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 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

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

OU Campus

Readers Choice University

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

Storybook Favorites

When I first saw the story "Lost in The Woods" I thought of the musical that recently came out titled "Into The Woods." It did not take long to realize that this story was inspired by Hansel and Gretel. The author included a lot of descriptive details and wonderful pictures to take the reader on an adventure. The story was very well organized. The adventures were broke down into different chapters and titled to reflex were the characters were at within their adventure. If you need help organizing your own story Lost in The Woods is an excellent example. Follow the link below to read this story an take an amazing adventure. Dangers of the Forest

Hansel and Gretel are tricked by a witch

About Hansel and Gretel

Storybook Favorites

Visit "The Forgotten Princess

Like all great stories the author began with once upon a time...

One of my favorite stories thus far is "Forgotten But Not Gone: The Angry Princesses." The tittle caught my attention. I was certain that the stories would be funny and they did not disappoint me. The story is introduced by Princess Jasmine. Her character reminded me of one of the snotty over privileged girls from the movie "Mean Girls." Each princess's story is told individually. Princess Jasmine tells the story of the Goose-Girl. The story seems to combine the fabled tell of Cinderella and Rapunzel while keeping the "Mean Girls" spirit. Then Princess Belle tells the story of the Princess of Pearls whos fiancé waved her dowry because she could produce endless jewels. Cinderella introduces the Princess of Glass. She makes mention of problems and language that might affect the modern day princesses as if it were common place in her life. Follow the link above and introduce yourself to the forgotten princesses.



The Abiding Diary contains four untold stories. The diary was given to Prince Stefan by his father on his eighteenth birthday. Prince Stefan wished to marry a maiden that had found her way in the branches of his apple tree. This was no ordinary apple tree and she was no ordinary maiden. The tree produced golden apples and she was a swan maiden. The diary is owned by different individuals throughout time. Each new owner has the privilege of reading the previous owners entries and adding their own. To discover if Prince Stefan married his swan maiden or how Maria survived her evil stepmother in Maria and The Seven Robbers follow the link below.

"The Abiding Diary"


An Ancient Diary...What could be more intriguing

leather diary pic

Introduction to a Future Lawyer

I plan to attend The University of Oklahoma College of Law

OU Law



     It is hard to explain the gratitude I have for the opportunity to earn my college degree without telling you about my parents. I was raised in a blended family. My step dad brought his son and daughter to our family when I was five. My mother had four kids of her own. Together my mom and step dad raised the six of us, while they both returned to college. My mother laughs because I can never remember to call them on their anniversary, but I always remember the day they both graduated from NSU in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. I was only eleven, but I knew how that moment would change our lives forever and I was so proud.

     Like my parents I am pursuing my college career after starting my family. I have known since I was a little girl that I wanted to practice law. Remembering the pride I had when my parents accomplished their educational goals inspired me to go back to school. I know I have inspired my children to work hard and strive for their goals through my dedication to my college career. I know I will always be a lifelong learner. I want to use my education to help others who may feel hopeless or stuck in their situation.

     The idea of working for a non-profit law firm is very appealing to me. To give people a voice that may not be able to afford an attorney to represent their interest would be very rewarding. Unfortunately individuals with fewer resources are often unable to peruse their interest within the legal system. The legal system and its processes are very complex. Individuals that do not frequently interact within the legal system do not have a working knowledge of its processes and how to navigate them. The cost and uncertainty of litigation disproportionately affects women, children, and minorities.   

      I want to keep an open mind about what type of law I intend to practice. I know that some individuals enter law school with the intentions of pursuing a specific type of law, but I feel law school will expose me to options that I may not have considered yet. A law degree will open the door for many opportunities for me and my family. It will also allow me the opportunity to help other individuals. Maybe I’ll be a child advocate lawyer, help women get out of abusive marriages, or help religious minorities secure their religious freedom.

     I do not know with a hundred percent certainty what type of law I intend to practice, but what I do know is that no matter what I chose I will give a hundred and ten percent of my energy and focus to being the best most dedicated lawyer for my clients.                  

The Law Must Balance Civil Liberties and Civil Rights     ou law school



Decubitus Ulcer-lawyer

Story: "The Girl Who Hoped No One Saw Her"

"The Girl Who Hoped No One Saw Her"
 Sarah was a beautiful little girl with a smile of pure innocence. She grew up in a small house full of siblings and dark secrets. She was the oldest child and therefore very self reliant. Maybe her independence helped to disguise her. As she grew up she experienced tragedy that most children cannot imagine. She never told anyone or even asked why these things happened to her. She always felt she new the answer to that question. As the pain of her silence grew along side her she continued to withdrawal. Each morning she would dress in silence and all in black. She allowed her hair to hang across     her face, covering her eyes to hide her pain. Her only hope was to fade into the chaos. No one seemed to notice that the once beautiful girl had all but disappeared, until one day that is exactly what happened. Sarah left the place some called her home. The mother she thought never cared cried herself to sleep every night with worry. After years of Sarah being gone her mother moved on from the life Sarah knew, but she never lost hope that she would one day see her only daughter. One day Sarah's mother passed a young girl sleeping in the park. It had been ten years since her little girl had ran away. Her own life had changed and she longed to have her daughter back and to give her the life she deserved. The young lady in the park was much older than she remembered her Sarah. Her face was dirty. She looked scared and lonely, but one glance into her eyes told Sarah's mother she had found her beautiful daughter. Sarah no longer needed to hide. She could discard her disguise and be herself.

Author's Note:
My story is inspired by the fable "The Ass In The Lion's Skin." The story tales of an ass who thought he was clever as he covered himself in a lion skin. The lion skin had been discarded by a hunter. The ass placed himself inside the skin in an attempt to fool the members of his town. His disguise might have worked if he had not spoken. Although his disguise made him look like a fierce lion the sound of his voice revealed him as a fool. Many children feel they are unable to be themselves. I used this fable as inspiration to tell of such a child. The story may seem dark in nature but in the end the girl finds herself. -H

Work Cited
"The Ass In The Lion's Skin."The Fables of Aesop.Joseph Jacobs.Web.8/13/2016.
 https://archive.org/stream/fablesaeso00aesouoft#page/128/mode/2up
fanpop.goth-girl-photo

Favorite Place....I Want To Go!

I have always wanted to visit Paris, France. After I graduate from Law School I want to take a vacation with my husband to see the Eiffel Tower.  

Paris, France-photographer unknown

http://www.mrwallpaper.com/Eiffel-Tower-Sunset-wallpaper/ 

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is very beautiful. I would love to see it along with the Eiffel Tower and other architectural landmarks in France.

Paris, France-Photographer unknown
http://www.vivaboo.com/tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier/

comment wall

My name is Heather Sizemore. I am a political science major. I am a senior at the University of Oklahoma. I am currently studying for the LSAT. This is now my second time ever posting a blog. I am not technology savvy so this should be an interesting experience for me.

Here is a link to my storybook project "Pixie Tales: The Truth About The Pixies"
Pixie Tales: The Imperial Pixies

Pixies Are The Most Beautiful Creatures

pixie photo