My Thoughts: This story was interesting. I can imagine the story going somewhat differently. The hair of the virgin who steered the boat could turn to into a gold chain from which the green jewel would hang. The jewel could have magical powers that she would possess as the wearer of the jewel.

Bibliography:Egypt; "The Green Jewel" written by Donald Mackenzie (1907).

Egypt; "The Green Jewel"

Reading Notes:The Lady Of The Silver Bell

Serena and the full moon

looking on at the full moon

             A child named Serena was said to be blessed by Pixies. She was the only child of a great Baron. She was educated and talented in the arts. She was a good girl, religious. She would never miss church unless she was ill. She had made a promise to Father Hilary to always attend. If she were to break that promise the Pixies would no longer be good to her.The gossip around town spoke of the wrath of the Pixies. The pixies "will often most hate where they have most loved; and especially if they be jealous or offended.

Her father wanted her to marry a knight but Serena thought herself to good for anyone her father introduced her to. Even a man who could play such sweet music he was also thought to be blessed by the Pixies was found not good enough in Serena's eyes.

Silver Bell

sterling silver bell

Father Hilary was no leased with how Serena was spending her time and forced the girl to spend one month visiting a church down the road. One day as she traveled along the rough road to the church she overheard sweet singing. She could not help herself as she followed the voices, even though she could hear the vesper-bell.

She imagined that she must be going where the Pixies were most powerful. She could not believe that she ought to be fearful I'm such a beautiful place. She did not know that  she was upon the rocks and fall of Nathan's Kieve. She came across a man laying on the ground. She was amazed by him the same way the pixies singing had amazed her earlier. He was covered in jewels and very handsome. Serena forgot about the vesper bells and had given herself up to the influence of a vain curiosity. She soon realized her surroundings were all an illusion to make her break her promise.

Father Hilary made Serena buy a silver bell as penance rather than a dress for which the money was intended. She bought the bell but continued to be drawn to Nathan's Kieve were she would fall to  her death. Serena's silver bell can still be heard when the moon is full.

Bibliography:
"The Lady of The Silver Bell" written by
The Lady of The Silver Bell

Reading Notes: "Fontina; or The Pixies Bath" : Part 1

Pixies Bath

Pixie Moon Photo

This story takes place during the reign of John, King of England. The main premise of the story is the relationship between the young Henery De Bath's guardian, Sir Rodger de Stevenson, and the Pixies bath. In every good story there is a Vivian and a hero. The guardian is portrayed as a true villain who looks down upon the poor people of the town (similar to the way that Scrooge looked upon people who squander their money away in The Christmas Carol). The Pixies are the guardians of the spring and the hero of this tale. Although the Pixies in this story are said to have an evil wrath they are still viewed as the peaceful keepers of the bath with voices sweeter than any other. The author describes their voices to be beyond the most beautiful Christmas song. The seamingly magical overflow of the spring that warned of Henery De Bath's cousins death was very intriguing. It signified the Pixies mourning for the survivors (family members) of Gilbert De Bath. Once Gilbert's family had been made aware of his passing and was laid to rest the water went back into the ground as Gilbert's body had.

The story left a lot to the imagination: How did the cup keep reappearing by the Pixie's bath? Was it disgruntled employee of the royal court or was it an act of the Pixies?

To read more about this story and decide for yourself follow the link below.
Fontina; The Pixies Bath written by  Fontina; The Pixies Bath: Part 1

Reading Notes:"Pacific NW: Cry Because He Had No Wife"

Tears of a Native American

Native American Crying photo

This was an interesting story of a Native American boy who cried because he wanted a wife. His family arranged for him to meet a Native American girl from a neighboring tribe. He would face many challenges along the journey. The young girl is guarded by a beast that made it near impossible to reach her. Against the odds the boy makes his way to the young girl who later turns him to a man by giving him a bath. She makes the journey back to his village as his wife. They faced the beast together by using magical whips. Just when the beast was about to grab them the boy uses his whip that would place a mountain between them and their enemy. Alas they escape.

Bibliography:
"Pacific NW:Cry Because He Had No Wife" written by Nez Pierc

pacific-nw-cry-because-he-had-no-wife

Tech Tip: First Tweet

I created a Twitter account for a class I took last semester. I have not mastered writing in 160 characters, but I like the premise of Twitter. I usually get on and read political candidates twitter posts. I posted a short twitter post about how much I am enjoying this course. I hope others are enjoying the class as well.

Twitter Logo

Twitter logo pic

Famous Last Words: Technology is my friend

Modern Technology

Beyond the fact this is my first time creating a blog, I have never been good at keeping up with modern technology. It has been interesting trying to maneuver through the tech tips, none of which I mastered on my first try. Successfully completing embedding my Facebook post was more exciting to me than it probably should have been, but it was a success none the less. I am looking forward to reading other students story blogs now that the class is formally started. I read a few that were posted already and really enjoyed them. It is hard for me to move to the next weeks assignments without completing all those listed for the previous week, but we are all working at different paces so there are some things that cannot be completed just yet. I think this will only be a temporary issue now that everyone is well on there way to completing each type of assignment.

So many computer cables

My favorite assignment so far was writing this weeks story. I really enjoyed recreating a new story from another story and making it my own. I felt good about the style I chose to write my story. It felt consistent with that of the original author. I have not had the time to creatively write in such a long time. This course has opened that window of opportunity for me. I only have thirty days left to study for the LSAT, which has a unscored writing section. I will have only thirty five minutes to write on a subject chosen by the test writers. I will be given an option of how to defend by answer to the writing prompt. Writing is an art that only improves with practice and this class is allowing to practice.  
Photos can be found at the following link. wonderful engineering

Story: The Devine Child

                                                     Cupid and the Devine Child

Cupid loved Psyche despite Venus' hatred toward the girl of indescribable beauty. Venus wished to see Psyche live a life of misery or no life at all. She sent Cupid to make her fall in love with a man with no wealth, status, or even health. She could not imagine her only son would betray her, but Cupid was memorized by Psyche's beauty and wished to have her. Cupid devised a plan to marry young Psyche while maintaining his secret from Venus. Cupid married Psyche but only appeared to her in the dark of night. Cupid knew that their families would be the demise of their love if they ever knew the truth about either's identity. He warned his love of their families intentions to tear them apart, but Psyche longed for human interaction and soon met with her jealous sisters. Psyche began to question her safety in a marriage to someone who refused to reveal himself to her. Psyche's sisters devised a plan to unravel Psyche's mysterious husband's identity. The night before Psyche would act out her sister's plain Cupid bestowed a divine child within Psyche's womb. Cupid told Psyche of the child within her and she was pleased, but the news only intensified her intentions to reveal Cupid's identity.

At nightfall Psyche waited for her husband to fall asleep. Once she was certain he was dreaming she uncovered the light from her hidden candle. She was astonished to see Cupid lying next to her, but he soon woke to realize her betrayal. Cupid threatened to leave her for one of her sisters and had her removed from his castle. As she cried to her sisters about the identity of her husband and revealed the words Cupid spoke to her both sister left Psyche in a pool of tears. They climbed to the edge of the cliff and called to Cupid. Each sister fell to her death as Cupid got his revenge on them. Psyche also climbed the cliff and called to Cupid. When she could see him she too jumped from the cliff's edge and grabbed Cupid's rob, but Cupid only embraced her for a moment. In that moment he removed the divine child he had bestowed upon her. Then he cried a single tear as Psyche's body fell until it was no more.

Venus was enraged with Cupid's betrayal. She threatened to adopt a slave boy and give him Cupid's wings, but when she learned of the divine child Venus devised a new plan. Now that Psyche is no more and Cupid is in a state of despair Venus would easily get her revenge. She would bide her time until the divine child could be captured. This time Venus would not send someone to do her dirty work. She would take matters into her own hands. Cupid had his servants watching over the divine child in his time of despair. He kept himself isolated, only looking in on the divine child as he slept. Cupid could see Psyche's features in the divine child, which only brought him pain. Although he kept his distance, he sought to protect all that he had left of his beloved Psyche. Cupid caught word of his mother's intentions for the divine child and so he waited her arrival.

Upon nightfall Cupid entered what was once his bridal suite to watch over the divine child. As he searched the room he could not believe his eyes. His beloved Psyche had found a way back from the deeps of death. Had he gone mad in the midst of his grief? He ran to her with tears in his eyes. He longed to have her once more, but when her hand brushed his check he knew this she devil was  not Psyche. Venus had transformed herself to appear as his beloved, but her cold touch diminished her disguise. In a fit of rage and despair Cupid struck Venus in the heart with his arrow until she took her last breathe. Cupid had avenged his beloved Psyche and protected all that he had left of her, the divine child.


Author's Note: This story is inspired by "Cupid and Psyche" written by Apuleius in "The Golden Ass." The story of Cupid and Psyche is an epic love story that ended in tragedy. In the original story Psyche falls to her death and the child is never mentioned. I thought it would be interesting to give life to the divine child that Cupid bestowed upon Psyche and make him the center of Venus' revenge.


Bibliography:
"Cupid and Psyche" written by Apuleius in "The Golden Ass" Cupid and Psyche

Photo can be located at the following link Cupid with a small child

Reading Notes: "The Lion and The Statue"

"The Lion and Statue" is one story in a series of stories about the nature of lions. In this story the lion and a man are discussing who is the stronger species between lions and mankind. The man declares that man is the stronger species due to their superior intellect. As proof the man takes the lion to a statue of Hercules defeating a lion and tearing its mouth into two separate pieces. The lion rebukes the statue as evidence of mankind's strength. The lion explains to the man that anyone can represent things as they wish them to be. The lion tells the man the only thing the statue proves is that man can create a statue.The Lion and The Statue


  My Thoughts:I came across the picture of a lion statue and it gave me an idea of how this story could be used as inspiration for a story writing assignment. *Picture are worth a hundred words.



Statue of a Lion
Lion photo

Bibliography: "The Lion and The Statue" written Aesop The Lion and The Statue 

Reading Notes: Psyche and Cupid

Psyche & Cupid

    This story is told to a young girl who is being held in the Robber's cave for ransomed money. The young girl is very upset and an old women, who occupancies the robbers, tries to calm her. Psyche and Cupid is an epic love story. In a sense it reminds me of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Venus who is Cupid's mother despises Psyche for her beauty and wants her to be no more. Psyche's sisters are jealous of her for her wealth and statues.

Venus sends her winged son Cupid to strike Psyche with on of his arrows. Cupid is to make her fall in love with a man who has no money, status, or health. When Cupid saw Psyche's indescribable beauty he wanted her for his wife.

   Her sisters had both been wed and her father prayed to Apollo for Psyche to find a husband as well. The god told her father that she would have a fatal marriage to a winged serpent. Psyche was led to a cliff and left alone to wed this mysterious husband. When she awoke she was in a beautiful castle full of riches beyond anything she had ever known. When she went to sleep that night her husband entered her room and made Psyche his wife. When morning came Psyche's husband was gone without her ever laying eyes on him.

    Her sister came to look for Psyche fearing that she was no more, but they found her alive and well, too well. Her sisters became very jealous of Psyche and wished her ill will. Cupid warned his wife but she did not listen. The next time her sister visited they convinced Psyche to plot against her husband in order to discover his identity. When Cupid's identity had been revealed to her she was in awe of him. Psyche picked up one of Cupid's arrows and pricked her finger. S he feel instantly in love with him.
Venus was furious when she discovered the Cupid had fallen for Psyche and betrayed her. She threaten to adopt a slave and give him Cupid's wings. She would see that Psyche was no more.
    Cupid awoke to being burned by the light which revealed his identity and was angered that Psyche betrayed him. Cupid threatened to get revenge on Psych and her sisters. He told Psyche he was leaving her and would be with one of her sisters. Psyche was vanished from her new home. She told her sisters about Cupid and what he told her. Each sister ran to the cliff hoping to become Cupid's new wife, but each fell to their death. Psyche went to the cliff as well but Cupid ignored her cries and let her fall to her death as well.







Bibliography:
"Psyche and Cupid" from  "The Golden Ass" written by Apuleius
Psyche and Cupid
Psyche and Cupid photo

Reading Notes: Three Little Pigs

The Three Little Pigs

An Old Sow had three little pigs. She was very poor and could hardly take care of them. She sent them out in the world to make their own way. The first little pig asked a man for straw. The second pig asked a man for furze. The third pig asked a man for a load of brick. They each took their supplies and built themselves a fine house. Soon a wolf arrived demanding to be let in but the pigs refused. The wolf easily blew down the straw and furze houses, but he could not blow down the house of brick. The wolf decided he would trick the pig into letting him in but each time he was outsmarted by the pig. The wolf was angry and declared he was going to eat the pig. He decided he would climb down the chimney since the pig would not come out of his house. As he climbed down the chimney the pig started a boiling pot of water over a huge fire. The wolf fell into the pigs trap. The pig cooked the wolf and had himself a fine dinner.

My Thoughts:
This story makes good use of turning the tables on the enemy. I like the witty portrayal of the pig who might be viewed as the underdog in this situation.

Bibliography:
The Three Little Pigs  "The Golden Goose Book" written by L. Leslie Brooke

three-little-pigs-books Origin of photo

Famous Last Words: I Have It All Under Control

She looks like she has it all under control

Starting this semester a bit early has really alleviated some of the usual back to school anxiety for me. This class as given my brain a chance to relax and think about something other than the LSAT, which I have been studying for several months. I really enjoyed all the readings for this week and last. Each book takes you on another adventure without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. Some might call that a vacation. Some of the readings are very detailed and really allow the reader to feel like they are experiencing the adventure firsthand. Other books are less detailed allowing the reader's imagination to fill in the details. That is why I enjoyed reading the "The Sleep of One Hundred Years ." That is also why I used the story as my inspiration for my own story "While Onias Slept." I was able to take my readers on an epic journey through Onias' mind as his body was resting for one hundred years. The story could have gone many directions. I hope that readers enjoy the path that I chose and maybe envision what they think Onias was going through. I am looking forward to reading other student's writings next week when this class formally begins. Maybe their stories and remarks on stories they have read will spark more ideas for future writing assignments. My classes begin next week. I will have four class, one of which is my capstone. That is less than I normally take but this is my last semester. I will also continue my studies for the LSAT. The LSAT exam is in late September. I began this course early in an attempt to give it the attention it deserves before my schedule gets more demanding. My children start school tomorrow so that should allow me more study time. I am beginning the brainstorming process for my mythology writing project. I see heroic pixies coming to a blog near you.

Bibliography:
"The Sleep of One Hundred Years." Written by Gertrude Landa (1919).

parental stress.com

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Feedback Thought

Students Working together

Professors often ask students to peer review each others work. A peer review can be very helpful when done properly. Fostering a growth mindset is a key element to giving feedback. The feedback should give the author information regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the material.  Receiving only positive feedback is unhelpful because it does not show the potential for improvement and we can all improve. Providing your peer with constructive criticism shows them the areas that have potential growth. If your comments are not constructive than they are simply criticizing and that defeats the purpose of a peer review. It is important to remember that the information is intended to help the author take his or her material to the next level. The suggestions should never feel like an attack on the author's style or content. Providing the author with an alternate view point, that they may not have considered, allows the author to add elements that will make their own position strong against it's opponents. Giving ideas on ways that they can expand on their idea or make it more clear to the reader is also very helpful. For more helpful hints on how to receive and give feedback follow the links  have provided below.

Receiving Feedback

Feedback that Fosters a Growth Mindset

Bibliography:

students working together photo

Story: While Onias Slept

Onias Slept One Hundred Years

     The Rabbi Onias was the youngest rabbi in the city of Jerusalem. Many doubted his path to righteousness, but God showed Onias great favor. As the City of Jerusalem burned Onias would be sent to save her people. His faith would be both challenged and reaffirmed along his unimaginable journey.
     Onias set out with God's words resounding in his heart. He took only what he needed to survive. Onias became very tiered and hungry along his journey, but refused to supplement himself when the people of Jerusalem were starving. After collapsing from hungry Onias fell into a deep sleep. Many a passer by tried to wake him without success. Over time Onias was no longer visible to the naked eye. The vegetation grew up around him providing him protection from the world around him. Eventually, Onias was no longer sought out, but his story became that of a legend. Some people were certain that Onias was captured by the enemy, while others assumed he had continued on his journey to distant lands. Many thought him to be dead, but nothing could be farther from the truth.
     Onias had In fact awoke after only a few moments of rest, although he felt completely refreshed. As he looked around to take in his new surroundings, he realized he was no longer in Jerusalem. He had left behind the war and despair and was in awe of the beauty before him. He could see all of God's creation in it's intended splendor. How could this be, he wondered? I must have hit my head and now I'm imagining this place, he thought out loud. In his excitement Onias ran to tell others of this new land. He wanted the people of Jerusalem to come and celebrate this beautiful land. They will be reminded of the holy land when it was flourishing. They will unit in peace and sing God's praises. But Onias soon became sad. He searched across the land for days, but he never encountered another sole. There were two of every creature, but Onias was the only man. God provided Onias with everything he needed to live comfortably, but Onias was lonely. He spent his days caring for the animals and praying. As Onias prayed all of his dreams took shape before him. He could not understand what could have happened to mankind. Had the war escalated to the desolation of man?
    After Onias had had lived in the beautiful land for almost one hundred years God appeared before him. God spoke to Onias and explained to him that he was not on earth but in the heavens. "You have not died my child your mind is living beyond what mankind is capable of conceiving, while your body rest on earth," God said. Tomorrow when you awake on earth do not be alarmed. The world you knew no longer exists. The holy city of Jerusalem has been healed along with her people. As you have dreamed and prayed for things of this land Jerusalem has become them. Sleep now for tomorrow you will understand all that for all you have sacrificed Jerusalem will have a second chance. (540 words)

Bibliography:
Gertrude Landa.1919."The Sleep of One Hundred Years."
The Sleep of One Hundred Years.
Old Man Sleeping Picture

Author's Note:
The inspiration for this story was ""The Sleep of One Hundred Years" written by Gertrude Landa in 1919. I thought it would be interesting to imagine what Rabbi Onias was experiencing during his one hundred year long sleep. In the original story Onias is on a long journey. He falls asleep and does not wake up for one hundred years. the world around him has changed and he feels that he no longer belongs there. He asks to return to the place where he slept for so long. Once he is returned to the spot he falls asleep never to wake on earth again. The story does not give much explanation as to how the lands changed or how Onias slept so long, which is what made this story so fun to write. I hope you enjoyed it.

reading Notes: "The Quarrel of the Cat and Dog,"

"The Quarrel of the Cat and Dog"

The cat and dog were originally the best of friends. Winter brought about hunger and unhappiness.

Best Friends or Worst Enemies

Being hungry seemed to bring out the worst in the both of them. Eventually they agreed to part ways. The cat traveled to Adams house and the dog ended up in a wolfs lair. They made a pact never to see one another again under the advisement of the wisest animal in the animal kingdom...the serpent.

The cat lived nicely with Adam while the dog suffered and had to move often. Eventually a kind man took pity and the dog and gave him shelter, but the dog soon realized the man was Adam. The man wanted the dog and cat to get along and continue to live with him but the cat refused. Dogs and cats continue to quarrel to this day.

My Thoughts: This is an epic tale of best friends turned enemy. This could be an interesting story to combine with another story. It would be interesting to tell a story within another story with different levels (ex: The Golden Ass).

Bibliography:

Gertrude Landa (1919)."The Quarrel of the Cat and Dog."

The Quarrel of the Cat and Dog

cats-and-dogs-wallpapers

Reading Notes: "The Sleep of One Hundred Years"

This week I am reading from the Biblical Readings.
"The Sleep of One Hundred Years" is from the

Rabbi Onias

 Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends section. I was interested in this story because I took Origins of Christianity with Professor Harper last semester and this story takes place during the destruction of the first Jewish Temple. In a time of war the land and city of Jerusalem were laid to waste. The city was unhappy and all but deserted. Rabbi Onias was traveling the barren land when he came upon a man planting carob trees. The man hoped that the land could be replenished. The Rabbi refused to eat his only source of food, although he was starving. He was saving it for someone who might need it more than he did. He was exhausted from his long journey and eventually fell asleep. As he slept the land replenished itself and grew around Onias. The trees and bushes protected him from his surrounding while he slept for a hundred years. When he woke he was amazed by the transformation. He stayed with his great grandchild for some time before he asked to be returned to the place were he had slept for so long. When he was returned to the spot Onias found peace and slept never to wake on earth again.

My Thoughts: This story reminded me of sleeping beauty in a sense. It combined a journey of despair and the realization of hope. The journey the man began ended with the journey the land had while he slept. It would be interesting to design a story around the adventures his mind underwent as he slept for one hundred years...

Bibliography:Story and Image can be found
Gertrude Landa (1919)."The Sleep of One Hundred Years."
The Sleep of One Hundred Years

Wikipedia Trail from Mythology to Deductive Reasoning

Chimera

About Mythology

Originally I was curious about the origin of mythology. Mythology is a collection of stories that people from different times, religions, and cultures was used to tell others about their way of life. It is a way to preserve their history. As I read more about mythology I became curious about renaissance mythographers. Renaissance mythographers were people who wrote mythology between the fourteenth and seventeenth century renaissance period, which is thought to have started in Florence. Renaissance

From there I found a link to inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning is something that provides strong evidence that supports a specific conclusion. As a I study for the LSAT I am employing both Inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning.
Which is why my next link led me to take a closer look at deductive reasoning.
Deductive reasoning helps to link an authors premise to their conclusion. For example, on the LSAT a test taker can deduct answer choice that do not link the author's premise to the author's conclusion.

Work Cited
David_(Michelangelo)

Growth Mindset

In this Ted Talk Carol Dweck discusses a new way to teach children to succeed. I really enjoyed her ideas of how to challenge children to learn and not just reward them when something is easy for them. Dweck suggest praising children for they way they approach situations and logically reason through them. Follow the link below to learn more.

Ted Talk With Carol Dweck


             Carol Dweck says "Not Yet"
           Ted Talk With Carol Dweck



        About Barbra Oakley 

My father (a college professor) introduced me to Barbra Oakley. In her Ted Talk Oakley introduces some concepts about how to open your mind in order to make room for cognitive pathways to reach new ideas that your mind has not already establish a clear line of thinking. She references great thinkers of the world who placed their minds in a rest mood and then they were able to realize the concepts they once struggled with.

Follow this link to learn how to open your minds to new ideas.

Ted Talk With Barbara Oakley

Starting the Semster

When starting any adventure it is important to keep organized. School is the most important investment adventure you can make for your future. College like most things is not easy and you will only get out of it what you put into it. Here are some ideas for keeping organized for school.

Establish a routine-this may include several things
-go to bed at a reasonable time
-wake up at the same time
-eat at least three times a day around the same time each day
-pick a set laundry day
-pick out your clothes the night before
-have a specific place to keep your school books/supplies/HOMEWORK
-Use one notebook with enough sections and a connected folder for each course
-Place homework on the front side of the folder and the finished homework on the back side
-Carry a pencil bag w/ pens and pencils (make sure several are pre-sharpened and have erasers)
-IMPORTANT- if there is a change to your routine always write it down either on paper or make a digital reminder in your phone (or Both)

By establishing a routine your mind is less anxious and you are less likely to forget to do things or to have things that you need.  These are just a few helpful ideas to get you started for the new semester. I hope it helps and look forward to hearing how you stay organized... -H

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Reading Options

The Biblical reading selection in the "Un-Textbook" is intriguing. The Adam and Eve story offers a alternate perspective as to why Eve ate the forbidden fruit, which lead to "The Fall of Man." To read The Fall of Man follow the link below.

Adam and Eve: The Fall of Man


Le Mans - Cathedral St Julien
Le_Mans: Cathedrale St. Julien

In the upcoming weeks I am looking forward to reading more about the Africa: "The Heart of a Monkey: The Washerman's Donkey." This story is about a intelligent monkey who recounts a fable he had been told in order to save himself from a shark. Follow the link to find out how the monkey escaped.
Africa: Heart of the Monkey

Apuleius's epic love story of Cupid and Psyche is told within "The Golden Ass." I actually own a copy of The Golden Ass. It can be somewhat challenging to read because there are several stories within the main storyline, which is told in layers. It is definitely worth reading! To read about Psyche in Psyche's Beauty and the Anger of Venus" follow the link below.
Apuleius:Psyches-beauty